UVB Light Irradiation Research Articles

Investigation on Novel E/Z 2-Benzylideneindan-1-One-Based Photoswitches with AChE and MAO-B Dual Inhibitory Activity.

The multitarget therapeutic strategy, as opposed to the more traditional 'one disease-one target-one drug', may hold promise in treating multifactorial neurodegenerative syndromes, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD) and related dementias. Recently, combining a photopharmacology approach with the multitarget-directed ligand (MTDL) design strategy, we disclosed a novel donepezil-like compound, namely 2-(4-((diethylamino)methyl)benzylidene)-5-methoxy-2,3-dihydro-1H-inden-1-one (1a), which in the E isomeric form (and about tenfold less in the UV-B photo-induced isomer Z) showed the best activity as dual inhibitor of the AD-related targets acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and monoamine oxidase B (MAO-B). Herein, we investigated further photoisomerizable 2-benzylideneindan-1-one analogs 1b-h with the unconjugated tertiary amino moiety bearing alkyls of different bulkiness and lipophilicity. For each compound, the thermal stable E geometric isomer, along with the E/Z mixture as produced by UV-B light irradiation in the photostationary state (PSS, 75% Z), was investigated for the inhibition of human ChEs and MAOs. The pure E-isomer of the N-benzyl(ethyl)amino analog 1h achieved low nanomolar AChE and high nanomolar MAO-B inhibition potencies (IC50s 39 and 355 nM, respectively), whereas photoisomerization to the Z isomer (75% Z in the PSS mixture) resulted in a decrease (about 30%) of AChE inhibitory potency, and not in the MAO-B one. Molecular docking studies were performed to rationalize the different E/Z selectivity of 1h toward the two target enzymes.

Preparation characterization and photocatalytic activity of SF-ZnO nanocomposite

This article describes the fabrication of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) incorporating silk fibroin (SF) nanocomposite and its characterization. The optical, structural and morphological features of fabricated nanocomposite film were reviewed by using UV–Visible spectroscopy (UV–Vis), X-ray diffraction measurement (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) with energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) experimental techniques. The UV–Vis absorption spectrum revealed presence of zinc oxide nanoparticles in the SF film with absorption peak at λ = 362 nm. The presence of zinc oxide nanoparticles in composite film was confirmed by diffraction peaks found at scattering angle at 2θ = 35.13°, 55.32°, 62.06°, 67.10° and 68.53° respectively. The FE-SEM study showed native SF has very smooth surface morphology, whereas the SF-ZnO nanocomposite film exhibited rough surface. The ZnO-NPs present in the sample were spherical in shape. Further, the photocatalytic activity of SF-ZnO-NCs film was evaluated by observing the photo-degradation of the textile dye methylene blue (MB) under UV-B light irradiation. The maximum degradation efficiency was nearly 84 % within 340 min. The results obtained suggested that SF-ZnO-NCs film could be used as a photocatalytic material in the treatment of textile waste water.

Photocatalytic Degradation of Methylene Blue Using N-Doped ZnO/Carbon Dot (N-ZnO/CD) Nanocomposites Derived from Organic Soybean.

This study reports on successful synthesis of carbon dots (CDs), nitrogen-doped zinc oxide (N-ZnO), and N-ZnO/CD nanocomposites as photocatalysts for degradation of methylene blue. The first part was the synthesis of CDs utilizing a precursor from soybean and ethylenediamine as a dopant by a hydrothermal method. The second part was the synthesis of N-ZnO with urea as the nitrogen dopant carried out by a calcination method in a furnace at 500 °C for 2 h in an N2 atmosphere (5 °C min-1). The third part was the synthesis of N-ZnO/CD nanocomposites. The characteristics of CDs, N-ZnO, and N-ZnO/CD nanocomposites were analyzed through Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), UV-vis absorbance, photoluminescence (PL), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermal gravimetry analysis (TGA), field-emission scanning electron microscopy energy-dispersive spectroscopy (FESEM EDS), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) analysis. Based on the HR-TEM analysis, the CDs had a spherical shape with an average particle size of 4.249 nm. Meanwhile, based on the XRD and HR-TEM characterization, the N-ZnO and N-ZnO/CD nanocomposites have wurtzite hexagonal structures. The materials of N-ZnO and N-ZnO/CD show increased adsorption in the visible light region and low energy gap E g. The E g values of N-ZnO and N-ZnO/CDs were found to be 2.95 and 2.81 eV, respectively, whereas the surface area (S BET) values 3.827 m2 g-1 (N-ZnO) and 3.757 m2 g-1(N-ZnO/CDs) belonged to the microporous structure. In the last part, the photocatalysts of CDs, N-ZnO, and N-ZnO/CD nanocomposites were used for degradation of MB (10 ppm) under UV-B light irradiation pH = 7.04 (neutral) for 60 min at room temperature. The N-ZnO/CD nanocomposites showed a photodegradation efficiency of 83.4% with a kinetic rate of 0.0299 min-1 higher than N-ZnO and CDs. The XRD analysis and FESEM EDS of the N-ZnO/CDs before and after three cycles confirm the stability of the photocatalyst with an MB degradation of 58.2%. These results have clearly shown that the N-ZnO/CD nanocomposites could be used as an ideal photocatalytic material for the decolorization of organic compounds in wastewater.

Methoxy-Monobenzoylmethane Protects Human Skin against UV-Induced Damage by Conversion to Avobenzone and Radical Scavenging.

Avobenzone, one of the most commonly used UV filters in topical sunscreens, is susceptible to photodegradation with a consequential reduction of its UV absorbing properties. This loss of function may lead to skin irritation, photodermatosis, and photoallergic reactions caused by photodegradation byproducts. In this work, we aim to address this issue with a substance named methoxy-monobenzoylmethane (MeO-MBM), which is neither a UVB nor a UVA filter, but which converts to avobenzone, a known and approved UVA filter, under mainly UVB light irradiation. The antioxidant and intracellular radical formation properties of MeO-MBM were compared to the ones of avobenzone. The UV irradiation of MeO-MBM led to an increase in UV absorption primarily in the UVA range after conversion, both in vitro and in vivo. HPTLC and UHPLC studies illustrate the conversion of MeO-MBM to avobenzone in vitro after irradiation at 250 kJ/m2, reaching a conversion rate of 48.8%. A stable molecular antioxidant activity was observed, since 100-µM MeO-MBM was measured to be 11.2% in the DPPH assay, with a decrease to 9.7% after irradiation. In comparison, the molecular antioxidant activity of 100-µM avobenzone was determined to be 0.8%. In keratinocytes, MeO-MBM reduces the intracellular ROS by 90% and avobenzone by 75% with tBHP as the inducer and by 53% and 57%, respectively, when induced by pyocyanin, indicating the redox scavenging capacity of both these molecules. These results indicate that MeO-MBM functions initially as an antioxidant material and as a photoantioxidant during its conversion process to avobenzone. This research provides insight into the development of active ingredients for topical applications with dynamic functionalities. Using this approach, we demonstrate the possibility to extend the UV protection offered to skin cells while combating cellular stress in parallel.

Novel sol-gel synthesis of CeO2 nanoparticles using Morinda citrifolia L. fruit extracts: Structural and optical analysis

An efficient and eco-friendly sol-gel method using Morinda citrifolia L. fruit extracts as a weak base source, oxidizing, and capping agents were reported to synthesize cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeO2 NPs). CeO2 NPs exhibited the FCC crystal phase and the nanospherical shape with an average size of 51.6 nm. FT-IR characterization presented the absorption band of Ce–O at 705 cm−1 and the stretching vibration of N-H amine, which plays a crucial role in CeO2 NPs synthesis. The optical analysis revealed a strong optical absorption of CeO2 NPs at 351 nm with a bandgap value of 3.48 eV. Furthermore, the optical analysis of CeO2 NPs was further tested for the UV light absorption ability via methylene blue degradation. As a result, CeO2 NPs pointed out a low photocatalytic property with an efficiency of 10.25 and 9.46 % under UVA and UVB light irradiation for 15 h, respectively. Meanwhile, CeO2 NPs had good optical properties on their photoabsorption ability toward UVA and UVB light with an efficiency of 89.27 and 67.55 %, respectively.

Experimental evaluation of Pt/TiO2/rGO as an efficient HER catalyst via artificial photosynthesis under UVB & visible irradiation

The study investigated the synergistic effects of rGO and Pt over TiO2 for the HER via artificial photosynthesis under UVB and visible light irradiation. The introduction of glycerol and industrial wastewater to the system as sacrificial reductants signifies that the major reaction pathway is photocatalytic partial water splitting. The material characterizations revealed successful heterojunction formation and provided insight into chemistry behind the activity of the photocatalysts. Amongst various combinations of rGO on TiO2, 1GNT exhibited an HER yield five times that of bare TiO2 under UVB light. Addition of Pt led to the formation of a strong Schottky barrier at the heterojunction and consequently boosted HER performance. 1P0.5 GT presented the highest of 28.5 mmol g−1 h−1 with glycerol and 9.6 mmol g−1 h−1 with wastewater under UVB light respectively. For both binary and ternary photocatalysts, the HER performances dwindled under visible light irradiation, accentuating the insufficient activation of the TiO2. In addition, 1PT outperformed all the other photocatalysts thereby elucidating the impression that rGO and Pt does not work well together in enhancing HER despite quenching the exciton recombination rate of TiO2 significantly. The role of pH in the synthesis and the experiments has been discussed. Finally, the underlying mechanisms in the photodeposition and photoreformation have been proposed.

One-pot biosynthesis of SnO2 quantum dots mediated by Clitoria ternatea flower extract for photocatalytic degradation of rhodamine B

In this study, SnO2 quantum dots (QDs) have been successfully biosynthesized using Aparajitha (Clitoria ternatea) flower extract as the green reducing agent and then used as effective photocatalysts for the degradation of rhodamine B (RhB) under UV light irradiation. Clitoria ternatea flower extract contains flavanols and flavonoids, which can serve as reducing agents to convert Sn2+ precursors into Sn° NPs, which are then oxidized to 4–10 nm SnO2 QDs at 400 °C for 2 h. A blue shift in the adsorption wavelength of biosynthesized SnO2 QDs (3.66 eV) in comparison with bulk SnO2 (3.54 eV) is obtained, which can reduce the electron–hole recombination rate of SnO2. In addition, the specific surface area of SnO2 QDs is almost two times higher than that of bulk SnO2, resulting in the acceleration of photocatalytic degradation efficiency and rate of RhB under UVB light irradiation. The photodegradation performance of RhB over SnO2 QDs is highly dependent on several parameters, including H2O2 concentration, catalyst dosage, and pH. The liquid chromatography-mass spectrometric spectra and radical scavenger experiments indicate that the hydroxyl radicals play a crucial role in photodegradation, which can undergo N-deethylation and ring cleavage reactions to produce intermediates of N, N-diethyl-N’-ethylrhodamines, dihydroxybenzoic acid, and maleic acid. Moreover, a possible reaction mechanism for RhB photodegradation over SnO2 QDs is proposed. Results obtained in this study clearly indicate that the extract is an effective bioreagent to develop the green chemistry for the one-pot synthesis of SnO2 QDs photocatalysts for the degradation of pollutants in aqueous solutions.

Visible-light reversible photopolymerisation: insights via online photoflow – electrospray ionisation – mass spectrometry

Herein, we introduce a scalable photopolyaddition polymerisations using the pyrene-chalcone [2+2]-cycloaddition and monitor the photodepolymerisation process via an online photoflow – electrospray ionisation mass spectrometry setup.

Development of photocatalytic paint based on TiO2 and photopolymer resin for the degradation of organic pollutants in water

While the use of TiO2 nanoparticles in the form of slurry/suspension requires energy-intensive separation processes, its immobilization in solid support may open new opportunities in the area of sustainable water treatment technologies. In this study, a novel method for the development of photocatalytic paint based on TiO2 nanoparticles and acrylate-based photopolymer resin is reported. The paint (TiO2@polymer) was applied on substrates such as plastic petri dish and glass jar, which was polymerized/solidified by ultraviolet light irradiation. The painted petri dish and glass jar were used for the photocatalytic degradation of model organic pollutants viz. methyl orange (MO), methylene blue (MB), and indole in deionized water, simulated fresh drinking water, and tap water matrices. The photocatalytic degradation studies were performed under sunlight and UV-B light were used for. The sunlight-assisted photocatalytic degradation of MO and MB was found to be faster and more efficient than the UV-B light-assisted ones. Under UV-B light irradiation, it took 120 min to degrade about 80% of 6 ppm MB solution, whereas under sunlight irradiation it took 60 min to degrade about 90% of the same MB solution. The photocatalytic paint generated hydroxyl radical (·OH) under the UV-B and sunlight irradiation, which was studied by the terephthalic acid fluorescence tests. Further, the potential release of TiO2 during the exposure to UV irradiation was studied by single particle ICP-MS analysis.

Sucrose-Mediated Fast Synthesis of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles for the Photocatalytic Degradation of Organic Pollutants in Water.

We report a facile method for the synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles (nZnOs) by rapidly heating a paste of zinc nitrate and sucrose on the hot plate at 500 °C. The transmission electron microscopy images revealed the spherical shape of the nZnO with an average size of 35 nm. The band gap and the specific surface area of the nZnO were measured to be about 3.32 eV and 80.11 m2/g, respectively. The nZnO was utilized for the photocatalytic degradation of methyl orange (MO) and methylene blue (MB) in water under the ultraviolet (UV-B) light and sunlight irradiation. Photocatalysis was performed in two types of water matrices, viz., the deionized water and the simulated fresh drinking water. Almost a complete degradation of MO and MB was obtained within 30 min of UV-B light irradiation. Under sunlight irradiation, more than 95% of the MO solution underwent degradation within 30 min. The photocatalytic stability of the nZnO was examined for five cycles, and a similar activity was found throughout the cycles. The photocatalytic generation of the hydroxyl radical (•OH) was confirmed by the terephthalic acid photoluminescence tests. Moreover, the synthesis methodology was validated by triplicating the nZnO synthesis. Every time, the nZnO demonstrated a similar photocatalytic activity, which confirmed the robustness of the synthesis procedure.

UV-B response is modulated by cell-type specific signaling pathway in multicellular green algae Volvox carteri

A fundamental question in biology is how multicellular organisms regulate cellular and physiological processes in response to environmental signals in a tissue/cell type-specific manner. Light is one such cue but little is known about its effect on molecular mechanisms underlying cell-type specific signaling. The Volvox genus presents a Germ-Soma differentiation that can be used to understand the genetic mechanisms of evolutionary transition from single-cell to multicellular organisms. Here we report the transcriptional analysis throughout both asexual and sexual life cycles of Volvox carteri in two different cell types under UV-B light irradiation. Our data show that VcUVR8-V1, the main splice variant of the VcUVR8 transcript, accumulates during initiation of cleavage division. Moreover, the transcript level of VcUVR8-V1 increases in response to the sex inducer. VcUVR8 expression seems to remain the same in both cell types, while VcCOP1, the interacting partner of VcUVR8, is expressed in a cell-type specific manner. Interestingly, illumination with low doses of UV-B leads to an increase of VcCOP1 transcript levels only in the somatic cells. Our results indicate that UV-B signaling pathway is differentially regulated between two cell types and environmental UV-B could be involved in cell-type specific regulation of developmental and physiological processes.

Six-flux absorption-scattering models for photocatalysis under wide-spectrum irradiation sources in annular and flat reactors using catalysts with different optical properties

The photocatalytic oxidation of 2-hydroxybenzoic acid (2-HBA) in an annular tubular reactor (R1) and a flat rectangular open channel reactor (R2), which were irradiated with light sources emitting in the UVB, UVA and visible range of the solar radiation spectrum, and using two photocatalysts, titanium dioxide (TiO2 P25) and Ag-modified TiO2 P25 (Ag@TiO2) was modeled. The local volumetric rate of photon absorption (LVRPA) in the reactors was evaluated by the six-flux absorption scattering model (SFM). The Langmuir-Hinshelwood kinetic model of the degradation of a model contaminant on irradiated aqueous suspensions of TiO2 P25 and Ag@TiO2 was combined with the SFM radiation model and light emission models to determine local reaction rates, and further integrated with the reactors hydrodynamics and material balances to model the degradation of 2-HBA in the photoreactors. The linear source spherical emission (LSSE) and extensive source superficial diffuse emission (ESSDE) models were compared in terms of incident and transmitted photon fluxes through the reactor. It was shown that both LSSE and ESSDE models could be successfully applied for the modeling of annular and flat reactors, considering the emission from tubular fluorescent light sources.Since current research calls for materials with wide absorption in the solar radiation spectrum, spanning from the UV to the visible, therefore, the SFM model was adapted to consider such wide distribution. The optical properties of the photocatalysts were averaged over narrow wavelength ranges of the solar spectrum, wherein the contributions by the UVA, UVB and visible light irradiation to the LVRPA and contaminant degradation rate were separated. The effects of catalyst concentration, liquid velocity profile and the photon flux from different light sources on the 2-HBA degradation rate were explored. The “intrinsic” reaction kinetic constants of 2-HBA photocatalytic oxidation independent of reactor type, catalyst concentration, irradiance levels and hydrodynamic conditions were determined by fitting the experimental data to the model results. It was shown that the model parameters were independent of the type of catalyst used, although the catalyst exhibited significantly different optical properties.

Photocatalytic degradation of methyl orange and real wastewater by silver doped mesoporous TiO2 catalysts

Abstract The photocatalytic activity of silver doped mesoporous TiO 2 catalysts was evaluated for water treatment. Doped catalysts were prepared by impregnation-reduction with citrate using various Ag loadings (0.5 wt%, 1.5 wt% and 3 wt%) and characterized by X-Ray powder diffraction (XRD), BET and diffuse reflectance UV–vis spectroscopy (DR/UV–vis). Silver doped TiO 2 catalysts retain the physical properties of mesoporous TiO 2 and its hexagonal order. The degradation of methyl orange (MO) as a model organic pollutant and of a real wastewater effluent was carried out under UVC, UVB, UVA and simulated solar light irradiation. Mesoporous TiO 2 showed a better activity than P25 TiO 2 and photocatalytic performance of silver doped mesoporous TiO 2 was enhanced compare to undoped. The mineralization of the organic pollutant was investigated by total organic carbon (TOC) measurements. The 0.5 wt%Ag/TiO 2 exhibited the highest TOC abatement both for the mineralization of MO and of real wastewater under UV and simulated solar light. Moreover, the catalyst was stable and could be used repeatedly. Therefore, this catalyst is promising for photocatalytic wastewater treatment under solar irradiation, leading to a cheap technology for developing countries.

A study on photodegradation of methadone, EDDP, and other drugs of abuse in hair exposed to controlled UVB radiation.

The drug content of hair may be affected by washing, chemical or thermal treatments, the use of cosmetics, or exposure to the environment. Knowledge concerning the effect of natural or artificial light on drug content in hair can be helpful to the forensic toxicologist, in particular when investigating drug concentrations above or below pre-determined cut-offs. The photodegradation of methadone and its metabolite, 2-ethyl-1,5-dimethyl-3,3-diphenylpyrrolidine (EDDP) was studied in authentic positive hair samples by comparing drug concentrations determined by liquid chromatrography-high resolution mass spectrometry before and after exposure to UVB light (in vivo study). The same approach was applied in order to investigate the light sensitivity of opiates (6-monoacetylmorphine and morphine) and cocainics (cocaine and benzoylecgonine) in true positive hair. The yields of photodegradation were calculated for each drug class in eight different positive hair samples irradiated by UVB at 300 J/cm(2) obtaining averages, ranges and standard deviations. In parallel, the photostability of all the compounds as 10(-5) -10(-4) M standard solutions in methanol were examined by means of UVB light irradiation in the range 0-100 J/cm(2) followed by UV/Vis spectroscopic analysis and direct infusion electrospray ionization-high resolution mass spectrometry (in vitro study). In hair, methadone was shown to be significantly affected by light (photodegradation of 55% on average), while its metabolite EDDP proved to be more photostable (17%). 6-monoacetylmorphine, morphine, benzoylecgonine, and cocaine were more photostable than methadone in vivo (on average, 21%, 17%, 20%, and 11% of degradation, respectively). When irradiated in standard solutions, the target molecules exhibited a larger photodegradation than in vivo with the exception of cocaine (photodegradation for methadone up to 70%, 6-monoacetylmorphine and morphine up to 90%, benzoylecgonine up to 67%, cocaine up to 15%). Some factors possibly affecting the yields of photodegradation in hair and partially explaining the differences observed between the in vivo and the in vitro studies were also investigated, such as the colour of hair (the role of melanin) and the integrity of the keratin matrix.

Biocompatibility study of two diblock copolymeric nanoparticles for biomedical applications by in vitro toxicity testing

Drugs used for chemotherapy normally carry out adverse, undesired effects. Nanotechnology brings about new horizons to tackle cancer disease with a different strategy. One of the most promising approaches is the use of nanocarriers to transport active drugs. These nanocarriers need to have special properties to avoid immune responses and toxicity, and it is critical to study these effects. Nanocarriers may have different nature, but polypeptide-based copolymers have attracted considerable attention for their biocompatibility, controlled and slow biodegradability as well as low toxicity. Little has been done regarding specific nanocarriers toxicity. In this study, we performed a thorough toxicological study of two different block copolymer nanoparticles (NPs); poly(trimethylene carbonate)-block–poly(l-glutamic acid) (PTMC-b–PGA) and poly(ethylene glycol)-block–poly(γ-benzyl-l-glutamate) (PEG-b–PBLG) with sizes between 113 and 131 nm. Low blood–serum–protein interaction was observed. Moreover, general toxicity assays and other endpoints (apoptosis or necrosis) showed good biocompatibility for both NPs. Reactive oxygen species increased in only two cell lines (HepG2 and TK6) in the presence of PTMC-b–PGA. Cytokine production study showed cytokine induction only in one cell line (A549). We also performed the same assays on human skin organ culture before and after UVB light treatment, with a moderate toxicity after treatment independent of NPs presence or absence. Interleukin 1 induction was also observed due to the combined effect of PEG-b–PBLG and UVB light irradiation. Future in vivo studies for biocompatibility and toxicity will provide more valuable information, but, so far, the findings presented here suggest the possibility of using these two NPs as nanocarriers for nanomedical applications, always taking into account the application procedure and the way in which they are implemented.

The influence of copper(II) ions on wool photostability in the dry state

It has been hypothesised that the presence of trace metals in wool, notably copper and iron, has an influence on the formation of free radicals under irradiation and thereby affects the photostability of wool and wool products, particularly in the wet state. There has been limited research evaluating the influence of copper ions on wool photodiscoloration. This study examined the relative photodiscoloration of wool bound with varied amounts of copper(II) ions under UVA, UVB and blue light irradiation in the dry state. Total reflectance and visible/near‐infrared absorbance spectra, tryptophan‐type fluorescence (λex = 295 nm, λem = 340 nm) and photoinduced chemiluminescence emissions of natural wool and copper(II)‐treated wool were characterised and contrasted. CIELAB colour space, D1925 yellowness and CIE whiteness values measured from irradiated wool samples indicate that wool treated with copper(II) solution at a higher concentration yellowed faster and experienced greater overall colour changes under UVA and UVB irradiation, whereas copper(II)‐treated wool seemed to be more photostable than untreated natural wool under blue light irradiation. It was also observed that binding copper ions to wool resulted in decreased tryptophan‐type fluorescence and photoinduced chemiluminescence emissions relative to untreated natural wool.

Amphiregulin is essential for UVB mediated immunosuppression. (P6231)

Abstract UVB exposure of the skin is associated with amelioration of inflammatory diseases, which has been shown to be mediated by activated Tregs. Since we have recently shown that Tregs, for optimal functioning, are dependent on signals induced by the EGF-like growth factor AREG, we tested whether UVB-mediated immunosuppression is dependent on AREG. We irradiated C57BL/6 wt and AREG-/- mice with UVB light and sensitized them with DNFB. Mice then were challenged and ear swelling was measured. Our results show that UVB light irradiation suppressed ear swelling in wt but not in AREG-/- mice. To determine at what point AREG expression would be essential, we transferred lymphocytes isolated from lymph nodes of irradiated and sensitized wt mice into naïve wt or AREG-/- mice, that then were sensitized with DNFB and challenged. In contrast to wt recipients, AREG-/- mice lacked suppression upon challenge. Similar results were found when lymphocytes, derived from UVB-irradiated CD4cre x EGF-Rflox/flox or wt mice, were transferred into wt mice. Mice that had received lymphocytes from irradiated and sensitized wt mice were fully able to suppress challenge induced ear swelling, while those that had received lymphocytes derived from UVB-irradiated CD4cre x EGF-Rflox/flox showed a significantly decreased ability to suppress swelling. Our data shows that AREG at the site of inflammation is essential for UVB irradiation-induced and Treg mediated immunosuppression.

The effect of wool surface and interior modification on subsequent photostability

AbstractWool surface and interior modification can impart favorable properties, such as felting/shrink resistance, settability, or improved affinity for dyes. However, in principle such modification may have an either beneficial or adverse effect on the subsequent photostability of the modified wool. In this study, a range of representative physical and chemical modification approaches including the use of helium gas plasma, papain, acylation with acid anhydride, and permanganate oxidation were applied to wool fabrics, and the subsequent effects characterized using scanning electron microscopy, FTIR‐ATR, contact angle goniometry, fluorescence spectrophotometry, and tensile strength test. The relative photostability of control and treated wool were evaluated in terms of coloration changes under UVA, UVB, and blue light irradiation. We have shown that the subsequent photostability of modified wool fabrics is highly dependent on the modification type, and this factor should be carefully considered in the design and application of wool treatments. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013

Prooxidant and antioxidant behaviour of usnic acid from lichens under UVB-light irradiation – Studies on human cells

Natural compounds which can behave as antioxidants and protect against UV-radiation may well have medical and cosmetic value. Usnic acid, which can be obtained from lichens offer such a potential. The latter is one of the best known and reviewed compounds present in lichens and exhibits many properties of value such as antibiotic, antitumor and UV-filter-effects. We report studies of the potential antioxidant and prooxidant activity of usnic acid extracted from Xanthoparmelia farinosa (Vainio) using a human lymphocyte cell line (Jurkat-cells) under UV-B-irradiation. Cell survival and cell metabolism were determined using different conditions such as usnic acid concentration and UVB dose. Compared to the controls the cells incubated with usnic acid in concentrations of 1 × 10 −8 and 1 × 10 −6 M showed a higher cell survival and a normal metabolism under low doses of UVB-light up to 0.1 J/cm 2. When both higher UVB doses (up to 14 J/cm 2) and higher concentrations of usnic acid (1 × 10 −4 M) where used, the opposite effect was observed. It is concluded that these effects are due to bifunctional (a switch of) anti-oxidative–pro-oxidative behaviour of usnic acid under UV-B-irradiation.

Effect of surface microstructures on photo-induced hydrophilicity of NaNbO3 thin films by sol–gel process

Abstract The photo-induced hydrophilicity of sodium niobate (NaNbO 3 ) films prepared by the sol–gel method was investigated. Although the films annealed at by 700 and 900 °C exhibited a more heterogeneous microstructure (average grain size: 30–40 nm, 50–80 nm, respectively) than that for films annealed at 500 °C (15–20 nm), the crystallinity and the band gaps of the films were all approximately the same. The films exhibited photo-induced hydrophilicity under UV-B light irradiation. The photo-induced hydrophilic response of the film annealed at 500 °C was higher than those of the films annealed at 700 and 900 °C. It is proposed that the photo-induced hydrophilicity of NaNbO 3 films is affected by the surface microstructure.