Solid Support Research Articles

A DNA Origami Bubble Blower for Liposome Production.

While liposomes are commonly produced on the industrial scale with diameters in the hundreds of nanometers to micrometer size range, the variation from the mean diameter can be significant. In nature, functional liposome-like systems can be as small as tens of nanometers in diameter but reproducible synthetic production at this size scale is not easily achievable. Here we outline the development of a DNA origami "bubble blower"-a nanoscale ring able to seed and constrain liposome formation. The bubble blower has the potential to be employed in a reusable fashion for production of nanometric liposomes. It improves currently available DNA origami liposome seeding techniques by expanding the range of compatible detergents and introducing solid support integration with potential for semiautomated laboratory scale production.

Highly dispersed Ni-Ce catalyst over clay montmorillonite K10 in low-temperature CO2 methanation

The Carbon Capture and Utilization (CCU) option can be an efficient solution for CO2 emission mitigation. To this end, we have investigated the carbon dioxide methanation at low temperatures. Highly active, selective, stable, low-cost catalysts are required for energy and carbon balance benefits. Supported nickel-based catalysts result as the most studied and promising candidates showing a good compromise between performance and low preparation costs. The catalyst design role is key to obtaining the best performance, requiring many experiments and optimisation procedures. Herein, the enhanced Montmorillonite MK10-supported Ni(0)Ce(III) catalyst, prepared by consecutive hydrothermal and electrostatic adsorption methods followed by reduction under hydrogen flow, was used in batch CO2 methanation, exhibiting 76 % of CO2 conversion with 100 % CH4 selectivity after 3 h. The catalytic system reveals very high robustness preserving the same activity and selectivity for at least 5 reaction cycles if compared with γ-Al2O3-supported Ni(0)Ce(III) catalyst, the latter showing the same activity but only in the first cycle. EDX, XPS, SEM, TPD, TPR, and BET characterisation techniques were used to elucidate and evaluate the potential synergistic effect of the active metal centre-promoter-support interfaces, highlighting their role in the activity and robustness of the catalyst, comparing the same effect using different alumina and silicate solid supports. The effects of the reaction conditions on the methane yield and selectivity were also evaluated.

Sheet-on-sheet fixed target data collection devices for serial crystallography at synchrotron and XFEL sources

Serial crystallography (SX) efficiently distributes over many crystals the radiation dose absorbed during diffraction data acquisition, enabling structure determination of samples at ambient temperature. SX relies on the rapid and reliable replacement of X-ray-exposed crystals with fresh crystals at a rate commensurate with the data acquisition rate. `Solid supports', also known as `fixed targets' or `chips', offer one approach. These are microscopically thin solid panes into or onto which crystals are deposited to be individually interrogated by an X-ray beam. Solid supports are generally patterned using photolithography methods to produce a regular array of features that trap single crystals. A simpler and less expensive alternative is to merely sandwich the microcrystals between two unpatterned X-ray-transparent polymer sheets. Known as sheet-on-sheet (SOS) chips, these offer significantly more versatility. SOS chips place no constraint on the size or size distribution of the microcrystals or their growth conditions. Crystals ranging from true nanocrystals up to microcrystals can be investigated, as can crystals grown in media ranging from low viscosity (aqueous solution) up to high viscosity (such as lipidic cubic phase). Here, we describe our two SOS devices. The first is a compact and lightweight version designed specifically for synchrotron use. It incorporates a standard SPINE-type magnetic base for mounting on a conventional macromolecular crystallography goniometer. The second and larger chip is intended for both X-ray free-electron laser and synchrotron use and is fully compatible with the fast-scanning XY-raster stages developed for data collection with patterned chips.

Continuous flow microfluidic system with magnetic nanoparticles for the spectrophotometric quantification of urea in urine and plasma samples.

Urea, synthesized exclusively in the liver, is primarily transported through the bloodstream to the kidneys, where it is excreted in urine, accounting for 80-90% of nitrogen excretion in humans. Elevated blood urea levels, indicative of kidney dysfunction, make it a crucial biomarker for assessing renal function. Previous studies on urea detection using microdevices have largely focused on conductometric methods. In this study, we demonstrated the application of a continuous flow miniaturized system for rapid spectrophotometric urea quantification using polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) microdevices. The microdevice featured two distinct zones: an enzymatic reaction zone, where urease-conjugated magnetic nanoparticles were immobilized, and a detection zone, where reagents were incorporated to produce a colored reaction product via a modified Berthelot reaction. Integrating magnetic nanoparticles as a solid support for the enzyme enabled the reuse of PDMS microdevices without compromising the analytical signal. Spectrophotometric detection was performed in an additional microdevice acting as a microflow cell coupled with optical fibers. A calibration curve was constructed using urea standards diluted in phosphate buffer solution (PBS), yielding a linear range of 0.12-3.00 mg dL-1. The method demonstrated detection and quantification limits of 0.04 mg dL-1 and 0.12 mg dL-1, respectively. Precision and accuracy assessments yielded a repeatability of 0.90% and intermediate precision of 4.52%, with recovery rates near 100%. The method was applied to plasma and urine samples, showing urea concentrations within normal physiological ranges and an analysis throughput of 36 measurements per hour.

Formation of a magnetized hybrid star with a purely toroidal field from phase-transition-induced collapse

ABSTRACT Strongly magnetized neutron stars are popular candidates for producing detectable electromagnetic and gravitational-wave signals. Gravitational collapses of neutron stars triggered by a phase transition from hadrons to deconfined quarks in the cores could also release a considerable amount of energy in the form of gravitational waves and neutrinos. Hence, the formation of a magnetized hybrid star from such a phase-transition-induced collapse is an interesting scenario for detecting all these signals. These detections may provide essential probes for the magnetic field and composition of such stars. Thus far, a dynamical study of the formation of a magnetized hybrid star from a phase-transition-induced collapse has yet to be realized. Here, we investigate the formation of a magnetized hybrid star with a purely toroidal field and its properties through dynamical simulations. We find that the maximum values of rest-mass density and magnetic field strength increase slightly and these two quantities are coupled in phase during the formation. We then demonstrate that all microscopic and macroscopic quantities of the resulting hybrid star vary drastically when the maximum magnetic field strength goes beyond a threshold of $\sim 5 \times 10^{17}$ G, but they are insensitive to the magnetic field below this threshold. Specifically, the magnetic deformation makes the rest-mass density drop significantly, suppressing the matter fraction in the mixed phase. These behaviours agree with those in the equilibrium models of previous studies. Therefore, this work provides a solid support for the magnetic effects on a hybrid star.

Smart Homes Facilitate Age-Friendly Home Design

With the development of advanced science and technology era and the intensification of population aging, people's demand for elderly living space is increasing. In order to improve the living space environment of the elderly, this paper aims to solve a series of obstacles in the living space for the elderly, improve the convenience and security of the living space for the elderly, and create a livable environment by taking the home-based elderly care group as the research object, combining the physiological activity characteristics and psychological needs of the group, integrating the concept of barrier-free and smart home technology. Actively respond to the problem of aging, and provide solid support for the construction of a livable environment for the elderly.

Optimization study and application of box-behnken model for probing eggshell supported transition metals based catalysts to synthesize hydrazone & dihydropyrimidinones

Solid supported catalysts have several synthetic applications. Herein, finely ground eggshells were used as a solid support for the preparation of transition metal (Ni, Zn, Cu, Sn and Co) based catalysts to synthesize 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazone (3) and dihydropyrimidinones (7 and 8). The effect of catalyst load, time and temperature on product yield was studied. Box Behnken Model was employed, and three predictors named catalyst amount (A), reaction time (B), and reaction temperature (C) were used to find the correlation of the predictors with the yield. Second order polynomial equation was used to estimate the effects of these factors. According to the statistical model, about 12% increase in yield was observed as a result of one-unit increase in reaction time while all other terms were kept constant. The values of S (18.1616) and R2 (71.2%) indicate that the statistical model gave an adequate fit to data. Quadratic model for the response surface was used for the analysis of variance (ANOVA) results, the larger F-values, and smaller p-values indicated that the predictors are in good agreement. The linear model terms of predictors were found to be significantly effective for yield (P < 0.05). The response surface and contour plots were also in agreement with the predicted model.

Improving organisation to improve care: ERN ReCONNET organisational reference model for systemic sclerosis patients' care pathway.

To optimise the organisation of care and encourage the adoption of good clinical practices, the RarERN Path© methodology was designed within ERN ReCONNET. The aim of our work was to report the application of RarERN Path© on systemic sclerosis within the ERN ReCONNET centres, providing a feasible and flexible organisational reference model for optimising the systemic sclerosis care pathway in different countries. RarERN Path© is a six-phase methodology which enables the creation of a reference organisational model co-designed on the basis of the expertise of different stakeholders. It foresees six phases, ranging from the map of existing patients' care pathways and patients' stories, to the consensus on a common organisational patient care pathways, and its key performance indicators definition. The agreed reference model highlights the importance of having an organisational flow for referrals that foresees how patients may access directly the specialised unit from the different referrals. Specific specialised visits were considered as mandatory to be organised and they included cardiologist, pneumologist, gastroenterologist, psychologist, nephrologist, dermatologist, wound care specialist/nurses and other healthcare professionals (such as nurses, social workers and nutritional counselling). Moreover, specific services related to therapy were highlighted as strongly recommended to be organised, mainly represented by infusion therapy and wound care, as well as occupation therapy and physiotherapy. The organisational model emerged from our investigation emphasises that the organisation of specific services for systemic sclerosis treatment should be organised as a solid support for implementing the existing recommendations on systemic sclerosis management in real life.

Complementary Strategies for Installation of Thioimidates into Peptide Backbones.

Thioimidates are a precursor and synthetic branch point to access either thioamide or amidine isosteres of the native amide (peptide bond). Previous syntheses of thioimidate-containing peptides were prone to side reactivity and required slow, cumbersome steps that were difficult to monitor. We describe a more efficient approach to directly couple thioimidates onto the growing peptide chain. This work also outlines optimal conditions for thioimidate formation on solid support and identifies potential off-target sites for alkylation that impact the choice of protecting group.

Exploring the Antibacterial and Antiparasitic Activity of Phenylaminonaphthoquinones-Green Synthesis, Biological Evaluation and Computational Study.

Organic compounds with antibacterial and antiparasitic properties are gaining significance for biomedical applications. This study focuses on the solvent-free synthesis (green synthesis) of 1,4-naphthoquinone or 2,3-dichloro-1,4-naphthoquinone with different phenylamines using silica gel as an acid solid support. The study also includes in silico PASS predictions and the discovery of antibacterial and antiparasitic properties of phenylaminonaphthoquinone derivatives 1-12, which can be further applied in drug discovery and development. These activities were discussed in terms of molecular descriptors such as hydrophobicity, molar refractivity, and half-wave potentials. The in vitro antimicrobial potential of the synthesized compounds 1-12 was evaluated against a panel of six bacterial strains (three Gram-positive: Staphylococcus aureus, Proteus mirabilis, and Enterococcus faecalis; and three Gram-negative bacteria: Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhimurium, and Klebsiella pneumoniae). Six compounds (1, 3, 5, 7, 10, and 11) showed better activity toward S. aureus with MIC values between 3.2 and 5.7 μg/mL compared to cefazolin (MIC = 4.2 μg/mL) and cefotaxime (MIC = 8.9 μg/mL), two cephalosporin antibiotics. Regarding in vitro antiplasmodial activity, compounds 1 and 3 were the most active against the Plasmodium falciparum strain 3D7 (chloroquine-sensitive), displaying IC50 values of 0.16 and 0.0049 μg/mL, respectively, compared to chloroquine (0.33 μg/mL). In strain FCR-3 (chloroquine-resistant), most of the compounds showed good activity, with compounds 3 (0.12 μg/mL) and 11 (0.55 μg/mL) being particularly noteworthy. Additionally, docking studies were used to better rationalize the action and prediction of the binding modes of these compounds. Finally, absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADMET) predictions were performed.

Artificial intelligence-based power market price prediction in smart renewable energy systems: Combining prophet and transformer models

With the increasing integration of smart renewable energy systems and power electronic converters, electricity market price prediction is particularly important. It is not only crucial for the interests of power suppliers and market regulators but also plays a key role in ensuring the reliable and flexible operation of the power system, particularly during extreme weather events or abnormal conditions. This study develops a hybrid time series forecasting model that combines Prophet and Transformer, which takes advantage of deep learning to provide a new solution for electricity market price forecasting. By introducing the Stacking optimization strategy, this study improves the accuracy and stability of electricity market price sequence prediction. In addition, the study tries to integrate traditional time series forecasting methods (such as the Prophet model) with deep learning models (such as the Transformer model), aiming to make full use of their respective advantages to achieve more accurate and stable predictions. Through experimental evaluation on four electricity market data sets, this study finds that the hybrid forecast model exhibits significant performance improvements in enhancing the accuracy and stability of electricity market price predictions. This method not only provides a more accurate tool for power market price prediction, but also provides solid technical support for the efficient operation and sustainable development of smart renewable energy systems. Experimental results also show that the combination of deep learning models with traditional time series methods and the introduction of Stacking strategies is crucial to improving the performance of power market price prediction, and also helps us better understand and design smart renewable energy systems, price and energy management strategies, thereby providing an effective method for achieving efficient and reliable power and energy transmission.

Simulation of the future evolution track of “production–living–ecological” space in coastal cities based on multimodel coupling and wetland protection scenarios

Coastal cities hold a special position in the fields of production, living, and ecological research because of their unique wetland resource advantages. However, with global urbanization and rapid economic development, conflicts among production, living and ecological land are prevalent in coastal cities in the process of maintaining sustainable wetland resources and further developing the social economy. By establishing an SD-PLUS-CCD coupling model, this paper analysed the evolution characteristics and driving mechanism of the production–living–ecological space (PLES) and the effects of wetland protection (WLP) on promoting or inhibiting the coordinated development of the PLES in Dongying city during 2005–2060. The results show that (1) from 2005 to 2020, the increase in urban population resulted in a significant transfer of arable land and a reduction of 914 km2 in production space (PS); (2) from 2020 to 2060, under the WLP scenario, the conversion of wetland ecological space will reduce the PS and living space (LS) by 193.92 km2 and 107.14 km2, respectively, and increase the ecological space (ES) by 327.52 km2; and (3) wetland protection has an inhibitory effect on the coordinated development of PLES in the study area, and the total proportion of noncoordinated areas of PE and living–ecological space will continue to increase during the simulation period. This paper provides a solid theoretical support for the sustainable management and protection of wetlands in coastal cities and possible PLES conflict patterns and provides a scientific basis for future territorial spatial planning and policy balance analysis.

Synthesis of the ZrC whiskers and the ablation mechanism of the ZrC whisker-toughened ZrC coating

The ZrC coatings toughened by ZrC whiskers with different microstructures were prepared on C/C composites by chemical vapor deposition (CVD). The formation mechanisms of the different morphologies of ZrC whiskers were investigated. The mechanical properties and the ablation properties under oxyacetylene flame of ZrC coatings were evaluated. The results showed that the introduction of ZrC whiskers significantly improved the adhesion to the C/C substrate and elastic modulus of ZrC coatings. The coatings exhibited a denser oxide layer after ablation than before ZrC whiskers addition due to the forming of the ZrO2 skeleton structure, which provides a solid support to oxide layers. The linear ablation rate of the coating (-0.233 μm/s) decreased by 58.91% compared to the pure ZrC coating (-0.567 μm/s). Following detailed observation and characterization, a potential protective mechanism for ZrC whiskers was presented.

Selective separation and recovery of rare-earth elements (REEs) from acidic solutions and coal fly ash leachate by novel TODGA-Impregnated organosilica media

Rare-earth elements (REEs) are essential in a wide range of applications including magnets and satellite technology, with demand driven by geopolitical factors. While multiple techniques exist for REE recovery including solvent extraction and selective precipitation, solid–liquid extraction offers key advantages in selectivity, scalability, and recyclability. N, N, N′, N′-tetraoctyl diglycolamide (TODGA) is a tridentate ligand widely used in solvent extraction, but the incorporation in a solid support to separate individual lanthanides from acid solutions remains largely unexplored. A novel TODGA-organosilica sorbent material was developed and tested to evaluate recovery of 17 elements (REEs and thorium) in terms of selectivity, kinetics, and equilibrium isotherms in 0.01 to 15.9 M nitric acid. Characterization of the new sorbent was performed before and after sorption using FTIR, XPS, and SSA techniques to help elucidate sorption mechanisms and limiting variables. REE adsorption increased from 1.26 mg g−1 to 10 mg g−1 with nitric acid concentrations of 0.01 M and 15.9 M, respectively. TODGA-organosilica exhibits high selectivity towards heavy REEs (Dy to Lu), with minimal sorption of lighter REEs (Ce to Gd). Batch adsorption experiments confirm pseudo-second-order kinetics and a Langmuir adsorption isotherm with TODGA binding to REEs in a 3:1 complex. A packed bed column study confirmed the high selectivity of TODGA-impregnated organosilica towards heavy REEs and a proof-of concept experiment with coal fly ash leachate shows high selectivity for REEs over Al, Fe, and Ca present in several orders of magnitude higher concentrations. Fractionation was observed where loading cycle effluent contained 84 % light REEs while strip cycle effluent contained 80 % heavy REEs. More than 90 % of loaded REEs were successfully stripped with water as the stripping agent.

Anchoring Frustrated Lewis Pair Active Sites on Copper Nanoclusters for Regioselective Hydrogenation.

In recent years, the concept of Frustrated Lewis Pairs (FLPs), which consist of a combination of Lewis acid (LA) and Lewis base (LB) active sites arranged in a suitable geometric configuration, has been widely utilized in homogeneous catalytic reactions. This concept has also been extended to solid supports such as zeolites, metal oxide surfaces, and metal/covalent organic frameworks, resulting in a diverse range of heterogeneous FLP catalysts that have demonstrated notable efficiency and recyclability in activating small molecules. This study presents the successful immobilization of FLP active sites onto the surface of ligand-stabilized copper nanoclusters with atomic precision, leading to the development of copper nanocluster FLP catalysts characterized by high reactivity, stability, and selectivity. Specifically, thiol ligands containing 2-methoxyl groups were strategically designed to stabilize the surface of [Cu34S7(RS)18(PPh3)4]2+ (where RSH = 2-methoxybenzenethiol), facilitating the formation of FLPs between the surface copper atoms (LA) and ligand oxygen atoms (LB). Experimental and theoretical investigations have demonstrated that these FLPs on the cluster surface can efficiently activate H2 through a heterolytic pathway, resulting in superior catalytic performance in the hydrogenation of alkenes under mild conditions. Notably, the intricate yet precise surface coordination structures of the cluster, reminiscent of enzyme catalysts, enable the hydrogenation process to proceed with nearly 100% selectivity. This research offers valuable insights into the design of FLP catalysts with enhanced activity and selectivity by leveraging surface/interface coordination chemistry of ligand-stabilized atomically precise metal nanoclusters.

RECENT ADVANCEMENT IN ELECTROCHEMICAL BIOSENSOR BASED ON REDOX ENZYME COMPOSITE MODIFIED ELECTRODE FOR THE DETECTION OF BIOMOLECULES

Recent developments in electrochemical biosensors have resulted in new applications in a variety of disciplines, such as clinical diagnosis, food processing quality control, and environmental monitoring. The electrochemical biosensor is a widely used sensing device that transmits an electrical signal from biological activities. Electrochemical biosensors have led to significant advancements in detecting various biomolecules such as uric acid, glucose, cholesterol, lactate, and DNA, including cancer biomarkers, viruses, and antibodies. An electrode is a vital part of this kind of sensor since it serves as a strong support for immobilizing biomolecules (enzyme, antibody, and nucleic acid) and allowing electron flow. Redox enzymes are the foundation of enzymatic electrochemical biosensors, which use oxidation or reduction reactions to detect a substrate, which is then converted into an electrical signal. Immobilizing enzymes onto solid supports is a common method to enhance the performance of an enzymatic electrochemical biosensor. However, there are some challenges, such as potential loss of enzyme activity, difficulties in maintaining enzyme stability, and issues related to the reproducibility and consistency of enzyme immobilization. This review covers all challenges in enzymatic electrochemical biosensors. Numerous new biosensor platforms are announced each year as researchers look for various electrode materials. Additionally, the researchers should familiarize themselves with the practical methods used in electrode production in order to build a successful biosensor. This review highlights current developments in modifying enzyme-immobilized biosensors for detection of different biomolecules. The article further describes methods of enzyme immobilization and various enzymes with different nanomaterials for the development of novel enzymatic electrochemical biosensors.

Ru/MgO-catalysed selective aerobic oxidation of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural to 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid

Biomass valorisation through the selective oxidation of carbohydrate and lipid derivatives offers access to an array of platform chemicals through energy- and atom-efficient catalytic processes. Supported metal nanoparticles are promising catalysts for the aerobic selective oxidation of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) to 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA), but typically require strong liquid base to achieve high selectivity. Here, we explore the utility of MgO as a solid base support for the Ru-catalysed aerobic oxidation of HMF, obtaining 68% FDCA yield at 160°C and 1.5 MPa of O2 using &lt;1 mol-% metal.

Ultrasound-Assisted Solid-Phase Affibody Synthesis Using ZEGFR:1907 as an Example-Superior to the Conventional Protocol?

Affibody molecules represent a class of highly specific binders of particular interest for the development of highly affine target-specific radiopharmaceuticals. Their chemical synthesis is, however, intricate due to their considerable length of 58 amino acids; thus, approaches to optimize their preparation are constantly being sought. As ultrasound assistance has recently been shown to increase the efficiency of amino acid conjugation during solid-phase peptide synthesis (SPPS), the influence of ultrasonication on the outcome of the SPPS-based preparation of the EGFR-specific affibody ZEGFR:1907 was compared to a common protocol relying on mechanical shaking. After the identification of a suitable solid support for the study, the execution of the systematic comparison of both approaches showed that conventional and ultrasound-assisted syntheses yielded equivalent results with analogous composition of the raw products. Further, both approaches produced the affibody in good isolated yields of >20% when applying the same optimal reagent excesses and coupling times for the conjugation of each amino acid. This indicates that, under optimal reaction conditions, the choice of solid support used has a much stronger influence on the outcome of the preparation of ZEGFR:1907 than the application of ultrasound, which did not further improve the synthesis results. Therefore, for the chemical synthesis of affibodies, great attention should be paid to the choice of a suitable solid support, enabling this highly interesting class of biomolecules to be obtained in good yields and to bring them more into the focus of radiopharmaceutical research.

Analysis of Financial Performance of Yunnan Baiyao Group Co.

Yunnan Baiyao Group Co., Ltd. has been actively expanding its business territory and product lines, led by its diversification strategy, thus achieving remarkable financial results. The company has also used scientific asset management strategies to optimize the allocation of resources and enhance the efficiency of asset utilization, while efficient operations have provided solid support for its diversified growth. However, the implementation of a diversification strategy also introduces specific financial risks and challenges. Increasing financial pressure and intensifying market competition have gradually emerged, which require Yunnan Baiyao Group Co., Ltd. to continuously improve its financial structure and strengthen risk management to ensure the durability and profitability of its strategy. This article not only comprehensively analyzes the financial performance of Yunnan Baiyao Group Co., Ltd. in implementing its diversification strategy, but also deeply discusses the challenges faced by the group and its corresponding response strategies, which provides valuable reference and far-reaching insights for other enterprises in adopting similar strategies.

Wastewater treatment using black soldier fly larvae: Influence of larval density and solid support

The use of Black Soldier Fly larvae for wastewater treatment has emerged as a promising alternative, coupling high removal efficiency with recovery of high-value products. To overcome the critical issue of larvae mortality in a liquid environment, a patented solution employs a physical porous support to be saturated by liquid, allowing larvae mobility. In view of process optimisation, a knowledge gap persists regarding both the optimal supporting material and larval density. The optimum supporting material and larval density should maximise the porosity (i.e. active volume of the reactor) and the removal efficiencies respectively, without compromising the survival rate. In the present study, three different plastic products (granules, pall rings and geomat) were tested at four different larval densities (4, 8, 16 and 32 larvae/cm2). Process performance was compared in terms of larval growth and substrate removal. An increase in larval density only impairs process once threshold density is exceeded. The threshold depended on the supporting material: higher porosity materials allow the use of higher larval densities, and therefore higher organic loads, with reduced reactor volumes.The best performance was achieved at larval density of 16 larvae/cm2 with pall rings, resulting in a survival rate and carbon removal efficiency of approx. 92 % and 97 % respectively.