Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jian-yi Liu, Xue-yi Hu, Lei Zhang, Yong-mei Xia
Summary: The study shows that the binary surfactant system of nonylcyclohexanol polyethoxylate (NCEOn) with sodium oleate (NaOA) exhibits similar or superior performance in terms of salt tolerance, phase behavior, interface tension, and lime soap dispersing capability in brine compared to nonylphenol polyethoxylate (NPEO10). This research is of great significance for the substitution of NPEO10 in the field.
JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL AND ENGINEERING CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Luofu Min, Jingying Duan, Chuan Song, Yanan Chen, Wen Zhang, Yuxin Wang
Summary: A new and easy method is developed to remove CO32- anions from LDHs and substitute them with other desired anions. The method involves immersing LDH-CO3 in a carbonated NaCl solution, which reacts with CO32- to form bicarbonate and allows easy substitution with chloride ions.
DALTON TRANSACTIONS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Rozeline Wijnhorst, Menno Demmenie, Etienne Jambon-Puillet, Freek Ariese, Daniel Bonn, Noushine Shahidzadeh
Summary: Deliquescence is a first-order phase transition that occurs when salt absorbs water vapor. This process significantly affects the stability of crystalline powders, which are crucial in various fields such as pharmacology, food science, and environmental/climate studies. Through microscopy techniques and Raman spectroscopy, we found that the salt sodium sulfate decahydrate, mirabilite, behaves differently from anhydrous salts during deliquescence. Mirabilite crystals not only lose their facets but also become soft and deformable, exhibiting properties of both crystalline and liquid states. These observations highlight the role of crystalline water and its mobility within the structure in the softness observed during deliquescence. The results have implications for applications such as thermal energy storage, where relative humidity plays a crucial role.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Furkan Orhan, Abdullah Demirci, Sedat Bozari
Summary: This study evaluated the plant growth promoting activities of 15 halophilic/halotolerant bacteria and found that four bacterial strains could enhance wheat growth under salt stress. The ACC deaminase activity of Chromohalobacter sp. and the growth enhancement potential of Oceanobacillus sp. were reported for the first time.
ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING AND MANAGEMENT JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Yongsheng Luo, Chu Wang, Ai-Ping Pang, Xiang Zhang, Dayang Wang, Xiaolin Lu
Summary: The interfacial molecular structures of polyelectrolyte brushes grafted on solid substrates are influenced by electrostatic interaction and osmotic pressure. The presence of salts in the environment can affect the distribution of counterions and interfacial network structures of water molecules, leading to dissociation of polyelectrolyte chain segments and changes in chain conformation. In this study, it was observed that salts enhanced the ordering of interfacial water structures and caused electrostatic bridging among polyelectrolyte brush segments, resulting in a more disordered chain conformation.
Article
Automation & Control Systems
Yang Liu, Pengfei Ouyang, Zhaoyang Zhang, Yufeng Wang, Hao Zhu, Kun Xu
Summary: This study demonstrates through experiments that electrochemical jet machining can efficiently and high-quality process TB6 titanium alloy, achieving higher uniformity and reduced stray corrosion. The 20 wt% NaCl solution used in the experiment achieved excellent surface quality in the electrochemical jet machining of TB6 titanium alloy.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ADVANCED MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Bing-Bing Liu, Rajivgandhi Govindan, Maruthupandy Muthuchamy, Shuang Cheng, Xuebin Li, Lijing Ye, Lai-you Wang, Shu-xian Guo, Wen-Jun Li, Naiyf S. Alharbi, Jamal M. Khaled, Shine Kadaikunnan
Summary: In this study, 75 halophilic archaeal strains were isolated from Wuyongbulake salt lake sediment sample using phenol enrichment method. The majority of the identified strains were phenol-tolerant. The suspension of strains 869-1 and 121-1 exhibited the highest phenol degradation rate, while the supernatant of strain 630-3 showed the highest rate in a simulated artificial wastewater experiment. The EPS produced by strains A00135, 558-1, 869-1, 121-1, and A387 showed excellent phenol removal ability.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Sanhong Fan, Jiamin Guo, Xuping Wang, Xueming Liu, Zhiyi Chen, Pengfei Zhou
Summary: This study examined the effects of lipoxygenase/linoleic acid (LOX/LA) oxidation system treatment on the properties of pork myofibrillar protein (MP) under low salt condition. The results showed that LOX/LA treatment altered the oxidation state, structural characteristics, aggregation behavior, and rheological properties of MP, and improved the gelation properties of MP.
LWT-FOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Rongyu Deng, Fulu Chu, Felix Kwofie, Zengqiang Guan, Jieshuangyang Chen, Feixiang Wu
Summary: The concentration of electrolyte has a significant impact on the performance of rechargeable batteries. Low-concentration electrolytes, composed of common electrolyte components, have been found to enhance the performance of high-voltage Li metal batteries. This is achieved by introducing a fluorine-containing solvent and maintaining a low salt concentration, which results in a LiF-rich and robust solid electrolyte interphase layer.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Furkan Orhan
Summary: In this study, fourteen bacterial strains were obtained from salt contaminated soils and identified as five different genera. These bacteria were found to promote plant growth under salt stress conditions, with Oceanobacillus picturae and Staphylococcus succinus showing potential in ameliorating salt stress on wheat. The use of halophilic and halotolerant bacteria can enhance the productivity of salt sensitive plants in saline soils.
CURRENT MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Xia Zhao, Xiang-Feng Huang, Zhi Wang, Kai-Ming Peng, Li-Jun Lu, Jia Liu
Summary: Modified bentonite (MB) with carboxyl and hydroxyl groups on a coverage film was successfully prepared and used for the removal of Cd2+ and Pb2+. The adsorption mechanism of MB for Cd2+ and Pb2+ was determined by analyzing multiple kinetics and isotherms. Additionally, MB exhibited good permeability control in high-concentration heavy-metal solution.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Long Qian, Haojie Zhu, Tingting Qin, Rui Yao, Jianwei Zhao, Feiyu Kang, Cheng Yang
Summary: Aqueous Zn metal batteries have the potential to be used in large-scale energy storage due to their green, low-cost, and safe characteristics. However, their development has been hindered by narrow voltage windows and parasitic reactions. This study proposes a counterintuitive strategy of using ultralow-salt-concentration electrolyte to overcome these challenges. By reducing the concentration of active hydrated ions, water-induced side reactions are minimized, and the voltage window is anomalously enlarged. The polarization is also reduced, narrowing the gap between the charge and discharge medium voltages, allowing stable operation of Zn-based full cells.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Lin Zhu, Lei Sun, Hong Zhang, Husnu Aslan, Ye Sun, Yudong Huang, Federico Rosei, Miao Yu
Summary: The study presents a strategy for sustainable solar steam generation from seawater which effectively addresses salt accumulation and evaporation rate decline issues, maintaining a high evaporation rate even under extreme conditions. This provides an effective solution for long-term sustainable desalination.
ENERGY & ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Junxia Geng, Zhongqi Zhao, Zhiqiang Cheng, Wenxin Li, Qiang Dou, Qingnuan Li
Summary: The study found that the activity ratio of iodine isotopes in FLiBe salt can serve as an indicator of the redox potential. A novel method using ion exchange was established to measure the activity distribution of iodine isotopes, providing a simple and fast way to monitor the redox potential in FLiBe salt.
INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Peng Zhang, Zhiliang Chen, Kevin G. Brown, Johannes C. L. Meeussen, Chen Gruber, Andrew C. Garrabrants, David S. Kosson
Summary: A water transport model coupling capillary liquid flow with vapor diffusion was developed to describe the drying process of a cementitious waste form with high salinity porewater. The model takes into account the effects of pore capillary and high salinity on water thermodynamic activity, and can predict drying rates under various external relative humidity conditions. Geochemical speciation modeling is used to simulate porewater activity as a function of composition over the range of saturation.
CEMENT AND CONCRETE RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Lu Xiao, Guoxia Liu, Fuyu Gong, Huawei Zhu, Yanping Zhang, Zhen Cai, Yin Li
Summary: The study presents a minimized synthetic CO2 fixation cycle with only four reactions, demonstrating the possibility of efficient CO2 fixation. By identifying a ferredoxin that can drive the rate-limiting reductive carboxylation step, the cycle can operate at 50 degrees C under anaerobic conditions.
Article
Microbiology
Qiuwei Zhao, Suping Yang, Guanhui Bao, Wenzhao Wang, Liangtian Miao, Songtao Wang, Caihong Shen, Yin Li
Summary: A novel Gram-stain-positive rod-shaped bacterium, Lentilactobacillus laojiaonis sp. nov., has been isolated from a mud cellar used for the production of Chinese strong-flavour baijiu. It produces the predominant metabolites required for the fermentation process.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SYSTEMATIC AND EVOLUTIONARY MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Huawei Zhu, Liru Xu, Guodong Luan, Tao Zhan, Zepeng Kang, Chunli Li, Xuefeng Lu, Xueli Zhang, Zhiguang Zhu, Yanping Zhang, Yin Li
Summary: Inspired by marine microbial ecosystems, researchers have designed a four-species microbial community that converts light into electricity, mimicking the ecological structure of marine ecosystems. Using conductive hydrogel as a matrix, the community is assembled into a miniaturized bionic ocean-battery with a maximum power of 380 μW, operating stably for over one month.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Editorial Material
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Huawei Zhu, Yin Li
SYNTHETIC AND SYSTEMS BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Songwei Lv, Dong Zheng, Zhaoxian Chen, Bin Jia, Peng Zhang, Jiaxuan Yan, Xiubo Zhao, Wanlan Jiang, Jing-Juan Xu
Summary: This study designed a near-infrared light-responsive microfluidic chip for biocompatible single-cell manipulation and study of CTC heterogeneity. The chip combined immunomagnetic labeling and a gradient magnetic field to distribute CTCs in different regions. The lateral flow microarray chip achieved high capture efficiency and purity, and the captured single CTC cell can be released individually by near-infrared at a specific point.
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yi Jin, Mhd Anas Tomeh, Peng Zhang, Mingzhu Su, Xiubo Zhao, Zhiqiang Cai
Summary: This study utilized a newly developed microfluidic swirl mixer to fabricate temperature-sensitive liposomes (TSL) for the treatment of breast cancer through near-infrared stimulation. The results demonstrated that AP-3/ICG@TSL significantly inhibited the growth of breast cancer both in vitro and in vivo without causing damage to other organs. These findings suggest that the AP-3/ICG@TSL manufactured using the microfluidic swirl mixer is a promising drug delivery system for breast cancer therapy.
Review
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Nan Wang, Xiubo Zhao
Summary: This article systematically introduces the important role of atomic force microscopy (AFM) in studying contact electrification (CE) phenomena, especially in researching the CE mechanism at the nanoscale. In addition, the working mechanism of metal-semiconductor direct current triboelectric nanogenerators based on conductive atomic force microscopy (C-AFM) studies is also introduced. The potential utility and limitations of AFM in future TENG technology development and its improvement direction are analyzed. This review provides an updated overview and understanding of the existing challenges and opportunities, and it is hoped to contribute to the advancement of TENG technologies.
ADVANCED MATERIALS TECHNOLOGIES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ranran Wu, Fei Li, Xinyu Cui, Zehua Li, Chunling Ma, Huifeng Jiang, Lingling Zhang, Yi-Heng P. Job Zhang, Tongxin Zhao, Yanping Zhang, Yin Li, Hui Chen, Zhiguang Zhu
Summary: In this study, a multienzymatic cascade based on the reductive glycine pathway was constructed. The enzymatic electrocatalytic system allowed the simultaneous conversion of CO2 and NH3 to synthesize glycine. This study provides a promising alternative for enzymatic CO2 electroreduction and expands the range of its products to nitrogenous chemicals.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Roja Hadianamrei, Mhd Anas Tomeh, Jiqian Wang, Stephen Brown, Xiubo Zhao
Summary: In this study, two new surfactant-like peptides (SLPs), named (IA)4K and (IG)4K, were developed for selective delivery of antisense oligodeoxynucleotides (ODNs) and small interfering RNA (siRNA) to cancer cells. The interaction of the peptides with nucleic acids, their transfection efficiency, and cytotoxicity were investigated. Both SLPs showed high transfection efficiency and selectivity for cancer cells, and exhibited low cytotoxicity. This study provides insights into the structural features required for nucleic acid complexation and delivery, and serves as a guide for the design of new SLPs for selective gene delivery to minimize adverse effects in healthy tissues.
BIOCHEMICAL AND BIOPHYSICAL RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Huawei Zhu, Haowei Wang, Yanping Zhang, Yin Li
Summary: Biophotovoltaics (BPV) is a clean technology that captures solar energy and generates electrical current using self-renewing photosynthetic microorganisms. However, the inefficient electron transfer from photosystems to electrodes limits the electrical outputs of BPV systems. This review summarizes the recent approaches to increase the electrical outputs, including redirecting intracellular electron transfer, broadening available microorganisms, reinforcing interfacial electron transfer, and designing high-performance devices. The use of synthetic microbial consortia shows great potential in enhancing power output and prolonging the lifetime of BPV systems. Prospects for further improving BPV system performance are also discussed.
BIOTECHNOLOGY ADVANCES
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Yu Xia, Ruicheng Xu, Siyuan Ye, Jiaxuan Yan, Piyush Kumar, Peng Zhang, Xiubo Zhao
Summary: Current anticancer research suggests that combining multiple treatment methods can enhance the killing of tumor cells. In this study, we developed multi-responsive targeted antitumor nanoparticles (NPs) using microfluidic swirl mixer technology. The NPs were made of folate-functionalized gelatin NPs, CuS NPs, Fe3O4 NPs, and curcumin. The results showed that the combination of photothermal-ablation therapy, chemotherapy, and targeted delivery of the NPs efficiently killed tumor cells.
ACS BIOMATERIALS SCIENCE & ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Biophysics
Piyush Kumar, Ana Jimenez Franco, Xiubo Zhao
Summary: 3D cell culture is a technique that mimics in vivo environment for cells to grow in vitro. This study proposes two independent 3D cell culture models for different applications. One uses porous spherical structures as carriers to retain cell shape, while the other uses 3D printed silk fibroin structures for directed cell growth. These models have advantages in cell research, such as drug discovery and treatment of neuropathies.
COLLOIDS AND SURFACES B-BIOINTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Jinguo Qiu, Mhd Anas Tomeh, Yi Jin, Bo Zhang, Xiubo Zhao
Summary: This study presented a high-performance microfluidic device to fabricate ACP loaded nanoparticles (NPs) with controllable properties. The encapsulated ACP showed reduced toxicity, controlled release, and increased cell uptake, leading to enhanced anticancer effects. The development of At3 loaded NPs provides a promising approach for ACP-based cancer therapy.
JOURNAL OF COLLOID AND INTERFACE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Songwei Lv, Jingfang Wang, Rongrong You, Suyu Liu, Yujie Ding, Roja Hadianamrei, Mhd Anas Tomeh, Fang Pan, Zhiqiang Cai, Xiubo Zhao
Summary: This study investigated the relationship between the chemical structure and biological activity of AMPs derived from a naturally occurring AMP from ants. The designed peptides showed enhanced antibacterial activity by replacing cationic amino acids with hydrophobic amino acids in the hydrophobic region, and improved selectivity for bacteria by increasing the number of cationic amino acids in the hydrophilic region. Four of the designed peptides displayed significant antibacterial activity and high selectivity for bacteria. The results can provide a better understanding of the structural features required for strong antibacterial activity and selectivity, and guide the future rational design of AMPs.
BIOMATERIALS SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Jiayi Ma, Siyu Wu, Jun Liu, Chun Liu, Su Ni, Ting Dai, Xiaoyu Wu, Zhenyu Zhang, Jixin Qu, Hongbin Zhao, Dong Zhou, Xiubo Zhao
Summary: Hydroxyapatite (HA) has limitations in bone defect treatment due to the lack of angiogenic properties and undesirable mechanical properties. This study utilized nanoattapulgite (ATP) to enhance the bioactivity of HA scaffolds for bone regeneration. The incorporation of ATP improved the printing fidelity and mechanical properties of the scaffolds in vitro, and increased the expression levels of osteogenic and vascularization-related genes. In vivo experiments demonstrated that the PVA/COL/ATP/HA scaffolds promoted vascularization and bone formation in a rabbit tibial defect model. The combination of ATP and HA shows promise for vascularized bone tissue engineering.
BIOMATERIALS SCIENCE
(2022)