Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Benjamin Rosen, Karl Sohlberg
Summary: Metal oxide perovskite materials have potential for use as hydrogen separation membranes, but they can dehydrate and decompose in the presence of hydrogen. The stability of a mixed phase metal oxide perovskite material was investigated, and it was found that the loss of H-2 becomes thermodynamically favorable over the formation of oxygen vacancies on the surface. Both phases of the material become more stable with increasing concentrations of surface oxygen vacancies. The degree of coordination of surface metal atoms may control the stability of the material.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Alina Ismagilova, Livia Matt, Patric Jannasch, Veljo Kisand, Lauri Vares
Summary: The ecotoxicity of isosorbide acrylate and methacrylate monomers, as well as their corresponding polymers, were evaluated. The results showed that isosorbide acrylate monomers were toxic towards multicellular organisms, while isosorbide methacrylate monomers were considered harmless. Isosorbide polyacrylate and polymethacrylate polymers were also harmless, except for a slight harm towards bacteria.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Xin Qi, Duoxia Xu, Jinjin Zhu, Shaojia Wang, Jingwei Peng, Wei Gao, Yanping Cao
Summary: The study found that lutein dipalmitate could spontaneously bind to ovalbumin via van der Waals force and hydrogen bond, leading to conformational changes in ovalbumin and promoting its aggregation. Additionally, ovalbumin had a positive effect on the stability of marigold lutein esters extracts.
Article
Polymer Science
Tatyana A. Pugacheva, Vladimir G. Kurbatov, Evgeniy V. Vaganov, Georgiy V. Malkov, Ksenya A. Tarusina, Vlada M. Organ, Elena V. Mitrofanova, Alexander E. Tarasov, Elmira R. Badamshina
Summary: The study focuses on the curing process of acrylic oligomers for rapid thermal curing coatings in the presence of HMMM, TBMG, and TMMG. The content of hydroxyl groups in the terpolymer and the concentration of crosslinking agent have minimal impact on the initial cure rate when HMMM is used as a hardener. However, in TMMG compositions, the amount of network polymer and initial curing rate decrease at short curing times. It is also found that using butoxy groups instead of methoxy groups as blocking agents leads to a decrease in both the initial cure rate and the gel fraction limiting value from 98 to 80%. Additionally, an increase in catalyst content accelerates the curing process regardless of the crosslinking agent used.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yiming Yin, Nohyeong Jeong, Ronny Minjarez, Cristian A. Robbins, Kenneth H. Carlson, Tiezheng Tong
Summary: This study compares the efficiencies of antiscalant candidates with different functional groups in mitigating gypsum scaling and silica scaling in membrane distillation desalination. Antiscalants with Ca(II)-complexing moieties are effective for inhibiting gypsum scaling, while amino-enriched antiscalants perform best in mitigating silica scaling. Microscopic and spectroscopic analyses reveal distinct mechanisms of antiscalants required for these two common types of scaling.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yucheng Zhang, Yongfeng Shi, Xiaotong Su, Nora F. Y. Tam, Huifang Lei, Zihui Chen, Qihang Wu
Summary: Aggregation of Fe2O3 nanoparticles can be influenced by organophosphate esters, which can improve the colloidal stability of the nanoparticles. TEHP has a more significant effect on the aggregation of Fe2O3 nanoparticles, and the aggregation rates in river water are slightly higher than those in pore-water, possibly due to higher organic carbon content.
WATER SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yansong Zhou, Ramesha Ganganahalli, Sumit Verma, Hui Ru Tan, Boon Siang Yeo
Summary: This article reports the electrosynthesis of C-3 to C-6 acetate esters from carbon monoxide using copper catalysts in a membrane electrode assembly cell. Ethyl acetate and propyl acetate could be produced with high efficiency and current density, while minor quantities of methyl acetate and butyl acetate were also formed. The reaction conditions and pH play crucial roles in the formation of the esters.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Denis Bondarev, Stanislav Melnikov, Victor Zabolotskiy
Summary: The paper investigates the electrochemical characteristics of a bilayer membrane and a homogeneous anion-exchange membrane based on a new N,N-diallyl-N,N-dimethylammonium chloride and ethyl methacrylate copolymer. The study shows that a thin layer of an anion-exchange copolymer on the surface of a heterogeneous membrane leads to an increase in the limiting current and a decrease in the rate of water-splitting reaction. Tests demonstrate that the membranes formed using the new copolymer are stable, while the ester fragment of the copolymer undergoes hydrolysis.
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Malihe Keramat, Mohammad-Taghi Golmakani, Mehrdad Niakousari, Mohamad Reza Toorani
Summary: The antioxidant capacity of sesamol esters in gelled emulsion was compared with non-gelled emulsion, and the role of mass transfer on their antioxidant capacity was assessed. The kinetic parameters of peroxidation in the initiation and propagation phases were calculated using a sigmoidal model. Sesamol esters showed higher antioxidant activity than sesamol in both gelled and non-gelled emulsion. In gelled emulsion, sesamyl acetate, sesamyl butyrate, and sesamyl hexanoate had no synergistic effect with sesamol, while in non-gelled emulsion, sesamyl butyrate exhibited a slight synergistic effect. The antioxidant activity of sesamyl acetate and sesamyl hexanoate was higher in non-gelled emulsion, while sesamyl butyrate showed higher antioxidant activity in gelled emulsion. The cut-off effect hypothesis was observed in gelled emulsion, but not in non-gelled emulsion. Sesamol esters remained active and exhibited inhibitory effect during the propagation phase.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Dawn R. Chaffey, Takudzwa Bere, Thomas E. Davies, David C. Apperley, Stuart H. Taylor, Andrew E. Graham
Summary: This study presents a novel strategy for the efficient synthesis of levulinate esters using commercial catalysts, ZSM-5 and Amberlyst-15, under mild conditions and short reaction times, resulting in high yields and selectivity.
APPLIED CATALYSIS B-ENVIRONMENTAL
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Julian Sobieski, Sajjad Dadashi Silab, Lucas Thevenin, Krzysztof Matyjaszewski, Christophe Fliedel, Rinaldo Poli
Summary: The termination processes of the tertiary carbomethoxyisopropylradical, (COOMe)Me2C & BULL;, were investigated by H-1 NMR. The investigation assessed the contributions of the Cu-I/L-catalyzed radical termination (CRT) and the reductive radical termination (RRT) to the spontaneous bimolecular radical terminations (RT). It also reassessed the product distribution for the RT of the diffused and caged radicals obtained from the thermal activation of V-601.
Article
Thermodynamics
Jianying Ma, Chunlei Cao
Summary: Ionic liquids (ILs) have been widely used as solvents for organic synthesis, but their applications in polymer synthesis are still limited. This study investigates the use of ILs in copolymerization and shows that copolymerizing ILs can significantly improve the thermal stability of copolymers. The results indicate that copolymers with ILs have higher thermal stability and thermal oxidative stability compared to homopolymers.
JOURNAL OF THERMAL ANALYSIS AND CALORIMETRY
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
M. Matbouei, D. P. Weston, Xingzhong Liang, S. Hainsworth
Summary: Biodiesel is increasingly used in engine applications to reduce harmful emissions, but it is more corrosive to metallic components compared to petroleum diesel. This study found that corrosion rates were significantly faster for copper and brass compared to mild steel and aluminum alloys, with copper causing chain scission and greater biodiesel degradation. Activation energies for corrosion were also calculated for different metals, showing a direct reaction between copper and fatty acids leading to faster corrosion rates.
Article
Polymer Science
Jiacheng Zhao, Gerald Tze Kwang Er, Francis J. McCallum, Sisi Wang, Changkui Fu, Joshua A. Kaitz, James F. Cameron, Peter Trefonas, Idriss Blakey, Hui Peng, Andrew K. Whittaker
Summary: This work presents photoresponsive polymers that undergo a shift in fluorescence emission wavelength after UV irradiation, showing potential applications in fluorescence patterning and bioimaging. Additionally, the copolymers exhibit thermal sensitivity in aqueous solutions, with their lower critical solution temperature (LCST) shifting with the content of hydrophobic units. The temperature-triggered volume phase transition selectively switches off fluorescence from certain mechanisms, while leaving others unaffected, allowing for versatile applications.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Jenni Turunen, Mysore Tejesvi, Niko Paalanne, Jenni Hekkala, Outi Lindgren, Mika Kaakinen, Tytti Pokka, Anna Kaisanlahti, Justus Reunanen, Terhi Tapiainen
Summary: A critical evaluation of the fetal microbiome concept in 44 neonates found no evidence of bacterial microbiota in the placenta and amniotic fluid, but identified a diverse microbiome in first-pass meconium samples. This microbiome in meconium may be explained by perinatal or intrauterine colonization through bacterial extracellular vesicles.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Biophysics
Valentina A. Spiteri, James Doutch, Robert P. Rambo, Jayesh Gor, Paul A. Dalby, Stephen J. Perkins
Summary: A comparative structural study of glycosylated and deglycosylated monoclonal human IgG1 revealed perturbations in the Fab-Fc separation after deglycosylation, with a broader conformational spectrum observed in the Fc region of deglycosylated IgG1 compared to glycosylated IgG1. This variability in Fc conformations was found to account for the loss of binding to the Fc gamma receptor in deglycosylated IgG1.
BIOPHYSICAL JOURNAL
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Vivien Yeh, Boyan B. Bonev
Summary: Cell membranes and membrane proteins play essential roles in regulating cell function and pharmacological intervention. Solid state NMR is a versatile and informative approach for studying membrane and membrane proteins, providing valuable information on their structure, interactions, and dynamics. High resolution NMR techniques, including signal enhancement through DNP, are useful for studying membrane lipid and protein interactions.
BIOCHEMICAL SOCIETY TRANSACTIONS
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Valentina A. Spiteri, Margaret Goodall, James Doutch, Robert P. Rambo, Jayesh Gor, Stephen J. Perkins
Summary: A multidisciplinary study revealed that IgG3 has an elongated molecular structure with relatively restricted Fab and Fc conformations joined by an extended semi-rigid hinge, explaining the potent effector functions of IgG3 relative to other subclasses IgG1, IgG2, and IgG4.
JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
I. M. Tucker, A. Burley, R. E. Petkova, S. L. Hosking, J. Penfold, R. K. Thomas, P. X. Li, J. R. P. Webster, R. Welbourn, J. Doutch
Summary: The study investigates the adsorption properties of Glycyrrhizic acid, a monodesmosidic triterpenoid saponin extracted from Licorice root, and its self-assembly behavior in solution. It was found that gelation has minimal impact on adsorption, only resulting in a rougher surface texture on a macroscopic length scale. The study also compares the globular micelles formed in aqueous solution with the structure of other saponin micelles, showing only minimal micelle growth with the addition of gelling agents.
JOURNAL OF COLLOID AND INTERFACE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Vivien Yeh, Alice Goode, David Johnson, Nathan Cowieson, Boyan B. Bonev
Summary: Biofermentative production of styrene from renewable carbon sources relies on strain tolerance and viability at elevated styrene concentrations. Solvent-driven collapse of bacterial plasma membranes greatly limits yields and technological advancement. Styrene readily partitions into the membrane interior, affecting membrane stability. MD simulations show styrene phase separation and irreversible segregation into the membrane interior. Solid state NMR demonstrates committed partitioning of styrene with persistence of the bilayer phase. Saturated-chain lipid membranes exhibit better tolerance to styrene compared to unsaturated lipid membranes.
Article
Polymer Science
Anna P. Constantinou, Valeria Nele, James J. Doutch, Joana S. Correia, Roman Moiseev, Martina Cihova, David C. A. Gaboriau, Jonathan Krell, Vitaliy V. Khutoryanskiy, Molly M. Stevens, Theoni K. Georgiou
Summary: In this study, thermoresponsive polymers and their gelling behavior are investigated. A cost-effective biocompatible alternative to commercially available polymers is reported, which forms gels at low concentrations. The differences in gelling mechanisms between the investigated polymer and Poloxamer P407 (Pluronic F127) are elucidated through nanoscale self-assembly and rheological analysis.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Constantina Sofroniou, Michele Baglioni, Marianna Mamusa, Claudio Resta, James Doutch, Johan Smets, Piero Baglioni
Summary: Soluplus, an amphiphilic graft copolymer, exhibits self-assembly properties in water and shows potential as an encapsulating agent for fragrances. The study reveals that the polymer can adjust the structure of the system based on the interaction with perfume molecules.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Hanna M. G. Barriga, Isaac J. Pence, Margaret N. Holme, James J. Doutch, Jelle Penders, Valeria Nele, Michael R. Thomas, Marta Carroni, Molly M. Stevens
Summary: This study combines SPARTA with SAXS/SANS techniques to investigate the relationship between LNP composition, internal structure, morphology, and PLD interactions. The findings suggest that the structure of the LNP lipid membrane can be used to control enzyme interactions, providing an opportunity for designing enzyme-responsive LNP solutions.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Kun Ma, Peixun Li, Zi Wang, Yao Chen, Mario Campana, James Doutch, Robert Dalgliesh, Armando Maestro, Robert K. Thomas, Jeff Penfold
Summary: The milder interaction of zwitterionic surfactants with biosystems makes them important in biological applications and personal care formulations. Their strong synergistic interaction with anionic surfactants significantly affects adsorption and self-assembly properties. Experimental findings show a strong interaction at the air-water interface, but less pronounced synergy in mixed micelles.
JOURNAL OF COLLOID AND INTERFACE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Kerrie A. Morrison, Laura Wood, Karen J. Edler, James Doutch, Gareth J. Price, Francoise Koumanov, Paul Whitley
Summary: Extraction of integral membrane proteins using poly(styrene-co-maleic acid) can retain the lipid bilayer surrounding the proteins. This study demonstrates efficient extraction of the mammalian insulin receptor with the copolymer but reveals a lack of functional response to insulin after extraction.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Joseph P. Webb, Ana Carolina Paiva, Luca Rossoni, Amias Alstrom-Moore, Vicki Springthorpe, Sophie Vaud, Vivien Yeh, David-Paul Minde, Sven Langer, Heather Walker, Andrea Hounslow, David R. Nielsen, Tony Larson, Kathryn Lilley, Gill Stephens, Gavin H. Thomas, Boyan B. Bonev, David J. Kelly, Alex Conradie, Jeffrey Green
Summary: This study presents a Multi-Omic Based Production Strain Improvement (MOBpsi) strategy for enhancing the performance of cell factories producing toxic chemicals. By integrating time-resolved systems analysis, MOBpsi identified new potential targets for improving productivity and successfully increased the production of styrene in Escherichia coli strains.
METABOLIC ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Catherine Saunders, James E. J. Foote, Jonathan P. Wojciechowski, Ana Cammack, Simon V. Pedersen, James J. Doutch, Hanna M. G. Barriga, Margaret N. Holme, Jelle Penders, Mohamed Chami, Adrian Najer, Molly M. Stevens
Summary: The intrinsic heterogeneity of many nanoformulations poses challenges in characterizing them at both the single particle and population levels. However, the development of advanced techniques, such as label-free single particle automated Raman trapping analysis (SPARTA), can provide valuable information in understanding and describing nanomedicine heterogeneity. This technique allows for simultaneous measurement of the nanocarrier and cargo, enabling the characterization of loading and release heterogeneity in nanomedicines.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Rebecca E. E. Ginesi, Nicholas R. R. Murray, Robert M. M. Dalgliesh, James Doutch, Emily R. R. Draper
Summary: The pH dependence of perylene bisimide gels is investigated, showing that both the final and starting pH can impact the resulting gel properties. Adjusting the starting pH from 9 to 6 results in different worm-like micelles and gels with different mechanical properties. This highlights the importance of controlling pH for gelation and opens up possibilities for different morphologies and properties.
CHEMISTRY-A EUROPEAN JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Alice Goode, Vivien Yeh, Boyan B. Bonev
Summary: This passage discusses the impact of bacterial resistance to antibiotics on infections and antibiotic therapy, as well as the importance of polymyxin B as a last resort measure. Through techniques such as fluorescence dequenching and P-31 NMR, the activity of polymyxin B against E. coli BL21 and the role of lipopolysaccharide are investigated.
FARADAY DISCUSSIONS
(2021)