Fourier Transform Infrared Research Articles

Comparing ISO 4049 and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy for assessing ambient light sensitivity in dental resin composites

This study evaluated the sensitivity of dental resin composites to ambient light using the ISO 4049 standard and Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. It aimed to compare the working times measured by these two methods to assess FTIR’s potential as an alternative to ISO 4049 for determining premature polymerization. Eight dental composites (three bulk-fill and five conventional) were exposed to simulated ambient light. Working time was assessed using the method described in ISO 4049 standard, which identifies premature polymerization via visually identifiable macroscopic changes. FTIR spectroscopy enabled an analysis of the progress of polymerization by measuring the degree of conversion of methacrylate C=C bonds. Working times were compared across composites and between methods, with statistical analyses performed using ANOVA and Pearson correlation. All composites met the minimum ISO 4049 working time of 60 s. However, significant differences in working times were noted between ISO 4049 and FTIR, with FTIR generally overestimating the working time. Pearson correlation indicated moderate alignment between the methods, particularly at higher working times, though FTIR was less sensitive to early polymerization changes compared to ISO 4049. In conclusion, FTIR spectroscopy shows potential for assessing ambient light sensitivity in dental resin composites, yet it lacks the sensitivity of ISO 4049 in detecting early-stage polymerization. This study underscores the need for standardized, sensitive methods in assessing resin composites’ working times, especially as material compositions evolve in modern dentistry.

Plasma‐Assisted Hydroxyapatite/Chitosan Bionanocomposite Films with Improved Thermal Stability, Biomineralization and Optical Absorption Properties

AbstractHydroxyapatite (HAp) is a well‐known precursor for synthesizing different bionanocomposite products for biomedical applications. For the first time, we aimed to evaluate the effects of plasma surface functionalization of HAp nanoparticles (NPs) on the chemical, physical, and bio‐functional properties of chitosan films using experimental and computational evaluations. Atmospheric air plasma process was conducted on HAp NPs at two different air pressures (650 and 1300 mTorr) and four different exposure times (1, 3, 6, and 9 min), followed by fabrication of HAp/chitosan bionanocomposites. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra proved that the position of bands at 1639 and 1037 cm−1 were shifted to 1635 and 1031 cm−1 due to the interaction between chitosan amine groups and HAp phosphate groups. Quantum mechanical and molecular dynamic (MD) simulations were used to understand the interactions between chitosan and HAp. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations were used to explore the electronic properties of untreated and plasma‐treated HAp (T‐HAp). MD simulations using the PCFF force field were used to investigate the interactions of HAp/chitosan and T‐HAp/chitosan bionanocomposites. According to the results from thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), the duration of HAp NP plasma treatment is a significant factor in the weight loss properties for the resultant HAp/chitosan bionanocomposites. The overall reflectance % properties of films prepared with T‐HAp NP samples decreased, confirming the potential applications for skin tissue protection against solar UV radiation. The bioactivity of the bionanocomposite films was also studied by examining the HAp formation by incubating in simulated body fluid.

Preparation and conductive processes of UV curable solvent/water-based ink

ABSTRACT Ultraviolet curing (UV) water-based ink has the advantages of low viscosity, high gloss, and wide application range. However, there are some defects such as slow curing speed and low cross-linking degree. In this paper, the copolymer p(GMA-r-AA) was prepared via traditional radical polymerization using glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) and acrylic acid (AA) as monomers, and then p(GMA-r-AA) was modified by 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) to obtain acrylic prepolymer P(GMA-r-AA)-g-HEMA with double bonds. Triethylenetetramine reacted with GMA to obtain a multifunctional reactive diluent triethylenetetramine hexamethacrylate glycidyl amide (TGMA). Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy combined with hydrogen nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H NMR) was used to characterize the structures of the prepolymer P(GMA-r-AA)-g-HEMA and the reactive diluent TGMA. Three ingredients were needed to prepare UV curable ink: photoinitiator, multifunctional reactive diluent (TGMA), and acrylic prepolymer P(GMA-r-AA)-g-HEMA. The effects of the mass fraction and relative molecular weight of P(GMA-r-AA)-g-HEMA, the type and mass fraction of the photoinitiator, the number of functional groups, and the mass fraction of TGMA on the UV ink curing speed and wear resistance of the ink film were discussed. At a mass fraction of 1% for the photoinitiator TPO, the mass fraction of the reactive diluent was 55% with 4 functional groups, and the prepolymer had an average relative molecular mass of 5.63 × 104 g/mol. The UV water-based ink completed curing in 0.1 s, and the mass loss abrasion was 2–5% after 50 times. Finally, the UV ink was used to prepare UV conductive magnetic ink. The UV conductive and magnetic ink can be cured into a film in 0.1 s, no peeling phenomenon, with good magnetic properties.

Efficacy of graphene quantum dot-hyaluronic acid nanocomposites containing quinoline for target therapy against cancer cells

Abstract The study aims to assess the impact of graphene quantum dot-hyaluronic acid-quinoline nanocomposites (GQD-HA-Qu NCs) on MCF-7, HT-29, A2780, PANC-1, and HeLa cell lines. The GQD-HA-Qu NCs were characterized using dynamic light scattering (DLS), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. MTT assays and flow cytometry evaluated the cytotoxic and apoptotic effects of synthesized NCs. Additionally, real-time PCR was utilized to assess apoptotic gene expression. The DLS assay revealed a particle size of 224.96 nm with a polydispersity index (PDI) of 0.3. The FESEM analysis also confirmed the uniform spherical morphology of NCs. The MTT assessment demonstrated significant cytotoxicity in all cell lines, with MCF-7 and A2780 exhibiting pronounced sensitivity (P < 0.001). The flow cytometry analyses also revealed a dose-dependent increase in late apoptosis at higher concentrations of GQD-HA-Qu NCs. Notably, p53 expression was significantly upregulated compared to the untreated cells (P < 0.01), while caspases 8 and 9 showed no substantial change. This finding indicates that the p53 pathway is predominant in mediating GQD-HA-Qu NCs-induced apoptosis. The present study suggests that GQD-HA-Qu NCs are a promising treatment with selective cytotoxicity against cancer cells and robust antioxidant activity. These findings warrant further investigation for potential clinical applications.

Nitrogen-Doped Porous Waste Biomass as a Sustainable Adsorbent for CO2 Capture: The Influence of Preparation Conditions

In the context of global warming, technologies and studies aimed at mitigating carbon dioxide (CO2) have become increasingly relevant. One such technology is CO2 capture by activated and functionalized N-doped carbon from biomasses. This paper explores the ways to find the optimal CO2 adsorption conditions, based on the carbonization temperature, impregnation rate, and preparation method, considering four different preparation routes in activated and functionalized carbon-N (PCs) of banana peel biomass residues. PCs were produced and chemically activated by K2C2O4 and H2O and functionalized by ethylenediamine (EDA). Carbon dioxide capture was investigated using functional density theory (DFT). Nitrogen (N) doping was confirmed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), while the thermal characteristics were examined by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Surface morphology was examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) detection, and surface functional groups were characterized using Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. In addition, the inorganic components were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD). The best performance of CO2 adsorption of 1.69 mmol/g was achieved at 0 °C and 1 bar over the adsorbent synthesized at 600 °C with 60 min residence time, a 1:1 degree of impregnation, and a dry preparation method (single-stage preparation). This work presents as a great innovation the use of biomass as a raw material in the adsorption of the main greenhouse gases, using easy and accessible products.

Electrochemical DNA-based disposable chip for the detection of Klebsiella pneumoniae: a prominent causal agent for urinary tract infections

The aim of this study was to develop an electrochemical DNA sensor for the detection of Klebsiella pneumoniae, a prominent causal agent of UTI, by immobilizing a 5’NH2-labelled ssDNA probe specific to the fimH gene of Klebsiella pneumoniae (K. pneumoniae) on a GQD-modified, screen-printed, disposable electrode. The present study involved the synthesis of graphene quantum dot (GQD)-based nanoparticles using a hydrothermal method and characterized them using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, particle size analysis and fluorescence spectroscopy. The synthesized nanoparticles were drop cast onto a screen-printed carbon electrode (SPCE) surface and used in electrochemical biosensors for detecting Klebsiella pneumoniae, which is among the world’s leading pathogens causing urinary tract infections. In this study, a specific NH2-labelled probe was immobilized onto a GQD-fabricated electrode surface, and the electrochemical response was recorded by cyclic voltammetry (CV), differential pulse voltammetry (DPV), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Electrode surface characterization was performed using FE-SEM and FTIR spectroscopy. This nanofabricated chip was found to be very specific, user friendly, less time consuming and affordable to everyone. The sensor was also validated with patient samples and showed an excellent sensitivity and LOD of 70.5 mA/mm2/ng and 0.002 pg/µl respectively using CV.

Sulfonated reduced graphene oxide-doped polypyrrole film prepared by in situ electropolymerization and coating in fabrication of ammonia gas sensor for exhaled breath analysis of patients with kidney failure.

Detection of the level of ammonia gas in exhaled breath provides non-invasive and fast diagnosis of kidney failure. Here, we fabricated room temperature and sensitive chemiresistive ammonia gas sensor by in situ electropolymerization and deposition of polypyrrole/sulfonated graphene oxide (PPy/SRGO) on/between gold interdigitated electrodes (Au-IDEs). The prepared sensors were characterized by using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR). The fabricated ammonia gas sensor was tested at different operating temperatures (26-50°C) and we selected room temperature for simplifying operation (26°C). At this temperature, the sensor showed two linear ranges of 5-40 ppb (R2 = 0.99) and 40-5000 ppb (R2 = 0.98) with the detection limit of 2.7 ppb. The fabricated gas sensor showed good selectivity toward ammonia in comparison withdifferent interfering gases like acetone, dibutylamine, ethanol, methanol, and humid air (RH = 86%). According to the exhaled breath analysis, the fabricated sensor can determine ammonia level in the patient with kidney failure compared withthe healthy persons. The results are with a good linear correlation to the clinical blood test. So this study presents the facile, rapid, and sensitive measurement of ammonia gas in human exhaled breath as a non-invasive diagnosis of kidney disease.

The feeding mode effect: influence on particle ingestion by four invertebrates from Sub-Antarctic and Antarctic waters.

Microplastic (MP) pollution is a significant threat to marine environments not only due to its widespread presence but also because of the alarming emergence of ingestion records among benthic organisms. In this study, MP prevalence was assessed in the stomach of the crustaceans Lithodes santolla and Grimothea gregaria and the gastropods Nacella deaurata and N. concinna. Particles were analyzed with Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Overall, the analysis revealed that the particles were mainly microfibers composed of cellulose/rayon (60%), followed by MPs (30%), and undetermined not registered in the library (10%). Higher prevalence was found in marine benthic grazers compared to scavengers, with the latter showing low particle prevalence in their stomach contents. Grazers presented a significantly higher abundance per individual but a lower size of ingested particles compared to scavengers. When grouped by trophic levels, tertiary consumers presented significantly lower abundances per individual but larger sizes of the ingested particles. Pearson's correlations showed no significant associations between particle abundance/size and species body size. The results of this study may suggest that continued MP pollution in marine environments and the associated accidental ingestion by marine organisms will alter the energy flow and organic matter availability in benthic food webs, with species that perform certain functional traits more susceptible to being affected.

Extraction of gum from Chia seeds and study of its chemical Composition and its Antibacterial ability

The current study aimed to extract gum from chia seeds, study its chemical composition, and determine the optimal conditions for extracting gum from seeds, which included (soaking temperature, soaking period, and mixing ratio), as well as studying the inhibitory activity of gum against some types of bacteria that cause food spoilage. The results of the chemical composition of the gum extracted from chia seeds indicated that the gum contained 6.88% protein, 3.12% fat, 5.60% ash, 2.43% moisture and 81.97% carbohydrates. The results of determining the optimal conditions for the production of extracted plant gum showed that the highest yield of gum reached (9.54%) when extracted at a temperature of (30 C ͦ) and a mixing ratio of (1:40) and a soaking time (60 minutes). This treatment differed significantly from the rest of the treatments were at the level of (p < 0.05), while the lowest yield was recorded for the extracted gum (1.30%) at a temperature of (40 C ͦ), mixing ratio (1:20), and at soaking time (120 minutes). The active groups were identified in the plant gum by Fourier Trans Form Infra-red (FTIR) spectroscopy, and it was observed that groups ((OH), ((C-H), (C-O), (C-O-C), (C=O), (COO-) and (H-H) or (C-H) in the gum extracted from chia seeds. The inhibitory activity of the extracted plant gum was also tested against some types of bacteria that cause food spoilage, including Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Klebsiella pneumoniae, and at different concentrations (200, 300, and 400 )micrograms. The highest inhibition ability of the gum was against Escherichia coli with a diameter of 23 mm and at a concentration of 400 micrograms, while the lowest inhibition ability was against Staphylococcus aureus with a diameter of 14 mm at a concentration of 200 micrograms.

Performance of Salak <i>(Salacca zalacca)</i> Seed Extract to Green Corrosion Inhibitor on AISI 1040 Steel

This study aimed to determine the effect of concentration and immersion time of Salak (Salacca zalacca) Seed extract as a green inhibitor on the corrosion inhibition efficiency and corrosion rate of AISI 1040 steel in a 1M HCl environment. The chemical composition of AISI 1040 steel was confirmed using OES testing to verify its compliance with AISI 1040 chemical standards. The antioxidant activity of the salak (Salacca zalacca) seed extract was determined through the 1,1-Diphenyl-2-Picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) test yielding an IC50 value of 192.55 ppm, indicating weak antioxidant activity. Qualitative phytochemical analysis confirmed the presence of flavonoids and tannins in the extract, as verified by Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) testing. The study explored concentration variations ranging from 100 to 500 ppm and immersion time variations of 10 to 30 days were used. The highest inhibition efficiency was obtained at 500 ppm concentration, while the lowest was at 100 ppm, with values of 40.26% and 18.90% respectively. Additionally, the corrosion rate was reduced to 0.035 mm/year at the highest concentration of 500 ppm. These findings demonstrated the potential of salak (Salacca zalacca) seed extract as an eco-friendly, effective corrosion inhibitor for AISI 1040 steel.

“Dielectric properties and vibrational analysis of thiamine hydrochloride- DMSO binary mixture”

The dielectric properties of thiamin hydrochloride (THC) in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) were investigated using an inductance-capacitance-resistance (LCR) meter across a frequency range of 20 Hz–2 MHz at a room temperature of 300.15 K. The study aimed to characterize the complex dielectric permittivity ɛ*(ω), electrical modulus M*(ω), complex electrical conductivity σ*(ω), and loss tangent (tan δ) of the THC-DMSO binary mixture to provide insights into molecular interactions. Results indicate that increasing THC concentration leads to a decrease in the static dielectric constant (ɛ′) and an increase in dielectric loss (ɛ′′) at lower frequencies, suggesting dipole reorientation and solvent-perturbation effects. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy was also performed for the same system. Spectral analysis revealed distinct shifts in the characteristic absorption bands of DMSO, particularly in the sulfoxide (S = O) stretching region (∼1042 cm−1), indicating strong hydrogen bonding between the THC-DMSO mixture. This work provides novel insights into the molecular behavior of THC in DMSO, offering a new perspective on the solute–solvent interaction in pharmaceutical systems that could inform future drug formulation strategies.

Enhanced solar photodegradation of reactive blue dye using synthesized codoped ZnO and TiO2

The rapidly growing textile industry produces various textiles, which has led to significant water pollution due to the discharge of dyes and chemicals. In this study, TiO2 doped ZnO photocatalyst was synthesized and characterized to determine the morphology and composition (scanning electron microscopy, SEM&EDX), optical properties (ultraviolet–visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, UV DRS), functional groups (Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy), and crystal structure (X-ray diffraction). The photocatalysts were used to photodegrade reactive blue dye in aqueous solution (1–3 mg/L) under natural sunlight. The SEM showed agglomerated granular particles, with increased agglomeration and smaller particle size for lab-synthesized TiO2 (TZT) compared to commercial TiO2 (TZC). The EDX results confirmed the presence of only Ti, Zn, and O in both photocatalysts, signifying the presence of ZnO and TiO2 and the absence of contamination. The UV DRS revealed a reduction in band gap from 3.6eV (ultraviolet light region) to 3.02eV (visible light region). At a dye concentration of 1 mg/L, 0.03 mg of photocatalyst, and a pH of 5, under sunlight, the degradation efficiencies were 86.9% for ZnO, 91% for TZC, and 100% for TZT. The rate constants (k) were 0.01203, 0.01511, and 0.08261 min-1 for bare TiO2, TZC, and TZT, respectively. The photocatalysts were recovered and reused over five consecutive cycles without significant reduction in performance, thus confirming the stability and durability of the TiO2-ZnO photocatalysts (TZT and TZC). The lab-synthesized photocatalysts demonstrated superior performance (100% degradation) and the utilization of natural sunlight which is green energy contributes to a clean and sustainable environment.

Characterization and Property Evaluation of Glasses Made from Mine Tailings, Glass Waste, and Fluxes

The present investigation introduces a novel approach, using As-Zn-Fe mining tailings (MT) and recycled bottle glass (cullet) to enable the manufacturing of a new glass for ornamental articles, with characteristics similar to those of soda–lime–silicate glass (SLS), and at the same time, immobilizing potentially toxic elements (PTEs) from mining tailings, which cause environmental pollution with severe risks to human health. The glass used was obtained from transparent glass bottles collected from urban waste, which were later washed to remove impurities and then crushed until they reached No. 70 mesh (212 μm) level; in the case of mining tailings, the sample used comes from the ore benefit process, with 96.8% of particles below the No. 50 mesh level (300 μm). Six mixtures were made by varying the composition of the mining tailings and glass, K2CO3 and H3BO3 as fluxes were also used in constant proportion. The mixtures were melted at 1370 °C, and later, the glass samples were cast on a steel plate at room temperature. The characteristics of the glasses were studied using thermal analysis (TA), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Likewise, their chemical resistance in acid and basic media and density were evaluated. The results unequivocally demonstrate the feasibility of manufacturing glasses with a light green color, the increase in the content of mining tailings increased the apparent Tg from 625 to 831 °C. Glasses with 17 and 21.3% MT presented lower density values due to a better-polymerized glass structure, attributed to the increase in SiO2 and Al2O3 and the decrease in alkaline oxides, which allowed for the retention of PTEs in their structure.

FORMULATION AND OPTIMIZATION OF FLOATING SUSTAINED RELEASE TABLETS OF ATAZANAVIR SULFATE THROUGH BOX-BEHNKEN DESIGN

Objective: Atazanavir (ATZ) sulfate is widely prescribed as an antiretroviral drug belonging to BCS class II with low solubility. This research aims to design, formulate, and optimization of floating sustained-release tablets of ATZ through Box-Behnken design (BBD). Method: The formulation parameters were optimized using the BBD. Methocel K100M (A) was chosen as the primary release-retarding polymer, Sodium Bicarbonate (B) served as the gas-generating agent, Ethyl Cellulose (C) was utilized as an additional release-retarding polymer, and Cetyl Alcohol as a floating assistant. In this design, A, B, and C were designated as independent variables, while three response variables floating lag time (FLT) (Y1), swelling index (Y2), and percentage drug release (Y3) were selected as the dependent variables. The compatibility of the drug and excipients was evaluated through Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and morphology by scanning electron microscopy. Tablets were prepared through the direct compression method and subsequently evaluated for parameters including FLT, flotation time, swelling index, hardness, drug content, friability, in vitro drug release, and drug release kinetics. Results: FTIR and DSC investigations revealed no interaction between the drug and the excipients, physical mixture of the drug and the excipients indicated the amorphous state of ATZ. All the evaluated tablets showed satisfactory results. The drug release from the validated optimized tablets was gradual and sustained over 12 h (99.76±0.75) following zero-order kinetics. Conclusion: The optimized tablets with desirable formulation characters were determined through a statistical optimization model and the optimized formulation remarkably sustained the drug release for up to 12 h, indicating its improved therapeutic potential for the treatment of HIV.

Cobalt-Embedded Metal-Covalent Organic Frameworks for CO2 Photoreduction.

With the pressing urgency to reduce carbon footprint, photocatalytic carbon dioxide reduction has attracted growing attention as a sustainable mitigating option. Considering the important role of catalytic active sites (CASs) in the catalytic processes, control and design of the density and environment of CASs could enhance the catalyst performance. Herein, we report a novel metal-covalent organic framework (MCOF), MCOF-Co-315, featuring earth-abundant Co cocatalysts and conjugation through a covalently bonded backbone. MCOF-Co-315 showed a CO production rate of 1616 μmol g-1 h-1 utilizing Ru(bpy)3Cl2 as photosensitizer and triethanolamine (TEOA) as sacrificial electron donor with a 1.5 AM filter, vis mirror module (390-740 nm), and irradiation intensity adjusted to 1 sun and an especially outstanding apparent quantum yield (AQY) of 9.13% at 450 nm. The photocatalytic reaction was studied with electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy, X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES), and in situ synchrotron Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, and an underlying mechanism is proposed.

Reinforced Hole Trapping in S‐Scheme Photoharvesters for Markedly Enhanced Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution and Nitrogen Fixation

AbstractThe S‐scheme heterojunction exerts a profoundly positive influence on enhancing carrier separation efficiency and redox capability. However, there are few reports on accelerating the reaction rate of photogenerated charge carriers, particularly the consumption rate of photogenerated holes in S‐scheme heterojunction. Herein, an in situ construction strategy is employed to construct ultra‐small nonprecious metal NiO (≈2 nm) on an S‐scheme heterojunction. By incorporating ultra‐small NiO into S‐scheme heterojunctions, photocatalytic hydrogen production performance is significantly improved by 380 times, and nitrogen fixation performance is enhanced by 20 times. Density function theoretical (DFT) calculations, in situ X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (in situ XPS), and in situ Diffuse Reflectance Infrared Fourier Transform Spectroscopy (in situ DRIFTS) characterization results indicate that the incorporation of ultra‐small NiO into S‐scheme heterojunctions can not only enhance the separation efficiency of photo‐generated carriers and the redox ability of S‐scheme heterojunctions but also further promote the consumption rate of photo‐generated holes by sacrificial agents, thereby achieving a secondary enhancement in carrier separation efficiency. Therefore, the photocatalytic performance of hydrogen (H2) production and nitrogen (N2) fixation is markedly improved. The successful execution of this work provides a novel approach to material structure design, offering valuable insights for the development and performance improvement of high‐performance heterojunction materials.

Digestion characteristics of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) polysaccharide in vitro and its relieving effect on ability to relieve exercise fatigue in mice

The characteristics of Ipomoea batatas polysaccharide (IBP) in vitro and its anti-fatigue effects on exercise fatigue in mice were investigated. The dynamic division of IBP was simulated in vitro, and the structural changes in IBP were analyzed by Fourier Transform Infra-Red (FTIR) and High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). The results revealed that no free monosaccharides were produced after simulated division in vitro. The CH2 signal gradually disappeared in the gastric juices after digestion, and the peak attributed to COO asymmetric vibration shifted to the longwave strength in the gastrointestinal juices after digestion. The mean exhaustive swimming time of each IBP dose group was significantly different from that of the blank control group (P < 0.05); in particular, the exhaustive swimming time of the high-dose group increased by 81%, the contents of muscle glycogen and liver glycogen were significantly greater than those of the blank control group (P < 0.05), the MDA equivalents for Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances (TBARS) of exhaustive swimming mice in each IBP dose group decreased significantly (P < 0.05), and the activities of SOD, CAT, and GPx in the high-dose group increased by 61%, 89%, and 72%, respectively, compared with those in the blank control group. IBP could effectively relieve exercise fatigue and provide new raw materials for use as dietary supplements.Graphical Note: Gastrodigestive products were from Ipomoea batatas polysaccharide after dynamic simulated gastric digestion in vitro; gastrointestinal digestive products were from Ipomoea batatas polysaccharide after dynamic simulated gastrointestinal digestion in vitro. Blank Control group (BC), Taurine Control group (TC), Low dose Ipomoea Batatas Polysaccharide (IBPL), middle dose Ipomoea Batatas Polysaccharide (IBPM) and high dose Ipomoea Batatas Polysaccharide (IBPH). Analysis of the digestive infraredspectra of gastric juice (A), gastrointestinal juice (B) and effects of Ipomoea batatas polysaccharide on the levels of serum ammonia, inorganic phosphate, and lactic acid in exhaustive swimming mice

The impact of biodegradable plastics on methane and carbon dioxide emissions in soil ecosystems: a Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy approach

Biodegradable plastics (BPs), promising eco-friendliness, raise environmental concerns as they degrade into numerous microplastics (Bio-MPs). The impact of Bio-MPs on methane (CH4) and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in soil ecosystems remains largely unexplored. Utilizing Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, we innovatively designed a circulating system, integrating a long optical-path gas cell with a static chamber for continuous and convenient CH4/CO2 monitoring in paddy soils with the addition of Bio-MPs (PBAT). On the 7th day of incubation, we observed a significant increase in CH4/CO2 absorption peaks due to the addition of PBAT, with enhancements of 92-fold and 213-fold, respectively. Built upon this system, we explored a quantitative method based on the main absorption peak (3010 cm−1) for CH4, and calculated cumulative emissions. Additionally, we analyzed attenuated total reflection (ATR) spectra of soil with and without Bio-MPs based on FTIR spectrometer, revealing the characteristic response in soil ATR spectra triggered by PBAT, and demonstrating ATR spectroscopy’s potential for identifying soil contamination by Bio-MPs. This study aims to broaden and improve the utilization of FTIR spectroscopy for the purpose of monitoring soil GHG emissions and identifying soil contaminated by Bio-MPs, thereby offering significant insights into the influence of Bio-MPs on climate change.

Structural and Electrochemical Studies of Modified GO and rGO for Sensing and Energy Applications

This study investigates the synthesis and characterization of graphene oxide (GO) and its reduced form, reduced graphene oxide (rGO), focusing on their structural, physicochemical and electrochemical properties. Graphene oxide was synthesized from graphite flakes using the modified Hummer’s method, and hydrothermal reduction with ascorbic acid, which was employed to convert GO into rGO, forming a two-dimensional structure with a high surface area. The structural transformations were analyzed using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), which revealed a significant reduction in interlayer spacing and restoration of the [Formula: see text] hybridized carbon network in rGO, confirming the successful reduction of GO. Chemical modifications were characterized through Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). These techniques demonstrated a marked decrease in oxygen-containing functional groups in rGO, indicating effective reduction and restoration of graphitic structure. Electrochemical studies using cyclic voltammetry demonstrated that rGO-modified carbon paste electrodes (rGO/MCPE) offer superior sensitivity and enhanced electron transfer efficiency. The effects of scan rate, concentration and pH were also evaluated, underscoring its potential for high-sensitivity detection applications. These findings highlight the potential applications of GO and rGO in electrochemical sensors, particularly for detecting biomolecules like serotonin, as well as in energy storage devices such as supercapacitors and batteries, where their high surface area and conductivity offer significant advantages.

Incorporating Ginger Extract as a Bioactive Additive Into Eco‐Friendly Fertilizer Coatings Based on Natural Rubber‐Grafted‐Rice Starch: A Performance Evaluation

ABSTRACTA polymeric coating was developed to minimize fertilizer loss and improve antifungal efficacy against Fusarium sp. by combining natural rubber‐grafted rice starch (NR‐g‐ST) with methanolic ginger extract (GE) for coating granular urea fertilizer. The coating was synthesized via in situ graft copolymerization, employing potassium persulfate as an initiator within an emulsion system. Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR) spectroscopy confirmed successful grafting and molecular interactions between the hydroxyl groups of starch with both GE and natural rubber (NR). The NR:ST ratio was maintained at 70:30 wt%, while GE content was varied from 0 to 9 wt% relative to the polymer matrix. The coatings were characterized using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), and water contact angle (WCA) measurements. Increasing GE content enhanced the mechanical properties, storage modulus, and hydrophobicity while reducing biodegradability. The coating demonstrated antifungal efficacy through the inhibition of Fusarium sp. mycelial growth, suggesting its potential as a multifunctional agricultural solution.