Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
T. Sztachova, I Pechova, L. Mikulova, M. Stupak, D. Jancura, M. Fabian
Summary: This study examines the different ferryl intermediates generated during the catalysis of cytochrome c oxidases, showing that the transition between the P-M and F states can be induced by H2O2. It suggests that the PR-to-F transition may involve structural changes at CuB triggered by the binding of H2O2 and the uptake of H+ at the catalytic center.
BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOENERGETICS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Ashley T. Brennan, Katrina A. Zenere, Cameron J. Kepert, Jack K. Clegg, Suzanne M. Neville
Summary: In this study, a family of 2D Hofmann-type frameworks with halogen-appended ligands were investigated, revealing that lattice modification through X variation influences the elastic coupling between Fe-II sites and the emergence of ferroelastic or antiferroelastic interactions. The change of X atom characteristics and increased guest molecules in the pores resulted in different types of elastic coupling and multi-step spin-state transitions between Fe1 and Fe2 sites. The decoupling of Fe-II sites due to halogen atom steric bulk led to independent spin-state transitions and two-step pathways.
INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
V. Baledent, A. Vaunat, S. Petit, L. Nataf, S. Chattopadhyay, S. Raymond, P. Foury-Leylekian
Summary: This paper investigates the physical properties of the type-II multiferroic GdMn2O5 material using neutron scattering, electric polarization, and magnetization measurements. A complex (T,H) phase diagram is observed, with a field-induced magnetic transition occurring at around 11 T at low temperature. In the high-field phase, an additional electric polarization along both the a and b directions is observed, which is allowed by symmetry but has never been experimentally observed before. While the magnetic properties return to their initial states after the field is driven back to zero, the polarization along the a direction shows a significant increase. This behavior, observed for all directions of the magnetic field, represents a novel and striking manifestation of magnetoelectric coupling, resulting in the establishment of a new ground state at zero magnetic field.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yue Zeng, Xin Zhou, Ruilian Qi, Nan Dai, Xuancheng Fu, Hao Zhao, Ke Peng, Haitao Yuan, Yiming Huang, Fengting Lv, Libing Liu, Shu Wang
Summary: This study achieved promising results by constructing a hybrid biosystem combining organic material with cyanobacteria to enhance photosynthesis efficiency and regulate protein redox state effectively.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jana M. Becker, Anna Lielpetere, Julian Szczesny, Sabrina Bichon, Sebastien Gounel, Nicolas Mano, Wolfgang Schuhmann
Summary: A new redox polymer/bilirubin oxidase-based gas diffusion electrode has been developed as a non-current and non-stability limiting biocathode in a glucose/O2 biofuel cell, serving as a self-powered glucose biosensor.
BIOELECTROCHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Sedat Karabulut, Dananjana V. Wijerathne, James W. Gauld
Summary: Cyclic peptides play important roles in biology and have potential applications in the pharmaceutical and other industries. Although thiols and amines can react to form S-N bonds, only a few cyclic peptides containing such bonds have been identified in biological systems. Density functional theory-based calculations were used to study the formation and structure of S-N containing cyclic peptides from linear peptides. The nature of the vicinal residue of cysteine can affect ring formation through stabilizing or destabilizing intramolecular interactions.
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Kishalay Bhar, Wenbin Guo, Mathieu Gonidec, Venkata Nikhil M. Raj, Surabhi Bhatt, Franc Perdih, Philippe Guionneau, Guillaume Chastanet, Anuj K. Sharma
Summary: We synthesized a series of molecular complexes with spin crossover behavior and successfully observed their structures and transition processes in crystals. Complexes 1 and 2 exhibit complete and gradual spin crossover at higher temperatures, while complex 3 shows strong irreversible features at lower temperatures.
DALTON TRANSACTIONS
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Katsiaryna. G. G. Verameyenka, Volha. A. A. Naumouskaya, Natalia. P. P. Maximova
Summary: Phenazines are heteroaromatic compounds with a central pyrazine ring fused with two benzenes. Different functional groups attached to the dibenzopyrasin core lead to differences in the chemical, physical, and biological properties of phenazines. Interest in these compounds has remained high for decades due to new discoveries of their biological activities and practical applications.
WORLD JOURNAL OF MICROBIOLOGY & BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Alejandro Orellana-Silla, Manuel Meneses-Sanchez, Ruben Turo-Cortes, M. Carmen Munoz, Carlos Bartual-Murgui, Jose Antonio Real
Summary: We report the synthesis and characterization of two unprecedented isomorphous spin-crossover two-dimensional coordination polymers of the Hofmann-type. Both compounds feature strong cooperative spin transitions and hysteresis loops accompanied by large entropy variations. The unique structure of these compounds involves the rotation of a pyridine ring, leading to the loss and gain of an inversion center.
INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
T. Watanabe, R. Okada, K. Tomiyasu
Summary: Ultrasound velocity measurements reveal two types of symmetry-resolved elastic anomaly in the pseudocubic spin-crossover cobaltite LaCoO3 and the lightly Ni-substituted La(Co0.99Ni0.01)O-3. The temperature dependence of the bulk modulus indicates isostructural lattice instability arising from orbital fluctuations, while the temperature dependence of the shear moduli exhibits elasticity crossover arising from spin crossover. The study also shows that the isostructural lattice instability in LaCoO3 is suppressed with Ni substitution, suggesting the suppression of orbital fluctuations.
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Yogita Arya, Sudip Kumar Bera, Jose Luis Priego, Reyes Jimenez-Aparicio, Goutam Kumar Lahiri
Summary: The present work successfully synthesized diruthenium and monoruthenium complexes and characterized their structures. The study showed that these complexes exhibited multiple redox processes and demonstrated the involvement of bidirectional redox non-innocent feature.
DALTON TRANSACTIONS
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Pedro Fornaro, Thomas Puleston, Paul Puleston, Maria Serra-Prat, Ramon Costa-Castello, Pedro Battaiotto
Summary: This article presents a new insight into parameter estimation of vanadium redox flow batteries (VRFB) and proposes an estimation method suitable for hybrid fast-charging stations. The method utilizes a recursive least square estimation algorithm with forgetting factor, combined with a sliding mode finite-time convergent differentiation algorithm to accurately estimate the battery's state and internal parameters.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENERGY RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Jian Chen, Kouji Taniguchi, Yoshihiro Sekine, Hitoshi Miyasaka
Summary: The iron-based tetraoxolene honeycomb-layered compound was utilized as a cathode material for lithium-ion batteries, showing a charge-cycling performance with specific oxidation-reduction reactions and generation of radicals affecting the magnetic phase transition temperature.
INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Mackenzie W. Turvey, Kristin N. Gabriel, Wonbae Lee, Jeffrey J. Taulbee, Joshua K. Kim, Silu Chen, Calvin J. Lau, Rebecca E. Kattan, Jenifer T. Pham, Sudipta Majumdar, Davil Garcia, Gregory A. Weiss, Philip G. Collins
Summary: In this study, the motions and reactions of Taq DNA polymerase at different temperatures were recorded using single-walled carbon nanotube transistors. The results showed that the reaction rate and duration of Taq DNA polymerase had almost no temperature dependence, with its temperature sensitivity primarily determined by its open state.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Zita Szabo, Attila Paczal, Tibor Kovacs, Attila Mandi, Andras Kotschy, Tibor Kurtan
Summary: VCD analysis allows for the separate assignment of two isolated chirality centers and determination of the absolute configuration of all diastereomers and substituted analogues. VCD is an effective method for distinguishing stereoisomers.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Wolfgang Hinterdobler, Markus Bacher, Bao-Bao Shi, Dieter Baurecht, Irmgard Krisai-Greilhuber, Monika Schmoll, Lothar Brecker, Karin Valant-Vetschera, Johann Schinnerl
Summary: In this study, four new leucine-derived cytochalasans were isolated from an endophytic fungus Xylaria sp. The chemical structures of these compounds were determined using various analytical techniques. These isolated compounds did not affect the growth of Trichoderma reesei and T. longibrachiatum.
NATURAL PRODUCT RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Aerospace
Federica Zaccardi, Elisa Toto, M. Gabriella Santonicola, Susanna Laurenzi
Summary: The study investigated the radiation shielding properties and FFF 3D printing process of polyethylene-based composites filled with Martian regolith. The results demonstrate the radiation shielding effectiveness of the composites and the capability of FFF-based 3D printers to successfully manufacture components made of PE/RG composites.
Article
Polymer Science
Elisa Toto, Susanna Laurenzi, Maria Gabriella Santonicola
Summary: This review article summarizes recent trends in the design and fabrication of graphene/polymer nanocomposites (GPNs) with sensing properties. Graphene, with its excellent electrical and mechanical properties, is attractive in chemical functionalization and immobilization of (bio)molecules. Functional GPNs with sensing ability towards gas molecules, humidity, and ultraviolet radiation can be generated using graphene nanosheets decorated with metallic or metal oxide nanoparticles. These nanocomposites have shown efficient detection of various gases and water vapor in the environment, as well as biological analytes with broad implications for human health.
Article
Materials Science, Ceramics
Gianluca Ciarleglio, Serena Vella, Elisa Toto, M. Gabriella Santonicola
Summary: The researchers successfully prepared multi-responsive microspheres made of natural and biodegradable polymers with pH-responsive properties for drug delivery. These microspheres, composed of alginate, chitosan, and PNIPAM, were prepared by extrusion dripping. They were proposed as a delivery system for the stable ozonides derived from biological olive oil, which act as a biological inducer and regulate metabolic pathways and stimulate the endogenous defense system.
CERAMICS INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Luca Sorrentino, Sandro Turchetta, Gianluca Parodo, Roberta Papa, Elisa Toto, Maria Gabriella Santonicola, Susanna Laurenzi
Summary: This work aims to investigate the potential and limitations of composite materials made of flax fiber and bio-based epoxy resin, and develop process parameters and a numerical model for producing green laminates through the RIFT process. Compressibility tests and permeability tests were conducted to evaluate the behavior of commercial flax woven under vacuum bag and the necessary permeability curves for numerical analysis of the infusion process. The results, compared with a petroleum-based epoxy system, demonstrate the potential and critical use of bio-based resins for infusion processes.
Article
Polymer Science
Federica Zaccardi, Elisa Toto, Fabrizio Marra, Maria Gabriella Santonicola, Susanna Laurenzi
Summary: In this study, the processability and volumetric electrical properties of aerospace-grade RTM6 nanocomposites loaded with different carbon nanoparticles were investigated. Nanocomposites containing graphene nanoplatelets (GNP), single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT), and hybrid GNP/SWCNT with different ratios were manufactured and analyzed. The hybrid nanofillers showed synergistic properties, providing better processability and maintaining high electrical conductivity compared to epoxy/SWCNT nanocomposites. The use of hybrid nanofillers overcame the manufacturing issues associated with SWCNTs, making it a promising candidate for aerospace-grade nanocomposites with multifunctional properties.
Article
Polymer Science
Gianluca Ciarleglio, Elisa Toto, Maria Gabriella Santonicola
Summary: In this study, conductive composite hydrogels were synthesized by embedding carboxyl-functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT-COOH) in a poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) matrix through a two-step photopolymerization method. The concentration of the carbon nanotubes was varied to obtain thermo-responsive hydrogels with controlled hydrophilicity and conductivity. The results showed that increasing the nanotube concentration shifted the endothermic peak associated with the temperature-induced volume phase transition (VPT) to higher temperatures, indicating a stronger hydrogen bond dissociation. In PBS solution, the swelling ratios and VPT temperatures were reduced, and the electrical resistivity decreased by a factor of 10 compared to water-swollen hydrogels.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Federica Zaccardi, Elisa Toto, Shreya Rastogi, Valeria La Saponara, Maria Gabriella Santonicola, Susanna Laurenzi
Summary: Novel polyethylene nanocomposites filled with carbon nanotubes or graphene nanoplatelets were fabricated and examined for their radiation shielding properties and multifunctional capabilities. The effects of proton exposure on the nanocomposites' chemical and physical structure, wettability, and surface morphology were evaluated to determine the most suitable system for space shielding applications.
Article
Materials Science, Composites
Elisa Toto, Susanna Laurenzi, Claudio Paris, Maria Gabriella Santonicola
Summary: Polymer-matrix composites filled with graphene nanoplatelets have the potential to be used in a wide range of applications in space environments. The effects of simulated space conditions on the properties of these composites were investigated. It was found that the mechanical stability of composites with DNA-modified graphene nanoplatelets was maintained under solar radiation exposure, but the surface morphology was greatly affected. In contrast, the surface properties of composites with pristine graphene nanoplatelets did not change significantly under simulated space conditions.
JOURNAL OF COMPOSITES SCIENCE
(2023)
Review
Polymer Science
Giuseppina Barra, Liberata Guadagno, Marialuigia Raimondo, Maria Gabriella Santonicola, Elisa Toto, Stefano Vecchio Ciprioti
Summary: This review article provides a comprehensive survey of the thermal stability assessment of polymers and polymer-based composites in the aeronautical and space fields, including factors, applications, and future directions.
Article
Polymer Science
Sabina Botti, Francesca Bonfigli, Rosaria D'Amato, Jasmine Rodesi, Maria Gabriella Santonicola
Summary: There is a debate on proper sun exposure to reduce the risk of skin cancer. Customized guidelines are needed as general guidelines are not effective for all skin types. This study presents the use of nanocomposite hydrogel materials as colorimetric sensors for UV exposure. The sensors can be customized to different skin types by adjusting the ratio of titanium dioxide to dye. Future work will focus on improving sensor wearability and expanding the response range.
Article
Polymer Science
Gianluca Ciarleglio, Federica Cinti, Elisa Toto, Maria Gabriella Santonicola
Summary: Alginate-based beads containing a porous zeolite filler were developed as carriers of bioactive compounds with hydrophobic nature, such as curcumin. The beads showed good sphericity and diameter when fabricated under optimized process parameters. The addition of chitosan coating improved stability and controlled degradation behavior, while the zeolite filler reinforced the beads. This study suggests that pH-responsive alginate gel beads have the potential to deliver lipophilic drugs to specific inflammatory sites.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Elisa Toto, Maria Gabriella Santonicola, Susanna Laurenzi, Christian Circi, Rocco Carmine Pellegrini, Enrico Cavallini, Emanuele Serra, Salvatore Scaglione, Danilo Zola
Summary: The optical properties of micrometric-thick polyimide membranes were analyzed to assess their potential use in space applications. The study showed that using a green and non-hazardous solvent for synthesis resulted in smoother surface topography and minimized scattering component, making it suitable for optical devices.
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Birgit Braeuer, Martin Werner, Dieter Baurecht, Peter A. Lieberzeit
Summary: This study investigates the chemical differences between imprints of Escherichia coli and Bacillus cereus in poly(styrene-co-DVB) and a commercial acrylate-based polymer using confocal Raman microscopy and PLS-DA. The results suggest that the choice of functional monomers is crucial for the recognition of specific target analytes.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY B
(2022)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Birgit Braeuer, Felix Thier, Marius Bittermann, Dieter Baurecht, Peter A. Lieberzeit
Summary: Molecularly imprinted polymers are commonly used in sensing devices for biomimetic recognition, with evaluation of imprinting success and selectivity being crucial. Confocal Raman Microscopy is an effective method for assessing imprint success, and combining it with Partial Least Squares Discriminant Analysis allows for investigation of selectivity in bacteria MIPs. This approach shows potential for accurate classification of different bacteria species, with the possibility of overcoming limitations through selective enhancement of Raman signals.
ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Yiping Yin, Zhe Wang, Hua Zou
Summary: This study presents a novel method for preparing dimpled polymer-silica nanocomposite particles using interfacial swelling-based seeded polymerization. The optimized conditions allow for a relatively high percentage of dimpled particles to be achieved.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Brenden D. Hoehn, Elizabeth A. Kellstedt, Marc A. Hillmyer
Summary: Porous materials with nanometer-scale pores have important applications as nanoporous membranes. In this study, ABA triblock copolymers were used as precursors to produce nanoporous polymeric membranes (NPMs) in thin film form by degrading the end blocks. Polycyclooctene (PCOE) NPMs with tunable pore sizes were successfully prepared using solvent casting technique. Oxygen plasma etching was employed to improve the surface porosity and hydrophilicity of the membranes. This study provides a straightforward method to produce tough NPMs with high porosity and hydrophilic surface properties.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Vladislav S. Petrovskii, Stepan I. Zholudev, Igor I. Potemkin
Summary: This article investigates the behavior of linear and ring polypeptide chains in aqueous solution and explores the properties of the complexes formed by these chains with oppositely charged surfactants. The results demonstrate that the complexes of linear supercharged unfolded polypeptides and the corresponding surfactants exhibit impressive adhesive properties.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Merve Cevik, Serkan Dikici
Summary: Cardiovascular diseases are a leading cause of death globally, and vascular grafts are a promising treatment option. This study focuses on tissue-engineered vascular grafts (TEVGs) using decellularized parsley stems as a potential biomaterial. The decellularized parsley stems showed suitable properties for TEVGs, providing a suitable environment for human endothelial cells to form a pseudo endothelium. This study showcases the potential of using parsley stems for TEVGs.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Gustavo A. Vasquez-Montoya, Tadej Emersic, Noe Atzin, Antonio Tavera-Vazquez, Ali Mozaffari, Rui Zhang, Orlando Guzman, Alexey Snezhko, Paul F. Nealey, Juan J. de Pablo
Summary: The optical properties of liquid crystals are typically controlled by electric fields. In this study, we investigate the effects of microfluidic flows and acoustic fields on the molecular orientation and optical response of nematic liquid crystals. We identify several previously unknown structures and explain them through calculations and simulations. These findings hold promise for the development of new systems combining sound, flow, and confinement.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Xinjun Wu, Xin Guan, Shushu Chen, Jiangpeng Jia, Chongyi Chen, Jiawei Zhang, Chuanzhuang Zhao
Summary: This research presents a novel shape memory hydrogel with a remodelable permanent shape and programmable cold-induced shape recovery behavior. The hydrogel is prepared using specific treatment methods to achieve shape fixation by heating and shape recovery by cooling. Additionally, deformable devices can be obtained by assembling hydrogel blocks with different concentrations.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Rebecca Hengsbach, Gerhard Fink, Ulrich Simon
Summary: This study examines the properties of DNA functionalized pNipmam microgels and pure pNipmam microgels at different concentrations of sodium chloride and in PBS solutions using temperature dependent H-1-NMR measurements. The results show that DNA modification affects the volume phase transition temperature and the addition of salt and PBS further enhances this effect.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Ningyi Li, Junhong Li, Lijingting Qing, Shicheng Ma, Yao Li, Baohui Li
Summary: This paper investigates the self-assembly behavior of colloids with competing interactions under spherical confinement and finds that different ordered structures can be formed under different sized spherical confinements. Moreover, more perforated structures are formed in smaller spheres.