Plasma-Spray Ionization (PLASI): A Multimodal Atmospheric Pressure Ion Source for Liquid Stream Analysis

A new ion generation method, named plasma-spray ionization (PLASI) for direct analysis of liquid streams, such as in continuous infusion experiments or liquid chromatography (LC), is reported. PLASI addresses many of the analytical limitations of electrospray ionization (ESI) and has potential for real time process stream analysis and reaction monitoring under atmospheric conditions in non-ESI friendly scenarios. In PLASI-mass spectrometry (MS), the liquid stream is pneumatically nebulized and partially charged at low voltages; the resultant aerosol is thus entrained with a gaseous plasma plume from a distal glow discharge prior to MS detection. PLASI-MS not only overcomes ESI-MS limitations but also generates simpler mass spectra with minimal adduct and cluster formation. PLASI utilizes the atomization capabilities of an ESI sprayer operated below the ESI threshold to generate gas-phase aerosols that are then ionized by the plasma stream. When operated at or above the ESI threshold, ionization by traditional ESI mechanisms is achieved. The multimodal nature of the technique enables readily switching between plasma and ESI operation. It is expected that PLASI will enable analyzing a wide range of analytes in complex matrices and less-restricted solvent systems, providing more flexibility than that achievable by ESI alone. Figure

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An Effective Approach for Coupling Direct Analysis in Real Time with Atmospheric Pressure Drift Tube Ion Mobility Spectrometry

Drift tube ion mobility spectrometry (DTIMS) has evolved as a robust analytical platform routinely used for screening small molecules across a broad suite of chemistries ranging from food and pharmaceuticals to explosives and environmental toxins. Most modern atmospheric pressure IM detectors employ corona discharge, photoionization, radioactive, or electrospray ion sources for efficient ion production. Coupling standalone DTIMS with ambient plasma-based techniques, however, has proven to be an exceptional challenge. Device sensitivity with near-ground ambient plasma sources is hindered by poor ion transmission at the source–instrument interface, where ion repulsion is caused by the strong electric field barrier of the high potential ion mobility spectrometry (IMS) inlet. To overcome this shortfall, we introduce a new ion source design incorporating a repeller point electrode used to shape the electric field profile and enable ion transmission from a direct analysis in real time (DART) plasma ion source. Parameter space characterization studies of the DART DTIMS setup were performed to ascertain the optimal configuration for the source assembly favoring ion transport. Preliminary system capabilities for the direct screening of solid pharmaceuticals are briefly demonstrated. Figure

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Novel Method for Preparation of Monoesters of Symmetric Diphenolic Compounds like Curcumin (1,7‐Bis(4‐hydroxy‐3‐methoxy phenyl)‐1,6‐heptadiene‐3,5‐dione) via Solid‐Phase Synthesis

Synthesis of a monoester of symmetrical diphenolic compound curcumin (1,7‐bis(4‐hydroxy‐3‐methoxy phenyl)‐1,6‐heptadiene‐3,5‐dione) with glycine has been carried out by anchoring one of its free phenolic groups to an insoluble polymeric solid‐support resin controlled pore glass‐long chain alkylamine (CPG‐LCAA) via a 2‐carbon linker by solid‐phase synthesis. The other free phenolic was esterified selectively with N‐protected glycinoyl chloride to give the monoester exclusively. Subsequent deprotection of the amino group and deblocking of the monoester from polymer support by treatment with hydriodic acid (HI) gave the desired product. We earlier reported synthesis of a large number of diesters of curcumin, but selective esterification of one phenolic has been accomplished by this novel method, which can be used for preparing monoesters of any symmetric diphenol in quantitative yields.     

Potential of graphene-based materials to combat COVID-19: properties,perspectives, and prospects

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), a new virus in the coronavirus family that causes coronavirus disease (COVID-19), emerges as a big threat to the human race. To date, there is no medicine and vaccine available for COVID-19 treatment. While the development of medicines and vaccines are essentially and urgently required, what is also extremely important is the repurposing of smart materials to design effective systems for combating COVID-19. Graphene and graphene-related materials (GRMs) exhibit extraordinary physicochemical, electrical, optical, antiviral, antimicrobial, and other fascinating properties that warrant them as potential candidates for designing and development of high-performance components and devices required for COVID-19 pandemic and other futuristic calamities. In this article, we discuss the potential of graphene and GRMs for healthcare applications and how they may contribute to fighting against COVID-19.     

Synthesis and study of mesogenic compounds having a methylene ketone (-CH2-CO-) linking group

Abstract

Recently we have reported isoflavone derivatives as potential mesogens [1]. During the synthesis of isoflavone derivatives, 2,4-dihydroxyphenyl benzyl ketone was synthesized as an intermediate. Nguyen Huu Tinh et al. [2] have reported the effect of the influence of the central linkage, such as ethylene, methylene ketone and ketone on the mesogenic compounds. Vora et al. [3] have also reported a mesogenic homologous series with terminal and lateral phenolic groups. To understand the effect of hydrogen bonding originating between methylene ketone and free lateral hydroxy groups, ortho to the methylene ketone group, on mesogenicity, the present homologous series of 2-hydroxy, 4(4′-n-alkoxybenzoyloxy)phenyl benzyl ketone was synthesized. The synthesized compounds were characterized by elemental analysis and spectroscopic techniques. The first six homologues of the present series are non-mesogenic and mesomorphism appears from the heptyl derivative onwards. The present series shows a monotropic smectic A phase except for the last member (octadecyloxy) which exhibits an enantiotropic smectic A mesophase. The transition temperatures are also identified using DSC. The fluorescent studies of some of the compounds of the present series are under investigation.     

Quality Assessment of Fullerene Samples Using Thermal Technique

Thermal analysis could be used as a powerful technique to check the purity of the sample. In this paper thermogravimetric analysis (TG) and differential thermal analysis (DTA) have been used to check the purity of fullerene sample prepared by different techniques. Hence it is possible to compare the purity of the samples, too. The analyzed results have been compared and hence correlated with the other characterization techniques, e.g. FAB-Mass, FTIR, UV-VIS and SEM. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Proton dose-dependent modification in track etching response in some polymers

In the present work, the effect of four different doses of 62 MeV protons, on the fission fragment track etching characteristics of two polymers, viz. polycarbonate (Makrofol-N (MFN)) and polyimide (PI) are studied by nuclear track technique. The bulk etch-rate of PI increased by around 30% at the highest proton dose, whereas the activation energy of etching remained almost constant for the same. A considerable increase in the bulk etch-rate of MFN was observed (75%) at the highest proton dose. The activation energy of etching of the fission fragment tracks in MFN was also found to be an inverse function of dose.     

Cocatalysis by ruthenium(III) in hydrogen ions catalyzed oxidation of iodide ions: A kinetic study

RuCl₃ further catalyzes the oxidation of iodide ion by K₃Fe(CN)₆, already catalyzed by hydrogen ions. The rate of reaction, when catalyzed only by hydrogen ions, was separated graphically from the rate when both Ru(III) and H⁺ ions catalyzed the reaction. Reactions studied separately in the presence as well as absence of RuCl₃ under similar conditions were found to follow second‐order kinetics with respect to [I^?], while the rate showed direct proportionality with respect to [Fe(CN)₆]^3?, [RuCl₃], and [H⁺]. External addition of [Fe(CN)₆]^4? ions retards the reaction velocity, while changing the ionic strength of the medium has no effect on the rate. With the help of the intercept of the catalyst graph, the extent of the reaction that takes place without adding Ru(III) was calculated and it was in accordance with the values obtained from the reaction in which only H⁺ ions catalyzed the reaction. It is proposed that ruthenium forms a complex, which slowly disproportionates into the rate‐determining step. Arrhenius parameters at four different temperatures were also calculated. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 36: 545–553, 2004     

Glycosides, depression and suicidal behaviour: the role of glycoside-linked proteins

Nowadays depression and suicide are two of the most important worldwide public health problems. Although their specific molecular mechanisms are still largely unknown, glycosides can play a fundamental role in their pathogenesis. These molecules act presumably through the up-regulation of plasticity-related proteins: probably they can have a presynaptic facilitatory effect, through the activation of several intracellular signaling pathways that include molecules like protein kinase A, Rap-1, cAMP, cADPR and G proteins. These proteins take part in a myriad of brain functions such as cell survival and synaptic plasticity. In depressed suicide victims, it has been found that their activity is strongly decreased, primarily in hippocampus and prefrontal cortex. These studies suggest that glycosides can regulate neuroprotection through Rap-1 and other molecules, and may play a crucial role in the pathophysiology of depression and suicide.     

Banana Peel: A Potential Substrate for Laccase Production by <Emphasis Type="Italic">Aspergillus fumigatus</Emphasis> VkJ2.4.5 in Solid-State Fermentation

In solid-state fermentation, among various solid supports evaluated, banana peel was found to be an ideal support and resulted into higher levels of laccase (6281.4 ± 63.60 U l⁻¹) along with notable levels of manganese peroxidase production (1339.0 ± 131.23 U l⁻¹) by Aspergillus fumigatus VkJ2.4.5. Maximum levels of laccase was achieved under derived conditions consisting of 80% of moisture level, 6 days of incubation period, 6% inoculum level, and an aeration level of 2.5 l min⁻¹. A column-tray bioreactor was designed to scale up and economize the enzyme production in three successive cycles of fermentation using the same fungal biomass. Thermal and pH stability profiles revealed that enzyme was stable up to 50°C and at varying pH range from 5–9 for up to 2 h. The apparent molecular weight of laccase was found to be 34 ± 1 kDa. MALDI-TOF/TOF analysis of the protein showed significant homology with maximum identity of 67% to other laccases reported in database.