Synchrotron FTIR Research Articles

Green plastics: Direct production from grocery wastes to bioplastics and structural characterization by using synchrotron FTIR

Lignocellulosic bioplastics were produced using four different green wastes: hemp, parsley stem, pineapple leaves and walnut shell. Two different solutions were used to dissolve the green wastes: trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) and pure water. The changes in their natural structures and the solvent effect during the regeneration in biofilm formation were investigated by using Synchrotron FTIR Microspectroscopy (SR-µFTIR). The presence of cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin components in the water-based biofilms was confirmed. After dissolving in TFA, the spectra demonstrated some additional bands especially in the hemicellulose region. This is due to the hydrolysis of ester bonds and conversion to carboxylic acids. Principal component analysis showed grouping due to different solvents and polymer addition. Hemp-PVA (Polyvinyl Alcohol) composite biofilms were obtained by adding polyvinyl alcohol to the hemp solution to give extra strength to the hemp biofilms. It has been shown that water-based hemp-PVA biofilms do not cause any significant spectral changes, comparing with pure hemp and PVA spectra. However, after dissolving in TFA, unlike water-based biofilms, it appears that TFA molecules are retained by PVA through hydrogen bonds of TFA’s carboxylic acid and hydroxyl groups and distinct spectral regions belong to TFA bands are clearly identified.

Enhancement the electrical and linear/nonlinear optical properties of ZnCo2O4 through Al3+doping

In this work, ZnCo2O4 samples doped with Al3+ were prepared by the hydrothermal method. Synchrotron x-ray diffraction, FTIR, SEM and EDX techniques were used to investigate the structure, microstructure, morphology, and composition of ZnCo2-xAlxO4 samples. Rietveld analysis revealed a nearly inverse structure for the undoped ZnCo2O4. The degree of inversion is increased upon increasing the Al3+ doping content. Al ions preferentially occupy the octahedral B-site. The optical band gaps of ZnCo2−xAlxO4 samples are 1.9, 1.8 and 1.91 eV for x = 0, 0.1 and 0.2, respectively. Different empirical models were used to obtain the refractive index of the different samples using their corresponding optical band gaps. The increase in non-linear optical values in the sample with x = 0.1 suggested that this sample could be used in a variety of photonic applications. The effects of frequency and temperature on the dielectric permittivity, impedance and electrical modulus of different samples were explored. All samples exhibited the non-Debye relaxation phenomenon. The relaxation time of each sample is affected with the frequency and temperature. The Cole-Cole curve is employed to reduce uncertainty regarding the electrical characteristics of these ZnCo2−xAlxO4 samples induced by grain boundaries or bulk grain. The substitution of Al3+ ions can regulate the conductivity of the ZnCo2O4 sample.

Protein aggregation monitoring in cells under oxidative stress: a novel fluorescent probe based on a 7-azaindole-BODIPY derivative.

The development of new fluorescent probes as molecular sensors is a critical step for the understanding of molecular mechanisms. BODIPY-based probes offer versatility due to their high fluorescence quantum yields, photostability, and tunable absorption/emission wavelengths. Here, we report the synthesis and evaluation of a novel 7-azaindole-BODIPY derivative to probe hydrophobic proteins as well as protein misfolding and aggregation. In organic solvents, this compound shows two efficiently interconverting emissive excited states. In aqueous environments, it forms molecular aggregates with unique photophysical properties. The complex photophysics of the 7-azaindole-BODIPY derivative was explored for sensing applications. In the presence of albumin, the compound is stabilized in hydrophobic protein regions, significantly increasing its fluorescence emission intensity and lifetime. Similar effects occur in the presence of protein aggregates but not with other macromolecules like pepsin, DNA, Ficoll 40, and coconut oil. Fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM) and two-photon fluorescence microscopy on breast (MCF-7) and lung (A549) cancer cells incubated with this compound display longer fluorescence lifetimes and higher emission intensity under oxidative stress. Synchrotron FTIR micro spectroscopy confirmed that the photophysical changes observed were due to protein misfolding and aggregation caused by the oxidative stress. These findings demonstrate that this compound can serve as a fluorescent probe to monitor protein misfolding and aggregation triggered by oxidative stress.

Design of a bipolar organic small-molecule cathode with mesoporous nanospheres structure for long lifespan and high-rate Li-storage performance.

Organic small-molecule compounds have become promising cathode materials for high-performance lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) due to their high theoretical capacity, efficient utilization of active sites, low cost, and sustainability. However, severe dissolution and poor electronic conductivity limit their further practical applications. Herein, we have synthesized an insoluble organic small molecule, ferrocenyl-3-(λ1-azazyl) pyrazinyl [2,3-f] [1,10] phenanthrolino-2-amine (FCPD), by grafting ferrocene onto pyrazino[2,3-f] [1,10] phenanthroline-2,3-diamine (PPD). The combination of ferrocene (p-type Fe2+ moiety) and PPD (n-type C[double bond, length as m-dash]N groups) in a bipolar manner endows the target FCPD cathode with an increased theoretical capacity and a wide voltage window. The highly conjugated π-π aromatic skeleton inside enhances FCPD's electron delocalization and promotes strong interaction between FCPD units. Additionally, the mesoporous structure within the FCPD can provide numerous electroactive sites, contact area, and ion diffusion channels. Benefiting from the bipolar feature, aromatic, and mesoporous structure, the FCPD cathode demonstrates a large capacity of 250 mA h g-1 at 0.1 A g-1, a long lifespan of 1000 cycles and a high-rate capability of 151 mA h g-1 at 5 A g-1 along with a wide voltage window (1.2-3.8 V). Additionally, in situ synchrotron FT-IR and ex situ XPS reveal its dual ion storage mechanism in depth. Our findings provide essential insights into exploring the molecular design of advanced organic small molecules.

Quantitative phase analysis and molecular structure of human gallstones using synchrotron radiation X-ray diffraction and FTIR spectroscopy

Human gallstones are the most common disorder in the biliary system, affecting up to 20 % of the adult population. The formation of gallstones is primarily due to the supersaturating of cholesterol in bile. In order to comprehend gallstone disease in detail, it is necessary to have accurate information about phase identification and molecular structure. Different types of gallstone samples were collected from the Middle East area after surgical operations including; cholesterol, pigment, and mixed gallstones. To estimate the basic information about the stone formation and the pathophysiology of cholelithiasis as well as to classify the collected human gallstones, attenuated total reflection Fourier transform Infrared spectrometry (ATR-FTIR) was used to analyze the different gallstone structures in the wavenumber range from 400 to 4000 cm−1. Calcium bilirubinate was specified by the bands at 1662 cm−1, 1626 cm−1, and 1572 cm−1, while cholesterol rings were designated by the bands at 1464, 1438, 1055, and 1022 cm−1. It can be assumed that all samples consist of mixed gallstones based on the doublets at 1375 cm−1 and 1365 cm−1. The levels of calcium bilirubin and various minerals varied among the analyzed samples, indicating the heterogeneity in their composition and suggesting potential implications for gallstone formation. Based on the quantitative phase analysis using synchrotron radiation X-ray diffraction (SR-XRD), two phases of anhydrous cholesterol as a major content and one phase of monohydrate cholesterols as trace content represent the main components of most of the gallstones. Additional phases of calcium carbonate in the form of calcite, vaterite, aragonite, and bilirubinate were also quantified. According to the outcomes of the FTIR and the SR-XRD measurements, there exists a statistical correlation between the different types of chemical constituents of the gallstones.

A Study of the Effects of Medical Dental Laser and Diamond Drill on Dentin Tissue during Dental Restoration Based on Spectral Imaging and Multivariate Analysis of Synchrotron FTIR Microspectroscopy Data

In our work, the effect of a dental Er:YAG pulsed laser and a diamond cylindrical drill with a turbine handpiece on dentin tissue was studied using spectral imaging. The combination of spectral imaging of FTIR microspectroscopy data and subsequent multivariate analysis (hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) and principal component analysis (PCA)) was shown to unambiguously detect visually indistinguishable structural changes occurring in the hard dental tissue (dentin) depending on the method used for their pre-processing, and to classify and differentiate the identified features at the submicron level with high spatial resolution. The detectable spectral transformations indicate that the preparation of dental tissue with a dental laser leads to significant changes in the organic components of dentin, which may affect adhesion. The use of a diamond cylindrical drill with a turbine handpiece is characterized by a larger area (depth) of the altered hard tissue than in the case of a dental laser for dental cavity preparation. The observed redistribution of the phase composition of the inorganic component in the tissue is associated with the emergence of additional phases of weak calcium phosphates, and changes in the organic component with transformations in the secondary structure of proteins. Active use of the proposed integrated approach in the future will clarify the areas of its applicability to the analysis of biological tissues and pathologies in them, which will help in the clinical setting to choose the optimal personalized approach for patients.

Features of the molecular composition of dental biofilm in patients depending on the degree of caries and the method of its prevention: synchrotron FTIR spectroscopic studies

The article studies the molecular composition of dental biofilm in healthy people and patients with multiple caries lesions during several stages of exogenous and endogenous preventive measures. The observed changes in the IR spectra registered during different stages of the experiment indicate a lack of balance between demineralisation and mineralisation of hard tissues resulting from different absorption mechanisms of agents applied exogenously and endogenously. All the observed changes result from the difference in the microbiota in healthy patients and patients with caries, as well as the difference in the microbiota caused by the impact of preventive agents on biofilm

Image mapping of biological changes and structure-function relationship during rice grain development via Synchrotron FTIR spectroscopy

The spatial distribution of compositional elements in milky, dough, and mature rice, together with the structure-function relationship was studied using synchrotron-FTIR. The dough stage aleurone and endosperm had high lipid, protein (amide I and II), and hemicellulose. The amylopectin chain length distribution of starch exhibited small differences among developmental stages. Dough starch featured a greater portion of A and B1 chains, implying a more crystalline and high in resistant starch. The protein in milky-to-dough stage aleurone and endosperm had higher contents of α-helixes than β-sheets, resulting in higher protein digestibility and availability. There were high intensities of the glycosidic peaks of hemicellulose and cellulose, pectin, carbohydrates, and β 1–6 glucans in milky-to-dough stages. They corresponded to higher total, insoluble, and soluble dietary fiber contents in milky-to-dough stage than in mature stage. Young-stage rice was found to be more nutritious and could thus be a functional food source.

Coupling in-situ synchrotron X-ray radiography and FT-IR spectroscopy reveal thermally-induced subsurface microstructure evolution of solid propellants

Coupling in-situ synchrotron X-ray radiography and FT-IR spectroscopy reveal thermally-induced subsurface microstructure evolution of solid propellants

Investigating the Effect of Various Sous-Vide Cooking Conditions on Protein Structure and Texture Characteristics of Tilapia Fillet Using Synchrotron Radiation-Based FTIR.

The effects of various sous-vide (SV) cooking conditions (50-60℃, 30-60 min) on physicochemical properties related to the texture characteristics, protein structure/degradation, and sensory acceptability of tilapia fillet (Oreochromis niloticus) were investigated. With an increasing temperature and processing time of SV cooking, protein degradation (of both myofibrils and connective tissue) was more pronounced, as evaluated by the decrease in water- and salt-soluble proteins, total collagen, as well as the changes in the ratio of secondary protein structures (α-helix, β-sheet, β-turn, etc.), which were determined by synchrotron-FTIR (SR-FTIR). These degradations were associated with the improvement of meat tenderness, as estimated by shear force and texture profile analyzer (TPA) results. Among all SV conditions, using 60 ℃ for 45 min seems to be the optimal condition for tilapia meat, since it delivered the best results for texture characteristics and acceptability (p < 0.05). Moreover, principal component analysis (PCA) results clearly demonstrated that the highest texture-liking score of this condition was well associated with the intensity of β-sheets, which seem to be the crucial component that affected the texture of SV-cooked tilapia more so than other parameters. The findings demonstrated the potential of SR-FTIR to decipher the biomolecular structure, particularly the secondary protein structure, of SV-cooked tilapia. This technique provided essential information for a better understanding of the changes in biomolecules related to the textural characteristics of this product.

X-ray and Synchrotron FTIR Studies of Partially Decomposed Magnesium Borohydride

Magnesium borohydride (Mg(BH4)2) is an attractive compound for solid-state hydrogen storage due to its lucratively high hydrogen densities and theoretically low operational temperature. Hydrogen release from Mg(BH4)2 occurs through several steps. The reaction intermediates formed at these steps have been extensively studied for a decade. In this work, we apply spectroscopic methods that have rarely been used in such studies to provide alternative insights into the nature of the reaction intermediates. The commercially obtained sample was decomposed in argon flow during thermogravimetric analysis combined with differential scanning calorimetry (TGA-DSC) to differentiate between the H2-desorption reaction steps. The reaction products were analyzed by powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), near edge soft X-ray absorption spectroscopy at boron K-edge (NEXAFS), and synchrotron infrared (IR) spectroscopy in mid- and far-IR ranges (SR-FTIR). Up to 12 wt% of H2 desorption was observed in the gravimetric measurements. PXRD showed no crystalline decomposition products when heated at 260–280 °C, the formation of MgH2 above 300 °C, and Mg above 320 °C. The qualitative analysis of the NEXAFS data showed the presence of boron in lower oxidation states than in (BH4)−. The NEXAFS data also indicated the presence of amorphous boron at and above 340 °C. This study provides additional insights into the decomposition reaction of Mg(BH4)2.

Dissecting π-conjugated covalent-coupling over conductive MOFs toward efficient two-electron oxygen reduction

The metal-ligand (M-L) covalent coupling is of very significance for tailoring the activity and selectivity of metal-organic-framework (MOF) functional nanomaterials, yet it still remains elusive. Herein, based on the π-conjugated coordination chemistry, we have developed several conductive MOFs as active oxygen reduction (ORR) electrocatalysts with tunable H2O2 selectivity. Through tailoring the central metal and the first coordination sphere, weakly-electrophilic Cu sites coupled with strongly-oxidized aromatic 2, 3, 6, 7, 10, 11-hexahydroxytriphenylene (HHTP) linkers are of high favor in a two-electron ORR pathway, resulting in an impressive H2O2 selectivity of 95 % and a superior H2O2 yield rate of 792.7 mmol·gcat−1·h−1 during ORR for conductive Cu-HHTP MOF catalysts. By correlative in situ synchrotron radiation XAFS and FTIR spectroscopies, the potential-dependent dynamic-coupling hydroxyl over Cu sites is found to effectively trigger the self-polarization of π-conjugated metal-ligand Cu-O-C centers of Cu-HHTP MOF via shrinking the first Cu-O coordination sphere, realizing fast 2e- ORR kinetics.

Effect of Exo/Endogenous Prophylaxis Dentifrice/Drug and Cariogenic Conditions of Patient on Molecular Property of Dental Biofilm: Synchrotron FTIR Spectroscopic Study.

(1) Objectives: This study is the first one to investigate the molecular composition of the dental biofilm during the exogenous and endogenous prophylaxis stages (use of dentifrice/drug) of individuals with different cariogenic conditions using molecular spectroscopy methods. (2) Materials and Methods: The study involved 100 participants (50 males and 50 females), aged 18–25 years with different caries conditions. Biofilm samples were collected from the teeth surface of all participants. The molecular composition of biofilms was investigated using synchrotron infrared microspectroscopy. Changes in the molecular composition were studied through calculation and analysis of ratios between organic and mineral components of biofilm samples. (3) Results: Based on the data obtained by synchrotron FTIR, calculations of organic and mineral component ratios, and statistical analysis of the data, we were able to assess changes occurring in the molecular composition of the dental biofilm. Variations in the phosphate/protein/lipid, phosphate/mineral, and phospholipid/lipid ratios and the presence of statistically significant intra- and inter-group differences in these ratios indicate that the mechanisms of ion adsorption, compounds and complexes arriving from oral fluid into dental biofilm during exo/endogenous prophylaxis, differ for patients in norm and caries development. (4) Conclusions: The conformational environment and charge interaction in the microbiota and the electrostatic state of the biofilm protein network in patients with different cariogenic conditions play an important role. (5) Clinical Significance: Understanding the changes that occur in the molecular composition of the dental biofilm in different oral homeostasis conditions will enable successful transition to a personalised approach in dentistry and high-tech healthcare.

Abstract 6132: Synchrotron Fourier-transform infrared microspectroscopy: Characterization of tumor infiltrating monocytes stimulated by the secretome of inflammatory and non-inflammatory breast cancer cells

Abstract Background: Many studies suggested that the pathogenesis of inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) is related to inflammatory manifestations and changes in tumor microenvironment (TME). IBC characterized by significantly higher infiltration of tumor associated macrophages (TAMs). TAMs contribute to the metastatic process in IBC patients via secreting many cytokines such as TNF, IL-6, IL-8, and IL-10 that enhance invasion and angiogenesis. To understand the role of TAMs in IBC, there is a need to firstly understand how IBC TME affect the polarization of tumor infiltrated monocytes via using sensitive and accurate analytical tool. Synchrotron FTIR microspectroscopy (SR-µFTIR) is a highly advanced analytical approach has the ability to detect any biochemical changes even prior to any morphological changes. Herein we will use SR-µFTIR to study the biochemical changes in tumor infiltrating monocytes after stimulation by the secretome of non-IBC and IBC breast cancer cells. Methods: ten breast cancer patients were enrolled in this study (5 IBC and 5 non-IBC). tumor infiltrated monocytes were isolated from patient’s blood samples which collected during modified radical mastectomy surgery. The isolated monocytes were stimulated with the secretome of MCF7, MDA-MB-231 and SUM149 cell line. Synchrotron FTIR Microspectroscopy (SR-FTIRM) single cell analysis was done at SESAME light source. The obtained raw spectral data were processed and analyzed using OMNIC©, PeakFit© V4.12, and Unscrambler© X v.10.4 software. Results: The obtained FTIR spectra showed very intense absorption bands in the region of 1700- 1500 cm-1 attributed to the amide I (ν(C=O), &amp; νAS (C-N), δ (N-H) and amide II ν(C-N), δ (N-H) proteins bands, with a strong broad signal in the 3600-3200 cm-1 related to the νN-H Amides A and B. In addition, three peaks of different intensity and area were detected in the lipids region of the vCH2 and vCH3 stretching modes positioned within the 3000 - 2800 cm-1 range. Curve fitting assignment clearly demonstrate some differences between the three stimulated monocytes in both amide I and II, and lipids regions. The Principal Component Analysis (PCA) scores plot of the second derivative spectra of the amide region explain 77% of the variance, with 63% explained by PC1 and 14% explained by PC2. On the other hand, the PCA scores plot of the lipid region explain a total of 92% of the variance with PC1 explaining 72% and PC2 explaining 20%. Conclusion: The obtained results showed that there is different effect of non-IBC and IBC cells on the polarization of tumor infiltrating monocytes even with the cell surface markers look the same and from this, we may start to understand different roles of TAMs in IBC microenvironment. Citation Format: Hossam T. Mohamed, Gihan Kamel, Aya A. El-Sharkawy, Noura El-Husseiny, Mohamed El-Shinawi, Mona M. Mohamed. Synchrotron Fourier-transform infrared microspectroscopy: Characterization of tumor infiltrating monocytes stimulated by the secretome of inflammatory and non-inflammatory breast cancer cells [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2022; 2022 Apr 8-13. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2022;82(12_Suppl):Abstract nr 6132.

In situ analysis of acupuncture protecting dopaminergic neurons from lipid peroxidative damage in mice of Parkinson's disease.

ObjectivesAcupuncture stimulation has proven to protect dopaminergic neurons from oxidative damage in animal models of Parkinson's disease (PD), but it remains unclear about the in situ information of biochemical components in dopaminergic neurons. Here, we aimed to analyse in situ changes of biochemical components and lipid peroxidation levels in dopaminergic neurons in PD mice treated with acupuncture by synchrotron FTIR micro‐spectroscopy technique.Materials and MethodsAbout 9–10‐week‐old C57BL/6 mice were used to establish PD model by intraperitoneal injection of 1‐methyl‐4‐phenyl‐1,2,3,6‐tetrahydropyridine (MPTP, 30 mg/kg for 5 days). Acupuncture stimulation was performed once a day for 12 days. Behaviour test was determined using the rotarod instrument. Biochemical compositions of dopaminergic neurons in substantia nigra pars compacta were analysed by synchrotron FTIR micro‐spectroscopy technique. The number and ultrastructure of dopaminergic neurons were respectively observed by immunofluorescence and transmission electron microscopy (TEM).ResultsWe found that the number and protein expression of dopaminergic neurons in MPTP‐treated mice were reduced by about half, while that in the mice treated by acupuncture were significantly restored. Acupuncture treatment also restored the motor ability of PD mice. The results of single cell imaging with synchrotron FTIR micro‐spectroscopy technique showed that the proportion of lipid in MPTP treated mice increased significantly. Especially the ratio of CH2 asymmetric stretching and CH3 asymmetric stretching increased significantly, suggesting that MPTP induced lipid peroxidation damage of dopaminergic neurons. It is also supported by the result of TEM, such as mitochondrial swelling or atrophy, loss of mitochondrial crests and mitochondrial vacuolization. Compared with MPTP treated mice, the proportion of lipid in acupuncture treated mice decreased and the mitochondrial structure was restored.ConclusionsAcupuncture can inhibit the level of lipid peroxides in dopaminergic neurons and protect neurons from oxidative damage. The study provides a promising method for in situ analysis of biochemical compositions in PD mice and reveals the mechanism of acupuncture in treating neurodegenerative diseases.

Spatio-temporal patterns of Aspergillus flavus infection and aflatoxin B1 biosynthesis on maize kernels probed by SWIR hyperspectral imaging and synchrotron FTIR microspectroscopy

The dynamics mechanisms regulating the growth and AFB1 production of Aspergillus flavus during its interactions with maize kernels remain unclear. In this study, shortwave infrared hyperspectral imaging (SWIR-HSI) and synchrotron radiation Fourier transform infrared (SR-FTIR) microspectroscopy were combined to investigate chemical and spatial–temporal changes in incremental damaged maize kernels induced by A. flavus infection at macroscopic and microscopic levels. SWIR-HSI was employed to extract spectral information of A. flavus growth and quantitatively detect AFB1 levels. Satisfactory full-spectrum models and simplified multispectral models were obtained respectively by partial least squares regression (PLSR) for three types of samples. Furthermore, SR-FTIR microspectroscopy coupled with two-dimensional correlation spectroscopy (2DCOS) was utilized to reveal the possible sequence of dynamic changes of nutrient loss and trace AFB1 in maize kernels. It exhibited new insights on how to quantify the spatio-temporal patterns of fungal infection and AFB1 accumulation on maize and provided theoretical basis for online sorting.

Effects of Moisture on NH3&nbsp;Capture Using Activated Carbon and Acidic Porous Polymer Modified by Impregnation with H3PO4: Sorbent Material Characterized by Synchrotron XRPD and FT-IR.

The performances of reactive adsorbents, H3PO4/C (activated carbon) and H3PO4/A (Amberlyst 35), in removing NH3 from a waste-gas stream were investigated using a breakthrough column. Accelerated aging tests investigated the effects of the water content on the performance of the adsorbents. Results of breakthrough tests show that the adsorption capacity greatly decreased with the drying time of H3PO4/C preparation. Synchrotron XRPD indicated increased amorphous phosphorus species formation with drying time. Nitrogen adsorption-desorption isotherms results further suggested that the evaporation of water accommodated in macropores decreases adsorption capacity besides the formation of the amorphous species. Introducing water moisture to the NH3 stream increases the adsorption capacity concomitant with the conversion of some NH4H2PO4 to (NH4)2HPO4. Due to the larger pore of cylindrical type and more hydrophilic for acidic porous polymer support, as opposed to slit-type for the activated carbon, the adsorption capacity of H3PO4/A is about 3.4 times that of H3PO4/C. XRPD results suggested that NH3 reacts with aqueous H3PO4 to form NH4H2PO4, and no significant macropore-water evaporation was observed when acidic porous polymer support was used, as evidenced by N2 isotherms characterizing used H3PO4/A.

Synchrotron FTIR microspectroscopy study of the diabetic rat skin wound healing with collagen+glycolipoprotein-90 treatment

Impaired wound healing in diabetic foot ulceration is one of the severe challenges in diabetic patients, which profoundly affects their quality of life. Today, applying a novel and non-invasive method to promote wound healing in diabetic patients is of considerable interest. In this study, we aimed to load acid-soluble collagen (ASC) extracted from fish scale and the earthworm glycolipoprotein (G-90), ASC + G-90, and test it on injured diabetic rats. The purpose of this research was to investigate the novel effects of ASC + G-90 on wound healing by using the synchrotron radiation Fourier transform infrared (SR-FTIR) microspectroscopy. The results showed that oxidative stress and lipids peroxidation were least pronounced in treated skin with ASC + G-90 (T) compared with treated skin with panthenol-D (PC) and the skin without any treatment (NC). The collagen formation was notably observed in the dermis of treated group with ASC + G-90. These findings clearly confirmed the effectiveness of the treatment in skin repair.

Synchrotron FTIR Microspectroscopy Investigations on Biochemical Changes Occurring in Human Cells Exposed to Proton Beams

Fourier transform infrared microspectroscopy using a synchrotron radiation source (SR-μFTIR) has great potential in the study of the ionizing radiation effects of human cells by analyzing the biochemical changes occurring in cell components. SR-μFTIR spectroscopy has been usefully employed in recent years in some seminal work devoted to shedding light on processes occurring in cells treated by hadron therapy, that is, radiotherapy with charged heavy particles (mainly protons and carbon ions), which is gaining popularity as a cancer treatment modality. These studies are particularly useful for increasing the effectiveness of radiotherapy cancer treatments with charged particles that can offer significant progress in the treatment of deep-seated and/or radioresistant tumors. In this paper, we present a concise revision of these studies together with the basic principles of μFTIR spectroscopy and a brief presentation of the main characteristics of infrared SR sources. From the analysis of the literature regarding the SR-μFTIR spectroscopy investigation on human cells exposed to proton beams, it is clearly shown that changes in DNA, protein, and lipid cell components are evident. In addition, this review points out that the potential offered by SR-μFTIR in investigating the effects induced by charged particle irradiation have not been completely explored. This is a crucial point for the continued improvement of hadron therapy strategies.

Effect of micro- and nano-starch on the gel properties, microstructure and water mobility of myofibrillar protein from grass carp

This work evaluated the effect of micro- and nano-starch (MS and NS) on the gel properties of fish myofibrillar protein (MP). Both MS and NS could enhance MP gel performance in terms of breaking force, elasticity and water holding capacity (p < 0.05), with more significant effect from NS than MS. The difference between NS and MS in enhancement effect on MP gel is due to nano-size effect and different microstructures of MP/MS and MP/NS gels, with NS rather than MS contributing to the continuity of MP network. Synchrotron FTIR micro-spectroscopic images further verified that NS with large specific surface had good compatibility with MP, while MS was embedded in MP matrix with evident phase separation. Additionally, β-sheet still dominated the secondary structure of all gels, although adding both MS and NS could change molecular interactions, such as weakening ionic bonds and hydrogen bonds, and strengthening hydrophobic interactions.