Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jordi Marti, Huixia Lu
Summary: This study investigates the interactions of tryptophan, serotonin, and melatonin with zwitterionic phospholipid bilayers through molecular dynamics simulations. The presence of cholesterol influences the behavior of these small molecules, affecting their binding to the membrane. Free energy barriers and diffusion rates of the small molecules provide insights into their interaction with phospholipids and cholesterol in the membrane environment.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Cezary Chojnacki, Marta Medrek-Socha, Aleksandra Blonska, Radoslaw Zajdel, Jan Chojnacki, Tomasz Poplawski
Summary: This study evaluates the effect of a tryptophan-lowering diet on abdominal and mental symptoms in patients with irritable bowel syndrome and finds that reducing dietary intake of tryptophan can reduce abdominal discomfort.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Thorung Pranil, Anuchita Moongngarm, Greepol Manwiwattanakul, Patiwit Loypimai, William L. Kerr
Summary: The study analyzed the contents of melatonin, serotonin, and tryptophan in 15 tropical fruits using LC-MS/MS, showing high levels of these substances in fruits like mango, pineapple, and mulberry. Fruit tablets rich in melatonin and its derivatives were developed from selected fruits.
JOURNAL OF FOOD COMPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Siok Ee Lam, Siti Nurasiah Mat Nawi, Siti Fairus Abdul Sani, Mayeen Uddin Khandaker, David Andrew Bradley
Summary: Preliminary study of black human hair showed structural alterations post-irradiation, with spectral features indicating dose-dependent defects generation and annealing of structural alterations, exhibiting a semiconductor level band gap energy.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Rui Lobo, Noe Alvarez, Vesselin Shanov
Summary: The study compared advanced carbon nanostructured electrodes under similar hydrogen uptake/desorption conditions using recent molecular beam-thermal desorption spectrometry. Results showed that the carbon nanostructured electrodes exhibited enhanced hydrogen adsorption and storage capabilities, with carbon nanotube threads showing potential to replace heavier metals or alloys as hydrogen storage media.
Review
Cell Biology
Tamas Kortesi, Eleonora Spekker, Laszlo Vecsei
Summary: Migraine is a complex neurovascular disorder with unclear pathophysiology and limited therapeutic options. Recent research has focused on tryptophan metabolism, which produces neuroactive molecules that affect pain processing and stress response. This review summarizes translational and clinical findings, as well as potential therapeutic options for the prevention and treatment of migraine.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Eunji Kim, Byeong-Joo Lee, Kathleen Maleski, Yoonjeong Chae, Yonghee Lee, Yury Gogotsi, Chi Won Ahn
Summary: This study presents a method for fabricating on-chip symmetric MSCs with coplanar interdigitated electrodes using focused-ion-beam process and carbon nanotube electrodes. The micro supercapacitors produced have high areal capacitance with narrow gaps between electrode fingers, while electron beam lithography and photolithography are utilized to create ultra-small footprint devices.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Zhao Zhang, Haohao Dong, Yongping Liao, Er-Xiong Ding, Lihua Lv, Hong Li, Jun Yan, Esko I. Kauppinen
Summary: High-quality SWCNT thin films synthesized by floating catalyst chemical vapor deposition (FCCVD) show potential applications in the field of flexible and transparent heaters (THs). These films exhibit reasonable heating performance, excellent thermal stability, and mechanical flexibility.
SURFACES AND INTERFACES
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Rafael Vicentini, Willian G. Nunes, Lenon H. da Costa, Leonardo M. Da Silva, Bruno Freitas, Aline M. Pascon, Otavio Vilas-Boas, Hudson Zanin
Summary: A novel multi-walled carbon nanotubes and activated carbon composite material was reported as an electrode for electrochemical capacitors, showing low equivalent series resistance and operational stability in aqueous electrolytes. The simple, fast, and low-cost approach resulted in devices with high voltage and specific capacitance, demonstrating good cyclability and potential for environmentally friendly electrolytes.
JOURNAL OF ENERGY STORAGE
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Lior Snarski, Idan Biran, Tatyana Bendikov, Iddo Pinkas, Mark A. Iron, Ifat Kaplan-Ashiri, Haim Weissman, Boris Rybtchinski
Summary: In this study, single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) were efficiently exfoliated and functionalized using a common dye molecule, resulting in highly mechanical robust and electrically conductive SWCNT materials. Flexible transparent conductive electrodes based on these materials showed excellent optoelectronic performance suitable for touch screens and LEDs.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Jinxing Li, Yuxin Liu, Lei Yuan, Baibing Zhang, Estelle Spear Bishop, Kecheng Wang, Jing Tang, Yu-Qing Zheng, Wenhui Xu, Simiao Niu, Levent Beker, Thomas L. Li, Gan Chen, Modupeola Diyaolu, Anne-Laure Thomas, Vittorio Mottini, Jeffrey B. -H. Tok, James C. Y. Dunn, Bianxiao Cui, Sergiu P. Pasca, Yi Cui, Aida Habtezion, Xiaoke Chen, Zhenan Bao
Summary: Neurotransmitters play crucial roles in regulating neural circuit dynamics in the central and peripheral nervous systems, including the gastrointestinal tract. However, there is a lack of bioelectronic tools for real-time monitoring of neurotransmitter dynamics in vivo, especially in the enteric nervous system. In this study, the researchers developed a tissue-mimicking, stretchable neurochemical biological interface called NeuroString, which allows chronic in vivo real-time monitoring of monoamine levels in the brain and serotonin dynamics in the gut. This interface has the potential for studying the impact of neurotransmitters on gut microbes and brain-gut communication.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Wen-Hao Li, Yue-Ming Li, Jia-Lin Yang, Xing-Long Wu
Summary: Carbon materials have potential applications in novel dual-ion batteries, but their drawbacks have limited their use. This study proposes an integrated electrode structure design to solve these problems and improve battery performance.
Article
Polymer Science
Humair Hussain, Asim Jilani, Numan Salah, Ahmed Alshahrie, Adnan MemiC, Mohammad Omaish Ansari, Joydeep Dutta
Summary: Due to the industrial revolution, fresh water reserves are being polluted every day and man-made activities have adverse effects upon the ecosystem. Therefore, it is necessary to explore new technologies to save and purify water resources. Capacitive deionization is considered as an emerging technique for removing excess ions to produce potable water and desalination.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Sai Prasad Nayak, V. Prathyusha, J. K. Kiran Kumar
Summary: This study reports a surface modification method of oxidized carbon nanotubes (oCNTs) pre-modified on a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) using electrodeposited curcumin (CM) as a metal-free platform for simultaneous detection of dopamine (DA) and serotonin (SE). The results demonstrate the detection capability of CM for DA and SE and show excellent synergy between CM and oCNT.
MATERIALS CHEMISTRY AND PHYSICS
(2022)
Review
Nutrition & Dietetics
David Benton, Anthony Bloxham, Chantelle Gaylor, Anthony Brennan, Hayley A. Young
Summary: Sleep problems are common in industrialized countries and diet has been considered as a potential solution. Most studies suggest that carbohydrates can improve sleep by increasing the uptake of tryptophan, while an alternative mechanism based on glucose-induced changes in blood glucose levels has been largely ignored. A meta-analysis found that consuming lower amounts of carbohydrates can increase slow-wave sleep and decrease rapid-eye-movement sleep. However, the credibility of alternative mechanisms needs to be critically evaluated. High carbohydrate consumption only affects tryptophan uptake at very low protein levels, making it irrelevant to normal diets. While tryptophan is converted to serotonin in the brain, which can influence sleep, it is not reasonable to expect a uniform improvement in sleep. The exogenous dose of melatonin needed to influence sleep cannot be reliably provided through diet.
FRONTIERS IN NUTRITION
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Marta Pacheco, Carmen C. Mayorga-Martinez, Jitka Viktorova, Tomas Ruml, Alberto Escarpa, Martin Pumera
Summary: The field of micro/nanorobots is at the forefront of nanotechnology research. Magnetically propelled micro/nanorobots with a biodegradable polymer and layer containing an incorporated anticancer drug concept is introduced in this article. These microrobots are chemically programmed to degrade in pancreatic cancer cells, releasing the anticancer drug and killing the cancer cells. This technology shows great potential for programmable drug release in biomedical applications.
APPLIED MATERIALS TODAY
(2022)
Correction
Chemistry, Analytical
Daniel Rojas, Juan F. Hernandez-Rodriguez, Flavio Della Pelle, Alberto Escarpa, Dario Compagnone
Article
Food Science & Technology
Silvana M. Azcarate, Ricardo Elia Dazat, Jose M. Camina, Maria Fernanda Silva, Federico J. V. Gomez
Summary: This study presents a smart approach using Natural Deep Eutectic Solvents (NADES) to modify the electrolyte and obtain an array of sensors, which improve the electrochemical detection. Four NADES electrochemical sensors were applied for honey heat alteration detection, achieving an optimal performance with an accuracy of 0.97 through data fusion strategies.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Jose Grau, Maria Moreno-Guzman, Luis Arruza, Miguel angel Lopez, Alberto Escarpa, Alberto Chisvert
Summary: Miniaturized magnetic-based pipette tip microextraction is a sample preparation approach for microsamples. It involves dispersing a small amount of magnetic sorbent material in a low-volume sample to trap the target analytes, followed by using a pipette tip with a neodymium magnet inside to retrieve the sorbent. The method was successfully applied to determine free cortisol in serum and urine samples from low birth weight preterm newborns.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Candice N. Carneiro, Federico J. Gomez, Adrian Spisso, Maria Fernanda Silva, Jorge L. O. Santos, Fabio de S. Dias
Summary: Microwave-induced plasma optical emission spectrometry was used to determine multiple elements in South American wine samples. Logistic regression, support vector machine, and decision tree algorithms were applied to differentiate red wine samples by region of origin. The method's accuracy was evaluated by comparing the results with ICP OES analysis.
BIOLOGICAL TRACE ELEMENT RESEARCH
(2023)
Editorial Material
Chemistry, Analytical
Beatriz Jurado-Sanchez, Alberto Escarpa
Biographical-Item
Chemistry, Analytical
Alberto Escarpa
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Silvia Dortez, Agustin G. Crevillen, Alberto Escarpa
Summary: In this study, a colorimetric microfluidic paper-based analytical device combined with a smartphone readout was developed for the determination of serum iron levels. The method showed a good linear correlation, low detection limit, and high accuracy and inter-device reproducibility. Moreover, the method offered advantages such as affordability, portability, ease of use, sensitivity, and specificity, making it suitable for point-of-care testing.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Victor de la Asuncion-Nadal, Daniel Rojas, Beatriz Jurado-Sanchez, Alberto Escarpa
Summary: In this study, we describe the light-triggered photophoretic motion of WS2 micromotors. These micromotors were prepared using liquid-phase exfoliation of pristine WS2 in water, resulting in a layered material with high photoconversion capability. Under electromagnetic irradiation, the micromotors exhibit positive photophoretic motion and swarming-like behavior. Computational fluid dynamics simulations were used to characterize the photophoretic propulsion mechanism of the micromotors. These novel micromotors can perform collective motion without the need for surfactants or fuels, reaching velocities of up to 6000 μm/s, making them the fastest light-driven micromotor platform to date with potential for cutting-edge applications.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY A
(2023)
Correction
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jose Gordon, Luis Arruza, Maria Dolores Ibanez, Maria Moreno-Guzman, Miguel Angel Lopez, Alberto Escarpa
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Joana Boiteux, Magdalena Espino, Silvana Azcarate, Maria Fernanda Silva, Federico J. V. Gomez, Pablo Pizzuolo, Maria de los Angeles Fernandez
Summary: Bioactive functional coatings, which reduce postharvest fruit losses and provide health benefits, have gained attention. This study optimized a bioactive coating based on Natural Deep Eutectic Solvents (NADES) and Larrea divaricata extract for managing postharvest diseases caused by Monilinia fructicola. The NADES composition was optimized using a Simplex Lattice design and response surface methodology, while the bioactive coating composition was optimized using a D-optimal mixture-mixture design. The optimal biocoating exhibited 72% in vitro antimicrobial activity against M. fructicola and had a smooth and uniform surface due to the NADES plasticizer.
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Flavia E. Santiano, Maria de los Angeles Fernandez, Magdalena Espino, Leila E. Zyla, Lara Rey, Silvina E. Gomez, Flavia A. Bruna, Virginia Pistone-Creydt, Elisa Pietrobon, Rafael Perez Elizalde, Maria F. Silva, Ruben W. Caron, Constanza M. Lopez Fontana
Summary: This study aimed to examine the influence of Yerba mate (YM) intake on prostate cancer development. The results showed that YM slightly reduced body weight, delayed tumor appearance, and diminished tumor volume in both in vivo and in vitro models. YM also had anticancer effects on prostate cancer cell lines, especially the androgen-sensitive cell line.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Jose M. Gordon Pidal, Luis Arruza, Maria Moreno-Guzman, Miguel Angel Lopez, Alberto Escarpa
Summary: A fast and reliable OFF-ON micromotors (MM)-based aptassay was proposed for rapid, sensitive, and accurate determination of procalcitonin (PCT) in infants' serum samples. The method allowed for highly selective and sensitive PCT detection in just 5 minutes using a small volume of sample.
SENSORS AND ACTUATORS B-CHEMICAL
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Maria de los Angeles Fernandez, Joana Boiteux, Flavia Santiano, Constanza Lopez Fontana, Maria Fernanda Silva, Magdalena Espino
Summary: A THEDES based on plant extract was developed using an ultrasound-assisted approach. The optimized eutectic mixture showed a notable reduction in cell viability and proliferation, making it more effective than aqueous extract in inhibiting prostate cancer cells.
SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY AND PHARMACY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Sabrina B. Mammana, M. Florencia Jofre, Ana C. Cohen, Federico J. V. Gomez, M. Fernanda Silva
Summary: The selective extraction and preconcentration of melatonin using HPB-NADES from PGPR cultures showed excellent selectivity, high extraction recovery, and sustainable methodology. The method exhibited favorable linearity, LOD, LOQ, and negligible matrix effects, highlighting the potential of environmentally friendly solvents and techniques in ensuring sustainability.
MICROCHEMICAL JOURNAL
(2023)
