Using mesoscopic models to design strong and tough biomimetic polymer networks

Using computational modeling, we investigate the mechanical properties of polymeric materials composed of coiled chains, or "globules", which encompass a folded secondary structure and are cross-linked by labile bonds to form a macroscopic network. In the presence of an applied force, the globules can unfold into linear chains and thereby dissipate energy as the network is deformed; the latter attribute can contribute to the toughness of the material. Our goal is to determine how to tailor the labile intra- and intermolecular bonds within the network to produce material exhibiting both toughness and strength. Herein, we use the lattice spring model (LSM) to simulate the globules and the cross-linked network. We also utilize our modified Hierarchical Bell model (MHBM) to simulate the rupture and reforming of N parallel bonds. By applying a tensile deformation, we demonstrate that the mechanical properties of the system are sensitive to the values of N(in) and N(out), the respective values of N for the intra- and intermolecular bonds. We find that the strength of the material is mainly controlled by the value of N(out), with the higher value of N(out) providing a stronger material. We also find that, if N(in) is smaller than N(out), the globules can unfold under the tensile load before the sample fractures and, in this manner, can increase the ductility of the sample. Our results provide effective strategies for exploiting relatively weak, labile interactions (e.g., hydrogen bonding or the thiol/disulfide exchange reaction) in both the intra- and intermolecular bonds to tailor the macroscopic performance of the materials.     

Frontal polymerizations carried out in Deep-Eutectic mixtures providing both the monomers and the polymerization medium

Deep Eutectic Solvents (DESs) based upon mixtures of Acrylic Acid (AA) or Methacrylic Acid (MAA) and Choline Chloride (CCl) demonstrated superior performance than regular organic solvents and even ionic liquids for frontal polymerizations (FPs). Full recovering of CCl after FP provided an interesting green character to the process.     

Möbius strips and twisted ribbons in intersecting Gauss-Laguerre beams

Circularly polarized, intersecting Gauss-Laguerre beams are shown to give rise to a rich array of unusual polarization structures whose properties can be tuned by varying the angle between the beams. These structures include Möbius strips with arbitrarily large, odd numbers of half twists, twisted ribbons with arbitrarily large, even numbers of half twists, and coronets (crowns). Six topological/geometrical indices are used to characterize these structures. Analytical expressions are given for some indices; others, which still present a considerable theoretical challenge, are treated numerically and illustrated graphically. It is argued that the polarization structures described here are, or soon will be, amenable to experiment.     

Oxidative stress is associated with the number of components of metabolic syndrome: LIPGENE study

Previous evidence supports the important role that oxidative stress (OxS) plays in metabolic syndrome (MetS)-related manifestations. We determined the relationship between the number of MetS components and the degree of OxS in MetS patients. In this comparative cross-sectional study from the LIPGENE cohort, a total of 91 MetS patients (43 men and 48 women; aged between 45 and 68 years) were divided into four groups based on the number of MetS components: subjects with 2, 3, 4 and 5 MetS components (n=20, 31, 28 and 12, respectively). We measured ischemic reactive hyperemia (IRH), plasma levels of soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM-1), total nitrite, lipid peroxidation products (LPO), hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) plasma activities. sVCAM-1, H₂O₂ and LPO levels were lower in subjects with 2 or 3 MetS components than subjects with 4 or 5 MetS components. IRH and total nitrite levels were higher in subjects with 2 or 3 MetS components than subjects with 4 or 5 MetS components. SOD and GPx activities were lower in subjects with 2 MetS components than subjects with 4 or 5 MetS components. Waist circumference, weight, age, homeostatic model assessment-β, triglycerides (TGs), high-density lipoprotein and sVCAM-1 levels were significantly correlated with SOD activity. MetS subjects with more MetS components may have a higher OxS level. Furthermore, association between SOD activity and MetS components may indicate that this variable could be the most relevant OxS biomarker in patients suffering from MetS and could be used as a predictive tool to determine the degree of the underlying OxS in MetS.     

Solvent-free synthesis,x-ray studies and in vitro inhibitory activities of copper(II) complexes of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

Solid-state mechanochemical synthesis of [Cu(CAF)₂(H₂O)(OAc)]OAc complex 1a and [Cu(COD)₂(H₂O)(OAc)]OAc complex 2a were obtained by grinding stoichiometric amounts of Cu(CH₃COO)₂·H₂O and corresponding non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs[(caffeine (CAF) and codeine(COD)], respectively, in a mortar with pestle. Solvent-based synthesis of 1b and 2b was also carried out by reaction of metal acetate salt and each drug by refluxing at 70 °C in CH₃OH for 1 h for comparison purposes. The complexes 1a and 2a were characterized by comparison of elemental analysis, FT-IR, UV–Vis and ¹H NMR spectra with those of the free ligand and solvent-based products (1b and 2b). The analytical and spectroscopic data of the complexes prepared via the two different methods are almost identical. X-ray diffraction patterns of the complexes prepared by mechanochemical method were different from that of the starting material suggesting formation of new metal complexes. In vitro inhibitory activities of both mechanochemical and solvent-based complexes were found to be higher than parent ligands, indicating that the antimicrobial effect of these drugs could be enhanced when they are chelated to the metal. The mechanochemical synthesis was carried out without the use of solvent or external heating. The method is faster and gives a higher yield than corresponding solvent-based reactions. The solid state reaction presented higher efficiency in terms of materials, energy and time compared to solvent-based synthesis.     

Controlled Carbon Nitride Growth on Surfaces for Hydrogen Evolution Electrodes

Efficient and low‐cost electrocatalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction are highly desired for future renewable energy systems. Described herein is the reduction of water to hydrogen using a metal‐free carbon nitride electrocatalyst which operates in neutral and alkaline environments. An efficient, easy, and general method for growing ordered carbon nitride on different electrodes was developed. The metal‐free catalyst demonstrates low overpotential values, which are comparable to those of non‐noble metals, with reasonable current densities. The facile deposition method enables the fabrication of many electronic and photoelectronic devices based on carbon nitride for renewable energy applications.     

Investigating sub-2 μm particle stationary phase supercritical fluid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry for chemical profiling of chamomile extracts

Roman and German chamomile are widely used throughout the world. Chamomiles contain a wide variety of active constituents including sesquiterpene lactones. Various extraction techniques were performed on these two types of chamomile. A packed-column supercritical fluid chromatography–mass spectrometry method was designed for the identification of sesquiterpenes and other constituents from chamomile extracts with no derivatization step prior to analysis. Mass spectrometry detection was achieved by using electrospray ionization. All of the compounds of interest were separated within 15 min. The chamomile extracts were analyzed and compared for similarities and distinct differences. Multivariate statistical analysis including principal component analysis and orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) were used to differentiate between the chamomile samples. German chamomile samples confirmed the presence of cis- and trans-tonghaosu, chrysosplenols, apigenin diglucoside whereas Roman chamomile samples confirmed the presence of apigenin, nobilin, 1,10-epioxynobilin, and hydroxyisonobilin.     

Nanostructure Explains the Behavior of Slippery Covalently Attached Liquid Surfaces

Slippery covalently-attached liquid surfaces (SCALS) with low contact angle hysteresis (CAH, <5°) and nanoscale thickness display impressive anti-adhesive properties, similar to lubricant-infused surfaces. Their efficacy is generally attributed to the liquid-like mobility of the constituent tethered chains. However, the precise physico-chemical properties that facilitate this mobility are unknown, hindering rational design. This work quantifies the chain length, grafting density, and microviscosity of a range of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) SCALS, elucidating the nanostructure responsible for their properties. Three prominent methods are used to produce SCALS, with characterization carried out via single-molecule force measurements, neutron reflectometry, and fluorescence correlation spectroscopy. CO₂ snow-jet cleaning was also shown to reduce the CAH of SCALS via a modification of their grafting density. SCALS behavior can be predicted by reduced grafting density, Σ, with the lowest water CAH achieved at Σ≈2. This study provides the first direct examination of SCALS grafting density, chain length, and microviscosity and supports the hypothesis that SCALS properties stem from a balance of layer uniformity and mobility.     

Efficient and selective peracetic Acid epoxidation catalyzed by a robust manganese catalyst

A manganese catalyst containing a tetradentate ligand derived from triazacyclononane exhibits high catalytic activity in epoxidation reactions using peracetic acid as oxidant. The system exhibits broad substrate scope and requires small (0.1-0.15 mol %) catalyst loading. The catalyst is remarkably selective toward aliphatic cis-olefins. Mechanistic studies point toward an electrophilic oxidant delivering the oxygen atom in a concerted step.     

Axially Chiral Triazoloisoquinolin-3-ylidene Ligands in Gold(I)-Catalyzed Asymmetric Intermolecular (4 + 2) Cycloadditions of Allenamides and Dienes

The first highly enantioselective intermolecular (4 + 2) cycloaddition between allenes and dienes is reported. The reaction provides good yields of optically active cyclohexenes featuring diverse substitution patterns and up to three stereocenters. Key to the success of the process is the use of newly designed axially chiral N-heterocyclic carbene-gold catalysts.