Article
Fisheries
Angus Li, Richard J. Harris, Bryan G. Fry, Andrew C. Barnes
Summary: Quantification of specific IgM for an antigen and determination of its avidity can be robustly and reproducibly achieved through BLI, offering a faster, more precise, and more repeatable alternative to ELISA. The BLI data showed consistent results, indicating that technical triplicates were unnecessary.
FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Karim Dorgham, Samuel Murail, Pierre Tuffery, Eric Savier, Jeronimo Bravo, Angelita Rebollo
Summary: This study investigated the binding of peptides to PP2A using docking and molecular dynamics, and characterized the secondary structure of the peptide using CD spectroscopy. The binding affinity between PP2A, Caspase 9, and the interfering peptide C9h was compared. The results support the use of peptides as potential therapeutic agents against cancer.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Xinran Zhang, Jiangang Guo, Weigao Zhao
Summary: The adhesion force between a single phenyl ring and monolayer graphene was measured and calculated through experimental and theoretical methods. The single-bond force played a key role in the desorption process and can be divided into two stages.
APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Yang Chen, You Wu, Jianwei Ben, Ke Jiang, Yuping Jia, Shanli Zhang, Hang Zang, Zhiming Shi, Bin Duan, Xiaojuan Sun, Dabing Li
Summary: A new type of ultraviolet photodetector was fabricated by integrating GaN nanoparticles as the absorber and graphene as the carrier transport channel. The GaN nanoparticles provide trap states for the photo-generated hole, while graphene has high carrier mobility, leading to improved detector performance. This combination results in a UV photodetector with high responsivity and persistent photoconduction effect.
JOURNAL OF ALLOYS AND COMPOUNDS
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Daniel Corregidor, Raquel Tabraue, Luis Colchero, Rafael Daza, Manuel Elices, Gustavo Guinea, Jose Perez-Rigueiro
Summary: Single molecule interactions between biotin and streptavidin were characterized using DeepTip (TM) probes, and a comprehensive methodology for high-yield identification and analysis of single molecular events was developed. The methodology involves covalently binding the target molecule and sensing molecule to a surface and DeepTip (TM) probe, respectively, and characterizing the interaction through force-displacement curves in an atomic force microscope. The results demonstrate consistent molecular resolution with a success rate of over 90% and minimal unspecific interactions, highlighting the robustness and versatility of the methodology.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Simon A. Svatek, Valentina Sacchetti, Laura Rodriguez-Perez, Beatriz M. Illescas, Laura Rincon-Garcia, Gabino Rubio-Bollinger, M. Teresa Gonzalez, Steven Bailey, Colin J. Lambert, Nazario Martin, Nicolas Agrait
Summary: The thermoelectric properties of molecular junctions consisting of [60]fullerene derivatives covalently bound to a graphene electrode were studied using a conducting-probe atomic force microscope (c-AFM). The [60]fullerene derivatives were linked to the graphene electrode through different phenyl ring configurations. The results showed that the magnitude of the Seebeck coefficient was up to nine times larger than that of Au-C60-Pt molecular junctions, and the thermopower sign depended on the binding geometry and Fermi energy.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Lin Wu, Dian Chen, Jienyu Ding, Yu Liu
Summary: This study used stopped-flow fluorescence to track structural switches in the full-length adenine riboswitch in real time, revealing that adenine binds more rapidly than helix P4 and the binding pocket, followed by stabilization of the binding pocket, P4, and annealing of P1. Additionally, a transient intermediate consisting of an unwound P1 was detected during adenine binding in both the WT riboswitch and a functional mutant, providing insights into the conformational changes triggered by a ligand in the riboswitch RNA.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
D. Renard, A. Davantes, A. D'orlando, K. Cahier, M. Molinari, M. Nigen, P. Chalier, C. Sanchez
Summary: The adsorption of Acacia gums onto latex particles is a complex mechanism influenced by the charges and hydration status of the gums, as well as the protein moiety and electrostatic interactions. The structural accessibility and viscoelastic properties of the gums also play a crucial role in the adsorption process.
FOOD HYDROCOLLOIDS
(2022)
Article
Biophysics
Yuyuan Zhou, Wenpeng Cao, Zhiliang Xu, Frank Zhang, Yaling Liu
Summary: Ligand-functionalized liposomes have been developed for targeted therapies, and the binding kinetics of proteins on liposomes compared to rigid surfaces show differences in affinity. The results suggest that protein orientation and diffusion on liposomal membrane can alter the binding kinetics of the protein-ligand interaction, providing insight for the design of future ligand-targeted liposomes.
COLLOIDS AND SURFACES B-BIOINTERFACES
(2021)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Irek E. Roslon, Aleksandre Japaridze, Peter G. Steeneken, Cees Dekker, Farbod Alijani
Summary: Motion is a key characteristic of every form of life. Bacteria colonies at the microscale can generate nanomotion on mechanical cantilevers, but the origin of these nanoscale vibrations has remained unresolved. This study presents a new technique using drums made of ultrathin bilayer graphene to measure the nanomotion of single bacteria. The findings suggest that bacterial flagella is the main source of nanomotion and demonstrate the potential of graphene drums for single-cell antibiotic susceptibility testing.
NATURE NANOTECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
S. Katsiaounis, N. Chourdakis, E. Michail, M. Fakis, I Polyzos, J. Parthenios, K. Papagelis
Summary: In this work, we introduce an experimental protocol to engineer nanometer scale pores in CVD graphene membranes under ambient conditions, using low power ultra-short laser pulses and overcoming the drawbacks of other perforation techniques. We visualized and quantified the nanopore network using Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), while Raman spectroscopy is utilized to correlate the nano-perforated area with the nanotopographic imaging. Our results suggest that Raman imaging provides the identification of nanoporous area and, in combination with AFM, we provide solid evidence for the reproducibility of the method, as nanopores of a certain size distribution are formed under these experimental conditions.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Shaohong Luo, Tamador Alkhidir, Sharmarke Mohamed, Shoaib Anwer, Baosong Li, Jing Fu, Kin Liao, Vincent Chan
Summary: This study systematically investigates the adhesive interfacial interactions of 2D heterogeneous materials and measures the adhesion energy of different interfaces. The results reveal that the charge density distribution from the oxygen species of graphene is responsible for the enhancement of the adhesive energy of the Ti3C2Tx-GO heterointerface.
APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Tyler J. Myers, James A. Throckmorton, Rebecca A. Borrelli, Malcolm O'Sullivan, Tukaram Hatwar, Steven M. George
Summary: Al2O3 atomic layer deposition (ALD) was used to smooth the roughness on silicon wafers prior to chemical mechanical polishing (CMP). The efficiency of the smoothing decreased when the lateral distance between the surface asperities was much larger than the Al2O3 ALD film thickness. Reflectivity studies of silver films deposited on the silicon wafers also demonstrated that Al2O3 ALD smoothing improved the optical performance of reflective mirrors.
APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Lu-Xia Zhang, Rui Duan, Yuan-Shuo Yang, Chao Peng, Lin-Yi Dong, Xian-Hua Wang
Summary: The method relies on a dual boronate-affinity sandwich strategy for specific and ultrasensitive detection of ellagic acid, utilizing boronate-affinity-related molecularly imprinted recognition and boronate-affinity recognition. The approach shows a linear relationship between allochroic signal readout and the logarithm of EA concentration, with a good correlation coefficient and a low limit of detection. Additionally, it has been successfully applied in the detection of EA concentration in spiked strawberry samples with satisfactory recovery and relative standard deviation.
SENSORS AND ACTUATORS B-CHEMICAL
(2021)
Article
Energy & Fuels
M. A. Zuniga-Hinojosa, A. Cosultchi, M. T. Martinez-Martinez, R. D. Cadena-Nava, J. Ruiz-Garcia
Summary: The study on the interfacial behavior of bitumen, asphaltene, and maltene fractions revealed that the isotherm behavior of bitumen depends on the amount of its asphaltene and maltene fractions, while the asphaltene and maltene fractions exhibit different behaviors. Different structures were observed at the air-water interface, indicating distinct properties between bitumen and its fractions.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Qiuyan Huang, Xin Liu, Ze Zhang, Lianli Wang, Beibei Xiao, Zhimin Ao
Summary: Hydrogen production from water electrolysis using renewable electricity is a promising solution to the energy crisis. The performance of the tetragonal 3d-transition metal selenide catalyst for hydrogen evolution electrocatalysis needs improvement. Through density functional theory calculations, the hydrogen evolution reaction of the functional tetragonal 3d-transition metal selenide was investigated, identifying 53 promising candidates with good activity, particularly the functional CuSe systems.
CHINESE CHEMICAL LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Juan Li, Tao Yang, Ge Zeng, Linqian An, Jin Jiang, Zhimin Ao, Jun Ma
Summary: In this study, a novel LED-activated periodate advanced oxidation process (UVA-LED/PI AOP) was developed and investigated for the degradation of naproxen (NPX) and other micropollutants. The UVA-LED/PI AOP showed a broad-spectrum degradation ability, with hydroxyl radical and ozone being the dominant species responsible for NPX degradation. The pH and irradiation wavelength had a negative effect on NPX degradation, explained by the decreased quantum yield of PI. The UVA-LED/PI AOP could be a promising technology for micropollutant treatment in aqueous solutions.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Hui Zeng, Xiangang Hu, Shaohu Ouyang, Qixing Zhou
Summary: Ocean warming weakens growth and carbon fixation, while microplastics exacerbate the effects on photosynthesis and CO2 fixation in Synechococcus sp.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Xuan Hou, Li Mu, Xiangang Hu, Shuqing Guo
Summary: Oceans absorb most excess heat from anthropogenic activities, leading to ocean warming. Moreover, microplastic pollution from anthropogenic activities is serious in marine environments and is accessible to various organisms. However, the combined effects of environmentally realistic ocean warming and microplastic pollution (OW+MP) on dominant marine species phytoplankton and related biochemical cycles are unclear.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Wenhao Li, Chunyang Nie, Xinjie Wang, Haibo Ye, Didi Li, Zhimin Ao
Summary: A nitrogendoped biochar catalyst was developed from alkaline lignin to activate peroxymonosulfate (PMS) for acetaminophen (APAP) degradation. The optimized biochar achieved complete removal of APAP within 15 minutes under specific conditions. The study also revealed the electron-transfer mechanism involved in nonradical carbon/PMS systems.
SEPARATION AND PURIFICATION TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Z. Xu, J. Li, X. Wang, T. Wang, D. Li, Z. Ao
Summary: By integrating porous metal-organic frameworks as support, platinum as catalytic center, and cobalt as promoter, we obtained a synergistic and stable Pt-Co/UiO-66 catalytic system for efficient oxidation of various volatile organic compounds (VOCs). This catalytic system exhibited superior performance compared to monometallic catalysts in the oxidation of toluene, n-hexane, and ethyl acetate. Additionally, Pt-Co/UiO-66 showed high reusability, resistance to water and CO2, long-term stability, and structural integrity.
MATERIALS TODAY CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Weilu Kang, Xiangang Hu, Ruihong Feng, Changhong Wei, Fubo Yu
Summary: The study provides insights into the effects of land use on greenhouse gas emissions in rivers. The microbial composition and dissolved organic matter properties were found to be influenced by land use intensity and DOM chemical composition. Anthropogenic stressors played a significant role in chromophoric DOM, and DOM biodegradability was positively correlated with CDOM. The variations in CO2 and CH4 emissions were primarily governed by the biodegradation or photomineralization of dissolved organic carbon derived from autotrophic DOM, which was indirectly affected by land use through changes in DOM properties and water chemistry.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Xueju Liu, Shuting Wang, Li Mu, Yingying Xie, Xiangang Hu
Summary: The interactions between dissolved organic matter (DOM), microplastics (MPs), and microbes have significant effects on the destiny of aqueous carbon and greenhouse gas emissions, although the underlying processes and mechanisms are still unclear. This study demonstrates that MPs determine the fate of aqueous carbon by influencing biodiversity and chemodiversity. MPs release chemical additives, such as diethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) and bisphenol A (BPA), into the water phase, which negatively correlates with autotrophic bacteria like Cyanobacteria. The inhibition of autotrophs leads to increased CO2 emissions, while MPs stimulate microbial metabolic pathways that accelerate the biodegradation of DOM and result in transformed DOM with low bioavailability, high stability, and aromaticity. This highlights the urgent need for surveys on chemodiversity and biodiversity to assess the ecological risks of MP pollution and its impact on the carbon cycle.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Qian Qu, Jing Xu, Weilu Kang, Ruihong Feng, Xiangang Hu
Summary: Heatwaves threaten microbial populations in global rivers. Microbial communities in South America and Southeast Asia are likely to change due to heatwaves. Approximately 48.4% of river gauge stations worldwide are prone to fast stress inadaptation, with about 76.9% of these stations expected to exceed microbial adaptation after heatwave disturbances. Doubling particulate matter emissions can reduce the number of rivers associated with fast stress adaptation type after heatwave disturbances.
GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Chunyang Nie, Zhenhua Dai, Lijia Wan, Binghua Jing, Xiaoguang Duan, Shaobin Wang, Bo Lai, Zhimin Ao
Summary: Carbocatalyst/persulfate is a green, highly oxidative system for decontaminating refractory aqueous organic pollutants. The interfacial electric field (IEF) is used to alter the catalytic activity and selectivity of carbon/persulfate systems via the field-dipole effect. Positive IEF induces/reinforces the nonradical oxidation pathway, while different persulfate activation pathways can be induced under negative IEF. This work extends the application of the interfacial electric field in persulfate-based advanced oxidation processes.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Liang Zhang, Yun Sun, Rile Ge, Wenhui Zhou, Zhimin Ao, Junhu Wang
Summary: The systematic and novel formation pathway of singlet oxygen (O-1(2)) on single iron atom during advanced oxidation process was investigated and revealed. Graphitic carbon matrix supported single iron atom and iron nanoclusters configurations as model catalysts were synthesized via calcinating Prussian blue, which showed admirable catalytic efficiency towards bisphenol A (BPA) oxidation even under high salinity conditions. This study proposed novel insights into direct O-1(2)-modulated mechanism via Fe-N-4 configuration, providing essential atomic-scale understanding of FeNx/PMS based Fenton-like system, as well as a new strategy for the practical environmental remediation with high salinity.
APPLIED CATALYSIS B-ENVIRONMENTAL
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Yun Sun, Jiachun Cao, Qianyu Li, Didi Li, Zhimin Ao
Summary: In this study, the intrinsic factors of peroxymonosulfate (PMS) activation were investigated using a series of transition metal-doped single-atom catalysts. The adsorption energy of PMS and the electronic properties of the catalysts were correlated using the d-band theory. A machine learning model was built to reveal the underlying pattern between easily obtainable properties and energy barriers. A novel intrinsic descriptor based on electronic and geometric features was proposed, which can efficiently predict the performance of unknown catalysts.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY A
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Xiaopeng Huang, Keon-Han Kim, Haeseong Jang, Xiaonan Luo, Jingfang Yu, Zhaoqiang Li, Zhimin Ao, Junxin Wang, Hao Zhang, Chunping Chen, Dermot O'Hare
Summary: Defect engineering is an effective approach for designing high-performance electrocatalysts. This study presents a bottom-up strategy to prepare free-standing NiFe layered double hydroxide nanoplatelets with abundant internal defects, which exhibit superior electrocatalytic activity compared to traditional methods.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Qianyu Li, Wenlang Li, Jiachun Cao, Junhui Zhou, Didi Li, Zhimin Ao
Summary: This study investigates the effect of water vapor on the oxidation of formaldehyde using a single-atom catalyst. The results show that water vapor can lower the energy required to form crucial intermediates, thereby promoting the oxidation reaction. Additionally, water vapor delays the entrance of oxygen into the reaction, sustaining the catalytic cycle. This study provides important insights into the role of water in the oxidation of formaldehyde.
PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY CHEMICAL PHYSICS
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Chunyang Nie, Jinlong Wang, Bihai Cai, Bo Lai, Shaobin Wang, Zhimin Ao
Summary: This review discusses the recent advances of molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) based materials as effective catalysts in persulfate-based advanced oxidation processes (PS-AOPs). MoS2, as a polymorphic layered material, shows variable physicochemical properties and can be used as a cocatalyst/catalyst to activate persulfate. The review compares the properties of different MoS2 polytypes and their applications in PS-AOPs, and also addresses modifications on MoS2 and the persulfate activation processes.
APPLIED CATALYSIS B-ENVIRONMENTAL
(2024)