Entrapment and release of sodium polystyrene sulfonate (SPS) from calcium alginate gel beads

The release of sodium polystyrene sulfonate (SPS) from calcium alginate hydrogel beads has been studied. It has been shown that the structure of the cross-linked calcium alginate network is of primary importance in the retention and/or release of the SPS. This has been evidenced by studying the influence of Ca²⁺ concentration, molar masses (M_n) and the ratio of mannuronic acid/guluronic acid components. A minimum in the SPS release is observed in relation with the organization of the network structure. Conditions inducing the organization of a strong gel (e.g. high Ca²⁺ concentration for example) are not always related to a low release. A good control of release is found when a compromise between a well-structured hydrogel and sterical consideration of SPS is reached.     

NMR analysis of interaction between styrene-divinylbenzene gel beads and small molecules

The interaction of small molecules such as cyclohexane, tetrahydrofuran, and acetonitrile with styrene-divinylbenzene copolymer gel beads were investigated by ¹³C-NMR spectroscopy. When the gel content was 0.1–0.3 g/mL, the ¹³C-NMR spectrum of the solvent displayed two peaks. A sharp peak at lower magnetic field was assigned to the free solvent, and a broad one to the solvent affected by the gel. This signal splitting is attributed to the upfield shift caused by aromatic rings of styrene units in the polymer chain. The nitrile carbon of acetonitrile showed the largest upfield shift. The mobility of small molecules in gel beads was also investigated using the nuclear magnetic relaxation method. In the case of good solvents for gel beads, the mobility was affected by the cross-linking density, whereas poor solvents exhibited little dependence of the cross-linking density. © 1995 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Versatile synthesis of epicatechin series procyanidin oligomers, and their antioxidant and DNA polymerase inhibitory activity

Proanthocyanidins, known as condensed tannins or oligomeric flavonoids, exist in many edible plants and show various interesting biological activities. We have developed a simple and versatile method of synthesizing procyanidin oligomers consisting of (−)-epicatechin and (+)-catechin. This method is applicable to the synthesis of various 3-O-substituted oligomers. We report here the stereoselective and length controlled synthesis of [4-8]-condensed (−)-epicatechin series procyanidin oligomers. We described the details of the synthesis of an two tetramers, (−)-epicatechin-(−)-epicatechin-(−)-epicatechin-(−)-epicatechin and (−)-epicatechin-(−)-epicatechin-(−)-epicatechin-(+)-catechin (arecatannin A1), (−)-epicatechin pentamer and two 3,3″,3?-tri-O-galloyl trimers, (−)-epicatechin-(−)-epicatechin-(−)-epicatechin-3,3″,3?-tri-O-gallate and (−)-epicatechin-(−)-epicatechin-(+)-catechin-3,3″,3?-tri-O-gallate with the condensation method using TMSOTf as a catalyst. The ability of DPPH radical scavenging activity and DNA polymerase inhibitory activity of these oligomeric compounds were investigated.     

Preparation and characterization of polybenzimidazole membranes prepared by gelation in phosphoric acid

Phosphoric acid doped poly (2, 2′‐(m‐phenylene)‐5, 5′‐bibenzimidazole) (PBI) membranes were prepared by dissolving PBI powders in 85% phosphoric acid at 190–200°C and then promoting gelation of the PBI by cooling the solutions to ?18°C. The extent of acid doping of the PBI membranes was controlled by immersing the membrane in aqueous phosphoric acid solutions of different concentrations (acid de‐doping). The process of the acid de‐doping was faster than acid doping of membrane cast from N,N‐dimethylacetamide (DMAc). The de‐doping process caused shrinkage of the PBI membrane and thus an increase in the membrane strength due to the packing of PBI chains according to the X‐ray diffraction analysis. The tensile stress and proton conductivity of the obtained PBI membranes with different acid doping levels were measured. For a PBI (η_IV: 0.58 dL · g^?1) membrane with an acid doping level of 7.0 (molar number of doped acid per mole repeat unit of PBI), the stress at break and proton conductivity at 120°C without humidification were 2.6 MPa and 5.1 × 10^?2 S · cm^?1, respectively. These results were comparable to those of the membranes cast from PBI solutions in DMAc. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Synthesis and studies of calcium channel blocking and antioxidant activities of novel 4-pyridinium and/or N-propargyl substituted 1,4-dihydropyridine derivatives

The novel 1,4-dihydropyridine derivatives containing the cationic pyridine moiety at the position 4, and the N-propargyl group as a substituent at position 1 of the 1,4-DHP cycle were designed, synthesised, and assessed in biological tests. Among all the novel compounds, the 4-(N-dodecyl) pyridinium group-containing compounds 11 (without the N-propargyl group) and 12 (with the N-propargyl group) demonstrated the highest calcium antagonistic properties against neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y (IC₅₀ about 5–14 μM) and the vascular smooth muscle A7r5 cell (IC₅₀ – 0.6–0.7 μM) lines, indicating that they predominantly target the L-type calcium channels. These compounds showed a slight total antioxidant activity. At concentrations close to those of L-type calcium channel blocking ones, compound 12 did not affect mitochondrial functioning; also, no toxicity was obtained in vivo. The N-propargyl group as a substituent at position 1 of the 1,4-DHP cycle did not essentially influence the compounds’ activity. The 4-(N-dodecyl) pyridinium moiety-containing compounds can be considered as prototype molecules for further chemical modifications and studies as cardioprotective/neuroprotective agents.     

Physicochemical features and antioxidant activity of polysaccharides from Herba Patriniae by gradient ethanol precipitation

Four polysaccharides BJP50, BJP60, BJP70 and BJP80 (total named BJPs) were separated from Herba Patriniae via gradient ethanol precipitation with 50%, 60%, 70% and 80%, respectively. After decolorization and deproteinization, their physicochemical features and antioxidant activities were investigated. The results showed that the total sugar content of BJPs accounted above 50% but no protein contained, while BJP50 and BJP60 contained a small amount of uronic acid. GC analysis indicated that BJPs were mainly composed of galactose, arabinose, glucose, mannose, xylose and rhamnose. From BJP50 to BJP80, the types of monosaccharides and the content of arabinose, glucose and mannose increased but that of galactose and rhamnose decreased, and their molecular weights gradually reduced from 2.3 × 10⁶ to 4.5 × 10³. BJPs had a good thermal stability with the order of BJP80 > BJP70 > BJP60 > BJP50. The vitro bioactivity assay showed that BJP80 and BJP70 exhibited stronger scavenging capacities for DPPH, ABTS and hydroxyl free radicals than that of BJP60 and BJP50. As the concentration reached 4 mg/mL, the scavenging capacities of BJP80 and BJP70 on DPPH and hydroxyl free radical were up to 92% and 95%, respectively, and their antioxidant activities gradually approached to the positive control.     

Radical scavenging and antioxidant activity of tannic acid

Tannic acid, a naturally occurring plant polyphenol, is composed of a central glucose molecule derivatized at its hydroxyl groups with one or more galloyl residues. In the present paper, we examines the in vitro radical scavenging and antioxidant capacity of tannic acid by using different in vitro analytical methodologies such as 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl free radical (DPPH) scavenging, 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radical scavenging activity, total antioxidant activity determination by ferric thiocyanate, total reducing ability determination using by Fe³⁺–Fe²⁺ transformation method, superoxide anion radical scavenging by riboflavin–methionine-illuminate system, hydrogen peroxide scavenging and ferrous ions (Fe²⁺) chelating activities. Also, butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), α-tocopherol and trolox, a water-soluble analogue of tocopherol, were used as the reference antioxidant radical scavenger compounds.Tannic acid inhibited 97.7% lipid peroxidation of linoleic acid emulsion at 15 μg/mL concentration. On the other hand, the above mentioned standard antioxidants indicated an inhibition of 92.2%, 99.6%, 84.6% and 95.6% on peroxidation of linoleic acid emulsion at 45 μg/mL concentration, respectively. In addition, tannic acid had an effective DPPH scavenging, ABTS⁺ radical scavenging, superoxide anion radical scavenging, hydrogen peroxide scavenging, Fe³⁺ reducing power and metal chelating on ferrous ions activities. Also, those various antioxidant activities were compared to BHA, BHT, α-tocopherol and trolox as references antioxidant compounds. The present study shows that tannic acid is the effective natural antioxidant component that can be used as food preservative agents or nutraceuticals.     

Evaluation of peroxide value of olive oil and antioxidant activity by luminol chemiluminescence

Three procedures are developed and investigated for the simple and fast determination of peroxide value of olive oil by luminol chemiluminescence. The procedure using hemin as catalyst in carbonate alkaline solution allows the determination of hydrogen peroxide within the range 0.014-50 μM. The method can be used for the determination of peroxide value within the range 2.00-30.0 mequiv. O₂/kg oil and results correlate very well (r² = 0.99) with those of the official method. All reagents are aqueous solutions and olive oil is dissolved in acetone:ethanol mixed solution and, hence, the method is using minimal amounts of organic solvents and can be successfully applied to field analysis. Antioxidant activity of five common compounds found in natural products was determined by using luminol CL with Co(II) as EDTA complex as catalyst at pH 9.00.     

Sorption of chrysoidine by row cork and cork entrapped in calcium alginate beads

Azo-dyes, molecules characterised by the presence of the azo-group (–NN–), are widely used in textile, leather, rubber, plastic, and food industries. Water-soluble azo-dyes are greatly resistant to biodegradation, and are characterised by a high thermal and photo stability due to their complex structures. The release of these molecules into the environment is of crucial concern due to their toxic, mutagenic and carcinogenic characteristics. Biosorption has been demonstrated an effective method to remove pollutants from wastewaters thus solving ecological tasks, being a low cost process and the sorbent biodegradable. The main requirements of an efficient sorbent are thermal, chemical and mechanical stability, and rapid sorption.In this work, the ability of both row cork and the same sorbent entrapped in a biopolymeric gel of calcium alginate, on the removal of chrysoidine from aqueous solutions was examined.The influence on the sorption of pH, initial dye concentration, and particle size, as well as the efficiency of the entrapment, have been investigated. The maximum sorption was found for cork samples of fine particle size (FC), in both row and entrapped forms, at pH 7; conversely, at pH 4 the difference is significant (0.12 mmol/g for row cork and 0.20 mmol/g for entrapped cork), evoking a cooperation of alginate in binding the positively charged chrysoidine molecule.     

Ruellia prostrata Poir. activity evaluated by phytoconstituents,antioxidant, anti-inflammatory,antibacterial activity,and in silico molecular functions

Ruellia prostrata Poir. has been used historically as an anti-cancer, wound healing agent and to treat gonorrhea. We aimed to determine the phytochemicals present in ethyl acetate extract of R. prostrata Poir. (EAERP). We sought to determine the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial activities in vitro, and toxicity properties in vivo. We also analyzed the Prediction of Activity Spectra for Substances (PASS), physicochemical, ADMET, and drug-likeness properties of phytochemicals in EAERP. To determine phytoconstituents, preliminary phytochemical screening and GC–MS were performed, while FT-IR was used to identify functional groups. The antioxidant activity was evaluated using a DPPH scavenging assay, whereas BSA denaturation and RBC hemolysis inhibition were used to assess anti-inflammatory activity. An agar-well-diffusion assay was performed to estimate the antibacterial activity. Brine shrimp lethality bioassay and oral delivery of EAERP of single-dose were performed to determine cytotoxicity and acute toxicity, respectively. The phytochemical screening revealed the presence of phenols, triterpenoids, saponins, steroids, amino acids, and fat and fixed oils. FT-IR analysis of EAERP showed the presence of many functional groups: alcohols/phenols, carboxylic acids, aldehydes, alkanes, esters, amines, amides, aromatic hydrocarbons, sulfoxides, and alkyl halides. GC–MS revealed the presence of 39 phytoconstituents including steroids, consistent with compounds and functional groups found in preliminary screening and FT-IR. EAERP showed dose-dependent antioxidant activity with an IC₅₀ value of 21.402 µg/mL and anti-inflammatory activity with an IC₅₀ value of 20.564 µg/mL in RBC hemolysis inhibition and 21.115 µg/mL in BSA denaturation assays. EAERP also exhibited dose-related antibacterial activity. EAERP exerted cytotoxicity with an LC₅₀ value of 17.619 μg/mL and acute toxicity with an LD₅₀ value of 4095.328 mg/kg without any adverse effects. The PASS server also predicted that the phytoconstituents of EAERP have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial activities with probable activity (Pa) ranging from 0.310 to 0.717. Analysis of physicochemical, ADMET, and drug-likeness properties revealed the drug-able efficacy and safety of most compounds. The findings of this study indicated that R. prostrata Poir. contains phytoconstituents with potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial activities. Taken together, our measurements suggest that R. prostrata Poir. is a prime candidate for further exploration as a potential therapeutic agent.     

Comparative analysis of phytochemical profile,antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity from Hibiscus manihot L. flower

Hibiscus manihot L. is a kind of healthy plant with edible value and health benefits, which possesses multiple pharmacological activities that are closely related to antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. The dynamic changes of main active components and biological activities in Hibiscus manihot L. flower (HMLF) during its flowering period were systematically studied to determine the appropriate harvest time. Chemopreventive efficacies of the investigated HMLF extracts, by means of their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities, were assessed. The sample harvested on early August had the supreme total flavonoid content, total phenolic content and the strongest antioxidant activity (DPPH radical scavenging activity (IC₅₀ 0.160 mg/mL), ABTS radical scavenging activity (1.570 mmol/g Trolox), reducing power (IC₅₀ 0.101 mg/mL) and FRAP (3.644 mmol FeSO₄/g)). The results of principal component analysis indicated that the primary active components included hyperin, isoquercetin, hibifolin and quercetin-3′-O-glucoside, which were strongly associated with the antioxidant activity in the early August sample, while neochlorogenic acid, chlorogenic acid and caffeic acid were associated with the anti-inflammatory activity. The extracts significantly inhibited lipopolysaccharide-induced nitric oxide production in RAW264.7 cells, especially the samples harvested around August, which was only 3.569 μΜ with the inhibition ratio of>50%. This study indicated that HMLF harvested on the early August possessed the highest antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential and could be used as high bioactive resources for healthy production.     

Antibacterial,antioxidant and photocatalytic activity of novel Rubus ellipticus leaf mediated silver nanoparticles

Nanotechnology is an emerging field of science that has significant applications in applied sciences. In this study, silver nanoparticles (SNPs) were synthesized utilizing the leaf filtrate of Rubus ellipticus. SNPs were characterized using UV–visible spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction patterns to determine their morphology and chemical composition. The surface plasmon resonance of SNPs revealed a peak at 415 nm. The synthesized SNPs were mainly spherical crystals with an average size of 21.43 nm. When compared to plant extract and positive controls (AgNO₃ and penicillin), SNPs demonstrated significant bactericidal activity against all the tested bacteria (gram-positive and gram-negative). The most effective bactericidal activity was found against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, with a minimum inhibitory concentration of 1.25 µg/mL. In addition, a dose-dependent antioxidant activity of SNPs was found against the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical with an average IC50 value of 72.84 µg/mL. The photocatalytic activity of Methylene blue (MB) dye decomposition under sunlight was studied. The results showed that MB degraded by 98 % after 150 min in the sun. Overall, the findings of this study indicate that R. ellipticus biosynthesized SNPs may have bactericidal and photocatalytic effects.     

Biosynthesis of Bixa orellana seed extract mediated silver nanoparticles with moderate antioxidant,antibacterial and antiproliferative activity

Biosynthesis of metallic silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) has gained much interest and offers an attractive alternate to physical and chemical approaches. In recent year several safe, easy, cost-effective, reproducible, and environmentally friendly synthesis approaches for silver nanoparticles have been developed. In this research work, a simple, cheap, and unexplored method was applied on green synthesis of AgNPs using secondary metabolites extracted from Bixa orellana seeds. The seeds are rich of flavonoids and phenolic compounds which presumably responsible for the fast reduction and stabilization of silver ion into silver nanoparticles. The biosynthesis process is very likely to be able to reduce silver ions under simple physiological conditions. The surface plasmon resonance (SPR) that was appeared at 420 nm in UV–vis spectrum, had confirmed the formation of AgNPs. Moreover, the functional groups in secondary metabolite that act as reducing, capping and stabilizing agents for silver nanoparticles, are identified by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra. An X-ray diffraction analysis generated four peaks for Bixa orellana seed extract mediated AgNPs positioned at 2θ angles of 38.1°, 44.2°, 64.6°, and 77.5° corresponding to crystal planes (1 1 1), (2 0 0), (2 2 0), and (3 1 1). Field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images confirmed the formation of nanosized silver particles. The z-average of the synthesized particles measured by dynamic light scattering (DLS) was found to be 92.9 nm. AgNPs synthesized exhibited remarkable antioxidant activity, antibacterial and antiproliferative activity against human breast (MCF-7) cell line. On the basis of our results, we conclude that biologically synthesized AgNPs exhibited favorable characteristics and have the potential to be used in biomedical fields.     

Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles by bloom forming marine microalgae Trichodesmium erythraeum and its applications in antioxidant,drug-resistant bacteria,and cytotoxicity activity

In the present study, we developed an eco-friendly method of stable silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) production using the aqueous extract of Trichodesmium erythraeum. The biosynthesized AgNPs were characterized using UV–Vis spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), Energy-Dispersive X-ray (EDX), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The results affirmed that synthesized AgNPs were crystalline in nature, cubical in shape, and the average size of T. erythraeum silver nanoparticles (TENPs) was 26.5 nm. The antioxidant potential of synthesized AgNPs (500 µg/ml) was 77.01 ± 0.17% in DPPH, 67.5 ± 0.22% in Deoxy-ribose, 52.77 ± 0.42% in ABTS and 88.12 ± 0.26% in nitric oxide radical scavenging assays. The antibacterial results showed excellent inhibition against the clinical strains (Staphylococcus aureus and Proteus mirabilis) and drug-resistant bacterial strains such as E. coli (Amikacin^R), S. aureus (Tetracycline^R) and S. pneumoniae (Penicillin^R). The maximum anti-proliferative effect of TENPs was seen using 50 µg concentration against He La and MCF-7 cell lines, and IC₅₀ values were 25.0 ± 0.50 µg/ml and 30.0 ± 0.50 µg/ml, respectively, at 24 h.     

Novel pyrimidine and its triazole fused derivatives: Synthesis and investigation of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity

In the present study, we have carried out the synthesis of novel dihydropyrimidinecarbonitrile (1a–c), its dimethylated adduct (2a–c), and hydrazine derivative (3a–c) of 2a–c and its triazole fused derivatives (4a–c, 5a–c and 6a–c). The structure of newly synthesized compounds was confirmed by IR, ¹H NMR, mass spectral data and elemental analysis. Further the novel derivatives were investigated for their in vitro antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. The results revealed that some of the tested compounds showed potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. The mass spectral pattern of 6a has been investigated in order to elucidate the structure.     

Morphology and electric conductivity of cross-linked polyethylene–carbon black blends prepared by gelation/ crystallization from solutions

 Ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) – carbon black (CB) blends were prepared by gelation/ crystallization from PE dilute solutions containing CB particles. The UHMWPE/CB composition chosen were 1/0.15, 1/0.25, 1/0.5, 1/0.75, 1/1, 1/3, 1/5, and 1/9, etc. The cross-linking of PE chains was performed by chemical reaction of dicumyl-peroxide at 160 ^°C. X-ray diffraction patterns indicate that the crystallinity of PE within the blends decreased drastically through the chemical reaction at high temperature. The sample preparation method by gelation/crystallization provided the UHMWPE–CB system with various CB contents up to 90% and the conductivities for the resultant specimens were in the range from 10^-9 to 1 Ω^-1 cm^-1 corresponding to the electric conductivity range of semiconductors. The blends assured thermal stability of electric conductivity by cross-linking of PE chains, although the mechanical property such as the storage and loss moduli were very sensitive to temperature. The conductivity of the blends with CB content ≥20% were almost independent of temperature up to 220 ^°C and the values in the heating and cooling processes were almost the same. On the other hand, for the UHMWPE–CB blends with 13% CB content corresponding to the critical one, temperature dependence of electric resistivity showed positive temperature coefficient (PTC) effect. The PTC intensities for non-cross-linked and cross-linked materials were lower than that of the corresponding low-molecular-weight-polyethylene (LMWPE)–CB blend but the maximum peak appeared at 160 ^°C which is higher than the peak temperature of LMWPE–CB blend. Received: 10 December 1997 Accepted: 9 April 1998     

Evaluation of antioxidant activity of hydrophilic and lipophilic compounds in edible oils by a novel fluorimetric method

A novel fluorimetric method is described for the evaluation of the antioxidant activity of hydrophilic and lipophilic compounds and complex natural products such as edible oils. The method is based on the measurement of fluorescence emission intensity of N-methylacridone produced during the reaction of lucigenin with hydrogen peroxide. The presence of antioxidants in the sample inhibits the concentration of N-methylacridone and reduces the fluorescence intensity. The method was fully validated and applied to a variety of hydrophilic and lipophilic compounds as well as to various types of edible oils and their corresponding hydrophilic and lipophilic extracts. Results were compared to those derived from a lucigenin based chemiluminescent method and the Folin-Ciocalteau method for total phenols. The differences in total antioxidant activity of edible oils of various origins and the effect of heating on total antioxidant activity was further studied and discussed.     

Preparation,characterization and antioxidant activity of a novel polysaccharide-iron (III) from Flammulina velutipes scraps

In the present study, a novel polysaccharide from Flammulina velutipes scraps (FVSP) was extracted and purified from Flammulina velutipes scraps. FVSP was chemically chelated to synthesize FVSP-iron (III) complex. Based on single factor experiments, preparation process of FVSP- iron (III) was optimized by response surface methodology. The characterization and antioxidant activity of FVSP-iron (III) were investigated. The results showed that the optimal preparation process of FVSP-iron (III) was reaction temperature of 50 °C, reaction time of 4.7 h and the mass ratio of FVSP/sodium citrate - of 2:1. The relative molecular weight of FVSP-iron (III) was 36.25 kDa. FVSP-Iron (III) was composed of glucose, galactose, mannose and xylose in a molar ratio of 65.1:20.5:5.2:9.2.The results of UV–vis absorption spectrum, FI-IR spectrum and X-ray diffraction showed that both hydroxyl and carboxyl groups in FVSP participated in the coordination reaction and the iron core of FVSP-Iron(III) was a polymerized β-FeOOH structure. FVSP-iron (III) had better thermal stability and stronger antioxidant activities than FVSP. The results indicated that FVSP-iron (III) could be potentially used in food industry as a new food additive and iron supplement.     

Biosynthesis and characterization of lead selenide semiconductor nanoparticles (PbSe NPs) and its antioxidant and photocatalytic activity

The current study fabricated novel lead selenide nanoparticles (PbSe NPs) by a simple biological benign process with Trichoderma sp. WL-Go. Ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy (UV–vis), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transfer infra-red (FTIR) spectroscopic analysis, Raman spectroscopy and Photoluminescence (PL) were used to characterize the physicochemical properties of the fabricated NPs. Synthesis at pH 8 with 0.5 g biomass of strain WL-Go and (1:1) mM of SeO₂: Pb(NO₃)₂ were the optimal synthesis conditions to achieving 10–30 nm cubic faced centered NPs. The PbSe NPs served as catalyst for investigating the antioxidant activity using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and photodegradation ability of rhodamine B dye (10 mg/L). The results indicated that the NPs could eliminate up to 88.60% of free radicals after adding 600 g/mL NPs and could photodegrade 82% of rhodamine B in 30 min. Thus, this study provides new knowledge and strategies for the future use of an environmentally benign bio- catalytic PbSe NPs to efficiently eliminate free radicals and in treatment of persistent organic pollutants in wastewaters.     

Observation of gelation process and particle distribution during sol–gel synthesis by particle image velocimetry

The gelation of alcogels mixed with microparticles of the nonlinear optical material BaTiO₃ was studied with Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV). It is shown that the distribution of the microparticles in the gel is homogeneous and that the gelation occurs continuously throughout the gel body. We demonstrate that PIV is a useful method to study the gelation kinetics: The transition from a colloidal solution to a gel can be measured without any assumption on the rheology of the colloidal solution. The detected linear decrease of the flow velocity with time is described as the linear part of the critical behavior.