Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Aneta Plaza-Altamer, Artur Kolodziej, Zuzanna Krupa, Joanna Niziol, Tomasz Ruman
Summary: Hormones play important roles in the human body and are crucial for maintaining homeostasis in response to environmental changes. Even minor hormonal disorders can have detrimental effects on the body, resulting in physical or mental changes. Therefore, precise quantification and monitoring of hormones are essential for the early diagnosis of hormone-related diseases.
RAPID COMMUNICATIONS IN MASS SPECTROMETRY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
F. Mirani, A. Maffini, F. Casamichiela, A. Pazzaglia, A. Formenti, D. Dellasega, V Russo, D. Vavassori, D. Bortot, M. Huault, G. Zeraouli, V Ospina, S. Malko, J. Apinaniz, J. A. Perez-Hernandez, D. De Luis, G. Gatti, L. Volpe, A. Pola, M. Passoni
Summary: Among elemental characterization techniques, laser-driven PIXE and laser-driven EDX are widely used in different scientific and technological fields. Compact and portable laser-driven particle sources show potential for materials analysis, especially in materials science applications. Results demonstrate successful quantitative information about sample structure can be obtained using proton beam through laser-driven PIXE analysis.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Sandeep Kumar, Abhishek Kumar, Tania Malhotra, Sakshi Verma
Summary: Pure and silver doped α-Fe2O3 semiconductor nanoparticles were synthesized and characterized in terms of their structural, optical, and surface electronic properties. The study found that silver doping had a marginal effect on the crystal structure and bandgap of the nanoparticles, and improved the dye degradation efficiency of the iron oxide nanocatalysts.
JOURNAL OF ALLOYS AND COMPOUNDS
(2022)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Brian J. Riley, Saehwa Chong, Jose Marcial, Nabajit Lahiri, Mrinal K. Bera, Sungsik Lee, Tianpin Wu, Karen Kruska, Josef Matyas
Summary: This study investigated thiolated and unthiolated Ag-Al-Si-O xerogels for iodine gas capture, with thiolated Ag0-xerogels showing one of the highest iodine-loading capacities reported to date in saturated conditions.
ACS APPLIED NANO MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Optics
A. A. Romanov, A. A. Silaev, N. V. Vvedenskii, Ia. Breev, A. Flegel, M. Frolov
Summary: This article considers the nonlinear response of an atomic system interacting with XUV and IR pulses. The adiabatic approach and perturbation theory are used for the IR and XUV pulses respectively. The study analyzes the generation of a doubled carrier XUV frequency pulse induced by a laser and examines the yield of harmonics in the frequency band of the generated pulse based on the time delay between the initial XUV and IR pulses.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Adrian Arendowski, Gulyaim Sagandykova, Radik Mametov, Katarzyna Rafinska, Oleksandra Pryshchepa, Pawel Pomastowski
Summary: A silver nanostructured layer for surface-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry of low-molecular-weight biomolecules was synthesized using electrochemical deposition. The synthesized plate showed low chemical background and high signal-to-noise ratio, demonstrating potential for large-scale applications.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Miriam Fischer, Mohan Kumar Kuntumalla, Gilad Gani, Alon Hoffman
Summary: The retention and thermal stability of Ar implanted into polycrystalline diamond surfaces with 700 and 5000 eV Ar ions, at high dose (HD) and low dose (LD) of 1016 and 1014 ions/cm2, were investigated at room temperature (RT) and 400 degrees C. It was found that the thermal stability of the retained Ar is higher at 400 degrees C than at RT, with stability exceeding 1000 degrees C. Ar trapped in a high crystalline diamond environment has higher thermal stability than in a graphite/amorphous carbon environment. The desorption of Ar occurs through diffusion between local defects, and is greatly enhanced between 600 and 700 degrees C.
APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Alexander Vasil'kov, Ivan Butenko, Alexander Naumkin, Anastasiia Voronova, Alexandre Golub, Mikhail Buzin, Eleonora Shtykova, Vladimir Volkov, Vera Sadykova
Summary: Researchers have developed new Ag-containing nanocomposites by modifying bacterial cellulose (BC) with Ag nanoparticles. The BC was obtained in the form of films and spherical beads, and the Ag nanoparticles were synthesized using metal-vapor synthesis (MVS). Characterization of the materials showed that the BC-based nanocomposites exhibited antimicrobial activity and had potential medical applications.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Biochemical Research Methods
Lanaia Itala Louzeiro Maciel, Ricardo Alves Bernardo, Rafael Oliveira Martins, Almir Custodio Batista Jr, Joao Victor Ataide Oliveira, Andrea Rodrigues Chaves, Boniek Gontijo Vaz
Summary: The imaging of biological tissues using mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) techniques allows for the visualization of the distribution of various metabolites, drugs, lipids, and glycans in complex samples. MSI methods like DESI-MSI and MALDI-MSI provide high sensitivity and the ability to evaluate/visualize multiple analytes in a single sample, overcoming limitations of classical microscopy techniques. This review discusses the application of DESI-MSI and MALDI-MSI in evaluating exogenous and endogenous molecules in biological samples, providing technical insights and recent research findings.
ANALYTICAL AND BIOANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Review
Spectroscopy
Xuelu Ding, Kun Liu, Zhenyan Shi
Summary: Laser desorption/ablation postionization (LD/API) techniques have been rapidly developing in the field of mass spectrometry, offering solutions to ionization of neutral substances and showing potential in breakthroughs in bioanalytical applications.
MASS SPECTROMETRY REVIEWS
(2021)
Article
Physics, Multidisciplinary
Amit Kumar Mauraya, Debashrita Mahana, Prashant Tyagi, Ch Ramesh, Ajay Kumar Shukla, Sudhir Husale, Sunil Singh Kushvaha, Muthusamy Senthil Kumar
Summary: The influence of using different types of GaN targets on the surface morphology and structural quality of GaN epilayers was studied, with confirmation through X-ray rocking curve measurements and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Further investigation was conducted on the effect of threading dislocation density on the ultraviolet photoresponse properties of GaN layers using metal-semiconductor-metal structures.
Article
Physics, Multidisciplinary
D. P. Dong, B. H. Yang, D. B. Qian, W. C. Zhou, S. F. Zhang, X. Ma
Summary: In this study, a new approach was used to investigate the laser-intensity-dependent ionization and fragmentation yields of C60 molecules. It was found that the saturation intensities for C60 ionizations and the onset intensity for C60 fragmentation are much lower than previously reported, confirming the validity of over-the-barrier ionization using a conducting sphere model.
CHINESE PHYSICS LETTERS
(2021)
Article
Electrochemistry
Aida Raauf, David Graf, Yakup Gonullu, Praveen K. Sekhar, Michael Frank, Sanjay Mathur
Summary: The nanostructured thin film of Nd2Sn2O7 pyrochlore obtained through solution processing shows unprecedented selectivity towards hydrogen sensing, with the highest sensitivity towards H-2 detected at 300 degrees Celsius. The high efficiency and reproducibility of the investigated sensor devices indicate the potential of Nd2Sn2O7 based sensors for hydrogen safety applications.
JOURNAL OF THE ELECTROCHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yunzi Xin, Kai Odachi, Takashi Shirai
Summary: This study presents a novel method for the one-step synthesis of ultra-bright CNOs using fish scale waste through microwave pyrolysis in seconds. The obtained CNOs have a highly crystallized multiple-shelled core-state and well-functionalized surface, exhibiting visible photoluminescence, superior quantum yield, and excellent dispersibility.
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Eduard Chygorin, Lukas Pecinka, Petr Vanhara, Karel Novotny, Ivo Krempl, Josef Havel
Summary: In this study, the synthesis of tellurium carbides (TeC) was described for the first time using laser ablation synthesis coupled with mass spectrometry. Various TemC(n) clusters were successfully synthesized, and the Te-nanodiamond composite was found to be the most suitable precursor for their generation.
RAPID COMMUNICATIONS IN MASS SPECTROMETRY
(2023)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Jean Henrottin, Rosa Pilolli, Anne-Catherine Huet, Christof van Poucke, Chiara Nitride, Marc De Loose, Olivier Tranquet, Colette Larre, Karine Adel-Patient, Herve Bernard, E. N. Clare Mills, Nathalie Gillard, Linda Monaci
Summary: Developing reliable methodologies for detecting and quantifying allergens in processed food is crucial. This study focused on optimizing the sample preparation protocol for allergen detection in chocolate, a complex food matrix. Different steps of the protocol were considered and the best performing method was identified.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Nicola Giangregorio, Annamaria Tonazzi, Cosima Damiana Calvano, Ciro Leonardo Pierri, Giovanna Incampo, Tommaso R. I. Cataldi, Cesare Indiveri
Summary: The effect of mycotoxin patulin on the mitochondrial carnitine/acylcarnitine carrier was investigated. Patulin inhibited the transport function of the carrier in a competitive manner, interacting with a protein region including the substrate-binding area. Site-directed mutagenesis confirmed the key role of the C136 residue in the inhibition of patulin.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Electrochemistry
Margherita Izzi, Maria Chiara Sportelli, Rosaria Anna Picca, Nicola Cioffi
Summary: The present study proposes a one-step synthesis of Zn/Ca hybrid nano-oxides combining an electrochemical route to ZnO nanostructures with the wet chemical production of Ca(OH)(2) nanostructures. The nanocoating prepared with Zn-Ca0.1 exhibited a Zn2+ release increasing up to 1 mu mol cm(-2) in 24 h, while Zn-Ca0.4-based nanocoatings released a constant value of about 0.35 mu mol/cm(2). Both types of nanocoatings showed good antimicrobial activity against Bacillus subtilis after 48 h and hydrophilic behavior over 28 days.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Syed Imdadul Hossain, Diellza Bajrami, Maria Chiara Sportelli, Rosaria Anna Picca, Annalisa Volpe, Caterina Gaudiuso, Antonio Ancona, Luigi Gentile, Gerardo Palazzo, Nicoletta Ditaranto, Boris Mizaikoff, Nicola Cioffi
Summary: The aim of this study is to develop a green and multifunctional antibiofilm water-insoluble coating with laser-ablated Ag NPs (L-Ag NPs) and montmorillonite (MMT). The characterization confirmed the successful incorporation of L-Ag NPs into MMT and the contact and deposition of Ag NPs onto the surface. The controlled release of Ag ions from the L-Ag/MMT/beeswax coating was supported by the antimicrobial ion release kinetic profile.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Marco Bottin, Graziano Di Carmine, Olga Bortolini, Carmela De Risi, Monica Bertoldo, Tommaso R. I. Cataldi, Cosima D. Calvano, Alessandro Massi, Daniele Ragno
Summary: This article presents an alternative synthetic route to macrocyclic oligoesters (MCOs) using N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) catalysis under highly diluted oxidative conditions. The method allows for the straightforward access to MCOs using commercial dialdehydes, without the use of toxic diacyl chlorides commonly employed in traditional processes. The method is metal-free, takes place in a green solvent, and uses a recyclable quinone oxidant.
CHEMISTRY-A EUROPEAN JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ramona Abbattista, Ilario Losito, Graziana Basile, Andrea Castellaneta, Giovanni Ventura, Cosima Damiana Calvano, Tommaso R. I. Cataldi
Summary: Reversed-phase liquid chromatography and electrospray ionization with Fourier-transform single and tandem mass spectrometry were used to characterize the structure of oleocanthal (OLEO) and oleacin (OLEA), two important bioactive compounds in extra virgin olive oil. The presence of multiple isoforms of OLEO and OLEA was observed, along with minor peaks of oxidized OLEO. The correlation between chromatographic peaks and specific isoforms was elucidated through H/D exchange experiments, revealing the prevalence of Open Forms II as the main isoforms.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Elena C. L. Rigante, Cosima D. Calvano, Rosaria A. Picca, Francesca Modugno, Tommaso R. I. Cataldi
Summary: In recent decades, modern murals and graffiti have gained attention as valuable artistic expressions that need to be preserved. Understanding the chemical composition of spray paints used in these artworks is crucial for their conservation. This study used various analytical techniques to investigate the composition of two yellow varnishes, revealing the use of acrylic and styrene-acrylic resins as binders, as well as the presence of silicone-based additives.
Review
Nutrition & Dietetics
Laura Quintieri, Chiara Nitride, Elisabetta De Angelis, Antonella Lamonaca, Rosa Pilolli, Francesco Russo, Linda Monaci
Summary: The increasing global population and shortage of proteinaceous ingredients have driven the international community to search for new sustainable protein resources. This review evaluates insect proteins, underutilized legume crops, aquatic weeds, and fungi as alternative protein sources. It also discusses the safety issues and functional characteristics of these proteins, including their incorporation in food products and their impact on future consumer trends towards vegetarianism or veganism.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Syed Imdadul Hossain, Ekaterina A. Kukushkina, Margherita Izzi, Maria Chiara Sportelli, Rosaria Anna Picca, Nicoletta Ditaranto, Nicola Cioffi
Summary: This review provides a comprehensive overview of Ag-, Cu-, and ZnO-modified MMT, including preparation methods, materials characterization, mechanisms of action, antimicrobial activity on different bacterial strains, real life applications, and environmental and toxicity issues.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Adriana Trapani, Stefano Castellani, Lorenzo Guerra, Elvira De Giglio, Giuseppe Fracchiolla, Filomena Corbo, Nicola Cioffi, Giuseppe Passantino, Maria Luana Poeta, Pasqualina Montemurro, Rosanna Mallamaci, Rosa Angela Cardone, Massimo Conese
Summary: We have successfully formulated solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) containing dopamine (DA) and grape-seed-derived proanthocyanidins (GSE) for Parkinson's disease (PD) treatment. The combination of GSE and DA has a synergistic effect in reducing PD-related oxidative stress. Two methods of DA/GSE loading were studied, and it was found that coencapsulating GSE resulted in smaller SLN size and higher cellular uptake compared to adsorbing GSE onto preformed DA containing SLNs.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Valentina Petrelli, Giuseppe Romanazzi, Cecilia Mortalo, Cristina Leonelli, Mauro Zapparoli, Elvira De Giglio, Cosima Damiana Calvano, Maria Michela Dell'Anna, Piero Mastrorilli
Summary: A nitrogen-doped polymer supported cobalt catalyst (Co-pol) was synthesized and used as an active and recyclable catalyst for nitroarene reduction. The catalysis was truly heterogeneous and prevented hydrodehalogenation. STEM and EDS analyses confirmed the presence of cobalt(0) nanoparticles as the active species. Nitrogen atoms in the catalytic support played a beneficial role in the catalytic activity.
MOLECULAR CATALYSIS
(2023)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Anna Luparelli, Ilario Losito, Elisabetta De Angelis, Rosa Pilolli, Linda Monaci
Summary: Due to the increasing global incidence of allergy to nuts and peanuts, this paper describes the development of a multi-target method based on LC-MS, MS/MS to detect traces of five nuts species and peanuts in a bakery product. The method utilizes the LC-MS responses of selected peptides resulting from digestion of allergenic proteins, allowing for quantification down to mg·kg(-1) levels in the model cookie. This opens up interesting possibilities for quantifying hidden nuts/peanuts in bakery products and improving precautionary labelling.
Review
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Margherita Izzi, Maria C. C. Sportelli, Luisa Torsi, Rosaria A. A. Picca, Nicola Cioffi
Summary: ZnO nanostructures (NSs) show significant antimicrobial activity and are highly biocompatible, chemically stable, and low in toxicity. This review focuses on the preparation and antimicrobial use of ZnO NSs. Different synthesis approaches including sol-gel, hydrothermal, biogenic, and electrochemical methods are discussed, along with their scalability, simplicity, and efficacy. The application of ZnO NSs in various fields and their antimicrobial mechanisms of action, cell resistance, and cytotoxicity are also highlighted. Additionally, the future prospects of ZnO NSs in this application field are addressed.
ACS APPLIED NANO MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Giovanni Ventura, Davide Mesto, Davide Blasi, Tommaso R. I. Cataldi, Cosima Damiana Calvano
Summary: This study investigated the differences in the ethanolic extract of dried walnut shells obtained through hammer milling and ball milling grinding processes. The study analyzed the fatty acids and phenolic compounds in the extracts and found that the composition varied depending on the milling method used. The presence of potential active secondary metabolites was also explored, providing valuable information for potential applications in industries such as biorefinery and pharmaceuticals.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Horticulture
Onofrio Davide Palmitessa, Andrea Castellaneta, Annalisa Somma, Adriano Didonna, Massimiliano Renna, Ilario Losito, Cosima Damiana Calvano, Tommaso R. I. Cataldi, Pietro Santamaria
Summary: Scopatizzo, a local variety of melon from Southern Italy, is consumed as an unripe melon alternative to cucumber due to its better quality profile and lack of cucurbitacins. However, recent analysis has found the presence of cucurbitacins in some bitter-tasting Scopatizzo fruits, raising concerns about potential genotypes not suitable for commercialization.
