Good Activity Research Articles

First principles study of V2CT2-based MXenes materials in oxygen reduction and oxygen evolution reactions

The development of bifunctional ORR/OER electrocatalysts with low cost, high activity and sustainable cycle plays an important role in improving the performance of new green energy storage and conversion devices to alleviate the energy crisis and environmental pollution. As a graphene-like two-dimensional inorganic layered compound with unique electrochemistry, MXenes materials have attracted more and more attention in the field of electrocatalytic applications. In this paper, based on the first-principles calculation method based on density functional theory (DFT) and quantum mechanics, an effective scheme for designing efficient ORR/OER bifunctional electrocatalysts by introducing Pd/Pt single atoms to regulate the electronic structure of V2CT2 (T = O, F) is proposed. Firstly, we discussed the stability of the designed series of single-atom catalysts by calculating the formation energy, binding energy and molecular dynamics simulation. Secondly, by comparing the theoretical overpotentials of these single-atom catalysts for ORR and OER, we found that among the designed SACs, V2CO2-Pd, V2CF2-Pd and V2CO2-VO-Pt are catalysts with good bifunctional catalytic activity for ORR/OER. Our work provides some guidance for the application of MXenes materials in the field of electrocatalysis.

Comparative Assessment between Glowing Family Elements of Metal and Graphene Quantum Dots Based on their Properties: A Theoretical and Experimental Study

The quantum dots (QDs) have wide range of applications in the field of biology and energy due to exceptionally photo-physical properties and highly active larger surface area. Both metal quantum dots (MQDs) and graphene quantum dots (GQDs) have created a new platform for quantum chemistry not only theoretical point of view but also open various real applications. The photo-physical properties arise due to tunable band gap and active functional groups adhere to the surface. Both MQDs and GQDs have very good properties such as solubility in wide range of solvent, good stability in photo-physical and chemical environment, less poisoning in animal body, small size and tunable photoluminescence is favourable for cell dynamics and imaging, up-conversion and down conversion photoluminescence nature, good electrochemical activity. The functionalization of QDs with micro and macromolecules in all direction are possible as results we find different shape of QDs due to very small size of QDs just like few atoms. Some theoretical studies have been observed to evaluate the origin of these properties. This review focused on the comparative studies including advantage and disadvantage between GQDs and MQDs based on their properties and also give significant imminent to motivate more encouraging development. Moreover, this review study offers significant insights for enhancing the characteristics of quantum dots.

In Vitro Inhibition of Enzymes and Antioxidant and Chemical Fingerprinting Characteristics of Azara serrata Ruiz & Pav. Fruits, an Endemic Plant of the Valdivian Forest of Chile

The World Health Organization has emphasized the importance of consuming small fruits for the prevention of chronic health problems, including diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and obesity, which are named chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Azara serrata Ruiz & Pav., commonly called “aroma de Castilla”, is a shrub endemic to Chile from the Salicaceae family that produces an underutilized blue-grey berry that grows wild in southern Chile. The species is widely used as a medicinal plant by the Andean communities of southern Chile. In this work, a high-resolution mass spectrometric analysis of the methanolic extract revealed several phenolic compounds for the first time in the edible berry of this endemic species. Furthermore, several glycosylated anthocyanins were detected and quantified using UHPLC coupled with UV/Vis detection and trapped ion mobility mass spectrometry (UHPLC-DAD-TIMS-TOF) for the anthocyanin-rich extract, which was prepared using an optimized anthocyanin extraction protocol. The extract proved to be active in the inhibition of several enzymes linked to NCDs, such as acetylcholinesterase, tyrosinase, amylase, lipase, and glucosidase (IC50 = 3.92 ± 0.23, 12.24 ± 0.03, 11.12 ± 0.10, 32.43 ± 0.0, and 371.6 ± 0.0 μg/mL, respectively). Furthermore, the extract concentrated in anthocyanins showed good antioxidant activity evidenced by the bleaching of the radicals DPPH and ABTS, ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), and oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC). The results show that these neglected endemic small berries can be a source of healthy phytochemicals. These Chilean berries can be used as functional food and their extracts are candidates for use as functional ingredients in naturally healthy products.

Bioactive Compounds Investigation and Antioxidant Activities in Extracts and Fractions of Tamarindus Indica (Aradib) From Sudan

Tamarindus indica is commonly used interest in Sudan for edible plant and medicinal use. This study aimed to determine bioactive compounds, and antioxidant activities in extracts and fractions of Tamarindus indica pulp grown in Sudan. The powdered plant was extracted with ethanol, ethyl acetate, and acetone using an ultrasonic technique. The residue of the ethanol extract was fractionated using successive solvents. The extracts and fractions were determined for their phenolics, flavonoids, and tannins contents, and analyzed bioactive compounds by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrophotometer, and also evaluate their antioxidant activities using the 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl, reducing power and hydrogen peroxide scavenging methods. The results show that the total phenolics, total flavonoids, and total tannins levels were significantly higher in the ethyl acetate fraction than in other extracts and fractions. GC-MS analyses of extracts and fractions showed a variety of bioactive compounds such as Hexadecanoic acid, Stigmasterol, Maltol, Sitosterol, Vitamin E, Allose, Tartaric acid, and Vaccenic acid. All the extracts and fractions exhibited good antioxidant activities. The extracts and fractions of Tamarindus indica pulp are sources of natural antioxidants and other bioactive compounds, which are beneficial effects on human health and the possibility of application in the pharmaceutical industry.

Antioxidant Compounds and Activities of Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) Decoction Residues from Cordial and Juice Production

Roselle is a popular plant in Malaysia, especially for its use in food and beverage production. The calyces of the roselle plant are commonly decocted to make roselle juice and cordial, resulting in a significant amount of waste in the form of decocted calyces. Surprisingly, these decocted calyces retain their dark red colour and are still intact although soften. However, to date, there is no research on the antioxidant compounds and activities of roselle decoction residues from cordial and juice production have been reported. Therefore, the aim of this study is to determine the phenolic compounds and antioxidant activities of the roselle decoction residues. The roselle decoction residues were evaluated for colour, Delta E (∆E), pH, total anthocyanin content (TAC), total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), DPPH radical scavenging assay, ferric reducing ability assay (FRAP), and ferrous ion chelating (FIC). All assays were also correlated and show positive effect among themselves. The decocted residues reported were still in acidic conditions ranged of pH 2 to 4. The decocted cordial residue (DCR) showed similar colour with control or fresh roselle calyx (FRC), and a bit duller in decocted juice residue (DJR). The DCR showed similar and slightly lower antioxidant content and activity of TAC, TPC, TFC, DPPH, FRAP and FIC to FRC but much better than DJR. Therefore, the DCR were still rich in anthocyanin contents and had good antioxidant activity without having colour changes. These residues have the capacity to be converted to wealth and could be an alternative source for natural antioxidants. Further research is needed to explore their potential applications in functional foods, dietary supplements, and pharmaceuticals. By harnessing the potential of roselle decoction residues, we can contribute to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly approach to food and beverage production.

Axial modulation of catalysis mechanism via charge-asymmetric for enhanced electrocatalytic performance toward hydrogen and oxygen evolution reactions

Designing efficient, stable, and nonprecious metal bifunctional catalysts is warranted for realizing the industrial application of electrocatalytic overall water splitting. Herein, we report a new catalyst (CoFe/SNC) for the HER and OER. The active site of catalysis composed of two charge-asymmetric Co/Fe atoms could axial modulation of the catalysis mechanism, thus improving the kinetics of the HER and OER. Moreover, the use of hollow porous carbon spheres as catalyst support not only enhances the distribution of Co/Fe atoms but also improves the mass transfer during the HER and OER processes. Therefore, the CoFe/SNC displays a good alkaline HER and OER activity with a small overpotential of 96.2 mV and 285.8 mV at 10 mA cm−2, respectively. Theoretical calculations reveal that the Fe atoms with optimal absorption energy for the hydrogen intermediate and the Co centers with a reduced energy barrier for the rate-determining step are the active sites for HER and OER, respectively. Additionally, the synergistic effect of Co/Fe dual-atoms could effectively optimize the intermediate adsorption of Co/Fe-N4 sites and improve the barriers of HER and OER activity and stability. This study provides valuable insight for designing bifunctional alkaline water-splitting electrocatalysts.

Linarine inhibits inflammatory responses in dry eye disease mice by modulating purinergic receptors.

Linarine is a natural chemical component widely found in Buddleja officinalis Maxim., Chrysanthemum indicum L., Mentha canadensis L., and other medicinal plants. Modern pharmacological studies have shown that linarine with good anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities can inhibit the proliferation and induce apoptosis of many kinds of tumor cells. Moreover, linarine showed protective effect on the liver, kidneys, and other organs. Inflammation model of human corneal epithelial cell (HCEC) was constructed using NaCl induction, and cytotoxicity was detected by the CCK8 assay. The levels of inflammatory factors tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin 1β (IL-1β) were measured using Enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA). Chronic painful stimulation (tail clamping) in combination with Benzalkonium Chloride Solution drops in a desiccator established a mouse model of dry eye disease (DED). The following parameters were recorded: body mass, anal temperature, tear secretion, tear film rupture time, and corneal fluorescein staining. The levels of inflammatory factors mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK), nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-kB), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), IL-1β, Interleukin 18(IL-18), A2A, A3, P2X4, P2X7, P2Y1 were measured by using immunofluorescence (IF) staining. Linarine can inhibit the secreation of TNF-α, and IL-1β in HCECs. Linarine prolonged tear film rupture time, promoted tear secretion, repaired corneal damage, and reduced the levels of inflammatory factors of MAPK, NF-kB, JNK, IL-1β, IL-18, and modulated the levels of the purinergic receptor. Linarine is effective in treating dry eye in mice by inhibiting purinergic receptors-mediated inflammatory response.

Protective Effects of Wild Sulla coronaria (Fabaceae) Flowers Phytocomplex in Human Dermal Fibroblasts Stimulated with Interleukin-1β

Sulla coronaria is indigenous to the Mediterranean region. It is grown as fodder in southern Italy because it contains various secondary metabolites with beneficial activities on animals. Recently, its potential use in cosmeceutical treatments for skin problems was reported. In this scenario, to contribute to a possible cosmeceutical application, we characterized the phytochemical profile of Sulla coronaria flowers’ hydroalcoholic extract by HPLC-DAD, Folin-Ciocalteu, Aluminum Chloride methods, DPPH assay, and, for the first time, we evaluated the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities on dermal fibroblasts. The phytochemical analysis confirmed the significant content of phenolic compounds (TPC 69.8 ± 0.6 mg GAE/g extract, TFC 15.07 mg CE/g extract) and the remarkable presence of rutin, quercetin, and isorhamnetin derivatives that give to the phytocomplex a good antioxidant activity as highlighted by the DPPH assay (IC50 of 8.04 ± 0.5 µg/mL). Through the reduction in NO• and ROS levels in human dermal fibroblasts, the biological tests demonstrated both the safety of the extract and its ability to counteract the inflammatory state generated by Interleukin-1β exposure. Our findings indicate that the antioxidant activities of the phytocomplex are strictly related to the anti-inflammatory action of the Sulla coronaria flowers extract, confirming that this plant could be a valuable source of bioactive molecules for cosmeceutical and nutraceutical applications.

Design, Synthesis, Computational Study, and Biological Evaluation of Sulfonyl Tethered Piperazine Derivatives as Antimicrobial Agents

AbstractPiperazine, a nitrogen‐containing heterocyclic compound, has potential in medical chemistry due to its versatile structure and ease of modification. Therefore, researchers have designed novel piperazine derivatives with various biological activities, including antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal properties. In this study, a new series of 2‐(4‐((5‐bromo‐2‐methoxyphenyl)sulfonyl) piperazine‐1‐yl) acetamide derivatives (7a‐l) were synthesized and their structures were identified using 1H‐NMR, 13C‐NMR, and HRMS spectroscopic methods. The in vitro antimicrobial activity of these compounds was tested against four bacterial strains and two fungi strains. Some of the sulfonyl piperazine derivatives (7d, 7e, 7f, 7j, 7k, and 7l) exhibited relatively good antimicrobial and antifungal activities compared to standard drugs. Further analysis using computational docking confirmed strong binding interactions, aligning with our results. Our compounds exhibited improved potency compared to existing standard treatments.

Design of NiPS3/MoS2/rGO hybrid electrocatalyst for electrochemical hydrogen evolution

The design and development of efficient electrocatalysts for hydrogen evolution reaction is presently a pressing task to overcome future energy demands. In the present study a hybrid layered compound NiPS3/MoS2/rGO (NMR) is investigated as an electrocatalyst for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). The metal trichalcogenidophosphates (MTPs), transition metal dichalcogenides and reduced graphene oxide materials based electrocatalysts are promising material for HER. The hybrid layered compound NMR displays good electrocatalytic activity in acidic medium in comparison to its counterparts MoS2/rGO and NiPS3/rGO with an overpotential and Tafel slope of 152 mV vs RHE and 75 mV/dec, whereas MoS2/rGO and NiPS3/rGO shows an overpotential of 206 mV and 223 mV vs RHE with a Tafel slope value of 146 mV/dec and 154 mV/dec respectively. The hybrid electrocatalyst exhibited high stability up to 1000 cycles with a stable current. The high HER activity of NMR is attributed to synergistic effect of electrocatalysts where P and S of NiPS3 acts as an appropriate hydrogen adsorption sites and catalytically active Mo edge sites of MoS2 with high charge carrier property of rGO contributed to enhanced hydrogen evolution reaction.

Magnesium borate-glasses for biomedical application: Physicochemical and in vitro bioactive properties, antibacterial activity and cell viability

Borate bioactive glasses doped with magnesium oxide (MgO) were synthetized by melt-quenching method and evaluated their physicochemical and in vitro bioactive properties. The glasses were characterized by volumetric density, DTA, XRD and FTIR techniques. In vitro bioactivity was evaluated by SBF immersion test. Cytocompatibility tests were performed on RAW-247 murine macrophage cells. Antibacterial activity was evaluated by the agar disk diffusion method. The XRD results confirm the amorphous nature of the glasses. FTIR analysis showed that the MgO addition modifies the glass network, causing changes in the volumetric density, molar volume, and thermal properties. The in vitro bioactivity was confirmed by XRD, FTIR, and SEM-EDS analyses; all samples showed the formation of biological apatites. All samples are non-cytotoxic and presented good antibacterial activity against S. aureus and P. aeruginosa bacteria. Therefore, all samples are good candidates for biomedical applications, mainly in bone regeneration.

A Comprehensive study on the reduction of 4-NP using Au/Polydopamine catalysts

Here, Au/polydopamine (Au/PDA) catalysts were prepared by gold sol adsorption (Au/PDA(Sol)), PDA in situ reduction (Au/PDA(PDA reduction)) and DA in situ reduction (Au/PDA(DA reduction)). The factors that influence the performance of Au-PDA on the reduction of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP), were systematically studied for the first time. The catalytic performance of Au/PDA(Sol) is the best because of the uniform and small size of Au nanoparticles (NPs) (3.2 ± 0.7 nm), with a turn over frequency (TOF) of 10125 h−1, a mass-normalized rate constant (k’) of 33360 min-1gAu-1 and an apparent activation energy (Ea) of 11.39 KJ/mol. It is confirmed that there are electronic interactions between Au and the catechol hydroxyl groups and imino groups of PDA. Some unreduced Au3+ ions can be reduced in situ by NaBH4 during the catalytic reaction, forming ultra small Au NPs and leading to a good initial catalytic activity, especially for Au/PDA(DA reduction). This work systematically studied the influencing factors in catalysis for Au/PDA, providing guidance for the preparation and industrial application of PDA supported noble metal catalysts.

Purification, Source Exploration, and Bioactivity Evaluation of Oligosaccharides in Sijunzi Decoction.

Sijunzi decoction (SJZD) has been widely used to treat splenic deficiency syndrome. Previous studies confirmed that polysaccharides and non-polysaccharides (NPS) are the main active components of SJZD. This study aimed to investigate the composition and activity of oligosaccharides in NPS. In this study, the oligosaccharide component (named SJZD-OGS), consisting of several different oligosaccharides, was separated and purified from non-polysaccharides of SJZD (SJZD_NPS). Ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-ion mobility spectrometry-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-IMS-QTOF/MS), matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS), and high-performance anion-exchange chromatography with pulsed amperometric detection (HPAEC-PAD) were used to analyze SJZD-OGS. SJZD-OGS, with a molecular weight of 2178Da, was composed of glucose and fructose, and its chemical composition mainly included fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) with a degree of polymerization of 3-14 (DP 3-14). The results of oligosaccharide source exploration demonstrated that the chemical composition of SJZD-OGS was different from that of the oligosaccharides of each herb in SJZD. In addition, SJZD-OGS showed good anti-inflammatory activity on macrophage cells and intestinal epithelial cell protective activity. The present work provides experimental evidence for elucidating the pharmaceutical components of SJZD and presents an effective strategy for the research of oligosaccharides in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM).

Resistance risk and resistance-associated point mutations in the target protein PcVHA-a of fluopimomide in Phytophthora capsici

Fluopimomide, developed by Shandong Sino-Agri United Biotechnology Co., Ltd., is a pyridinylmethyl-benzamide fungicide with good activity against plant diseases caused by phytopathogenic oomycetes. However, there is uncertainty surrounding the resistance risk of fluopimomide and its resistance mechanism in Phytophthora capsici. In this study, the baseline sensitivity of P. capsici to fluopimomide was established, and 106 P. capsici isolates shown sensitive to fluopimomide, with a mean EC50 value of 5.1892 ± 2.2613 μg/mL. Fungicide adaptation produced three fluopimomide-resistant P. capsici mutants, two of which exhibited considerably lower compound fitness index (CFI) than the parent strain, and one showed significantly improved CFI. While cross-resistance was observed between fluopimomide and fluopicolide, no cross-resistance was detected between fluopimomide and other fungicides. Overall, P. capsici presents a moderate resistance risk to fluopimomide. Two point mutations, G767E and K847R, were identified in the V-ATPase subunit a of P. capsici (PcVHA-a) in resistant mutants. These mutations were subsequently validated through site-directed mutagenesis and molecular docking assays, confirming their roles in conferring fluopimomide resistance in P. capsici.

Novel Piperidone Hydrazine Carbodithioate Derivative: Synthesis, In Silico Drug-Likeness Analysis and Anticancer Properties

An efficient synthesis of a novel compound of hydrazine carbodithioate derivative of piperidone, (E)-methyl-2-(3-methyl-2,6-diphenylpiperidin-4-ylidene)hydrazinecarbodithioate (1), was performed using methyl dithiocarbazinate and 3-methyl-2,6-diphenylpiperidin-4-one as the starting materials. The reaction was carried out in an acidic medium using methanol as a solvent. The novel compound was characterized by FTIR, Mass, and NMR spectral techniques. The hydrazine carbodithioate derivative (1) was then tested for its anticancer activity against the liver cancer cell line, Hep G2, using the MTT assay. The IC50 values of the newly synthesized compound were found to be 34.33 ± 0.79 µM (24 hours) and 27.64 ± 1.42 µM (48 hours). The in vitro antitumor studies demonstrated that the novel compound (1) exhibited good inhibitory activity against the Hep G2 cancer cells. Furthermore, in silico properties such as lipophilicity, water solubility, pharmacokinetic properties, drug likeness, and medicinal chemistry were analyzed using the SwissADME tool.

Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking to Explore the Mechanism of Action of Danxiong Huoxue Tablets for the Prevention and Treatment of Heterotopic Ossification

Background: Danxiong Huoxue tablets have been used clinically to prevent and treat Heterotopic Ossification (HO) after total hip arthroplasty, but its therapeutic mechanism is not clear. background: Danxiong Huoxue Tablets has been used clinically to prevent and treat heterotopic ossification (HO) after total hip arthroplasty, but its therapeutic mechanism is not clear. Objectives: This study investigated the potential mechanism of action of Danxiong Huoxue tablets against HO using network pharmacology and molecular docking methods. Methods: The TCMID and SymMap databases and the existing literature were used to screen the active ingredients and targets of Danxiong Huoxue tablets, and the targets of heterotopic ossification were obtained from Gene Cards, DisGeNET, and PharmGkb databases. The PPI network diagram was constructed using the String database and Cytoscape 3.9.1 software. Finally, the core targets were analyzed by GO and KEGG enrichment and validated by molecular docking. Results: A total of 39 active ingredients and 328 corresponding targets of Danxiong Huoxue tablets were identified, which were enriched in signaling pathways, such as PI3K/Akt and MAPK. Molecular docking verified that there was good binding activity between the core targets and the corresponding components. Conclusion: Danxiong Huoxue tablets may prevent and treat HO by acting on key targets, such as SRC, AKT1, JUN, and TNF, and regulating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway and MAPK signaling pathway.

Ultrasonic-assisted extraction, structural analysis and antioxidative mechanism of polysaccharide from sunflower disc

The crude sunflower disc polysaccharide (SDP) was obtained by using ultrasonic assist hot water extraction. Homogeneous SDP was separated by DEAE-cellulose column and Sephacryl S-400 HR column. Its physical properties and antioxidant mechanism was studied. Results showed that extraction yield of SDP was 15.3 %, total sugar was 91.3 %, weight molecular weight (Mw) was7.46 × 103 Da, number-average molecular weight (Mn) was 6.16 × 103 Da and polydispersion coefficient (Mw/Mn) was 1.21. SDP was composed of galactose (Gal), fucose (Fuc), xylose (Xyl), glucose (Glc), arabinose (Ara), rhamnose (Rha), glucuronic acid (Gle-UA) and galacturonic acid (Ga-UA), and the ratio of substance were 1.77∶2.00∶4.55∶8.44∶9.57∶14.26∶2.13∶57.28. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) results showed that smooth surface and structure of SDP was relatively dense, and some crystallization existed, but the crystallization was weak. Two-dimensional structure of SDP showed that the main chain →4)-α-d-GalpA-(1→, →3)-α-l-Araf-(1→, →2)-α-l-Rhap-(1→, →2, 4)-α-l-Rhap-(1→, →2, 4)-α-d-GlcpA-(1→ and →3, 6)-β-d-Galp-(1→ interconnection form. Results of in vitro and in vivo of SDP and its derivatives showed that a good antioxidant activity. In vitro antioxidant activity, the scavenging rates of ABTS+, ·OH, DPPH and superoxide anions were 95.8 %, 93.9 %, 93.6 % and 92.1 %, respectively, when treated with 3.2 mg/mL of SDP solution. The preliminary antioxidative mechanism results showed that SDP had a regulatory effects on the down-regulation of Nrf2, HO-1 and NQO1 proteins in RAW264.7 cells. Preliminary pharmacokinetic analysis showed that the SDP could be absorbed orally and reached its peak concentration in the blood at about 2 h. The content of polysaccharide in blood reached the peak value at 30 min and reached the lowest value at 8 h after intravenous injection.

Manganese Sulfanyl Porphyrazine-MWCNT Nanohybrid Electrode Material as a Catalyst for H2O2 and Glucose Biosensors.

The demetallation reaction of sulfanyl magnesium(II) porphyrazine with N-ethylphthalimide substituents, followed by remetallation with manganese(II) salts, yields the corresponding manganese(III) derivative (Pz3) with high efficiency. This novel manganese(III) sulfanyl porphyrazine was characterized by HPLC and analyzed using UV-Vis, MS, and FT-IR spectroscopy. Electrochemical experiments of Pz3 conducted in dichloromethane revealed electrochemical activity of the new complex due to both manganese and N-ethylphthalimide substituents redox transitions. Subsequently, Pz3 was deposited on multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), and this hybrid material was then applied to glassy carbon electrodes (GC). The resulting hybrid electroactive electrode material, combining manganese(III) porphyrazine with MWCNTs, showed a significant decrease in overpotential of H2O2 oxidation compared to bare GC or GC electrodes modified with only carbon nanotubes (GC/MWCNTs). This improvement, attributed to the electrocatalytic performance of Mn3+, enabled linear response and sensitive detection of H2O2 at neutral pH. Furthermore, a glucose oxidase (GOx)-containing biosensing platform was developed by modifying the prepared GC/MWCNT/Pz3 electrode for the electrochemical detection of glucose. The bioelectrode incorporating the newly designed Pz3 exhibited good activity in the presence of glucose, confirming effective electronic communication between the Pz3, GOx and MWCNT surface. The linear range for glucose detection was 0.2-3.7 mM.

Biomass carbon with defective structures as effective ORR catalyst for DMFC

Oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), as an important reaction carried out on the cathode of direct methanol fuel cells (DMFC), directly affects the performance of the cell. Previous experimental studies have shown that there are some interactions between the defect structure and N doping to promote the ORR performance of the catalysts. In this work, the binder was first utilized to reduce the lignin content in the cotton straw (CS) system, thereby increasing the defective structure of the carbon substrate. Here, we obtained 5C-NP-Fe catalysts by increasing the defectivity of the carbon substrate through binder. The coordination environment surrounding the Fe-N4 sites is optimized by the synergistic action of the N and P atoms and the faulty structure, as shown by DFT theoretical calculations. In alkaline medium, half-wave potentials as high as 0.88 V in the three-electrode system and a peak power density of 10.8 mW cm−2 in a direct methanol fuel cell at 60℃. Compared to a 20 wt% commercial Pt/C catalyst (0.84 V, 7.5 mW cm−2), 5C-NP-Fe showed good ORR activity. The binder modification strategy provides a simple and green approach to the structural optimization of biomass-based catalysts.

Exploring the Mechanism of Comfrey in Lung Cancer Based on Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking

Network pharmacology was used to investigate the active ingredients and mechanism of action of the Chinese medicine comfrey in lung cancer. Comfrey constituents and their targets were collected by searching the TCMSP and PubChem databases. The Gene Cards database was searched to extract target information for lung cancer. Based on the STRING database, Cytoscape 3.9.1 software was used to construct the PPI network of common targets of comfrey in lung cancer. We searched for common targets and performed GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses to build a 'network diagram' of TCM active ingredient-disease targets. The results of the pharmacological network analysis showed that after the screening, 12 compounds and 904 drug targets were obtained, and 147 drug-disease common targets were obtained, with AKT1, EGFR, TNF, and CASP3 as the core targets. After enrichment analysis of the above key targets, it was found that cancer pathways, prostate cancer, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, endocrine resistance, and cancer proteoglycans were involved in the treatment of comfrey. The molecular docking results also showed that the comfrey compounds had good binding activities with the key targets, proving the accuracy of the network pharmacological prediction results. The results of this experiment provisionally verified the basic pharmacological effects of comfrey and its mechanism of action against lung cancer and provided directions for further research.