Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jose Angel Morales-Sanchez, Kristiina Mark, Eero Talts, Bakhtier Rasulov, Ulo Niinemets
Summary: Desiccation-rehydration studies in cryptogams provide valuable insights into the relationship between key physiological traits and species stress tolerance and environmental adaptability. Our developed within-chamber rehydration method enables rapid and precise measurement of sample rehydration without the need for manual intervention. The real-time monitoring of multiple parameters offers a novel perspective in understanding cryptogam stress responses. Evaluation: 8/10.
Article
Polymer Science
Zishuo Ye, Hailin Lu, Endong Jia, Jian Chen, Lifeng Fu
Summary: In this study, the mechanical and tribological properties of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) hydrogels were improved by introducing polyethylene glycol (PEG) and using organic solvent dehydration treatment. The network structure and mechanical properties of PVA/PEG gels were effectively enhanced by the organic solvent dehydration method. Furthermore, the wear rate of the friction pair was reduced by the organic solvent dehydration treatment, demonstrating improved wear resistance.
POLYMERS FOR ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Saffron J. Bryant, Miyah N. Awad, Aaron Elbourne, Andrew J. Christofferson, Andrew V. Martin, Nastaran Meftahi, Calum J. Drummond, Tamar L. Greaves, Gary Bryant
Summary: Cryopreservation has been vital in various scientific fields such as assisted reproductive technology, stem cell therapies, and species preservation. However, the toxic nature and limited effectiveness of conventional cryoprotective agents hinder their use in clinical applications. This research explores the potential of deep eutectic solvents as cryoprotectants for mammalian cells, showing that a solvent made from proline and glycerol is effective and less toxic. The study also reveals the importance of multi-component systems and opens the door for the development of new cryoprotective agents tailored to specific cell types.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY B
(2022)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Xiu Han, Yan Lu, Zhaoluo Xu, Yanan Chu, Xueping Ma, Haiping Wu, Bingjie Zou, Guohua Zhou
Summary: Currently, organic solvents are used in the preparation of anionic liposomes for siRNA delivery. However, removing these solvents is time-consuming and affects the stability of liposomes. Glycerol offers a simple and time-efficient alternative, promoting lipid dispersion and liposome formation. The results showed that anionic liposomes with a particle size of 188.9 nm can be successfully prepared using glycerol, with a high encapsulation efficiency of siRNA. The anionic liposomes also demonstrated no cytotoxicity and improved siRNA resistance against degradation, making them a safe and effective delivery platform for siRNA and other nucleic acid drugs.
IET NANOBIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Pedro Villarim, Eric Genty, Jaouad Zemmouri, Sophie Fourmentin
Summary: This study evaluates and compares the efficiency of hydrophobic deep eutectic solvents (DESs) and conventional absorbents for the absorption of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in biogas. The results show the superior performance of DESs in VOC absorption, and also highlight the impact of temperature on the absorption efficiency of conventional absorbents.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Guangzhi Xu, Zhuoheng Tu, Xingbang Hu, Mian Li, Xiaomin Zhang, Youting Wu
Summary: The utilization of biomass as a replacement for fossil resources in chemical synthesis is considered a crucial strategy for sustainable and environmentally-friendly chemical industry. To achieve this, the design and development of suitable catalysts for biomass conversion is of great significance. In this study, ionic buffering biphase systems (IBBSs) consisting of ionic buffering catalysts (IBCs) and an organic phase were proposed and developed for the efficient dehydration of xylose and hemicellulose to furfural (FF). The IBBSs demonstrated high FF yields and reduced use of NaCl, along with advantages such as simple preparation, thermal stability, and low cost. This work presents a new approach for the design and development of catalytic reaction-separation coupling systems for the efficient conversion of xylose and hemicellulose to FF.
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR LIQUIDS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Zhenzhen Wu, Jing Wang, Lili Liu, Shang Guo, Juan Li, Xianming Zhang
Summary: Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) are a promising platform for carbon dioxide (CO2) conversion due to their periodic permanent porosity, adjustable structure, and chemical stability. In this study, a high-efficiency four-in-one catalyst, Tp-MPB-Br-COF, was synthesized and tested for CO2 cycloaddition to form cyclic carbonate. The catalyst exhibited improved CO2 affinity through Lewis acid-base or dipole-quadrupole interactions, and its activity was further enhanced by acid, hydrogen bond donor, and nucleophile groups.
SCIENCE CHINA-CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Yanqiu Lu, Liling Zhang, Liang Shen, Wei Liu, Rohit Karnik, Sui Zhang
Summary: Based on molecular dynamics simulation, a resistance model was established to guide the design of defect-tolerant graphene composite membranes for better control of solvent permeation. Experimental results showed that improved supporting substrates could effectively mitigate leakage through defects in graphene, enabling selective transport of specific molecules.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Chao Gui, Leren Tao, Yaqi Zhang
Summary: Freeze-drying is an effective method for preserving aortas, and accurate monitoring of the drying process is crucial to maintain the original properties. This study used a contactless mass measurement device to monitor the drying process and found that real-time weighing was more accurate than measuring temperature in monitoring the sublimation process. The removal ratio of free water during primary drying greatly affected the properties of the lyophilized samples, and thorough sublimation contributed to better product performance.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Shunhui Tao, Lei Hu, Xiaodong Zhang, Yinglin Mai, Xiaoling Xian, Xiaojie Zheng, Xiaoqing Lin
Summary: This study developed novel Brunsted acid-based deep eutectic solvents (DESs) with both solvent and catalytic functionalities for glucose dehydration into 5-HMF. The most effective DES was found to be TEBAC/FA with high stability and catalytic activity. The water content of the DES was also found to affect the yield of 5-HMF.
INDUSTRIAL & ENGINEERING CHEMISTRY RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Tae Yun Ko, Daesin Kim, Seon Joon Kim, Hyerim Kim, Arun S. Nissimagoudar, Seung-Cheol Lee, Xiaobo Lin, Peter T. Cummings, Sehyun Doo, Seongmin Park, Tufail Hassan, Taegon Oh, Ari Chae, Jihoon Lee, Yury Gogotsi, Insik In, Chong Min Koo
Summary: The article introduces a novel ligand chemistry for MXenes using alkylated 3,4-dihydroxy-L-phenylalanine (ADOPA), which can functionalize MXene surfaces under mild reaction conditions. The ADOPA ligands form strong hydrogen-bonding and pi-electron interactions with the surface terminal groups of MXenes, while the hydrophobic fluorinated alkyl tail is compatible with organic solvents. This method produces stable colloidal solutions and liquid crystals of various MXenes in organic solvents, with excellent electrical conductivity, improved oxidation stability, and processability, enabling applications in flexible electrodes and electromagnetic interference shielding.
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Tian Hu, Chuncheung Chan, Min-Zhao Lin, Huaitian Bu, Bin Liu, Gang-Biao Jiang
Summary: In this study, a self-regenerative hydrogel based on two chitosan polymers assembled by slow-released Cu2+ is developed. This hydrogel shows excellent regeneration ability after dehydration and fracture, and provides ultra-stretchability. When used as a dry suture, it regenerates into a hydrogel in the presence of tissue fluid, forming an excellent sealant.
ADVANCED HEALTHCARE MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Chiara Allegretti, Francesco G. Gatti, Stefano Marzorati, Letizia Anna Maria Rossato, Stefano Serra, Alberto Strini, Paola D'Arrigo
Summary: The use of Reactive Deep Eutectic Solvents (RDESs) as reaction media for the preparation of polar head modified phospholipids (PLs) through phospholipase D (PLD)-catalyzed transphosphatidylations has been investigated. The designed RDESs actively participate in the synthetic processes as reagents, leading to optimized yields of PLs in a sustainable process implementation.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Hui Han, Man Zhang, Yingming Zhu, Kejing Wu, Yingying Liu, Binshen Wang, Houfang Lu, Bin Liang
Summary: The efficient separation of 5-HMF from DESs was achieved by four cycles of extraction using THF, with an overall extraction efficiency of more than 80.0% (30 degrees C). Additionally, the addition of 1 mol L-1 NaCl solution significantly improved the extraction efficiency from 30.0% to 42.0%. Furthermore, the recovery and reuse of the extractant proved to be effective, with a purity of 90.0% for 5-HMF in the recovered product and 97.0% THF in the recycled extractant. This study demonstrates an efficient and environmentally friendly method for separating and recovering 5-HMF while ensuring the reuse of the extractant.
NEW JOURNAL OF CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ioannis Sebos, Leonidas Kallinikos
Summary: This paper presents the methodological framework used in Greece for estimating NMVOCs emissions, which is based on existing methods and new emission factors to reflect the mitigation potential of EU Directives and national legislation. The framework was used to forecast future NMVOCs emissions and assess implemented mitigation actions.