Molar Ratio Research Articles

In-situ preparation of BiOBr/Bi-doped CsPbBr3 S-scheme heterojunction for efficient photocatalytic CO2 reduction

Metal halide perovskite nanocrystals have garnered significant attention in the realm of photocatalytic CO2 reduction in recent years owing to their remarkable reducing properties and high selectivity. However, the issue of low photocatalytic activity due to severe carrier recombination phenomena in perovskite has posed a significant challenge. To address this, a one-pot in-situ preparation strategy was employed to create a BiOBr/Bi-doped perovskite nanocrystal S-scheme heterojunction, resulting in a significant improvement in the CO2 photoreduction performance. The heterojunction material exhibited a CO yield of 151.56 μmolg-1h−1, with a selectivity for CO of 93.6 %. The molar ratio of the components was modulated using an in-situ water aging strategy, yielding a photocatalyst performance that exceeded that of pure BiOBr. The synthesis strategy of one-step in-situ preparation of heterojunctions overcomes the problem of insufficient bonding caused by two-step methods. And various characterizations and DFT calculations strongly support the S-scheme mechanism of the photocatalyst. The active site effectively reduces the energy barrier for the transition from *COOH to *CO intermediate, thereby significantly improving photocatalytic activity.

Construction of cobalt zinc metal-organic frameworks derived Co/CoO/C composites toward broadband and high-efficiency electromagnetic wave absorption

The fabrication of novel carbon-based electromagnetic wave (EMW) absorbers with broad absorption bandwidth, strong absorption strength, low filler loading ratio and thin matching thickness remains a challenging task. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are widely recognized as ideal self-sacrificial templates for the construction of carbon-based EMW absorbers. In this work, bimetallic CoZn-MOFs derived Co/CoO/C composites were prepared by combining magnetic stirring with subsequent pyrolysis treatment. The results showed that the morphology of carbon skeletons evolved from an irregular agglomerate to a uniform hexagonal star shape and then to an agglomerate again by reducing the molar ratio of Co2+ to Zn2+. Remarkably, excellent EMW absorption capacity in the Ku-band was achieved through carefully regulating the molar ratio of Co2+ to Zn2+. When the filling ratio was 20wt.%, the prepared Co/CoO/C composite exhibited the best EMW absorption performance with the minimum reflection loss of -64 dB at a thickness of 1.79mm and the maximum effective absorption bandwidth of 6GHz at a thickness of 2.14mm. Furthermore, the radar cross section in the far-field was simulated by computer simulation technique. In addition, the possible EMW attenuation mechanism was proposed. Therefore, the results of this paper could be helpful for developing carbon-based magnetic composites derived from MOFs as broadband and high-efficiency EMW absorbers.

Optimizing corncob pretreatment with eco-friendly deep eutectic solvents to enhance lignin extraction and cellulose-to-glucose conversion

Deep eutectic solvents (DES) are an eco-friendly, cost-effective alternative to traditional ionic liquids for biomass pretreatment, with unique characteristics encompassed by hydrogen bond donor (HBD), the molar ratio of hydrogen bond acceptor (HBA) to HBD, temperature, and time affecting efficiency. Despite its potential, a comprehensive study exploring the interplay of these factors is limited. This study explores the optimization of pretreatment variables using choline chloride/lactic acid (1:5) via the response surface method (RSM). It aims to evaluate the effects of time and temperature on lignin extraction, cellulose-to-glucose conversion, and hemicellulose removal. Employing a 22 central composite design with temperature (80–140 °C) and time (2–6 h) as variables, optimal conditions were 123 °C for 6 h. Results include 90.08±1.42 % lignin extraction, 68.77±6.9 % cellulose-to-glucose conversion, and 77.34±0.85 % hemicellulose removal, with 52.52±8.07 % lignin recovery. The fractions of pretreated CC and lignin recovered in the optimal condition found were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XDR), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), 1H, 13C, 2D-HSQC NMR spectroscopy, Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA/DTG), Gel Permeation Chromatography (GPC) to elucidate chemical characteristics of the materials obtained and facilitate downstream valorization. High efficiency was achieved in lignin extraction and cellulose conversion, and addressing solvent viscosity and DES recycling will further enhance the potential for industrial scalability.

Nanoparticle doping as a way to enhance holmium fiber lasers efficiency

Highly-doped holmium fibers have been prepared using modified chemical vapor deposition in combination with nanoparticle-doping method. Within a series of various Al2O3 and Ho3+ concentrations, relations between fibers composition and their fluorescence and laser parameters have been studied. Al/Ho molar ratio equal to at least 50 was found to be the key factor for fibers with outstanding parameters. Fibers with slope efficiency above 80%, laser threshold below 100 mW and fluorescence lifetime up to 1.6 ms have been prepared. Thanks to high Al2O3 concentrations, obtained through nanoparticle doping, we were able to achieve high-performance fibers in a wide range of Ho3+ concentrations. An output power of 19 W with 81% slope efficiency was reached using fiber with almost 4000 ppm of Ho3+ and 10 mol.% of Al2O3. This result is encouraging for highly efficient high-power cladding-pumped holmium fiber lasers, and studied relations between fibers composition and their laser parameters will be used in the designing of such laser sources.

Structural analysis of Pleurotus ferulae polysaccharide and its effects on plant fungal disease and plant growth

A novel polysaccharide, named as PFP1–1 (23 kDa), was isolated from the fruiting body of Pleurotus ferulae. Structural analysis revealed that PFP1–1 is primarily composed of mannose, galactose, glucose and fucose, with a molar ratio of 41.50:41.92:4.65:1.93. Infrared spectroscopy analysis showed the presence of characteristic absorption peaks associated with polysaccharides. Further analysis using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) indicated that the polysaccharide mainly composed of → 6) -α-D-Galp- (1 →, → 2,6) -α-D-Galp- (1 → and a small amount of → 4) -α-D-Glcp- (1 →. The branched chain is mainly composed of β-D-Manp- (1 → and α-D-Glcp- (1 → connected at the O-2 position of the sugar residue → 2,6) -α-D-Galp- (1 →. PFP1–1 exhibited significant antifungal activity against Rhizoctonia solani and promoted cucumber plant growth. The mycelial growth inhibition rate of PFP1–1 against R. solani reached 70 %. In pot experiments, cucumber seedlings treated with PFP1–1 demonstrated resistance to R. solani infection and the incidence rate was significantly reduced to 22.92 %. PFP1–1 increased the root length and fresh weight of cucumber seedlings and enhanced the stress and disease resistance of plants by increasing the activities of superoxide dismutase, peroxidase and polyphenol oxidase. In conclusion, the present study provides a theoretical and experimental basis for the application of P. ferulae polysaccharide in promoting plant growth and controlling plant diseases.

Surface reactions of ethanol on UO2 thin film. Dehydrogenation and dehydration pathways

The reaction of ethanol has been investigated on a UO2 thin film by temperature programmed desorption. Two channels for ethanol desorption are identified. The first, in the 250–500 K region, is coverage dependent while the second with a maximum peak temperature (Tp) at ca. 630 K is not. The desorption energy, Ed, of the second channel is found to be equal to ca. 150 kJ/mol with a prefactor of 1012 s−1 and a desorption order n = 2. This is attributed to surface ethoxides re-combinative desorption. This second desorption channel is accompanied by the desorption of acetaldehyde (and hydrogen) and ethylene (and water). Acetaldehyde (CH3CHO) desorption, produced by the dehydrogenation of ethoxides, was sensitive to surface coverage. Tp changed from 640 K at θ = 0.06 to 610 K at θ = 1, while ethylene (CH2CH2) desorption, produced by the dehydration of ethoxides did not shift. The molar ratio of these two products (CH3CHO/CH2CH2) of 0.8 is similar to that previously found on a UO2(1 1 1) single crystal and fits with the UO bonding nature that contains a non-negligible fraction of covalency.

Goethite introduction strengthens balck soil carbon sequestration under various water management conditions and its microbial mechanisms

Natural and anthropogenic disturbances lead to degradation of (soil organic carbon) SOC content black soil in northeast china. Goethite (α-FeO (OH)) as widely distributed mineral, has a sequestration effect on SOC. With the diversification of crop cultivation in northeast china, various water management are becoming important. However, SOC sequestration mechanism by goethite under varying water management conditions is still unclear. In our study, we set up 3 groups of experiments: 1) 60% water-holding capacity (60% WHC), 60% water-holding capacity with goethite (60% WHCG), 2), waterlogging (W), waterloggin with goethite (WG), 3) alternation of wetting and drying (AWD), alternation of wetting and drying with goethite (AWDG) to elucidate the sequestration mechanism of SOC by goethite under three water management conditions. Results shows introducing goethite can sequester SOC under three water management conditions, with WG SOC sequestration capacity more than AWDG and 60% WHCG. The main sequestration mechanism of SOC has two aspects, on the one hand, goethite introduction increased significantly SOC functional groups, Fe-bound OC, iron molar ratio and Fe-bound OC/SOC, made SOC was bound to goethite by adsorption and co-precipitation. On the other hand, goethite introduction increased the diversity and abundance of bacteria and fungi by affecting soil pH, iron morphology and valence, induced the enrichment of Bryobacter, Gemmatimonas, Conexibacter, Streptomyces, Gaiella, Rubrobacter and Talaromyces potential carbon sequestrating microorganisms, further contributing to SOC sequestration. This study offers a significant theoretical foundation for elucidating the SOC sequestration mechanism of northeastern black soil.

Photoactive self-cleaning zinc oxychloride coatings

Zinc oxychloride cement (ZOC) is considered a promising quick-drying material for fabricating photoactive coatings composed of three components: zinc oxide (ZnO), zinc chloride (ZnCl2), and water. However, its massive application has not been implemented due to the lack of research about its stability and mechanical performance. Thus, this article aims to provide insights about the self-cleaning photoactivity of ZOC coatings incorporated with titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles to boost the photocatalytic performance. Two stoichiometries of ZnO:ZnCl:H2O (112 and 415) were studied to investigate the influence of the molar ratio of the components on the physical and chemical properties. According to these results, no significant differences were observed in the physical and chemical properties between the two stoichiometries studied; however, the mechanical properties were affected. The coatings crystallized as simonkolleite Zn5(OH)8Cl2·H2O with a laminar hexagonal morphology, show high surface area, and absorbs light in the UVA region. The self-cleaning activity was evaluated using four model pollutants: Rhodamine B, Methylene blue, Orange G, and Carbon under accelerated weathering conditions. All the coatings were photoactive to decompose the pollutants from their surface and the addition of TiO2 nanoparticles did not significantly enhance the self-cleaning efficiency, but it improves the mechanical performance of the coatings. These results could be associated with the fact that TiO2 works as filler for voids in the coatings without affecting its settings. The stability of the coatings was confirmed after the exposure to accelerated weathering at high humidity conditions, which places them as an attractive, low-cost, and easy to apply self-cleaning material.

Modulating the chemical environment of Ni2+ for the oxidative dehydrogenation of ethane: The formation of LAS(Al3+/Ga3+)-Ni-OH site

The oxidative dehydrogenation of ethane to ethylene (ODHE) usually suffers from the issues of ethane conversion-ethylene selectivity seesaw. Herein, a series of alumina-supported Ni and Ga catalysts with different molar ratios of Ni to Ga were synthesized by facile impregnation method constructing the Lewis acid site (LAS) strategy to obtain great ethylene selectivity (97 %). The variation of Ni:Ga ratio adjusted the ionic substitution ability, redox ability and acidity, thus regulate the chemical environment of Ni2+ to the formation of LAS(Al3+/Ga3+)-Ni-OH structure, which was proposed to be the active site for selective oxidation of ethane to ethylene, as proved by H2-TPR, ToF-SIMS, quasi in-situ XPS and in-situ FTIR. Moreover, the probable mechanism of ODHE reaction was proposed that C2H6 molecules were mainly adsorbed on LAS sites and activated on Ni-OH site of the catalyst. The pulse test further suggested that O- was mainly associated with the generation of CO2 and Ni(2-n)+ was connected with the production of CH4. It is highlighted that adjusting the Ni-related species and oxygen species on the catalyst surface are crucial to further improve the ethylene selectivity.

Enhanced adsorption and reduction of Pb(II) from aqueous solution by sulfide-modified nanoscale zerovalent iron: characterization, kinetics and mechanisms

Nanoscale zerovalent iron (nZVI) was prone to aggregation and passivation, which limited its application. Here, sulfide-modified nZVI (S-nZVI) was synthesized to enhance Pb(II) removal, the transmission electron microscope and scanning electron microscope showed S-nZVI particles exhibited a core–shell structure, with Fe0 comprising the core and iron oxides in the shell, the generated iron sulfides (FeSx) were distributed over the iron oxides shell. The water contact angle results suggested S-nZVI was more hydrophobic than nZVI, which could prevent the oxidation of the inner Fe0 core with aqueous solution, furthermore, the electrochemical experiments demonstrated the FeSx improved the electron transfer efficiency from Fe0 core to contaminants, enhancing the reactivity of S-nZVI. Mechanism analysis confirmed that the electrostatic attraction, chemical precipitation, surface complexation and reduction occurred during the adsorption. S-nZVI with S/Fe molar ratio of 0.3 offered the best Pb(II) adsorption capacity, and higher pH value was favourable, the presence of co-existing cations (K+, Na+, Ca2+, Mg2+) all interfered the Pb(II) removal, followed as Ca2+ >Mg2+ > K+ > Na+. The pseudo-second-order kinetics and Langmuir model could well described the adsorption process, indicating that monolayer adsorption dominated the process. Thermodynamic results showed the adsorption was a spontaneous endothermic process, even after 4 cycles of recycling, the removal rate remained at 76.4 %, demonstrating S-nZVI had good reusability.

Lattice energy transfer from homo-crystalline substitution for enhanced piezo-photocatalytic CO2 conversion

The rapid recombination of carriers and large activation energy of CO2 compromise the efficiency of CO2 photoreduction. Herein, SrTiO3 (STO) with different molar ratios of La3+ and Al3+ double-site homo-crystalline substitution is prepared by a ball-milling molten salt method. The concentration of Ti3+ and excess oxygen vacancies decrease to improve the catalytic activity. Meanwhile, the double sites act as electron transfer platforms for easy electron transfer from the bulk phase to the surface to foster CO2 photoreduction. Not only that, the energy transfer due to doping-induced lattice distortion can potentially enhance the photocatalytic activity. A piezoelectrically polarized electric field is introduced to further expedite charge transport. As a result, the activity of La, Al-STO piezo-photocatalytic CO2 reduction is improved to 39.17 µmol g-1h−1, which is more than seven times better than that of the pure STO. Furthermore, CO2 adsorbs spontaneously on the catalysts because the thermodynamic energy barrier decreases due to the piezoelectric force, which is verified by density-functional theory calculation. This study reveals the great potential of double-site homo-crystalline substitution of STO pertaining to the charge transport kinetics and thermodynamics of the catalytic reaction in the piezo-photocatalytic CO2 process.

Developing an off-site bicarbonation absorber system to promote microalgal fixation of CO2 in exhaust gas from biogas upgrading

In order to address the risk of explosion due to CH4 from exhaust gas produced during biogas upgrading in closed carbon fixation systems employing photosynthetic microalgae, an off-site bicarbonation absorber system was developed to promote microalgal CO2 fixation under atmospheric pressure. The abundant CO2 in the biogas upgrading exhaust gas (≥90 vol.% CO2, ≤10 vol.% CH4) reacted with a Na2CO3 solution in the off-site bicarbonation absorber to produce NaHCO3, which was used as carbon source for microalgal growth in enclosed column photobioreactors. After the reaction, CH4 was discharged outside the bicarbonation absorber because it did not react with the Na2CO3 solution and was extremely difficult to dissolve in water, thereby avoiding the explosion risk due to accumulated CH4 in the enclosed column photobioreactors. The experimental results showed that the Spirulina growth rate first increased 1.7 times, peaking at 0.6g/L/d, and then decreased when the bicarbonation reaction time (optimal 50min), absorber diameter (optimal 10cm), initial Na2CO3 concentration (optimal 173mM), and exhaust gas aeration rate (optimal 100 sccm) increased. The optimal molar ratio of NaHCO3 to total inorganic carbon in the bicarbonation absorber solution reached 79%. The sufficient HCO3- supply and suitable pH of the microalgal solution improved the synthesis of photosynthetic pigments in the microalgal cells and enhanced their photochemical efficiency and carbon sequestration rates.

Preparation of magnesium potassium phosphate cement from magnesite tailings under lower calcination temperature

The identification of a more economical source of magnesium, coupled with reduced preparation costs, is essential for enhancing the competitiveness of magnesium potassium phosphate cement (MKPC) production. This study explores the utilization of magnesite tailings, waste materials produced during the mining and ore dressing process of magnesite, as raw materials for the preparation of low-cost dead-burnt magnesium oxide (MgO-T) at comparatively low calcination temperatures. The research demonstrated that impurities, specifically silicon and calcium, formed compounds with MgO during calcination, leading to the encapsulation of certain MgO particles. This encapsulation reduced both the specific surface area and hydration activity of the MgO. Despite the calcination temperature of 1100 °C being significantly lower than that of commercial dead-burnt MgO (MgO-C) at 1700 °C, MgO-T exhibited lower activity compared to MgO-C, which rendered it more suitable for the production of MKPC. Under optimal conditions, characterized by a molar ratio of magnesium to phosphorus (M/P) of 3, a borax retarder content of 15%, and a water-cement ratio of 0.15, the MKPC prepared using MgO-T demonstrated an initial setting time exceeding 60min and achieved a compressive strength of up to 79.6MPa. XRD and microstructural analyses revealed that struvite-K was the primary strength phase; however, the porosity of the specimens had a more pronounced effect on strength. By producing lower activity MgO at reduced calcination temperatures, this method obviates the need for complex purification processes when utilizing magnesite tailings, thereby decreasing the costs associated with MKPC preparation and presenting promising applications for the future.

Mechanistic insights into the roles of copper in enhanced peroxymonosulfate activation for tetracycline degradation by copper ferrite composite catalyst

Tetracycline (TC) pollution has attracted great attention due to its wide use, non-biodegradability and potential carcinogenicity. Bimetallic catalysts/peroxymonosulfate (PMS) systems have been considered as powerful technologies for TC degradation. Although the excellent catalytic activity of copper ferrite (CuFe2O4) composite oxides for PMS has been already elucidated, the roles of increased Cu in the degradation especially from non-radical pathways are not clarified clearly. In this study, we prepared a series of CuO/CuFe2O4/Fe2O3 (CCF) catalysts to confirm the key role of molar ratios of Cu: Fe (ranging from 1:2 to 2:1) in the enhanced degradation. The optimized CCF-3 catalyst with the Cu: Fe molar ratio of 2:1 showed the best degradation efficiency up to 95.6 % and the fastest apparent degradation rate of 0.135 min−1 towards TC. In addition, the CCF-3/PMS system showed excellent adaptability and good stability in TC degradation. Importantly, a novel molecular-scale mechanism was proposed. Both radical (SO4∙-, ∙OH, O2∙ –) and non-radical (1O2, direct electron transfer) pathways were associated with the CCF-3/PMS catalytic system, where 1O2 played the dominant roles. The increased Cu significantly boosted the non-radical pathways via promoting the formation of oxygen vacancies (Ov) and its further conversion to 1O2, and facilitating electron transfer between bimetallic Cu/Fe interface. This work provides a deep insight into the formation and reaction mechanisms of non-radical species for CCF/PMS systems, and a novel foundation for the design of CuFe2O4 composite catalysts

Multicomponent crystals: Solubility enhancement of simvastatin using arginine and glycine coformers

Context: Simvastatin can be modified by the formation of multicomponent crystals to increase its solubility. Aims: To compare the solubility of multicomponent simvastatin crystals to pure simvastatin. Methods: The in silico study of simvastatin and the coformers arginine and glycine revealed non-covalent interactions, so multicomponent preparations of simvastatin crystals were prepared by solvent evaporation using a mole ratio of 1:1; 1:2 and 2:1. Results: Each simvastatin-arginine and simvastatin-glycine ratio increased the solubility, with the highest increase observed for the 1:2 ratio compared to pure simvastatin. Conclusions: Simvastatin-arginine multicomponent crystals (1:2) showed the best dissolution profile in phosphate buffer medium pH 7.0 with 67.69% dissolution, while simvastatin-glycine multicomponent crystals (1:2) exhibited the best dissolution profile in buffer media pH 1.2 with 16.19% dissolution. Characterization of the multicomponent crystals revealed a shift in the peaks, a decreased melting point, and enthalpy, indicating decreased % crystallinity and the formation of a new solid phase.

Interface-enhanced germanium selenide solar cells comprising an ultrathin and uniform antimony selenide buffer layer via hydrothermal approach

Germanium selenide (GeSe) is a promising thin film photovoltaic absorber material owing to its excellent optoelectronic properties, high stability, and low toxicity. Interface engineering by introducing an ultrathin antimony selenide (Sb2Se3) buffer layer between the CdS electron transport layer and GeSe absorber layer is an effective technique for enhancing solar cell performance. However, the key to this technique is the fabrication of a uniform and smooth Sb2Se3 buffer layer with minimal thickness. In this study, instead of the conventional closed-space sublimation method, a hydrothermal method was employed to slowly grow an Sb2Se3 buffer layer with a thickness of approximately 8 nm. The Se/Na2SO3 molar ratio in the selenium source during the hydrothermal synthesis was adjusted; a molar ratio of 1:2 led to an uneven Sb2Se3 buffer layer thickness, whereas a molar ratio of 1:10 resulted in the formation of Sb2O3 particles on the buffer layer surface. When the Se/Na2SO3 molar ratio was 1:6, a smooth, uniform, dense, and impurity-free Sb2Se3 buffer layer was obtained, achieving the highest efficiency of 3.33 % in a GeSe solar cell. Moreover, GeSe solar cells with hydrothermally grown Sb2Se3 buffer layers demonstrated superior device interface properties and efficiency comparable with those using Sb2Se3 buffer layers deposited via closed-space sublimation. This technique offers an effective method for steadily improving the performance of GeSe solar cells.

Promoted lignocellulose fractionation and improved enzymatic hydrolysis of corn stalks through cationic surfactant combined with deep eutectic solvent pretreatment

The efficient conversion of lignocellulose relies on the implementation of an effective pretreatment strategy. Cationic surfactants combined with deep eutectic solvent ([Betaine][LA] was employed as a novel pretreatment strategy for treating corn stalks. Valuable insights were provided on the impact of the surfactant hydrophobic segment length on pretreatment efficacy. The specific pretreatment conditions were optimized by single factor and orthogonal experiment. Octadecyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (OTAB, 1.5 wt%) with the longest hydrophobic part combined with [Betaine][LA] (Betaine-to-LA molar ratio 1:4) achieved the best pretreatment effect (delignification 92.8 %, xylan elimination 91.1 %) when severity factor reached 4.26, meanwhile, 1.7 g/L xylo-oligosaccharides and 4.4 g/L furfural were detected in pretreatment liquid due to the hydrolysis of hemicellulose in corn stalks with acidic deep eutectic solvent [Betaine][LA]. The relative saccharification activity reached 2.7 times of raw material, while the lignin surface area significantly decreased, leading to enhanced cellulose accessibility. Additionally, molecular perspective provided by molecular dynamics showed the elimination of lignin and xylan was facilitated by strong interaction of hydrogen-bond and van der Waals force between lignin and hemicellulose with [Betaine][LA] + OTAB. Overall, the effectiveness and potential of cationic surfactant combined deep eutectic solvent pretreatment strategy for lignocellulose pretreatment was revealed.

Extraction and Structural Characterization of Four Grape Polysaccharides and Their Protective Effects in Alcohol-Induced Gastric Mucosal Injury

Grapes, recognized as a nutritionally rich fruit, have been found through extensive research to contain various bioactive components. However, the roles of polysaccharides and their bioactive properties remain unclear. Based on this, in our research, four different grape polysaccharides were obtained using an enzymatic-assisted extraction method. We investigated and compared their physicochemical properties, antioxidant activities, and protective effects on gastric mucosa in mice. The results indicated that the monosaccharide compositions of these specific grape polysaccharides were similar; however, their molar ratios, molecular weights, and morphological characteristics varied. The results of radical scavenging tests revealed that red-fleshed grape polysaccharide (RFP) exhibited superior antioxidant properties. In vivo assessments demonstrated that RFP protects against gastric mucosal injury in mice by inhibiting inflammation and radical generation. Therefore, the polysaccharide from red-fleshed grape holds potential application value in the pharmaceutical and food industries.

Modification of MWCNTs with Bi2WO6 nanoparticles targeting IL-1β and NLRP3 inflammasome via augmented autophagy.

This study reports the facile hydrothermal synthesis of pure Bi2WO6 and Bi2WO6\MWCNTs nanocomposite at specific molar ratio 1:2.5 of Bi2WO6:MWCNTs and elucidates their role in modulating the NLRP3 inflammasome pathway via autophagy induction. Comprehensive characterization techniques, including XRD, Raman, UV.Vis PL,FESEM,EDS and TEM, revealed the successful incorporation of MWCNTs into the Bi2WO6 structures, leading to enhanced crystattlinity, reduced band gap energy (2.4 eV) suppressed charge carrier recombination and mitigated nanoparticles aggregation. Notably, the reduced band gap facikitaed improved visible light harvesting, a crucial attribute for photocatalytic applications. Significantly, the nanocompsoite exhibited a remarkable capacity to augment autophagy in bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs), consequently down-regulating the NLRP3 inflammasom activation and IL-1β secretion upon LPS and ATP stimulation. Immunofluorescence assays unveiled increased co-localization of LC3 and NLRP3, suggestion enhanced targeting of NLRP3 by autophagy. Inhibition of autophagy by 3-MA reversed these effects, confirming the pivotal role of autophagy induction. Furthermore, the nanocomposite attenuated caspase-1 activation and ASC oligomerzation, thereby impeding inflammasome assembly. Collectively, these findings underscore the potential of Bi2WO6\MWCNTs nanocompsite as a multifaceted therapeutic platform, levering its tailored optoelectronic properties and sbility to modulate the NLRP3 infalmmasome via autophagy augmentation. This work covers the way for the development of advanced nanomaterials with tunable functionalities for combating inflammatory disorders and antimicrobial applications.

Tuning the peroxidase-mimic activity of CuX-trithiocyanuric acid complexes for colorimetric detection of gastric cancer-associated D-amino acids

A cascade colorimetric detection of salivary D-amino acids (DAAs) holds promise for the preliminary screening diagnosis of gastric cancer. Pursuing metal-organic complexes with high peroxidase-mimic (POD-mimic) activity is crucial to enhance diagnosis efficiency. In this work, we developed a straightforward strategy in a “one-pot” process to modulate the POD-mimic activity of CuX-trithiocyanuric acid (CuX-TTCA) complexes. By adjusting the molar ratios of CuX (Cl, Br, and I) and TTCA during synthesis to modify the coordination configuration of Cu(I) in CuX-TTCA, we easily tuned their POD-mimic activities. Among them, CuCl-TTCA-2 with a feeding molar ratio of 2:1 for CuCl:TTCA exhibited remarkable POD-mimic activity attributed to its exposed catalytic active sites and efficient mass transfer ability during catalysis. Long-lived 1O2 was identified as the primary reactive oxygen intermediate. A highly sensitive and selective cascade colorimetric detection platform was developed for two typical DAAs associated with gastric cancer, namely D-proline and D-alanine, achieving limit of detection values of 1.1 and 0.8 μM, respectively. As a proof-of-concept application, our cascade detection platform demonstrated excellent specificity in distinguishing saliva samples between gastric cancer patients and healthy individuals. The outstanding selectivity and reliable outcomes from DAAs assay make our detection platform highly promising for preliminary screening diagnosis of gastric cancer and patient self-detection applications. Our straightforward strategy for tuning POD-mimic activity provides an in-depth understanding on structure-activity relationship in nanozymes, offering valuable opportunities to advance enzyme-mimic optimization for other potential applications.