Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
K. Rohini Das, M. Jinish Antony
Summary: Fluorescent indicators were developed for detecting endpoint in microscale redox titration. The indicators effectively reduced experiment time and chemical usage, providing students with an opportunity to practice green chemistry. The precision and accuracy of fluorescent indicators were confirmed, making them beneficial for volumetric estimation of ferrous ions in microscale quantities.
JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL EDUCATION
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Zhe Chen, Haodong Yang, Xinpeng Men, Lei Yao, Qiuming Fu, Zhidong Lin, Shenggao Wang
Summary: Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) is a rapid and powerful method for evaluating membrane pore structure. This paper suggests a laboratory experiment to improve engineers' understanding of electrochemistry and materials engineering. The experiment focuses on characterizing the pore structure in a membrane using EIS and exploring the correlation between membrane resistance and water flux. Students are trained to collect impedance spectra under different conditions, allowing them to understand the effects of operating parameters on the impedance spectrum.
JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL EDUCATION
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
James K. Kearns, Matthew van der Wielen
Summary: This experiment focuses on food and a common contaminant to engage student interest and effort, while providing essential instruction and experience. It offers a determination approach using commonly available instrumentation and introduces a variety of experiences to enhance scientific competence. Students can successfully complete the experiment, regardless of their math skills, and gain assurance of their growing scientific abilities when their reports align with international research.
JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL EDUCATION
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Xiang Peng, Rong Li, Qiangqiang Zhao, Peng Wang, Min Yan, Feifei Li, Jing Wen, Liwei Xiong, Zhanhui Zhang
Summary: Hydrogen production through electrochemical water splitting via hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), powered by sustainable energy, is seen as a promising alternative to fossil fuels. A proposed experiment design aims to prepare HER electrodes and evaluate their electrochemical performance for materials science undergraduate students, by integrating knowledge of chemistry, electrochemistry, and materials science with practical application and scientific frontier. The experiment is conducted using conventional equipment and non-toxic chemicals in a materials science comprehensive laboratory. The experimental design covers various aspects, including the mechanism of water splitting, reaction routes in HER, crystal structure of electrocatalyst, electrode preparation protocol, electrochemical evaluation methods, and their relationships, providing students with cutting-edge concepts related to new energy materials and devices, and facilitating the design of electrocatalysts with exceptional comprehensive properties for future green hydrogen production.
JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL EDUCATION
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yizhen Jia, Prasad Nithianandam, Tzu-Li Liu, Jinghua Li
Summary: This report describes an interdisciplinary approach used in undergraduate laboratory classes to bridge the gap between scientific advances, engineering efforts, and practical applications in daily life. The field of biointegrated electronics is highlighted as an excellent opportunity for interdisciplinary learning models. Wearable glucose sensors are presented as a promising application requiring knowledge from multiple research areas. The laboratory experiment module provides students with hands-on experience in designing, testing, and integrating wearable glucose sensors. This lab class serves as an example of how interdisciplinary research can be integrated into undergraduate education and offers valuable skills and experiences for future careers.
JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL EDUCATION
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Sharon Groover, Justin Legleiter, Erin E. Battin
Summary: By integrating components of research experience, we have designed a unique laboratory experiment to address challenges faced by traditional undergraduate biochemical laboratory curricula, enabling students to engage in more inspiring and exciting research within scheduled undergraduate lab sessions.
JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL EDUCATION
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Andrew G. Kantor, Thomas Foster Scherr, David W. Wright, Susan Denise Verberne-Sutton
Summary: Lateral flow assays (LFAs) are widely used for disease diagnosis due to their affordability, speed, reliability, and ease of use. Incorporating LFAs into undergraduate chemistry courses allows students to apply analytical chemistry concepts and understand the limitations of point-of-care diagnostics. In this study, we developed an LFA module for undergraduate analytical chemistry students using a hybrid learning approach. The students performed LFAs in the laboratory session and quantified the results using a mobile-friendly web application. In the remote session, the students constructed receiver operating characteristic curves and engaged in discussions about diagnostic specificity and sensitivity.
JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL EDUCATION
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Kelli M. Slunt
Summary: The qualitative sugar identification laboratory was adapted into a virtual experiment where students can choose their own adventure. They conduct virtual experiments on known and unknown carbohydrates, select positive and negative controls, and compare test results to identify unknown sugars. This virtual adaptation focuses on developing experimental design and problem-solving skills and can be used for similar exercises in other chemistry or STEM courses.
JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL EDUCATION
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yunhua Li, Weizhong Liao, Cuixue Chen, Meiling Ye, Alexander Luis Imbault
Summary: This study proposes an efficient laboratory experiment to synthesize a 3D-printed electrocatalyst for the hydrogen evolution reaction. Students learn to assemble an electrochemical cell, conduct electrodeposition, and evaluate the reaction on both 3D-printed and traditional nickel electrodes. This research also expands the use of 3D printing in catalysis, energy production, and chemistry courses.
JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL EDUCATION
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
David L. A. Scarborough, Rod Hall, Kellie E. N. Vanderkruk
Summary: Inquiry- and context-based learning can enhance student motivation and interest, develop critical thinking skills, and improve assessment outcomes. This study applied IBL research projects in university chemistry courses and incorporated elements of CBL. Informal student surveys showed that the projects improved students' critical thinking, communication, and experimental design skills. Students appreciated the opportunity to delve deep into a single topic and found the projects to be reflective of real scientific work. They also identified areas for improvement in subject administration, marking schemes, and access to resources.
JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL EDUCATION
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jingyu Wang, Jiangjiexing Wu, Xiaowei Luo, Xiyang Han, Hao Tian, Rongxin Su
Summary: A comprehensive laboratory-style teaching activity was developed by Tianjin University specifically for undergraduates, involving the synthesis, characterization, and analysis of structure-activity relationships of metal-organic framework (MOF) nanozymes. Students gained familiarity with the synthesis of MOFs using the solvothermal method and learned modern characterization methods such as powder X-ray diffraction and fluorescence spectroscopy. The relationship between structural differences in MOFs caused by ligand changes and their SOD-like activities was investigated, using Hammett relationships as an accurate method to quantify the structure-activity relationships of MIL-101(Fe)-X nanozymes.
JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL EDUCATION
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Marsha A. Grimminger, Matthew P. Tracey, Simeon J. Martinus
Summary: Introductory organic chemistry laboratory is often challenging for students to apply theoretical knowledge to practical applications, especially in distance learning. A visual experiment using conjugated azo dyes has been developed to help students understand the acid/base properties of functional groups, aiming to enhance student comprehension. Both traditional and distance learning strategies will be presented and compared in this study.
JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL EDUCATION
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yunhua Li, Cuixue Chen, Meiling Ye, Alexander Luis Imbault
Summary: Organizing undergraduates to participate in an energy transformation experiment can encourage them to consider the impact of human activities on nature and stimulate their interest in learning more about this topic.
JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL EDUCATION
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Danielle R. Lucas, Thaiany S. C. Bressiani, Anne C. C. Gomes, Ingrid M. Hayashide, Naomi K. Simas, Maria F. F. Lelis, Ricardo M. Kuster, Paulo R. G. Moura
Summary: The laboratory experiment introduced undergraduate chemistry students to the chemical characterization of agroindustrial waste extracts using GC-MS. Students found potential compounds in the waste extracts and were encouraged to research their biological properties. The experiment showed that the hexane extract exhibited higher larvicidal activity, prompting students to further explore solutions to environmental problems in scientific literature.
JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL EDUCATION
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Noach Treitel, Einat Kohn, Ruthy Sfez
Summary: This paper proposes a multistep assembly of gold nanoparticle self assembled monolayers (SAMs) on glass surfaces, which includes self assembly (SA) and electrostatic self-assembly (ESA) methods. These methods are central approaches in modern surface and materials engineering. The products are analyzed using spectrophotometry and contact angle measurements. The experiment can be completed in a standard 4 h teaching laboratory session.
JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL EDUCATION
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Cesare Rovera, Filippo Fiori, Silvia Trabattoni, Diego Romano, Stefano Farris
Article
Food Science & Technology
Stefano Farris, Susanna Buratti, Simona Benedetti, Cesare Rovera, Ernestina Casiraghi, Cristina Alamprese
Summary: The study found that the transparent plastic film loaded with a UV-blocker performed the best in protecting the oil from oxidation, due to its lower oxygen transmission rate compared to metallized material.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Duygu Buyuktas, Masoud Ghaani, Cesare Rovera, Richard T. Olsson, Figen Korel, Stefano Farris
Summary: This study aimed to enhance the performance of a glassy carbon electrode for the detection of 2,6-diaminotoluene through surface modification with carbon nanotubes and carbon nanoparticles. The modified electrode exhibited improved sensitivity and accurate detection results across different pH values and linear ranges.
FOOD PACKAGING AND SHELF LIFE
(2021)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Mahsa Sadat Razavi, Abdollah Golmohammadi, Ali Nematollahzadeh, Cesare Rovera, Stefano Farris
Summary: Cinnamon essential oil (CEO) nanocapsules were stabilized using bacterial cellulose nanocrystals (BCNCs) and fish gelatin, with higher CEO concentrations resulting in lower release rates following a non-Fickian behavior. Films incorporating CEO showed increased hydrophobicity and elongation, with potential applications as antimicrobial coatings for living foods with respiratory metabolism.
Article
Polymer Science
Cesare Rovera, Simone Luti, Luigia Pazzagli, Ellen L. Heeley, Chaoying Wan, Diego Romano, Stefano Farris
Summary: The study investigated the effect of expansin-like cerato-platanin protein as a pre-treatment for enzymatic hydrolysis of bacterial cellulose. Higher concentrations of the protein hindered the hydrolysis process, leading to lower content of cellobiose and glucose. This anomalous behavior of cerato platanin family members contrasts with their positive effects on plant-derived cellulose.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Paresh Kumar Samantaray, Christopher Ellingford, Stefano Farris, Donal O'Sullivan, Bowen Tan, Zhaoyang Sun, Tony McNally, Chaoying Wan
Summary: This study demonstrates the potential of using a combination of blending and electron beam treatment to improve the barrier and mechanical properties of poly(glycolic acid) (PGA), making it a viable substitute for single-use plastics in food packaging.
ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Enrica Musella, Ismael Chahed el Ouazzani, Ana Rita Mendes, Cesare Rovera, Stefano Farris, Cristina Mena, Paula Teixeira, Fatima Pocas
Summary: The combination of olive leaf extract and chitosan offers a promising bio-based packaging solution with good antimicrobial and antioxidant activity, improving the safety and quality of food packaging.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Mahsa Sadat Razavi, Abdollah Golmohammadi, Ali Nematollahzadeh, Alireza Ghanbari, Mahdi Davari, Cesare Rovera, Daniele Carullo, Stefano Farris
Summary: This study found that bacterial cellulose nanocrystals (BCNCs)-gelatin (GelA)/cinnamon essential oil (CEO) emulsion coatings with different CEO concentrations can effectively retard ripening and senescence of apples during cold storage. The coatings reduced weight loss and improved flesh firmness, leading to better overall quality of the apples.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Mahsa Sadat Razavi, Abdollah Golmohammadi, Ali Nematollahzadeh, Alireza Ghanbari, Mahdi Davari, Daniele Carullo, Stefano Farris
Summary: This study assessed the antimicrobial potential of natural essential oils and selected the most suitable oil for producing emulsions. Coating emulsions with the selected oil effectively reduced lesion spreading on fruits, with BCNCs/GelA-CEO emulsions showing the strongest effect.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Elif Cavdaroglu, Duygu Buyuktas, Stefano Farris, Ahmet Yemenicioglu
Summary: This study explored the characteristics of different types of fig pectin films and compared them with commercial pectin films. Cross-linking improved the mechanical strength and barrier properties of the films. Films made from stalk waste pectins showed properties beyond those of commercial pectins.
FOOD HYDROCOLLOIDS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Masoud Ghaani, Duygu Buyuktas, Daniele Carullo, Stefano Farris
Summary: A new molecularly imprinted electrochemical sensor utilizing molecularly imprinted polymer-multiwalled carbon nanotubes modified glassy carbon electrode (MIP/MWCNTs/GCE) was proposed for the determination of 4,4' methylene diphenyl diamine (MDA). The sensor demonstrated a linear response to MDA in the concentration range of 0.5-100 μM, with a detection limit of 15 nM. The MIP/MWCNTs/GCE exhibited high recognition performance, good reproducibility, selectivity, and satisfactory recoveries for MDA in real samples.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Duygu Buyuktas, Masoud Ghaani, Cesare Rovera, Daniele Carullo, Richard T. Olsson, Figen Korel, Stefano Farris
Summary: The purpose of this study was to develop a new electrochemical sensor for the food packaging sector that can accurately measure 4,4'-MDA during converting operations. The sensor was modified with nanoparticles to improve sensitivity and selectivity.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Abdollah Golmohammadi, Mahsa Sadat Razavi, Mohammad Tahmasebi, Daniele Carullo, Stefano Farris
Summary: The study aimed to characterize films made from fish gelatin encapsulated with cinnamon essential oil and loaded with bacterial cellulose nanocrystals at pH 3.5. The films showed excellent optical properties, with haze slightly exceeding 3% only at the highest essential oil loading. The essential oil increased elongation at break but decreased tensile strength, and its hydrophobic nature negatively affected water solubility.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Bjoern K. Birdsong, Billy W. Hoogendoorn, Fritjof Nilsson, Richard L. Andersson, Antonio J. Capezza, Mikael S. Hedenqvist, Stefano Farris, Antonio Guerrero, Richard T. Olsson
Summary: Graphene oxide (GO) was used as a template to synthesize silicon oxide (SiOx) based 2D-nanomaterials with similar morphological features as the GO sheets. By controlled condensation reaction with low concentrations of GO, 2D-nanoflakes consisting of GO-flakes coated with a silica precursor were obtained. The GO template was fully removable without affecting the nanoflake morphology, providing a method for large-scale preparation of SiOx-based 2D nanosheets.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Agostina Colacicco, Giorgia Catinella, Cecilia Pinna, Alessandro Pellis, Stefano Farris, Lucia Tamborini, Sabrina Dallavalle, Francesco Molinari, Martina Letizia Contente, Andrea Pinto
Summary: An efficient one-pot, 2-step flow bioprocess has been developed for obtaining the aglycones of hesperidin (HES) and rutin (RT). The strategy involves co-immobilizing commercially available α-rhamnosidase and extremophilic β-glycosidase on glyoxyl-agarose beads to create a high-performing multi-active biocatalyst. By optimizing the reaction conditions and implementing a flow switch, the process achieves high productivity, cost-efficiency, and sustainability.
CATALYSIS SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
