Good Properties Research Articles

Broccoli, Amaranth, and Red Beet Microgreen Juices: The Influence of Cold-Pressing on the Phytochemical Composition and the Antioxidant and Sensory Properties.

The aim of this study was to analyze in detail the phytochemical composition of amaranth (AMJ), red beet (RBJ), and broccoli (BCJ) microgreens and cold-pressed juices and to evaluate the antioxidant and sensory properties of the juices. The results showed the presence of various phenolic compounds in all samples, namely betalains in amaranth and red beet microgreens, while glucosinolates were only detected in broccoli microgreens. Phenolic acids and derivatives dominated in amaranth and broccoli microgreens, while apigenin C-glycosides were most abundant in red beet microgreens. Cold-pressing of microgreens into juice significantly altered the profiles of bioactive compounds. Various isothiocyanates were detected in BCJ, while more phenolic acid aglycones and their derivatives with organic acids (quinic acid and malic acid) were identified in all juices. Microgreen juices exhibited good antioxidant properties, especially ABTS•+ scavenging activity and ferric reducing antioxidant power. Microgreen juices had mild acidity, low sugar content, and good sensory acceptability and quality with the typical flavors of the respective microgreen species. Cold-pressed microgreen juices from AMJ, RBJ, and BCJ represent a rich source of bioactive compounds and can be characterized as novel functional products.

Recently Reported Biological Activities and Action Targets of Pt(II)- and Cu(II)-Based Complexes.

Most diseases that affect human beings across the world are now treated with drugs of organic origin. However, some of these are associated with side effects, toxicity, and resistance phenomena. For the treatment of many illnesses, the development of new molecules with pharmacological potential is now an urgent matter. The biological activities of metal complexes have been reported to have antitumor, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anti-infective and antiparasitic effects, amongst others. Metal complexes are effective because they possess unique properties. For example, the complex entity possesses the effective biological activity, then the formation of coordination bonds between the metal ions and ligands is controlled, metal ions provide it with extraordinary mechanisms of action because of characteristics such as d-orbitals, oxidation states, and specific orientations; metal complexes also exhibit good stability and good physicochemical properties such as water solubility. Platinum is a transition metal widely used in the design of drugs with antineoplastic activities; however, platinum is associated with side effects which have made it necessary to search for, and design, novel complexes based on other metals. Copper is a biometal which is found in living systems; it is now used in the design of metal complexes with biological activities that have demonstrated antitumoral, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects, amongst others. In this review, we consider the open horizons of Cu(II)- and Pt(II)-based complexes, new trends in their design, their synthesis, their biological activities and their targets of action.

Enhancing Hygiene and Technical Properties of Ceramic Tiles through Moroccan Phosphate Additives

This study offers a simple solution to manufacture ceramic tiles with good technical and hygienic properties. This solution consists of integrating the phosphate product from Morocco in the industrial formulation of ceramic tiles, to produce materials in compliance with the criterion of the ISO standard. For phosphate products, three grades were studied: HG-high grade, MG-medium grade, and LG-low grade. The results show that for materials containing these additives, there is both an effect of the concentration and type of additive on technical and hygienic properties. The mechanical property is improved when the incorporated component was richer in P2O5. Only the use of HG-high grade and MG-medium grade as an additive at least 15% makes it possible to satisfy the mechanical requirement. The anti-biofilm effect of natural phosphate (PN) as an additive to manufacture ceramic tiles is confirmed, it may prevent bio adhesion and biofilm formation at almost 75% for the HG-high grade and MG-medium grade. This solution could interest professionals and all users who care about the state of hygiene of their ceramic materials sensible to the formation of biofilm, like orthopaedic implants, swimming pool tile…etc.

Biosurfactants as determinants of the quality anti-aging products

Abstract Analysing the possibilities of obtaining biosurfactants and using waste materials as substrates for their production allows us to emphasize that biosurfactants are in line with the ideas of sustainable development and the protection of non-renewable resources. These ideas also apply to the engineering and technology of cosmetic products. For this reason, and because of the multi-functionality of biosurfactants, their role and widespread use in cosmetic formulations is likely to increase. Biosurfactants tend to have good surface properties. Their structural diversity results in differences in biological, antioxidant or biocidal activity. The paper presents the potential of biosurfactants that could be used in the composition of products dedicated to the fight against the problems of ageing skin. Particularly important in the skin ageing process is the fight against radicals and the prevention of collagen loss in the skin. The overall appearance of the skin also depends on the level of hydration and roughness. Biosurfactants also have an effect on the melanogenesis process, controlling hyperpigmentation. A relatively new approach to the fight against skin ageing emphasizes the role of the microbiome, and available research also points to the correlation of biosurfactants with maintaining the correct structure of the microbiome.

RASCH analysis to analyze anxiety assessment instruments In Postpartum Mothers

Globally, an estimated 20% of birthing women experience postpartum Anxiety. Women, after childbirth, require both physical and psychological adaptation. If not treated immediately, then postpartum mothers can experience different anxiety levels. Anxiety in postpartum mothers can harm both mother and baby. Therefore, health workers need to do early detection related to Anxiety. This assessment (Postpartum Specific Anxiety Scale) or PSAS helps health workers assess Anxiety in postpartum mothers starting from the beginning of the puerperium. But, of course, this measuring instrument needs to be analyzed to determine how well this instrument can be used. A Rasch analysis is needed to picture postpartum maternal Anxiety accurately. Rasch analysis is considered to have the advantage of making statistical analysis results more accurate and increasing measurement accuracy. Based on the results of analysis using the Winsteps program, it is known that there are 34 items out of 51 items that meet the item-model accuracy index, with an alpha coefficient of 0.94. The value of the separation item index in this instrument is 3.06. The value of unexplained variance does not exceed 15%, so this instrument is ideal for use. Overall, it can be concluded that the anxiety assessment scale in postpartum mothers, namely PSAS, has good psychometric properties for assessment and research.

Synthesis, Antimicrobial Activities and Molecular Docking Studies of New N-Acylated Derivatives of 5-(2-Phenyl-1,8-naphthyridin-3-yl)-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-amine

Present study establishes a novel synthetic route of N-acetylated derivatives of 5-(2-phenyl-1,8-naphthyridine-3-yl)-1,3,4-oxadiazole-2-amine (6a-j), which was achieved in four steps with good yields. 2-Amino nicotinaldehyde and ethyl 3-oxo-3-phenylpropanoate on refluxing with triethylamine in ethanol undergoes Friedlander synthesis to furnish ethyl 2-phenyl-1,8-naphthyridine-3-carboxylate, which further converted into 2-phenyl-1,8-naphthyridine-3-carbohydrazide by reacting with hydrazine hydrate upon reflux, followed by cyclization with cyanogen bromide in the presence of water and 1,4-dioxane with sodium bicarbonate to afford 5-(2-phenyl-1,8-naphthyridin-3-yl)-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-amine (5). Compound 5 was acetylated using numerous symmetrical anhydrides to synthesize novel N-acetylated derivatives (6a-j). The IR, 1H, 13C NMR and mass spectral analysis were used to characterize the structure of synthetic compounds. The synthesized compounds were evaluated for their antimicrobial efficiency against bacteria (S. aureus and E. coli) using ampicillin as a standard reference and against fungi (C. albicans) using fluconazole as a standard reference. Compound 6e exhibited good antibacterial properties while compounds 6c and 6e had shown high antifungal activity, whereas remaining compounds shown moderate to weaker antimicrobial activity. The synthesized derivatives verified their docking strength against Mtb MurB (PDB ID: 5JZX) and showed significant docking activity, however, compound 6f (-10.98 kcal/mol) and compound 6b (-10.52 kcal/mol) had a strong binding affinity compared to the other synthesized compounds.

Study on Ce2Fe14B-based sintered magnets with Ce/RE> 80%

Up to now, the development of Ce/RE> 80% sintered permanent magnets still faces a challenge, owing to their seriously deteriorated microstructure. In this article, the Ce25.5∼31.5Nd0∼5Febal.B1.25M1.15 (wt.%) sintered magnets with Ce/RE > 80% were investigated, the roles of minor Nd substitution were explored. The typical island-like phase common existed in the grain-boundary (GB) regions of Ce2Fe14B-based SC alloys (which destroys the continuity of RE-rich GB phase), was confirmed as a tetragonal B-rich phase (fct-RE5Fe18B18), and probably generated by the peritectic reaction of “L + Ce2Fe14B → CeFe2 + B-rich” at 797 °C. It was found that: the deteriorated microstructures of high Ce sintered magnets were hardly improved (Nd element was not enriched in the main phase as it was expected), and the coercivity increments were far below expectations by directly adding 3–5% Nd in alloy designs. However, the GB phase distribution was more uniform and continuous, Nd-rich shells formed, and magnetic properties were remarkably promoted by blending 2% NdHx powders into the Ce27.5Nd3Febal.B1.25M1.15 (Ce27.5Nd3) magnet during JM milling, compared with the Ce25.5Nd5Febal.B1.25M1.15 (Ce25.5Nd5) magnet with similar composition. The good comprehensive magnetic properties of Hcj = 1.714 kOe, Br = 9.395 kG, and (BH)max = 11.16 MGOe have been reached in the Ce27.5Nd3+2% (NdHx) magnet (Ce accounted for 84.5 wt% of total rare earth). The present work deepens our understanding of metallurgical behavior, process/microstructure designing for Ce/RE> 80% sintered magnets, and shed a light on the large-scale utilization of Ce element in a permanent magnet.

First-principles investigations for the structural, optoelectronic and hydrogen storage properties of double perovskite KNaMg2F6-xHx and KNaAe2H6(Ae=Be, Mg, Ca)

In order to search for good hydrogen storage materials, the structural, optoelectronic and hydrogen storage properties of double perovskites KNaMg2F6-xHx and KNaAe2H6(Ae = Be, Mg, Ca) have been studied by first-principles calculations based on density functional theory in this paper. All the negative formation energies demonstrate the thermodynamic stability of these materials. Except for KNaBe2H6, the rest of the materials are wide-band gap semiconductors or insulators. The gravimetric storage capacity of KNaMg2F6-xHx increases with the introduction of hydrogen and reaches a maximum of 5.19 wt% at x = 6. Meanwhile, the KNaBe2H6 exhibits the best storage capacity of 8.57%. The favorable desorption temperature for stable KNaMg2H6 material is 470.4 K, which is feasible in actual application. As the concentration of hydrogen increases, the electronic bandgap of KNaMg2F6-xHx decreases gradually due to its electron conduction band moving to a lower energy range. The bond population analysis indicates that there is a mixture of ionic and covalent bonds in the studied materials. These materials are all ultraviolet absorber, and a red-shift can be observed in the absorption edge due to the variation of bandgap.

Psychometric Testing of the Slovene Version of the Perceived Inventory of Technological Competency as Caring in Nursing.

Content validity was conducted with eight experts and quantified by the content validity index (CVI) and the modified Cohen's kappa index. Face validity was assessed through discussions with participants from the target culture in the pilot study. To assess construct validity and internal consistency, a cross-sectional research methodology was used on a convenience sample of 121 nursing personnel from four hospitals. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to examine construct validity, while Cronbach's alpha and adjusted item-total correlations were used to measure internal consistency. The content and face validity of PITCCN were adequate. The scale validity index (S-CVI) was 0.97. Cronbach's α was 0.92, and subscale reliabilities ranged from 0.810 to 0.925. PCA showed four components, which explained more than 73.49% of the variance. The Slovenian version of PITCCN (PITCCN_SI) has good psychometric properties.

Synthesis of a new type of bisphenol-BC-based benzoxazines from sustainable bio-phenol for hydrophobic, dielectric and corrosion-resistant applications

The bifunctional phenol (BBC) was derived from a sustainable resource, viz., cardanol, which is utilized to prepare benzoxazines using five structurally different amines with paraformaldehyde through Mannich condensation. The molecular structure of the synthesized benzoxazines were confirmed by FTIR and 1H-NMR spectral analyses. The curing behavior of the benzoxazines was studied using DSC and among all the synthesized benzoxazines, BBC-imp exhibits lower curing temperature of 224 °C than that of others. The thermal stability of all the polybenzoxazines were analyzed using TGA and poly(BBC-a) was found to be better thermally stable than that of other polybenzoxazines. Poly(BBC-tfma) showed the highest value of water contact angle of 152° and the lowest value of dielectric constant of 4.50. All the synthesized BBC-based polybenzoxazines possess good anti-corrosion property with a protection efficiency of 99%. Data obtained from different studies suggest that the polybenzoxazines developed in the present work can be considered for possible use in the form of sealants, encapsulants, adhesives and coatings for microelectronics and other industrial applications for better performance.

Investigation of Radial and Tangential Stresses Occurring in Epoxy (T300) Material Disc with Different Methods

In this study, a composite disc with Epoxy (T300) material was considered. It is possible to come across different studies to examine the stress field on disks rotating or stationary under thermal loads. Discs play a vital role in the assembly of machine parts in industry. Knowing the behavior of machine parts against temperature allows very good data to be transferred to today’s artificial intelligence world. Epoxy materials are very important today. Epoxies are made up of very strong fibers. They are used in unmanned aerial vehicles, spacecraft and the rocket industry. In addition, their maximum and minimum hardening properties, good adhesion properties and wear resistance are also quite high. In this study, an Epoxy disk (T300) subjected to linear increasing temperature was modeled. The stresses obtained on the discs were determined by different methods. As can be seen from the results, for a temperature of 150 °C, the average stress, strain and compression occurring sequentially in the inner and outer regions of the disk acts as 215.06 and –443.90 MPa. According to the results obtained, it was concluded that there are parallel increases in stresses as the temperature increases, and this can be proven by other different studies in the literature.

Investigation into the Performance Enhancement of Calcium Phosphate Mineralization-Compacted Chinese Fir

The utilization of wood as a construction material offers inherent advantages, including its renewability, good process property, wide availability, and carbon sequestration. However, its susceptibility to combustion and limited mechanical properties also constrain its applications. In this work, calcium phosphate was in situ deposited in dignified Chinese fir wood, followed by hot-pressed densification. Thermogravimetric analysis (TG) reveals that mineralization and densification alleviate the thermal decomposition and combustion behavior of wood, which greatly promotes the formation of the dense char layer during wood combustion. Therefore, the maximum heat release rate (HRR), total heat release rate (THR), and total smoke production rate (TSP) of the as-prepared mineralized dense wood were significantly reduced by 37%, 32%, and 56% compared with the control one. Further, the mineralized dense wood showed a remarkable enhancement in flexural strength and flexural modulus of elasticity, 203% and 220% higher than the natural wood, respectively. This study demonstrated a straightforward and eco-friendly approach to fabricating structural wood possessing exceptional flame retardancy and mechanical characterization, which holds immense potential for application in energy-efficient green buildings.

Utilization of cellulose-based carbon nanodots in sulfonated polysulfone based membrane for direct methanol fuel cell

Sulfonated polysulfone (SPS) composite membranes consisting of cellulose-based carbon nanodots (CNDs) were successfully prepared as a proton exchange membrane (PEM) for direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) applications. The CNDs were prepared using the top-down hydrothermal method. The structure transformation from cellulose to CNDs was confirmed by the FTIR and XRD analysis. The particle size of CNDs was between 1 and 3 nm. The particles exhibited good optical properties. The incorporation of CND into matrix polymer increased the thermal stability of the membranes. Morphology analysis of the SPS/CND composite membranes revealed that CNDs had been successfully dispersed within the SPS polymer matrix. The cross-linking between SPS and CNDs enhanced the proton conductivity of the composite membranes compared to the pristine SPS membrane. The SPS/CND-1 (1 wt%) exhibited the highest selectivity with a proton conductivity of 35.5 mS.cm−1 and a methanol permeability of 3.50 × 10−6 cm2.s−1. The experimental results indicate that the incorporation of CNDs into the SPS membrane also decreased the amount of methanol that can pass through the membrane when used in DMFCs.

Reusable, high specific surface areas, and excellent thermal stability Al2O3–SiO2 aerogel composites as high-temperature thermal insulators for radome applications

In this study, monolithic Al2O3–SiO2 aerogels with excellent thermal stability and high specific surface area were synthesized using boehmite nanorods (L=20–30 nm, D=3–5 nm). The high specific surface area of aerogels was maintained after calcination at 800 °C (663.54 m2/g), 1000 °C (486.91 m2/g), and 1100 °C (230.76 m2/g). The anti-sintering mechanism of the Al2O3-SiO2 aerogels was discussed. Thanks to the composite of Al2O3-SiO2 aerogel and mullite fibers, the disadvantages of brittleness and low strength of aerogel are overcome. The thermal conductivity of the composite is extremely low at 0.034 W/(m·K)-0.089 W/(m·K) (25 °C-1000 °C). Five muffle cycle back-temperature tests at 1000 °C and a butane blowtorch back-temperature test at 1350 °C also proved that the composites have excellent thermal insulation properties. Composites with excellent thermal insulation properties combined with lightweight, thinness, machinability, and good dielectric properties meet the need for high-temperature thermal insulating-wave transmitting integrated materials for hypersonic missile radomes.

Magnetic porous microspheres enhancing the anaerobic digestion of sewage sludge: Synergistic free and attached methanogenic consortia

The addition of exogenous materials is a commonly reported method for promoting the anaerobic digestion (AD) of sludge. However, most exogenous materials are nano-sized and their use encounters problems relating to a need for continuous replenishment, uncontrollability and non-recyclability. Here, magnetic porous microspheres (MPMs), which can be controlled by magnetic forces, were prepared and used to enhance the methanogenesis of sludge. It was observed that the MPMs were spherical particles with diameters of approximately 100 µm and had a stable macroporous hybrid structure of magnetic cores and polymeric shells. Furthermore, the MPMs had good magnetic properties and a strong solid–liquid interfacial electron transfer ability, suggesting that MPMs are excellent carriers for methanogenic consortia. Experimental results showed that the addition of MPMs increased methane production and the proportion of methane in biogas from AD by 100.0 % and 21.2 %, respectively, indicating the MPMs notably enhanced the methanogenesis of sludge. Analyses of variations in key enzyme activities and electron transfer in sludge samples with and without MPMs in AD revealed that the MPMs significantly enhanced the activities of key enzymes involved in hydrolysis, acidification and methanation. This was achieved mainly by enhancing the extracellular electron transfer to strengthen the proton motive force on the cell membrane, which provides more energy generation for methanogenic metabolism. A careful examination of the variations in the morphology, pore structure and magnetism of the MPMs before and after AD revealed that the MPMs increased the prevalence of many highly active anaerobes, and that this did not weaken the magnetic performance. The microbial community structure and metatranscriptomic analysis further indicated that the acetotrophic methanogens (i.e., Methanosaeta) were mainly in a free state and that CO2-reducing methanogens (i.e., Methanolinea and Methanobacterium) mainly adhered to the MPMs. The above synergistic metabolism led to efficient methanogenesis, which indicates that the MPMs optimised the spatial ecological niche of methanogenic consortia. These findings provide an important reference for the development of magnetic porous materials promoting AD.

Synthesis, SARS-CoV-2 main protease inhibition, molecular docking and in silico ADME studies of furanochromene-quinoline hydrazone derivatives

Seven furanochromene-quinoline derivatives containing a hydrazone linker were synthesized by condensing a furanochromene hydrazide with quinoline 2-, 3-, 4-, 5-, 6-, and 8-carbaldehydes, including 8-hydroxyquinoline-2-carbaldehye. Structure-activity correlations were investigated to determine the influence of the location of the hydrazone linker on the quinoline unit on SARS-CoV-2 Mpro enzyme inhibition. The 3-, 5-, 6- and 8-substituted derivatives showed moderate inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 Mpro with IC50 values ranging from 16 to 44 μM. Additionally, all of the derivatives showed strong interaction with the SARS-CoV-2 Mpro substrate binding pocket, with docking energy scores ranging from -8.0 to -8.5 kcal/mol. These values are comparable to that of N3 peptide (-8.1 kcal/mol) and more favorable than GC-373 (-7.6 kcal/mol) and ML-188 (-7.5 kcal/mol), all of which are known SARS-CoV-2 Mpro inhibitors. Furthermore, in silico absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) profiles indicate that the derivatives have good drug-likeness properties. Overall, this study highlights the potential of the furanochromene-quinoline hydrazone scaffold as a SARS-CoV-2 Mpro inhibitor.

Polyolefin-Based Smart Self-Healing Composite Coatings Modified with Calcium Carbonate and Sodium Alginate.

Corrosion-related damage incurs significant capital costs in many industries. In this study, an anti-corrosive pigment was synthesized by modifying calcium carbonate with sodium alginate (SA), and smart self-healing coatings were synthesized by reinforcing the anti-corrosive pigments into a polyolefin matrix. Structural changes during the synthesis of the anti-corrosive pigment were examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. Moreover, thermal gravimetric analysis confirmed the loading of the corrosion inhibitor, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopic analysis revealed a stable impedance value, confirming the improved corrosion resistance of the modified polyolefin coatings. The incorporation of the anticorrosive pigment into a polyolefin matrix resulted in improved pore resistance properties and capacitive behavior, indicating a good barrier property of the modified coatings. The formation of a protective film on the steel substrate reflected the adsorption of the corrosion inhibitor (SA) on the steel substrate, which further contributed to enhancing the corrosion resistance of the modified coatings. Moreover, the formation of the protective film was also analyzed by profilometry and elemental mapping analysis.

A pH/Redox Dual‐Responsive Nanocarrier for Hypoxia‐Activated Prodrug and Anticancer Prodrug in Cancer Treatment

AbstractTumor microenvironment heterogeneity (TMH) remains a challenge in cancer treatment. Nanocarrier prodrugs based on small‐molecular drug or macromolecular drug conjugates emerge as an efficient approach for multidrug delivery at tumor sites and activating the prodrugs by endogenous stimuli resulting from TMH. Herein, a redox/pH dual‐sensitive micelle conjugated is developed via disulfide linkage with naphthalimide‐based prodrug (PNA), assigned as PDM to encapsulate hypoxia‐activated prodrug, banoxantrone (AQ4N), for combination therapy. These micelles have several interesting features, including sufficiently stable with less drug release under physiological conditions and dual stimuli‐triggered intracellular release, high drug loading content, and negligible cytotoxicity. More importantly, in vitro cytotoxicity of AQ4N‐loaded PDM micelles exhibits a combinational anticancer efficacy between chemotherapy of PNA and hypoxia‐activated chemotherapy of AQ4N under hypoxic conditions. Moreover, the developed PNA as a new chemotherapeutic drug displays good therapeutic efficiency and fluorescent properties, which can be used for monitoring drug release in real time. This study not only offers an attractive strategy for an effective combination of traditional chemotherapy and hypoxia‐activated chemotherapy, but also provides an important concept to develop dual stimuli‐sensitive prodrug nanoplatform targeting for endogenous TMH.

Quercetin increases the antidepressant-like effects of sclareol and antagonizes diazepam in thiopental sodium-induced sleeping mice: A possible GABAergic transmission intervention.

Quercetin is the most common polyphenolic flavonoid present in fruits and vegetables demonstrating versatile health-promoting effects. This study aimed to examine the effects of quercetin (QR) and sclareol (SCL) on the thiopental sodium (TS)-induced sleeping and forced swimming test (FST) mouse models. SCL (1, 5, and 10 mg/kg, p.o.) or QR (50 mg/kg, p.o.) and/or diazepam (DZP) (3 mg/kg, i.p.) were employed. After 30 min of TS induction, individual or combined effects on the animals were checked. In the FST test, the animals were subjected to forced swimming after 30 min of administration of the test and/or controls for 5 min. In this case, immobility time was measured. In silico studies were conducted to evaluate the involvement of GABA receptors. SCL (5 and 10 mg/kg) significantly increased the latency and decreased sleeping time compared to the control in the TS-induced sleeping time study. DZP (3 mg/kg) showed a sedative-like effect in animals in both sleeping and FST studies. QR (50 mg/kg) exhibited a similar pattern of activity as SCL. However, its effects were more prominent than those of SCL groups. SCL (10 mg/kg) altered the DZP-3-mediated effects. SCL-10 co-treated with QR-50 significantly (p < 0.05) increased the latency and decreased sleep time and immobility time, suggesting possible synergistic antidepressant-like effects. In silico studies revealed that SCL and QR demonstrated better binding affinities with GABAA receptor, especially α2, α3, and α5 subunits. Both compounds also exhibited good ADMET and drug-like properties. In animal studies, the both compounds worked synergistically to provide antidepressant-like effects in a slightly different fashion. As a conclusion, the combined administration of SCL and QR may be used in upcoming neurological clinical trials, according to in vivo and in silico findings. However, additional investigation is necessary to verify this behavior and clarify the potential mechanism of action.

Sustainable Soil Additives for Water and Micronutrient Supply: Swelling and Chelating Properties of Polyaspartic Acid Hydrogels Utilizing Newly Developed Crosslinkers.

Drought and water shortage are serious problems in many arid and semi-arid regions. This problem is getting worse and even continues in temperate climatic regions due to climate change. To address this problem, the use of biodegradable hydrogels is increasingly important for the application as water-retaining additives in soil. Furthermore, efficient (micro-)nutrient supply can be provided by the use of tailored hydrogels. Biodegradable polyaspartic acid (PASP) hydrogels with different available (1,6-hexamethylene diamine (HMD) and L-lysine (LYS)) and newly developed crosslinkers based on diesters of glycine (GLY) and (di-)ethylene glycol (DEG and EG, respectively) were synthesized and characterized using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and regarding their swelling properties (kinetic, absorbency under load (AUL)) as well as biodegradability of PASP hydrogel. Copper (II) and zinc (II), respectively, were loaded as micronutrients in two different approaches: in situ with crosslinking and subsequent loading of prepared hydrogels. The results showed successful syntheses of di-glycine-ester-based crosslinkers. Hydrogels with good water-absorbing properties were formed. Moreover, the developed crosslinking agents in combination with the specific reaction conditions resulted in higher water absorbency with increased crosslinker content used in synthesis (10% vs. 20%). The prepared hydrogels are candidates for water-storing soil additives due to the biodegradability of PASP, which is shown in an exemple. The incorporation of Cu(II) and Zn(II) ions can provide these micronutrients for plant growth.