Spectrometric Analysis Research Articles

Proteomic characterization of peanut flour fermented by Rhizopus oryzae

Fermentation alters the protein content and composition of foods. To characterize fungal catabolism of peanut proteins, defatted peanut flour was fermented by Rhizopus oryzae (R. oryzae) for up to 48 h and evaluated by SDS-PAGE, mass spectrometry, and antibody binding. A clear change in peanut protein migration was observed by SDS-PAGE after 16 h of fermentation. Mass spectrometric analysis indicated changes in allergen peptides and R. oryzae proteins. Several low molecular weight allergen fragments produced during fermentation were identified by mass spectrometry. Immunoassays using anti-peanut allergen antibodies demonstrated reduced allergen content as early as 16 h of fermentation. However, ELISA with peanut allergic IgE indicated only slightly reduced allergen binding even after 48 h. These results indicate that while R. oryzae fermentation efficiently metabolizes peanut allergens, significant IgE binding remains in lower molecular mass peptides, and therefore R. oryzae fermented peanut products would not be safe for peanut allergic individuals.

Solvothermal preparation of CuO/g-C3N4 and photocatalytic degradation of ciprofloxacin

Composite materials CuO/g-C3N4 (CuOCN) were prepared using a solvothermal method to investigate their degradation effect on ciprofloxacin (CIP). The materials were characterized through X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), UV-visible diffuse reflectance spectrophotometry (DRS), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The toxicity of degradation products of CIP was assessed through antibacterial experiments, and the degradation mechanism of CIP was investigated using quenching agent capture and high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS). The results of XRD and FTIR indicate that the CuOCN composite has been successfully synthesized. The photocatalytic experiment shows that adding 15% (w/w) of Cu3(BTC)2(H2O)3 in melamine (CuOCN2) has a relatively good degradation effect on CIP and can be reused multiple times. The TEM results indicate that both CuO and g-C3N4 have a layered structure and are attached together. HRTEM analysis reveals that the two components in CuOCN2 are arranged in a layered structure, with CuO displaying two crystal planes. Energy Dispersive Spectrometer (EDS) analysis reveals that the proportion of CuO in the three composite materials is 7.86% (w/w), 15.93% (w/w), and 84.83% (w/w), respectively. DRS detection reveals that the greater the amount of CuO added, the broader the visible light absorption range of the composite material, and the narrower the bandgap width. The photocurrent and photoresistance indicate that CuOCN2 exhibits a good photoelectric effect. XPS analysis shows that the CuOCN2 composite material possesses both the chemical composition and structure of CuO and g-C3N4. During the catalytic degradation process of CIP, four active substances, h+, e−, ·O2 −, and ·OH, were produced, leading to a reduction in the toxicity of the degradation products. Through HPLC-MS analysis, it was found that CIP undergoes reactions such as defluorination, ring opening of piperazine, and quinolone during degradation, resulting in reduced toxicity. This study provides an experimental basis for the degradation of CIP by CuOCN2.

Formation of Micelles by Nonionic Detergent Molecules Leads to the Breakthrough Peak in Reversed-Phase Ultraperformance Liquid Chromatography (UPLC).

A peculiar phenomenon known as "breakthrough" occurs under reversed-phase ultraperformance liquid chromatography (UPLC) conditions and has been under scrutiny for decades. This effect takes place when a large volume of analyte solution, prepared in a solvent with an eluotropic strength significantly higher than that of the initial mobile phase solvent, is injected. According to the literature, under specific experimental conditions, a substantial portion of solutes is carried by the mobile phase and detected near the dead time of the chromatographic system. This phenomenon is typically observed when the injected volume of a particular analyte is sufficiently large. However, the underlying physicochemical principles governing this phenomenon have remained elusive. We present evidence demonstrating that breakthroughs can occur even when injecting a sample of a neat solvent devoid of any solute. By mass spectrometric analysis, we identified the breakthrough peak to represent the nonionic detergent Triton. When columns are equilibrated with water, Triton molecules, present as impurities in filtered water, accumulate on the nonpolar stationary phase. Upon the introduction of a solvent with a stronger elution strength, Triton molecules retained on the stationary phase are removed. As detergents, these Triton molecules aggregate into micelles featuring a hydrophobic inner core and a hydrophilic outer shell. These hydrophilic micelles are carried by the polar mobile phase and detected as the breakthrough peak at the dead time of the chromatographic system. When analytes are present, a portion of the injected solutes is captured by the micelles and transported with the breakthrough plug. This assertion was verified and confirmed by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) analysis of a methanolic solution of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA). The mass spectra corresponding to the breakthrough plug featured a peak for the PFOA anion (m/z 413) in addition to those for Triton.

Direct Mass Spectrometric Analysis of Brominated Flame Retardants in Synthetic Polymers.

Brominated flame retardants (BFRs) are persistent organic pollutants that pose a major threat to the environment. In this study, a direct insertion probe (DIP) coupled with atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI) quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (QTOF-MS) was used to characterize additives, especially BFRs, from solid polymer samples with minimal sample preparation. A temperature-programmed DIP analysis, from 150 to 450 °C within 10 min, was utilized to achieve temporal separation of analytes based on their boiling or degradation temperatures, thereby facilitating their easier identification within a single run. Studied BFRs showed different behaviors during the analysis: decabromodiphenyl ether and tetrabromobisphenol A were found to be stable within the studied temperature range, while hexabromocyclododecane already started to debrominate. Our study showed that the DIP-APCI-MS method suited well for the direct qualitative identification of BFRs from polymer matrices. Furthermore, by optimizing the sampling procedure with cryogenic grinding, even quantitative analysis could be performed. The DIP measurements also provided important information about the composition of polymer matrices, including the identification of the comonomers present. Overall, DIP-APCI QTOF-MS was found to be an excellent tool for the compositional analysis of plastic samples. Developing rapid and reliable analysis methods can pave the way for more efficient plastic recycling and the safer use of plastic recyclates.

Direct ESI-MS of Ionic Liquids Using High-Pressure Electrospray From Large-Bore Emitters Made of Micropipette Tips.

Electrospray ionization mass spectrometry of neat undiluted ionic liquid (IL) and the analysis of protein with the doping of IL were performed using high-pressure electrospray. The use of disposable micropipette tips as emitters eased the handling of viscous and easy-to-clog samples and improved the reproducibility of the measurement. A high-pressure operation enabled the stable electrospray of the highly conductive IL from these relatively large bore emitters. The measurement of the current-voltage relationship of 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate (Emim BF4) revealed an unusual negative differential resistance that has not been seen in the typical atmospheric or high-pressure electrospray. Mass spectrometric analysis of this IL also showed the characteristic response of various ion species with the emitter voltage. When added to the commonly used protein solution, the mass spectrum also showed protein peaks that correspond to the adduction of fluoroboric acid molecules (HBF4).

A Quasi Real-Time Evaluation of High-Resolution Mass Spectra of Complex Chlorinated Paraffin Mixtures and Their Transformation Products.

Chlorinated paraffins (CPs) are complex mixtures of polychlorinated n-alkanes with multiple carbon- (C-, nC = 9-30) and chlorine homologues (Cl-, nCl = 3-18). The mass spectrometric analysis of CPs is time-consuming and challenging, especially when interferences between CPs, their transformation products, or from the matrix are numerous. These analytical challenges and the lack of appropriate and accessible data evaluation tools are obstacles to their analysis. CP-Hunter is a web-based, open-access data processing platform for the automatic analysis of mass spectra of CPs and their transformation products. Extracts of two consumer plastic materials and sewage sludge were evaluated with CP-Hunter. C- and Cl-homologue distributions were obtained in quasi-real-time and the posterior calculated fingerprints were in agreement with the ones obtained by traditional methods. However, the data extraction and evaluation time were now reduced from several minutes to seconds. The implemented signal deconvolution method, i.e., to resolve mass spectrometric interferences, provides robust results, even when severe matrix effects are present. CP-Hunter facilitates the untargeted analysis of unknown products and the detection and elimination of false positive signals. Finally, data evaluation with CP-Hunter is performed locally without the transfer of data to external servers. The tool is safe, public, and accessible at https://cphunter.cheminfo.org/.

Odours in Asphalt: Analysis of the Release of H2S from Bitumen by a Mass Spectrometric Residual Gas Analyser.

During the production and laying phases of hot-mixing asphalt (HMA), various volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and noxious gases such as H2S are released into the atmosphere. These emissions are a serious environmental problem, a risk to human health, and expose workers and residents to unfriendly odours. The aim of this study was the development of a fast and sensitive analytical method to detect the H2S emitted from hot bituminous binder that is generally used in the various stages of asphalt production, processing, handling and during road construction. The method consisted in the analysis of evolved H2S from a flask with molten bitumen, using nitrogen as a carrier gas to lead the volatile compounds into a residual gas analyser equipped with a quadrupole mass spectrometer. The analysis was performed following the H2S-specific signals at m/z 33 (HS+) and at m/z 34 (H2S+) in real time, directly on the sample without laborious and expensive pre-treatments and with short response times (<6 s). Calibration with a standard mixture of 1000 ppm of H2S in nitrogen allows semi-quantitative H2S detection. The sensitivity and rapidity of the method were evaluated by quenching the release of sulphur compounds with commercial odour-suppressing agents. Upon addition of 0.1% of additive in two minutes, the H2S signal drops about 80% in two minutes, confirming the good response of the method, even with a very complex matrix.

Analyzing the synergistic effects of hard ceramic TiB2 and rare earth oxide La2O3 on mechanical behaviour, wear resistance, and residual stress of AA6061-T6 hybrid composite fabricated via ultrasonic-assisted stir casting

This investigation involves the fabrication of an aluminium metal matrix composite using AA6061-T6 alloy as the matrix, incorporating 2 wt% of hard ceramic (TiB2, 14 μm particle size) and 0.5 wt% of rare earth oxide (La2O3, 40–50 nm particle size) reinforcement powders through ultrasonic assisted stir casting. The study examines the microstructure, residual stress, and mechanical properties alongside performing pin-on-disk wear tests. Taguchi's optimization and ANOVA are used to optimize the wear rate of the composite using three control parameters: Load, Sliding Distance, and Sliding Speed. Results from optical micrography and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) with energy-dispersive spectrometer (EDS) analysis confirm the uniform distribution of TiB2 and La2O3 particles within the AA6061-T6 volume when ultrasonic stirring is employed. The composite's microhardness is found to increase by 25.15 %, and its tensile strength by 31.32 % compared to the base alloy due to a higher dislocation density. ANOVA highlights Load as the primary influencer, contributing 69.54 %, followed by Sliding Distance (17.45 %) and Sliding Speed (12.56 %). The optimal parameters for minimizing wear rate are found to be Load (20 N), Sliding Distance (1500 m), and Sliding Speed (2.5 m/s). Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) images of worn surfaces reveal various mechanisms such as abrasion, delamination, and adhesion, with abrasion being the dominant mechanism. Residual stress increases with the addition of TiB2 and La2O3 particles in the matrix, showing transitions from tensile to compressive stress from the inner to the outer surface of the composite casting.

Genome and metabolome analysis of Bacillus sp. Hex-HIT36: A newly screened functional microorganism for the degradation of 1-hexadecene in industrial wastewater

1-Hexadecene has been detected at a level of mg/L in both influent and effluent of wastewater treatment plants situated in chemical/pharmaceutical industrial parks, which poses a potential threat to the environment. However, few reports are available on aerobic metabolic pathways and microorganisms involved in 1-Hexadecene degradation. In this study, a new strain of 1-Hexadecene-degrading bacteria, Bacillus sp. Hex-HIT36 (HIT36), was isolated from the activated sludge of a wastewater treatment plants located in an industrial park. The physicochemical properties and degradation efficacy of HIT36 were investigated. HIT36 was cultured on a medium containing 1-Hexadecene as a sole carbon source; it was found to remove ∼67% of total organic carbon as confirmed by mass spectrometric analysis of intermediate metabolites. Metabolomic and genomic analysis showed that HIT36 possesses various enzymes, namely, pyruvate dehydrogenase, dihydropolyhydroxyl dehydrogenase, and 2-oxoglutarate-2-oxoiron oxidoreductase (subunit alpha), which assist in the metabolization of readily available carbon source or long chain hydrocarbons present in the growth medium/vicinity. This suggests that HIT36 has efficient long-chain alkane degradation efficacy, and understanding the alkane degradation mechanism of this strain can help in developing technologies for the degradation of long-chain alkanes present in wastewater, thereby assisting in the bioremediation of environment.

Enterobacter cloacae-mediated polymer biodegradation: in-silico analysis predicts broad spectrum degradation potential by Alkane monooxygenase.

Plastic pollution poses a significant environmental challenge. In this study, the strain Enterobacter cloacae O5-E, a bacterium displaying polyethylene-degrading capabilities was isolated. Over a span of 30days, analytical techniques including x-ray diffractometry, scanning electron microscopy, optical profilometry, hardness testing and mass spectrometric analysis were employed to examine alterations in the polymer. Results revealed an 11.48% reduction in crystallinity, a 50% decrease in hardness, and a substantial 25-fold increase in surface roughness resulting from the pits and cracks introduced in the polymer by the isolate. Additionally, the presence of degradational by-products revealed via gas chromatography ascertains the steady progression of degradation. Further, recognizing the pivotal role of alkane monooxygenase in plastic degradation, the study expanded to detect this enzyme in the isolate molecularly. Molecular docking studies were conducted to assess the enzyme's affinity with various polymers, demonstrating notable binding capability with most polymers, especially with polyurethane (-5.47kcal/mol). These findings highlight the biodegradation potential of Enterobacter cloacae O5-E and the crucial involvement of alkane monooxygenase in the initial steps of the degradation process, offering a promising avenue to address the global plastic pollution crisis.

Lentisk (Pistacia lentiscus) Oil Nanoemulsions Loaded with Levofloxacin: Phytochemical Profiles and Antibiofilm Activity against Staphylococcus spp.

Most clinical isolates of both Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis show the capacity to adhere to abiotic surfaces and to develop biofilms resulting in a contribution to chronic human skin infections. Antibiotic resistance and poor biofilm penetration are the main causes of ineffective therapeutic treatment in killing bacteria within biofilms. A possible strategy could be represented by drug delivery systems, such as nanoemulsions (composed of bioactive oil, surfactant and water phase), which are useful for enhancing the drug permeation of a loaded drug inside the biofilm and its activity. Phytochemical characterization of Pistacia lentiscus oil (LO) by direct infusion Fourier-transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FT-ICR MS) allowed the identification of bioactive compounds with antimicrobial properties, including fatty acids and phenolic compounds. Several monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes have been also detected and confirmed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometric (GC-MS) analysis, together providing a complete metabolomic profiling of LO. In the present study, a nanoemulsion composed of LO has been employed for improving Levofloxacin water solubility. A deep physical-chemical characterization of the nanoemulsion including hydrodynamic diameter, ζ-potential, morphology, entrapment efficiency, stability release and permeation studies was performed. Additionally, the antimicrobial/antibiofilm activity of these preparations was evaluated against reference and clinical Staphylococcus spp. strains. In comparison to the free-form antibiotic, the loaded NE nanocarriers exhibited enhanced antimicrobial activity against the sessile forms of Staphylococcus spp. strains.

Evaluation of the performance of air micro-nano bubbles for cleaning in place to reduce the reverse osmosis membrane clogging

This paper investigates the effect of air micro-nano bubbles (AMNBs) on increasing the efficiency of the cleaning in place (CIP) process for reverse osmosis (RO) systems used in petrochemical industries. A membrane from the desalination unit was extracted as the test section over which surface have been formed various types of clogging. The test set-up included, a Lab-Scale Plate-and-Frame Module (LSPFD) accompanied by a micro-nano bubble generator. The ratio of permeate flux and salt rejection in four states before CIP, after conventional CIP, after treatment with AMNBs, and after the conventional CIP along with AMNBs were recorded as 24.4, 26.9, 25.1, 27.3 and 68.2, 77.4, 70.1, 81.8 %, respectively. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) images and Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectrometer (EDS) analysis clearly show a notable reduction in clogging on the membrane when AMNBs are employed. Therefore, cleaning intervals of the industrial RO membranes increase resulting in the extension of their life-span.

Mechanistic Insight into the Thermal "Blueing" of Cyanine Dyes.

In recent work to develop cyanine dyes with especially large Stokes shifts, we encountered a "blueing" reaction, in which the heptamethine cyanine dye Cy7 (IUPAC: 1,3,3-trimethyl-2-((1E,3E,5E)-7-((E)-1,3,3-trimethylindolin-2-ylidene)hepta-1,3,5-trien-1-yl)-3H-indol-1-ium) undergoes shortening in two-carbon steps to form the pentamethine (Cy5) and trimethine (Cy3) analogs. Each step blue-shifts the resulting absorbance wavelength by ca. 100 nm. Though photochemical and oxidative chain-shortening reactions had been noted previously, it is simple heating alone or with amine bases that effects this unexpected net C2H2 excision. Explicit acetylene loss would be too endothermic to merit consideration. Our mechanistic studies using 2H labeling, mass spectrometric and NMR spectroscopic analyses, and quantum chemical modeling point instead to electrocyclic closure and aromatization of the heptamethine chain in Cy7 forming Fischer's base FB (1,3,3-trimethyl-2-methyleneindoline), a reactive carbon nucleophile that initiates chain shortening of the cyanine dyes by attack on their polymethine backbones. The byproduct is the cationic indolium species TMP (IUPAC: 1,3,3 trimethyl-2-phenyl indolium).

Effect of chemical abrasion of zircon on SIMS U–Pb, δ18O, trace element, and LA-ICPMS trace element and Lu–Hf isotopic analyses

Abstract. This study assesses the effect of chemical abrasion on in situ mass spectrometric isotopic and elemental analyses in zircon. Chemical abrasion improves the U–Pb systematics of SIMS (secondary ion mass spectrometry) analyses of reference zircons, while leaving other isotopic systems largely unchanged. SIMS 206Pb/238U ages of chemically abraded reference materials TEMORA-2, 91500, QGNG, and OG1 are precise to within 0.25 % to 0.4 % and are within uncertainty of chemically abraded TIMS (thermal ionization mass spectrometry) reference ages, while SIMS 206Pb/238U ages of untreated zircons are within uncertainty of TIMS reference ages where chemical abrasion was not used. Chemically abraded and untreated zircons appear to cross-calibrate within uncertainty using all but one possible permutation of reference materials, provided that the corresponding chemically abraded or untreated reference age is used for the appropriate material. In the case of reference zircons QGNG and OG1, which are slightly discordant, the SIMS U–Pb ages of chemically abraded and untreated material differ beyond their respective 95 % confidence intervals. SIMS U–Pb analysis of chemically abraded zircon with multiple growth stages is more difficult to interpret. Treated igneous rims on zircon crystals from the S-type Mount Painter Volcanics are much lower in common Pb than the rims on untreated zircon grains. However, the analyses of chemically abraded material show excess scatter. Chemical abrasion also changes the relative abundance of the ages of zircon cores inherited from the sedimentary protolith, presumably due to some populations being more likely to survive the chemical abrasion process than others. We consider these results from inherited S-type zircon cores to be indicative of results for detrital zircon grains from unmelted sediments. Trace element, δ18O, and εHf analyses were also performed on these zircons. None of these systems showed substantial changes as a result of chemical abrasion. The most discordant reference material, OG1, showed a loss of OH as a result of chemical abrasion, presumably due to dissolution of hydrous metamict domains or thermal dehydration during the annealing step of chemical abrasion. In no case did zircon gain fluorine due to exchange of lattice-bound substituted OH or other anions with fluorine during the HF partial dissolution phase of the chemical abrasion process. As the OG1, QGNG, and TEMORA-2 zircon samples are known to be compositionally inhomogeneous in trace element composition, spot-to-spot differences dominated the trace element results. Even the 91500 megacrystic zircon pieces exhibited substantial chip-to-chip variation. The light rare earth elements (LREEs) in chemically abraded OG1 and TEMORA-2 were lower than in the untreated samples. Ti concentration and phosphorus saturation ((Y + REE) / P) were generally unchanged in all samples.

A Gated TIMS FTICR MS Instrument to Decipher Isomeric Content of Complex Organic Mixtures.

Modern research faces increasingly complex materials with a constant need for new analytical strategies that can provide deeper levels of chemical insight. Ultrahigh resolution mass spectrometry (MS), particularly Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance (FTICR) MS, has provided a robust analytical foundation. However, MS alone offers limited structural information. Here, we present the first implementation and results from an FTICR MS with fully integrated dual accumulation analysis with gated trapped ion mobility spectrometry (gTIMS) capability. The drastically extended charge capacity and parallel accumulation facilitate the analysis of complex mixtures. We achieved a high dynamic range of 4 orders of magnitude within a single FTICR acquisition event. Simultaneously, the valuable linear relationship between the TIMS elution voltage and reduced mobility was retained over a wide mobility range. Benchmarking the instrument performance with Suwannee River fulvic acid (SRFA) by variable ramp gTIMS analysis allowed separation and unambiguous assignment of different charge state distributions. Application to bio-oils has proven the capability to distinguish the isomeric diversity in these ultracomplex samples, while maintaining the expected FTICR MS resolving power and mass accuracy. Valuable information about the molecular distribution, isomeric diversity, and main molecular differences could directly be extracted within the analysis time of a classical "dilute and shoot" direct infusion experiment. The development of this fully integrated and flexible gTIMS with FTICR MS analysis possesses the potential to significantly change the current landscape of high-resolution mass spectrometric analysis of complex mixtures through the added insight of isomeric complexity afforded by TIMS. The exploration of the added IMS dimension promises transformative effects across diverse fields including energy transition, environmental studies, and biological research.

Characterization and Enhanced Production of Fungal Melanin from Aspergillus Species Isolated from Soil

This study aimed to isolate and identify fungi from soil samples, focusing on their ability to produce melanin. Eleven different genera of fungi were isolated and identified using lactophenol cotton blue staining and microscopic examination, referencing H.L. Barnett and Barry B. Hunter. Among these, only Aspergillus was found to produce melanin. Optimal melanin production conditions were determined to be a 1.5% tyrosine supplement in the growth medium, under shaking conditions (120 rpm) and dark incubation for three weeks, resulting in a yield of 21.08 mg/100 ml. Physiochemical characterization revealed that the extracted melanin was insoluble in organic solvents but soluble in alkaline solutions (NaOH, KOH), and partially soluble in DMSO. Spectrometric analysis using UV-Visible spectroscopy showed characteristic absorption peaks. FTIR indicated functional groups and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) images displayed a granular and heterogeneous surface topology. The study also assessed the effects of different carbon and nitrogen sources, and trace elements on melanin production. Maltose and sucrose were the most effective carbon sources, while peptone was the most effective nitrogen source. Among trace elements, calcium significantly enhanced melanin yield, while copper and zinc had moderate effects. These findings provide valuable insights into optimizing fungal melanin production and its potential industrial applications. The study highlights the sustainable and scalable production of melanin from Aspergillus, contributing to the broader understanding of fungal metabolites and their commercial exploitation. Future research should focus on genetic and metabolic pathways to further enhance melanin biosynthesis and explore its diverse applications.

Hypericum perforatum-derived exosomes-like nanovesicles for adipose tissue photodynamic therapy

BackgroundRecent investigations underscore the capacity of photodynamic therapy (PDT) to induce adipocyte apoptosis, thereby mitigating obesity. Nonetheless, extant synthetic photosensitizers manifest limitations that hinder their clinical viability. PurposeIn the current study, we used Hypericum perforatum-derived exosomes-like nanovesicles (HPExos) as a novel photosensitizer, and investigated its PDT effects in adipose tissue during obesity. MethodHPExos-were administered to high fat diet mice via intraperitoneal injection, followed by targeted irradiation with specialized LED lights. Mass spectrometric analysis was analyzed in adipose tissues. CCK8 assay and Oil Red O staining were used to investigate lipid accumulation in 3T3-L1 cells to clarify adipocyte differentiation. The expression levels of related markers associated with adipogenesis and lipogenesis were assessed by RT-PCR. Apoptosis analysis was performed by TUNEL staining of and western blotting. ResultsHPExos combined with PDT accumulated in visceral white adipose tissues results in a reduced body weight and improved insulin sensitivity. HPExos combined with PDT induced apoptosis by driving high levels of ROS. In addition, HPExos combined with PDT significantly downregulated the expression of transcription factors, PPARγ, C/EBPα, and SREBP and lipogenesis protein FABP4 both in vitro and in vivo, associated with a decreased FFA levels. ConclusionThese findings suggest that HPExos could act as an effective photosensitizer in regulating glucose hemostasis by inhibiting adipocyte differentiation and lipogenesis, offering a promising approach for obesity treatment.

Surface Functionalization of Bamboo via Photo-Grafting Tannic Acid for Enhanced Silver Ion Loading Properties.

Photo-grafting is a gentle, simple, and precise approach to incorporating specific functional molecules for the surface functionalization of substrates. In this work, ultraviolet (UV)-induced tannic acid (TA) grafting onto the surface of bamboo was proposed as a viable strategy for functionalizing bamboo. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) clearly indicated that TA was successfully introduced to the bamboo's surface. The optimal conditions for the grafting reaction were determined to be 15 mM Methyl-2-benzoylbenzoate (BB), 30 mM TA, 20 min, and a pH = 8. Under these conditions, the amount of TA grafted onto the bamboo's surface was measured to be 19.98 μg/cm2. Results from Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP) and Energy Dispersive Spectrometer (EDS) analyses showed that the silver ion loading capacity of tannic acid-grafted bamboo was significantly improved compared to that of raw bamboo and tannic acid-impregnated bamboo. Furthermore, the presence of TA grafted on the bamboo's surface exhibited a positive correlation with the loading of silver ions, indicating that grafted TA plays an important role in the surface functionalization of bamboo. We believe that photo-grafted TA may help generate multifunctional bamboo with diverse properties.

Towards a scalable production of β-Li3PS4-based all-solid-state batteries: Optimizing pressing parameters of the tape-casted solid electrolyte and composite cathode films

Pressing of all-solid-state batteries (ASSBs) components is one of the most important processes for scalable production. Henceforth, pressing parameters (pressure and temperature) for β-Li3PS4 (β-LPS) solid electrolyte (SE) separator films and LiNi0.6Co0.2Mn0.2 (NCM622)/β-LPS composite cathode films prepared by a slurry-based process were investigated and optimized. Compression of the β-LPS film at a temperature of 100 °C led to higher ionic conductivity than cold-pressed films. Raman and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopic analyses revealed no changes in the chemical nature of β-LPS material after hot pressing. Interestingly, time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometric (ToF-SIMS) analyses indicated a binder enrichment in the upper layers of the hot-pressed film. In a similar trend, increasing compression and temperature resulted in higher densification of NCM622/β-LPS composite cathode films. Based on galvanostatic intermittent titration technique (GITT) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) measurements, hot-pressed composite cathode at 200 MPa/100 °C exhibited a higher coverage percent of catholyte on cathode active material and a greater Li+ diffusion coefficient (DLi+) than cold-pressed one at 200 MPa/20 °C. Cycling tests of “Li–In│β-LPS│NCM/β-LPS” ASSBs with hot-pressed films displayed better cycling performance than that with cold-pressed ones, attributed to the higher concentration of electrochemically active NCM in close contact with β-LPS catholyte.

Atmospheric Intermediates at the Air-Water Interface.

The air-water interface (AWI) is a ubiquitous reaction field different from the bulk phase where unexpected reactions and physical processes often occur. The AWI is a region where air contacts cloud droplets, aerosol particles, the ocean surface, and biological surfaces such as fluids that line human epithelia. In Earth's atmosphere, short-lived intermediates are expected to be generated at the AWI during multiphase reactions. Recent experimental developments have enabled the direct detection of atmospherically relevant, short-lived intermediates at the AWI. For example, spray ionization mass spectrometric analysis of water microjets exposed to a gaseous mixture of ozone and water vapor combined with a 266 nm laser flash photolysis system (LFP-SIMS) has been used to directly probe organic peroxyl radicals (RO2·) produced by interfacial hydroxyl radicals (OH·) + organic compound reactions. OH· emitted immediately after the laser flash photolysis of carboxylic acid at the gas-liquid interface have been directly detected by time-resolved, laser-induced florescence techniques that can be used to study atmospheric multiphase photoreactions. In this Featured Article, we show some recent experimental advances in the detection of atmospherically important intermediates at the AWI and the associated reaction mechanisms. We also discuss current challenges and future prospects for atmospheric multiphase chemistry.