High Solubility Research Articles

Microencapsulated carotenoids from orange sweet potato: Degradation kinetics and physicochemical properties

AbstractThe use of natural pigments in the food industry has increased due to their health benefits. Carotenoids are natural pigments that carry the disadvantage of sensitivity to temperature, light and the presence of enzymes and oxygen. Microencapsulation technology is widely used to protect these compounds against degradation, preserving their physicochemical characteristics. The research objective was to obtain the kinetics of carotenoid degradation of a microencapsulated extract of orange‐fleshed sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) and to establish its physicochemical properties. The sweet potato extract was obtained using ultrasound and then microencapsulated by spray drying using maltodextrin as the wall material. The microencapsulate obtained was subjected to degradation kinetics at 30, 40 and 50°C. Carotenoid quantification analysis, colour, rehydration properties, antioxidant capacity, Fourier‐transform infrared (FTIR) and RAMAN spectroscopy and microstructural characterisation were performed on the microencapsulated carotenoids. From the kinetic analysis, the activation energy of the sweet potato extract was 16.31 kJ/mol while that of the microencapsulated sweet potato extract was 10.27 kJ/mol. Thus, it can be concluded that the microencapsulation process improved the stability of carotenoids subjected to thermal conditions. FTIR and RAMAN spectra confirmed the microencapsulation of the carotenoids. The microencapsulated powder showed a hygroscopicity of 0.22 g/100 g, wettability of 49 s and high solubility. The results obtained in the kinetics are a useful tool to predict losses during the process of heating the carotenoids from sweet potato, thus allowing improvement and selection of the products to which this powder can be applied, in either thermal or cold processes.

Biodegradation Study of Food Packaging Materials: Assessment of the Impact of the Use of Different Biopolymers and Soil Characteristics

In this article, the relationship between the properties of different membranes (agar, chitosan, and agar + chitosan) and biodegradability in natural and sterilized soil was investigated. The membranes under investigation exhibited variations in the biodegradation process, a phenomenon closely linked to both the soil microbiota composition and their water affinity. Higher solubility in water and greater swelling tendencies correlated with shorter initiation times for the biodegradation process in soil. Overall, all tested membranes began biodegradation within 14 days, as assessed through thickness and morphological analysis parameters, demonstrating a superior degradation rate compared to low-density polyethylene films.

Mild and Subtle Synthesis of β-Ketoenamine COFs with High Crystallinity and Controllable Solubility Guided by a Monomer Preassembly Strategy.

The stability of covalent organic frameworks (COFs) is crucial for their applications in demanding environments. However, increasing the stability of COFs often comes with challenges such as higher synthesis difficulty, lower crystal quality, and reduced controllability during synthesis, making it difficult to regulate dimensions and morphology, thereby impacting the processing and shaping of stable COFs. Herein, the study presents a novel confined polymerization approach guided by hydrogen bonding preassembly to synthesize a soluble and stable COF featuring β-ketoenamine linkage. The presence of relatively weaker hydrogen bonds accelerates the orderly arrangement of monomers, ensuring appropriate spacing, and orientations among functional groups. This facilitates efficient covalent polymerization, leading to the creation of the framework while minimizing the "self-correction" mechanism during crystal growth, thereby enhancing the efficiency of COF synthesis. Furthermore, this method offers precise control over the size of the synthesized COF. The resulting crystalline COF can be toggled between dissolution and precipitation states, facilitating the fabrication of mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) through leveraging the solubility properties of COF. Overall, this pioneering strategy yields valuable insights for advancing weak bond assembly-mediated confined polymerization approaches, the controlled synthesis of stable COFs, and the preparation and processing of soluble COFs in diverse applications.

Bio synthesis of chitosan from shrimp shell chitin using Streptomyces griseoincarnatus RB7AG:Characterization and application as coating material to enhance shelf life of tomatoes (var. Ruby pusa) in post-harvest storgae condition

In this investigation, chitosan was successfully obtained from shrimp shell chitin through microbial degradation by Streptomyces griseoincarnatus RB7AG. The resulting chitosan showcased remarkable characteristics, including high solubility, a high degree of deacetylation, a well-defined crystalline structure, and a rough surface with minimal pores. The application of chitosan as a coating material for tomatoes demonstrated significant preservation benefits compared to commercially available chitosan. The chitosan coating proved effective in minimizing weight loss, reducing the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and preserving essential compounds such as anthocyanin content and antioxidant enzymes in tomatoes. Firstly, the chitosan coating served as a physical barrier, preventing moisture loss and maintaining the tomatoes' structural integrity. Secondly, the antimicrobial properties of chitosan hindered the growth of spoilage-causing microorganisms, extending the shelf life of the tomatoes. Additionally, the chitosan coating exhibited antioxidant properties, scavenging ROS and preserving the natural antioxidants in tomatoes. Furthermore, the chitosan coating facilitated controlled gas exchange, allowing optimal levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide to maintain the freshness of the tomatoes without accelerating the ripening process. With the help of the above-mentioned mechanisms, the potential of the microbially synthesized chitosan to enhance the shelf life of the tomatoes can be explained which was found better than the commercially synthesized chitosan coating. This research underscores the potential of microbially synthesized chitosan as an effective coating material but also provides insights into the intricate mechanisms involved in preserving tomatoes. The findings pave the way for innovative applications of chitosan-based coatings in the food industry, ensuring prolonged freshness and nutritional quality of perishable fruits and vegetables.

Optimization of Cassava-Peel Derived Nanostarch Via Sulphuric Acid Hydrolysis Using Taguchi Method

Untreated cassava peel waste generated during harvesting and processing poses significant environmental challenges. Synthesis of starch nanoparticles from cassava peels for various applications offers a sustainable solution to waste reduction and contributes to environmental conservation. The unique characteristics of nanostarch such as thermal stability, high solubility, non-toxicity, and low cost enable its application in the food industry, cosmetics, enhanced oil recovery, and textiles. The current study employed the Taguchi method design to optimize sulphuric acid hydrolysis in synthesizing cassava peel-derived nanostarch. Additionally, the derived cassava peel nanostarch was characterized using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). Starch was extracted from cassava peels, followed by synthesizing starch nanoparticles via sulphuric acid hydrolysis. Optimization of nanostarch synthesis was based on randomized experimental runs using the Taguchi method generated by the Minitab software, with the experiments conducted in duplicates. The optimum conditions for the experiment were found to be 3 hours, at 25°C using an H<sub>2</sub>SO<sub>4 </sub>acid concentration of 2M. These conditions produced a yield of 92.28%. ANOVA analysis identified sulphuric acid concentration as the most significant factor that affected cassava nanostarch yield, with p-values of 0.026 and 0.003 for the signal to noise (S/N) ratios and means, respectively. The least significant factor based on the analysis was the hydrolysis time. However, according to the S/N ratios main effect plot, the most optimum conditions predicted by the Taguchi method design was 9 hours, 25°C using H<sub>2</sub>SO<sub>4 </sub>acid concentration of 2M. A confirmation experiment conducted at 25°C, using an H<sub>2</sub>SO<sub>4 </sub>acid concentration of 2M for 9 hours gave a nanostarch yield of 97.01%. In conclusion, the Taguchi method design identified sulphuric acid concentration as the most significant factor in synthesizing cassava peel-derived nanostarch via acid hydrolysis.

Comparing the individual and combined effects of nano zinc and conventional zinc fertilization on growth, yield, phytochemical properties, antioxidant activity, and secoisolariciresinol diglucoside content in linseed

Zinc sulfate (ZnSO4), a conventional Zn fertilizer, is widely used due to its high solubility and ease of application. In contrast, nano Zn represents an innovative approach, utilizing nanoscale particles to enhance Zn bioavailability and uptake efficiency. This study compares these two Zn fertilizers regarding their impact on plant growth, yield, Zn uptake, and overall crop quality. In our study, we explored the potential of nano Zn and ZnSO4 by applying two different doses of each (100, 1000 ppm ZnO NP and 30, 50 kg ha−1 ZnSO4) both individually and in combination, to linseed accession. The results obtained showed the potential of nano Zn over conventional Zn fertilizer in terms of enhanced linseed growth and yield together with greater antioxidants enzyme, oil content, protein content, Zn accumulation, secoisolariciresinol diglucoside (SDG) content, and the accumulation of bioactive metabolites. Nanoscale ZnO (with particle size less than 100 nm) at a 1000 ppm concentration sped up growth, yield, increased SDG content, and antioxidant activity. However, when nano Zn (1000 ppm) was applied in combination with ZnSO4 (30 kg ha−1), it maximally enhanced plant fresh and dry weight, photosynthesis, and yield compared to their individual treatment. The combined application increased seed yield by 4.55 folds compared to the control. The treated plants were assessed for SDG content using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis (LC-MS), which showed maximum increase with 1000 ppm ZnO NP. SDG is a type of lignan known for their antioxidant properties and potential health benefits paving way for its pharmaceutical importance.

Infant Food Flours Made from Local Products to Combat Acute Malnutrition in Children Under 5 Years Old in Côte D’ivoire

In Côte d'Ivoire, recurring stock shortages and difficulties in accessing specialized food products compromise nutritional treatment. This study proposes food formulas of flours composed of locally available products capable of meeting the protein-energy needs of children aged 6 to 59 months diagnosed with moderate acute malnutrition. The methodological approach consists of formulating and determining the physicochemical, nutrient, and functional characteristics of four new formulations (1F, 2F, 3F, 4F, and 5F). The results indicate that the formulated foods have high levels of calcium (215.60-252,29 mg/100g MS), potassium (555,70-789,29 mg/100 g MS), magnesium (261,26-200,63 mg/100g MS), iron (4,86-7,03 mg/100g MS) and phosphorus (392,36 -469,36 mg/100g MS). The fat content varies from 9.66% to 23.86%. The energy value determined for all flours corresponds well to the Codex. The food formulas developed would also be able to meet more than 100% of the daily requirement of vitamins E and B1. The phytate (180.26 - 227.05 mg/100 g) and oxalate (66.00 - 88.00 mg/100 g) contents are low. The presence of phenolic compounds, including flavonoids (7.78-15.44 mg/100 g) and antioxidant activity (31.09-32.84%) would be a significant asset. The levels of deoxynivalenol (62 μg/kg) recorded in flours are below 200 μg/kg recommended for infants and young children. The proposed formulations have high-water absorption capacity (136.15 -252.94%) and high solubility index (56.84 -59.2%). The wettability time ranges from 3.66 ± 0.16 s to 33.71 ± 0.23 s. Flours (1F, 2F, 3F, 5F) have a better absorption capacity for refined palm oil (132 %, 139 %, 121 %; 115 %). The proposed new formulations have nutritional characteristics close to standard data and could therefore be recommended for children aged 6 to 59 months for complementary feeding in the context of the fight against moderate acute malnutrition.

Molecular Engineering of a Tumor-Targeting Thione-Derived Diketopyrrolopyrrole Photosensitizer to Attain NIR Excitation Over 850 nm for Efficient Dual Phototherapy.

Photosensitizers with near-infrared (NIR) excitation, especially above 800 nm which is highly desired for phototherapy, remain rare due to the fast nonradiative relaxation process induced by exciton-vibration coupling. Here, a diketopyrrolopyrrole-derived photosensitizer (DTPA-S) is developed via thionation of carbonyl groups within the diketopyrrolopyrrole skeleton, which results in a large bathochromic shift of 81 nm, endowing the photosensitizer with strong NIR absorption at 712 nm. DTPA-S is then introduced with a functional biomolecule (N3-PEG2000-RGD) via click reaction for the construction of integrin αvβ3 receptor-targeted nano-micelles (NanoDTPA-S/RGD), which endows the photosensitizer with a further superlarge absorption redshift of 138 nm, thus extending the absorption maxima to ≈850 nm. Remarkably, thiocarbonyl substitution increases the nonbonding characters in frontier molecular orbitals, which can effectively suppress the nonradiative vibrational relaxation process via reducing the reorganization energy, enabling efficient reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation under 880 nm excitation. Screened by in vitro and in vivo assays, NanoDTPA-S/RGD with high water solubility, excellent tumor-targeting ability, and photodynamic/photothermal therapy synergistic effect exhibits satisfactory phototherapeutic performance. Overall, this study demonstrates a new design of efficient NIR-triggered diketopyrrolopyrrole photosensitizer with facile installation of functional biomolecules for potential clinical applications.

Highly Stable Alkaline All‐Iron Redox Flow Batteries Enabled by Disulfonated Ligands Chelation

AbstractAlkaline all‐iron flow batteries possess intrinsic safety and low cost, demonstrating great potential for large‐scale and long‐duration energy storage. However, their commercial application is hindered by the issue of capacity decay resulting from the decomposition of iron complexes and ligand crossovers. In this paper, an robust anolyte Fe(TEA‐2S) is reported, which is formed by chelating iron ions with the sulfonate‐enriched ligand (TEA‐2S) in alkaline environment. By skillfully designing the ligands, the binding energy of the iron complexes increases and ligand crossovers are suppressed, making the iron complexes highly stable in the charge–discharge cycles. Alkaline all‐iron flow batteries coupling with Fe(TEA‐2S) and the typical iron‐cyanide catholyte perform a minimal capacity decay rate (0.17% per day and 0.0014% per cycle), maintaining an average coulombic efficiency of close to 99.93% over 2000 cycles along with a high energy efficiency of 83.5% at a current density of 80 mA cm−2. In addition, Fe(TEA‐2S) exhibits high solubility of up to 1.85 м (with a theoretical capacity of up to 49.58 Ah L−1), even at low temperatures as extreme as −30 °C. This work demonstrates a promising pathway toward achieving long‐duration and large‐scale energy storage.

Structural designs and synthesis of co-polycarbonates with cyclohexyl and fluorene structures: Low-dielectric constant, high solubility, and superior mechanical properties

The rapid developments of high-speed communication and large-scale integrated circuits have accelerated the research for insulating dielectric materials with low dielectric constant, low dielectric loss, and good mechanical properties. In this study, a series of polycarbonate resins containing cyclohexyl and fluorene structures are synthesized by melt transesterification, which is low dielectric, highly thermally resistant, and soluble. The effects of fluorene structure contents on the properties of a co-polycarbonate resin were studied systematically. The results showed that the non-polar fluorene group could reduce the molecular polarization of co-polycarbonate, resulting in low permittivity of co-polycarbonate are 2.41–2.71@1 MHz. In addition, the resin has excellent solubility and can be dissolved in NMP, CH2Cl2, THF, and other solvents at room temperature. Furthermore, the co-polycarbonate resins also exhibit superior heat resistance with glass transition temperature (Tg) of 160.6–173.1 °C as well as admirable mechanical properties with a tensile strength of 50.54–70.72 MPa. This makes it a promising candidate for high-speed communications and large-scale integrated circuits.

Purification Processes for Generating Cationic Lignin-Acrylamide Polymers.

Purification is an essential step in many polymerization processes for fabricating highly pure polymers. This study considered various purification methods for purifying the product of lignin, acrylamide (AM), and diallyl dimethylammonium chloride (DADMAC) copolymerization reactions at a laboratory scale. The charge density, yield, molecular weight, and solubility analyses confirmed that ethanol extraction and membrane filtration were the most effective processes for producing lignin-p(AM)-p(DADMAC). The 1H NMR analysis revealed that the membrane dialysis effectively removed unreacted AM and DADMAC monomers from the reaction medium. The produced samples of the ethanol-extraction and dialysis processes had higher solubility and yield compared to the product of the acidification process. Thermogravimetric studies confirmed that the ethanol-extracted and dialyzed samples had a degradation temperature (220 °C) higher than that of the acidified samples (160 °C). The rheological studies confirmed that the viscosities of the polymer solutions were influenced more by the solubility than by the molecular weight of the generated polymers within the molecular weight range examined in this study. The flocculation studies confirmed that the ethanol-extracted and dialyzed polymers were more effective flocculants than the acidified samples for the particles of a kaolinite suspension. Based on the above results, membrane filtration with a larger pore size could be an environmentally friendly method for effectively purifying lignin-p(AM)-p(DADMAC).

Spray Drying of Inca Peanut Meal Protein Hydrolysate to Produce Protein Powder Drink Mix

The optimal conditions (maltodextrin concentration and inlet air temperature) for spray drying Inca peanut meal protein hydrolysate (IMPH) were determined. The maltodextrin concentration was varied at 5, 10 and 15 % by weight, and inlet air temperature was varied at 150, 160 and 170 °C. The IMPH was subjected to spray drying, where the feed solution was atomized into fine droplets and exposed to a hot air stream, leading to rapid drying and the formation of powder. The moisture, protein, yield, water activity and water solubility index (WSI) of IMPH powder were analyzed. The optimal condition for spray drying IMPH powder utilized 10 % maltodextrin and an inlet air temperature of 160 °C. Under these conditions, the moisture, protein, yield and WSI of IMPH powder were 2.93, 36.93, 38.95 and 99.59 %, respectively, while water activity was 0.41. IMPH powder particles were spherical and non-agglomerate. Inca peanut meal protein powder drink mix (IMPD) with cocoa flavor was the most acceptable. The IMPD with cocoa flavor could be promoted as a high protein and high dietary fiber product. It could be kept at 35 ± 2 °C for 12 weeks, whilst retaining good microbiological properties. HIGHLIGHTS The optimal conditions for spray drying Inca peanut meal protein hydrolysate (IMPH) were determined to be 10% maltodextrin and an inlet air temperature of 160 °C. This resulted in high yield, protein content, and water solubility, while keeping moisture and water activity low. IMPH powder had spherical, non-agglomerated particles, and cocoa-flavored Inca peanut protein powder drink mix (IMPD) was the most preferred in sensory evaluations. The IMPD with cocoa flavor was identified as a high-protein, high-dietary-fiber product, suitable for storage at 35 °C for up to 12 weeks while maintaining good microbiological quality. The study highlights the nutritional benefits of the cocoa-flavored IMPD, which includes essential amino acids, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidant properties. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

Highly Water-Dispersed Natural Fullerenes Coated with Pluronic Polymers as Novel Nanoantioxidants for Enhanced Antioxidant Activity.

Fullerene is a cosmic material with a buckyball-like structure comprising 60 carbon atoms. It has attracted significant interest because of its outstanding antioxidant, antiviral, and antibacterial properties. Natural fullerene (NC60) in shungite meets the demand of biomedical fields to scavenge reactive oxygen species in many diseases. However, its hydrophobicity and poor solubility in water hinder its use as an antioxidant. In this study, highly water-dispersed and stable Pluronic-coated natural fullerene nanoaggregates (NC60/Plu) were prepared from various Pluronic polymers. The water dispersity and stability of NC60 were compared and optimized based on the characteristics of Pluronic polymers including F68, F127, L35, P123, and L81. In particular, NC60 coated with Pluronic F127 at a weight ratio of 1 to 5 showed excellent antioxidant effects both in situ and in vitro. This suggests that the high solubilization of NC60 in Pluronic polymers increases its chance of interacting with reactive oxygen radicals and improves radical scavenging activity. Thus, the optimized NC60/PF127 may be a novel biocompatible antioxidant for treating various diseases associated with oxidative stress.

Photocleavable Protecting Groups Using a Sulfite Self‐Immolative Linker for High Uncaging Quantum Yield and Aqueous Solubility

AbstractUsing light as an external stimulus to control (bio)chemical processes offers many distinct advantages. Most importantly, it allows for spatiotemporal control simply through operating the light source. Photocleavable protecting groups (PPGs) are a cornerstone class of compounds that are used to achieve photocontrol over (bio)chemical processes. PPGs are able to release a payload of interest upon light irradiation. The successful application of PPGs hinges on their efficiency of payload release, captured in the uncaging Quantum Yield (QY). Heterolytic PPGs efficiently release low pKa payloads, but their efficiency drops significantly for payloads with higher pKa values, such as alcohols. For this reason, alcohols are usually attached to PPGs via a carbonate linker. The self‐immolative nature of the carbonate linker results in concurrent release of CO2 with the alcohol payload upon irradiation. We introduce herein novel PPGs containing sulfites as self‐immolative linkers for photocaged alcohol payloads, for which we discovered that the release of the alcohol proceeds with higher uncaging QY than an identical payload released from a carbonate‐linked PPG. Furthermore, we demonstrate that uncaging of the sulfite‐linked PPGs results in the release of SO2 and show that the sulfite linker improves water solubility as compared to the carbonate‐based systems.

Formulation, Optimization, and Evaluation of Solid-lipid Formulation for Bioavailability Enhancement Utilizing Diltiazem Hydrochloride

Background: Cardiac arrhythmia is a health concern, requiring effective medication for proper treatment. Diltiazem hydrochloride (DTZ.HCL), a class IV anti-arrhythmic calcium channel blocker, was used as a model drug due to its ability to block Ca++ channels in the SA and AV nodes, reducing calcium entry into cardiac cells and subsequently decreasing the force of contraction and oxygen consumption by the heart. Despite its good oral absorption, DTZ.HCL bioavailability is reduced to approximately 40% due to extensive first-pass metabolism. A nano-enabled drug delivery system has the advantage of incorporating both lipophilic and hydrophilic drugs with improved physical stability and enhanced bioavailability. Objective: The objective of this study was to develop a solid-lipid formulation utilizing diltiazem hydrochloride and evaluate it for its bioavailability enhancement. Method: In the experimental study, SLNs were prepared using the microemulsion technique. A blend ratio (1:1) of lipid (stearic acid: compritol 888 ATO), span 80, PEG 200, and water was selected based on the microemulsion region obtained from the Triplot (4.1) ternary phase diagram. The hydrophilic drug diltiazem hydrochloride was incorporated into the lipid blend, and a preheated Smix was maintained at 80°C to obtain a transparent microemulsion, which then crystallized to form SLNs upon subsequent dispersion in cold water (1:25). Critical process parameters, including magnetic stirring speed, homogenizer speed, and probe sonication cycle, were optimized using Design Expert 10 software to achieve the desired particle size diameter, PDI, and entrapment efficiency. Results: The results revealed that the particle size and PDI were significantly influenced by the span 80 and PEG 200. An increase in the concentration of the lipid blend resulted in large particle sizes. The optimized formulation showed a particle size of 415.4±0.2 nm, PDI of 0.184±0.01, and zeta potential of -24.19±0.12 mV. These results were corroborated by DSC thermograms, which indicated reduced enthalpy associated with the reduced particle size of SLNs. Given that diltiazem hydrochloride is a hydrophilic drug with high water solubility, the entrapment efficiency was relatively 30.6% ±0.45. In vitro release studies demonstrated an initial burst release, followed by a sustained release of 85% over 24 hours. The optimized SLNs followed the Higuchi matrix model, with a coefficient of correlation (R²) value of 0.9369. Conclusion: Results concluded successful development of SLNs with improved bioavailability when compared by way of in-vitro method with marketed preparations.

Photocleavable Protecting Groups Using a Sulfite Self-Immolative Linker for High Uncaging Quantum Yield and Aqueous Solubility.

Using light as an external stimulus to control (bio)chemical processes offers many distinct advantages. Most importantly, it allows for spatiotemporal control simply through operating the light source. Photocleavable protecting groups (PPGs) are a cornerstone class of compounds that are used to achieve photocontrol over (bio)chemical processes. PPGs are able to release a payload of interest upon light irradiation. The successful application of PPGs hinges on their efficiency of payload release, captured in the uncaging Quantum Yield (QY). Heterolytic PPGs efficiently release low pKa payloads, but their efficiency drops significantly for payloads with higher pKa values, such as alcohols. For this reason, alcohols are usually attached to PPGs via a carbonate linker. The self-immolative nature of the carbonate linker results in concurrent release of CO2 with the alcohol payload upon irradiation. We introduce herein novel PPGs containing sulfites as self-immolative linkers for photocaged alcohol payloads, for which we discovered that the release of the alcohol proceeds with higher uncaging QY than an identical payload released from a carbonate-linked PPG. Furthermore, we demonstrate that uncaging of the sulfite-linked PPGs results in the release of SO2 and show that the sulfite linker improves water solubility as compared to the carbonate-based systems.

A novel merocyanine photoacid for visible light-controlled pH modulation

Merocyanine-based photoacids generate high proton concentrations under visible light irradiation. In the past decade, it has been established that these photoacids offer significant advantages over photoacid generators (PAGs) and hydroxyaryl photoacids, enabling better spatiotemporal control of proton transfer reactions in bulk media. In this study, we modified the core structure of the first generation of meroyanine photoacids. We developed a novel photoacid with color tuning capabilities and high solubility in polar organic solvents. Specifically, by incorporating a cationic benzoindolium moiety as an acceptor, we have altered the photoacid’s light absorption properties. Unlike the first generation of indolium-based merocyanine photoacids, this photoacid can now be activated with green light (λmax = 525 nm) as well as blue (λmax = 450 nm) and ultraviolet (λmax = 365 nm) lights. Furthermore, the novel photoacid exhibits high photo stability, photo-acidity (Π = 3.28 ± 0.08) and moderate reverse reaction rate (k = 1.08 × 10−3 ± 0.00017 s−1) in solution. We envision that with improved color tuning capabilities, this class of photoacids will be a more versatile tool for controlling proton-induced reactions in different systems, including biological reactions.

Effect of legume proteins on the structure and digestibility of wheat starch-lauric acid complexes

The effect of legume proteins (soy protein (SP), chickpea protein (CP) and peanut protein (PP)) on the properties of wheat starch-lauric acid (WS-LA) system and its intrinsic mechanism were investigated. RVA, digestion experiment and TGA results showed that legume proteins prompted the viscosity peak formation during cooling stage and increased anti-digestion and thermal stability of WS-LA system. FT-IR, Raman, XRD and 13C NMR results indicated that legume proteins improved the long-range and short-range ordering degree and single-helix structure of WS-LA system. SP had greater influence on the properties of WS-LA system than that of CP and PP. Proteins with high solubility, emulsifying properties and β-sheet content were conducive to starch-based complexes formation. Molecular dynamics simulation results indicated that major forces for WS-LA-SP formation were hydrogen bonding and van der Waals forces. This study offered crucial information on starch-fatty acid-protein complexes formation for proteins selection in starch-based products development.

Zinc-halide/phenylbutyrate co-passivation of CsPbX3 nanocrystals toward efficient and robust luminescence

Cesium lead halide perovskite nanocrystals (IPNCs) exhibit excellent optoelectronic properties but are susceptible to degradation in practical environments due to their ionic surface and unstable ligand capping. Here, we propose a post-synthesis surface passivation strategy for CsPbX3 (X = Br, I) IPNCs by employing combined zinc halide and zinc phenylbutyrate (Zn(PA)2) as surface ligands. ZnBr2 fills surface halide vacancies on IPNCs, resulting in high photoluminescence efficiency, whereas Zn(PA)2 stabilizes IPNCs by substituting surface ammonium ligands. Additionally, the −PA capping endows IPNCs with high solubility in polystyrene (PS), enabling the direct fabrication of highly efficient and uniform IPNCs-PS color conversion films through in situ polymerization of the IPNC-styrene solution. The resulting IPNCs-PS films displayed significantly enhanced stability, retaining excellent PL persistence after 1000 h of photoaging. This novel ligand and modification method presents a promising strategy for improving the efficiency and stability of IPNCs, facilitating their potential applications in display backlight and other optoelectronic applications.

Structure, orientation, and dynamics of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) surfactants at the air-water interface: Molecular-level insights

HypothesisUnderstanding the intricate molecular-level details of toxic per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) partitioning to the air–water interface holds paramount importance in evaluating their fate and transport, as well as for finding safer alternatives for various applications, including aqueous film forming foams. The behavior of these substances at interfaces strongly depends on molecular architecture, chemistry, and concentration, which define molecular packing, self-assembly, interfacial diffusion, and the surface tension. SimulationsModeling of three PFAS surfactants, namely, longer-tail (perfluorooctanoate (PFOA)) and shorter-tail (perfluorobutanoate (PFBA) and 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoro-2-(heptafluoropropoxy) propanoate (GenX)) has been conducted using atomistic molecular dynamics simulations. A systematic comparison between these representative PFAS of different sizes and structure reveals factors influencing their association behavior, mechanism of surface tension reduction, and interfacial mobility as a function of surface coverage. FindingsShorter-chain PFAS surfactants (GenX or PFBA) require lower surface coverage compared to longer chain (PFOA) PFAS to achieve the same decrease in surface tension. However, a higher concentration of GenX and PFBA is necessary in the bulk aqueous solution to achieve the same surface coverage as PFOA, due to their higher solubility in water. The PFAS molecular orientation and mobility at the interface are found to be vastly influenced by the length and architecture of the hydrophobic fluorocarbon tail. A significant ordering of the water dipole moment near the anionic headgroup is apparent at high surface concentration. A direct correlation is established between the PFAS interfacial properties and PFAS-PFAS, PFAS-counterion, and PFAS-water interactions.