Stability of nanodispersions: a model for kinetics of aggregation of nanoparticles

In the course of aggregation of very small colloid particles (nanoparticles) the overlap of the diffuse layers is practically complete, so that one cannot apply the common DLVO theory. Since nanopoarticles are small compared to the extent of the diffuse layer, the process is considered in the same way as for two interacting ions. Therefore, the Br?nsted concept based on the Transition State Theory was applied. The charge of interacting nanoparticles was calculated by means of the Surface Complexation Model and decrease of effective charge of particles was also taken into account. Numerical simulations were performed using the parameters for hematite and rutile colloid systems. The effect of pH and electrolyte concentration on the stability coefficient of nanosystems was found to be more pronounced but similar to that for regular colloidal systems. The effect markedly depends on the nature of the solid which is characterized by equilibrium constants of surface reactions responsible for surface charge, i.e., by the point of zero charge, while the specificity of counterions is described by their association affinity, i.e., by surface association equilibrium constants. The most pronounced is the particle size effect. It was shown that extremely small particles cannot be stabilized by an electrostatic repulsion barrier. Additionally, at the same mass concentration, nanoparticles aggregate more rapidly than ordinary colloidal particles due to thier higher number concentration.     

Ionization energies of hypervalent Li2F,Li2Cl and Na2Cl molecules obtained by surface ionization electron impact neutralization mass spectrometry

Ionization energies of hypervalent Li(2)F, Li(2)Cl and Na(2)Cl molecules detected by surface ionization electron impact neutralization mass spectrometry are reported. The ionization energies were 3.78 +/- 0.2 eV for Li(2)F, 4.93 +/- 0.2 eV for Li(2)Cl, and 4.21 +/- 0.2 eV for Na(2)Cl. The ionization energies (IE) agree with theoretical ionization energies calculated by ab initio methods, supporting the theoretical prediction that Li(2)F has a hyperlithiated configuration in which the odd electron delocalizes over the two lithiums and with photoionization measurement. The first ionization energy of Na(2)Cl was experimentally confirmed earlier and for Li(2)Cl as well.8 We have developed and used this new approach for the problem--in the present work ions were first formed by surface ionization, followed by electron attachment (neutralization).     

Ultrasound as a Promising Tool for the Green Extraction of Specialized Metabolites from Some Culinary Spices

Spices are a popular food of plant origin, rich in various phytochemicals and recognized for their numerous properties. The aim of the study was to evaluate the antioxidant and antimicrobial activity, as well as the content of specialized metabolites, of aqueous extracts of three spice species––garlic (Allium sativum L.), ginger (Zingiber officinalle L.) and turmeric (Curcuma longa L.)––prepared by green extraction methods. Ultrasound treatment increased the chromaticity parameter b value of turmeric and ginger extracts, thus indicating a higher yellow color predominantly due to curcuminoids characteristic of these species. Ultrasound-assisted extraction significantly increased the content of total soluble solids, phenolic compounds, total carotenoids and vitamin C. The temperature of the system was also an important factor, with the highest (70 °C) conditions in ultrasound-assisted extraction having a positive effect on thermolabile compounds (vitamin C, phenolics, total carotenoids). For example, turmeric extract treated with ultrasound at 70 °C had up to a 67% higher vitamin C content and a 69.4% higher total carotenoid content compared to samples treated conventionally at the same temperature, while ginger extracts had up to 40% higher total phenols. All different concentrations of spice extracts were not sufficient for complete inhibition of pathogenic bacterial strains of Salmonella, L. monocytogenes and S. aureus; however, only garlic extracts had an effect on slowing down the growth and number of L. monocytogenes colonies. Spice extracts obtained by ultrasonic treatment contained a significantly higher level of bioactive compounds and antioxidant capacity, suggesting that the extracts obtained have significant nutritional potential and thus a significant possibility for phytotherapeutic uses.     

X-ray structural analysis and antitumor activity of new salicylic acid derivatives

Tetrakis-, tris-, bis-, and mono salicylic acid derivatives 1–4 were synthesized by reaction of methyl 2-hydroxy benzoate (methyl salicylate) with 2,2-bis (hydroxymethyl) propane-1,3-diol (pentaerythritol) in the presence of sodium. Yields of different salicyloyloxy derivatives were changed by varying the molar ratios of reactants. For compounds 2 and 3, X-ray structure analysis was performed, as well as molecular energy minimization, to define their conformation in terms of their energy minima. Comparison of crystal and energy minimized structures for these two compounds (2 and 3) revealed that the intramolecular hydrogen bonds play an important role, stabilizing conformation of the most part of the molecule. The antioxidant activity and cytotoxicity of the synthesized derivatives were evaluated in a series of in vitro tests, as well as 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 inhibition potency. Tetrakis salicyloyloxy derivative 1 expressed the highest antioxidant potency, tris salicyloyloxy derivative 2 was the best inhibitor of 17βHSD2 enzyme, while bis salicyloyloxy derivative 3 showed strong cytotoxicity against prostate and breast cancer cells with no cytotoxicity against healthy cells.     

Normal- and Reversed-Phase Behaviour of 16,17-Secoestrone Derivatives on Cyanopropyl-Bonded Silica Gel

The retention behaviour of a number of 16,17-secoestrone derivatives has been studied by LC and HPTLC on a polar cyanopropyl-bonded stationary phase using non-aqueous and aqueous-organic mobile phases. The retention behaviour has been discussed in terms of nature of the solute, eluent and stationary phase. The correlation between retention constants of 16,17-secoestrone derivatives obtained from reversed-phases and commercially available ACD log P software (Advanced Chemistry, Toronto, Canada) has also been examined.

     

Tritium in organic matter around Krško Nuclear Power Plant

The aim of the research was to obtain first results of tritium in the organic matter of environmental samples in the vicinity of Kr?ko NPP. The emphasis was on the layout of suitable sampling network of crops and fruits in nearby agricultural area. Method for determination of tritium in organic matter in the form of Tissue Free Water Tritium (TFWT) and Organically Bound Tritium (OBT) has been implemented. Capabilities of the methods were tested on real environmental samples and its findings were compared to modeled activities of tritium from atmospheric releases and literature based results of TFWT and OBT.     

The existence of a positive solution for nonlinear fractional differential equations with integral boundary value conditions

In this paper, first, we consider the existence of a positive solution for the nonlinear fractional differential equation boundary value problem where 0≤λ < 1,^CD^α is the Caputo's differential operator of order α, and f:[0,1] × [0,∞)→[0,∞) is a continuous function. Using some cone theoretic techniques, we deduce a general existence theorem for this problem. Then, we consider two following more general problems for arbitrary α, 1≤n < α≤n + 1: Problem 1: where , 0≤λ < k + 1; Problem 2: where 0≤λ≤α and D^α is the Riemann–Liouville fractional derivative of order α. For these problems, we give existence results, which improve recent results in the literature. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

From micelle supramolecular assemblies in selective solvents to isoporous membranes

The supramolecular assembly of PS-b-P4VP copolymer micelles induced by selective solvent mixtures was used to manufacture isoporous membranes. Micelle order in solution was confirmed by cryo-scanning electron microscopy in casting solutions, leading to ordered pore morphology. When dioxane, a solvent that interacts poorly with the micelle corona, was added to the solution, polymer-polymer segment contact was preferential, increasing the intermicelle contact. Immersion in water gave rise to asymmetric porous membranes with exceptional pore uniformity and high porosity. The introduction of a small number of carbon nanotubes to the casting solution improved the membrane stability and the reversibility of the gate response in the presence of different pH values.