Catalytic graphitization of bacterial cellulose–derived carbon nanofibers for stable and enhanced anodic performance of lithium-ion batteries

Bacterial cellulose (BC) produced through microbial fermentation has emerged as a viable precursor for carbon nanofibers (CNF) anode used in lithium-ion batteries. However, the low capacity and fading behavior of BC-derived CNFs render their usage in its pure form. Tuning the microstructure of CNFs in such cases plays an essential role in overcoming these negative ramifications and improves battery performance. In this study, the fermentation media used for BC production is modified by the addition of an iron catalyst, which can induce graphitization in the derived CNFs. Pure BC and catalyst-incorporated BC are pyrolyzed at 900 °C and 1800 °C to obtain CNFs, and the properties of derived CNFs are compared for understanding the role of incorporated catalyst. The structural, morphological, and electrochemical properties of CNFs are analyzed through X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, impedance spectroscopy, galvanostatic charge-discharge studies, and cyclic voltammogram studies. By possessing a higher graphitic content, catalyst-incorporated BC–derived CNFs exhibit an enhanced rate performance with a reversible capacity of 529 mAh g^?1 after 100 continuous charge/discharge cycles at a current density of 0.2C.     

In situ phosphorus K-edge X-ray absorption spectroscopy studies of calcium–phosphate formation and transformation on the surface of bacterial cellulose nanofibers

In this work, for the first time, in situ formation and transformation process of embryo calcium phosphate (Ca–P) minerals on three-dimensional bacterial cellulose nanofibers was investigated. Combined with XRD, X-ray absorption near-edge structure results revealed that the embryo precursor was amorphous calcium phosphate which was subsequently converted to β-tricalcium phosphate, octacalcium phosphate, and finally to the more thermodynamically stable form of hydroxyapatite. The methodology reported herein may be extended to the studies of Ca–P and other minerals on various substrates.     

Novel cotton cellulose by cationisation during the mercerisation process—part 1: chemical and morphological changes

Cationisation is the modification of cotton cellulose by using quaternary ammonium compounds that block negative OH groups, thus resulting in electropositive cotton cellulose. It is an alternative method for achieving better adsorption of chemical compounds and substances, such as dyestuffs, fluorescent whitening agents, and other textile auxiliaries. The cationisation of cotton cellulose changes the surface electrical charge (electrokinetic potential) by significantly increasing its adsorption properties. The presented article investigated the chemical and morphological changes in cotton cellulose when cationised with an epihalohydrin, 2,3-epoxypropyl trimethyl ammonium chloride, after and during the mercerisation process. When comparing mercerised cotton with cationised cotton, it was concluded that cationisation during the mercerisation process using short-chain cationic compounds would result in a novel cotton cellulose that would bring a new dimension to cotton pre-treatment and finishing. The modified cotton would retain all the beneficial properties of mercerised cotton with a change of surface charge that would ensure further improvement in quality.     

Study on the influence of teos–diol molar ratio on their chemical interaction during the gelation process

Hybrid organic–inorganic materials, silica–diol, were synthesized by the sol–gel process from mixtures of tetraethylorthosilicate (TEOS) and diols: ethylene glycol (HO–CH₂–CH₂–OH) and 1,3 propane diol (HO–CH₂–CH₂–CH₂–OH), in acid catalysis. The gels have been synthesized for a molar ratio H₂O:TEOS = 4:1 and different molar ratios diol/TEOS: 0.25; 0.5; 0.75; 1.0; 1.25 and 1.5. The resulting gels were studied by thermal analysis and FT-IR spectroscopy, in order to evidence the interaction of diols with silica matrix. Thermal analysis indicated that the condensation degree increases with the molar ratio diol/TEOS until a certain value. The thermal decomposition of the organic chains bonded within the silica network in the temperature range 250–320 °C, leaded to a silica matrix with modified morphology. The adsorption–desorption isotherms type is different for the samples with and without diol. Thus, the specific surface areas have values <11 m²/g for the samples without diol and >200 m²/g for the samples with diols, depending on the annealing temperature.     

Novel multifunctional water- and oil-repellent,antibacterial, and flame-retardant cellulose fibres created by the sol–gel process

This research aimed to prepare cotton fibres with novel multifunctional water- and oil-repellent, antibacterial, and flame-retardant properties. A three-component equimolar sol mixture, which included 1H,1H,2H,2H-perfluorooctyltriethoxysilane, 3-(trimethoxysilyl)-propyldimethyloctadecyl ammonium chloride, and P,P-diphenyl-N-(3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl) phosphinic amide, was applied to the cotton fabric using the sol–gel process. The presence of the coating on the cotton fibres was confirmed by Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The functional properties of the coated cotton fabric were determined from liquid contact angle measurements and antibacterial activity, burning behaviour, and thermo-oxidative stability studies. The results demonstrate that a unique, compatible, and uniform organic-inorganic hybrid polymer network was formed on the fabric surface, which preserved its simultaneous hydrophobic (water contact angle of 135 ± 2°), oleophobic (n-hexadecane contact angle of 117 ± 1°), and bactericidal (bacterial reduction of 100 %) properties and incorporated the enhanced thermo-oxidative stability of the modified cellulose fibres.     

Effect of cationic and anionic surfactants on the addition–elimination-type interaction between o-toluidine and d-glucose

The kinetics of the o-toluidine–d-glucose reaction has been studied as a function of [o-toluidine], [d-glucose], [acetic acid], and temperature by UV–visible spectrophotometry at 630 nm in the absence and presence of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) and sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS). The reaction follows second-order kinetics, being unity in each of the reactants in both media. The effect of added surfactants has also been investigated. The model of micellar catalysis, such as the Menger–Portony model modified by Bunton, is applied to explain the catalytic role of CTAB and SDS micelles. The association/incorporation constants (K _s and K _n), the rate constant in micellar media (k _m), and the activation parameters of this system have been calculated and discussed. The value of the rate constant is found to be higher in SDS than in CTAB. Hydrophobic and electrostatic interactions are responsible for higher reaction rates in SDS. From all observed facts, a reaction mechanism involving a nucleophilic addition–elimination path has been suggested.     

On the equilibrium between monomeric and dimeric iminochlorophosphanes R–N=P–Cl

The monomer/dimer equilibrium has been studied for a series of alkyl and aryl substituted and functionalized iminochlorophosphane species of the type R–N=P–Cl. In agreement with experiment, theoretical data always favor the dimer when the group R is small, while bulky groups such as Mes* destabilize the dimer by a considerable steric repulsion. This effect is superimposed by electronic effects. Para-substitution in the aryl systems either favors the monomer (energy gain ca. 15–30 kJ/mol) when a π-electron donating group such as p-NMe₂ is used or favors the dimer when a π-electron withdrawing group such as p-NO₂ is used (energy gain ca. 1–13 kJ/mol).     

Study on the interaction between urea and cellulose by combining solid-state 13C CP/MAS NMR and extended Hückel charges

In this article, solid-state ¹³C CP/MAS NMR combined with extended Hückel charges was applied to investigate the interaction between urea and cellulose in the NaOH/urea aqueous solvent system. Direct experimental evidence was provided to support the interaction between urea and cellulose. The solid-state ¹³C CP/MAS NMR results revealed that complicated complexes are formed by urea, NaOH and cellulose in the solution. Excess urea exists in a free state, which explains why 7 wt% NaOH/12 wt% urea/81 wt% H₂O is the optimal ratio selection to dissolve cellulose. Based on the correlation in which the computed extended Hückel charge on carbon of urea is approximately inversely proportional to its ¹³C chemical shift, a possible interaction model of cellulose, NaOH and urea was proposed. Interactions exist between any two of urea, NaOH and cellulose, which results in the cellulose chain being surrounded by NaOH and urea molecules. NaOH and urea may be in the same surface layer of cellulose chains.     

The role of the sol–gel route on the interaction between rhodamine B and a silica matrix

A series of silica xerogels having rhodamine B (RhB) as a template and Ti centers were synthesized by distinct sol–gel routes, namely, acid-catalyzed, base-catalyzed, acid-catalyzed with base-catalyzed (two steps) hydrolytic routes and a FeCl₃-catalyzed non-hydrolytic route. The interaction of RhB with the prepared silica matrix was investigated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, attenuated total reflectance, diffuse reflectance spectroscopy in the ultraviolet–visible region, Raman spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), photoluminescence (PL) and confocal microscopy. Raman spectroscopy suggested the presence of Ti–O and Si–O–Ti moieties within the silica matrix. Infrared band shifts provided insight into potential interaction sites. Taking into account the results from ART, XPS, PL and confocal microscopy, encapsulation of RhB preferentially occurs inside the silica network for acid 1, basic and two-steps routes, and the presence of Ti occurs on the surface of the silica occurs for acid 2, basic and two-steps routes. Also, we have shown that although the structural characteristics of the encapsulated and extracted systems are affected by the route, the molecular structure is conserved during and after the encapsulation process.     

Complexation and redox processes during the course of AuCl4 −–bilirubin interaction in aqueous–basic and methanolic media

The AuCl₄ ^––bilirubin (BR) interaction, both in aqueous–basic and methanolic media was studied using u.v.–vis., e.p.r. and ¹⁹⁷Au mössbauer spectroscopy. It was established that, during the course of the reaction, multistep redox and complexation processes occur. BR is oxidized according the reaction scheme: Bilirubin (BR) Biliverin (BVD) Purpurine (PRN) accompanied with Au^III reduction to Au⁰ and complexation, resulting in spontaneous formation of an Au₃PRN precipitate. By means of quantitative u.v.–vis. spectroscopic studies some of the rates and stability constants wee determined. The most probable reaction scheme is proposed.     

Needle-like supramolecular amphiphilic assembly constructed by the host–guest interaction between calixpyridinium and methotrexate disodium

In this work, the host–guest interaction between calixpyridinium and the anionic anticancer drug methotrexate disodium was explored in water. Unexpectedly, an interesting anisotropic needle-like rather than an ordinary isotropic spherical supramolecular amphiphilic assembly was fabricated by the complexation of calixpyridinium with methotrexate disodium. It is the second anionic guest to be discovered to form the non-spherical supramolecular assembly upon complexation with calixpyridinium. This discovery implies the possibility to construct various topological nanostructures based on the host–guest interactions between calixpyridinium and the anionic drugs in the future. The resulting calixpyridinium–drug assemblies with different morphologies may have the diverse potentials to adjust the efficacies of anionic drugs.     

Theoretical prediction of the protein–protein interaction between Arabidopsis thaliana COP1 and UVR8

In plants, ultraviolet-B radiation (280–315 nm) regulates gene expression and plant morphology through the UV RESPONSE LOCUS 8 (UVR8) photoreceptor. The first signaling event after quantal absorbance is the interaction of the UVR8 C-terminus with the E3 ubiquitin ligase CONSTITUTIVELY PHOTOMORPHOGENIC 1 (COP1). The nature of the interaction between these two proteins is hitherto unknown. A protein homology model of the Arabidopsis thaliana COP1 seven-bladed propeller WD40 repeat domain and de novo folds of the C-terminal 27 amino acid (amino acids 397–423) peptide of Arabidopsis UVR8 (UVR8^397?423) is herein reported. Using a theoretical computational docking protocol, the interaction between COP1 and UVR8 was predicted. A core motif was identified in UVR8^397?423 comprising adjacent hydrophobic residues V410 and P411 together with a charged residue D412, homologous to corresponding motifs in other COP1-binding proteins, such as ELONGATED HYPOCOTYL 5 (HY5), cryptochrome 1 (CRY1), and salt tolerance proteins STO/STH. The protein–protein interaction between the COP1 WD40 repeat domain and UVR8^397?423 reveals binding within a region of COP1 overlapping with the binding site for HY5 and the other COP1-interacting proteins. This study provides a framework for understanding docking between UVR8 and COP1, which in turn gives clues for experimental testing of UVR8/COP1 interaction.     

A resonance light-scattering off–on system for studies of the selective interaction between adriamycin and DNA

On the basis of the resonance light scattering (RLS) of Ag nanoparticles (AgNPs), an RLS off–on system was developed for studies of the selective interaction between adriamycin (ADM) and DNA. In this strategy, addition of ADM could induce a proportional decrease in the RLS intensity of AgNPs; this could be used to detect trace amounts of ADM with a detection limit of 12.75 ng mL⁻¹ in the range 0.021–10.0 μg mL⁻¹. Subsequently, by investigating the ability of different DNA sequences to restore the RLS intensity of the analytical systems, we found that ADM was selective to dsDNA and had an obvious preference for sequences that were rich in guanine and cytosine bases. In order to validate the results of the RLS assay, fluorescence quenching was used, and binding constants and binding numbers of each system were calculated. Compared with other methods, this RLS off–on strategy was more sensitive, fast, and reliable. It has also supplied a novel method for studying the sequence selectivity of DNA-targeted anticancer drugs and is a novel application of the RLS technique in analytical chemistry.     

In situ crystallization of bacterial cellulose II. Influences of different polymeric additives on the formation of celluloses Iα and Iβ at the early stage of incubation

Effects of polymeric additives with different degrees of polymerization (DP) or substitution (DS) on the crystallization of celluloses I and I have been examined at an early stage of the incubation of Acetobactor xylinum by using newly developed FT-IR spectroscopy. It was found that the mass fraction of cellulose I is greatly decreased with increasing concentrations of carboxymethyl cellulose sodium salt (CMC) or xyloglucan (XG) in the incubation medium. Such a decrease in the mass fraction of cellulose I, which corresponds to the enhanced crystallization of cellulose I, is more prominent for CMC or XG with lower DPs, but the additives with too low DPs are not so effective probably due to higher solubility and the lower adhesion on the surface of microfibrils. Moreover, the mass fractions of celluloses I and I are highly correlated with the crystallite size of microfibrils, indicating that I is crystallized in larger-size microfibrils while I is produced in smaller-size microfibrils. On the basis of these experimental results, the mechanism of the crystallization of celluloses I and I is discussed in the Acetobactor xylinum system.     

QM/MM–PB/SA scoring of the interaction strength between Akt kinase and apigenin analogues

Identification of small-molecule compounds that can bind specifically and stably to protein targets of biological interest is a challenge task in structure-based drug design. Traditionally, several fast approaches such as empirical scoring functions and free energy analysis have been widely used to fulfill for this purpose. In the current study, we raised the rigorous quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics in combination with semi-empirical Poisson–Boltzmann/surface area (QM/MM–PB/SA) as an efficient strategy to characterize the intermolecular interaction between Akt kinase and its small-molecule ligands, although this hybrid approach is computationally expensive as compared to those empirical methods. In a round of experimental activity reproduction test based on a set of known Akt–inhibitor complexes, QM/MM–PB/SA has been shown to perform much better than two widely used scoring functions as well as the sophisticated MM-PB/SA analysis with or without improvement by molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Next, the QM/MM–PB/SA was employed to screen for strong Akt binders from an apigenin analogue set. Consequently, four compounds, namely apigenin, quercetin, gallocatechin and myricetin, were suggested to have high binding potency to Akt active site. A further kinase assay was conducted to determine the inhibitory activity of the four promising candidates against Akt kinase, resulting in IC₅₀ values of 38.4, 67.5, 157.1 and 25.5 nM, respectively.     

The relationship between the microstructures and catalytic behaviors of iron–oxygen precursors during direct coal liquefaction

A series of both unsupported and coal-supported iron–oxygen compounds with gradual changes in microstructure were synthesized by a precipitation-oxidation process at 20 to 70 °C. The relationship between the microstructures and catalytic activities of these precursors during direct coal liquefaction was studied. The results show that the microstructure could be controlled through adjusting the synthesis temperature during the precipitation-oxidation procedure, and that compounds synthesized at lower temperatures exhibit higher catalytic activity. As a result of their higher proportions of γ-FeOOH or α-FeOOH crystalline phases, the unsupported iron–oxygen compounds synthesized at 20–30 °C, which also had high specific surface areas and moisture levels, generate oil yields 4.5%–4.6% higher than those obtained with precursors synthesized at 70 °C. It was also determined that higher oil yields were obtained when the catalytically-active phase formed by the precursors during liquefaction (pyrrhotite, Fe_1?xS) had smaller crystallites. Feed coal added as a carrier was found to efficiently disperse the active precursors, which in turn significantly improved the catalytic activity during coal liquefaction.     

Nitazoxanide and azithromycin for the early treatment of COVID-19: A multi-spectroscopic,biochemical and computational drug–drug interaction study

Herein, we present an experimental and theoretical drug–drug interaction study between nitazoxanide (NTZ) and azithromycin (AZT) in an aqueous solution. Interaction was studied by using UV/Vis, fluorescence, attenuated total reflectance-fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR), and circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy, while molecular docking studies were performed to establish the interaction computationally. A bright yellow color was observed when the two drugs interacted, giving a hyperchromic band at 420 nm. The rate of absorbance was linearly increased by increasing drug concentrations and in a time-dependent manner. Stability of the interaction complex (i.e., NTZ: AZT) was measured at variable temperatures (25–80°C), pH (5.0–10.0) and ionic strength (0.05–2.0 M NaCl), and not only proved stable but also retained antimicrobial potential with reduced cellular toxicity. Mole ratio and Job's method of continuous variations were used to establish the binding stoichiometry and found to be 2:1. The calculated binding constant (k_b = 8,400 M⁻¹) and Gibb's free energy (ΔG° = −22.4 KJ/mol) also suggested an energetically favorable interaction. FTIR spectra of NTZ: AZT complex in comparison with two drugs alone revealed significant interaction which was nicely complemented by molecular docking studies. Interaction was also successfully demonstrated in presence of carrier protein HSA and by spiking the two drugs in real samples of human plasma and urine.     

Characterization of H3PO4/HNO3–NANO2 oxidized bacterial cellulose and its usage as a carrier for the controlled release of cephalexin

Biocompatibility, biodegradation, good sorption characteristics, and unique structure of highly oxidized bacterial cellulose (OBC) are of great interest for the development of new drug delivery systems. In this study, OBC with 9.6, 13.0 and 19.5% carboxyl groups for 5, 20, and 48 h of synthesis, respectively, was successfully obtained using the HNO₃/H₃PO₄–NaNO₂. The results of morphological analysis showed that with an increase in the number of carboxyl groups, OBC fibers become thicker and rougher. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy showed the formation of carboxyl groups in the OBC after the oxidation reaction. The crystallinity of the samples according to X-Ray diffraction analysis decreased with increasing reaction time. The immobilization of cephalexin in the polymer matrix was studied in detail, it took 120 min to achieve balance in the solution with a concentration of 1 mg/ml, and the maximum amount of a sorbed antibiotic reached 43 mg/g. The drug release in vitro at 37 °C in PBS with pH 7.4 and 2.0 was prolonged. Various models were used to describe the release mechanism, the best of which was Ritger-Peppas with a diffusion exponent value ranging from 0.743 to 0.830, which explains the drug release mainly through non-Fickian diffusional release. The cephalexin-loaded OBC showed high antimicrobial activity against Gram-negative bacteria Escherichia coli and Gram-positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus. The structure and properties of the resulting highly oxidized cellulose make it an excellent candidate as a drug delivery carrier with prolonged antimicrobial drug release characteristics.

     

Fluorescence study of the dynamic interaction between E1(145–162) sequence of hepatitis GB virus C and liposomes

The physicochemical characterization of the peptide sequence E1(145–162) corresponding to the structural protein E1 of the hepatitis G virus was done by studying its interaction with model membranes. Small unilamellar vesicles (SUVs) of dimyristoylphosphatidylglycerol or dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine were chosen as mimetic membranes. Peptide incorporation and location in the phospholipid bilayer was investigated by fluorescence anisotropy with SUVs labeled with diphenylhexatriene (DPH) or trimethylammonium–DPH. The addition of the peptide E1(145–162) showed significant changes in the anisotropy values of the probe located at the air/water interface. These results indicate that the peptide E1(145–162) preferably interacts with the lipid surface without penetrating inside the bilayer. A series of fluorescence experiments based on tryptophan peptide fluorescence were modeled by means of multivariate curve resolution-alternating least squares (MCR-ALS) algorithm to further study the peptide interaction with bilayers at different temperatures. The preliminary results obtained with MCR-ALS showed how the peptide concentration decay is directly linked to the appearance of a new specie, which corresponds to the lipid-peptide binding. These results provide useful information for the design of synthetic immunopeptides that can be incorporated into a liposomal system with potential to promote a direct delivery of the membrane-incorporated immunogen to the immunocompetent cells, thus increasing the immuno response from the host. Electronic supplementary material  The online version of this article (doi:) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.