Lower Limit Research Articles

MOF-818(Cu)-derived bi-nanozymes of laccase and catecholase mimics and colorimetric sensing to epinephrine

Cu-based nanozyme shows good oxidase-like activities due to the changeable states of Cu(II) and Cu(I), which are proven to be effective in the electron transfer in the redox process. Herein, the self-made MOF-818 with more Cu(II) loading was synthesized through a modified two-steps hydrothermal routes, which was then used as a sacrificial precursor to construct copper/zirconium composite oxides nanozymes (CN-MOF-818). The pyrolysis temperature was varied to obtain the best enzyme-like activities of the resulting CN-MOF-818. The laccase-like and catecholase-like activities were evaluated by using the oxidation of the mixture of 4-aminoantipyrine (4-AAP) and 2,4-dichlorophenol (2,4-DP), and 3,5-Di-tert-butylcatechol (3,5-DTBC) respectively. The enzyme-like activities were optimized through altering the catalytic conditions, and the corresponding enzyme catalytic kinetics including Km and Vmax were also determined. The enzyme-like mechanism of the CN-MOF-818 were also discussed based on EPR technique and the in-situ FT-IR analyses. In comparison with the pristine MOF-818 and the other reported Cu-based mimics, the as-prepared CN-MOF-818 exhibits the higher oxidase mimetic activities. These CN-MOF-818 can also be employed to detect the epinephrine with a low detection limit of 1.63 μM.

Biomimetic cascade intelligent paper chip sensor based on bimetallic porphyrin-based covalent organic framework with triple-enzyme mimetic activities

Enzyme-induced biological cascade catalysis can achieve selective and efficient transformations of substrates in vivo. Thus, the biomimetic cascade systems have attracted much attention in biological detection on account of their ingenious strategies for signal conduction and amplification. In this study, a porphyrin-based covalent organic framework (COFFe/CoP-Ph) with bimetal-nitrogen-coordinate centers (M − N4) were constructed via Schiff base reaction. The synergistic effect of the highly exposed M − N4 bimetallic active sites and the unique topology overcame the self-limitation of nanozyme, resulting in a significant enhancement of the triple-enzyme mimetic activities of COFFe/CoP-Ph, namely oxidase (OXD)-, peroxidase (POD)-, and catalase (CAT)-like activities. Simultaneously, a multiple enzyme-driven cascade catalysis strategy for signal amplification was proposed utilizing the OXD- and POD-like mimetic mechanisms of COFFe/CoP-Ph, enabling the colorimetric determination of malathion without the addition exogenous H2O2. The established colorimetric sensor exhibited an exceptional linear relationship within the range of 1–18 μM and a low detection limit of 11 nM. Subsequently, a portable smartphone platform was developed by integrating paper chip, facilitating successful malathion point-of-care testing (POCT) in real samples. This work not only creates a bimetallic COF nanozyme and establishes an efficient cascade amplification strategy, but also introduces a novel design approach for development of a low-cost and user-friendly POCT method.

Synthesis of BiDy composite oxide nanoflakes with good electrochemical properties

BiDy composite oxide nanoflakes with the thickness of about 50 nm were synthesized by one-step hydrothermal method. The electrodes modified with BiDy composite oxide nanoflakes exhibit superior electrochemical behavior for detecting L-cysteine using cyclic voltammetry (CV) method. The impact of scan rate, electrolyte, and concentration of L-cysteine for electrochemical behaviors were investigated. A pair of strong quasi-reversible CV peaks are observed at +0.03 V (cvp1) and –0.69 V (cvp1′) with peak current of 171.2 μA and 171.3 μA, respectively for the BiDy composite oxide nanoflake-modified GCE in 0.1 M KCl and 2 mM L-cysteine solution. GCE modified with the BiDy composite oxide nanoflakes displays broad range of linearity (0.001-2 mM) and low detection limit (0.29 μM) for L-cysteine. Using a hydrothermal approach as a synthesis technique for nanoflakes, as well as a facile and sensitive electro-chemical sensor based the nanoflakes was developed to detect L-cysteine, makes it a promising approach for practical application.

Laser-induced graphene decorated with Ni[sbnd]Pt alloy nanoparticles for non-enzymatic electrochemical quantification of glucose

Enzyme-free electrochemical glucose (Glu) sensors, adopting electrochemically active catalysts, are of vital significance to effectively monitoring and analyzing the blood Glu level in diabetes diagnosis. Meanwhile, developing novel electrode substrates have been the hot research pot to meet the demand for constructing flexible sensors. In this work, porous laser-induced graphene (LIG) was prepared through a facile one-step laser-engraving technique on a polyimide thin film, and then used directly as the electrode. Furthermore, NiPt alloyed nanoparticles (NPs) were electrodeposited on the LIG electrode surface to gain the NiPt/LIG composite electrode, which was applied to construct the nonenzymatic electrochemical Glu sensor. The morphology, element and electrochemical performance of NiPt/LIG composite was characterized through various techniques. NiPt alloyed NPs were homogeneously distributed on the LIG scaffolds, which possess plenty of porous structure, high surface area and many active sites. The cooperative effect between the outstanding electrocatalytic capacity of NiPt alloyed NPs, the extraordinary electroconductibility of LIG and the numerous exposed active sites endow the NiPt/LIG sensor outstanding electrocatalytic performance for electrochemical oxidation of Glu. Under the most appropriate conditions, the obtained NiPt/LIG sensor was adopted to detect Glu, showing a broad detection concentration range of 0.5 μM to 2.1 mM and 2.1 mM to 5.6 mM, good sensitivities of 1.824 and 0.467 μA μM−1 cm−2, a low detection limit of 0.03 μM. The as-fabricated nonenzymatic Glu sensor also displays high selectivity, stability considering ageing effects under different environment conditions and prominent reproducibility. Additionally, this novel NiPt/LIG nonenzymatic Glu sensor was applied to quantify Glu successfully in blood serum and food samples and the results were in good agreement with that by UV–vis spectrophotometer, demonstrating high precision and accuracy as well as excellent recovery, showing good application prospects in Glu monitoring. This research confirmed the potential of exploiting NiPt/LIG as a highly sensitive Glu nonenzymatic electrochemical sensor and provided a practicable and suitable approach for construction of novel electrochemical sensors.

Yolk-shell microspheres perovskite Gd/Fe oxides with rich oxygen vacancies for ultra-sensitive properties in acetone detection

Acetone as a toxic and hazardous gas is widely appeared in life. In this paper, p-type Gd/Fe oxide yolk-shell microspheres were prepared by a one-step hydrothermal method. Characterization and test results shows that perovskite Gd/Fe oxides with yolk-shell microspheres possess abundant oxygen vacancies, which presents excellent acetone gas-sensitive performance. Among the obtained sensor, the optimal operating temperature of the S-4 (Gd0.77/Fe) sensor is reduced to 200 ℃, and the response value (S = 20) to 100 ppm acetone is improved by 5 times (compare to S-1). The lowest detection limit can be as low as 0.5 ppm, furthermore the sensor presents resist-humidity. Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) results reveal that the ratio of Gd/Fe has a strong correlation with the content of oxygen vacancies. The rich oxygen vacancies control theory is the main reason for improving gas sensing performance in this work. The presence of oxygen vacancies effectively increases the active sites and further promotes intermolecular interactions. Overall, the sensor S-4 (Gd0.77/Fe) has an important potential in the detection of acetone in human breath with high response and low detection limit under high humidity environment.

Synthesis of metal–organic framework ZIF-9-Mel and its application as an electrochemical modifier in Pb2+ detection

In this study, a selective electrochemical sensor was introduced for determination of lead ions based on a metal–organic framework (MOF)-melamine together with carbon black (CB) on the glassy carbon electrode (GCE). Herein, the zeolitic imidazolate framework-9-Mel (ZIF-9-Mel), which is a type of MOF, was synthesized and used as an electrode modifier. The interaction between Pb2+ and amine groups is conditioned by dative attachment, which causes the complexation of Pb2+-N through soft–soft interactions. To enhance the performance of the modified electrode, several parameters such as the pH of the buffer solution, the deposition potential, and the deposition time that affect response were optimized. Under optimized conditions (pH = 3, deposition time = 270 s, deposition potential = −0.7 V) the ZIF-9-Mel/CB/GCE sensor shows two linear ranges (0.5 nM–50 nM and 50 nM–1000 nM), low detection limit (0.16 nM), long-term stability, good repeatability and desirable reproducibility by differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) technique. To display the sensor ability for actual application, ZIF-9-Mel/CB/GCE was used for Pb2+ detection in lettuce and tomato samples with excellent results. According to the introduced method, MOFs are satisfactory materials for fabricating effective electrochemical sensors to detect Pb2+ ions simply and cost-effectively.

A facile and efficient voltammetric sensor for marbofloxacin detection based on zirconium-based metal-organic framework UiO-66/nitrogen-doped graphene nanocomposite

Improper and persistent use of marbofloxacin (MAR) is prone to produce residues that deteriorate the surrounding environment and endanger our health. Hence, it is urgent to stablish a facile and efficient detection technique for the detection of MAR. Herein, a highly efficient electrochemical platform was constructed for sensitive determination of MAR using zirconium-based metal–organic framework (UiO-66)/nitrogen-doped graphene (NG) nanocomposites (UiO-66/NG). The surface morphology, crystalline phase elemental composition, and electrochemical behavior of UiO-66/NG were characterized by various spectroscopic and electrochemical techniques. Owing to the synergistic interaction of UiO-66 MOFs and NG nanosheets, the UiO-66/NG exhibited remarkable catalytic activity for MAR oxidation. As consequently, the UiO-66/NG demonstrated a wide linear response range (0.01 − 10 μM), high sensitivity (1.80 μM μA−1 cm−2) and low detection limit (0.002 μM). The proposed UiO-66/NG/GCE demonstrated robust voltammetric responses even in the presence of excess potential interfering species and retained stable response signals for at least two weeks. More importantly, the proposed UiO-66/NG/GCE displayed highly consistent sensitivity toward MAR detection in both aquaculture water matrices and PBS buffer, and achieved accurate and sensitive detection of MAR with good recovery. Together with its low cost and facile operation, the UiO-66/NG/GCE shows great prospects for trace detection of MAR from complex matrices.

Marginal zone lymphoma international prognostic index: a unifying prognostic index for marginal zone lymphomas requiring systemic treatment

Marginal zone lymphomas (MZL), comprised of three unique but related subtypes, lack a unifying prognostic score applicable to all the patients in need for systemic chemotherapy and/or immunotherapy. Patients from the prospective NF10 study (NCT02904577) with newly diagnosed MZL and receiving frontline systemic therapy at diagnosis or after observation were used to train a prognostic model. The primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS) from start of treatment. The model was externally validated in a pooled analysis of two independent cohorts from the University of Iowa and Mayo Clinic Molecular Epidemiology Resource and the University of Miami. We identified 501 eligible patients. After multivariable modeling, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) above upper normal limit, hemoglobin <12g/dL, absolute lymphocyte count <1×109/L, platelets <100×109/L, and MZL subtype (nodal or disseminated) were independently associated with inferior PFS. The proposed MZL International Prognostic index (MZL-IPI) combined these 5 factors, and we defined low (LRG, 0 factors, 27%), intermediate (IRG, 1-2 factors, 57%) and high (HRG, 3+ factors, 16%) risk groups with 5-y PFS of 85%, 66%, and 37%, respectively (c-Harrell=0.64). Compared to the LRG, the IRG (Hazard Ratio [HR]=2.30, 95% CI 1.39-3.80) and HRG (HR=5.41, 95% CI 3.12-9.38) had inferior PFS. Applying the MZL-IPI to the pooled US cohort (N=353), 94 (27%), 192 (54%), and 67 (19%) patients were classified as LRG, IRG, and HRG, respectively, and the model was validated for PFS (log-rank test p=0.0018; c-Harrell=0.578, 95% CI 0.54-0.62). The MZL-IPI was also prognostic for OS in both the training and the external validation sets. MZL-IPI is a new prognostic score for use in all patients with MZL considered for systemic treatment. The MER was supported by P50 CA97274 and U01 CA195568.

Development of molecularly imprinted photonic crystal hydrogel based smart sensor for selective uric acid detection

Determination of uric acid (UA) concentration is important in clinical analysis, as its variation is an indication of several health-related conditions. Here, we discuss the development of a Molecularly imprinted photonic crystal hydrogel (MICPH)-based colourimetric sensor for the selective detection of UA. The developed MIPCH-UA sensor displays a bright structural colour, which varies as the sensor swells upon rebinding the UA molecules. The structural colour change is directly related to the concentration of the target molecule and can serve as an easy readout of the sensor response. This colour change can also be recorded spectrally, providing a quantitative measure of the sensor response. With a low limit of detection (LoD) of 1.01×10-9M, the sensor is capable of detecting low concentrations of UA. Moreover, the sensor endows the advantage of fast responsiveness and reusability when employed for UA assays. The sensor performance remains consistently reliable over an extended duration of up to one month, thereby ensuring cost-effectiveness in monitoring UA levels. The specific detection capability of the sensor allows the accurate and reliable measurement of UA in the presence of various interfering molecules and complex sample matrices. The structural colour change of the sensor was used to train a CNN-based deep learning algorithm to quantitatively predict the UA concentration. The integration of the machine learning algorithm with the developed sensor provides an accurate and efficient smart sensor platform well-suited for real-time sensing of uric acid.

Simply-prepared hollow covalent organic framework as a dual-function platform for detection and removal of multiple heavy metal ions

Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) show great advantage in heavy metal ions detection and removal due to their large specific surface area, high porosity, excellent stability, and abundant functional sites. While current research primarily focuses on the influence of COF composition on detection and adsorption performance, the influence of COF′s morphology is often overlooked. In this study, a hollow structured TB-HCOF was developed through simple amorphous-to-crystalline transformation strategy involving the reaction between 1,3,5-Tris (4-aminophenyl) benzene (TAPB) and 1,3,5-benzenetricarbaldehyde (BTCA). TB-HCOF combine the advantages of COFs with the unique properties of hollow structure, such as an enlarged surface area, shortened diffusion distance, and easily accessible functional sites. It exhibited exceptional adsorption performance for heavy metal ions with the maximum adsorption capacities of 766.28 mg·g−1 for Pb2+, 759.32 mg·g−1 for Cu2+, and 640.83 mg·g−1 for Hg2+. Additionally, yolk-shell Pt nanoparticles@TB-HCOF was designed as an electrochemical sensing platform for heavy metal ions detection. Thanks to the synergistic effect between TB-HCOF with exceptional adsorption capacity and Pt nanoparticles with remarkable electrical conductivity, the sensor displayed awesome detection performance toward Pb2+, Cu2+ and Hg2+ with low limits of detection of 0.11 ng·L-1. These findings highlight the potential of simply-prepared hollow COFs as a promising material for managing heavy metal ions pollution.

Xác định acetamiprid bằng phương pháp quang học sử dụng dung dịch nano vàng được ổn định bằng Polydiallyldimethylammoni clorua

On this research, the development of a simple, cost-efective and highly sensitive spectrophotometric method for acetamiprid detection based on the localized surface plasmon resonance of polydiallyldimethylammonium chloridestabilized gold nanoparticles. By naked eyes, one can detect acetamiprid by the visual change of gold solution color from red to purple, corresponding to the shift of maximum absorbance wavelength in the UV-Vis spectrum. Quantification of acetamiprid is possible through a linear relationship between the maximum absorbance wavelength and the acetamiprid concentrations in the range of 8×10-8 -2×10-6 M. Under the optimum conditions including pH 5, NaCl concentration of 0.02 M and incubation time 20 min, the present method has high precision (RSD &lt; 5%), very low limit of detection (LOD) of 2.7×10-8 M, limit of quantification (LOQ) of 8.2×10-8 M. This method has been successfully applied to determine acetamiprid in several pesticide samples and vegetable samples. The measurement results of acetamiprid in the pesticide samples of the research method with the HPLC-UV method showed a difference of &lt; 2%, while for the vegetable sample, the difference between the research method and the LC-MS/method method/ MS &lt; 5% shows that the method has high accuracy and reliability.

Hypothyroidism in older adults: A narrative review.

The prevalence of hypothyroidism increases along with aging, resulting in one of the most common comorbidities among patients over 75 years. The leading causes of hypothyroidism in older adults are iatrogenic, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, and medications. The narrative review aimed to discuss the clinical characteristics of hypothyroidism in older adults and the impact of hormonal replacement therapy on survival rates. Thyroid function declines over time due to physiological changes in the thyroid stimulating hormone signaling, iodine absorption and metabolism, thyroid hormone metabolism, and activity at peripheral sites. A serum TSH value over the upper limit of the normal reference range is not necessarily attributable to hypothyroidism. However, an appropriate diagnostic work-up is required to rule out true hypothyroidism and discriminate the etiology (i.e., thyroid autoimmune diseases, iodine deficiency, drug-induced hypothyroidism). Levothyroxine treatment should be considered in cases of overt hypothyroidism. A complete risk-to-benefit assessment, particularly considering the overall health status, life expectancy, cognitive function, mood, and cardiovascular and neurological background, should be considered before treating subclinical hypothyroidism with more potential benefits in patients under 75 years old. Levothyroxine formulations facilitating hormone absorption and increasing compliance to long-term treatment should be preferred. TSH target should usually be set over 3 mIU/ml. Defining optimal diagnostic approaches and targeted therapeutic strategies should be considered in the personalized management of aged patients with hypothyroidism.

Effects of glyphosate herbicide ingestion on kidney function in rats on a balanced diet.

Glyphosate is the most widely used herbicide worldwide and in Brazil. There is currently increasing concern about the effects of glyphosate on human health. The Brazilian Institute for Consumer Protection showed data on the presence of glyphosate in some of Brazil's most consumed ultra-processed products. Currently, regulations on the upper limit for these residues in ultra-processed foods have yet to be established by the National Health Surveillance, and ultra-processed food consumption is independently associated with an increased risk of incident chronic kidney disease. Since an unbalanced diet can interfere with kidney function, this study aims to investigate the effect of daily intake of 5 mg/kg bw glyphosate in conjunction with a balanced diet and the possible impact on renal function in rats. Kidney function, kidney weight, markers of renal injury, and oxidative stress were evaluated. There was a decrease in kidney weight. The main histopathological alterations in renal tissues were vacuolation in the initial stage and upregulation of the kidney injury marker KIM-1. Renal injury is associated with increased production of reactive oxygen species in mitochondria. This study showed changes in the kidney of rats exposed to a balanced diet with glyphosate, suggesting a potential risk to human kidney. Presumably, ultra-processed food that contain glyphosate can potentiate this risk. The relevance of these results lies in drawing attention to the need to regulate glyphosate concentration in ultra-processed foods in the future.

Inclisiran: the preclinical discovery and development of a novel therapy for the treatment of atherosclerosis

ABSTRACT Introduction Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) remains a leading cause of global morbidity and mortality. Lipid lowering therapy (LLT) constitutes the cornerstone of ASCVD prevention and treatment. However, several patients fail to achieve therapeutic goals due to low treatment adherence or limitations of standard-of-care (SoC) LLTs. Inclisiran represents a pivotal low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) lowering agent aiming to address current unmet needs in LLT. It is the first available small interfering RNA (siRNA) LLT, specifically targeting PCSK9 mRNA and leading to post-transcriptional gene silencing (PTGS) of the PCSK9 gene. Areas covered Promising phase III trials revealed an ~ 50% reduction in LDL-C levels with subcutaneous inclisiran administration on days 1 and 90, followed by semiannual booster shots. Coupled with inclisiran’s favorable safety profile, these findings led to its approval by both the EMA and FDA. Herein, the authors highlight the preclinical discovery and development of this agent and provide the reader with their expert perspectives. Expert opinion The evolution of gene-silencing treatments offers new perspectives in therapeutics. Inclisiran appears to have the potential to revolutionize ASCVD prevention and treatment, benefiting millions of patients. Ensuring widespread availability of Inclisiran, as well as managing additional healthcare costs that may arise, should be of paramount importance.

Low-level elevations in high-sensitivity cardiac troponin predict obstructive coronary artery disease and revascularisation in rural patients with non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction referred for coronary angiography.

Rural patients with non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) are transferred to metropolitan hospitals for invasive coronary angiography (ICA). Yet, many do not have obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD). In this analysis of rural Western Australian patients transferred for ICA for NSTEMI, low-level elevations in high-sensitivity cardiac troponin (≤5× upper reference limit) were associated with less obstructive CAD and revascularisation. Along with other factors, this may help identify rural patients not requiring transfer for ICA.

Graphene-based synthetic peptide electrochemical sensor for colorectal cancer diagnosis

This work reports the development of an electrochemical sensor using graphene-peptide conjugates for detecting colorectal cancer (CRC) biomarker leucine-rich alpha-2 glycoprotein-1 (LRG1). To enable LRG1 quantification, we rationally designed peptides with dual graphene anchoring motifs for optimal orientation and binding activity when immobilized on a reduced graphene oxide (rGO) electrochemical transducer surface. The graphene nanomaterial provides several advantages such as high conductivity, large surface area, and excellent stability that can enhance the sensor's analytical performance metrics. Furthermore, the synthetic peptides offer benefits like smaller size, specificity, ease of modification and cost-effective production compared to traditional antibody receptors. Under optimized conditions, the peptide sensor exhibited high sensitivity of 22.3 μA/(ng/mL.cm2), low limit of detection (75 pg/mL LRG1 in serum), accuracy of 101.1 % spiked recovery, and precision within 6 % RSD. Testing with colonoscopy-classified patient serum specimens discriminated normal, precancerous adenomatous polyps and malignant carcinoma stages based on LRG1 overexpression. A 24 % elevation for adenomas and 103 % higher levels in CRC were observed. Validation with spiked plasma samples indicated 97–104 % recovery and <7 % RSD, proving accurate detection capability. Comparison to antibody-based sensors showed superior linear range, sensitivity, reproducibility, and faster assay time. This demonstrates the promise of computational peptide designing combined with advanced nanomaterials for electrochemical detection of CRC progression through serum protein biomarkers.

Enhancing glucaric acid production from myo-inositol in Escherichia coli by eliminating cell-to-cell variation.

Glucaric acid (GA) is a value-added chemical and can be used to manufacture food additives, anticancer drugs, and polymers. The non-genetic cell-to-cell variations in GA biosynthesis are naturally inherent, indicating the presence of both high- and low-performance cells in culture. Low-performance cells can lead to nutrient waste and inefficient production. Furthermore, myo-inositol oxygenase (MIOX) is a key rate-limiting enzyme with the problem of low stability and activity in GA production. Therefore, eliminating cell-to-cell variations and increasing MIOX stability can select high-performance cells and improve GA production. In this study, an in vivo GA bioselector was constructed based on GA biosensor and tetracycline efflux pump protein TetA to continuously select GA-efficient production strains. Additionally, the upper limit of the GA biosensor was improved to 40 g/L based on ribosome-binding site optimization, achieving efficient enrichment of GA high-performance cells. A small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO) enhanced MIOX stability and activity. Overall, we used the GA bioselector and SUMO-MIOX fusion in fed-batch GA production and achieved a 5.52-g/L titer in Escherichia coli, which was 17-fold higher than that of the original strain.IMPORTANCEGlucaric acid is a non-toxic valuable product that was mainly synthesized by chemical methods. Due to the problems of non-selectivity, inefficiency, and environmental pollution, GA biosynthesis has attracted significant attention. The non-genetic cell-to-cell variations and MIOX stability were both critical factors for GA production. In addition, the high detection limit of the GA biosensor was a key condition for performing high-throughput screening of GA-efficient production strains. To increase GA titer, this work eliminated the cell-to-cell variations by GA bioselector constructed based on GA biosensor and TetA, and improved the stability and activity of MIOX in the GA biosynthetic pathway through fusing the SUMO to MIOX. Finally, these approaches improved the GA production by 17-fold to 5.52 g/L at 65 h. This study represents a significant step toward the industrial application of GA biosynthetic pathways in E. coli.

Influence of thermocycling on the functional properties of the NiTi alloy produced by wire arc additive manufacturing

The influence of the thermocycling under a stress of 200 and 300 MPa on the martensitic transformation temperatures, recoverable and irreversible strain was study in the NiTi samples produced by wire arc additive manufacturing (WAAM). Two types of samples were used: the T1 sample including the Ti-rich NiTi and Ni-rich NiTi layers in the working length and the T2 sample including only the Ni-rich NiTi layers. It was found that the variation in the martensitic transformation temperatures on thermal cycling depended on the chemical composition of the layer. The transformation temperatures decreased on thermal cycling in the Ti-rich NiTi layer (in T1 sample), whereas they were constant in the Ni-rich NiTi layers (in T1 and T2 samples). The recoverable strain in both samples did not change during thermal cycling. The irreversible strain was found in the T1 sample regardless of stress acting on thermal cycling, while T2 sample showed the plastic strain only in the first cycle under 300 MPa. It was shown that the difference in a functional behavior of the T1 and T2 samples on thermocycling was due to that the T1 sample contained the Ti-rich NiTi layer, that was characterized by a low dislocation slip limit contrary to the Ni-rich layers which were hardened by the Ni4Ti3 precipitates.

2D Zn (II) Metal‐Organic Framework as a Highly Sensitive Luminescent Sensor for Detection of the Cr2O72− and Fe3+

AbstractIn this work, NH2‐containing organic ligand 5‐Aminoisophthalic acid (AIPA), and trans‐1,2‐bis(4‐pyridyl)ethene (bpe) were selected as organic ligands to construct a new two‐dimensional luminescent Zn(II) metal‐organic framework [Zn(AIPA)(bpe)1/2]⋅named MOF‐1. It is worth noting that MOF‐1 exhibited excellent thermal stability and chemical stability in common solvents and different pH aqueous solution. As we expected, the luminescence sensing investigations demonstrated that MOF‐1 could be deemed as a multifunctional fluorescence sensor toward Cr2O72− and Fe3+ via a “turn‐off” effect. Notably, MOF‐1 had high selectivity and sensitivity for Fe3+ and Cr2O72− with low detection limits of 9.72×10−5 M and 1.95×10−5 M, respectively. Furthermore, the possible quenching mechanisms were also explored in detail.

Boron-Nitrogen-Edged Biomass-Derived Carbon: A Multifunctional Approach for Colorimetric Detection of H2O2, Flame Retardancy, and Triboelectric Nanogenerator.

Enhancing the concentration and type of nitrogen (N) dopants within the Sp2-carbon domain of carbon recycled from biomass sources is an efficient approach to mimic CNT, GO, and rGO to activate oxidants such as H2O2, excluding toxic chemicals and limiting reaction steps. However, monitoring the kind and concentration of N species in the Sp2-C domain is unlikely with thermal treatments only. A high temperature for graphitization reduces N moieties, leading to low electron density. This inhibits H2O2 adsorption and activation on catalyst surfaces. In this study, coffee waste (CW) is converted into B, N-doped biochar (BXNbY) using boric acid-assisted pyrolysis (H3BO3mass = X and carbonization temperature = Y) under N2 to overcome the challenge. The B dopant regulates the concentration and type of N, provides Lewis's acid sites, and converts graphitic-N to pyridine-N in BXNbY. The optimized B3Nb900 exhibits excellent colorimetric sensing performance toward H2O2 with a low detection limit (36.9nM) and high selectivity in the presence of many interferences and milk samples due to high pyridinic-N and Sp2 domain sizes. Interestingly, B enhances other properties of N-containing CW-derived carbon and introduces self-extinguishing and tribopositive properties. Hence, BXNbY-coated polyurethane foam shows excellent flame retardancy and energy harvesting performance.