Article
Chemistry, Physical
JunWoo Kim, Tu C. Nguyen-Phan, Alastair T. Gardiner, Richard J. Cogdell, Gregory D. Scholes, Minhaeng Cho
Summary: The study utilizes a dual-laser 2DES technique to investigate the electronic energy transfer process in bacterial light-harvesting complexes. Through principal component analysis, it is found that the energy transfer is modulated by a low-frequency vibrational mode of the exciton donor.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY LETTERS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Vytautas Bubilaitis, Olga Rancova, Darius Abramavicius
Summary: Exciton energy relaxation in a bacterial Reaction Center (bRC) pigment-protein aggregate may involve emission of high energy vibrational quanta. The study assessed this hypothesis using vibronic two-particle theory and found that specific high frequency vibrations may be responsible for the excitation relaxation process.
JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL PHYSICS
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Julian Gruetzner, Bernhard Remes, Katrin M. H. Eisenhardt, Daniel Scheller, Jonas Kretz, Ramakanth Madhugiri, Matthew McIntosh, Gabriele Klug
Summary: Tightly controlled cell division is crucial for most organisms' survival. The small non-coding sRNA StsR is shown to play a significant role in regulating cell division and growth in the alpha-proteobacterium Rhodobacter sphaeroides. StsR interacts with UpsM and dcw mRNA to affect the level of dcw mRNA and ultimately limit growth.
NUCLEIC ACIDS RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Leo M. Hamerlynck, Amanda J. Bischoff, Julia R. Rogers, Trevor D. Roberts, Jing Dai, Phillip L. Geissler, Matthew B. Francis, Naomi S. Ginsberg
Summary: Despite extensive studies, many questions remain about the factors affecting energy transfer efficiency in photosynthetic light harvesting protein complexes. In this study, a biomimetic light-harvesting complex was constructed to demonstrate energy transfer capability, and the key factors controlling long-range energy transfer were identified. This system offers a promising model for further research.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY B
(2022)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Gabriella Buscemi, Massimo Trotta, Danilo Vona, Gianluca M. Farinola, Francesco Milano, Roberta Ragni
Summary: A supramolecular construct for solar energy conversion is developed by chemically bridging the reaction center (RC) from Rhodobacter sphaeroides and cytochrome c (Cyt c) proteins with a tailored organic light harvesting antenna (hCy2). The RC-hCy2-Cyt c biohybrid mimics the working mechanism of biological assemblies in bacterial cell membrane to convert sunlight into metabolic energy. The biohybrid shows significantly enhanced photoactivity and photocurrent compared to the pristine RC and equimolar mixture of unbound proteins, respectively. These results provide interesting insights into photoenzyme chemical manipulation and pave the way for new eco-sustainable systems in biophotovoltaics.
BIOCONJUGATE CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Giordano Amoruso, Juntai Liu, Daniel W. Polak, Kavita Tiwari, Michael R. Jones, Thomas A. A. Oliver
Summary: RCs are crucial components of natural photosystems, converting solar energy into a potential difference that powers much of biology. By coupling RCs with synthetic light-harvesting materials, such as a nanoconjugate assembled from a synthetic quantum dot (QD) antenna and a tailored fluorescent RC, the efficiency of energy transfer from QDs to attached RCs can be achieved within a short timescale of 26.6 ns with high efficiency of 0.75.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY LETTERS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Meng Wang, Siyuan Liu, Zejian Wang, Bo Li, Longquan Li, Ziquan Wang, Guoping Zhou, Zhiwei Sui
Summary: The study developed an integrated method using flow cytometry and dielectric spectroscopy to accurately quantify viable cells and their capacitance value online. The results suggest that this method can help devise precise fermentation control strategies.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Fei Ma, Elisabet Romero, Michael R. Jones, Vladimir Novoderezhkin, Long-Jiang Yu, Rienk van Grondelle
Summary: This study found transient Stark signals in ultrafast two-dimensional electronic spectra of purple bacterial reaction centers, indicating the influence of electric fields on charge separation processes. The correlation between the efficient formation of PA+PB- and fast charge separation rate suggests a mechanism for modulating the reaction rates. The changes in energy levels and electric fields upon mutation provide a solution to the inconsistency between experimental observations and activation energy theory.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY LETTERS
(2021)
Article
Mathematics
Minghao Yu, Zeyang Qiu, Bo Lv, Yusuke Takahashi
Summary: In this study, a multiphysics mathematical model was developed to investigate the aerodynamic characteristics of the flow around a membrane reentry vehicle. The results showed that the high-temperature flow field at the front of the vehicle was in a state of thermal non-equilibrium, and the degree of membrane deformation was proportional to pressure. The plasma flow around the vehicle had relatively low translational temperature and electron number density, reducing the occurrence of blackout phenomenon during atmospheric reentry.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Veronica R. Policht, Andrew Niedringhaus, Rhiannon Willow, Philip D. Laible, David F. Bocian, Christine Kirmaier, Dewey Holten, Tomas Mancal, Jennifer P. Ogilvie
Summary: This article reports two-dimensional electronic spectroscopy experiments on the bacterial reaction center, revealing hidden vibrational and excitonic structures. By analyzing the coherent dynamics of the reaction center, multiple quasi-resonances between pigment vibrations and excitonic energy gaps are identified, as well as vibronic coherence transfer processes that are often neglected in standard models. These findings provide insights into the energy transfer and charge separation processes in photosynthesis.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Alberto Mezzetti, Jean-Francois Paul, Winfried Leibl
Summary: This study investigates the formation of a charge-transfer quinhydrone complex in bacterial photosynthetic membranes and detergent-isolated photosynthetic bacterial reaction centers through Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) difference spectroscopy. The results show that under strong light illumination and after two saturating flashes, a characteristic band at approximately 1565 cm(-1) corresponding to the formation of a quinhydrone complex can be observed. Quantum chemistry calculations support this finding. The formation of this complex is believed to occur when ubiquinone and ubiquinol are spatially constrained to share a limited space, such as in detergent micelles, or when a quinol meets a quinone in the channel for quinone/quinol exchange at the Q(B) site.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Mansureh Kialashaki, Javad Sayyad Amin, Omid Mohammadzadeh, Sohrab Zendehboudi
Summary: This paper investigates the rise of partially wetting liquids at the corners of noncircular capillary tubes. Geometrical models are proposed to understand and predict the capillary rivulet height, and the effects of contact angle, number of polygon sides, and liquid properties are analyzed. The study provides quantitative results for the influence of capillary tube shape on fluid flow behavior in noncircular tubes.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Alexander T. Taguchi, Colin A. Wraight, Sergei A. Dikanov
Summary: Using high-resolution electron spin echo envelope modulation (ESEEM) and electron nuclear double resonance spectroscopy methods, the structural characteristics of mutants with residue M265 mutated from isoleucine to threonine, serine, and asparagine (M265IT, M265IS, and M265IN, respectively) in the Q(A)(-) state were studied. The mutants were found to decrease the redox midpoint potential (E-m) of Q(A) by approximately 0.1 V. The study suggests that the decrease in E-m may be attributed to the electrostatic or structural perturbation of the hydrogen bond between the mutated M265 side chain and His-M219 N-delta, as well as the altered Q(A)(-) spin density distribution.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY B
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Zhanzhou Pang, Ranjing Chen, Yue Cao
Summary: This study investigates the influence of static mixers on the flow performance of selective catalytic reduction (SCR) denitration systems through numerical simulations. The results show that static mixers can effectively improve denitration performance, with the rotating arrangement static mixer demonstrating the best concentration uniformity.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Wenying Qu, Juan Chen, Zhong Li, Min Luo, Hongxing Lu, Xiaogang Hu, Qiang Zhu
Summary: The rheological behavior of semi-solid slurry was studied under different testing modes, and the non-Newtonian constitutive parameters were determined using Power-Law and Herschel-Bulkley models. The viscosity curve from shear stress control test was found to be suitable for numerical simulation and fitting with the Power-Law model. This study provides important insights into the rheological characteristics of slurry during semi-solid die casting and offers a new modeling strategy for non-Newtonian fluid flow.
SCRIPTA MATERIALIA
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Matteo Grattieri, Rossella Labarile, Gabriella Buscemi, Massimo Trotta
Summary: Research on the interactions between photosynthetic purple non-sulfur bacteria and metal ions has revealed their ability to absorb and remove various toxic ions, making them applicable in environmental remediation. These findings offer new possibilities for the treatment of metal-contaminated environments.
PHOTOCHEMICAL & PHOTOBIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Jennifer Gubitosa, Vito Rizzi, Paola Fini, Sergio Nuzzo, Pinalysa Cosma
Summary: This work characterizes the adsorption process of propranolol HCl onto kiwi peels. The study investigates the effects of ionic strength, pH values, adsorbent/pollutant amounts, and temperature on the adsorption process. The results show that kiwi peels have a high adsorption capacity for propranolol, and temperature can enhance the pollutant removal. The study also demonstrates the role of electrostatic interactions, hydrophobic forces, and hydrogen bonds in the adsorption process.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Jennifer Gubitosa, Chiara Mongiovi', Roberto Romita, Pinalysa Cosma, Sergio Nuzzo, Vito Rizzi, Paola Fini
Summary: Using β-EPI as an adsorbent to remove CBZ has been validated, and the effects of various physicochemical parameters on CBZ retention were assessed. The study found that the adsorption process is rapid, and the polymer can be reused for multiple cycles. Additionally, advanced oxidation processes were effective in removing CBZ.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jennifer Gubitosa, Vito Rizzi, Domenico Cignolo, Paola Fini, Fiorenza Fanelli, Pinalysa Cosma
Summary: This study demonstrates the potential of dry Kiwi Peels as an effective adsorbent material for removing emerging pollutants from water. The Kiwi Peels show both long-lasting and recyclable properties, with successful removal of 6 out of 14 tested emerging pollutants.
SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY AND PHARMACY
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Jennifer Gubitosa, Vito Rizzi, Paola Fini, Fiorenza Fanelli, Teresa Sibillano, Nicola Corriero, Pinalysa Cosma
Summary: Due to pollution, there is a growing global demand for the use of sustainable materials in various fields, especially in Life Sciences, such as biocompatible and biodegradable polymers. This study focuses on the physical and chemical characterization of chitosan-based films blended with snail slime, which exhibit antioxidant and sunscreen properties. The results show that the snail slime is uniformly distributed in the chitosan network, forming more compact structures. The films also demonstrate the potential for sunburn prevention and enhanced antioxidant activity.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY B
(2023)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Giuseppe Romano, Laura Del Coco, Francesco Milano, Miriana Durante, Samuela Palombieri, Francesco Sestili, Andrea Visioni, Abderrazek Jilal, Francesco Paolo Fanizzi, Barbara Laddomada
Summary: This study aimed to improve the health benefits of traditional Mediterranean, durum wheat-based foods by using innovative raw materials. The results showed that the innovative materials had better phytochemical profiles and antioxidant capacity compared to traditional materials, highlighting their potential to renew the health value of durum wheat-based products.
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Gabriella Buscemi, Massimo Trotta, Danilo Vona, Gianluca M. Farinola, Francesco Milano, Roberta Ragni
Summary: A supramolecular construct for solar energy conversion is developed by chemically bridging the reaction center (RC) from Rhodobacter sphaeroides and cytochrome c (Cyt c) proteins with a tailored organic light harvesting antenna (hCy2). The RC-hCy2-Cyt c biohybrid mimics the working mechanism of biological assemblies in bacterial cell membrane to convert sunlight into metabolic energy. The biohybrid shows significantly enhanced photoactivity and photocurrent compared to the pristine RC and equimolar mixture of unbound proteins, respectively. These results provide interesting insights into photoenzyme chemical manipulation and pave the way for new eco-sustainable systems in biophotovoltaics.
BIOCONJUGATE CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jennifer Gubitosa, Vito Rizzi, Paola Fini, Sergio Nuzzo, Pinalysa Cosma
Summary: This study presents the great adsorption performance of chitosan-based films blended with TiO2 (CH/TiO2) in removing the hazardous pollutant 2,4-dinitrophenol (DNP) from water. CH/TiO2 exhibited a maximum adsorption capacity of 900 mg/g for DNP. UV-Vis spectroscopy was used to monitor the presence of DNP, and swelling measurements provided information about the interactions between chitosan and DNP. The thermodynamics, adsorption isotherms, and kinetics of DNP adsorption onto chitosan films were also studied.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Electrochemistry
Lilian Danielle de Moura Torquato, Rosa Maria Matteucci, Paolo Stufano, Danilo Vona, Gianluca M. Farinola, Massimo Trotta, Maria Valnice Boldrin Zanoni, Matteo Grattieri
Summary: The metabolic versatility of purple non-sulphur bacteria makes them suitable for developing photobioelectrochemical systems in contaminated environments. The effects of 2,4 dinitrophenol, a common contaminant, on purple bacteria photobioelectrocatalysis were investigated. The results showed that the aromatic contaminant significantly affected the current generation, with enhanced photocurrent at low dinitrophenol concentrations, while higher concentrations resulted in a gradual decrease.
Editorial Material
Electrochemistry
Lilian Danielle de Moura Torquato, Rosa Maria Matteucci, Paolo Stufano, Danilo Vona, Gianluca M. Farinola, Massimo Trotta, Maria Valnice Boldrin Zanoni, Matteo Grattieri
Summary: Invited for this issue's Front Cover is an international collaborative team consisting of researchers from Universita degli Studi di Bari Aldo Moro (Italy), SAo Paulo State University (UNESP, Brasil), and Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (Italy). The cover picture showcases purple bacterial cells that exhibit photo-induced electrons hitting or missing their target electrode depending on the concentration of dinitrophenol. The research article can be accessed at 10.1002/celc.202300013.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Rossella Labarile, Maria Varsalona, Danilo Vona, Paolo Stufano, Matteo Grattieri, Gianluca Maria Farinola, Massimo Trotta
Summary: Dopamine is used as a versatile building block to create a coating polymer that can adhere to various surfaces. The self-assembly of dopamine in an alkaline environment under aerobic conditions produces a dark bioinspired polymer called polydopamine. However, this manuscript demonstrates that it is possible to drive the polymerization without oxygen by utilizing the metabolism of anaerobic photosynthetic purple bacteria.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jennifer Gubitosa, Vito Rizzi, Cosma Marasciulo, Filippo Maggi, Giovanni Caprioli, Ahmed M. Mustafa, Paola Fini, Nicoletta De Vietro, Antonella Maria Aresta, Pinalysa Cosma
Summary: Water-resistant and environmentally friendly sodium-alginate-based films were developed to extend the shelf-life of food. These films were prepared using a gelation approach in the presence of CaCl2. The films showed reduced hydrophilic character and were stable under varying pH, temperature, and ionic strength. Additionally, the films embedded with polyphenolic extract from grape pomace waste exhibited enhanced UV-light screening and antioxidant properties.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Gianluca Parisse, Daniele Narzi, Benny Danilo Belviso, Vito Capriati, Rocco Caliandro, Massimo Trotta, Leonardo Guidoni
Summary: Deep eutectic solvents (DESs) are versatile solvents that can be manipulated to improve the performance of biomolecules. A recent study has investigated the effects of hydrated DESs on protein dynamics using molecular dynamics simulations. The results show that DESs can restrict protein motion and increase the overall structural rigidity. Furthermore, specific interactions between DES components and protein residues have been identified, suggesting the potential for protein crystallization in the presence of hydrated DESs.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY B
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Antonella Maria Aresta, Nicoletta De Vietro, Jennifer Gubitosa, Vito Rizzi, Ilaria De Pasquale, Paola Fini, Pinalysa Cosma, Maria Lucia Curri, Carlo Zambonin, Marta Fernandez-Garcia
Summary: This article reports on the effectiveness of an eco-friendly packaging material based on alginic acid and grape pomace extract for storing red meat. The materials were found to reduce the production of biogenic amines and can be used as an alternative packaging material for animal origin foods, lowering the environmental impact according to sustainability principles.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)