Phosphate Ions Research Articles

Comparative assessment of enamel surface remineralisation with three different dentifrices: An energy dispersion x-ray spectroscopy analysis

Comparative assessment of remineralisation of enamel surface when treated with three different dentifrices. Sixty-six extracted upper right first premolars were demineralized to form artificial white spot lesions. The samples were divided into 3 groups: Group 1-Biomin F, Group 2- Clinpro ToothCreme, Group 3- Amflor. They were treated with three different dentifrices (22/ group) for 14 days in simulated oral conditions. Energy dispersion X-Ray Spectroscopy was done pre and post remineralistaion. The primary evaluation parameter for this study was the Ca/P ratio. As per the results, the maximum increase in Ca/P ratio was seen in Group1, followed by Group 3 and 2 respectively. The results were found to be statistically significant. (p=0.045 i.e. p<0.05) The secondary evaluation parameter for this study was the change in Fluoride content. As per the results, the maximum increase in Fluoride content was seen in Group 2 which was followed by Group 3 which is equivalent to Group 1. However, the results were found to be statistically non-significant. (p=0.219 i.e. p>0.05) Biomin F has the highest remineralisation efficiency when compared to the other 2 dentifrices. Biomin F contains an optimum combination of fluoride (600 ppm), phosphate and calcium ions, incorporated within the structure of the glass itself. The glass gradually dissolves over up to 12 hours neutralizing acids in the mouth and deposit fluorapatite. Thus, it can be used in patients undergoing orthodontic treatment to prevent or reduce the formation of white spot lesions.

Low-Temperature Fabrication of Stable Black-Phase CsPbI3 Perovskite Flexible Photodetectors Toward Wearable Health Monitoring.

Flexible wearable optoelectronic devices fabricated from organic-inorganic hybrid perovskites significantly accelerate the development of portable energy, biomedicine, and sensing fields, but their poor thermal stability hinders further applications. Conversely, all-inorganic perovskites possess excellent thermal stability, but black-phase all-inorganic perovskite film usually requires high-temperature annealing steps, which increases energy consumption and is not conducive to the fabrication of flexible wearable devices. In this work, an unprecedented low-temperature fabrication of stable black-phase CsPbI3 perovskite films is demonstrated by the in situ hydrolysis reaction of diphenylphosphinic chloride additive. The released diphenyl phosphate and chloride ions during the hydrolysis reaction significantly lower the phase transition temperature and effectively passivate the defects in the perovskite films, yielding high-performance photodetectors with a responsivity of 42.1A W-1 and a detectivity of 1.3 × 1014Jones. Furthermore, high-fidelity image and photoplethysmography sensors are demonstrated based on the fabricated flexible wearable photodetectors. This work provides a new perspective for the low-temperature fabrication of large-area all-inorganic perovskite flexible optoelectronic devices.

Assessment of lake Markakol’s physical and chemical condition with consideration of eutrofication

The study was conducted in 2023 and comprised a comparative assessment of the state of Lake Markakol’s aquatic ecosystems in surface and bottom water strata. The analysis of bottom water temperatures showed correlation between this parameter and dissolved oxygen concentrations, indicating that pollution caused by organic impurities leads to lake eutrophication, in turn, pro-pelling the extinction of aquatic life. Although the main water physicochemical parameters of Markakol Lake correspond to the oligotrophic type, the shifts in dissolved oxygen and phos-phate content, as well as growth of aquatic vegetation indicate its transition to the mesotrophic type. Higher phosphate content in water is a consequence of pollution disturbing the biological balance, as well as stimulating the reservoir’s eutrophication and increased biological productivity, i.e. algal bloom. In addition, phosphate ions serve an informative indicator of Hazard Class 3 (organoleptically hazardous) anthropogenic pollution. Based on the correlation factor (r), two statistical models were considered for the target lake: 1) Water Pollution: nutri-ent concentrations depending on surface and bottom water temperatures (Model 1); and 2) changes in Water Pollution Indices (biogenic, heavy metals, mean) because of air temperature growth due to global warming of 0.25°C/decade (Model 2).

COMPARATIVE CHARACTERISTICS OF METHODS FOR THE PREVENTION OF DENTAL CARIES IN CHILDREN OF EARLY CHILDHOOD

The high prevalence and intensity of early childhood caries in Ukraine and in the world indicate insuffi cient attention of practical dentistry to the prevention of dental caries in young children. The development of adapted prevention programs considering the risk factors for the development of the disease remains relevant.Aim of the study. To compare the eff ectiveness of methods of pre- and postnatal prevention of early childhood dental caries based on correction of the microbial environment of the oral cavity and macro- and microelemental nutrition.Material and methods. The work was carried out within the framework of the research work of the Department of Pediatric Dentistry of the Bukovinian State Medical University «Development of methods of prevention and treatment of major dental diseases in children, taking into account the risk factors of their development» (DR # 0121U110122). The prenatal method of dental caries prevention was applied to a group of pregnant women (30 persons) whose average age was (25,17±1,05) years. It included the use of Elevit Pronatal and Iodomarin 200, one tablet daily, starting from the second trimester ofpregnancy, and a course of local probiotic therapy with BioGaya ProDentis chewable tablets, used for 20 days in the second trimester of pregnancy and 20 days before delivery. As a method of postnatal prevention of dental caries in children, a preventive complex was used, including the use of the probiotic BioGaya ProDentis and the vitamin and mineral complex Supervit. The course lasted three weeks twice a year. The preventive complex was applied to a group of children aged 2-3 years. The number of children in the control group was 30. The mean age of the group was (2.51±1.30) years. The eff ectiveness of preventive measures was evaluated by the prevalence and intensity of caries of primary teeth («kpv» and «kpppv»), the state of oral hygiene (M. E. Kuzmina index), the content of phosphate ions, inorganic and ionized calcium in the oral fluid of children, the content of mutans streptococci in the oral cavity and the concentration of sIgA in the oral fl uid of children. Statistical processing of the study results was performed using standard methods of variation. The study complied with all bioethical norms (conclusion of the Bioethics Commission of the Bukovinian State Medical University No. 4 dated 15.12.2022).Results of the study. The use of preventive complexes for early childhood caries, based on the supplementation of macro- and microelements and the infl uence on the microbial landscape of the oral cavity, are eff ective methods of prevention of caries of temporary teeth in children, which is confi rmed by a decrease in the prevalence and intensity of dental caries in children in the dynamics of their observation. Prenatal measures are more eff ective in the prevention of early childhood caries in children, as they optimize the processes of primary mineralization of hard dental tissues and thus strengthen them, reducing the risk of dental caries. Postnatal use of the drugs has a slightly lower preventive eff ect on early childhood caries, while it has a positive eff ect on the processes of secondary mineralization of tooth enamel, as it was found that the level of phosphate ions in the oral fl uid of children under these conditions increased by 23.72 % (p<0.05), and the level of total calcium decreased by 15.84 % and its free fraction by 25.86 % (p<0.05).Conclusions. Our results suggest that both methods of prevention of early childhood caries are eff ective, but prenatal prophylaxis is clinically more eff ective with respect to the hard tissues of temporary teeth in children, due to its eff ect on the processes of primary mineralization of enamel. Postnatal prophylactic measures have a positive eff ect on the secondary mineralization of the hard tissues of temporary teeth and the primary mineralization of permanent teeth and will have a clinical result in the long term.

Chitosan as a Templating Agent of Calcium Phosphate Crystalline Phases in Biomimetic Mineralization: Theoretical and Experimental Studies.

Highlighting the essential role of chitosan (CS), known for its biocompatibility, biodegradability, and ability to promote cell adhesion and proliferation, this study explores its utility in modulating the biomimetic mineralization of calcium phosphate (CaP). This approach holds promise for developing biomaterials suitable for bone regeneration. However, the interactions between the CS surface and in situ precipitated CaP still require further exploration. In the theoretical section, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations demonstrate that, at an appropriate pH level during the prenucleation stage, calcium ions (Ca2+) and hydrogen phosphate ions (HPO42-) form Posner-like clusters. Additionally, the interaction between these clusters and the CS molecule enhances system stability. Together, these phenomena facilitate the transition to subsequent heterogeneous nucleation on the surface of the organic matrix, which is a more controlled process than homogeneous nucleation in solution. Dynamic simulation results suggest that CS acts as a stabilizing matrix at pH 8.0 during biomimetic mineralization. In the experimental section, the effects of pH and the molecular weight of CS were investigated, with a focus on their impact on the crystal structure of the resulting material. X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy analyses reveal that, under conditions of approximately pH 8.0 and a CS molecular weight of 20 000 g/mol, and controlled ion concentration, ultrasound radiation, and temperature, the dominant CaP phases in the material are carbonate-doped hydroxyapatite (CHA) and octacalcium phosphate (OCP). These findings suggest that CS, when adjusted for molecular weight and pH, facilitates the formation of CaP crystal phases that closely resemble the natural inorganic composition of bone, highlighting its protective and regulatory roles in the growth and maturation of crystals during mineralization. The theoretical predictions and experimental outcomes confirm the crucial role of CS as a templating agent, enabling the development of a biomimetic mineralization pathway. CS's ability to guide this process may prove valuable in the design of materials for bone tissue engineering, particularly in developing effective materials for bone tissue healing and regeneration.

Removal of hexavalent chromium and pentavalent arsenic from aqueous solutions by adsorption on polyethylenimine-modified silica nanoparticles.

Chromium and arsenic are commonly found in water and wastewater as hexavalent chromium, Cr(VI), and inorganic arsenic species, such as pentavalent arsenic, As(V). In aqueous media, both Cr(VI) and As(V) exist predominantly in the form of oxy-anions. In our study, we prepared a polyethylenimine-silica composite material (SiO₂-PEI) as an adsorbent to study the adsorption capacity for chromate and arsenate ions. Polyethylenimine (PEI) can effectively bind negatively charged species through electrostatic interactions. The parameters that were evaluated, regarding the adsorption capacity were the effect of pH, the effect of the initial concentration of Cr(VI) and As(V), and the presence of other anions. Also, we examined the effect of Cr(VI) and As(V) on each other by studying the simultaneous removal of chromate and arsenate ions. Isotherm, kinetic, and thermodynamic analyses on the experimental data obtained were conducted. The results showed that the pH of the solution is affecting the charge density of PEI, and at pH 4, the lower value that was examined, the SiO₂-PEI exhibited higher adsorption capacity. The presence of other anions, such as phosphate, nitrate, and sulfate ions, had an adverse effect on the adsorption capacity of the SiO₂-PEI material for both chromate and arsenate ions. The adsorption capacity of arsenate was more affected by the presence of other anions compared to the chromate, and the higher impact was observed by the sulfate ions at pH 4, on the contrary for the chromate ions the higher impact was observed by the sulfate ions at pH 7 and by the phosphate ions at pH 4. Concerning the effect of temperature, the adsorption is an exothermic process and it was more favorable at lower environmental temperature. The study of simultaneous removal of Cr(VI) and As(V) declares the material's ability to accommodate both types of ions without requiring separate treatment steps. Addressing the simultaneous removal is essential for reducing the complexity of water treatment systems, lowering operational costs, and improving the safety of treated water.

Experimental and advanced equilibrium studies on the enhanced adsorption of phosphate, cadmium, and safranin dye pollutants using methoxy exfoliated glauconite

Natural glauconite, as a mixed-layered clay mineral, was subjected to exfoliation processes, producing silicate monolayers or individual sheets that were further modified with methanol into methoxy exfoliated glauconite (Mth/EXG). The structure was assessed as an enhanced adsorbent for three types of common water contaminants, including phosphate (PO43-), safranin-O dye (SFR), and cadmium metal ions (Cd2+). The Mth/EXG structure achieved promising adsorption capacities at the saturation points equal to 269.9 mg/g for PO43-, 312 mg/g for SFR, and 234.5 mg/g for Cd2+ which are significantly better than the reported values for several studied adsorbents of higher costs and complex production procedures. The adsorption processes and the predicted regulated mechanisms in terms of the adsorbate/adsorbent interface were illustrated based on the steric and energetic findings that correspond to the applied monolayer equilibrium model of one energy site. The structure displays active site densities of 82.5 mg/g (PO43-), 136.3 mg/g (SFR), and 83.4 mg/g (Cd2+), which illustrate the high uptake performance of SFR. Also, the steric parameters reflected the suitability of each existing site to be filled with 4 ions of PO43-, SFR, and Cd2+. The adsorption energy (less than 40 kJ/mol) in conjunction with free adsorption energy from D-R model (8–16 kJ/mol) and steric parameters validate the dominant impact of the multi-ionic physical mechanisms (hydrogen bonding and van der Waals forces), in addition to the assistant impact of some weak chemical processes that might be assigned to the formed inner-sphere complex. Also, these reactions all occurred spontaneously with exothermic behaviors according to the thermodynamic functions. Additionally, the structure exhibit significant affinity for the studied pollutants even in the existing of completive chemical including anions, cations and organic molecules.

Synthesis and mechanism of Mg/Al layered double oxides-silica nanocomposites for sustainable multi-nutrient delivery in agricultural applications

Potassium (K), urea (N), phosphate (P), and selenite (Se) are widely used in modern agriculture for improvement of crop yield and quality. However, traditional fertilizer suffers from poor fertilizer utilization efficiency and noncontrollable slow-release behavior. To improve nutrient utilization, we developed a layered double oxides-silica (LDO@Si) based on calcined Mg/Al layered double hydroxide-silica nanocomposites (LDH@Si), for slow release of K, N, P, and Se to crops. In this study, SEM, XRD, FT-IR, XPS, BET, and TGA were employed to analyze the structure, morphology, and microstructures of the samples. Results show that LDH@Si successfully transforms into LDO@Si after calcination, where LDO is mainly connected to silica via M-O-Si bonds. Furthermore, after K, P, and Se loading, the LDH@Si structure was successfully restored, indicating that phosphate and selenite ions have been effectively embedded in the inner layer of LDH. K ions are firmly fixed to the material surface via M-O-K bonds. After urea introducing, the pore structure of the material was completely filled, and excess urea formed a urea layer on the surface of the material. LDO@Si can continuously release nutrients into water through diffusion and LDO@Si dissolution for up to 240 h. Compared with chemical fertilizers, LDO@Si based slow-release fertilizer (CRSF2) significantly improves plant fresh weight, dry weight and chlorophyll content, increasing them by 13.91 %–23.13 %, 18.20 %–34.40 % and 2.24 %–14.81 %, respectively. Furthermore, a modest increase in the levels of nutrients N, P, and K is observed, while the Se concentration in plants treated with CRSF2 demonstrates significant enhancements of 9.57 %, 72.49 %, and 50.97 % compared to control treatments. These results illustrate the potential agricultural application of LDO@Si as a slow-release fertilizer for improving crop yields while minimizing the required amount of fertilizer.

Next-Generation Optical Fiber Sensors: Gold Nanoparticle/Eu2O3-RGO Hybrid Coating for Phosphate Ion Detection

The investigation of optical sensors for the identification of particular ions is currently a highly active field of study. In this regard, gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) and rare-earth-doped materials, such as europium oxide (Eu2O3), are frequently employed due to their distinctive optical properties, which make them suitable for sensing applications. A cladding-modified optical fiber sensor coated with Eu2O3 modified reduced graphene oxide/tri-sodium citrate functionalized Au NPs is presented for phosphate ion sensing. The phosphate ion sensing of the optical fiber was studied for different tri-sodium citrate concentrations and different europium concentrations against a fixed concentration of phosphate ion. Upon the introduction of phosphate ions to the optical fiber sensor, a voltage shift is detected in all tested samples. The performance of the optical fiber sensor was evaluated throughout a wide range of phosphate ion concentrations, from 100 nM to 500 nM. The sensor's reaction to rising phosphate ion concentrations follows a polynomial pattern. Furthermore, selectivity experiments demonstrate that the optical fiber sensor displays a more pronounced response to phosphate ions when compared to various other ions, including potassium, ammonium, calcium, copper, manganese, magnesium, nitrate, sulfate, bromine, carbonate, chlorine, and others. The sensor characteristics like repeatability, response time variation, and stability were also studied.

Copper-saturated chitosan beads (CuSCBs) for Enhanced phosphate removal

This study investigates the sequential use of non-cross-linked chitosan beads (CBs) for copper and phosphate adsorption, emphasizing copper site saturation and selective phosphate binding. Initially, CBs were loaded with copper until saturation was achieved, where all available sites were occupied by copper at an initial concentration of 100 mg/L. These copper-saturated chitosan beads (CuSCBs) were subsequently applied for phosphate adsorption, achieving a maximum adsorption capacity of 85.89 mg/g at pH 5. X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) analysis revealed a shift in the Cu2O binding energy to lower values upon phosphate adsorption, indicating that phosphate ions interact primarily with the copper ions intercalated on the CBs rather than the chitosan matrix. Additionally, the nitrogen spectra showed no shift, confirming that the amine groups of chitosan do not participate in phosphate binding. The findings suggest a 1:1 interaction ratio between copper and phosphate ions, with each phosphate ion binding to one copper ion, creating a stable and selective adsorption site. The adsorption data fit the Langmuir isotherm and pseudo-second-order kinetic models, suggesting a homogeneous monolayer adsorption mechanism driven by chemisorption, where each copper site on the chitosan surface selectively binds one phosphate ion. Furthermore, the CuSCBs demonstrated minimal copper leaching and retained 90 % of their phosphate adsorption capacity over multiple adsorption–desorption cycles, highlighting their potential as effective and reusable adsorbents for water treatment applications targeting copper and phosphate removal.

Phosphorylation of MWCNTs/PPy/PDA-nZVI Catalyst for Boosted Catalytic Performance

Nano zero valent iron (nZVI) is widely studied for its efficient removal of recalcitrant organic contaminants. However, it is prone to oxidation and aggregation, and its structurally dense oxide shell seriously prevents mass and electron transport. Herein, a novel phosphorylated multi-wall carbonnanotubes/polypyrrole/polydopamine supported nZVI (P-MWCNTs/PPy/PDA-nZVI) was successfully fabricated. Induced by the circumferential stress from phosphate ions, a unique 2D agaric-like nanoflake morphology with ultrathin thickness (ca. 20nm) and inhibited dense oxide shell was formed. Impressively, the unprecedented modified kinetic rate constants (K-value) of 116.35 and 154.15 μmol·g-1·s-1 towards para-nitrophenol degradation were obtained in batch and continuous-flow reactors, far outperforming other reported catalysts (1-3 orders of magnitude) and non-P-doped MWCNTs/PPy/PDA-nZVI (1.53 and 10.5 folds). Phosphorylation-dependent enhancement in dispersity, conductivity and hydrophilicity rendered the catalyst with abundant active sites, accelerated electron transfer and boosted catalytic efficiency. The present encouraging findings might shed light on new ways to design high-performance nZVI in water decontamination.

Heterocyclic-based Optical Responsive Chemosensors for the detection of Arsenite and Phosphate in semi-aqueous medium: Application in Logic gate operations, RGB tool, and DFT studies

Highly selective and sensitive organic chemosensors S2R1-S2R3 were synthesized using thienyl-substituted pyridine derivative and characterized by various spectroscopic techniques. The effect of substituents on selectivity is observed in the chemosensors S2R1 through S2R3, with the rate of reactivity toward ions following the trend as -NO2 > -CN > -OCH3 group. The chemosensor S2R1 exhibited selectivity towards arsenite and phosphate, achieving a Limit of Detection (LOD) of 0.2672 ppm and 0.5042 ppm, respectively, in 30% aq. (CH3)2SO solution. It was also observed that S2R2 was selective for PO43− ions in 100% (CH3)2SO solution with an LOD of 0.521 ppm. The spectral redshifts observed in the organo-aqueous media potentializes the sensor to be colorimetrically active. The probe S2R1 showed the lowest LOD and high binding constant with AsO2− and PO43− ions. Other characterization techniques, such as electrochemical studies, 1H-NMR titration, UV-visible titration, and DFT experiments, demonstrated the sensing mechanism of arsenite and phosphate ions with the chemosensors through an intermolecular hydrogen bonding and intermolecular charge transfer (ICT) process followed by its practical applicability for real world-sensing.

Deferoxamine functionalized alginate-based collagen composite material enhances the integration of metal implant and bone interface

Poor osseointegration markedly compromises the longevity of prostheses. To enhance the stability of titanium implants, surface functionalization is a proven strategy to promote prosthesis-bone integration. This study developed a hydrogel coating capable of simultaneous osteoangiogenesis and vascularization by incorporating deferoxamine (DFO) into a sodium alginate mineralized collagen composite hydrogel. The physicochemical properties of this hydrogel were thoroughly analyzed. In vivo and in vitro experiments confirmed the hydrogel scaffold's osteogenic and angiogenic capabilities. Results indicated that sodium alginate notably enhanced the mechanical characteristics of the mineralized collagen, allowing it to fully infiltrate the interstices of the 3D-printed titanium scaffold. Furthermore, as the hydrogel degraded, collagen, calcium ion, phosphate ion, and DFO were gradually released around the scaffolds, altering the local osteogenic microenvironment and strongly inducing new bone tissue growth. These findings offer novel perspectives for the creation and utilization of functionalized bone implant materials.

All-Natural Ceramic Whitlockite/Wollastonite Fiber Composite Bone Scaffolds: DLP Additive Manufacturing, Microstructure, and Performance

In this study, we introduced a novel approach by using natural calcium phosphate-based ceramic whitlockite as the matrix, natural silicon-based ceramic wollastonite fiber as the secondary phase, and desktop-level DLP 3D printing as the fabrication method to develop an all-natural ceramic porous bone scaffold with excellent mechanical, degradable, biomineralization, and cell responses. The results demonstrated that, at a solid loading of 75 wt% and a sintering temperature of 1000°C, the compressive strength of the whitlockite porous scaffold reached 20.0 MPa. With the incorporation of wollastonite fiber, the compressive strength of the composite ceramic scaffold further increased to 31.0 MPa, achieving a top-tier level for desktop-level DLP-printed porous ceramic bone scaffolds. This mechanical enhancement effect was mainly attributed to the grain refinement effect of WF on whitlockite and the fiber reinforcement effect of WF. Additionally, the degradation rate of the composite ceramic scaffold increased with higher WF content, attributed to the rapid degradation rate of WF and the microstructural changes in the whitlockite matrix induced by WF doping. Furthermore, the biomineralization capability and cellular response of the composite ceramic scaffold were enhanced with WF doping, due to the improved degradation ability promoting the release of calcium, phosphate, and silicon ions. This study further validates the applicability of desktop-level DLP for fabricating ceramic bone scaffolds and provides evidence of the potential of all-natural ceramic whitlockite/WF as bone scaffold materials.

Impact of missense mutations on the structure–function relationship of human succinyl-CoA synthetase using in silico analysis

The encephalomyopathic mtDNA depletion syndrome with methylmalonic aciduria is associated with succinyl-CoA synthetase (SCS) deficiency caused by pathogenic variants in genes encoding its two subunits. SCS is a mitochondrial enzyme involved in several metabolic pathways and acts as a heterodimer composed of α and β subunits encoded by SUCLG1 and SUCLA2 genes, respectively. The purpose of this study was to analyze the effects of the most pathogenic non-synonymous single nucleotide polymorphisms (nsSNPs) by applying, using different prediction tools, a filtering strategy, on the 343 and 365 nsSNPs found in SUCLG1 and SUCLA2 genes, respectively, retrieved from the databases, then to evaluate their structural and functional effects using homology modeling and molecular docking. Results showed that most deleterious mutations selected for structural analysis were located in loop regions critical for protein stability and function, especially, variants altering glycine and proline residues in these regions supporting their importance. We also showed that variants leading to hydrophobic and hydrophilic residues can destabilize the folding and binding of the protein. Molecular docking has also been used to identify the most important regions of ligand binding site (CoA binding site, ADP-Mg2+ binding site and phosphate ion binding site) and between the two subunits themselves, which mainly involving the ligase CoA domain. Our structural analysis, performed on selected nsSNP, are in accordance with experimental studies reported in the literature and predicted that they would responsible to either nonfunctional protein, subunit instability resulting in reduced amounts of misassembled protein, or in a protein unable to phosphorylate ADP.

Scented solutions: Harnessing lavender essential oil liposomes for enhanced plywood performance

A wood-based panel that is both healthy and environmentally friendly has been developed utilizing the aromatic odor emitted by lavender essential oil. Liposomes were employed to encapsulate the lavender essential oil, resulting in a favorable loading effect and facilitating the control of odor release. Chitosan was used to encapsulate the lavender essential oil liposomes and then cross-linked with phosphate ions to form hydrogel balls, which improved the antioxidant performance and thermal stability of the lavender essential oil liposomes, achieving a 100 % encapsulation rate at optimal dosages. In order to investigate the effect of composite liposomes on the emission of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that cause odors, plywood was used as the subtract for their application. Panels treated with essential oil liposome hydrogel spheres exhibited improved mechanical properties, with a 4.3 % increase in average MOR and a 15.7 % increase in average bonding strength compared to control panels. The release of aromatic VOCs was prolonged after plywood had been treated with essential oil liposome hydrogel balls, but the release of phenolic odor VOCs was significantly suppressed. This study provides a new solution for reducing plywood odor emissions.

Investigating the in vitro Anticancer Potential and Phytochemical Constituents of Cheilanthes hirta Swartz Plant Extracts

Cancer, a complex group of diseases characterized by uncontrolled cell growth, remains a leading cause of death worldwide, accounting for approximately 10 million deaths in 2020. Despite advancements in chemotherapy and targeted therapies, survival rates have not significantly improved, necessitating the exploration of novel anticancer agents. This study investigates the in vitro anticancer potential and phytochemical constituents of Cheilanthes hirta Swartz, a fern known for its medicinal properties. The plant was collected from KwaZulu Natal, South Africa and extracts were prepared using water, ethanol and methanol. The phytochemical and FTIR screening were carried out using standard procedure and anticancer activities of the extracts were assessed against prostate (PC-3 and DU-145), human T-lymphocytes (SKU-T) and gastric (AGS) cancer cell lines using the MTT assay. The phytochemical screening revealed the presence of tannins, terpenoids, saponins, flavonoids, cardiac glycosides, anthraquinones, phlobatannins, alkaloids and steroids. FTIR spectroscopy identified the functional groups such as hydroxyl, carboxylic acid, terminal alkynes, ketones, phenols and phosphate ions. The cytotoxicity results showed that the ethanol extract exhibited the most potent antiproliferative effects on prostate cancer cell lines, while the aqueous extract had the strongest effect on the gastric cancer cells. This study highlights the potential of C. hirta as a source of bioactive compounds for anticancer drug development, however, further investigation into its mechanisms of action and therapeutic efficacy is needed.

Two Novel Fluorescence Probes Based on Caffeic Acid Derivative for Phosphate Ions and Their Applications in Biological Samples.

Phosphate is widely used in industry and agriculture fields. However, excess accumulation of PO43- causes several adverse effects on the human body and ecological environment. Consequently, it is important to develop a simple method for the detection of PO43- concentration in the ecological environment and in vivo. Herein, two caffeic acid derivative-based fluorescence probes (BAM-HM and BAM-HH) were developed for the detection of phosphate. The BAM-HM probe could detect phosphate via fluorescence enhancement at 500 nm, with the detection limit being 0.612 µM. Meanwhile, the BAM-HH probe showed a significant turn-on signal at 450 nm after the addition of phosphate, and the detection limit was calculated to be 0.318 µM. The sensing mechanism was determined by 1H NMR and MS. Furthermore, the two probes (BAM-HM and BAM-HH) were applied for PO43-detection in living cells and water samples.

Nucleotide-mediated modulation of chemoselective protein functionalization in a liquid-like condensed phase

Liquid-like protein condensates are ubiquitous in cellular system and are increasingly recognized for their roles in physiological processes. Condensed phase harbors distinctive chemical microenvironment, markedly different than dilute aqueous phase. Herein, we demonstrate chemoselective modification pattern of nucleophilic canonical amino acid sidechains (namely – cysteine, tyrosine and lysine) of the protein towards 4-chloro-7-nitrobenzofurazan in the dilute and condensed phase. We also delineate how the effect of nucleotides and their in situ enzymatic dissociation temporally modulate the protein condensate’s pH and the protein’s corresponding chemoselective modification. We have shown that the pH of the condensate decreases in the presence of nucleoside triphosphate, whereas it increases in the presence of nucleoside monophosphates or phosphate ion. For instance, we find lysine-specific modification gets inhibited in the presence of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), but significantly enhanced in the presence of monophosphates. This feature enables us to gain temporal control over dynamic change in protein functionalization via enzymatic ATP hydrolysis. Overall, this work substantiates the alteration in pH-responsiveness of Brønsted basicity of a protein’s ε-amine in the condensed phase. Furthermore, this environment sensitivity in chemoselective protein functionalization in condensed phase will be important in adaptable protein engineering to the chemical biology of protein phase separation.

Comparative Evaluation of Ion Release and Uptake of Fluoride Varnish Containing Dicalcium Phosphate Dihydrate and Casein Phosphopeptide-Amorphous Calcium Phosphate – An Experimental Approach.

The effectiveness of fluoride varnish may be restricted due to inadequate bioavailability of phosphate and calcium ions in the oral cavity. Dicalcium phosphate dihydrate and Casein phosphopeptide–amorphous calcium phosphate have exhibited ability to enhance absorption of calcium and fluoride. The present study aims to compare the remineralization potential of fluoride varnishes containing DCPD and CPP-ACP. Materials and Method: The ion release, precipitation and surface microhardness of enamel blocks were compared following topical application of various Floride varnishes. Thirty enamel blocks were divided into 3 groups following randomization that included: NaF varnish (Group A), CPP-ACP NaF varnish (Group B) and DCPD- NaF varnish (Group C). Pre- and post-treatment microhardness was evaluated using Vickers Microhardness Tester. UV-Vis Spectroscopy assessed the fluoride release at 2 hrs, 4 hrs and 6 hrs. The uptake of fluoride, calcium and phosphates were determined using SEM-EDX. The statistical significance was tested with One-way ANOVA variance for normality followed by post-hoc tests (p ≤ 0.05). Results: All the groups showed statistically significant increase in microhardness post-treatment (Group A: p=0.03, Group B, C: p=0.00). The mean increase in VHN was Group B (53.67) > Group C (34.75) > Group A (27.40). No significant difference in the F release was noted over time (p=0.00). The fluoride release over all three time intervals was Group C > Group B > Group C. Fluoride, Calcium and Phosphates showed highly significant differences between groups (p=0.00) with Group C > Group A> Group B. Conclusion: The novel NaF-DCPD Varnish displayed a promising remineralization potential, however it cannot be conclusively considered to be superior to the commercially available NaF-CPP ACP Varnish. Further in-vivo investigations need to be undertaken to determine the efficacy of NaF-DCPD varnish to determine its feasibility in clinical practice.