Fluorine-doped nanocrystalline SnO2 powders prepared via a single molecular precursor method as anode materials for Li-ion batteries

Fluorine-doped nanocrystalline tin dioxide materials (F:SnO₂) have been successfully prepared by the sol-gel process from a single molecular precursor followed by a thermal treatment at 450-650 °C. The resulting materials were characterized by FTIR spectroscopy, powder X-ray diffraction, nitrogen adsorption porosimetry (BET) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The mean particle size increased from 5 to 20 nm and the specific surface area decreased from 123 to 37 m²/g as the temperature of heat treatment was risen from 450 to 650 °C. Fluorine-doped nanocrystalline SnO₂ exhibited capacity of 560, 502, and 702 mA h/g with 48%, 50%, and 40% capacity retention after 25 cycles between 1.2 V and 50 mV at the rate of 25 mA/g, respectively. In comparison, commercial SnO₂ showed an initial capacity of 388 mA h/g, with only 23% capacity retention after 25 cycles.     

Evaluation of laser induced breakdown spectroscopy for the determination of micronutrients in plant materials

Laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) has been evaluated for the determination of micronutrients (B, Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn) in pellets of plant materials, using NIST, BCR and GBW biological certified reference materials for analytical calibration. Pellets of approximately 2 mm thick and 15 mm diameter were prepared by transferring 0.5 g of powdered material to a 15 mm die set and applying 8.0 tons cm^− 2. An experimental setup was designed by using a Nd:YAG laser operating at 1064 nm (200 mJ per pulse, 10 Hz) and an Echelle spectrometer with ICCD detector. Repeatability precision varied from 4 to 30% from measurements obtained in 10 different positions (8 laser shots per test portion) in the same sample pellet. Limits of detection were appropriate for routine analysis of plant materials and were 2.2 mg kg^− 1 B, 3.0 mg kg^− 1 Cu, 3.6 mg kg^− 1 Fe, 1.8 mg kg^− 1 Mn and 1.2 mg kg^− 1 Zn. Analysis of different plant samples were carried out by LIBS and results were compared with those obtained by ICP OES after wet acid decomposition.     

Application of octadecanethiol self-assembled monolayer to cholesterol biosensor based on surface plasmon resonance technique

Octadecanethiol (ODT) self-assembled monolayer (SAM) prepared onto gold-coated glass plate has been modified by using nitrene reaction of 1-fluoro-2-nitro-4-azidobenzene (FNAB) that further covalently binds to cholesterol oxidase (ChOx) via thermal reaction. FNAB acts as a bridge (cross-linker) between SAM and ChOx. The ChOx/FNAB/ODT/Au electrode thus fabricated has been characterized using contact angle (CA) measurements, UV-vis spectroscopy, electrochemical techniques and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) technique, respectively. This ChOx/FNAB/ODT/Au bioelectrode has been utilized for estimation of cholesterol in solution using surface plasmon resonance (SPR) technique. This SPR based cholesterol biosensor has linearity from 50 to 500 mg/dl of cholesterol in solution with lower detection limit of 50 mg/dl and shelf life of about 2 months when stored at 4 °C.     

Exploring the distribution of copper-Schiff base complex covalently anchored onto the surface of mesoporous MCM 41 silica

A series of copper-Schiff base MCM 41 materials, synthesized by post-synthetic grafting, was studied by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and nitrogen sorption (77 K) to explore distribution of the copper-Schiff base complex immobilized on the porous Si-MCM 41. Additional information on the physico-chemical properties of the functionalized materials was obtained by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS), CHN microanalysis, FTIR spectroscopy, ²⁹Si and ¹³C CP MAS NMR spectroscopy. The effect of copper-Schiff base complex loading and reaction times on the surface properties of Si-MCM 41 (surface area and pore parameters) in addition to its distribution within the Si-MCM 41 was explored by nitrogen sorption and XPS coupled with argon etching. Argon etching of a surface to a depth of 45 Å confirmed that the copper-Schiff base complex was distributed both on the external surface (pore end) and within the pores of Si-MCM 41. The amount of complex located in the pores at this depth was about one-third of the amount detected on the external surface of MCM 41. Nitrogen sorption isotherms measured at 77 K confirmed the reduction in total pore volume and surface area was the result of pore narrowing of Si-MCM 41 following grafting of complex in the 8 h samples. A significant decrease in surface area and pore volume for the 20 h sample (longer reaction time), with the highest copper loading (0.65 mmol g⁻¹), confirmed pore blocking in this material. The uneven distribution of the copper complex between the external and internal surface of Si-MCM 41 was attributed to the bulky nature of the complex, which restricted access to the pores.     

Characterization of recognition sites for diethyl 4-nitrobenzylphosphonate, an organophosphate pesticide analogue

In a first step towards chemical sensors using molecular imprinted materials, the complexing characteristics of diethyl 4-nitrobenzylphosphonate, an organophosphate pesticide analogue, have been studied. Two molecules have been assessed as potential interacting moieties, specifically a fluoroalcohol and an aromatic acid. The interactions have been first characterized by regular methods, such as ¹H, ³¹P NMR and IR spectroscopy. These showed a stoichiometry 1/1 for both complexes and association constants, respectively, close to 40 ± 10 and 12 ± 2 M⁻¹. In a second step, isothermal titration calorimetry was used and a method was developed to obtain low-association constants. The association constant could be obtained for the fluoroalcohol ligand and was found equal to 63 ± 0.7 M⁻¹. For the acidic molecule, an appropriate model could not be found, preventing the evaluation of this constant.     

Quantitative determination of glucoraphanin in Brassica vegetables by micellar electrokinetic capillary chromatography

Glucoraphanin, a glucosinolate, is found naturally in plants and is present in relatively high concentrations in broccoli. Glucosinolates have received much attention as studies have indicated that a diet rich in them may provide some protection from certain cancers. A micellar electrokinetic chromatography (MEKC) method using sodium cholate as the micellar phase has been developed to quantify for glucoraphanin in broccoli (seeds and florets) and Brussels sprouts. The glucoraphanin peak elutes just under 5 min with a theoretical plate number of 380,000 per metre of capillary. The method is suitable for crude extracts of broccoli and Brussels sprouts. Glucoraphanin in broccoli seeds (1330 mg/100 g) broccoli florets (89 mg/100 g) and Brussels sprouts (3 mg/100 g) was determined and agreed with the data obtained by high performance liquid chromatography. The LODs were 10-100 times below the levels typically found in broccoli seeds (4 mg/100 g), broccoli florets (0.9 mg/100 g) and Brussels sprouts (0.1 mg/100 g).     

Correction of structured molecular background by means of high-resolution continuum source electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry—Determination of antimony in sediment reference materials using direct solid sampling

A simple, fast and accurate procedure is proposed for the determination of antimony in certified sediment reference materials using direct solid sampling high-resolution continuum source electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry and iridium as a permanent modifier. The less sensitive resonance line at 231.147 nm has been used in order to allow the introduction of larger sample mass. Six certified reference materials, one river, one estuarine and four marine sediments have been analyzed. The use of iridium as a permanent modifier caused an increase of 30% in sensitivity and stabilized antimony in the sediment to a pyrolysis temperature of 1100 °C. Significant background absorption with pronounced rotational fine structure was observed at the optimum atomization temperature of 2100 °C, which coincided with the analyte atomic absorption in time. This background was found to be due to the electron excitation spectra of mostly the SiO and in part the PO molecules, and could be eliminated by applying a least-squares background correction algorithm. A characteristic mass of 28 pg Sb was obtained, and the limit of detection (3σ, n = 10) was 0.02 μg g⁻¹, calculated for 0.2 mg of sample. The results obtained for six certified reference materials with concentrations between 0.40 and 11.6 ± 2.6 μg g⁻¹ Sb were in agreement with the certified values according to a Student's t-test for a 95% confidence level, using aqueous standards for calibration. The precision, expressed as relative standard deviation, ranged between 7% and 17% (n = 5).     

Development of a hollow fiber membrane module for using implantable artificial lung

This study examined the effects of multiple mechanical forces on gas exchange and hemolysis in intravascular lung assist devices (IVLAD). Specific attention was paid to on the effect of membrane vibration. This study adhered to the recommended practice for the assessment of hemolysis described by the American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM). The results showed a higher oxygen (O₂) transfer rate and carbon dioxide (CO₂) removal rate in each excited frequency bandwidth than those without vibration. The maximum oxygen transfer and carbon dioxide removal rate occurred at frequency band of 7 Hz. The gas exchange improved maximum 52%. The plasma-free hemoglobin was 11.2 ± 0.57 and 14.4 ± 0.74 mg/100 ml by exciting a piezo-vibrator with a sinusoidal wave magnitude of DC10 V and DC50 V, respectively. The NIHO value was determined to be 59 ± 2.76 and 95 ± 4.32 mg/100 ml by exciting a piezo-vibrator with a sinusoidal wave magnitude of DC10 V and DC50 V, respectively. In conclusion, piezoelectric lead zirconate titanate (PZT) materials are exciting systems for improving the oxygen transfer efficiency and blood suitability of hollow fiber membrane in the development of new IVLAD.     

Cadmium and lead determination in foods by beam injection flame furnace atomic absorption spectrometry after ultrasound-assisted sample preparation

A simple method for cadmium and lead determination in foods by beam injection flame furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (BIFF-AAS) was proposed. Food slurries were prepared by transferring an exact amount of cryogenic-ground homogenized material (50-100 mg) to centrifuge tubes, followed by addition of 5 ml (up to 2.8 mol l⁻¹) nitric acid solution and sonication in an ultrasonic bath during 5-10 min. Thereafter, slurries were diluted with water to 10 ml, centrifuged during 5 min at 5400 rpm and 400 μl aliquot of the supernatant was analyzed by BIFF-AAS. The detection limits based on peak height measurements were 0.03 μg g⁻¹ Cd and 1.6 μg g⁻¹ Pb for 2% (m/v) slurry (200 mg/10 ml). For method validation, the certified reference materials Pig Kidney (BCR 186) and Rice Flour (NIES 10) were used. Quantitative cadmium and lead recoveries were obtained and no statistical differences were found at 95% level by applying the t-test.     

Characterization of home-made silver sulphide based iodide selective electrode

Polycrystalline silver sulphide/silver iodide ion selective electrodes (ISEs) with four different compositions, 9:1, 2:1, 1:1, 1:9 Ag₂S-AgI mole ratios, have been fabricated in the laboratory and characterized by X-ray diffractometry (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). X-ray diffraction studies show the presence of Ag₃SI, Ag₂S and AgI crystalline phases in the electrode material. The electrode surfaces have been found to become smoother and lustrous with increasing percentage of silver sulphide in silver iodide. ISE 1:1, ISE 2:1 and ISE 9:1 all responded in Nernstian manner with slopes of about 60 mV/decade change in iodide ion concentration in the linear range of 1 × 10⁻¹ to 1 × 10⁻⁶ M while ISE 1:9 showed sub-Nernstian behavior with slope of about 45 mV up to the concentration 1 × 10⁻⁵ M. Two capacitive loops, one corresponding to the charge transfer process at metal electrode and the back contact and a second loop corresponding to the charge transfer process at membrane-electrolyte interface have been observed at high and low frequency ranges, respectively. Mott-Schottky analysis shows that the materials are n-type semiconductors with donor defect concentrations in the range of 5.1 × 10¹⁴ to 2.4 × 10¹⁹/cm³.     

Removal of heavy metal ions from aqueous solution using Fe3O4-SiO2-poly(1,2-diaminobenzene) core-shell sub-micron particles

In this work, Fe₃O₄-SiO₂-poly(1,2-diaminobenzene) sub-micron particles (FSPs) with high saturated magnetization of ∼60-70 emu/g were developed and utilized for the removal of As(III), Cu(II), and Cr(III) ions from aqueous solution. The isothermal results fitted well with the Freundlich model and the kinetic results fitted well with the two-site pseudo-second-order model, which indicated that multilayer adsorption of As(III), Cu(II), and Cr(III) ions on FSPs occurred at two sites with different energy of adsorption. The maximum adsorption capacities followed the order of As(III) (84 ± 5 mg/g, pH = 6.0) > Cr(III) (77 ± 3 mg/g, pH = 5.3) > Cu(II) (65 ± 3 mg/g, pH = 6.0). And the chelating interaction was considered as the main adsorption mechanism. The as-prepared materials were chemically stable with low leaching of Fe (?1.7 wt.%) and poly(1,2-diaminobenzene) (?4.9 wt.%) in tap water, sea water, and acidic/basic solutions. These metal-loaded FSPs could be easily recovered from aqueous solutions using a permanent magnet within 20 s. They could also be easily regenerated with acid. The present work indicates that the FSPs are promising for removal of heavy metal ions in field application.     

Comparison of direct solid sampling and slurry sampling for the determination of cadmium in wheat flour by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry

Two analytical methods for the determination of cadmium in wheat flour by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry without prior sample digestion have been compared: direct solid sampling analysis (SS) and slurry sampling (SlS). Besides the conventional modifier mixture of palladium and magnesium nitrates (10 μg Pd + 3 μg Mg), 0.05% (v/v) Triton X-100 has been added to improve the penetration of the modifier solution into the solid sample, and 0.1% H₂O₂ in order to promote an in situ digestion for SS. For SlS, 30 μg Pd, 12 μg Mg and 0.05% (v/v) Triton X-100 have been used as the modifier mixture. Under these conditions, and using a pyrolysis temperature of 800 °C, essentially no background absorption was observed with an atomization temperature of 1600 °C. About 2 mg of sample have been typically used for SS, although as much as 3-5 mg could have been introduced. In the case of SlS multiple injections had to be used to achieve the sensitivity required for this determination. Calibration against aqueous standards was feasible for both methods. The characteristic mass obtained with SS was 0.6 pg, and that with SlS was 1.0 pg. The limits of detection were 0.4 and 0.7 ng g⁻¹, the limits of quantification were 1.3 and 2.3 ng g⁻¹ and the relative standard deviation (n = 5) was 6-16% and 9-23% for SS and SlS, respectively. The accuracy was confirmed by the analysis of certified reference materials. The two methods were applied for the determination of cadmium in six wheat flour samples acquired in supermarkets of different Brazilian cities. The cadmium content varied between 8.9 ± 0.5 and 13 ± 2 ng g⁻¹ (n = 5). Direct SS gave results similar to those obtained with SlS using multi-injections; the values of both techniques showed no statistically significant difference at the 95% confidence level. Direct SS was finally adopted as the method of choice, due to its greater simplicity, the faster speed of analysis and the better figures of merit.     

Calibration free laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy of oxide materials

The quantitative determination of oxide concentration by laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy is relevant in various fields of applications (e.g.: analysis of ores, concrete, slag). Calibration free laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy and the multivariate calibration are among the methods employed for quantitative concentration analysis of complex materials. We measured the intensity of neutral and ionized atomic emission lines of oxide materials by laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy and we modified the calibration free laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy method to increase the accuracy. The concentration of oxides was obtained by using stoichiometric relations. Sample materials were prepared from oxide powder (Fe₂O₃, MgO, CaO) by mixing and pressing. The concentration was 9.8–33.3 wt.% Fe₂O₃, 7.6–33.3 wt.% MgO and 33.3–81.2 wt.% CaO for different samples. Nd:YAG laser (wavelength 1064 nm, pulse duration ≈ 6 ns) ablation was performed in air. The laser-induced plasma emission was measured by an Echelle spectrometer equipped with a sensitivity calibrated ICCD camera. The numerical calibration free laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy algorithm included the fast deconvolution of instrumental function, and the correction of self-absorption effects. The oxide concentration C_CF calculated from calibration free laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy results and the nominal concentration C_N were very close for all samples investigated. The relative error in concentration, |C_CF–C_N|/C_N, was < 10%, < 20%, and < 5% for Fe₂O₃, MgO, and CaO, respectively. The results indicate that this method can be employed for the analysis of major elements in multi-component technical materials.     

Purification of honokiol derivatives from one-pot synthesis by high-performance counter-current chromatography

This paper describes the application of high-performance counter-current chromatography (HPCCC) as a fast, useful and economic alternative for the separation and purification of seven honokiol derivatives (two of them are isomers), which were synthesized by a one-pot procedure. Five honokiol derivatives were successfully separated by n-hexane–ethyl acetate–methanol–water solvent system at three different volume ratios in a step-gradient elution. Two derivatives were obtained through a cycle elution mode. The whole separation process produced 366.3 mg, 323.6 mg, 242.8 mg, 216.2 mg, 203.5 mg, 185.8 mg and 279.3 mg of 3′-formylhonokiol (1), 2′-methoxy-3′-formylhonokiol (2), 2′-methoxyhonokiol (3), 4-methoxyhonokiol (4), 3′,5-diformylhonokiol (5), 2′,4-dimethoxy-3′-formylhonokiol (6) and 2′,4-dimethoxyhonokiol (7) from crude sample of 3 g with purities of 98.7%, 99.3%, 98.6%, 98.2%, 99.0%, 98.4% and 99.2%, respectively. The purities and structural identification were determined by HPLC, ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR and mass spectroscopy.     

Micro-Raman analysis of titanium oxide/carbon nanotubes-based nanocomposites for hydrogen sensing applications

Titanium oxide/carbon nanotubes-based nanocomposites (TiO₂/CNTs, prepared by sol-gel method, and 2%Pt/TiO₂/CNTs, obtained by wetness impregnation of the TiO₂/CNTs base material with a solution of platinum acetylacetonate) have been recently used as active layer in hydrogen sensing devices at near room temperature, obtaining quite different responsiveness. The microstructure of these hybrid materials is here systematically investigated by micro-Raman spectroscopy at 2.41 eV. The results show that regardless of the nominal C/Ti molar ratio (3.6 or 17.0) only the anatase phase of titania is formed. Theoretical calculations demonstrate that phonon confinement is fully responsible for the large blue-shift (∼10 cm⁻¹) and broadening (∼20 cm⁻¹) of the lowest-frequency Raman mode with respect to bulk anatase. The average size (4.3-5.0 nm) of TiO₂ crystallites, resulting from Raman spectra fitting, is in excellent agreement with those inferred from transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction measurements.     

A novel hierarchical nanobiocomposite of graphene oxide–magnetic chitosan grafted with mercapto as a solid phase extraction sorbent for the determination of mercury ions in environmental water samples

New mercapto-grafted graphene oxide–magnetic chitosan (GO–MC) has been developed as a novel biosorbent for the preconcentration and extraction of mercury ion from water samples. A facile and ecofriendly synthesis procedure was also developed for modification of GO–MC with 3-mercaptopropyltrimethoxysilane. The prepared nanocomposite material (mercapto/GO–MC) was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). The mercury analysis was performed by continuous-flow cold vapor atomic absorption spectrometry. The parameters affecting the extraction and preconcentration processes were carried out. The optimum conditions were found to be 60 mg of sorbent, pH of 6.5, 10 min for adsorption time, 3 mL of HCl (0.1 mol L⁻¹)/thiourea (2% w/v) as the eluent and 250 mL for breakthrough volume. An excellent linearity was achieved in the range of 0.12–80 ng mL⁻¹ (R² = 0.999) at a preconcentration factor of 80. The limit of detection and quantification were achieved as 0.06 ng mL⁻¹ and 0.12 ng mL⁻¹, respectively. A good repeatability was obtained with the relative standard deviation (RSD) of 4.7%. Furthermore, real water samples were analyzed and good recoveries were obtained from 95 to 100%.     

Sol-gel synthesis and characterization of LiNO3-Al2O3 composite solid electrolyte

Composite solid electrolytes in the system (1 − x)LiNO₃-xAl₂O₃, with x = 0.0-0.5 were synthesized by sol-gel method. The synthesis carried out at low temperature resulted in voluminous and fluffy products. The obtained materials were characterized by X-ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive X-ray, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and AC impedance spectroscopy. Structural analysis of the samples showed base centred cell type of point lattice of LiNO₃ for the composite samples with x = 0.1-0.2 and body centred cell for the sample with x = 0.3. A trace amount of α-LiAlO₂ crystal phase was also present in these composite samples. The thermal analysis showed that the samples were in a stable phase between 48 °C and 230-260 °C. Morphological analysis indicated the presence of amorphous phase and particles with sizes ranging from micro to nanometre scale for the composite sample with x = 0.1. The conductivities of the composites were in the order of 10⁻³ and 10⁻² S cm⁻¹ at room temperature and 150 °C, respectively.     

Clean recovery of antioxidant flavonoids from onions: Optimising solvent free microwave extraction method

A solvent free microwave hydrodiffusion and gravity extraction (MHG) of flavonol content from onion (Allium cepa L.) was studied. Effectiveness of this innovative method in extraction of onion total phenolic content, total quercetin (TQ), quercetin aglycon (QA), quercetin-3,4′-diglucoside (QDG), quercetin-4′-monoglucoside (Q4G), quercetin-3-monoglucoside (Q3G), kaempferol (KMF) and myricetin (MRT) have been evaluated and compared with conventional solvent extraction. Microwave extraction offers important advantages like shorter extraction time (23 min), cleaner feature (no solvent or water used) and extraction of valuable onion crude juice retaining fresh organoleptic properties with higher phenolic content (58.29 mg GAE/g DW) at optimized power (500 W). Microwave extraction resulted significant yield (81.5%) with 41.9% of flavonol contents, with better retain of remaining flavonoids (55.9%) in residues of onions. QDG (239.7 mg/100 g DW) and Q4G (82.55 mg/100 g DW) have been reported the main flavonol in this study. Minor quantities of QA (traces), Q3G (4.22 mg/100 g DW) and KMF (3.99 mg/100 g DW) were also detected in microwave onion extracts.     

Biomimetic properties and surface studies of a piezoelectric caffeine sensor based on electrosynthesized polypyrrole

An approach for preparing a chemical sensor for caffeine through the combination of molecularly imprinted polypyrrole and a piezoelectric quartz transducer was proposed. The caffeine-imprinted polymer was synthesized using galvanostatic electropolymerization of pyrrole monomer directly onto one of the gold electrodes of a 9 MHz AT-cut quartz crystal in the presence of caffeine. The optimum conditions for the electrosynthesis of the reagent phase were established. Caffeine molecules were entrapped in the matrix of polymer film, and were removed by subsequent washing with water, leaving behind pores capable of recognizing the target analyte molecule.The caffeine sensor was fixed in a measuring cell and measurement of the resonant frequency of the quartz crystal as it comes in contact with the caffeine solution was carried out in a stopped flow mode. A steady-state response was achieved in about 10 min. The sensor exhibited a linear relationship between the frequency shift and the ln of caffeine concentration in the range of 0.1-10 mg/mL (correlation coefficient, r = 0.9882). The sensitivity of the sensor was about 255 Hz/ln concentration (mg/mL). A good repeatability, R.S.D. = 9 (n = 6) for 0.5 mg/mL caffeine solution was also observed. The use of the sensor can present a potential low-cost option for determining caffeine.Surface analytical techniques such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) were performed on the polymer coating in order to elucidate the imprinting process and rebinding of caffeine to the polymer matrix during the sensing process. The SEM micrographs and XPS spectra revealed features and structures that could support the imprinting and recognition of caffeine molecule by the imprinted polymer.     

Isolation of a polysaccharide with anticancer activity from Auricularia polytricha using high-speed countercurrent chromatography with an aqueous two-phase system

Polysaccharides from a crude extract of Auricularia polytricha were separated by high-speed countercurrent chromatography (HSCCC). The separation was performed with an aqueous two-phase system of PEG1000–K₂HPO₄–KH₂PO₄–H₂O (0.5:1.25:1.25:7.0, w/w). The crude sample (2.0 g) was successfully separated into three polysaccharide components of AAPS-1 (192 mg), AAPS-2 (137 mg), and AAPS-3 (98 mg) with molecular weights of 162, 259, and 483 kDa, respectively. These compounds were tested for growth inhibition of transplanted S180 sarcoma in mice. AAPS-2 had an inhibition rate of 40.4%. The structure of AAPS-2 was elucidated from partial hydrolysis, periodate oxidation, acetylation, methylation analysis, and NMR spectroscopy (¹H, ¹³C). These results showed AAPS-2 is a polysaccharide with a backbone of (1 → 3)-linked-β-d-glucopyranosyl and (1 → 3, 6)-linked-β-d-glucopyranosyl residues in a 2:1 ratio, and has one terminal (1→)-β-d-glucopyranosyl at the O-6 position of (1→3, 6)-linked-β-d-glucopyranosyl of the main chain.