Liquid Infusion Research Articles

VOLUME REPLENISHMENT BY BOLUS LIQUID INFUSION: WHATROLE IN THE ACUTE MANAGEMENT OF INTRADIALYTIC HYPOTENSION (IDH)?

Introduction: Intradialytic hypotension (IDH) is a common complication associatedwith high morbidity and mortality in hemodialysis patients. Its management isprimarilypreventive, but if itoccurs, itrequires urgent measuresincluding volume infusion of solute to restore volemia. The objective of ourworkis to evaluate the role of bolus liquid infusion for the acute management of IDH. Materials and Methods: This is a retrospectivestudyconductedfromJanuary 2017 to December 2021 at the hemodialysis center of the militaryhospital in Agadir involving 90 chronichemodialysis patients. Volume replenishment to treat IDH wascarried out by infusing an online bolus liquid. Results and Discussion: Weanalyzed 30,689 sessions. IDH with or withoutsymptomswasfoundin 19.6% of cases. 14% of sessions with IDH required bolus infusion (27% of total sessions) with an average volume injected of 26315 ± 1622 ml. Factorsassociatedwith bolus administration includedadvancedage (643 ± 127 vs. 61.6 ± 12.7 years, P<0.001), femalesex (H/F ratio of 0.5 vs. 1.1, P<0.001), diabetes (47.4% vs. 44%, P<0.001), lowpre-dialyticnatremia (134 ± 14 vs. 136 ± 10 mmol/l, P<0.001), and underestimated dry weight (70.6 ± 12.5 vs. 73 ± 14.2 kg, P<0.001). Sessions with bolus infusion werecharacterized by a low total effective UF volume (2000 ± 870 ml vs. 2285.8 ± 854.8, P<0.001), shorter duration withpremature session disconnection (209 ± 25 min vs. 235 ± 7 min, P=0.02), and loweraveragedialysatetemperature (P<0.001). The final relative blood volume washigher (87 ± 9 vs. 82 ± 9, P<0.001) favoring the risk of overloadassociatedwith bolus infusion. Conclusion: Despiteadvances in hemodialysis, IDH remains a common per-dialytic incident. Our study highlights the importance of close monitoring of hemodynamicparametersduringhemodialysis sessions to prevent IDH, actearly, and avoidliquid bolus administration associatedwith the risk of overload.

Scalable Preparation of Liquid Infused Coatings for Lubrication of 103 m2 Dry Ski Slopes.

To facilitate effective training for freestyle skiers on artificial dry ski slopes, it is crucial to reduce the friction coefficient of the slopes and closely match it with that of snow. Traditional lubrication methods, such as water or soapy water, come with multiple disadvantages, including water waste, which leads to environmental pollution, short-lived effectiveness, and high costs. In this study, we have successfully developed a method for the scalable preparation of a liquid-infused coating (LIC) by tandem spraying inexpensive and environmentally friendly SiO2 particles and silicone oil lubricants. Experimental results showed that the resulting LIC is capable of imparting slippery properties to various surfaces, regardless of the surface chemistry. Moreover, the presence of LIC could reduce the friction coefficient significantly. By carefully regulating the surface composition, we achieved a friction coefficient of 0.059 between a snowboard and the LIC-functionalized ski slope, closely matching that between the snowboard and snow in a typical skiing competition venue (∼0.06). We successfully applied LIC onto 103 m2 dry ski slopes, providing a training ground for professional freestyle skiers.

Comparing mechanochemical endovenous ablation using Flebogrif with endovenous laser ablation in the treatment of primary great saphenous vein incompetence: protocol for a multicentre, open-label, non-inferiority, observer-blinded, randomised controlled trial (REBORN trial)

IntroductionEndovenous laser ablation (EVLA) is associated with an excellent outcome in the treatment of great saphenous vein (GSV) incompetence. However, the use of thermal ablation requires tumescent anaesthesia and is...

Automated Droplet Ejection from a Digital Microfluidics Sample Pretreatment Device Enables Batch-Mode Chemiluminescence Immunoassay.

Digital microfluidics (DMF) features programmed manipulation of fluids in multiple steps, making it a valuable tool for sample pretreatment. However, the integration of sample pretreatment with its downstream reaction and detection requires transferring droplets from the DMF device to the outside world. To address this issue, the present study developed a modified DMF device that allows automated droplet ejection out of the chip, facilitated by a tailor-designed interface. A double-layered DMF microchip with an oil-filled medium was flipped over, with a liquid infusion port and a liquid expulsion port accommodated on the top working PCB plate and the bottom grounded ITO plate, respectively, to facilitate chip-to-world delivery of droplets. Using chemiluminescent immunoassay (CLIA) as an illustrative application, the sample pretreatment was programmed on the DMF device, and CLIA droplets were ejected from the chip for signal reading. In our workflow, CLIA droplets can be ejected from the DMF device through the chip-to-world interface, freeing up otherwise occupied electrodes for more sample pretreatment and enabling streamlined droplet microreactions and batch-mode operation for bioanalysis. Integrated with these interfacing portals, the DMF system achieved a single-channel throughput of 17 samples per hour, which can be further upscaled for more productive applications by parallelizing the DMF modules. The results of this study demonstrate that the droplet ejection function that is innovated in a DMF sample pretreatment microsystem can significantly improve analytical throughput, providing an approach to establishing an automated but decentralized biochemical sample preparation workstation for large-scale and continuous bioanalysis.

Effect of wettability on the void formation during liquid infusion into fibers

AbstractLiquid composite molding (LCM) is a promising option for low‐cost manufacturing of high‐performance composites compared to traditional prepreg‐autoclave methods. Void formation may be the most significant roadblock to such adaptation of LCM. In this article, the hypothesis that higher wettability, that is, lower contact angles of liquid on solids, would lead to lower void content for LCM is tested. First, a theory that calculates the energy required to form a bubble with varying contact angles is formulated by considering interfacial energy differences of a system with and without it. To experimentally prove this hypothesis, six different carbon fiber reinforcement samples were prepared each with a different fiber surface treatment. The wettability from the surface treatments was evaluated with contact angle measurements based on capillary rise between two fiber yarns. Void formation in situ during infusion was evaluated by a series of 1D infusion experiments using the same six surface modifications. Of the six samples, the reinforcements coated with fluorinated alkane and aminosilane showed the highest wettability and lowest void content, confirming that a lower contact angle can reduce the formation of voids during the infusion process.Highlights Higher wettability was correlated with less bubble (void) formation. Theoretical model and LCM experimental confirmation. Various surface modifications of carbon fibers tested. Potential application: enhancement of properties from LCM manufactured parts.

Comparing The Ratio Of Femoral Vein Diameter To Femoral Artery Diameter With Pulse Pressure Variation As A Diagnostic Tool For Fluid Responsiveness In Mechanically Ventilated Patient: A Prospective Observational Study

Background: There is a correlation between CVP and the femoral vein diameter. Therefore, we assessed the accuracy of the measurement using pulse pressure variation in patients on mechanical ventilation by measuring the ratio of femoral vein diameter to femoral artery diameter. Methods: We enrolled 60 patients with circulatory failure who were on mechanical ventilation (MV) in our clinical research. Two groups of patients were randomly assigned: Group (P): Thirty patients were placed on fully regulated mechanical ventilation, momentarily drugged, and paralyzed. At baseline, PPV is computed directly on Nihon Kohden monitors. Group (F): (n = 30), FVD/FAD ratio guided; The FVD/FAD ratio in our target group (F) was evaluated at baseline, The main outcome was the variation in MAP (mm Hg) following a three-hour infusion of liquids. Results: There was a statistically significant difference in mean arterial pressure (MAP) between before and after the patients received their fluids. MAP was 57.13 ± 2.46 before receiving the fluids, but it increased by an average of 20.60, p-value<0.001. Similarly, there was a statistically significant difference in the FVD/FAD ratio before and after the patients received their fluids. The mean FVD/FAD ratio was 0.91 ± 0.13 before receiving the fluids, but after the patients received their fluids, the mean FVD/FAD ratio was 1.27 ± 0.16 after receiving the fluids. Conclusion: The FVA/FAD ratio is a good indicator to assess the volume status of the patient who received fluids for resuscitation but should be confirmed by other parameters in hypovolemic-pre-resuscitated patients. Highlights • Assessement the accuracy of the measurement using pulse pressure variation in patients on mechanical ventilation • The state of blood volume can be determined using both invasive and non-invasive techniques. The FVA/FAD ratio is a good indicator to assess the volume status of the patient who received fluids for resuscitation.

Valorization of guabirobeira leaf extracts (Campomanesia xanthocarpa) through pressurized liquid extraction and aqueous infusion: assessment of phytochemical composition, antibacterial, and antioxidant activities

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe leaves of guabirobeira contain important phenolic and flavonoid compounds, known for their antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, antibacterial, and antinociceptive activities. The purpose of this work was to obtain extracts from guabirobeira leaves through aqueous infusion and pressurized liquid extraction with water, ethanol, and a combination of water–ethanol (ratio 1:1, v/v; PLE‐W:E). Subsequently, we used liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry to identify the chemical compounds, and to study the antioxidant activity in rat brain cells; thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) antibacterial activity against Gram‐negative and Gram‐positive bacteria were also seen.RESULTSAccording to the findings, all four extracts contained a significant amount of phytochemical compounds. Among them, the PLE‐W:E extract showed a higher concentration of flavonoids, demonstrating significant antioxidant activity in in vitro assays of TBARS and ROS in rat brain cells. It also exhibited antibacterial activity against both Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacteria.CONCLUSIONGuabirobeira leaf extracts hold promise as a potential source of bioactive compounds. These extracts can be applied across various sectors, including cosmetics and skincare products, pharmaceuticals, food and beverages, natural preservatives, and functional materials. By exploring these potential applications, valuable contributions can be made to the field of sustainable chemistry and pharmacy, furthering the utilization of guabirobeira leaf extracts in diverse industries. This approach also aligns with the promotion of environmentally friendly and sustainable practices. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).

Design and application of a multiple combination portable auxiliary device for infusion

Intravenous infusion is an important route of drug therapy, and infusion safety is an important issue for medical staff. Long-term and multiple infusion routes at the same time bring inconvenience to patients. Multiple three-way switches in parallel infusion may lead to interruption of the liquid route, which can seriously endanger the life of patients. To address these clinical issues, medical staff from the School of Basic Medical Sciences of Hebei Medical University and the Emergency Department of the Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University designed a multiple combination portable infusion assistance device and obtained the National Utility Model Patent of China (ZL 2022 2 0226073.2). The device is mainly composed of adhesive tape sticker, fixed slots and pipelines, and also includes a three-way valve and a mixing chamber, and different modes of infusion assist devices can be selected according to clinical needs. The device is simple and convenient to operate, solves the problem of multiple liquid infusion blockages, improves the safety and comfort of infusion, and can meet the needs of liquid infusion in various clinical situations.

The effects of garetosmab in people with fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP): A plain language summary of the LUMINA-1 study

What is this summary about? This is a plain language summary of a clinical research study called LUMINA-1. This study investigated a medicine called garetosmab in adults with fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva, or FOP. FOP is a very rare disease that causes new bone to form in places where it does not usually develop (also known as heterotopic ossification). In FOP, when bone is formed in areas it is not supposed to, it results in mature heterotopic bone. The build-up of new bone makes it difficult for people with FOP to move, which means they often require the use of a wheelchair or other mobility aid. People with FOP who took part in the study were experiencing bone formation in areas where new bone should not form, flare-ups (episodes of localized swelling, pain, and/or warmth), and worsening joint movement. What were the results? People with FOP were given garetosmab or placebo every 4 weeks as a liquid infusion through a vein for 28 weeks. After 28 weeks, those who were receiving placebo were switched to garetosmab and treated for 28 weeks. This part was known as the open-label portion of the trial, which is when all people received garetosmab treatment. Treatment with garetosmab did not change the mature heterotopic bone in people with FOP, but it did stop new bone lesions from forming in areas where they should not. Treatment with garetosmab also reduced the number of flare-ups. During the trial, common side effects were nosebleeds, loss of eyebrows or eyelashes, and skin and soft tissue infections. Five people died during the open-label portion of the trial, when all were on garetosmab. Their deaths appeared consistent with the known causes of death and life expectancy of people with FOP who were of a similar age and severity of disease. There was no clear pattern that linked the deaths with how garetosmab works. However, a causal relationship between deaths and garetosmab could not be ruled out. What do the results of the study mean? The LUMINA-1 study showed that in people with FOP, garetosmab stopped new heterotopic bone from developing in areas that it should not and also reduced flare-ups. This shows that garetosmab may be a useful treatment for people with FOP. More testing is needed to better understand the benefits and risks of garetosmab. Clinical Trial Registration: NCT03188666 ( ClinicalTrials.gov ) (LUMINA-1)

Autologous skin-grafting surgery with novel continuous liquid infusion stent for prevention of esophageal stenosis after complete circular endoscopic submucosal tunnel dissection.

Autologous skin-grafting surgery with novel continuous liquid infusion stent for prevention of esophageal stenosis after complete circular endoscopic submucosal tunnel dissection.

Tetradecanoate in situ reaction prepares a stable and efficient 3D framework for fog collection

Slippery liquid-infused porous surface (SLIPS) strategy has recently attracted significant attention in the field of foggy water collection. However, the surface on which the lubricant is injected is often unstable, losing control of fog capture and droplet movement. The 3D frame structure combined with the nano-needle-like structure produces a strong oil locking ability to provide more stable Slippery liquid-infused porous surface. In this work, copper myristate flower-like clusters were directly grown on the walls of porous copper foam wires by in situ reactions, resulting in a superhydrophobic skeleton directly, and a 3D skeleton of the injected lubricant was obtained after lubricant injection. The framework also features excellent droplet capture, droplet coalescent growth, and droplet removal, as well as significant anti-ice and anti-fouling properties. This work simplifies the preparation process and it is easy to meet the reaction conditions. The prepared lubricant injected skeleton has excellent atomized collection properties (98.7% higher than the original sample) and has the potential for mass fabrication. It provides a new idea for the efficient and rapid preparation of the liquid infusion fog collection structure.

A Constructal-Theory-Based Methodology to Determine the Configuration of Empty Channels Used in the Resin Impregnation of a Square Porous Plate

Liquid composite molding techniques are largely used to produce pieces such as truck cabins or wind turbine blades. The liquid resin infusion processes use a network of injection channels to improve the resin flow through a porous-reinforced medium. The present numerical study predicts the positioning of empty channels by applying constructal theory to an idealized problem. The channels’ position and size were not predefined but instead constructed (made to grow) from an elemental channel. Two strategies were tested for channel growth: each new elemental channel was placed next to the region with the lowest or highest resistance to resin flow. The geometric configuration of the channels was constructed using a control function instead of using pre-defined shapes. The conservation of mass and momentum and an additional transport equation for the resin volume fraction were solved using the finite volume method. The volume of the fluid model was used for the treatment of the multiphase flow (air + resin). The growth of an empty channel with the lowest resistance strategy led to a decrease in the injection time and waste of resin. The size (resolution) of the elemental channel also affected the performance indicators and geometric configuration of the injection channels.

Multi-stage, in-situ polymerisation for low-exotherm, liquid resin infusion of thick thermoplastic laminates at room temperature

This study exploits the unique attributes of a reactive thermoplastic acrylic resin system (room-temperature liquid-resin infusibility, in-situ polymerisability, and room-temperature weldability) to achieve additive-free mitigation of exothermic heat generation during thick laminate production. Additives are typically required when thicknesses exceed 12 mm, but their use often compromises the degree of polymerisation and mechanical performance. An innovative multi-stage manufacturing scheme has been used to achieve a 55 °C reduction in exothermic peak temperature during the production of a 16-mm-thick laminate compared to the use of a standard resin infusion (89 °C) for the same thickness. Laminates produced using the multi-stage scheme were also found to exhibit 24 % higher short-beam shear strengths than those obtained via standard resin infusion, suggesting improved part quality as an additional benefit. Further demonstrating the applicability of the proposed method, a 40-mm-thick laminate was successfully produced with a peak temperature of only 60 °C. This work highlights the potential of room-temperature welding for practical and low-cost production of ultra-thick laminates at room temperature.

Screening Dolosigranulum pigrum Strains for Secreted Factors that InhibitStaphylococcus aureus

Abstract Background Staphylococcus aureus is a leading cause of community-associated and hospital-acquired infections, and methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) is a significant global health concern. Approximately 30% of the human population is asymptomatically colonized by S. aureus in the upper respiratory tract, with this colonization typically preceding respiratory infections caused by S. aureus. Dolosigranulum pigrum is a putatively beneficial bacterium that is a frequent colonizer of the human upper respiratory tract. The presence and abundance of D. pigrum in the upper respiratory tract has been negatively associated with S. aureus colonization among infants and young children. Additionally, in cocultivation experiments, D. pigrum has been shown to inhibit S. aureus growth, although the mechanisms for this antistaphylococcal activity have not been identified. Methods We hypothesized that D. pigrum strains secrete a protein factor that inhibits growth of S. aureus. To evaluate this hypothesis, we screened D. pigrum strains for antistaphylococcal activity using a plate-based cocultivation assay. Briefly, 5 µL aliquots of D. pigrum strains in liquid brain heart infusion (BHI) medium (OD600=0.3) were spotted onto a BHI agar plate and incubated at 37°C and 5% CO2 for 48 hours. Next, 5 µL aliquots of S. aureus strain Newman in liquid BHI medium (OD600=0.1) were spotted onto this plate at varying distances from the D. pigrum inocula and incubated at 37°C and 5% CO2 for an additional 24 hours. Secretion of an anti-staphylococcal factor was assessed based on the presence of a visible zone of inhibition between the D. pigrum and S. aureus inocula. We excised agar fragments adjacent to 4 inhibitory and 4 non-inhibitory D. pigrum strains and submitted these samples for liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)-based proteomics. The proteomic data were searched against the TrEMBL D. pigrum database and a common contaminant/spiked protein database, and signal intensity values for identified peptides were quantified. Results Four of 43 (9%) D. pigrum strains screened in cocultivation assays consistently produced a zone of inhibition against S. aureus. We identified 531 unique proteins from proteomic analysis of agar fragments, including 28 D. pigrum proteins that were significantly more abundant in zones adjacent to inhibitory vs. non-inhibitory strains. The most differentially abundant protein was an S8 family serine protease (112 times more abundant in fragments adjacent to inhibitory strains). Using previously generated whole-genome sequencing data from these 43 D. pigrum strains, we found that the gene encoding this serine protease was present in 41 of 43 (95%) D. pigrum strains, including all 4 strains that were inhibitory in the cocultivation assay. The predicted active domain for the final protein was highly conserved across strains. Other secreted D. pigrum proteins that were more abundant in gel fragments adjacent to inhibitory strains included a peptidoglycan hydrolase and 7 uncharacterized D. pigrum proteins. Conclusion D. pigrum inhibits S. aureus growth in vitro through secretion of inhibitory factors in a strain-dependent manner. We identified an S8 family serine protease as a possible candidate mechanism for the anti-staphylococcal activity of D. pigrum. Future experiments will screen cell-free supernatants from inhibitory D. pigrum strains for S. aureus inhibition and evaluate the effect of protease inhibitor treatment on the antistaphylococcal activity of these supernatants.

Enhanced Anticoagulation of Hierarchy Liquid Infused Surfaces in Blood Flow.

Liquid infused surfaces (LIS) hold remarkable potential in anticoagulation. However, liquid loss of LIS in the bloodstream remains a challenge toward its clinical application. Here, micronano hierarchy structures are obtained on the titanium alloy substrate by regulating the microspheres' distribution. When the gap between the microspheres is smaller than the diameter of the red blood cell (RBC), the LIS is more stable under the blood wash and presents a better anticoagulation performance. The proper interval is found to prevent the RBCs from entering the gap and remove the liquid on the surface. The retained thickness of the liquid film is measured by the atomic force microscopy (AFM) technique. The LIS is applied on the front guide vane of an artificial heart pump and exhibits significant improvement on anticoagulation in the blood circulation in vitro for 25 h. The techniques and findings can be used to optimize the anticoagulation performance of LIS-related biomedical implant devices.

Cure kinetics, glass transition advancement and chemo-rheological modelling of an epoxy vitrimer based on disulphide metathesis

This study develops cure and chemo-rheological models for a vitrimeric system appropriate for use as matrix in continuous fibre composites based on a disulphide-endowed amine/epoxy formulation. The focus is on the processing conditions relevant to liquid composite moulding. Kinetics is investigated using Differential Scanning Calorimetry. An autocatalytic model is developed, simulating the reaction with an average reaction rate error of 5.2 % and degree of cure error of 3 %. The viscosity development is modelled at relatively low degrees of cure, focusing on the liquid moulding infusion window, yielding results with an average relative error of 4.8 %. The glass transition temperature advancement is represented by the Di Benedetto equation, whilst the topological transition temperature of the system is determined using stress relaxation experiments and found to be 149.5 °C. These results set the scene for the development of composites based on the matrix system investigated in this work.

Interdependence of Surface Roughness on Icephobic Performance: A Review

Ice protection techniques have attracted significant interest, notably in aerospace and wind energy applications. However, the current solutions are mostly costly and inconvenient due to energy-intensive and environmental concerns. One of the appealing strategies is the use of passive icephobicity, in the form of coatings, which is induced by means of several material strategies, such as hydrophobicity, surface texturing, surface elasticity, and the physical infusion of ice-depressing liquids, etc. In this review, surface-roughness-related icephobicity is critically discussed to understand the challenges and the role of roughness, especially on superhydrophobic surfaces. Surface roughness as an intrinsic, independent surface property for anti-icing and de-icing performance is also debated, and their interdependence is explained using the related physical mechanisms and thermodynamics of ice nucleation. Furthermore, the role of surface roughness in the case of elastomeric or low-modulus polymeric coatings, which typically instigate an easy release of ice, is examined. In addition to material-centric approaches, the influence of surface roughness in de-icing evaluation is also explored, and a comparative assessment is conducted to understand the testing sensitivity to various surface characteristics. This review exemplifies that surface roughness plays a crucial role in incorporating and maintaining icephobic performance and is intrinsically interlinked with other surface-induced icephobicity strategies, including superhydrophobicity and elastomeric surfaces. Furthermore, the de-icing evaluation methods also appear to be roughness sensitive in a certain range, indicating a dominant role of mechanically interlocked ice.

Real-Time MRI Monitoring of Liquid Embolic Agent (Onyx) Injection in a Swine Arteriovenous Malformation Model.

The paradigm is gradually shifting, with radiosurgery and endovascular embolization being increasingly chosen over surgical resection in the selected cases of brain arteriovenous malformations. Routinely used X-ray monitoring of liquid embolic infusion has very good spatial and temporal resolution but is not without significant drawbacks regarding poor visualization of the complex AVM angioarchitecture, especially after many embolizations in the past and therefore limiting the technical ability of the embocure-total occlusion of the feeding arteries, nidus, and draining veins. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the use of real-time MRI guidance in endovascular embolization with Onyx (instead of X-ray) in a single swine rete mirabile (RM) AVM model in order to provide the scaffolding for the real-time MRI guidance method. Onyx propagation was observed in real-time dynamic GE-EPI scan with initial ipsilateral RM filling followed by main cerebral arterial branch distribution. The relatively bright signal within RM and the brain prior to Onyx injection provided a good background for the dark, low signal of the embolic agent spreading in rete mirabile and brain arteries. X-ray picture confirmed Onyx cast distribution at the end of the procedure. In this initial experience, real-time MRI seems to be a promising method that may significantly improve liquid embolic agent infusion monitoring in the future, although requiring further development before clinical use.

Evaluation of Tropane Alkaloids in Teas and Herbal Infusions: Effect of Brewing Time and Temperature on Atropine and Scopolamine Content.

Atropine and scopolamine belong to the tropane alkaloid (TA) family of natural toxins. They can contaminate teas and herbal teas and appear in infusions. Therefore, this study focused on analyzing atropine and scopolamine in 33 samples of tea and herbal tea infusions purchased in Spain and Portugal to determine the presence of these compounds in infusions brewed at 97 °C for 5 min. A rapid microextraction technique (µSPEed®) followed by high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) was used to analyze the selected TAs. The results showed that 64% of the analyzed samples were contaminated by one or both toxins. White and green teas were generally more contaminated than black and other herbal teas. Of the 21 contaminated samples, 15 had concentrations above the maximum limit for liquid herbal infusions (0.2 ng/mL) set by Commission Regulation (EU) 2021/1408. In addition, the effects of heating conditions (time and temperature) on atropine and scopolamine standards and naturally contaminated samples of white, green, and black teas were evaluated. The results showed that at the concentrations studied (0.2 and 4 ng/mL), there was no degradation in the standard solutions. Brewing with boiling water (decoction) for 5 and 10 min allowed for higher extraction of TAs from dry tea to infusion water.

Confined Ionic-Liquid-Mediated Cation Diffusion through Layered Membranes for High-Performance Osmotic Energy Conversion.

Ion-selective membranes act as the core components in osmotic energy harvesting, but remain with deficiencies such as low ion selectivity and a tendency to swell. 2D nanofluidic membranes as competitive candidates are still subjected to limited mass transport brought by insufficient wetting and poor stability in water. Here, an ionic-liquid-infused graphene oxide (GO@IL) membrane with ultrafast ion transport ability is reported, and how the confined ionic liquid mediates selective cation diffusion is revealed. The infusion of ionic liquids endows the 2D membrane with excellent mechanical strength, anti-swelling properties, and good stability in aqueous electrolytes. Importantly, immiscible ionic liquids also provide a medium, allowing partial dehydration for ultrafast ion transport. Through molecular dynamics simulation and finite element modeling, that GO nanosheets induce ionic liquids to rearrange, bringing in additional space charges, which can be coupled with GO synergistically, is proved. By mixing 0.5/0.01m NaCl solution, the power density can achieve a record value of ≈6.7W m-2 , outperforming state-of-art GO-based membranes. This work opens up a new route for boosting nanofluidic energy conversion because of the diversity of the ILs and 2D materials.