Free Zinc Research Articles

Direct ink writing of engineered MOF-based hybrid composite empowering dendrite free zinc ion battery anode

The relationship between morphology and electrochemical performance of zinc-ion battery (ZIB) anodes is crucial. Optimizing zinc-ion intercalation efficiency, suppressing dendrite formation, and mitigating shape changes are achievable through thoughtful anode architecture design. Herein, we have engineered a hybrid composite by coordinating a metal-organic framework with phenolic formaldehyde resin using a direct ink writing approach to rationally design a gridline-patterned 3DP-UiON-PHC@Zn. This anode in a symmetrical cell shows exceptional stability with a low voltage hysteresis of 15 mV at 0.1 mA cm−2 over 2375 h and 67 mV at 0.5 mA cm−2 over 4470 h. When paired with a 3DP-VOC@Al cathode in a full cell, it achieves a remarkable areal capacity of 85.1 mAh cm2 (94.8 %) and maintains a capacity retention of 122 mAh g−1 (88.6 %) over 900 cycles at 0.1 A g−1. It also offers a power density of 69.1 W kg−1 and an energy density of 34.6 Wh kg−1. Kinetic analysis reveals that the charge storage mechanism is primarily capacitive (94.7 %). This study concludes that DIW significantly improves anode performance by minimizing dendrite growth and improving electrochemical stability, while the 3D-printed hybrid composite ensures robust mechanical stability and a porous structure.

Microbiome profile and nutritional benefits of traditional overnight soaked cooked rice

This study explores the microbial composition, nutrient content, and health benefits of "Panta Bhat," a traditional dish made from cooked rice soaked overnight, commonly consumed in Southeast Asia, particularly in Bangladesh and India. The research aims to evaluate its potential as an affordable food to enhance nutrition and combat malnutrition in population where rice is a staple. The findings reveal that soaking cooked rice overnight initiates mild fermentation, leading to the consistent growth of beneficial bacteria from the Bacillota phylum. 16S rRNA sequencing identified two Gram-positive bacteria, Leuconostoc lactis and Weissella confusa, known for their probiotic and lactic acid-producing capabilities. Furthermore, mineral analysis via ICP-MS showed significant increases in free iron, zinc, manganese, boron, calcium, magnesium, and potassium in soaked rice compared to unsoaked rice. Notably, there was a significant reduction in glycaemic response after consuming soaked rice (P < 0.01). This study suggests that overnight-soaked cooked rice is a promising source of probiotics and enhanced micronutrients, making it a valuable and cost-effective, low-glycaemic food option.

PSIV-19 The use of microencapsulated zinc oxide improves the growth performance and intestinal health of newly weaned piglets

Abstract The application of microencapsulation technology to protect zinc may support inclusion of reduced levels with similar benefits to elevated doses of free zinc oxide. This study aimed to compare the effects of different doses of a microencapsulated ZnO (Zinco-Plus S) and free ZnO in nursery diets on growth performance and intestinal health of pigs. A total of 480 newly weaned piglets [26 d of age, initial body weight (BW) = 7.39 kg] were randomly assigned to one of four dietary treatments for 35d. Treatments were as follow: free ZnO (3,000, 1,500, and 0 ppm at phase 1, 2, and 3, respectively) or one of three doses of the microencapsulated ZnO (400, 600, and 800 ppm) maintained consistently across all 3 nursery phases (total amount of zinc in diets were within limits allowed by Canadian regulation). Each dietary treatment had 10 replicates, with 12 pigs/pen, gender balanced. All treatments had protease (Jefo Protease; 125 g/t), xylanase (Belfeed Xylanase; 100 g/t) and protected organic acids and essential oils (Porcinat+; 2 kg/t in phase 1 and 2, 1 kg/t in phase 3). Body weight, BW gain and feed intake were measured to determine feed conversion. At the end of phase 1, fecal sample was collected (pooled of 4 samples/pen) to determine zinc excretion. At the end of phase 2, blood serum was collected (1 pig/pen) to measure calprotectin and diamine oxidase concentrations and, ileal tissue was collected (1 pig/pen) to measure expression of zonular occludens (ZO) -1. Data were submitted to ANOVA and Fisher test with significance set at P &amp;lt; 0.05. There was no difference (P &amp;gt; 0.05) in final BW of pigs across all treatments. Nonetheless, piglets receiving 800 ppm of the microencapsulated ZnO had improved (P &amp;lt; 0.05) feed conversion ratio compared with pigs fed diet containing free ZnO. There was no difference (P &amp;gt; 0.05) in serum concentrations of calprotectin and diamine oxidase across all treatments, indicating improved intestinal health regardless of the form of ZnO. Piglets supplemented with microencapsulated ZnO at 800 ppm had an increased (P &amp;lt; 0.05) intestinal expression of ZO-1 in comparison with piglets receiving free ZnO, indicating better intestinal integrity. Fecal zinc concentrations were reduced (P &amp;lt; 0.05) by 75 % with the inclusion of microencapsulated ZnO compared with free ZnO. Piglets supplemented with microencapsulated ZnO at 800 ppm improved (P &amp;lt; 0.05) feed cost per kg BW gain by 10.7 % when compared with free ZnO. These findings show that supplementing lower levels of zinc in nursery diets via microencapsulation technology improves growth performance and supports intestinal health at levels comparable with increased free ZnO supplementation. Moreover, the utilization of microencapsulated zinc oxide has the additional advantage of minimizing environmental impact through the reduction of zinc wastage.

Ultrafast Self‐Charging in Acid–Base Free Aqueous Rechargeable Zinc–Quinhydrone Batteries

AbstractIn the field of energy technologies, self‐charging batteries are receiving extensive attention. However, the existing technologies are highly dependent on the available sources of O2, have long self‐charging duration, and have complex architectures. Herein, a novel ultrafast chemical self‐charging Zn‐quinhydrone polymer gel (QPG) battery, composed of acid/base free quinhydrone as a cathode material is reported. The prepared Zn–QPG battery exhibits a specific capacity of 209.7 mAh g−1 at 10C rate and maintains 86.4% of the initial discharge capacity even after 3000 cycles with a high coulombic efficiency of 99.4%. The aqueous amphiphilic block co‐polymer‐driven selective oxidation of hydroquinone (HQ) to benzoquinone (BQ) compels the chemical self‐charging feature wherein the device attains ≈1.1 V within ten minutes of complete discharge. The chemical self‐charging generated a high specific capacity of 197.8 mAh g−1 at 10C rate with a capacity retention of 91.2% after 100 cycles. Moreover, a flexible Zn–QPG battery also demonstrates excellent rechargeability and power‐delivering ability even in a wrist‐bend geometry. This work paves the way to develop ultrafast energy storage systems, which are not dependent on an external power supply and broaden the horizon of aqueous zinc–organic batteries.

Suppressing hydrogen evolution and promoting dendrite free zinc deposition by fluorinated triazine framework towards robust aqueous zinc ion batteries

Aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs) have become a research hotspot, but the inevitable zinc dendrites and parasitic reactions in the zinc anode seriously hinder their further development. In this study, three covalent triazine frameworks (DCPY-CTF, CTF-1 and FCTF) have been synthesized and used as artificial protective coatings, in which the fluorinated triazine framework (FCTF) increases the zinc-philic site, thus better promoting dendritic free zinc deposition and inhibiting hydrogen evolution reactions. Excitingly, both experimental results and theoretical calculations indicate that the FCTF interface adjusts the deposition of Zn2+ along the (002) plane, effectively alleviating the formation of zinc dendrites. As expected, Zn@FCTF symmetric cells exhibit cycling stability of over 4000 h (0.25 mA cm−2), meanwhile Zn@FCTF//NHVO full cells provide a high specific capacity of 280 mAh/g at 1.0 A/g, which are superior to those of bare Zn anode. This work provides new insights for suppressing hydrogen evolution and promoting dendrite-free zinc deposition to construct highly stable and reversible AZIBs.

Kinetics‐Matched Electrode Design for Zn‐Metal Free Zinc Ion Batteries with High Energy Density and Stabilities

AbstractThe metal‐free rocking chair type Zn‐ion batteries (ZIBs) provide a promising approach toward the promotion of the Zn‐based batteries by circumventing the challenges including dendrite growth, hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), and surface corrosion. In order to sufficiently exploit the available capacity of this metal‐free batteries, it is necessary to effectively enhance the sluggish reaction kinetics of divalent zinc ions. Equally important is to achieve a balance in the kinetics between cathode and anode. Here, hetero‐valent doping and oxygen vacancy engineering are employed to effectively enhance the reaction dynamics of V2O5 cathodes and MoO3 anodes. Moreover, to the best of the knowledge, for the first time, the strategy of kinetics matching between the two electrodes is applied to the construction of rocking‐chair zinc ion batteries, enabling the cathode and anode to share similar zinc ion migration rates, and achieving a high energy density of up to 58.7 Wh kg−1 (based on the total electrode mass) as well as excellent cycling stability (90% after 500 cycles). This work demonstrates the importance of kinetics matching in zinc‐ion full‐cell performance and pave a benefitable avenue to for the pursuit of advanced multi‐valent metal‐ion batteries.

TSQ Incubation Enhances Autometallographic Zinc Detection in Cultured Astrocytes.

Zinc is a critical ion for a large number of cellular functions. In the central nervous system, zinc ions are involved in synaptic transmission. Therefore, zinc homeostasis is essential, and cells have developed a variety of mechanisms to control cellular zinc concentration, including the zincosome formation. Alterations of free zinc levels have been associated with brain dysfunction and are present in many illnesses and syndromes. Astrocytes are implicated in the maintenance of the neuronal milleu and brain homeostasis. In this work, we have analyzed the combination of direct (TSQ) and indirect (autometallography) zinc detection methods to increase sensitivity for studying zinc uptake by rat astrocytes in vitro. Zincosome formation was visualized with the zinc fluorochrome TSQ by light microscopy. Additionally, we improved both zinc precipitation and cellular fixation methods to preserve zinc ions and make them suitable for autometallography development. Our tests pinpointed paraformaldehyde and sodium sulfide as the more adequate methods for cellular fixation and zinc precipitation, respectively. TSQ incubation and pH of the fixative were shown to be crucial for autometallography. Using this improved method, we visualized the zinc content of zincosomes at the ultrastructural level both as silver autometallographic precipitates and as electrodense sulfide-osmium zinc precipitates.

Trans-synaptic Association of Vesicular Zinc Transporter 3 and Shank3 Supports Synapse-Specific Dendritic Spine Structure and Function in the Mouse Auditory Cortex.

Shank3 is a synaptic scaffolding protein that assists in tethering and organizing structural proteins and glutamatergic receptors in the postsynaptic density of excitatory synapses. The localization of Shank3 at excitatory synapses and the formation of stable Shank3 complexes is regulated by the binding of zinc to the C-terminal sterile-alpha-motif (SAM) domain of Shank3. Mutations in the SAM domain of Shank3 result in altered synaptic function and morphology, and disruption of zinc in synapses that express Shank3 leads to a reduction of postsynaptic proteins important for synaptic structure and function. This suggests that zinc supports the localization of postsynaptic proteins via Shank3. Many regions of the brain are highly enriched with free zinc inside glutamatergic vesicles at presynaptic terminals. At these synapses, zinc transporter 3 (ZnT3) moves zinc into vesicles where it is co-released with glutamate. Alterations in ZnT3 are implicated in multiple neurodevelopmental disorders, and ZnT3 knock-out (KO) mice-which lack synaptic zinc-show behavioral deficits associated with autism spectrum disorder and schizophrenia. Here we show that male and female ZnT3 KO mice have smaller dendritic spines and miniature excitatory postsynaptic current amplitudes than wildtype (WT) mice in the auditory cortex. Additionally, spine size deficits in ZnT3 KO mice are restricted to synapses that express Shank3. In WT mice, synapses that express both Shank3 and ZnT3 have larger spines compared to synapses that express Shank3 but not ZnT3. Together these findings suggest a mechanism whereby presynaptic ZnT3-dependent zinc supports postsynaptic structure and function via Shank3 in a synapse-specific manner.

Scalable Metal Free Zinc Ion Capattery Enabled by Interstitial Defect Engineering of Nanoscale n-Type Zinc Vanadate.

This Letter explores the energy storage properties of nano zinc vanadate in zinc metal batteries and a Zn metal free capattery. The synthesis is a simple scalable solution state mechanochemical route with uniform nanosized one-dimensional zinc vanadate. The synthesized vanadate is engineered using NMP at the electrode fabrication stage to position the Zn2+ ions at an easily extractable site. This in turn tunes the bandgap from 2.38 to 2.16 eV, creating oxygen defective vacancies in the crystal lattice. In addition, electrochemical analysis of the engineered cathode is studied in a half-cell device that is further developed into a zinc metal free zinc ion capattery (ZiC). The developed metal free capattery delivered a capacity of 120 mAh g-1 at a current density of 100 mA g-1, and a pouch cell is fabricated to power light-emitting diodes.

Fostering healthy aging through selective nutrition: A long-term comparison of two dietary patterns and their holistic impact on mineral status in middle-aged individuals—A randomized controlled intervention trial in Germany

Aging is associated with a decline in physiological functions and an increased risk of age-related diseases, emphasizing the importance of identifying dietary strategies for healthy aging. Minerals play a crucial role in maintaining optimal health during aging, making them relevant targets for investigation. Therefore, we aimed to analyze the effect of different dietary pattern on mineral status in the elderly. We included 502 individuals aged 50–80 years in a 36-month randomized controlled trial (RCT) (NutriAct study). This article focuses on the results within the two-year intervention period. NutriAct is not a mineral-modulating-targeted intervention study, rather examining nutrition in the context of healthy aging in general. However, mineral status might be affected in an incidental manner. Participants were assigned to either NutriAct dietary pattern (proportionate intake of total energy consumption (%E) of 35–45 %E carbohydrates, 35–40 %E fats, and 15–25 %E protein) or the German Nutrition Society (DGE) dietary pattern (proportionate intake of total energy consumption (%E) of 55 %E carbohydrates, 30 %E fats, and 15 %E protein), differing in the composition of macronutrients. Data from 368 participants regarding dietary intake (energy, calcium, magnesium, iron, and zinc) and serum mineral concentrations of calcium, magnesium, iron, copper, zinc, selenium, iodine, and manganese, free zinc, and selenoprotein P were analyzed at baseline, as well as after 12 and 24 months to gain comprehensive insight into the characteristics of the mineral status. Additionally, inflammatory status - sensitive to changes in mineral status - was assessed by measurement of C-reactive protein and interleukin-6. At baseline, inadequate dietary mineral intake and low serum concentrations of zinc and selenium were observed in both dietary patterns. Throughout two years, serum zinc concentrations decreased, while an increase of serum selenium, manganese and magnesium concentrations was observable, likely influenced by both dietary interventions. No significant changes were observed for serum calcium, iron, copper, or iodine concentrations. In conclusion, long-term dietary interventions can influence serum mineral concentrations in a middle-aged population. Our findings provide valuable insights into the associations between dietary habits, mineral status, and disease, contributing to dietary strategies for healthy aging.

Effects of Zinc Combined with Metformin on Zinc Homeostasis, Blood-Epididymal Barrier, and Epididymal Absorption in Male Diabetic Mice.

Diabetes increases the likelihood of germ cell damage, hypogonadism, and male infertility. Diabetes leads to lower zinc (Zn) levels, an important micronutrient for maintaining male fertility, and zinc deficiency can lead to decreased male fertility through multiple mechanisms. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of combined metformin and zinc administration on epididymis in diabetic mice; 10 of 50 male mice were randomly selected as the control group (group C), and the remaining 40 mice were randomly divided into untreated diabetes group (group D), diabetes + zinc group (group Z), diabetes + metformin group (group M), and diabetes + metformin + zinc group (group ZM) with 10 mice each. Diabetic mice in group Z received oral zinc (10 mg/kg) once daily for 4 weeks; diabetic mice in group M received oral metformin (200 mg/kg) once daily for 4 weeks; diabetic mice in group ZM received oral metformin and zinc once daily for 4 weeks; and groups C and D received the same amount of sterile water by gavage. Overnight fasted mice were sacrificed, and blood samples, mouse epididymides, and sperm were collected for further experiments. In group D, fasting blood glucose and insulin resistance index increased significantly, semen quality, serum insulin, and testosterone decreased, and epididymal structure was disordered. In group D, epididymal tissue zinc, free zinc ions in the caput, and cauda of epididymis and zinc transporter (ZnT2) decreased significantly, while ZIP12, metallothionein (MT), and metal transcription factor (MTF1) increased significantly. In addition, the expressions of blood-epididymal barrier (BEB)-related molecules (including ZO-1 β-catenin and N-cadherin) and aquaporins (AQPs, including AQP3, AQP9, and AQP11) in the epididymis of mice in group D were significantly decreased. In addition, compared with groups D, Z, and M, in the ZM group, the expression of BEB-related molecules (including ZO-1, β-catenin, and N-cadherin) and aquaporins (AQP3, AQP9, and AQP11) in epididymis tissue were significantly increased, and sperm motility and serum testosterone were significantly increased. It was concluded that male diabetic mice have a disturbed epididymal structure and decreased semen quality by causing an imbalance in epididymal zinc homeostasis, BEB, and impaired absorptive function. The combination of zinc and metformin is an effective and safe alternative treatment and provides additional benefits over metformin alone.

Effect of estrogen and progesterone on intracellular free zinc and zinc transporter expression in bovine oviduct epithelial cells

Zinc (Zn) plays essential roles in numerous cellular processes. However, there is limited understanding of Zn homeostasis within the bovine reproductive system. This study investigated the influence of estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P4) on Zn transporter expression and intracellular free Zn levels in bovine oviduct epithelial cells (BOEC). For this purpose, cells were harvested from slaughtered cows and cultured in vitro. Intracellular Zn concentrations were measured using FluoZin-3AM staining, while real-time polymerase chain reaction assessed Zn transporter gene expression and quantification. Overall, our results confirmed the gene expression of all the evaluated Zn transporters (ZIP6, ZIP8, ZIP14, ZnT3, ZnT7 and ZnT9), denoted and the active role of E2 and P4 in intracellular Zn regulation. Our findings suggest an interaction between Zn, E2 and P4.

Developmental regulation of zinc homeostasis in differentiating oligodendrocytes

Oligodendrocytes develop through sequential stages and understanding pathways regulating their differentiation remains an important area of investigation. Zinc is required for the function of enzymes, proteins and transcription factors, including those important in myelination and mitosis. Our previous studies using the ratiometric zinc sensor chromis-1 demonstrated a reduction in intracellular free zinc concentrations in mature MBP+ oligodendrocytes compared with earlier stages (Bourassa et al., 2018). We performed a more detailed developmental study to better understand the temporal course of zinc homeostasis across the oligodendrocyte lineage. Using chromis-1, we found a transient increase in free zinc after O4+,O1− pre-oligodendrocytes were switched from proliferation medium into terminal differentiation medium. To gather other evidence for dynamic regulation of free zinc during oligodendrocyte development, qPCR was used to evaluate mRNA expression of major zinc storage proteins metallothioneins (MTs) and metal regulatory transcription factor 1 (MTF1), which controls expression of MTs. MT1, MT2 and MTF1 mRNAs were increased several fold in mature oligodendrocytes compared to oligodendrocytes in proliferation medium. To assess the depth of the zinc buffer, we assayed zinc release from intracellular stores using the oxidizing thiol reagent 2,2′-dithiodipyridine (DTDP). Exposure to DTDP resulted in ∼ 100% increase in free zinc in pre-oligodendrocytes but, paradoxically more modest ∼ 60% increase in mature oligodendrocytes despite increased expression of MTs. These results suggest that zinc homeostasis is regulated during oligodendrocyte development, that oligodendrocytes are a useful model for studying zinc homeostasis in the central nervous system, and that regulation of zinc homeostasis may be important in oligodendrocyte differentiation.

Postprandial Micronutrient Variability and Bioavailability: An Interventional Meal Study in Young vs. Old Participants.

This study explores age- and time-dependent variations in postprandial micronutrient absorption after a micronutrient-rich intervention meal within the Biomiel (bioavailability of micronutrients in elderly) study. Comprising 43 healthy participants, the study compares young (n = 21; mean age 26.90 years) and old (n = 22; mean age 66.77 years) men and women, analyzing baseline concentrations and six-hour postprandial dynamics of iron (Fe), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), selenium (Se), iodine (I), free zinc (fZn), vitamin C, retinol, lycopene, β-carotene, α-tocopherol, and γ-tocopherol, along with 25(OH) vitamin D (quantified only at baseline). Methodologically, quantifications in serum or plasma were performed at baseline and also at 90, 180, 270, and 360 min postprandially. Results reveal higher baseline serum Zn and plasma lycopene concentrations in the young group, whereas Cu, Se, Cu/Zn ratio, 25(OH) vitamin D, α-tocopherol, and γ-tocopherol were higher in old participants. Postprandial variability of Zn, vitamin C, and lycopene showed a strong time-dependency. Age-related differences in postprandial metabolism were observed for Se, Cu, and I. Nevertheless, most of the variance was explained by individuality. Despite some limitations, this study provides insights into postprandial micronutrient metabolism (in serum/plasma), emphasizing the need for further research for a comprehensive understanding of this complex field. Our discoveries offer valuable insights for designing targeted interventions to address and mitigate micronutrient deficiencies in older adults, fostering optimal health and well-being across the lifespan.

The transmembrane channel-like 6 (TMC6) in primary sensory neurons involving thermal sensation via modulating M channels.

Introduction: The transmembrane channel-like (TMC) protein family contains eight members, TMC1-TMC8. Among these members, only TMC1 and TMC2 have been intensively studied. They are expressed in cochlear hair cells and are crucial for auditory sensations. TMC6 and TMC8 contribute to epidermodysplasia verruciformis, and predispose individuals to human papilloma virus. However, the impact of TMC on peripheral sensation pain has not been previously investigated. Methods: RNAscope was employed to detect the distribution of TMC6 mRNA in DRG neurons. Electrophysiological recordings were conducted to investigate the effects of TMC6 on neuronal characteristics and M channel activity. Zn2+ indicators were utilized to detect the zinc concentration in DRG tissues and dissociated neurons. A series of behavioural tests were performed to assess thermal and mechanical sensation in mice under both physiological and pathological conditions. Results and Discussion: We demonstrated that TMC6 is mainly expressed in small and medium dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons and is involved in peripheral heat nociception. Deletion of TMC6 in DRG neurons hyperpolarizes the resting membrane potential and inhibits neuronal excitability. Additionally, the function of the M channel is enhanced in TMC6 deletion DRG neurons owing to the increased quantity of free zinc in neurons. Indeed, heat and mechanical hyperalgesia in chronic pain are alleviated in TMC6 knockout mice, particularly in the case of heat hyperalgesia. This suggests that TMC6 in the small and medium DRG neurons may be a potential target for chronic pain treatment.

Phosphonate-substituted porphyrins as efficient, cost-effective and reusable photocatalysts.

Recent advances in visible light photocatalysis represent a significant stride towards sustainable catalytic chemistry. However, its successful implementation in fine chemical production remains challenging and requires careful optimization of available photocatalysts. Our work aims to structurally modify bioinspired porphyrin catalysts, addressing issues related to their laborious synthesis and low solubility, with the goal of increasing their efficiency and developing reusable catalytic systems. We have demonstrated the catalytic potential of readily available meso-tetrakis[4-(diethoxyphosphoryl)phenyl]porphyrins (M(TPPP)). Novel metal (Pd(II), Co(II) and In(III)) complexes with this ligand were prepared in good yields. These chromophores were characterized in solution using spectroscopic (NMR, UV-vis, fluorescence) and electrochemical methods. The introduction of phosphonate groups on the phenyl substituents of meso-tetraphenylporphyrins (M(TPP)) improves solubility in polar organic solvents without significantly altering the photophysical properties and photostability of complexes. This structural modification also leads to easier reductions and harder oxidations of the macrocycle for all investigated complexes compared to the corresponding TPP derivatives. The free base porphyrin, zinc(II), palladium(II), and indium(III) complexes were studied as photocatalysts for oxidation of sulfides to sulfoxides using molecular oxygen as a terminal oxidant. Both dialkyl and alkyl aryl sulfides were quantitatively transformed into sulfoxides under blue LED irradiation in the acetonitrile-water mixture (10 : 1 v/v) with a low loading (0.005-0.05 mol%) of porphyrin photocatalysts, where H2(TPPP) and Pd(TPPP) were found to be the most efficient. The reaction mechanism was studied using photoluminescence and EPR spectroscopies. Then, to access reusable catalysts, water-soluble derivatives bearing phosphonic acid groups, H2(TPPP-A) and Pd(TPPP-A), were prepared in high yields. These compounds were characterized using spectroscopic methods. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis of Pd(TPPP-A) reveals that the complex forms a 3D hydrogen-bonded organic framework (HOF) in the solid state. Both H2(TPPP-A) and Pd(TPPP-A) were found to catalyze the photooxidation of sulfides by molecular oxygen in the acetonitrile-water mixture (1 : 1 v/v), while only Pd(TPPP-A) resulted in selective production of sulfoxides. The complex Pd(TPPP-A) was easily recovered through extraction in the aqueous phase and successfully reused in five consecutive cycles of the sulfoxidation reaction.

Zinc transporter ZnT3/Slc30a3 has a potential role in zinc ion influx in mouse oocytes.

Zinc is an essential trace element for various physiological functions, including reproduction. The influx/efflux of zinc ions is regulated by zinc transporters (Zip1-14 and ZnT1-8, 10). However, the precise roles of zinc transporters and zinc dynamics in reproductive functions are unknown. In this study, ZnT3/Slc30a3 gene knockout (KO) mice were used to analyze the role of ZnT3. In ZnT3 KO mice, intracellular zinc ions in oocytes/zygotes were significantly reduced compared to those in controls, and free zinc ions did not accumulate in the oocyte cytoplasm. However, fertilization of these oocytes and the average litter size were comparable to those of control mice. Our results suggest that ZnT3 plays an important role in the accumulation of zinc ions in oocytes but not in the developmental ability of mice. ZnT3 KO mice will be useful for examining zinc dynamics in oocytes and other tissues.

High-temperature photoluminescence properties of various defects in hydrothermally grown ZnO microrods

High-temperature photoluminescence properties of hydrothermally grown ZnO microrods were reported. Photoluminescence spectra of ZnO microrods deconvoluted into three Gaussian components: near band edge (NBE) emission, Violet emission (VL) and Yellow emission (YL) peaks corresponding to free excitons, zinc vacancies and interstitial oxygen atoms, respectively. Increasing the temperature caused a redshift of the energy position of the NBE and VL peaks and a blueshift of the energy position of the YL peak were observed. In the temperature range from 300K to 473K, the intensities of the NBE and VL bands varied based on a nonlinear pattern. Intensity of these emission bands decreases from temperature 473K–673K. As the temperature increases, changes in the energy and crystal structures of the material due to decrease in the concentration of defects cause a blueshift of the emission bands related to interstitial atoms, and a redshift of the emission bands related to vacancies.

Synthesis, Sensing Performance and DFT Studies of a Novel Coumarin-based Schiff Base As a Turn-on Fluorescence Probe for Zinc Ion Detection.

The design and development of novel efficient fluorescent chemical sensors for the selective detection of ions is currently of significant importance in supramolecular chemistry. Since zinc is a ubiquitous, indispensable and the second most abundant metal ion in the human body, developing chemosensors that can accurately discriminate between Zn2+ and Cd2+ ions has been a challenge due to their similar properties as they are in the same group of the periodic table. Therefore, a technique to trace and visualize free zinc ions is demanded. In this study, an innovative coumarin-based Schiff base (L) was synthesized and characterized by 1H NMR, 13C NMR and mass spectroscopy. A novel "Turn On" fluorescence chemosensor platform was developed for trace amounts of Zn2+ ions. The fluorescence Job's plot measurement was used to determine the complexation ratio between the probe and Zn2+ ion, which showed a maximum point indicating the formation of a ML2 adduct. Additionally, the geometrical parameters calculated using DFT and TD-DFT calculations were in close agreement with the experimentally observed values.

Improvement of biochemical and antioxidant responses of borage (Borago officinalis L.) under drought stress conditions with the use of vermicompost and zinc sulfate.

Drought poses a significant threat to crop production systems. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the impact of vermicompost and foliar application of zinc sulfate under conditions of reduced irrigation on the physiological properties of Borage. A two-year experiment was conducted following a split factorial design within a randomized complete block design with three replications at Yasouj University Research Station in 2017 and 2018. The primary factor involved three levels of irrigation cut-off (I1: full irrigation, I2: irrigation cut-off at the flowering stage, and I3: irrigation cut-off during the seed-filling stage). The sub-factor included vermicompost fertilizer at three different levels (N0: control, N1: 5tonha-1, and N2: 10tonha-1), and foliar application of zinc sulfate at three levels (Z0: control, Z1: 2 and Z2: 4mgl-1). During the flowering stage stress, foliar application of 4mgl-1 of zinc sulfate resulted in an increased chlorophyll a + b content in plants (2.91mgg-1FW), while the control showed the lowest amount (2.56mgg-1FW). Vermicompost supplementation improved chlorophyll a + b content during the seed-filling stage under conditions of irrigation cut-off. The results indicated that an increase in vermicompost fertilizer application led to an elevation in relative water content (RWC), with the highest RWC (79.2%) achieved when 10tonha-1 of vermicompost was applied. Irrigation cut-off during the seed-filling stage resulted in increased electrolyte leakage and higher fertilizer usage, thus reducing cell damage. Furthermore, the findings revealed that applying 2 and 4mgl-1 zinc sulfate reduced malondialdehyde content by 5% and 9%, respectively. The catalase, peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase activities demonstrated an increased response to stress mitigation treatments. However, their activities decreased as vermicompost and zinc sulfate levels increased. The study demonstrated that the highest biomass was obtained when 10tonha-1 of vermicompost and 2mgl-1 of zinc sulfate were applied. The flowering stage of the plant exhibited the most significant negative impact under stress conditions. Nonetheless, using vermicompost and zinc sulfate, particularly during the seed-filling phase, alleviated the adverse effects of drought stress. In conclusion, our findings indicate that, although drought stress resulted in increased electrolyte leakage due to elevated free radical production, vermicompost, and zinc sulfate played a role in reducing stress.