Ethanol Soaking Research Articles

Epoxy-embedded silver nanowire meshes for transparent flexible electrodes

Spreading a Ag nanowire (NW) dispersion using a bar coater onto a poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) film and evaporating the solvent yielded a transparent NW mesh. Further spreading a solution of bisphenol A diglycidyl ether and hardeners over this mesh using the bar coater and curing the epoxy precursors produced an epoxy-embedded NW mesh or an embedded NW electrode. Various techniques including scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and measurements of sheet resistance and transmittance were used to monitor the electrode fabrication process, which involved NW synthesis, casting NWs onto PET or glass substrates, subjecting the NW mesh to plasma treatment, and mesh embedment by an epoxy. Using our casting method, the areal density of the spread NWs and the thickness of the epoxy layer could be readily tuned by changing the concentrations of the NW dispersion and the epoxy precursory solution concentration, respectively. Our optimized electrodes had a Ag mass density of 1.0 × 10−5 g/cm2 in the NW mesh, embedded in an epoxy layer with a thickness of 0.6 µm. While many of the NW junctions in the mesh were locked in the coating matrix, sections of the NWs were arched over the epoxy layer to provide the required electrical contact with external devices. The optimized electrodes had a sheet resistance Rs value of 18.9 ± 4.8 Ω/□ and a transmittance (T%) of 86.5 ± 0.3% at 550 nm. In addition, the embedded electrode withstood 500 cycles of bending, 500 repetitions of rubbing, and over 100 cycles of an adhesion tape test without noticeable deteriorations in their Rs and T% values. Furthermore, their high-temperature stability and sulfurization resistance were significantly enhanced over those of the unembedded electrodes and they also withstood soaking in ethanol and acetone. The ready availability and affordability of the epoxy formulation and the high control of the epoxy deposition protocol suggest that this electrode fabrication strategy has significant practical value.

Insights into Chemical Constituents of Alkaloids from Wild Medicinal Plant Dicranostigma leptodum(maxim.)Fedde

An extractum was prepared from the wild medicinal plant Dicranostigma leptodum(maxim.)Fedde (DLF) in Northwest China via reduced-pressure concentration and extraction using 95% ethanol soaking liquid. The compounds in the extractum were separated via chromatographic column chromatography, and then structurally identified via modern spectroscopy and comparison with standard substances. Four alkaloids including Isocorydine, Corydine, Protopine and Chelidonine were identified. The results show that the major chemical constituents are alkaloids in the wild DLF. Moreover, Isocorydine was the most abundant and Chelidonine was separated from DLF for the first time.

High performance quasi-solid-state supercapacitors with peanut-shell-derived porous carbon

We present high performance symmetric quasi-solid-state electrical double layer capacitors (EDLCs) with activated carbon (AC) electrodes produced from peanut-shells. Two different (ethanol soaking and hydrothermal) pre-treatments were given to peanut-shells to tailor ACs' microstructure and comparative supercapacitive performance have been evaluated with Mg-salt (magnesium trifluoromethanesulfonate, Mg (Tf)2) and ionic liquid, IL (1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium-trifluoromethanesulfonate, EMITf) incorporated gel polymer electrolytes (GPEs). Morphological and porosity studies indicate larger content of mesoporous interiors in ACs obtained from ethanol pre-soaking, offering superior capacitive performance over hydrothermally-treated ACs. The high room temperature ionic conductivity (∼3.8 × 10−3 S cm−1), good electrochemical stability window (∼3.7 V) and flexible nature of the free-standing films of GPEs Mg (Tf)2/IL/poly (vinylidinefluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) (PVdF-HFP) show their excellent compatibility with AC-electrodes. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry indicate high-rate capability of the device. The AC-electrodes, prepared via ethanol-soaking offer superior performance during charge-discharge tests in terms of specific capacitance (∼189 F g−1), energy (∼26 Wh kg−1) and maximum power (∼57 kW kg−1) with Mg-salt/IL incorporated GPE-film as compared to the devices with only IL-based GPE-film. The EDLC shows stable performance up to ∼10,000 charge-discharge cycles with ∼28% initial fading in specific capacitance. The EDLC is thermally stable in the temperature range from −50 to 70 °C.

Comparative Test of Color Stability between Betalain Pigments of Red Dragon Fruits and Anthocyanin Pigments from Tamarillo Fruit at Various pH

Betalains and anthocyanins are classes of natural and water soluble pigments. Now days, these pigments have been developed as a replacement colouring agents. One of betalain resource is dragon fruit and anthocyanin resource is tamarillo. These pigments are relative unstable in some condition, one of them is pH. This research aim is to determine stability of betalain and anthocyanin pigments by pH parameter. These pigments can be isolated by macerated methods, technically processed by chopping the fruit and than soaking in ethanol for ± 24 h. These extracts were condensed by rotary evaporator. These extracts were analysed by ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometer at wavelength (λ) 200-800 nm. The absorption spectrum showed two major absorption peaks at 269 nm and 536 nm for betalain and 531 nm for anthocyanins. The result showed the optimal pH for betalain stability was at pH 5 and pH 3 for anthocyanin

Safety and efficacy of dehydrated ethanol soaking of the operative field in the treatment of spontaneous hepatocellular carcinoma rupture

BackgroundThe aim of our study was to evaluate the clinical safety and value of ethanol surgical field infiltration (ESFI), combined with distilled water peritoneal lavage (DWPL), after hepatectomy in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) rupture.MethodsRat liver tissue samples were soaked in dehydrated ethanol for different soaking times, and 18 rats were assigned to three groups that underwent different soaking methods of the hepatectomy cut surface. We retrospectively reviewed 45 patients who underwent hepatectomy for treatment of ruptured HCC. Among these, EFSI combined with DWPL was used in 21 patients (DAW group), with only DWPL used in the other 24 patients (DW group). Clinical outcomes were compared between the two groups.ResultsFor in vitro experiments, the depth of coagulation degeneration and necrosis increased with the duration of soaking. For in vivo experiments, rats in all three groups survived until postoperative day 7 without significant postoperative complication. In patients, the rate of post-operation complication was comparable between the two groups (P = 0.398), with no between-group differences in liver function levels. The incidence of peritoneal dissemination was significantly higher for DW than DAW group (P = 0.037). Kaplan–Meier test identified dehydrated ethanol treatment as a significant factor of disease-free survival (DFS) (P = 0.036). On univariate analysis, dehydrated ethanol treatment was associated with better prognostic outcomes, although it was not retained as an independent factor of patient outcome.ConclusionsDehydrated ethanol soaking of the cut surface of the hepatectomy could potentially lower the risk of metastasis and improve the effect of hepatectomy for ruptured HCC as well as showed potential therapeutic value for intraoperative iatrogenic rupture of HCC.

Rapid and tunable selective adsorption of dyes using thermally oxidized nanodiamond

In the present study, capability of nanodiamond (ND) for the adsorption of anionic (methyl orange, MO) and cationic (methylene blue, MB) dyes from aqueous solution was investigated. Employing fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, Boehm titration method and zeta potential, it was found that the simple thermal oxidation of ND at 425 °C, increased the content of carboxylic acid of ND and accordingly the zeta potential of ND decreased considerably. Therefore, a series of oxidized NDs (OND) at various oxidation times and as-received untreated ND (UND) was used as adsorbents of MO and MB. The adsorption experiments exhibited that UND had large adsorption capacity, very fast adsorption kinetics and excellent selectivity for MO over MB. These results suggested that the adsorption tendency of UND toward anionic MO dye followed not only by electrostatic interactions but also via the chemical interaction caused by the strong hydrogen bond between the sulfonate groups of MO and the oxygen containing groups on the surface of UND. In contrast, ONDs exhibited higher adsorption capacity for cationic MB whose tendency toward MB increased by increasing the thermal oxidation time due to the promotion of the negative charge on the surface of OND leading to the higher electrostatic attraction. The adsorption rate of MB on ONDs was also very high. Kinetics data was well fitted with the pseudo- second-order model for most of the adsorbents. The adsorption selectivity analysis revealed that ONDs displayed more adsorption capacity for MB compared with MO which was also attributed to high electrostatic interactions of cationic dye with negative charges of ONDs. Finally, the release behavior of NDs was also demonstrated after soaking in ethanol and acetone.

Optimization of extraction of antioxidants from turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) using response surface methodology

Turmeric is a spice widely used to enhance the taste and color of certain meats. We investigated the antioxidant capacities of turmeric ethanol soaking extracts by utilizing the scavenging properties of hydroxyl radical and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical. The results showed that the optimum extraction parameters were: extraction time 4 h, sample-solvent ratio 1:84.12, solvent 72.34% ethanol solution, and water bath temperature 81.3 ℃. The optimum ethanol soaking extraction parameters were: extraction time 4 h, sample-solvent ratio 1:90.74, solvent 80.46% ethanol solution, water bath temperature 88.2 ℃. With these parameters, the hydroxyl radical scavenging rate and the DPPH free radical clearance of crude extracts from turmeric can reach about 93.78% and 40.69%, respectively. These results indicate that ethanol soaking extraction may be a useful method for extracting antioxidants from turmeric.

PHYSICO CHEMICAL AND FUNCTIONAL PROPERTIES OF CHICKPEA PROTEIN ISOLATE

The main purpose of this research work was to isolate the most refined form of protein from chickpea for food processing. In this research work, chickpea (Cicer arietinum. L) was collected from Monywa Township, Sagaing Region and nutritional characteristics such as moisture content, ash content, fat content, carbohydrate content, protein content and fiber content were determined. The fat of raw bean flour was removed by bulk soaking in ethanol and also by soxhlet extraction using ethanol as solvent before isolating the protein. In addition, the fiber and starch from defatted chickpea flour was removed by alkaline extraction and acid precipitation method to isolate the protein (isoelectric precipitation). Protein solubility, water and oil absorption capacity, emulsifying capacity and stability, foaming capacity and stability of chickpea protein isolate have been determined. The solubility curve corresponding to the chickpea protein isolate indicated the minimum solubility at pH 4 (protein solubility of 24 %) and maximum solubility at pH 12 (protein solubility of 89 %) respectively. The chickpea protein isolate had water absorption capacity of 1.65±0.12 mL H2O/g protein and oil absorption capacity of 1.72±0.34 mL oil/g. protein. It was found that emulsion stability of isolated chickpea protein was 40.12 ±0.33 %with foaming capacity was 63.64±0.22 %. Isolated chickpea protein improved texture appearance and taste than the lentil flour and thus it can better be used as nutrition and functional ingredients in many food products.

Optimization of the ultrasound-assisted extraction of antioxidant phloridzin from Lithocarpus polystachyus Rehd. using response surface methodology.

The purpose of this study was to optimize the extraction process of phloridzin from Lithocarpus polystachyus Rehd. leaves using response surface methodology and to determine the antioxidant capacity of the extract. A Box-Behnken design was used to analyze the effects of ethanol concentration, liquid-solid ratio, soak time and extraction time on the extraction yield of phloridzin. The content of phloridzin was determined by high-performance liquid chromatography. To assess the antioxidant capacity of the extract, three in vitro test systems were used (1,1-,diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl, hydroxyl radical scavenging test and reduction force). The optimal parameters obtained by response surface methodology were a volume fraction of ethanol of 64%, a liquid-solid ratio of 37:1, a soaking time of 35h and a sonication time of 38min. The proportion of the extraction of phloridzin from L. polystachyus under these industrial process conditions was 3.83%. According to the obtained results, response surface methodology could be suggested as an adequate model for optimizing the extraction process of phloridzin from L. polystachyus. Ultrasound extraction significantly increased the extraction rate of phloridzin, which could be used as an antioxidant in pharmaceutical and food products.

Extraction of intracellular protein from Chlorella pyrenoidosa using a combination of ethanol soaking, enzyme digest, ultrasonication and homogenization techniques

Due to the rigid cell wall of Chlorella species, it is still challenging to effectively extract significant amounts of protein. Mass methods were used for the extraction of intracellular protein from microalgae with biological, mechanical and chemical approaches. In this study, based on comparison of different extraction methods, a new protocol was established to maximize extract amounts of protein, which was involved in ethanol soaking, enzyme digest, ultrasonication and homogenization techniques. Under the optimized conditions, 72.4% of protein was extracted from the microalgae Chlorella pyrenoidosa, which should contribute to the research and development of Chlorella protein in functional food and medicine.

Controlled evolution of surface patterns for ZnO coated on stretched PMMA upon thermal and solvent treatments

Abstract Poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) possesses the excellent optical properties and thermal stabilities, its shape memory effect can be triggered by heating or solvent absorption. Zinc oxide (ZnO) films, the most common semiconductor materials, were usually deposited on polymer substrates as a transparent conductive element for applications to electro-optical devices. In this paper, ZnO films with different thicknesses were deposited on PMMA substrates with different pre-strains. The influences of the shape memory effect (SME), thermal expansion mismatch, and ethanol soaking on the evolutions of surface topographies were systematically investigated. Results revealed that the isotropic wrinkles without any preferential orientation were induced by the thermal expansion coefficient mismatch between ZnO film and PMMA substrate during annealing. The well-aligned wrinkles perpendicular to the direction of pre-strain resulted from the SME of PMMA triggered by heating. In addition, cracks appeared instead of wrinkles since the isotropic swelling of PMMA upon soaking in ethanol.

Influences of pretreatment and drying methods on composition, micro/molecular structures and some health‐related functional characteristics of dietary fibre powder from orange pulp residues

SummaryInfluences of pretreatment methods (washing, blanching, soaking in ethanol), drying methods (hot air‐drying, infrared‐drying, microwave‐drying) and drying temperature on selected characteristics of dietary fibre powder from orange pulp residues were investigated. Pretreatments improved the hydration properties, oil‐holding capacity and glucose dialysis retardation index, but led to losses of fibres, decreased α‐amylase inhibitory activity and aflatoxin B1 adsorption capacity. Hydration properties, oil‐holding capacity and glucose uptake depended on the structure and porosity of the fibre, while the ability to inhibit α‐amylase and AFB1 adsorption depended more on the content and molecular fingerprinting of the fibre. Drying condition did not significantly affect functional properties of the fibre, except for the ability to uptake glucose, inhibit α‐amylase and adsorb AFB1 (P ≤ 0.05). Hot air‐drying at 60 °C resulted in fibre with the highest ability to decrease the rate of glucose and AFB1 adsorption.

Keli-Paoxi power for the treatment of acute paronychia

Objective To evaluate the curative effect of Keli-Paoxi power for the treatment of acute paronychia. Methods A total of 144 patients with acute paronychia were randomly divided into a Keli-Paoxi power group, a mupirocin ointment group and an ethanol soaking group, 48 in each group. All patients were treated for 3 weeks and followed-up for 2 months. The time to regression of redness and swelling in the nail groove was recorded. The Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) was used to assess tenderness. The curative effects were evaluated, and recurrence of paronychia was recorded. Results The time to regression of redness and swelling in the nail groove in the Keli-Paoxi power group (2.2 ± 0.6 d) was significantly shorter than that in the mupirocin ointment group (8.1 ± 1.7 d) or ethanol soaking group (7.9 ± 1.2 d; F=344.597, P<0.01). The VAS Scores in the Keli-Paoxi power group (1.2 ± 0.2) was significantly lower than that in the mupirocin ointment group (3.2 ± 0.3) or ethanol soaking group (3.1 ± 0.3; F=831.273, P<0.01). The total effective rate in the Keli-Paoxi power group (100.0%, 48/48) was significantly higher than that in the mupirocin ointment group (83.3%, 40/48) or ethanol soaking group (81.3%, 39/48; χ2=9.700, P=0.008). The recurrence rate of paronychia in the Keli-Paoxi power group (2.1%, 1/48) was significantly lower than that in the mupirocin ointment group (16.7%, 8/48) or ethanol soaking group (14.6%, 7/48; χ2=6.000, P=0.049) at 2 months follow-up. Conclusions Keli-Paoxi power can alleviate tenderness, shorten the time to regression of redness and swelling in the nail groove, decraese recurrence in patients with acute paronychia. The curative effect of Keli-Paoxi power is superior to mupirocin ointment and ethanol soaking in the treatment of acute paronychia. Key words: Paronychia; Acute disease; Keli-Paoxi power; External preparations

Cyclopamine bioactivity by extraction method from Veratrum californicum

Veratrum californicum, commonly referred to as corn lily or Californian false hellebore, grows in high mountain meadows and produces the steroidal alkaloid cyclopamine, a potent inhibitor of the Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway. The Hh pathway is a crucial regulator of many fundamental processes during vertebrate embryonic development. However, constitutive activation of the Hh pathway contributes to the progression of various cancers. In the present study, a direct correlation was made between the extraction efficiency for cyclopamine from root and rhizome by eight methods, and the associated biological activity in Shh-Light II cells using the Dual-Glo® Luciferase Assay System. Alkaloid recovery ranged from 0.39 to 8.03mg/g, with ethanol soak being determined to be the superior method for obtaining biologically active cyclopamine. Acidic ethanol and supercritical extractions yielded degraded or contaminated cyclopamine with lower antagonistic activity towards Hh signaling.

Technology selection for bioethanol production: supply chain perspective

There is a large body of literatures regarding the choice and optimization of different processes for bioethanol and bio-commodities production. However, most of these works are focusing either on single unit of operation or single conversion facility. As these operations are heavily related, it is essential to consider all of them at the supply chain level. In this work, an optimization model for biomass to ethanol supply chain is developed, which takes into account economics and environments as primary objectives. The developed model is used to compare the efficiency of several pre-treatment methods: Dilute-Sulphuric acid, Organosolv and Soaking in Ethanol and Aqueous Ammonia pre-treatment methods, together with Thermochemical conversion in Minnesota, USA. It can be concluded that currently, Dilute-Sulphuric acid pre- treatment is still the most profitable method for ethanol production. However, Organosolv pre-treatment process is the most promising technology accessed since it captures most of the lignin present in the feedstock, which is a significant source of CO 2 emission if sent for combustion. We believe that the future of technology selection for biomass conversion should be focusing on the holistic view of the entire supply chain, and our approach represents a dependable way to obtain the required results.

Effects of different sterilization techniques and varying anodized TiO2 nanotube dimensions on bacteria growth

Infection of titanium (Ti)-based orthopedic implants is a growing problem due to the ability of bacteria to develop a resistance to today's antibiotics. As an attempt to develop a new strategy to combat bacteria functions, Ti was anodized in the present study to possess different diameters of nanotubes. It is reported here for the first time that Ti anodized to possess 20 nm tubes then followed by heat treatment to remove fluorine deposited from the HF anodization electrolyte solution significantly reduced both S. aureus and S. epidermidis growth compared to unanodized Ti controls. It was further found that the sterilization method used for both anodized nanotubular Ti and conventional Ti played an important role in the degree of bacteria growth on these substrates. Overall, UV light and ethanol sterilized samples decreased bacteria growth, while autoclaving resulted in the highest amount of bacteria growth. In summary, this study indicated that through a simple and inexpensive process, Ti can be anodized to possess 20 nm tubes that no matter how sterilized (UV light, ethanol soaking, or autoclaving) reduces bacteria growth and, thus, shows great promise as an antibacterial implant material.

Analysis of 5-hydroxytryptophan in the presence of excipients from dietary capsules: comparison between cyclic voltammetry and UV visible spectroscopy

5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) is an important neurochemical and is available as a dietary supplement, which is used to regulate eating behaviour and potentially overcome depression. Dietary supplements have undergone a change in their regulation, where improved analytical assessment is required during manufacturing. We compared cyclic voltammetry with UV visible spectroscopy for the detection of 5-HTP in capsules, where an emphasis was placed in understanding if recordings could be conducted in the presence of pharmaceutical excipients. Both voltammetric and spectroscopic methods had linear responses over a concentration range between 50 and 150 mg per 25 ml−1 of 5-HTP and similar limits of detection. There current response was increased for 5-HTP in the presence of magnesium stearate and silica, however in the presence of all capsule excipients there was no difference on the voltammetric response and current. Following oxidation of 5-HTP, electrode fouling was observed on the carbon composite electrodes. The electrode surface following fouling was partly regenerated following soaking in ethanol and fully recovered when the electrode was polished in alumina slurry for 5 s. Voltammetric responses were capable of detecting 5-HTP content within individual capsules with or without filtration of pharmaceutical excipients. Only following filtration was spectroscopy able to provide stable response of 5-HTP content within an individual capsule. Overall, voltammetric responses provide a means of conducting measurements of 5-HTP dietary supplement capsules without the need for extensive sample preparation, thus providing a total analysis time within 8 minutes.

Medical grade sterilization affects synthetic polymer film properties intended for peripheral nerve repair: an in vitro study

In vitro characterization of synthetic scaffolds in the laboratory commonly employs sterilization techniques, such as, ultraviolet light or ethanol (EtOH) soaking. These sterilization methods are not sufficient, however, to gain Regulatory approval for therapeutic use. Neglecting the effects medical grade sterilization may have on material properties could lead to years of research never translating to the clinic. The objective of this study was to ascertain whether medical grade gamma irradiation affected the properties of solvent-cast poly(ε-caprolactone)/poly(D, L-lactic acid) blend films for peripheral nerve repair. Scaffolds were sterilized at eight incremental doses of Gamma radiation (0-45 kGy). With increasing radiation dose, tensile testing identified significant reductions in both maximum tensile strength (>40 %) and strain (>90 %); gel permeation chromatography showed a dose-dependent reduction in polymer molecular weight (>46 %) and differential scanning calorimetry highlighted an increase in crystallinity. NG108-15 nerve cells were cultured up to 7 days on gamma irradiated and EtOH soaked films (control). Scanning electron microscopy showed cells proliferated on all films during this time and confirmed cell morphology was unaffected by sterilization method. However, cellular proliferation and number were greater for gamma irradiated films compared to EtOH soaked. Despite material properties being significantly altered, the in vitro response was encouraging and gamma irradiation may prove effective for medical grade sterilization of films intended for peripheral nerve repair.

Ethanol disinfection affects physical properties and cell response of electrospun poly(l-lactic acid) scaffolds

Disinfection of electrospun materials is commonly carried out by ethanol (EtOH) soaking. However, in the literature no systematic investigation on the effect of EtOH disinfection on scaffold properties is available. In this study electrospun poly(l-lactic acid) (PLLA) scaffolds were differently treated in EtOH and changes of fiber morphology, fiber surface topography and scaffold thermo-mechanical properties were evaluated. It was found that EtOH induced the formation of an amount of crystal phase, in the initially amorphous fibers, which depends on EtOH grade, soaking time and temperature. Completely amorphous PLLA (a-PLLA) and semicrystalline PLLA (sc-PLLA) scaffolds were produced by applying different EtOH treatments to as-spun PLLA scaffold. Compared to a-PLLA, sc-PLLA was stiffer and composed of fibers with rougher surface. Cell culture performed by using permanent cell line H9c2 demonstrated that changes of scaffold properties determined a different cell response, in particular in the expression of proteins correlated to cell motility and cell adhesion.

Improvement on solvent resistance of photonic crystals by surface modification

In this study polystyrene (PS) spheres were synthesized by emulsifier-free emulsion copolymerization of styrene with methacrylic acid for the fabrication of photonic crystals. A facile method to significantly improve the solvent resistance of photonic crystals was developed through surface modification of PS spheres by poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) (PVP). We used an ethanol soaking test to evaluate the solvent resistance of photonic crystals prepared by pristine, thermal-treatment, and PVP-modification methods. The crystal structure and the absorption band of the photonic crystals before and after the soaking test were investigated. Experimental results revealed that the photonic crystals prepared from the unmodified PS spheres have a very weak resistance to ethanol, resulting in impossibility of carrying out inverse opal photonic crystals. The improvement on solvent resistance by the thermal-treatment method was limited due to the weak bonding or the mergence of PS spheres. We found the photonic crystal prepared from the PVP-modification PS spheres maintains its integrity very well in the ethanol solution after 5-h soaking. Moreover, the photonic crystal and the corresponding inverse opal photonic crystal revealed excellent structure and optical properties.