Methanol-water Solution Research Articles

Determination of calcium β‑hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate content in special medical formula food and sports nutrition food by solid-phase extraction and high performance liquid chromatography

Calcium β‑hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate (CaHMB) can promote muscle growth, prevent muscle atrophy, and enhance immunity, therefore, it is widely used as a nutritional supplement in special medical formula food and sports nutrition food. Many methods for the detection of CaHMB have been reported, but the pretreatment method for these reported literatures directly involves extraction using hydrochloric acid solution, without any purification steps. A method for accurately determining CaHMB in special medical formula food and sports nutrition food was established for the first time using solid-phase extraction (SPE) purification and high-performance liquid chromatography method (HPLC). The samples were extracted and precipitated protein using methanol-water solution, purified using SPE method and analyzed by HPLC on diode array detector (DAD) mode under external standard method. The method obtained excellent calibration linearity (r2>0.9993) and a satisfactory analysis of the targeted compound, which were evaluated with calibration standards over the range of 0.020–2.00 mg/mL. The limit of quantifications (LOQs), which defined as the lowest spiking level, were set at 0.4 g/100 g (special medical formula food) and 1.0 g/100 g (sports nutrition food). The average recoveries were within 92.9–104% for the analytes, and the relative standard deviations (RSDs) were below 3.93%, measured at low, medium, and high concentrations. Moreover, the positive sample analysis results indicated that CaHMB was detected on 10 real special medical formula food and sports nutrition food products, the contents of which were generally consistent with their labeled values, with measured values ranging from 97.1 % to 119 % of the labeled values. These results suggested that the developed highly sensitive and specific method is highly feasible for monitoring of the target analyte in special medical formula food and sports nutrition food.

NiO/vermiculite composites prepared for photocatalytic degradation of methanol-water solution and hydrogen generation

A novel eco-friendly NiO/Vm clay based photocatalysts were synthesized from two vermiculites (Vm1 and Vm2) and nickel(II) nitrate hexahydrate (Ni(NO3)2·6H2O salt precursor by the chemical precipitation without and with the sodium hydroxide (NaOH) or ammonium hydroxide (NH4OH, 28% NH3 in H2O) as precipitation agents (Synthesis A) in comparison with the solid-state thermal decomposition (Synthesis B) at 600 °C. Structural properties of all specimens were characterized by X-ray fluorescence, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, infrared (IR) and Raman spectroscopy. The photocatalytic performance of NiO/Vm composites was evaluated under UV radiation (λ = 254 nm) for decomposition of methanol-water to hydrogen over 4-h and the stable yield of hydrogen over the 24-h periods. The NaOH and NH4OH affected the NiO crystallite size and therefore the photocatalytic activity during 4 h. Different 2:1 layer charge of Vm1 (0.82 e−) and Vm2 (0.40 e−) and the specific surface area of Vm1 (about 43 m2/g) and Vm2 (about 34 m2/g) supported H2 yield of 628.2 μmol/gcat. and 596.8 μmol/gcat., close to 657.0 μmol/gcat. produced in the presence of commercial photocatalyst TiO2 Evonik P25. Crystalline NiO precipitated and anchored in NiO/Vm composites contained smaller crystallites than those in free NiO. Vermiculite silica surface supports coverage of NiO by hydrogen bonding to Si-OH groups influencing the geometry of the NiO crystal structure (disorder NiO(X)). The heterojunction with Si-O-Ni bonding, at which electrons transfer from Vm to NiO cause enriching electron density in NiO and favoring its photocatalytic activity. Photocatalytic hydrogen generation from methanol–water mixture at the presence of all specimens indicated the main product H2 and minimum by-products CH4 and CO. The stable hydrogen production for 24 h was confirmed only in the presence NiO/Vm1–24 while maintaining the NiO(X) in small crystallites. The thermal solid-state procedure provided the gradual dehydration of vermiculites and Ni(NO3)2·6H2O to the same amount and crystallinity of NiO in NiO/Vm1 and NiO/Vm2 composites. The results of this work confirm that vermiculites mixed layer structures with different negative layer charge play a dominant role as semiconductors for anchored NiO. The photocatalytic activity of NiO/vermiculite composites can be harnessed to treat wastewater containing organic contaminants.

Chemical Composition and Properties of Water-Methanol Solution of Formaldehyde

By reacting paraform with methanol and water at concentrations of 10.8, 11.6 and 22.7 mol/l in the presence of catalytic quantities of monoethanolamine, a method was developed for obtaining a bactericide that, at a concentration of 500 mg/l, completely inhibits the formation of hydrogen sulfide in an accumulative culture of planktonic form of sulfate-reducing bacteria with a quantity of 106 cells/ml. The composition of the resulting bactericide, its effectiveness and corrosion properties were studied. Using scanning electron microscopy using a system for energy-dispersive microanalysis, it was shown that the corrosion products formed during the corrosive action of the bactericide on St-20 steel are iron oxides.

A novel and facile ultraviolet-induced photo-reduction for preparing oxidase-like AuNCs@H2N-ZIF-8 composites in alcohol-water solutions

The composites of H2N-ZIF-8 supported gold nanoclusters (AuNCs@H2N-ZIF-8) were prepared by UV-induced photochemical reduction method in the methanol–water solution. The photochemical reaction was attributed to the generation of free radical as.CH2·–OH, which reduced Au(III) to Au(0) and produced monodisperse AuNCs (<2.5 nm) in the mesoporous of H2N-ZIF-8. The generated AuNCs@H2N-ZIF-8 show oxidase-like properties to catalyze the oxidation of TMB, ABTS and OPD under mild conditions. Besides, the mechanism study by EPR shows that the composites can promote oxygen to generate singlet oxygen (1O2) and superoxide radicals (·O2-), endowing it excellent catalytic activity of oxidation. Further studies revealed that the large number of exposed small AuNCs in the mesoporous pores of H2N-ZIF-8 and the highly active 211 crystalline facets formed at the edges contribute to the ROS generation intrinsically. Therefore, the present study demonstrates the significance of photochemical reduction method to prepare highly efficient oxidase-like materials, opening up a new avenue to construct noble metal materials as ultra-small nanozyme.

Singlet oxygen generation proportion from triplet state of porphyrin in water

The proportion of singlet oxygen (R) produced from the triplet state of porphyrin in aqueous solutions was investigated by substituting porphyrin molecules with the metalloporphyrin Platinum(II) meso-tetraphenylporphyrin (Pt-TPP). The feasibility of using platinum porphyrin as a substitute for porphyrin to study the photophysical properties in photodynamic therapy (PDT) was confirmed. The model of first-order decay in a water-methanol mixed solution encompasses potential deactivation processes of the excited triplet states and was built, which was confirmed by monitoring the change in the total transition rate of the T1 state (A0) value at different water contents under anoxic environments, obtained through measuring the phosphorescence lifetime (τp) of Pt-TPP. Combined with A0 and the quenching rate constant of T1 by O2 (kq), the formula for R in relation to changes in oxygen can be deduced in pure water.

A novel additive manufacturing strategy with high hydrogen production for ordered-porous stainless steel catalyst support

This paper proposes to improve hydrogen production performance of ordered-porous stainless steel by increasing its forming structure parameters. Firstly, selective laser melting additive manufacturing of ordered-porous stainless steel is carried out through designed orthogonal experiment table, to obtain its forming structure parameters under different manufacturing process parameters. Then, different forming structure parameters of ordered-porous stainless steel are converted into a comprehensive index by grey relation theory, which is grey relational degree (GRD). When powder thickness, scanning speed, scanning space and laser power are 30 μm, 800 mm/s, 90 μm and 60 W, respectively, the highest GRD of 0.930 is obtained, when those are 40 μm, 1200 mm/s, 70 μm and 60 W, respectively, the lowest GRD of 0.410 is gained. Finally, catalyst bonding strength and hydrogen production performance of the ordered-porous stainless steels with the above GRDs are verified. It is found that the ordered-porous stainless steel with the highest GRD has higher catalyst bonding strength and higher hydrogen production performance. When 12 mL/h injection rate of methanol–water solution and 250 ℃ reaction temperature are used, CH3OH conversion, H2 flowing rate and CO selectivity of the above ordered-porous stainless steel are 64.3%, 0.396 mol/h and 6.75%, respectively.

Comparative description of the extraordinary phenomenon "thermally activated isobaric partial structure compaction" of water as a solute in some alkanols and alkylamines

This review summarises the data available in the literature. It also includes the authors' published results of precision densimetric measurements. The research concerns with the physically unusual phenomenon of "thermally activated isobaric partial densification of the structure" (TIPCS) of dissolved water, or its so-called "negative partial molar expandability" (NPEA) in several organic solvents. They contain amphiproton hydroxyl-containing media of three alcohols: methyl alcohol (MA), tertiary butyl alcohol (TBAlcohol), and amyl or pentyl alcohol (TPA), so asprotophilic media of two amines: tert butylamine (TBAmine) and ethylenediamine (EDA). The discussed TIPCS phenomenon, associated with a decrease in the standard (partial at infinite dilution) volume of solvated water with increasing temperature, was discovered about half a century ago in alkanol solutions of H2O and recently - in water-containing media of alkylamines. However, nowadays this extraordinary effect has not yet found its physically based interpretation. It allows ones to predict the possibility of TIPCS occurrence in the binary liquid-phase system specifically selected for the study. Our comprehensive data analysis allowed us to make several inferences regarding the main characteristics of a standard solution of H2O in an organic solvent. They cause extraordinary changes in the volume of the formed solvatocomplex of water under the influence of increasing temperature. Firstly, the energy parameters of the intermolecular interaction (relative affinity) water solvent noticeably dominate over those of the solvent-solvent interaction. Those differences become more evident with increasing temperature. Secondly, a higher rate of thermal expansion of the organic solvent structure in volume (inbulk) is found than influence of temperature on structural packing of the resulting mixed molecular aggregate or water solvates complex. Thirdly, the difference in the parameters of water-solvent and solvent-solvent interactions depends not only on the proton-donor/acceptor properties of the molecules contacting in solution, but also on the configuration of the structural packing of the solvating medium. It determines the nature of steric hindrances to the formation of H-bonds. Therefore, the absolute values of the mentioned parameters of relative affinity at 298.15 K increase in the series: MA &lt;&lt; EDA ≈ TBAmine &lt; TPAlcohol &lt; TBAmine. It can indicate a relative strengthening of the specific interaction (mainly through the formation of hydrogen bonds) between the molecules of water and amphiprotonic or protophilic solvent in the above sequence. Indeed, difference in the solvent-solvent and water-solvent hydrogen bonding energies in the discussed liquid media of alkylamines (TBAmine and EDA) and tertiary isomeric alkanols (TBAlcohol and TPA) - with the most evident basicity - turned out to be noticeably larger than in the structural packing of water methanol solution. The ability of the components to specific interactions is quite comparable in those compounds.

Сравнительная характеристика неординарного явления «термоактивируемого изобарического парциального уплотнения структуры» воды как растворенного вещества в некоторых алканолах и алкиламинах

This review summarises the data available in the literature. It also includes the authors' published results of precision densimetric measurements. The research concerns with the physically unusual phenomenon of "thermally activated isobaric partial densification of the structure" (TIPCS) of dissolved water, or its so-called "negative partial molar expandability" (NPEA) in several organic solvents. They contain amphiproton hydroxyl-containing media of three alcohols: methyl alcohol (MA), tertiary butyl alcohol (TBAlcohol), and amyl or pentyl alcohol (TPA), so asprotophilic media of two amines: tert butylamine (TBAmine) and ethylenediamine (EDA). The discussed TIPCS phenomenon, associated with a decrease in the standard (partial at infinite dilution) volume of solvated water with increasing temperature, was discovered about half a century ago in alkanol solutions of H2O and recently - in water-containing media of alkylamines. However, nowadays this extraordinary effect has not yet found its physically based interpretation. It allows ones to predict the possibility of TIPCS occurrence in the binary liquid-phase system specifically selected for the study. Our comprehensive data analysis allowed us to make several inferences regarding the main characteristics of a standard solution of H2O in an organic solvent. They cause extraordinary changes in the volume of the formed solvatocomplex of water under the influence of increasing temperature. Firstly, the energy parameters of the intermolecular interaction (relative affinity) water solvent noticeably dominate over those of the solvent-solvent interaction. Those differences become more evident with increasing temperature. Secondly, a higher rate of thermal expansion of the organic solvent structure in volume (inbulk) is found than influence of temperature on structural packing of the resulting mixed molecular aggregate or water solvates complex. Thirdly, the difference in the parameters of water-solvent and solvent-solvent interactions depends not only on the proton-donor/acceptor properties of the molecules contacting in solution, but also on the configuration of the structural packing of the solvating medium. It determines the nature of steric hindrances to the formation of H-bonds. Therefore, the absolute values of the mentioned parameters of relative affinity at 298.15 K increase in the series: MA &lt;&lt; EDA ≈ TBAmine &lt; TPAlcohol &lt; TBAmine. It can indicate a relative strengthening of the specific interaction (mainly through the formation of hydrogen bonds) between the molecules of water and amphiprotonic or protophilic solvent in the above sequence. Indeed, difference in the solvent-solvent and water-solvent hydrogen bonding energies in the discussed liquid media of alkylamines (TBAmine and EDA) and tertiary isomeric alkanols (TBAlcohol and TPA) - with the most evident basicity - turned out to be noticeably larger than in the structural packing of water methanol solution. The ability of the components to specific interactions is quite comparable in those compounds.

A homochiral tartrate-bridged dinuclear chromium(III) complex anion with a resonance-assisted hydrogen bond for proton conduction.

The synthesis of a homochiral building block based on L-tartrate-chromium(III) complex anions is reported. The dinuclear complex anion, which contains two bridging L-tartrate ligands and one aromatic N-donor ligand coordinated to chromium(III) ions, exhibits a boat conformation in which intramolecular resonance-assisted hydrogen bonding is present. The sodium L-tartrate-chromium(III) compound with the formula Na[Cr2(bpy)2(L-tart)2H]·9H2O (1) crystallizes from a methanol-water solution as a high water content material in the monoclinic space group P2. The as-synthesized compound is only stable at high relative humidity and undergoes structural transformations during drying, which are accompanied by water loss. However, these transformations are reversible and upon wetting, the material returns to its high water content structure. Based on a combination of experimental techniques (PXRD, in situ ATR-FTIR and EPR spectroscopy), the structure of the complex anions appears to be insensitive to the humidity variable processes (wetting and drying). Due to the presence of several hydrogen acceptor and donor groups in the L-tartrate-chromium(III) complex anion, we investigated the proton transport properties of a sodium L-tartrate-chromium(III) compound by impedance spectroscopy under dry and wet conditions at different temperatures. Since the relative humidity affects the structural transformations in this system, it also has a large influence on the proton conductivity, which varies by up to four orders of magnitude depending on the degree of hydration. These results confirm that the proton conductivity can be tuned in flexible structures in which non-covalent interactions determine the crystal packing.

Some Improvements on Wettability and Internal Resistance of Modified Micro‐porous Layer for Direct Methanol Fuel Cell

Micro‐porous layer (MPL) is an essential component of the membrane electrode assembly in a direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC). It enables proton transport and maintains the stability of gas diffusion layers. The wettability and internal resistance of MPL directly affect the cell output power density. Herein, a hydrophilic MPL is developed on the anode side of DMFC by depositing Ag‐modified carbon nano‐fiber powder (CNFP). The modification improves the diffusion of methanol–water solution into the anode catalytic layer, leading to an increased catalytic reaction rate and output power density. Moreover, thanks to the lower electrical resistance of CNFP/Ag, the cell's charge transfer and mass transfer resistances can be reduced, which leverage the power densities at different concentrations. The experimental results show that the peak power density of the modified MPL is increased by 42.2% from to . The charge transfer resistance is reduced by 34.8% from to and a reduction of 43.1% from to for the mass transfer resistance.

Determination of synephrine in herbal plants using an isotopically labeled internal standard HPLC–MS/MS method

We developed a rapid, precise, and sensitive method to quantify synephrine in herbal plants, using methanol–water solution (8:2, v/v) as the extracting agent and high-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC–MS/MS) for analysis. To mitigate matrix effects, we employed synephrine-13C2, 15N as an internal standard and separated synephrine using a reverse-phase column. We established a highly accurate standard curve (R2 ≥ 0.9997). The method demonstrated excellent intra-day recoveries (96.35 %–103.19 %) at three spiked concentrations (0.5, 10, 100 μg/g), with minimal standard deviations (<4.84 %). The limits of detection and quantification of this method were 0.1 μg/g and 0.5 μg/g, respectively. Using this approach, we analyzed synephrine content in 24 herbal plants. Substantial concentrations of synephrine were found in Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium Viride (13.204 mg/g) and Aurantii Fructus Immaturus (7.077 mg/g), whereas the remaining species either exhibited lower concentrations or were devoid of synephrine. This approach fulfills the requirements for synephrine detection.

A versatile electrospinning method to fabricate ZSM-5-decorated MgO nanofibers as a catalyst for methanol to light olefins: Toward remarkable stability and superior performance

In response to the increasing concerns about climate change and the depletion of fossil fuel reserves, the application of zeolite ZSM-5 as a catalyst in the methanol to olefin (MTO) process is considered a promising chemical technique. It holds the potential to produce essential chemical building blocks, such as light olefins, using sustainable raw materials. In this study, electrospun MgO/ZSM-5 nanofibers were synthesized to enhance mass/heat transfer limits during the MTO process and improve catalyst stability. In this synthesis, ZSM-5 nanoparticles with a mean diameter of 600 nm were arranged on magnesium oxide nanofibers with a mean diameter of 200 nm. The catalysts were characterized using various techniques, including XRD, SEM, TEM, EDX-Mapping, NH3-TPD, BET, and TGA. The electrospinning technique prevented nanoparticle accumulation and improved the morphology of the catalyst. In an isothermal fixed-bed reactor, the catalysts were tested at 450 °C, 1 atm, WHSV = 4.5 hr−1, with a methanol-water solution in a 1:1 (v/v) ratio as the feed. The stability of the nanofibers was found to be enhanced compared to ZSM-5 nanoparticles. MgO/ZSM-5-50 nanofibers (50 wt% zeolite), MgO/ZSM-5-80 nanofibers (80 wt% zeolite), and ZSM-5 nanoparticles exhibited methanol conversion rates of 99 %, 88 %, and 76 %, respectively, after 430 min of continuous operation. Furthermore, the amount of coke formed after 10 h for MgO/ZSM-5-50, MgO/ZSM-5-80, and ZSM-5 was 11.83 wt%, 13.63 wt%, and 20.98 wt%, respectively. The reduced coke formation on the electrospun samples compared to ZSM-5 nanoparticles demonstrates improved performance and stability for nanofiber catalysts.

Rapid Sample Enrichment, Novel Derivatization, and High Sensitivity for Determination of 3-Chloropropane-1,2-diol in Soy Sauce via High-Performance Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry.

A novel, simplified derivatization method and a rapid sample preparation process using carbon yarn as a sorbent for the determination of 3-chloropropane-1,2-diol (3-MCPD) in soy sauce via high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) was developed. 3-MCPD was first enriched and purified with carbon yarn and then eluted with a methanol-water solution. Subsequently, the analyte underwent derivatization with p-(dimethylamino)-phenol for sensitive detection via HPLC-MS/MS. The limit of detection and the limit of quantitation for 3-MCPD were validated to be 0.5 and 1.0 μg/kg, respectively. Spiking experiments showed recoveries between 83 and 94%, with a relative standard deviation of ≤10%. The method was further validated with a certified reference material. Furthermore, 11 real soy sauce samples from local markets were tested by using this method. These results reveal the widespread 3-MCPD contamination. Consequently, this study offers a preferable alternative for the sensitive, accurate, and precise determination of 3-MCPD in soy sauce.

The Dissipation Kinetics, Residue Level and Dietary Risk of Kresoxim-Methyl in Rosa roxburghii and Soil Based on the QuEChERS Method Coupled with LC-MS/MS.

This study aimed to investigate the dissipation, residues and dietary assessment of kresoxim-methyl in the application of Rosa Roxburghii and soil field using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The results show that kresoxim-methyl in R. roxburghii samples was extracted by acetonitrile and purified by ethyl enediamine-N-propylsilane (PSA), while kresoxim-methyl in soil samples was extracted by acetonitrile and purified by octadecylsilyl solid phase dispersant (C18). 0.1% formic acid (v/v)-water-methanol solution was used as the mobile phase, LC-MS/MS exhibited a good linearity in the range of 0.001-10mgL-1. The recoveries of R. roxburghii and soil matrix were 82.48%-102.55%, and the relative standard deviation (RSD) were 1.13%-4.21%. The limit of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ) of kresoxim-methyl in R. roxburghii and soil samples was 0.50 and 0.60µgkg-1, respectively. The dissipation dynamics of kresoxim-methyl in R. roxburghii and soil followed the first-order kinetics, with the half-life of 4.28 and 4.41days, respectively. The terminal residual amount of kresoxim-methyl in R. roxburghii and soil samples was 0.003-1.764 and 0.007-2.091mgkg-1, respectively. The dietary intake risk assessment indicates that a risk quotient (RQ) for kresoxim-methyl based on the national estimated daily intake (NEDI) of 0.1995mg was 0.79%, suggesting that the use of kresoxim-methyl on R. roxburghii at recommended dosage was safe to consumers. This study provides the theoretical basis for guiding the rational use of kresoxim-methyl in the production of R. roxburghii.

Role of lamp type in conventional batch and micro-photoreactor for photocatalytic hydrogen production.

The use of an irradiation source with a homogeneous distribution of irradiation in the volume of the reaction mixture belongs to the essential aspects of heterogeneous photocatalysis. First, the efficacy of six lamps with various radiation intensity and distribution characteristics is contrasted. The topic of discussion is the photocatalytic hydrogen production from a methanol-water solution in the presence of a NiO-TiO2 photocatalyst. The second section is focused on the potential of a micro-photoreactor system-the batch reactor with a micro-reactor with a circulating reaction mixture, in which the photocatalytic reaction takes place using TiO2 immobilized on borosilicate glass. Continuous photocatalytic hydrogen generation from a methanol-water solution is possible in a micro-photoreactor. This system produced 333.7 ± 21.1µmol H2 (252.8 ± 16.0mmol.m-2, the hydrogen formation per thin film area) in a reproducible manner during 168h.

Long-Term Hydrogen Production from a Methanol–Water Solution Catalyzed by an Iridium Complex

Long-term hydrogen production from a methanol–water solution was achieved by developing a new reaction system employing a homogeneous iridium catalyst bearing a bipyridonate-type functional ligand. By optimizing the methanol:water ratio of the reaction solution, the efficiency of hydrogen production was greatly improved in relation to that reported in our previous studies. Additionally, the effect of the scale of reaction was investigated. It was found that a small-scale reaction led to a longer lifetime of the iridium catalyst, accomplishing long-term continuous hydrogen production at a constant rate for over 500 h. Furthermore, procedures for catalyst reuse were studied. After hydrogen production for 400 h, all volatiles in the reaction system were removed under vacuum. This simple procedure is highly effective for the reactivation and reuse of the catalyst. Finally, hydrogen production (13.7 L, 562 mmol) from methanol (12.3 mL, 303 mmol) and water (5.46 mL, 303 mmol), in a continuous reaction for 800 h, was achieved.

Development of a screening method for the determination of carotenoids in ham sausage, juice, and cookies by an improved Bligh-Dyer method and LC-MS/MS.

A screening method of 23 carotenoids in foods, such as ham sausage, juice, and cookies, was proposed using an improved Bligh-Dyer method that can satisfy the extraction requirements of common carotenoids with different physicochemical properties, including free and esterified carotenoids, by collecting the aqueous and organic phases simultaneously. Purification was then performed by loading the aqueous phase onto a hydrophile-lipophile balance (HLB) column; a methanol-water solution was used for washing, and the organic phases and additional chloroform were used for elution. By optimizing this step, interference from hydrophilic compounds and neutral triglycerides was effectively eliminated, and the matrix suppression effect after purification was greater than -16.3%. Finally, the extract was analyzed by ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-orbitrap high-resolution mass spectrometry. The results showed that the 23 carotenoids showed a good linear relationship in the range of 0.01-0.2µg/mL, and the limits of quantification (signal-to-noise ratio≥10) were from 0.02 to 0.05mg/kg. The average recoveries were 80.1%-98.7%, with relative standard deviation ≤10%. The proposed method can simultaneously identify and quantify 23 carotenoids in foods with high throughput, sensitivity, and reliability.

Characteristics, Isolation Methods, and Biological Properties of Aucubin.

Aucubin is an iridoid glycoside widely spread in the families Cornaceae, Garryaceae, Orobanchaceae, Globulariaceae, Eucommiaceae, Scrophulariaceae, Plantaginaceae, and Rubiaceae. This review is intended to provide data on the physicochemical characteristics, isolation methods, and biological activities of aucubin and its producing plants. Aucubin is unstable and can be deglycosylated into its aglycone, aucubigenin. Various chromatographic methods (column chromatography, vacuum liquid chromatography, medium pressure liquid chromatography, and high-performance liquid chromatography) have been used together to isolate aucubin, mainly with the stationary phase C-18 and the mobile phase water-methanol solution made in gradients. In vitro and in vivo studies reveal that aucubin has a wide range of activities, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anxiolytic and antidepressant, antidiabetic, antifibrotic, antimicrobial, anticancer, antihyperlipidemic, gastroprotective, cardioprotective, hepatoprotective, retinoprotective, neuroprotective, osteoprotective, and renoprotective. Even though aucubin has been extensively investigated, further research in humans is urgently needed primarily to substantiate the clinical evidence. Moreover, extensive studies on its drug delivery systems will help maximize efficacy and minimize side effects.

Photocatalytic Evaluation of the Ternary Composite CdSO4-ZnAl LDH/ZnS in Hydrogen Production without a Sacrificial Reagent

In this work, a layered double hydroxide support modified with cadmium was synthesized by a one-pot coprecipitation method. Then, it was sulfured in different percentages by a solvothermal method. Next, the samples were analyzed using various characterization techniques like XRD, DRS, FTIR, N2 physisorption, PL spectroscopy, TEM, and SEM. Finally, the synthesized and uncalcined materials were assessed in hydrogen production from water and a methanol-water solution under UV-light irradiation. The results showed that the sulphuration improves the photocatalytic activity, reaching a maximum rate constant of hydrogen production of 7403 µmol/g∙h in a methanol-water solution and 1326 µmol/g∙h in water.

Ruthenium Metal–Organic Frameworks as Stable Nanostructures for Selective Hydrogen Production from Acetaldehyde and Water under Mild Conditions

Hydrogen is a promising energy carrier because it is a wide and sustainable source. However, it is still extremely difficult to store and transport hydrogen safely because of its active chemical properties and harsh explosion limits. Organic liquid is a popular research field for hydrogen production and storage. Inspired by its biological metabolism, here acetaldehyde is innovatively used for hydrogen production. The hydrogen content of an acetaldehyde–water solution is 10.2 wt %, which is slightly lower than that of a methanol–water solution but much higher than that of formic acid and formaldehyde. For the first time, we prepared several ruthenium metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) as stable nanostructures for selective hydrogen production from acetaldehyde and water under mild conditions (∼60 °C). Ru-MOFs all have nanoscale pores, and the turnover frequency of ruthenium 2,3,5,6-tetramethyl-1,4-phenylenediamine for acetaldehyde decomposition is up to 223 h–1 in water at 90 °C. Because C–C bond cleavage is an inevitable step for hydrogen or energy production from C2 organics, ion chromatography, high-performance liquid chromatography, 1H NMR spectroscopy, and mass spectrometry were employed to propose a catalytic process of hydrogen production from acetaldehyde decomposition. We evidently prove that water participates in acetaldehyde decomposition, thereby claiming an acetaldehyde–water reforming process. Additionally, we confirm that formic acid and acetic acid are the intermediates during the hydrogen production process. This research not only holds great promise for hydrogen production from C2 organics at low temperatures, as well as catalytic technology for C–C bond cleavage, but it also provides certain profound scientific insights for hydrogen or energy production from multicarbon organics, such as biomass.