Stabilization Effect Research Articles

Synergistic effect of Ca/Zn main stabilizer and maltitol auxiliary stabilizer on the thermal stability, mechanical properties, and transparency of poly(vinyl chloride)

AbstractMaltitol, a natural compound, offers a potentially eco‐friendly alternative to conventional auxiliary thermal stabilizers. Its auxiliary stabilization effect was studied by discoloration tests, Congo red tests, thermogravimetric analysis, and UV–visible spectroscopy. Additionally, x‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and discoloration tests were used to study the stabilizing mechanisms of maltitol. Compared to dipentaerythritol, commonly used in the PVC industry, maltitol as an auxiliary stabilizer exhibits better improvement in thermal stability. This improvement is related to its melting point, ability to complex with zinc chloride, and content of hydroxyl groups. Furthermore, the addition of maltitol in PVC not only maintains good transparency of PVC basically unchanged but also improves the mechanical properties. Maltitol, as a natural, eco‐friendly, and efficient auxiliary thermal stabilizer, exhibits a promising application prospect in PVC materials.

The influence mechanism of mechanical modification on fly ash carbonation to solidify heavy metals

Dry and wet milling, were selected to carry out modification experiments. The influence of mechanical modification pretreatment on fly ash carbonation to solidify heavy metals was explored, and its influence mechanism was revealed. Mechanical modification can improve the physical properties, and the continuous application of mechanical energy can activate the active sites which strengthen fly ash carbonation. The carbonation efficiency was obtained by 500–800 °C thermogravimetric analysis before and after carbonation. The average carbonation efficiency improved by dry milling is 2.28 %, and that improved by wet milling is 8.11 %. Carbonation has a good curing effect on Cr, Cd, Pb and As, especially when the CO2 is raised to supercritical. At 8 MPa pressure, the leaching concentrations of Cr, Cd, Pb and As decrease by 34.94 %, 7.00 %, 15.28 % and 35.85 %. The stabilization effect of fly ash carbonation on heavy metals is significantly improved after mechanical modification pretreatment. Comparison experiments on characterization of fly ash before and after mechanical modification shows that ball milling significantly increases the specific surface area. The crushing effect of wet milling is better, because the presence of water weakens the agglomeration of fine particles caused by van der Waal force. Mechanical modification can effectively improve the pore structure of fly ash and activate active sites which promote carbonation to form a larger physical wrapping area and strengthen stable carbonate formation. so mechanical modification effectively improves the solidification of heavy metals by carbonation.

Modulating the intrinsic fluorescence properties of amoxicillin by sulfur nanodot-based nanoreactor for its direct fluorescence detection

Direct fluorescence detection of amoxicillin (AMX) is highly desired for food and environment safety but remains a formidable challenge because of its low conjugation degree and stabilization effects on excitons. In this work, we proposed a direct fluorometry for AMX through modulating its fluorescence properties by utilizing sulfur nanodots (S-dots) as nanoreactors. S-dots provided both confined carrier and reactants (polyethylene glycol (PEG) and sulfite ions) to modulate the fluorescence properties of AMX, achieving a 277-fold increase on the fluorescence intensities. PEG and SO32- interacted with AMX through both covalent and hydrogen bounds, which stabilized the excited states, decreased the chances of nonradiative path and activated the radiative decay. The ultrasmall sized S-dots also provided confinement carries for promoting the reactivity between AMX and surface function groups. Quantitative detection of AMX in commercial milk samples was realized through direct recording the fluorescence signals, achieving a limit of detection of 159 nM. The reported results provided a new idea to design fluorescence assays for extremely weak emissive molecules, showing great potential in food safety analysis, environmental and healthy monitoring.

The stabilization effects of macrocyclic hosts on novel sandwich dimers M2Cp2 (M = Be and Mg) and their fluoro derivatives

The stabilization effects of macrocyclic hosts on novel sandwich dimers M2Cp2 (M = Be and Mg) and their fluoro derivatives

On how finite β and three-dimensional magnetic perturbations affect the instability of toroidal ion temperature gradient mode

Abstract The effects of finite β (the ratio of plasma kinetic pressure to magnetic pressure) and three-dimensional (3D) magnetic perturbations (MPs) on the instability of toroidal ion temperature gradient (ITG) mode are studied in this work. The expression of ion magnetic drift frequency ω_di modified by the effects from both finite β and 3D MPs is firstly derived based on the local 3D equilibrium model. Then, under the assumptions of adiabatic electrons and localized mode structure around the outboard mid-plane (ϑ_p=0), the dispersion equation of the long wavelength toroidal ITG mode with considering the parallel ion dynamics is derived and solved. The results show that the distribution of ω_di around the outboard mid-plane, including both ω_(di,0)=├ ω_di ┤|_(ϑ_p=0) and ω_(di,0)^''≡├ (d^2 ω_di \/dϑ_p^2 )┤|_(ϑ_p=0) (twist parameter quantifying the degree of concave or convex of ω_di), is the key for affecting the toroidal ITG mode instability. The diamagnetic effects from finite β and the effects from 3D MPs can suppress the instability by reducing |ω_(di,0) |. Via reducing |ω_(di,0)^'' | under the prerequisite of unchanged sign of ω_(di,0)^'', there also exist stabilization effects on the instability from 3D MPs and the modification of local magnetic shear by finite β effects. In addition, the stabilization effects induced by reducing |ω_(di,0)^'' | are closely associated with the global magnetic shear. The mechanisms for the effects of finite β and 3D MPs on the instability of toroidal ITG mode revealed in this work are helpful to the comprehensive understanding of the relationship between internal kink mode induced non-axisymmetric flux surface distortion and internal transport barrier physics in tokamak plasmas.

Surfactant-enhanced dispersion stability of cellulose nanocrystals and enhanced oil recovery performance

Cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) have attracted more and more attention in EOR. CNCs are abundant and renewable, with nanoscale dimensions, excellent rheological properties, and easy-to-modify surface properties. However, the colloid stability of CNCs under high salinity conditions is poor, which limits their application in enhanced oil recovery (EOR). In order to improve the stability of CNCs in the salt environment, the effect of the mixed system of sodium dodecyl benzenesulfonate (SDBS) and polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate (Tween 80) on the dispersion stability of CNCs in the presence of different valence salt ions was investigated systematically. The dispersion stability of CNCs was investigated by using the ζ-potential and dynamic light scattering (DLS) techniques. The mixed surfactants improved the dispersion stability of CNCs within the studied salt ion concentration range (Na+ ≤ 300 mM, Ca2+ ≤ 10 mM, Mg2+ ≤ 10 mM). The stabilization mechanism of CNCs was explained by the electrostatic effect and spatial stabilization effect. In the presence of salt ions, the adsorption behavior of mixed surfactants on the surface of CNCs in the presence and absence of crude oil was revealed through molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Microscopic displacement experiments indicated that due to the small particle size of CNCs in salt environments, the pores were not blocked, resulting in a significant improvement in the oil displacement performance.

Recent Advances in High-Entropy Layered Oxide Cathode Materials for Alkali Metal-Ion Batteries.

Since the electrochemical de/intercalation behavior is first detected in 1980, layered oxides have become the most promising cathode material for alkali metal-ion batteries (Li+/Na+/K+; AMIBs) owing to their facile synthesis and excellent theoretical capacities. However, the inherent drawbacks of unstable structural evolution and sluggish diffusion kinetics deteriorate their electrochemical performance, limiting further large-scale applications. To solve these issues, the novel and promising strategy of high entropy has been widely applied to layered oxide cathodes for AMIBs in recent years. Through multielement synergy and entropy stabilization effects, high-entropy layered oxides (HELOs) can achieve adjustable activity and enhanced stability. Herein, the basic concepts, design principles, and synthesis methods of HELO cathodes are introduced systematically. Notably, it explores in detail the improvements of the high-entropy strategy on the limitations of layered oxides, highlighting the latest advances in high-entropy layered cathode materials in the field of AMIBs. In addition, it introduces advanced characterization and theoretical calculations for HELOs and proposes potential future research directions and optimization strategies, providing inspiration for researchers to develop advanced HELO cathode materials in the areas of energy storage and conversion.

Initial results from neoclassical tearing mode stabilization experiment in KSTAR high normalized beta plasmas

Abstract Active stabilization of neoclassical tearing modes (NTMs) is critical for high beta plasma operation in the KSTAR tokamak. In recent device operation, an experiment was conducted to develop a m/n = 2/1 NTM stabilization in high normalized beta (βN) plasmas having βN > 3 by using electron cyclotron current drive (ECCD). The experiment is designed to first demonstrate the direct mode stabilization effect of the device EC system by varying the ECCD deposition location around the mode rational surface to prepare for future NTM stabilization in KSTAR using feedback schemes. In the experiment, the toroidal magnetic field strength, BT, is reduced to 1.5–1.6 T to create a highly localized ECCD profile on a large island width expected to produce a high stabilization effect. To align the ECCD with the mode, BT is varied between discharges by keeping the EC wave injection angles fixed to move the current deposition location across the q = 2 mode rational surface in ~1 cm steps along the plasma midplane. The result shows a prompt reduction of the mode amplitude by ~60% with a partial recovery of the loss of stored energy when the ECCD with 0.7 MW power is applied promptly after the mode onset at BT = 1.54 T. This abrupt reduction of the mode amplitude is significantly weaker or disappears in other discharges having slightly different BT in which the ECCD is deposited a few centimeters away. This result indicates a direct interaction between the driven EC current and the radially localized island structure first observed in the device. The EC ray-tracing analysis using the TORAY code shows that the applied EC-driven current aligns with the mode rational surface when the mode amplitude is observed to decrease. The stability of the observed 2/1 NTM is examined by constructing the modified Rutherford equation (MRE). The calculated EC power requirement for complete mode stabilization by assuming perfect alignment of ECCD on the mode is 0.8-1.7 MW by considering the uncertainties in the equation. This MRE-computed mode stability agrees with the experiment. The result projects that the present KSTAR EC system can stabilize the 2/1 NTM disrupting high βN plasmas, and provides the requirement of the mode-ECCD alignment for complete mode stabilization in future experiments in which an accurate alignment is planned to be made by feedback schemes being developed.

Theoretical framework for learning through structural plasticity

A growing body of research indicates that structural plasticity mechanisms are crucial for learning and memory consolidation. Starting from a simple phenomenological model, we exploit a mean-field approach to develop a theoretical framework of learning through this kind of plasticity, capable of taking into account several features of the connectivity and pattern of activity of biological neural networks, including probability distributions of neuron firing rates, selectivity of the responses of single neurons to multiple stimuli, probabilistic connection rules, and noisy stimuli. More importantly, it describes the effects of stabilization, pruning, and reorganization of synaptic connections. This framework is used to compute the values of some relevant quantities used to characterize the learning and memory capabilities of the neuronal network in training and testing procedures as the number of training patterns and other model parameters vary. The results are then compared with those obtained through simulations with firing-rate-based neuronal network models. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

Regioselective encapsulation of Pd clusters in hollow polycrystalline shell

Zeolite catalysts have been widely applied in petroleum and chemical industries. Nano/hierarchical structure could improve the utilization efficiency of active sites, especially for metal species encapsulated in zeolites. However, the uniformity of zeolite surface and crystallinity would decrease, leading to low stabilization effect. Herein, we developed a seed-directed method to prepare Pd clusters (∼1.3 nm) regioselectively encapsulated in hollow polycrystalline shell of Silicalite-1 zeolite. In nitrobenzene hydrogenation reaction, the optimized Pd@S-1-hp showed a high conversion of 92.2 % at 110 °C, which is 40 % higher than that of Pd clusters in bulk zeolite. Sub-nano Pd species in polycrystalline shell could significantly shorten the diffusion length on the basis of strong microporous confinement effect. Catalytic hydrogenation activity remained stable after six cycles. This structure could be extended to heterogeneous reactions suffering from diffusion limitation.

Low Sintering Temperature Effect on Crystal Structure and Dielectric Properties of Lead-Free Piezoelectric Bi0.5Na0.5TiO3-NaFeTiO4

Bi0.5Na0.5TiO3 (BNT) emerges as a promising ferroelectric and piezoelectric lead-free candidate to substitute the contaminant Pb[TixZr1−x]O3 (PZT). However, to obtain optimal ferroelectric and piezoelectric properties, BNT must be sintered at high temperatures. In this work, the reduction of sintering temperature by using iron added to BNT is demonstrated, without significant detriment to the dielectric properties. BNT-xFe with iron from x = 0 to 0.1 mol (∆x = 0.025) were synthesized using high-energy ball milling followed by sintering at 900 °C. XRD analysis confirmed the presence of rhombohedral BNT together with a new phase of NaFeTiO4 (NFT), which was also corroborated using optical and electronic microscopy. The relative permittivity, in the range of 400 to 500 across all the frequencies, demonstrated the stabilization effect of the iron in BNT. Additionally, the presence of iron elevates the transition from ferroelectric to paraelectric structure, increasing it from 330 °C in the iron-free sample to 370 °C in the sample with the maximum iron concentration (0.1 mol). The dielectric losses maintain constant values lower than 0.1. In this case, low dielectric loss values are ideal for ferroelectric and piezoelectric materials, as they ensure minimal energy dissipation. Likewise, the electrical conductivity maintains a semiconductor behavior across a range of 50 Hz to 1 × 106 Hz, indicating the potential of these materials for applications at different frequencies. Additionally, the piezoelectric constant (d33) values decrease slightly when low concentrations of iron are added, maintaining values between 30 and 48 pC/N for BNT-0.025Fe and BNT-0.05Fe, respectively.

The First‐In‐Class Deubiquitinase‐Targeting Chimera Stabilizes and Activates cGAS

AbstractDeubiquitinase‐targeting chimera (DUBTAC) is a promising technology for inducing targeted protein stabilization (TPS). Despite its therapeutic potential, very few proteins have been stabilized by DUBTACs to date. The limited applicability of this technology is likely due to the modest DUBTAC‐induced protein stabilization effect, and the scarcity of effective deubiquitinase ligands that can be harnessed for DUBTAC development. Here, we report the discovery of MS7829 and MS8588, the first‐in‐class DUBTACs of cGAS, a key component of the cGAS‐STING pathway. While these DUBTACs are based on a cGAS inhibitor, they effectively stabilized cGAS and activated the cGAS/STING/IRF3 signaling. To develop these cGAS DUBTACs, we optimized EN523, an OTUB1 covalent ligand, into an improved ligand, MS5105. We validated MS5105 by generating a MS5105‐based CFTR DUBTAC, which was approximately 10‐fold more effective in stabilizing the ΔF508‐CFTR mutant protein than the previously reported EN523‐based CFTR DUBTAC. Overall, this work advances the DUBTAC technology for TPS.

Mechanistic insights on stabilization and destabilization effect of ionic liquids on type I collagen fibrils

Tuned assembly of collagen has tremendous applications in the field of biomedical and tissue engineering owing to its targeted biological functionalities. In this study, ionic liquids choline dihydrogen citrate (CDHC) and diethyl methyl ammonium methane sulfonate (AMS) have been used to regulate the self-assembly of collagen at its physiological pH by probing the assembled systems at certain concentration ratios of ionic liquids and the systems were studied using various characterization methods. Due to interaction with collagen, choline dihydrogen citrate causes delay in the collagen fibrillisation process showing no binding interactions with collagen. In contrast, diethyl methyl ammonium methane sulfonate shows crosslinking effect on collagen fibrillisation due to the electrostatic interaction with the tetrahedral hydration shell of collagen moieties. From rheological studies it was observed that the AMS treated collagen fibril at 1:1 % (w/v) has highest linear viscoelastic range, this can bear the stress under high strain compare to native collagen fibril as well as all CDHC composites. For a sustainable biomaterial or bio-scaffold, mechanical property plays pivotal role on it and from our experimental analysis we found certain composites of ionic liquid treated collagen fibrillar assembly which may act as a sustainable biomaterial or bio-scaffold. It was also evolved that, how the structure-function relationship of ionic force modulated fibrillar assembly controlling the mechanical properties of the tuned system. This self-assembled, ionic-liquid treated collagen-fibrillar system would accelerate various force modulated fibrillar network study, for mimicking the ECM and tissue engineering application.

Assessing the effect of deep eutectic solvents on α-chymotrypsin thermal stability and activity.

Optimizing the liquid reaction phase holds significant potential for enhancing the efficiency of biocatalytic pro- cesses since it determines reaction equilibrium and kinetics. This study investigates the influence of the addition of deep eutectic solvents on the stability and activity of α-chymotrypsin, a proteolytic enzyme with industrial rele- vance. Deep eutectic solvents, composed of choline chloride or betaine mixed with glycerol or sorbitol, were added in the reaction phase at various concentrations. Experimental techniques, including kinetic and fluorometry, were employed to assess the α-chymotrypsin activity, thermal stability, and unfolding reversibility. Atomistic molecular dynamics simulations were also conducted to assess the interactions and provide molecular-level insights between α-chymotrypsin and the solvent. The results showed that among all studied mixtures, adding choline chloride + sorbitol improved thermal stability up to 18 °C and reaction kinetic efficiency up to two-fold upon adding choline chloride + glycerol. Notably, the choline chloride + sorbitol system exhibited the most substantial stabilization effect, attributed to the surface preferential accumulation of sorbitol, as corroborated by the computational anal- yses. This work highlights the potential of tailoring liquid reaction phase of α-chymotrypsin catalyzed reaction using neoteric solventsto enhance α-chymotrypsin performance and stability in industrial applications.

Stabilization effect of trivalent chromium on a Cu-based metal-organic framework: Strengthen the original O–Cu–O metal-ligand bond

Cu-BTC materials are widely used because of the high specific surface areas and special pore structures, but the water instability has also been proven. With the adsorption of trivalent chromium, the long-time stability of Cu-based metal-organic frameworks Cu-BTC was got improved in water treatments. A strategy to improve the framework stability in water by the adsorption of trivalent chromium ions into Cu-BTC has been developed. The results showed that the treated Cu-BTC-Cr material has much better water stability and alkaline resistance than the original Cu-BTC.

Comparative Remediation of Arsenic and Antimony Co-Contaminated Soil by Iron- and Manganese-Modified Activated Carbon and Biochar.

At present, soil contaminated with arsenic (As) and antimony (Sb) is escalating at an alarming rate, which is harmful to human health. In this study, Fe- and Mn-modified activated carbon (AC) and biochar (BC) were prepared and compared for the remediation of As- and Sb-contaminated soil. The effects on the speciation of As and Sb, soil pH, organic matter (SOM), and enzyme activity with various dosages and remediation times were investigated. The results showed that on the whole, the best stabilization effect of As and Sb was achieved with 3% FeMnBC. Furthermore, with increases in time and dosage, the immobilization effect on As and Sb was more significant. Fe/Mn-modified AC and BC enhanced soil pH, with 3% MnAC being particularly effective; 3% AC and 3% FeMnAC demonstrated the most pronounced enhancement in SOM. The modified carbon materials exhibited a dramatic increase in enzymatic activity. In particular, urease activity showed an increasing trend, and catalase activity first decreased and then increased over 30 days. Among the treatments, 3% MnAC showed the most significant enhancements in catalase and urease activities, whereas 1% FeMnBC had the most pronounced effect on increasing sucrase activity. This study provides theoretical support for the remediation of soil co-contaminated with As and Sb by Fe/Mn-modified AC and BC.

Fabrication, characterization and simulated gastrointestinal digestion of sea buckthorn pulp oil microcapsule: effect of wall material and interfacial bilayer stabilization.

Sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) pulp oil is rich in functional components; however, low water solubility and stability limit its applications. This study fabricated sea buckthorn pulp oil microcapsules using whey protein isolate (WPI), soy protein isolate (SPI), sodium caseinate (NaCN), gum arabic (GA), starch sodium octenylsuccinate (OSAS) and SPI mixed with chitosan (CHI). The influences of these wall materials on physicochemical properties, release behavior and digestibility were explored. Protein-based wall materials (WPI, NaCN, SPI) demonstrated lower bulk densities due to their porous structures and larger particle sizes, while GA and OSAS produced denser microcapsules. Encapsulation efficiency was the highest for protein-based microcapsules (79.41-89.12%) and the lowest for GA and OSAS. The surface oil percentage of protein-based microcapsules (1.41-4.40%) was lower than that of the other microcapsules. Protein-based microcapsules showed concave and cracked surfaces, while GA and OSAS microcapsules were spherical and smooth. CHI improved reconstitution performance, leading to faster dissolution. During simulated gastrointestinal digestion, protein-based microcapsules released more free fatty acids (FFAs) in the intestinal phase, while CHI-modified SPI microcapsules showed a delayed release pattern due to thicker walls. Protein-based wall materials were more effective for sea buckthorn pulp oil microencapsulation, providing higher encapsulation efficiency, better flow properties and releasing more FFAs. The addition of CHI led to the layer-by-layer self-assembly of the microcapsule wall and resulted in sustained release during in vitro intestinal digestion. These findings suggested the potential of protein-based microcapsules for targeted delivery and improved applications of bioactive oils in the food industry. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Synthesis of perylene‐PEO hyperdispersants for aqueous graphene dispersion

AbstractGraphene, with excellent thermal conductivity, electrical and corrosion shielding performance has great application potential in the fields of heat dissipation coating, conductive agent and anticorrosion composite coatings. However, due to its large specific surface area, resulting strong aggregation behavior limits its application. Herein, the hyperdispersants with perylene anchoring groups are synthesized through the amidation coupling reaction between diacid anhydride and polyetheramine. The branching degree and length of hydrophilic chains on hyperdispersant are revealed to be the very important factors to affect the dispersion stability of aqueous graphene dispersion. The hyperdispersant with a single hydrophilic chain and the molecular weight 2000 of polyetheramine has the excellent dispersal activity discovered by Rheology, particle size distribution and Raman measurements. The possible mechanism is the strongest anchoring effect of perylene on graphene surface and thus achieving in best effective spatial exclusion stabilization effect of hydrophilic chains.

Effect of Cyclodextrins Formulated in Liposomes and Gold and Selenium Nanoparticles on siRNA Stability in Cell Culture Medium

Background: Encapsulation of siRNA fragments inside liposome vesicles has emerged as an effective method for delivering siRNAs in vitro and in vivo. However, the liposome’s fluid-phospholipid bilayer of liposomes allows siRNA fragments to diffuse out of the liposome, decreasing the dose concentration and therefore the effectiveness of the carrier. We have previously reported that β-cyclodextrins formulated in liposomes help increase the stability of siRNAs in cell culture medium. Here, we continued that study to include α, γ, methyl-β-cyclodextrins and β-cyclodextrin-modified gold and selenium nanoparticles. Methods: We used Isothermal Titration Calorimetry to study the binding thermodynamics of siRNAs to the cyclodextrin-modified nanoparticles and to screen for the best adamantane derivative to modify the siRNA fragments, and we used gel electrophoresis to study the stabilization effect of siRNA by cyclodextrins and the nanoparticles. Results: We found that only β- and methyl-β-cyclodextrins increased siRNA serum stability. Cyclodextrin-modified selenium nanoparticles also stabilize siRNA fragments in serum, and siRNAs chemically modified with an adamantane moiety (which forms inclusion complexes with the cyclodextrin-modified-nanoparticles) show a strong stabilization effect. Conclusions: β-cyclodextrins are good additives to stabilize siRNA in cell culture medium, and the thermodynamic data we generated of the interaction between cyclodextrins and adamantane analogs (widely used in drug delivery studies), should serve as a guide for future studies where cyclodextrins are sought for the delivery and solvation of small organic molecules.

Ion-Pairing Propensity in Guanidinium Salts Dictates Their Protein (De)stabilization Behavior.

Since the proposition of the Hofmeister series, guanidinium (Gdm) salts hold a special mention in protein science owing to their contrasting effect on protein(s) depending on the counteranion(s). For example, while GdmCl is known to act as a potential protein denaturant, Gdm2SO4 offers minimal effect on protein structure. Despite the fact that theoretical studies reckon the formation of ion-pairing to be responsible for such behavior, experimental validation of this hypothesis is still in sparse. In this study, we combine electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and THz spectroscopy to underline the effect of GdmCl and Gdm2SO4 on a model amide molecule N-methylacetamide (NMA). Molecular dynamics (MD) simulation studies predict that Gdm2SO4 forms heteroion pairing in water, which inhibits Gdm+ ions to approach NMA molecules, while in case of GdmCl, Gdm+ ions directly interact with NMA. The experimental findings on ion hydration, specifically the detailed analysis of the ion-water rattling mode, which appears in the THz frequency domain, unambiguously endorse this hypothesis. Our study establishes the fact that the propensity of ion-pairing in Gdm salts dictates their (de)stabilization effect on proteins.