Hexagonal Mesoporous Silica Research Articles

Dual cytokine release from microsphere-containing decellularized extracellular matrix immune regulation promotes bone repair and regeneration

Most bone filler materials currently achieve bone regeneration by mimicking the natural bone extracellular matrix. However, it is difficult for these materials to replicate the structural functions and bioactivities, including immunomodulation, of natural bone perfectly to reduce inflammation and promote bone regeneration synergistically. Repairing bone defects with scaffolds using a decellularised extracellular matrix (dECM) as a matrix material is an important clinical application and research direction. Here, we processed bovine cancellous bone via an optimised combination of decellularisation methods and preferred dECM, which has the shortest processing time and lowest immunogenicity. Hexagonal mesoporous silica (HMS)/poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) microspheres loaded with bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) were prepared using the complex emulsion method. The HMS/PLGA microspheres had longer cytokine release periods than did the separate HMS and PLGA microspheres. Composite BMP-2/HMS/PLGA microspheres were used to prepare dual-loaded cytokine scaffolds with bone immunomodulatory capacity, which were prepared from composite BMP-2/HMS/PLGA microspheres to increase the osteogenic activity of the dECM and to adsorb interleukin-4 (IL-4) on the surface of the scaffolds. The results showed that the dECM had good cytocompatibility and mechanical strength, and the composite microspheres and IL-4 further endowed the dECM with an ordered spatiotemporally controlled release function, which could release BMP-2 for more than 4 months in the long term and release IL-4 for approximately 10 days in the short term. The composite scaffold not only effectively promoted the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) but also immunomodulated the M1 to M2 polarisation of macrophages (MPs) and mediated the M2 polarisation of MPs, which in turn promoted the osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs, creating a favourable immune microenvironment for bone regeneration. In vivo, the dual drug-loaded scaffolds also exhibited good biocompatibility and significantly superior immunomodulatory bone-enhancing properties compared with those of the other groups. In summary, the combination of dECM scaffolds with cytokine-carrying microspheres and immunomodulatory factors can promote the orderly spatiotemporal release of cytokines, which significantly enhances the bone regeneration and repair effects of dECM scaffolds and is a promising bone filler material for clinical application.

Research on preparation of micron-scale orthogonally aligned HMS patterns based on soft lithography

The soft lithography enables the fabrication of microfluidic honeycombs, which are micron-scale, orthogonally aligned hexagonal mesoporous silica (HMS) patterns with channels embedded within them, on silicon substrates. The process entails meticulous cleaning, precise master mold design (including features for channel alignment) using electron-beam lithography, generation of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) mold creation, ink formulation, and pattern transfer. Subsequent steps include the sol-gel transition, hardening, alignment verification, characterization, and optional functionalization. It is of the utmost importance to optimize these steps and the master design in order to achieve success. Therefore, the paper examines the creation of micron-scale HMS patterns with orthogonal alignment through the innovative application of soft lithography. The technique encompasses the strategic design of hexagonal motifs, precision master mold crafting, the PDMS stamps, and a meticulous sol-gel procedure, resulting in HMS structures that exhibit remarkable precision and adaptability. This paper underscores the transformative potential of soft lithography in the realm of advanced materials, which offers a controlled and uniform approach to size and uniformity. The refined soft lithography process not only achieves the precise orthogonal alignment of HMS patterns but also highlights its adaptability and economic viability in nanotechnology ventures.

Dexamethasone Long-Term Controlled Release from Injectable Dual-Network Hydrogels with Porous Microspheres Immunomodulation Promotes Bone Regeneration.

Long-lasting, controlled-release, and minimally invasive injectable platforms that provide a stable blood concentration to promote bone regeneration are less well developed. Using hexagonal mesoporous silica (HMS) loaded with dexamethasone (DEX) and poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA), we prepared porous DEX/HMS/PLGA microspheres (PDHP). In contrast to HMS/PLGA microspheres (HP), porous HMS/PLGA microspheres (PHP), DEX/PLGA microspheres (DP), and DEX/HMS/PLGA microspheres (DHP), PDHP showed notable immuno-coordinated osteogenic capabilities and were best at promoting bone mesenchymal stem cell proliferation and osteogenic differentiation. PDHP were combined with methacrylated silk (SilMA) and sodium alginate (SA) to form an injectable photocurable dual-network hydrogel platform that could continuously release the drug for more than 4 months. By adjusting the content of the microspheres in the hydrogel, a zero-order release hydrogel platform was obtained in vitro for 48 days. When the microsphere content was 1%, the hydrogel platform exhibited the best biocompatibility and osteogenic effects. The expression levels of the osteogenic gene alkaline phosphatases, BMP-2 and OPN were 10 to 15 times higher in the 1% group than in the 0% group, respectively. In addition, the 1% microsphere hydrogel strongly stimulated macrophage polarization to the M2 phenotype, establishing an immunological milieu that supports bone regrowth. The aforementioned outcomes were also observed in vivo. The most successful method for correcting cranial bone abnormalities in SD rats was to use a hydrogel called SilMA/SA containing 1% drug-loaded porous microspheres (PDHP/SS). The angiogenic and osteogenic effects of this treatment were also noticeably greater in the PDHP/SS group than in the control and blank groups. In addition, PDHP/SS polarized M2 macrophages and suppressed M1 macrophages in vivo, which reduced the local immune-inflammatory response, promoted angiogenesis, and cooperatively aided in situ bone healing. This work highlights the potential application of an advanced hydrogel platform for long-term, on-demand, controlled release for bone tissue engineering.

The isomerization of glucose to fructose in ethanol over ZrO2 on mesoporous silica prepared through in-situ and post-impregnation methods

Fructose is a vital ketose in the production of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural platform molecules. Herein, Zr-doped hexagonal mesoporous silica was prepared over in situ co-assembly (Zr-x-HMS, x is the mole ratio of Si to Zr, x = 20, 50) and post-impregnation (Zr-Imx-HMS, x = 20, 50, 100) processes to regulate its catalytic performance against the isomerization of glucose to fructose in ethanol. The post-impregnation process did not significantly change the original pore structure and morphology of HMS, Zr-Im50-HMS with medium Zr loading possessed the most Lewis acid sites with medium strength among Zr-Imx-HMS catalysts. The in situ process changed the physical properties of HMS and enhanced the interaction of Zr sites and silica framework, facilitating the formation of Lewis acid sites with medium strength. Zr-Im50-HMS possessed the most suitable acidity for fructose production, and an optimal yield of 31.2% was achieved at 160 °C and 20 min. Moreover, the recyclability of Zr-Im50-HMS was acceptable.

Synthesis of hexagonal mesoporous silica from coal fly ash and their evaluation as adsorbent for gallium recovery

Adsorption of gallium (Ga) utilizing solid waste synthetic materials can achieve both high-value solid waste use and solve the supply–demand paradox of Ga. To efficiently recover Ga in solution, this article describes a hydrothermal synthesis technique of mesoporous materials from the acid leaching residue of coal fly ash (CFA). According to the findings, the mesoporous silica synthesized by hydrothermal reaction with CTAB: nSiO32-=1:0.085 around 120℃ during 24 h exhibits a maximum specific surface area (771.25 m2/g) along with hexagonal mesoporous structure. Pseudo-second-order kinetic model that has an excellent correlation coefficient (R2 > 0.99) can explain this adsorption system. Since Freundlich model fits this adsorption action better, the process is multi-molecular layer adsorption. The thermodynamic fitting results show that the adsorption of Ga by mesoporous silica is an endothermic and spontaneous chaotic reaction. The adsorption mechanism could be depicted using ion exchange and coupling. The adsorption efficiency of Ga is still higher than 80 % after the material has been regenerated by multiple resolution. In conclusion, mesoporous silica prepared by CFA acid leaching residue has the potential to adsorb Ga.

Effects of Hexagonal Boron Nitride and Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles on the Morphology, Mechanical Properties and Antimicrobial Activity of Dental Composites

Hexagonal boron nitride (HBN), an artificial material with unique properties, is used in many industries. This article focuses on the extent to which hexagonal boron nitride and silica nanoparticles (MSN) affect the physicochemical and mechanical properties and antimicrobial activity of prepared dental composites. In this study, HBN, and MSN were used as additives in dental composites. 5% and 10% by weight of HBN are added to the structure of the composite materials. FTIR analysis were performed to determine the components of the produced boron nitride powders, hexagonal boron nitride-containing composites, and filling material applications. The structural and microstructural properties of dental composites have been extensively characterized using X-ray diffractometry (XRD). Surface morphology and distributions of nano boron nitride were determined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM)-EDS. In addition, the solubility of dental composites in water and their stability in water and chemical solution (Fenton) were determined by three repetitive experiments. Finally, the antimicrobial activity of dental composites was detected by using Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) measurement, as well as Minimum Fungicidal Concentration (MFC) method against yeast strain Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) method against bacteria strains, Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Since the HMP series have better antimicrobial activity than the HP series, they are more suitable for preventing dental caries and for long-term use of dental composites. In addition, when HMP and HP series added to the composite are compared, HMP-containing dental composites have better physicochemical and mechanical properties and therefore have a high potential for commercialization.

Role of Hexagonal Mesoporous Silica (HMS) in Enhancing the Stability of Ge Catalyst

Role of Hexagonal Mesoporous Silica (HMS) in Enhancing the Stability of Ge Catalyst

Synthesis of Copper Supported on Natural Rubber-derived Mesoporous Carbon/Silica Composite for Efficient Adsorption of Caffeine

Caffeine (CAF) removal from water resources is important because it is widely distributed and can be toxic to aquatic life. The copper supported on mesoporous carbon/silica composite (Cu/MCS) in this research was developed as a novel adsorbent to remove caffeine from aqueous solutions. The Cu/MCS material was prepared in two steps. The first step was the preparation of a precursor consisting of copper and natural rubber distributed inside a hexagonal mesoporous silica matrix (Cu/NR/HMS). Then, the composite was carbonized at high temperature under inert gas conditions to obtain Cu/MCS material. The amount of Cu loading in the MCS structure was studied. The Cu/MCS composites revealed a high level of copper distribution incorporated into the mesoporous carbon/silica framework as confirmed by Powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Scanning Electron Microscope and Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectrometer (SEM-EDS). The Cu/MCS materials possessed a high specific surface area (523–748 m2 g−1), large pore volume (0.80–0.86 cm3 g−1) and mesoporous diameter (3.07-3.30 nm). Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR) and CHN analysis revealed a high amount of carbonaceous species dispersed in the Cu/MCS material. The Cu (0.010)/MCS, with copper loading of 1 mmol/g, revealed good properties for CAF removal when compared to other series of Cu/MCS adsorbents. Moreover, the Cu (0.010)/MCS composite exhibited the maximum adsorption capacity for CAF as 55.8 mg/g.

Synthesis of core-shell magnetic mesoporous silica nanoparticles to disperse amine functionalities for post-combustion carbon dioxide capture

BackgroundPost-combustion capture technology appears a suitable approach to reduce the emission of CO2 by power plants. The use of solid sorbents would permit to overcome the limitations of the well-established liquid amine-based absorption process. In particular, mesoporous silica materials have been proposed as suitable sorbents especially if functionalized with amines. MethodsThe properties of as-synthesized (by using dodecylamine as synthesis amine) and calcined hexagonal mesoporous silica (HMS), impregnated or not with tetraethylenepentamine (TEPA), were studied. Magnetite (Fe3O4) nanoparticles were specifically used to obtain HMS core-shell nanoparticles in order to investigate the effect of the magnetite core on CO2 uptake capability. CO2 uptake measurements were carried out on all HMS and core-shell particles. Furthermore, Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) images, Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectra and N2 adsorption/desorption measurements allowed analyzing some important properties of the sorbent particles, such as particle aggregation, incorporation and dispersion of amines, surface area, pore volume and pore size distribution. Significant FindingsThe best performance in terms of chemical CO2 uptake was obtained on core-shell material, calcined and impregnated with TEPA (about 89 mg/g), but also the as prepared core-shell sample impregnated with TEPA seems promising since the synthesis dodecylamine sites can be activated during the impregnation process.

Design and synthesis of ZnGlu MOF/SBA-16 nanocomposite, and its performance as an environmentally friendly nanocomposite for solvent-free chemical fixation of CO2 to epoxides for high-yield synthesis of cyclic carbonates

In this study, ZnGlu MOF has been immobilized into hexagonal mesoporous silica SBA-16 to fabricate ZnGlu MOF/SBA-16 hybrid material. The prepared hybrid material was introduced as a sustainable green nanocomposite for CO2 epoxidation to cyclic carbonates under solvent-free conditions at low pressure of CO2 (5 bar). The structure of the obtained nanocomposites is authenticated using various analytical techniques like FT-IR, XRD, SAXRD, CO2-TPD, NH3-TPD, BET, TEM, FE-SEM, EDX, EDX-mapping, and ICP-OES. For making a greener process, ZnGlu MOF/SBA-16 nanocomposite showed remarkable catalytic activity for converting CO2 with diverse epoxides toward five-membered cyclic carbonates prepared without using any toxic metals and reagents. The presence of the mesoporous silica SBA-16 has improved reactants diffusion and molecular accessibility for suitable interactions in Lewis acid centers, which led to MOFs outperforming in the efficient chemical fixation of CO2. Also, the essential role of free amino groups in ZnGlu MOF was shown as base sites and H-bonding groups when suggesting a possible reaction mechanism. This efficient, and convenient catalytic system can be separated by filtration, and its original activity was maintained for five successive cycles under the same reaction conditions. The above nanocomposite, with great potential, can be used to catalyze different chemical reactions for industrial purposes.

Two Mesoporous Domains Are Better Than One for Catalytic Deconstruction of Polyolefins.

Catalytic hydrogenolysis of polyolefins into valuable liquid, oil, or wax-like hydrocarbon chains for second-life applications is typically accompanied by the hydrogen-wasting co-formation of low value volatiles, notably methane, that increase greenhouse gas emissions. Catalytic sites confined at the bottom of mesoporous wells, under conditions in which the pore exerts the greatest influence over the mechanism, are capable of producing less gases than unconfined sites. A new architecture was designed to emphasize this pore effect, with the active platinum nanoparticles embedded between linear, hexagonal mesoporous silica and gyroidal cubic MCM-48 silica (mSiO2/Pt/MCM-48). This catalyst deconstructs polyolefins selectively into ∼C20-C40 paraffins and cleaves C-C bonds at a rate (TOF = 4.2 ± 0.3 s-1) exceeding that of materials lacking these combined features while generating negligible volatile side products including methane. The time-independent product distribution is consistent with a processive mechanism for polymer deconstruction. In contrast to time- and polymer length-dependent products obtained from non-porous catalysts, mSiO2/Pt/MCM-48 yields a C28-centered Gaussian distribution of waxy hydrocarbons from polyolefins of varying molecular weight, composition, and physical properties, including low-density polyethylene, isotactic polypropylene, ultrahigh-molecular-weight polyethylene, and mixtures of multiple, post-industrial polyolefins. Coarse-grained simulation reveals that the porous-core architecture enables the paraffins to diffuse away from the active platinum site, preventing secondary reactions that produce gases.

Adsorption of 17α-methyltestosterone onto silica-based porous materials: Effect of porosity and functionalization, reversible kinetics, and the coexistence of tannic acid

This study investigated the impacts of porosity and the surface functional groups of silica-based porous materials on the adsorption of 17α-methyltestosterone (MT) in low concentration ranges (μg L−1), including the role of coexisting tannic acid (TA). The reversible adsorption kinetics of MT revealed that it was preferentially adsorbed by the mesoporous cylindrical pores of Santa Barbara Amorphous-15 (SBA-15) rather than by the wormhole-like pores of hexagonal mesoporous silica and the micropores of NaY. Furthermore, the increasing pore diameter of SBA-15 from 5.8 nm to 19.9 nm (SBA-CHX) could inhibit reverse desorption and maintain the accessibility of MT through the internal surface area. Due to its high hydrophobicity, the grafted triethoxyoctyl- group had an influential role in hydrophobic partitioning, enhancing the adsorption of MT, especially when grafted on the extended pores of SBA-CHX. The adsorption mechanisms of MT on silica-based adsorbents might involve hydrophobic partitioning, π–π interaction, hydrogen bonding, and ion-dipole interaction. The presence of TA could enhance the selective adsorption of MT onto hydrophobic functionalized SBA-15 s via the increase of hydrophobic partitioning. In conclusion, the large pore diameter of SBA-15 (above 5.8 nm) and grafting with the triethoxyoctyl- group could provide the highest MT adsorption capacity and effectively reject the coexisting TA.

Ni(en)3](NO3)2 as precursor to synthesis of highly dispersed Ni on HMS for the catalytic of 1, 2-cyclohexanediol to catechol

A bimetallic Ni-Pt catalyst (6Ni-Pt-HMS) was designed for the dehydrogenation of 1,2-cyclohexanediol (CHD) to catechol. The hexagonal mesoporous silica (HMS) as support, loaded with platinum and nickel by one-pot and incipient-wetness impregnation method, respectively. [Ni(en)3](NO3)2 is used as the precursor of nickel. The physi-cochemical properties of the catalysts were examined by XRD, BET, SEM and TEM techniques. The effect of ethylenediamine on nickel dispersion during impregnation was studied by comparing with the traditional precursor (nickel nitrate). FTIR and TGA results showed that the presence of ethylenediamine modifies the behavior of nickel during impregnation and calcination. The activity and stability of the catalysts were evaluated on a fixed-bed, revealing the influence of mesoporous structure, ethylenediamine, and platinum on reaction. The 6Ni-Pt-HMS catalyst, with the conversion of CHD is 100 %, the selectivity of catechol as high as 99.7 % with the liquid hourly space velocity (LHSV) is 9 h−1, and a long-term stability. The deactivation mechanism of the spent catalyst was analyzed by BET, TGA, SEM, TEM-EDX and ICP-OES.

Molecularly defined approach for preparation of ultrasmall Pt-Sn species for efficient dehydrogenation of propane to propene

Owing to propane availability in shale gas and the growing demand for propene, non-oxidative dehydrogenation of this alkane has attracted much attention. Although, catalysts with supported PtSn species are applied on the large scale, a further increase in their activity without loss in propene selectivity at low Pt content would certainly improve process economy. Herein, we introduce a molecularly defined strategy for controlling catalyst activity through anchoring of Pt atoms on isolated Sn4+ firmly confined in the framework of hexagonal mesoporous silica. In addition to the dispersion of Pt species, the presence of Sn4+ in close contact with Pt is essential for increasing the rate of propane dehydrogenation through enhancing H2 desorption, which is the rate-limiting step. As the anchored Pt atoms/sub nanoclusters do not sinter under reducing conditions, the developed catalysts show high on-stream stability and propene selectivity of above 99 % under industrially relevant conditions.

Experimental and simulation investigation of water vapor adsorption on mesoporous MCM-41 derived from natural Opoka

Highly ordered hexagonal mesoporous silica was successfully synthesized from natural Opoka minerals, and an all-atom model of MCM-41 was constructed by simulation. The samples were characterized by XRD, N2 adsorption, FE-SEM, TEM and FT-IR, and its water vapor adsorption/desorption performance were also evaluated. The structural rationality of MCM-41 model was verified by XRD, Connolly volume, and radial distribution function. The adsorption behavior of water molecules on MCM-41 model was simulated by Monte Carlo method, and the adsorption mechanism was discussed at the micro level. Results showed that the synthesized MCM-41 possessed a large surface area of 988 m2/g and pore volume of 1.02 cm3/g, and an average pore diameter of 4.1 nm. The moisture adsorption/desorption content of MCM-41 can be as high as 82 % and 67 %, respectively, with a high adsorption/desorption rate. The simulation results show that the adsorption sites of water molecules on MCM-41 are mainly concentrated on the silanol groups and skeleton defects of the pore surface. With the increase of pressure, the adsorption of water molecules on the surface of MCM-41 pores changes from mono-layer to multi-layer. Meanwhile, microdroplets are formed due to hydrogen bonding, and further capillary condensation occurs in the pores.

Preparation and catalytic application of two different nanocatalysts based on hexagonal mesoporous silica (HMS) in synthesis of tetrahydrobenzo[b]pyran and 1,4-dihydropyrano[2,3-c]pyrazole derivatives

The present study describes the synthesis, characterization, and investigation of catalytic activity of xanthine-Ni complex (Xa-Ni) and 4-phenylthiosemicarbazide-Cu complex (PTSC-Cu) incorporated into functionalized hexagonal mesoporous silica (HMS/Pr-Xa-Ni and HMS/Pr-PTSC-Cu). These useful mesoporous catalysts had been synthesized and identified using various techniques such as FT-IR, XRD, adsorption–desorption of nitrogen, SEM, TEM, EDX-Map, TGA, AAS and ICP. These spectral techniques successfully confirmed the synthesis of the mesoporous catalysts. The catalytic activity of HMS/Pr-a-Ni (Catalyst A) and HMS/Pr-PTSC-Cu (Catalyst B) were evaluated for synthesis of tetrahydrobenzo[b]pyran and 1,4-dihydropyrano[2,3-c]pyrazole derivatives. HMS/Pr-PTSC-Cu exhibited higher efficiency in green media under milder reaction condition at room temperature. Furthermore, the synthesized nanocatalysts, exhibited appropriate recoverability that can be able to reuse for several times without significant loss of catalytic activity.

Synergistic effect of bimetallic Fe-Ni supported on hexagonal mesoporous silica for production of hydrocarbon-like biofuels via deoxygenation under hydrogen-free condition

The need to explore a sustainable manner to produce hydrocarbon-like biofuel has attracted tremendous interest. A series of bimetallic catalysts comprised of Fe and Ni with different Ni loadings supported on hexagonal mesoporous silica (HMS) were synthesized for the production of hydrocarbon-like biofuel via deoxygenation (DO) reaction without the use of external hydrogen. The bimetallic 10Fe40Ni/HMS catalyst possesses a high conversion (96.1%) and selectivity towards C8-C20 hydrocarbon (91.8%) during the DO reaction. This is because the finely dispersed Fe and Ni consisting of NiO and NiFe2O4 demonstrate strong acidity along with higher amount of Brönsted-Lewis acid properties. The DO reaction of triglycerides with bimetallic Fe and Ni supported on HMS is a sustainable process to produce hydrocarbon biofuel.

One-pot synthesis of hexagonal mesoporous silica confined Ni based catalysts with advanced CO2 methanation performance

In this work, a series of hexagonal mesoporous silica (HMS) confined Ni-based CO2 methanation catalysts were successfully synthesized by the facile one-pot strategy. In the Ni-HMS system, the metallic Ni active sites were embedded in the framework of HMS support. Hence, the metallic Ni active sites were highly dispersed and stably confined by the HMS framework. The kinetic study demonstrated that the Ni-HMS catalysts behaved much lower apparent activation energy than the 15Ni/HMS and 15Ni/SiO2 catalysts, accounting for their enhanced low-temperature activities. Meanwhile, the online TPSR and in-situ DRIFTS of the CO2 methanation were employed to study the reaction intermediates over these catalysts. The CHOO–, CHxO-, and COx were considered as the reaction intermediates over the Ni-HMS catalysts and the possible reaction pathways were also proposed. In conclusion, the Ni-HMS catalysts were considered as a series of efficient and stable catalyst candidates for CO2 methanation.

Revealing the Hidden Diagnostic Clues of Male Infertility from Human Seminal Plasma by Dispersive Solid Phase Extraction and MALDI-TOF MS.

Seminal plasma (SP) mirrors the local pathophysiology of the male reproductive system and represents a non-invasive fluid for the study of infertility. Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization-Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS) provides a high-throughput platform to rapidly extrapolate the diagnostic profiles of information-rich patterns. In this study, dispersive solid phase extraction (d-SPE) combined with MALDI-TOF-MS was applied for the first time to the human SP, with the aim of revealing a diagnostic signature for male infertility. Commercially available octadecyl (C18)-, octyl (C8)-bonded silica sorbents and hexagonal mesoporous silica (HMS) were tested and the robustness of MALDI-TOF peptide profiling was evaluated. Best performances were obtained for C18-bonded silica with the highest detection of peaks and the lowest variation of spectral features. To assess the diagnostic potential of the method, C18-bonded silica d-SPE and MALDI-TOF-MS were used to generate enriched endogenous peptide profiles of SP from 15 fertile and 15 non-fertile donors. Principal component analysis (PCA) successfully separated fertile from non-fertile men into two different clusters. An array of seven semenogelin-derived peptides was found to distinguish the two groups, with high statistical significance. These findings, while providing a rapid and convenient route to selectively enrich native components of SP peptidome, strongly reinforce the prominent role of semenogelins in male infertility.

Molecular Spin Qubits Impregnated in a Hexagonal Self-Ordered Mesoporous Silica

Molecular Spin Qubits Impregnated in a Hexagonal Self-Ordered Mesoporous Silica