Thermodynamic Characterization Research Articles

Slow Conformational Exchange between Partially Folded and Near-Native States of Ubiquitin: Evidence for a Multistate Folding Model.

The mechanism by which small proteins fold, i.e., via intermediates or via a two-state mechanism, is a subject of intense investigation. Intermediate states in the folding pathways of these proteins are sparsely populated due to transient lifetimes under normal conditions rendering them transparent to a majority of the biophysical methods employed for structural, thermodynamic, and kinetic characterization, which attributes are essential for understanding the cooperative folding/unfolding of such proteins. Dynamic NMR spectroscopy has enabled the characterization of folding intermediates of ubiquitin that exist in equilibrium under conditions of low pH and denaturants. At low pH, an unlocked state defined as N' is in fast exchange with an invisible state, U″, as observed by CEST NMR. Addition of urea to ubiquitin at pH 2 creates two new states F' and U', which are in slow exchange (kF'→U' = 0.14 and kU'→F' = 0.28 s-1) as indicated by longitudinal ZZ-magnetization exchange spectroscopy. High-resolution solution NMR structures of F' show it to be in an "unlocked" conformation with measurable changes in rotational diffusion, translational diffusion, and rotational correlational times. U' is characterized by the presence of just the highly conserved N-terminal β1-β2 hairpin. The folding of ubiquitin is cooperative and is nucleated by the formation of an N-terminal β-hairpin followed by significant hydrophobic collapse of the protein core resulting in the formation of bulk of the secondary structural elements stabilized by extensive tertiary contacts. U' and F' may thus be described as early and late folding intermediates in the ubiquitin folding pathway.

Thermodynamic Performance Characterization of a Small-Scale Organic Rankine Cycle with 5 kW Net Power Output

Abstract Indonesia’s current energy landscape predominantly depends on fossil fuels and non-renewable energy sources, thereby exacerbating the issue of global warming. On the other side, geothermal utilization in the country still needs to be expanded to reduce the dependency on fossil fuels, particularly through organic Rankine cycle (ORC) systems. As an example, Ulumbu Geothermal Power Plant in Flores Island currently uses a back pressure turbine, which releases expanded steam directly into the atmosphere at 98.7°C and 0.98 bar. This paper presents a thermodynamic analysis of a small-scale Organic Rankine Cycle with 5kW Net power output based on the waste heat data of the Ulumbu Geothermal Power Plant. The study includes selecting the working fluid based on Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP) and Global Warming Potential (GWP) values, thermal efficiency, refrigerant, and steam mass flow rate calculation. Among 20 refrigerants available in Indonesia, R245fa shows promise, offering a Rankine system efficiency of 10-11%, zero ODP, a GWP of 850, and the lowest refrigerant mass flow rate. These parameters inform useful initial parameters for designing a small-scale ORC system producing 5 kW of net power, promoting cleaner and sustainable energy solutions for communities.

Use of white grape pomace for removal of cationic dyes from aqueous solution: kinetic, isotherm and thermodynamic characterization

Use of white grape pomace for removal of cationic dyes from aqueous solution: kinetic, isotherm and thermodynamic characterization

Directional Ring Translocation in a pH‐ and Redox‐Driven Tristable [2]Rotaxane

We describe the synthesis and characterization of a [2]rotaxane comprising a dibenzo‐24‐crown‐8 (DB24C8) macrocyclic component and a thread containing three recognition sites: ammonium (AmH+), bipyridinium (Bpy2+) and triazolium (Trz+). AmH+ and Bpy2+ are responsive to fully orthogonal stimuli, pH and electrochemical, which allows to precisely control the directional translation of the macrocycle along the axle. A better understanding of the processes driving the operation of the system was obtained thanks to an in‐depth thermodynamic characterization. Orthogonal stimuli responsive tristable rotaxanes represent the starting point for the creation of linear motors and the development of molecular logic gates.

Thermodynamic and propulsive characterization of nitro-substituted quadricyclane

This investigation delves into the potential of Octa-nitro Quadricyclane (ONQC), a nitro-substituted quadricyclane, as a next-generation energetic material. Employing a robust B3LYP-gCP-D3/6-31G(d) computational approach, the study evaluates key material properties of ONQC, including strain energy (700.2 kJ/mol), enthalpy of formation (668.6 kJ/mol), and density (2.08 g/cm³). These enhanced properties result in predicted increases of 124 % in detonation pressure and 49.5 % in detonation velocity compared to TNT, significantly surpassing the performance of conventional high-energy density materials. Additionally, ONQC's suitability as an energetic additive in bipropellant formulations was evaluated with NASA's Chemical Equilibrium with Applications (CEA) software. The primary focus was on bipropellant formulations employing kerosene-based fuels (RP-1, JP-10, JP-5, etc.) and liquid oxygen (LOX) as the oxidizer. Incorporating ONQC into propellant formulations provides substantial improvements in specific impulse and reduces oxidizer requirements. This makes ONQC a promising candidate for advancing propulsion technology.

An Orthogonal Workflow of Electrochemical, Computational, and Thermodynamic Methods Reveals Limitations of Using a Literature-Reported Insulin Binding Peptide in Biosensors.

Developing a continuous insulin-monitoring biosensor is of great importance for both the cellular biomanufacturing industry and for treating diabetes mellitus. Such a sensor needs to be able to effectively monitor insulin across a range of temperatures and pHs and with varying concentrations of competing analytes. One of the two main components of any biosensor is the recognition element, which is responsible for interacting with the molecule of interest. Prior literature describes an insulin-binding peptide (IBP) that was reported to bind to insulin with a 3 nM affinity. Here, we used orthogonal and complementary electrochemical, computational, and thermodynamic characterization methods to evaluate IBP's appropriateness for use in a biosensor. Unfortunately, all three methods failed to produce evidence of IBP-insulin binding either on surfaces or in solution. This indicates that the binding exhibited in previous reports is likely restricted to a limited set of conditions and that IBP is not a suitable recognition element for a continuous insulin biosensor.

Microstructure, hydrogen storage properties, and thermodynamic characterization of ball-milled Mg90Ni5Y5 alloy

The hydrogen storage properties of the Mg90Ni5Y5 alloy were studied, which was prepared by vacuum electromagnetic induction melting and ball milling. The microstructure and phase evolution of the ball-milled alloys during the process of hydrogen absorption and desorption were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The alloys hydrogen storage properties were measured by semi-automatic Sievert instrument. Results show that the hydrogenated sample was composed of MgH2, Mg2NiH4 and YH3 phases. After dehydrogenation, Mg2NiH4 and MgH2 phases were completely decomposed, and YH3 could only be decomposed into YH2. After 2 cycles of adsorption dehydrogenation, the alloy was completely activated, and the maximum hydrogen desorption capacity was about 5.1 wt %. According to the Arrhenius equation, the ball-milled alloy activation energy of the dehydrogenation reaction of is only 75.7 kJ/mol.

A New Route to the Prebiotic Synthesis of Glycine via Ab Initio-Based Machine Learning Calculations.

In this work, we study the synthesis of glycine, the simplest amino acid, using ab initio molecular dynamics and enhanced sampling techniques to explore and quantify novel potential pathways. Our protocol integrates state-of-the-art machine learning approaches, allowing us to sample relevant chemical spaces more efficiently. We discover a novel "oxyglycolate path", distinct from the "standard" Strecker mechanism, identify new intermediates, and provide a full thermodynamic characterization of all reaction steps. This alternative pathway aligns better with meteoritic and experimental observations, paving the way for further investigations. Integrating quantum accuracy and machine learning in prebiotic chemistry represents a methodological milestone advancing the exploration of life's prebiotic origins.

Synthesis of hydraulic waste-derived belite-rich calcium sulfoaluminate clinker: Feedstock design, component calculation, and clinkering optimization

Solid waste-derived belite-rich calcium sulfoaluminate (BRC) clinker was successfully synthesized, which incorporated incineration bottom ash, recycled concrete powder, and phosphogypsum as the feedstock. The mineral components of BRC clinker were predicted by theoretical formula and thermodynamic modelling, which aligned well with experiments. The effect of clinkering temperature on viscosity, Gibbs free energy, phase equilibrium, and real mineralogy was thoroughly investigated by thermodynamic predictions and experimental characterizations. Optimal clinkering at 1200 °C for 3 h yielded BRC clinker predominantly consisting of 46.3 wt% belite, 22.5 wt% ye'elimite, 16.6 wt% fluorellestadite, and 7.1 wt% brownmillerite. Hydrates AFt and amorphous (AH3 and C–S–H gel) formed the network, playing a crucial role in developing a 60 d paste strength of 42.2 MPa. Utilizing lower temperatures and low-carbon embodied solid wastes for producing this BRC clinker promised to reduce CO2 emissions and preserve natural resources.

Multiscale Responsive Kinetic Modeling: Quantifying Biomolecular Reaction Flux under Varying Electrochemical Conditions.

Attaining a complete thermodynamic and kinetic characterization for processes involving multiple interconnected rare-event transitions remains a central challenge in molecular biophysics. This challenge is amplified when the process must be understood under a range of reaction conditions. Herein, we present a condition-responsive kinetic modeling framework that can combine the strengths of bottom-up rate quantification from multiscale simulations with top-down solution refinement using experimental data. Although this framework can be applied to any process, we demonstrate its use for electrochemically driven transport through channels and transporters. Using the Cl- /H+ antiporter ClC-ec1 as a model system, we show how robust and predictive kinetic solutions can be obtained when the solution space is grounded by thermodynamic constraints, seeded through multiscale rate quantification, and further refined with experimental data, such as electrophysiology assays. Turning to the Shaker K+ channel, we demonstrate that robust solutions and biophysical insights can also be obtained with sufficient experimental data. This multi-pathway method proves capable of identifying single-pathway dominant mechanisms but also highlights that competing and off-pathway flux is still essential to replicate experimental findings and to describe concentration-dependent channel rectification.

Purification and characterization of a thermostable Galium aparine β-galactosidase: A competent agent with enhanced cytotoxic activity against MCF-7 cell line

β-galactosidases (EC 3.2.1.23) are capable of catalysing two distinct types of reactions: transgalactosylation and hydrolysis. It is very important for the senescence of cancer cells. It is a lysosomal exoglycosidase involved in the catabolism of glycoconjugates by sequential release of β-linked terminal galactosyl residues. It has profound significance in cancer cell senescence. It can be derived from various sources including plants, animals, bacteria, yeasts, and filamentous fungi. Purification and thermodynamic characterization of β-galactosidase from Galium aparine seeds, and in vitro efficacy assessment of a breast cancer cell line. The enzyme was purified by using ammonium sulphate precipitation, dialysis, DEAE cellulose, and Sephadex G-100 chromatography. The enzyme was purified to 6.4 fold with a yield of 14 % and specific activity of 11.6 U/mg of protein. SDS-PAGE and MALDI-TOF analysis revealed that β-galactosidase is a monomer with a molecular weight of 35 kDa. The optimum pH and temperature for the purified enzyme were 6.0 and 50 ºC. The enzyme had Km and Vmax values of 0.25 mM and 32 µmol/min, respectively. The thermodynamic parameters (ΔHº, ΔGº, ΔSº) for the irreversible denaturation of the enzyme were also investigated at different temperatures (50–75 ºC). Lactose in milk was successfully hydrolyzed using a purified enzyme at a rate of 0.0121 min−1 and 12.12 min. This is better than other studied β-galactosidases. These results suggest the use of β-galactosidase from G. aparine for producing delactosed milk for the lactose-intolerant population and prebiotic synthesis. pH and optimum temperature and its activation by Ca2+ shows that it is suitable for milk processing. As a result, the enzyme was stable even at higher temperatures and had the potential to undergo catalysis, making it economically viable, primarily in the food and pharmaceutical industries. The present study is aimed to purification and thermodynamic characterization of enzyme to assess in vitro efficacy of β-galactosidase on MCF-7 cell line to delineate its therapeutic efficacy.

Preparation and Structural-Thermodynamical Investigation of Renewable Copolyesters Based on Poly (Ethylene Succinate) and Polyisosorbide.

A series of novel renewable copolymers based on poly(ethylene succinate) (PESu) and poly(isosorbide succinate) (PISSu), with the Isosorbide (Is)/PESu molar ratio varying from 5/95 to 75/25, were synthesized in-situ and studied in this work. A sum of characterization techniques was employed here for the structural and thermo-dynamical characterization. The sophisticated technique of dielectric spectroscopy, along with proper analysis, enabled the molecular dynamics mapping of both the local and segmental types, which is presented for such materials for the first time. With increasing the Is fraction, shorter copolymeric entities were gradually formed. Based on the overall findings, the systems were found to be homogeneous, e.g., exhibiting single glass transitions, with the two polymer segments being found to be excellently distributed. The latter is indirect, although strong, evidence for the successful copolymerization. The thermal degradation mechanism for the copolymers was exhaustingly explored employing analytical pyrolysis. The systems exhibited, in general, good thermal stability, according to the thermogravimetric analysis. Confirming one of the initial scopes for the present systems, isosorbide plays here the role of hardener (PISSu) over the soft polymer (PESu), and this is reflected in the monotonic increase of the glass transition temperature, Tg, from -16 to ~56 °C. The introduction of Is results in an increase in constraints (hardening of the matrix), while there seems to be an overall densification of the polymer (decrease of the free volume).

Electrochemical corrosion and product formation mechanism of M42 high-speed steel in NaH2PO4-Na2SO4 passivating electrolyte

High-speed steel (HSS) rolls operate in harsh conditions, making them vulnerable to surface degradation. Material removal technology for repairing defective HSS roll surfaces is the most effective way to maintain their integrity and reduce production costs. Electrochemical corrosion machining, with its excellent machining capabilities, offers a promising method for repairing HSS roll surfaces. However, the outer working layer of these rolls is made of premium HSS containing passivating metallic elements, complicating its corrosion behavior, particularly in passivating electrolytes. To elucidate the corrosion behavior and uncover the underlying mechanisms of corrosion and product formation of HSS during electrochemical corrosion machining, this study investigates the electrochemical corrosion process and behavior of M42 HSS used in rolls within a NaH2PO4-Na2SO4 passivating electrolyte. Metallographic etching experiments indicated that M42 HSS comprises a tempered martensitic matrix along with M2C and M6C eutectic carbides. Characteristics of oxidative reactions for M42 HSS in the electrolyte were observed in cyclic voltammetry. By conducting anodic polarization tests, along with thermodynamic analysis and characterization techniques, the entire electrode system was thoroughly examined, including corrosion phenomena, varying processes, and underlying mechanisms of corrosion and product formation. Notably, this study is the first to construct a Pourbaix diagram for the M42 HSS-H2PO4−-SO42−–H2O system. The thermodynamic analysis revealed that the applied potential variation significantly influences corrosion behavior of M42 HSS, confirming by the characterization results. The adsorption phenomenon on the cathodic surface requires a higher potential (such as 6 V) to occur. Electrochemical reactions primarily occur on the anodic surface, while the cathodic surface (or in the electrolyte) mainly engages in chemical reactions with no electronic participation. Furthermore, the electrochemical corrosion process of HSS is driven by one or more corrosion mechanisms, such as galvanic corrosion, pitting, or intergranular corrosion. Therefore, these findings from this study contribute to the development of repairing HSS roll surfaces based on electrochemical corrosion machining in future engineering applications.

Intersite communication in dimeric enzymes highlighted by structural and thermodynamic analysis of didansyltyrosine binding to thymidylate synthases

Intersite communication in dimeric enzymes, triggered by ligand binding, represents both a challenge and an opportunity in enzyme inhibition strategy. Though often understestimated, it can impact on the in vivo biological mechansim of an inhibitor and on its pharmacokinetics. Thymidylate synthase (TS) is a homodimeric enzyme present in almost all living organisms that plays a crucial role in DNA synthesis and cell replication. While its inhibition is a valid strategy in the therapy of several human cancers, designing specific inhibitors of bacterial TSs poses a challenge to the development of new anti-infective agents. N,O-didansyl-l-tyrosine (DDT) inhibits both Escherichia coli TS (EcTS) and Lactobacillus casei TS (LcTS). The available X-ray structure of the DDT:dUMP:EcTS ternary complex indicated an unexpected binding mode for DDT to EcTS, involving a rearrangement of the protein and addressing the matter of communication between the two active sites of an enzyme dimer. Combining molecular-level information on DDT binding to EcTS and LcTS extracted from structural and FRET-based fluorometric evidence with a thermodynamic characterization of these events obtained by fluorometric and calorimetric titrations, this study unveiled a negative cooperativity between the DDT bindings to the two monomers of each enzyme dimer. This result, complemented by the species-specific thermodynamic signatures of the binding events, implied that communication across the protein dimer was triggered by the first DDT binding. These findings could challenge the conventional understanding of TS inhibition and open the way for the development of novel TS inhibitors with a different mechanism of action and enhanced efficacy and specificity.

Bioenergetic characterization of hyperthermophilic archaean Methanocaldococcus sp. FS406-22.

Hyperthermophilic archaean Methanocaldococcus sp. FS406-22 (hereafter FS406) is a hydrogenotrophic methanogen isolated from a deep-sea hydrothermal vent. To better understand the energetic requirements of hydrogen oxidation under extreme conditions, the thermodynamic characterization of FS406 incubations is necessary and notably underexplored. In this work, we quantified the bioenergetics of FS406 incubations at a range of temperatures (65, 76, and 85℃) and hydrogen concentrations (1.1, 1.4, and 2.1mm). The biomass yields (C-mol of biomass per mol of H2 consumed) ranged from 0.02 to 0.19. Growth rates ranged from 0.4 to 1.5h-1. Gibbs energies of incubation based on macrochemical equations of cell growth ranged from kJ/C-mol to kJ/C-mol. Enthalpies of incubation determined from calorimetric measurements ranged from kJ/C-mol to kJ/C-mol. FS406 growth rates were most comparable to hyperthermophilic methanogen Methanocaldococcus jannaschii. Maintenance energy calculations from the thermodynamic parameters of FS406 and previously determined heterotrophic methanogen data revealed that temperature is a primary determinant rather than an electron donor. This work provides new insights into the thermodynamic underpinnings of a hyperthermophilic hydrothermal vent methanogen and helps to better constrain the energetic requirements of life in extreme environments.

Unravelling the thermodynamic properties of soil ecosystems in mature beech forests

Thermodynamics is a vast area of knowledge with a debatable role in explaining the evolution of ecosystems. In the case of soil ecosystems, this role is still unclear due to difficulties in determining the thermodynamic functions that are involved in the survival and evolution of soils as living systems. The existing knowledge is largely based on theoretical approaches and has never been applied to soils using thermodynamic functions that have been experimentally determined. In this study, we present a method for the complete experimental thermodynamic characterization of soil organic matter. This method quantifies all the thermodynamic functions for combustion and formation reactions which are involved in the thermodynamic principles governing the evolution of the universe. We applied them to track the progress of soil organic matter with soil depth in mature beech forests. Our results show that soil organic matter evolves to a higher degree of reduction as it is mineralized, yielding products with lower carbon but higher energy content than the original organic matter used as reference. These products have higher entropy than the original one, demonstrating how the soil ecosystem evolves with depth, in accordance with the second law of thermodynamics. The results were sensitive to soil organic matter transformation in forests under different management, indicating potential applicability in elucidating the energy strategies for evolution and survival of soil systems as well as in settling their evolutionary states.

Structural and thermodynamic characterization of a highly amyloidogenic dimer of transthyretin involved in a severe cardiomyopathy

Transthyretin (TTR) is a homotetrameric protein involved in the transport of thyroxine. More than 150 different mutations have been described in the TTR gene, several of them associated with familial amyloid cardiomyopathy (FAC). Recently, our group described a new variant of TTR in Brazil, namely A39D-TTR, which causes a severe cardiac condition. Position 39 is in the AB loop, a region of the protein that is located within the thyroxine-binding channels and is involved in tetramer formation. In the present study we solved the structure and characterize the thermodynamic stability of this new variant of TTR using urea and high hydrostatic pressure (HHP). Interestingly, during the process of purification, A39D-TTR turned out to be a dimer and not a tetramer, a variation that might be explained by the close contact of the four aspartic acids at position 39, where they face each other inside the thyroxine channel. In the presence of sub-denaturing concentrations of urea, bis-ANS binding and dynamic light scattering revealed A39D-TTR in the form of a molten-globule dimer. Co-expression of A39D and WT isoforms in the same bacterial cell did not produce heterodimers or heterotetramers, suggesting that somehow a negative charge at the AB loop precludes tetramer formation. A39D-TTR proved to be highly amyloidogenic, even at mildly acidic pH values where WT-TTR does not aggregate. Interestingly, despite being a dimer, aggregation of A39D-TTR was inhibited by diclofenac, which binds to the thyroxine channel in the tetramer, suggesting the existence of other pockets in A39D-TTR able to accommodate this molecule.

Phage display identification of high-affinity ligands for human TSG101-UEV: A structural and thermodynamic study of PTAP recognition

The ubiquitin E2 variant domain of TSG101 (TSG101-UEV) plays a pivotal role in protein sorting and virus budding by recognizing PTAP motifs within ubiquitinated proteins. Disrupting TSG101-UEV/PTAP interactions has emerged as a promising strategy for the development of novel host-oriented antivirals with a broad spectrum of action. Nonetheless, finding inhibitors with good properties as therapeutic agents remains a challenge since the key determinants of binding affinity and specificity are still poorly understood. Here we present a detailed thermodynamic, structural, and dynamic characterization viral PTAP Late domain recognition by TSG101-UEV, combining isothermal titration calorimetry, X-ray diffraction structural studies, molecular dynamics simulations, and computational analysis of intramolecular communication pathways. Our analysis highlights key contributions from conserved hydrophobic contacts and water-mediated hydrogen bonds at the PTAP binding interface. We have identified additional electrostatic hotspots adjacent to the core motif that modulate affinity. Using competitive phage display screening we have improved affinity by 1–2 orders of magnitude, producing novel peptides with low micromolar affinities that combine critical elements found in the best natural binders. Molecular dynamics simulations revealed that optimized peptides engage new pockets on the UEV domain surface. This study provides a comprehensive view of the molecular forces directing TSG101-UEV recognition of PTAP motifs, revealing that binding is governed by conserved structural elements yet tuneable through targeted optimization. These insights open new venues to design inhibitors targeting TSG101-dependent pathways with potential application as novel broad-spectrum antivirals.

Molecular expression, purification and structural characterization of recombinant L-Glutaminase from Streptomyces roseolus

The present research reports the anti-cancer potential of recombinant L-Glutaminase from Streptomyces roseolus. L-Glutaminase gene was synthesized by codon-optimization, cloned and successfully expressed in E. coli BL21 (DE3). Affinity purified recombinant L-Glutaminase revealed a molecular mass of 32 kDa. Purified recombinant L-Glutaminase revealed stability at pH 7.0–8.0 with optimum activity at 70 °C further indicating its thermostable nature based on thermodynamic characterization. Recombinant L-Glutaminase exhibited profound stability in the presence of several biochemical parameters and demonstrated its metalloenzyme nature and was also found to be highly specific towards favorable substrate (l-Glutamine) based on kinetics. It demonstrated antioxidant property and pronounced cytotoxic effect against breast cancer (MCF-7 cell lines) in a dose dependent behavior with IC50 of 40.68 μg/mL. Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight-mass spectroscopy (MALDI-TOF-MS) analysis of desired mass peaks ascertained the recombinant L-Glutaminase identity. N-terminal amino acid sequence characterization through Edman degradation revealed highest resemblance for L-glutaminase within the Streptomyces sp. family. The purified protein was characterized structurally and functionally by employing spectroscopic methods like Raman, circular dichroism and nuclear magnetic resonance. The thermostability was assessed by thermogravimetric analysis. The outcomes of the study, suggests the promising application of recombinant L-Glutaminase as targeted therapeutic candidate for breast cancer.

Oxidized Starch-Reinforced Aqueous Polymer Isocyanate Cured with High-Frequency Heating.

In this research, an oxidized starch/styrene-butadiene rubber system with high capability of absorbing electromagnetic energy was adopted as the main component, the effect of oxidized starch content on the bonding and mechanical properties of aqueous polymer isocyanate (API) after high-frequency curing was evaluated, and the effect mechanisms were explored by combining thermodynamic tests and material characterization methods. Our findings revealed that the addition of oxidized starch enhanced the mechanical properties of API after high-frequency curing and the increase in the amount of oxidized starch enhanced the improvement effect of high-frequency curing on API bonding and mechanical properties. At 5 wt% oxidized starch, high-frequency curing improved API bonding properties by 18.0% and 17.3% under ambient conditions and after boiling water aging, respectively. An increase in oxidized starch content to 25 wt% increased enhancement to 25.1% and 26.4% for the above conditions, respectively. The enhancement effects of tensile strength and Young's modulus of the API adhesive body were increased from 9.4% and 18.2% to 18.7% and 22.6%, respectively. The potential enhancement mechanism could be that oxidized starch could increase the dielectric loss of API, converting more electromagnetic energy into thermal energy creating more cross-linked structures.