Free Radical Research Articles

Molecular Mechanism of Unexpected Metal-Independent Hydroxyl Radical Production by Mercaptotriazole and H2O2.

It is well known that hydroxyl radical (·OH) can be largely produced either through the classic iron-mediated inorganic-Fenton system or our recently discovered haloquinones/H2O2 organic-Fenton-like system, but rarely produced via thiol compounds. Here, unexpectedly, we found that ·OH can be unequivocally generated by incubation of H2O2 and mercaptotriazole (MTZ), a typical heterocyclic thiol which has been used as an environmentally friendly corrosion inhibitor for mild steel. By the complementary applications of HPLC-MS and oxygen-18 isotope-labeling method, MTZ-derived sulfenic (MTZ-SOH) and sulfinic acids were detected and identified as transient intermediates, and sulfonic acid as final products. More interestingly, among all the products, MTZ-SOH was found to be the critical one directly responsible for the ·OH formation. Not only MTZ, but also its derivatives can activate H2O2 to produce ·OH. Taken together, we found an unexpected sulfenic acid-dependent ·OH production from activation of H2O2 by heterocyclic thiol compounds, which may provide a new free radical perspective to further explore the environmental and biological behaviors of these widely used thiol compounds.

Heat-Assisted Direct Photopatterning of Small-Molecule OLED Emitters at the Micrometer Scale.

A crucial step in fabricating full-color organic light-emitting diode (OLED) displays is patterning the emissive layer (EML). Traditional methods utilize thermal evaporation through metal masks. However, this limits the achievable resolution required for emerging microdisplay technologies. Alternatively, direct photolithography, wherein the layer to be patterned serves as a photoresist, offers a cost-effective method for producing high-resolution displays. Direct photopatterning methods for small molecules used as EMLs in OLEDs are introduced. This method employs photopolymerizable vinylbenzyl moieties directly anchored to the host and dopant small-molecule emitters. By photoinitiating a free radical polymerization reaction between the vinylbenzyl moieties under mild annealing conditions (60°C), the EML can be photopatterned using an i-line UV source. Mild annealing is critical for achieving polymerization reactions at a low UV irradiation dose (0.6 Jcm-2) without degrading the luminescent properties of the emitters. This process is referred to as heat-assisted direct photopatterning (HADP). Using HADP, red, green, and blue OLED emitters with a minimum pattern width of 2µm are successfully fabricated. These OLED emitters can be patterned side-by-side by simply repeating the patterning steps three times. This method offers a promising alternative for producing patterns of small molecules desired for ultrahigh-resolution OLED-based microdisplay technology.

Manipulating Dynamic Light-Driven Solid-Liquid Transition and Static Reversible Photochromism via Organic Cocrystal Strategy.

Developing of molecular crystalline materials with light-induced multiple dynamic deformation in space dimension and photochromism on time scales has attracted much attention for its potential applications in actuators, sensoring and information storage. Nevertheless, organic crystals capable of both photoinduced dynamic effects and static color change are rare, particularly for multi-component cocrystals system. In this study, we first report the construction of charge transfer co-crystals allows their light-induced solid-to-liquid transition and photochromic behaviors to be controlled by trans-stilbene (TSB) as an electron donor and 3,4,5,6-Tetrafluorophthalonitrile (TFP) as an electron acceptor. In this case, the dynamic photo-responsive solid-to-liquid phase transition is due to the photoisomerization of TSB under UV irradiation, while the accumulation of melted droplets during solid-state photochemical process causes mechanical deformation of TSB-TFP cocrystals. The subsequent reversible photochromic behavior is attributed to the emergence of free radicals through a photo-induced electron transfer. Moreover, TSB-TFP microcrystals present typical excitation wavelength dependent emission (EWDE) fluorescence by surfactant-mediated method. This work realizes the dynamic-static photochemical cascade processes in response to light irradiation in an organic cocrystal system, providing the effective method for a new type of smart photo-responsive materials.

Manipulating Dynamic Light‐Driven Solid‐Liquid Transition and Static Reversible Photochromism via Organic Cocrystal Strategy

Developing of molecular crystalline materials with light‐induced multiple dynamic deformation in space dimension and photochromism on time scales has attracted much attention for its potential applications in actuators, sensoring and information storage. Nevertheless, organic crystals capable of both photoinduced dynamic effects and static color change are rare, particularly for multi‐component cocrystals system. In this study, we first report the construction of charge transfer co‐crystals allows their light‐induced solid‐to‐liquid transition and photochromic behaviors to be controlled by trans‐stilbene (TSB) as an electron donor and 3,4,5,6‐Tetrafluorophthalonitrile (TFP) as an electron acceptor. In this case, the dynamic photo‐responsive solid‐to‐liquid phase transition is due to the photoisomerization of TSB under UV irradiation, while the accumulation of melted droplets during solid‐state photochemical process causes mechanical deformation of TSB‐TFP cocrystals. The subsequent reversible photochromic behavior is attributed to the emergence of free radicals through a photo‐induced electron transfer. Moreover, TSB‐TFP microcrystals present typical excitation wavelength dependent emission (EWDE) fluorescence by surfactant‐mediated method. This work realizes the dynamic‐static photochemical cascade processes in response to light irradiation in an organic cocrystal system, providing the effective method for a new type of smart photo‐responsive materials.

Hepatoprotective potential of Chrysin in a rat model of isoniazid- and rifampicin-induced hepatic injury: suppression of matrix metalloproteinase and transforming growth factor β

BackgroundThe ability of Chrysin (CHY) to scavenge free radicals has been widely explored. The scope of the research was to show that CHY protects the rat liver against damage caused by the drugs isoniazid (INH) and rifampicin (RFM).ResultsRats were divided into 6 groups, each of which had six rats. Isoniazid (100 mg/kg, p.o.) and rifampicin (100 mg/kg, p.o.) were administered to Group II to VI rats for 21 days; this caused hepatocellular damage. CHY was administered in the dose of 50, 75, and 100 mg/kg, p.o. body weight to Group III to V rats before administration of INH + RFM. In this study, Group VI Silymarin (100 mg/kg, p.o.) functioned as the standard drug. The blood was drawn as the study was done, and tests for oxidative stress indicators, haematological parameters, biochemical parameters, and pro-inflammatory cytokines were performed. The liver samples were subjected to histopathology. The administration of CHY (50, 75, and 100 mg/kg) restored serum biochemical, haematological, proteins, and lipid parameters. Due to the administration of CHY, the levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione oxidase (GSH), myeloperoxidase (MPO) and catalase (CAT) were also restored. The inflammatory cytokines such as tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), malondialdehyde (MDA), myeloperoxidase (MPO) and nitric oxide (NO) levels were found to be decreased. The alterations in the biochemical parameters were reinforced by histological analysis of liver tissue.ConclusionsIt is concluded that the CHY protects against INH + RFM-induced oxidative liver injury in rats.Graphical abstract

Активація мітохондріальних механізмів кардіопротекції при ішемії-реперфузії ізольованого серця щурів з інсулінорезистентністю

Dysregulation of mitochondrial functions can significantly disrupt energy metabolism in the myocardium. However, mitochondrial mechanisms of cardioprotection and their disruption in metabolic disorders are still insufficiently studied. The aim of the our work was to characterize mitochondrial mechanisms of cardioprotection in ischemia-reperfusion of the rat heart under conditions of insulin resistance and hypoxic preconditioning. Adult male Wistar rats were induced to insulin resistance by consuming a high-fat diet with 58% fat for 14 days. Hypoxic preconditioning was reproduced by exposure to hypobaric hypoxia (360 Torr) in a pressure chamber for 3 hours. To assess the cardioprotective effects, 30-minute ischemia and 40-minute reperfusion of the isolated heart were simulated after 24 hours with isovolumic retrograde perfusion according to the Langendorff method. The size of the myocardial infarction, oxidative stress indicators and the level of expression of the mitochondrial protein PGC-1α were determined. Mitochondria were examined using electron microscopy. In the myocardium of insulin-resistant rats, there was a quantitative increase in all mitochondrial subpopulations, activation of their intracellular connections with other organelles, and an increase in the level of PGC-1α expression in the left ventricle. At the same time, activation of free radical processes in the myocardium was observed with an increase in the content of TBA-AP and activation of antioxidant mechanisms, in particular, the glutathione system. Hypoxic preconditioning increased the level of PGC-1α expression in the right ventricle, led to the activation of energy metabolism, increased mitochondrial dynamics with the elimination of damaged organelles by mitophagy and biogenesis of new mitochondria against the background of a decrease in mitochondrial dysfunction. After ischemia-reperfusion in the myocardium of insulin-resistant rats, limitations in mitochondrial damage and manifestations of their dysfunction were observed. Preconditioning contributed to a decrease in infarct size, enhanced the mitoprotective effect in the ischemic heart. Insulin resistance contributed to the intensification of PGC-1α-dependent mitochondrial mechanisms of protection against ischemic damage in the myocardium. Hypoxic preconditioning enhanced the myoprotective effect in insulin-resistant hearts compared with intact myocardium, leading to a reduction in myocardial infarct size during isolated heart ischemia-reperfusion, but the antioxidant effect was partially lost.

C60 fullerene improves the contractile activity of the injured rat muscle gastrocnemius

The powerful antioxidant properties of C60fullerenes have been widely used in biomedical nanotechnology. Owing to the negative effects of free radicals in oxidative stress processes, antioxidants are required to protect injured muscles. Here, the effect of water-soluble C60fullerenes (daily oral dose 1 mg kg-1) on the process of restoration of contractile activity of skeletal muscle of rats (muscle gastrocnemius) 15 d after the initiation of open trauma of different severity was studied for the first time. The structural organization of C60fullerene nanoparticles in aqueous solution was analyzed by dynamic light scattering and atomic force microscopy techniques. Such biomechanical parameters ofmuscle gastrocnemiuscontraction as integrated muscle power, levels of generation of its maximum and minimum force, and time interval until reaching 50% of the level of force response of the muscle were analyzed. Such biochemical indices as concentrations of c-reactive protein, creatinine, and lactate in the rat blood, as well as indices of pro- and antioxidant balance (activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase, the concentration of reduced glutathione) in the blood and muscle tissue of experimental animals, were investigated. It was found that application of water-soluble C60fullerenes statistically significantly improves biomechanical parameters of contraction of injuredmuscle gastrocnemiusat the level of 30-45 ± 3%, which is confirmed by normalization of biochemical indices in the blood and muscle tissue of rats at the level of 35-50 ± 3% and 20-37 ± 3%, correspondingly, relative to the open injury group. These findings open the possibility of using C60fullerenes as potential therapeutic nanoagents capable of correcting pathological states of the muscular system during the physiological repair of open injuries.

Poly(curcumin-co-poly(ethylene glycol)) films provide neuroprotection following reactive oxygen species insult in vitro

Objective.Curcumin is an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory molecule that may provide neuroprotection following central nervous system injury. However, curcumin is hydrophobic, limiting its ability to be loaded and then released from biomaterials for neural applications. We previously developed polymers containing curcumin, and these polymers may be applied to neuronal devices or to neural injury to promote neuroprotection. Thus, our objective was to evaluate two curcumin polymers as potential neuroprotective materials for neural applications.Approach.For each curcumin polymer, we created three polymer solutions by varying the weight percentage of curcumin polymer in solvent. These solutions were subsequently coated onto glass coverslips, and the thickness of the polymer was assessed using profilometry. Polymer degradation and dissolution was assessed using brightfield microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and gel permeation chromatography. The ability of the polymers to protect cortical neurons from free radical insult was assessed using anin vitrocortical culture model.Main results.The P50 curcumin polymer (containing greater poly(ethylene glycol) content than the P75 polymer), eroded readily in solution, with erosion dependent on the weight percentage of polymer in solvent. Unlike the P50 polymer, the P75 polymer did not undergo erosion. Since the P50 polymer underwent erosion, we expected that the P50 polymer would more readily protect cortical neurons from free radical insult. Unexpectedly, even though P75 films did not erode, P75 polymers protected neurons from free radical insult, suggesting that erosion is not necessary for these polymers to enable neuroprotection.Significance.This study is significant as it provides a framework to evaluate polymers for future neural applications. Additionally, we observed that some curcumin polymers do not require dissolution to enable neuroprotection. Future work will assess the ability of these materials to enable neuroprotection withinin vivomodels of neural injury.

Melatonin improves the lead tolerance in Plantago ovata by modulating ROS homeostasis, phytohormone status and expression of stress-responsive genes.

Melatonin increases Pb tolerance in P. ovata seedlings via the regulation of growth and stress-related phytohormones, ROS scavenging and genes responsible for melatonin synthesis, metal chelation, and stress defense. Lead (Pb) is a highly toxic heavy metal that accumulates in plants through soil and air contamination and impairs its plant growth and development. Because of its pharmaceutical importance, improvements in Plantago ovata yield against abiotic stresses are necessary. Melatonin (MEL) is a stress-alleviating biostimulator and our results showed a reduction in Pb induced phytotoxicity by enhancing plant growth attributes and balancing protective osmolytes. Pb-induced reactive oxygen species accumulation, including superoxide and peroxide free radicals and their mitigation through enzymatic antioxidants, was demonstrated in presence of MEL. Cell viability and Pb bioaccumulation were determined to understand the extent of cellular damage. Moreover, MEL increased secondary metabolite (flavonoids and anthocyanins) contents by 2-3-fold at the lowest Pb concentrations. Similar increases in the relative expression of genes (PoPAL and PoPPO), which are responsible for the production of non-enzymatic antioxidants, were observed. Notably, the upregulation of the PoCOMT gene up to 4-fold indicates increased melatonin production, as manifested in the phytomelatonin level. MEL supplementation also increased the auxin (IAA) level by 3-fold in the 100µM Pb treatment group, while the abscisic acid (ABA) level decreased (1.4-fold) and the expression of PoMYB (a stress-related transcription factor) increased (up to 2.66-fold). Additionally, we found extreme downregulation (up to 18-fold) in the relative expression of PoMT 2 (a metal binding thiol compound) with melatonin treatment, which is otherwise upregulated (by 6-fold) during Pb stress. In the current study, these effects collectively revealed that MEL contribute to enhanced plant growth and Pb stress tolerance.

Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory function of walnut green husk aqueous extract (WNGH-AE) on human hepatocellular carcinoma cells (HepG2) treated with t-BHP.

Oxidative damage, oxidative inflammation, and a range of downstream diseases represent significant threats to human health. The application of natural antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents can help prevent and mitigate these associated diseases. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effectiveness of walnut green husk (WNGH) as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent in an in vitro setting. HepG2 cells were treated with tert-butyl hydroperoxide (t-BHP) to establish a cellular model of oxidative damage and inflammation. We assessed the biocompatibility of walnut green husk aqueous extract (WNGH-AE) on HepG2 cells using MTT and LDH assays (WNGH-AE concentration: 0.05, 0.1, 0.2, 0.4, 0.8, 1.6, 3.2, 6.4, and 12.8 mg/mL). Additionally, we measured intracellular oxidative stress indicators, such as ROS and 8-OHdG, along with inflammatory factors TNF-α and IL-1β through ELISA to evaluate the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capacity of WNGH-AE (concentration: 0.025, 0.05, 0.1 mg/mL) in HepG2 cells. We also determined the free radical scavenging capacity of various extracts of WNGH using DPPH and ·OH methods. The total phenols, total polysaccharides, and total flavonoids in WNGH-AE were analyzed using the Folin-Ciocalteu's reagent, the phenol-sulfuric acid method, and the spectrophotometry, respectively. The bioactive components of WNGH-AE were analyzed using LC-MS/MS. Our results demonstrated that WNGH-AE was highly biocompatible with HepG2 cells. The antioxidant effect of WNGH-AE involved the scavenging of intracellular ROS, while its anti-inflammatory effect was linked to the down-regulation of the NF-κB pathway. Compared to other extractants (ethyl acetate, n-butanol, 75% ethanol, and petroleum ether), WNGH-AE exhibited the strongest free radical scavenging ability. Through LC-MS/MS analysis, we identified 403 compounds in WNGH-AE, with gentisic acid being the most abundant and possessing high antioxidant capacity, suggesting it may be a key active component contributing to the antioxidant activity of WNGH-AE. In conclusion, our findings indicate that WNGH-AE is a natural, high-quality antioxidant and anti-inflammatory biomaterial deserving further research and development, with significant potential applications in healthcare. (311 words).

Low-sodium Chaya Leaf Seasoning Powder with Potassium Chloride Substitution: Nutritional, Antioxidant, and Microbial Quality Assessment

This study investigates the development of a low-sodium seasoning powder using Chaya (Cnidoscolus chayamansa), popularly known as Mexican spinach, by substituting sodium chloride (NaCl) with potassium chloride (KCl) at various ratios. The antioxidant capabilities of dried Chaya leaves, dried at 60°C for five hours, were tested using 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), Ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), and 2,2′-azino-bis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic) acid (ABTS) techniques, demonstrating excellent free radical scavenging activity and making it suitable for low sodium seasoning compositions. The substitution of 25% KCl was the most favored option, as it effectively balanced flavor and health advantages without causing noticeable changes in appearance, color, and aroma. This recipe successfully reduced the sodium content to 1171 mg/100 g while maintaining Chaya’s original nutritional values, which include 23.57 g/100 g of protein, 4.77 g/100 g of fats, and 54.12 g/100 g of carbohydrates, as well as dietary fibers. Additionally, the formulation demonstrated physicochemical stability, as indicated by an ash content of 14.00 g/100 g, moisture content of 3.51 g/100g, and a total energy of 353.69 kcal/100 g. The safety of this new seasoning is validated by its microbiological quality, which is indicated by a total bacterial count of 2.6×104 cfu/g and the absence of mold and yeast. This emphasizes the potential of the seasoning to promote healthy dietary choices by reducing sodium intake without affecting sensory appeal.

Isolation, In Vitro Antioxidant Capacity, Hypoglycemic Activity and Immunoactivity Evaluation of Polysaccharides from Coriandrum sativum L.

Coriander (Coriandrum sativum) is a classical medicinal and edible herb as well as a spice, but the physicochemical and biological properties of its polysaccharides have not been fully studied. In this study, the polysaccharides were extracted using an ultrasonic-assisted method and purified from fresh coriander, and then the coriander polysaccharide (CSP) fraction was separated using an agarose gel Q-Sepharose Fast Flow column. The total sugar content, protein content and monosaccharides composition of CSPs were determined using a phenol–sulfuric acid method, Coomassie Brilliant Blue method and HPLC. The structural characterization was detected using ultraviolet spectrophotometry and FT-IR spectroscopy. DPPH and ABTS free radicals were used to explore their antioxidant activities, while the inhibitory abilities of α-amylase and α-glucosidase were used to evaluate their hypoglycemic activity. After that, the immunomodulatory and antitumor activities were investigated using macrophage RAW264.7 and HepG2 cells as the targets. The results showed that the total sugar and protein contents of CSPs were 66.90 ± 1.44% and 1.06 ± 0.32%, respectively. CSPs were mainly composed of fucose, rhamnose, arabinose, galactose, glucose, galacturonic acid and glucuronic acid, with a molar ratio of 1.13:15.11:9.60:25.98:1.55:44.33:2.29, and may be an acidic heteropolysaccharide containing pyran rings, α- and β-glycosidic bonds and glucuronic acid. Results from in vitro experiments of biological activities showed that the IC50 of CSPs for scavenging DPPH and ABTS free radicals were 0.759 mg/mL and 1.758 mg/mL, respectively; the IC50 values for inhibiting the activities of α-amylase and α-glucosidase were 0.634 mg/mL and 2.178 mg/mL, respectively; the CSPs with a concentration of 25~200 μg/mL showed no obvious toxicity to macrophage RAW264.7, and when treated with 100 μg/mL of CSPs, the relative cell phagocytosis capacity and secreted nitric oxide amount of RAW264.7 were 153.75 ± 12.01% and 133.56 ± 5.37%, respectively; CSPs showed a concentration-dependent ability to inhibit the growth of HepG2 cells within the test concentration of 0.25–2.0 mg/mL. Summarizing the results, due to their excellent antioxidant, immunomodulatory and anti-tumor activities, the coriander acid polysaccharides were expected to show good potential in comprehensive development of food and medicine.

Research on the Suppression of Methane Explosion by ZSM‐5 Zeolite With Different Si/Al Ratios

ABSTRACTTo investigate the impact of single zeolite powder on methane explosion inhibition, a ZSM‐5 zeolite with a porous structure was utilized as the raw material and subjected to alkali treatment to obtain the zeolites' powers with varying Si/Al ratios. The modified powders were characterized and analyzed using SEM, XRD, EDS analysis, etc. and compared with unmodified zeolite powders regarding their explosion suppression effects. The results demonstrated that alkali‐treated zeolite powders exhibited superior explosion suppression effects, with the optimum effect achieved at the Si/Al ratio of 10.32, reducing the maximum explosion pressure by 84.24% compared to unfilled conditions. In this study, the explosion suppression effect of the explosion suppression powders includes adsorption of gases, barrier effect, and reaction with free radicals in the explosion process. Desilication increased sodium content within the zeolites; however, this content decreased as the silicon‐to‐aluminum ratio increased due to its capability to capture free radicals generated during explosions and interrupt chain reactions.

Global transcriptome profiling of ST09 treated breast cancer cells identifies miR-197-5p/GPX3 antioxidant axis as a regulator of tumorigenesis.

ROS (Reactive Oxygen Species) has a dual role in tumorigenesis. Some cancers have high ROS conditions, and others have low ROS. TNBC thrives on high ROS compared to other Breast Cancer subtypes. Several antioxidant enzymes catalyze the detoxification of reactive oxygen species and prevent free radicals from damaging DNA and accumulation of mutation. Curcumin, a polyphenol dietary supplement, acts as a potent antioxidant, is known to reduce inflammation, and has anticancer properties. Here, we aim to understand alterations in the transcriptome (miRNA and mRNA expression) induced by ST09 in breast cancer cell lines. We identified an antioxidant system that is upregulated in breast cancer cell lines. Among the antioxidant enzymes regulated by miRNA was GPX3. A novel miRNA-mRNA antioxidant axis, miR-197-5p/GPX3, was observed in the TNBC cell line. We further validated the regulation of GPX3 by miRNA using luciferase assay. GPX3 overexpression, knockdown, and activity assay indicated the anti-tumorigenic role of GPX3 in the TNBC cell line. Further, treatment of TNBC xenograft with ST09 showed tumor reduction in vivo. ST09 potentiates the effect of standard-of-care (SOC) drug Cisplatin in vivo. ST09 can be exploited as a single chemotherapeutic agent or in combination treatment modalities, reducing the dosage of potent drugs.

Molecular Processes That Control Organic Electrosynthesis in Near-Electrode Microenvironments.

Electrosynthesis at an industrial scale offers an opportunity to use renewable electricity in chemical manufacturing, accelerating the decarbonization of large-scale chemical processes. Organic electrosynthesis can improve product selectivity, reduce reaction steps, and minimize waste byproducts. Electrochemical synthesis of adiponitrile (ADN) via hydrodimerization of acrylonitrile (AN) is a prominent example of industrial organic electrochemical processes, with annual production reaching 0.3 MMT. It circumvents the drawbacks of thermochemical synthesis by reducing toxicity and leveraging clean electricity as an energy source. Despite its industrial importance, mechanistic understanding and experimental insights on the near-electrode molecular processes of AN electrohydrodimerization remain insufficient. Here we show, using in situ ATR-FTIR spectroscopy, that tetraalkylammonium ions populate the electrical double layer (EDL), creating a microenvironment that favors interactions with organic molecules and enhances AN concentration while expelling water molecules. Our results provide experimental evidence supporting long-standing mechanistic hypotheses. Kinetic isotope effect studies reveal that propionitrile (PN) formation is rate-limited by proton transfer, while ADN formation likely is not. Electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy confirms the presence of free radicals during AN electroreduction, suggesting that coupling of PN radicals occurs primarily in the electrolyte. These insights highlight the importance of carefully controlling the EDL composition for selective organic electrosynthesis and provide fundamental engineering guidance for designing high-performing electro-organic reactions. We anticipate these findings will guide the optimization of electrolyte formulations and electrode interfaces for ADN synthesis and other emerging electro-organic processes.

Exceptional anti-fouling, self-cleaning and high-flux ZIF-8@polyacrylonitrile based nanofiber composite membrane via in situ growth of seaweed-like ZnIn2S4 for efficient separation of emulsified oily wastewater.

The membrane separation technique encounters the problems of low permeability and weak anti-fouling ability during the large-scale treatment of emulsified oily wastewater. To address this issue, the high-flux and photocatalytic self-cleaning polyacrylonitrile (PAN)-based nanofiber composite membrane (ZnIn2S4/ZIF-8@PAN) was constructed via the electrospinning of PAN@ZIF-8 nanofiber membrane with rivet-like structure and in situ growth of highly porous seaweed-like ZnIn2S4 in the hydrothermal process. The intrinsic hydrophilicity, porous and hierarchical structure of ZnIn2S4 effectively regulated the transport channel, superhydrophilic/underwater superoleophobic feature (WCA: ∼ 0 °, UOCA: up to 155.9 °), and ultra-low oil adhesion behavior of composite membrane, thus achieving superior separation flux of diverse surfactant-stabilized O/W emulsions (up to 5062.7 ± 189.4 L·m-2·h-1) and separation efficiency of 99.11 ± 0.18 %. As evidenced by the results of Hermia model and dynamic oil adhesion experiment, the ZnIn2S4/ZIF-8@PAN composite membrane displayed exceptional oil resistance and anti-fouling ability under harsh conditions, retaining its high separation efficiency (separation flux: 4408.1 L·m-2·h-1, rejection rate: 99.03 %) for O/W emulsions after 10 consecutive separation cycles. Furthermore, we discovered that the composite membrane offered favorable self-cleaning performance towards photocatalytic degradation of various organic dyes under exposure to visible light, with degradation efficiency up to 96.88 % within 120 minutes. The DFT calculation, EIS impedance, and free radical inhibition experiments demonstrated that the well-matched band structure and intimate contact interface between ZIF-8 and ZnIn2S4 facilitated the efficient transfer and separation of photo-induced charge carriers. Such PAN multifunctional composite membrane has great potential in the field of complex oily wastewater treatment.

Carbon quantum dots amplify beneficial effects of EGCG against neural injuries by NLRP3 inflammasome after intracerebral hemorrhage.

Neuroinflammation plays an indispensable role in neural damages after ICH, responsible for the induced high mortality and poor prognosis. NLRP3 inflammasome, which is known mediated by ROS, has been widely documented to aggravate brain injuries. Therefore, suppressing neural injuries by ROS/NLRP3 pathway may be beneficial in treating ICH. As the major catechin found in green tea, epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) shows excellent anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory effects. In this study, EGCG-carbon quantum dots (EGCG-CQDs) were successfully fabricated based on EGCG by hydrothermal synthesis method. EGCG-CQDs exhibited an excellent aqueous solubility, and emerged more abundant phenolic oxygens as well as oxygen-rich functional groups. Importantly, EGCG-CQDs showed superior free radical scavenging activity by DPPH and ABTS assays in vitro than EGCG. In vivo, a significant antioxidative activity was presented by EGCG-CQDs rather than EGCG. Furthermore, the upregulated NLRP3 and the induced inflammatory cascades (NF-κB, Caspase-1 and GSDMD) in ICH were attenuated by EGCG-CQDs. Inflammatory factor productions were also decreased by EGCG-CQDs, such as IL-1β, IL-18, IL-6 and TNF-α. Finally, the disturbed neural viability, disordered cytomorphology, and neurological deficits were significantly improved by EGCG-CQDs rather than EGCG. Therefore, CQDs might be an effective form to amplify the efficacy and bioavailability of EGCG, exerting considerable effects on treating ICH by suppressing ROS/NLRP3.

Comparison of Antioxidant Activity of Stem Bark, Stem Wood, and Leaf Extracts of Bayur Plant (Pterospermum Subpeltatum C.B.Rob)

Antioxidants play a role in preventing and repairing damage to human cells. Searches for antioxidant sources continue to be carried out including in P. subpeltatum plants. This study aims to compare the antioxidant activity of the bark, wood, and leaves of P. subpeltatum C.B. Rob plants. The materials were dried and then shaved to a fineness level of 80 mesh. Materials were extracted using the maceration method with ethanol solvent. The macerate was filtered and the filtrate obtained was concentrated with an evaporator. The three extracts were tested for antioxidants using the DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) Free radical scavengers method, ascorbic acid was used as a comparison. Absorbances was measured using UV-Vis spectroscopy. Each material was made in 5 concentrations. The IC50 value was calculated using the Blois regression equation. The results of the antioxidant test were obtained consecutively: stem wood with an IC50 value = 3.39 μg/mL, stem bark = 5.15 μg/mL, and leaf = 258.58 μg/mL, the IC50 value of ascorbic acid was 2.79 μg/mL. Based on these data, it shows that the antioxidant activity of stem wood and stem bark is in the high category, although still lower than ascorbic acid, while the leaf are included in the weak category.

Review: Overview of Organic Cathode Materials in Lithium-Ion Batteries and Supercapacitors

Organic materials have emerged as promising candidates for cathode materials in lithium-ion batteries and supercapacitors, offering unique properties and advantages over traditional inorganic counterparts. This review investigates the use of organic compounds as cathode materials in energy storage devices, focusing on their application in lithium-ion batteries and supercapacitors. The review covers various types of organic materials, organosulfur compounds, organic free radical compounds, organic carbonyl compounds, conducting polymers, and imine compounds. The advantages, challenges, and ongoing developments in this area are examined and the potential of organic cathode materials to achieve higher energy density, improved cycling stability, and environmental sustainability is highlighted. The comprehensive analysis of organic cathode materials provides insights into their electrochemical performance, electrode reaction mechanisms, and design strategies such as molecular structure modification, hybridization with inorganic components, porous architectures, conductive additives, electrolyte optimization, binder selection, and electrode architecture to improve their efficiency and performance. In addition, future research in the field of organic cathode materials should focus on addressing current limitations such as low energy density, cycling stability, poor discharge capability, potential safety concerns and improving their performance. To do this, it will be necessary to improve structural stability, conductivity, cycle life, and capacity fading, explore new redox-active organic compounds, and pave the way for the next generation of high-performance energy storage devices. For organic cathode materials to be commercially viable, it is also essential to develop scalable and economical manufacturing processes.

Mechanistic insights on lycopene usage against diabetes and associated complications.

Lycopene is a tetraterpene compound belonging to carotenoids that are widely present in tomatoes and similar products. It is known as a powerful anti-oxidant and a non-provitamin A carotenoid. Lycopene has been found to effectively improve diabetes mellitus and its complications, such as cardiac complications, disorders caused by oxidative stress, and liver and neurological disorders. Furthermore, free radicals have been shown to disrupt the action of insulin by changing the physical state of the target cell membrane, while carotenoids improve insulin secretion and function in blood sugar regulation by neutralizing free radicals. It, therefore, seems that targeted clinical studies are needed to investigate the therapeutic effect of lycopene against metabolic disorders induced by diabetes. This review aims to summarize information on the sources and potential uses of lycopene and the possible mechanisms involved in the reduction of the above diseases. Its protective effects, in terms of toxicity and safety, are also discussed. The literature sources used in this review were PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Web of Science databases.