Diagnostic Raman spectroscopy for the forensic detection of biomaterials and the preservation of cultural heritage

This paper reviews the contributions of analytical Raman spectroscopy to the non-destructive characterisation of biological materials of relevance to forensic science investigations, including the sourcing of resins and the identification of the biodegradation of art and archaeological artefacts. The advantages of Raman spectroscopy for non-destructive analysis are well-appreciated; however, the ability to record molecular information about organic and inorganic species present in a heterogeneous specimen at the same time, the insensitivity of the Raman scattering process to water and hydroxyl groups, which removes the necessity for sample desiccation, and the ease of illumination for samples of very small and very large sizes and unusual shapes are also apparent. Several examples are used to illustrate the application of Raman spectroscopic techniques to the characterisation of forensic biomaterials and for the preservation of cultural heritage through case studies in the following areas: wall-paintings and rock art, human and animal tissues and skeletal remains, fabrics, resins and ivories.     

Novel Pyrazoline‐based Organometallic Compounds Containing Ferrocenyl and Quinoline units: Synthesis,Characterization and Microbial susceptibilities

Some novel pyrazoline‐based organometallic compounds were synthesized as new leads in antimicrobial chemotherapy. The structures of compounds were elucidated by different spectroscopic techniques and elemental analyses. All compounds were investigated for in vitro antimicrobial studies against fifteen ATTC bacterial and fungal strains. The microbial susceptibility of these compounds revealed that all the tested compounds gave good minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values against the tested organisms that are either similar or even better than the reference drugs amoxicillin and fluconazole, which gave MIC values 8‐64 μg/ml against bacterial and 64 μg/ml against fungal strains, respectively. Among all compounds, compound ( 4d ) 1‐(5‐(4‐chlorophenyl)‐3‐ferrocenyl‐4,5‐dihydropyrazol‐1‐yl)‐2‐quinolin‐8‐yloxy) ethanone, emerged out the most promising antimicrobial organometallic derivative with MIC values against all the strains ranging from 8‐32 μg/ml. Other compounds gave a range of MIC values between 16‐64 μg/ml against S. bovis, 16‐32 μg/ml against E. coli, and C. tropicalis except compound ( 4d) which gave MIC 8 μg/ml against S. bovis and E. coli, whereas 32 μg/ml against C. tropicalis. Collectively, these compounds gave a lower MIC value between 32‐64 μg/ml against both of the biofilm forming strains namely, P. aeruginosa and S. mutans. The results of microbial susceptibility concluded that these novel organometallic compounds are new leads in antimicrobial chemotherapy and can be very useful for further optimization work on microbial chemotherapy.     

An efficient protocol for the synthesis of highly sensitive indole imines utilizing green chemistry: optimization of reaction conditions

Novel and highly sensitive indole-based imines have been synthesized. Their synthesis has been compared employing a variety of protocols. Ultimately, a convenient, economical and high yielding set of conditions employing green chemistry have been designed for their synthesis.     

A developed high-performance thin-layer chromatography method for the determination of baicalin in Oroxylum indicum L. and its antioxidant activity

JPC – Journal of Planar Chromatography – Modern TLC - A simple, accurate, precise, and specific high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) method for the quantitative...     

Visible light-excited surface plasmon resonance charge transfer significantly improves the photocatalytic activities of ZnO semiconductor for pollutants degradation

To effectively address environmental pollution, we synthesized Au-loaded ZnO nanocomposites and applied for the photocatalytic degradation of 2-chlorophenol (2-CP) under visible light irradiation. The as-prepared nanophotocatalysts delivered much improved photocatalytic degradation activities as compared to the bare ZnO nanoparticles and 32% of the pollutant was degraded with 2AuZnO in 1 hr. These improved photoactivities are attributed to the extended visible light absorption due to the surface plasmon resonance property of the loaded Au nanoparticles. Moreover, Au nanoparticles played important role in charge separation by inducting excited electrons to the conduction band of ZnO photocatalyst and surface catalysis as confirmed from photoluminescence spectra and amount of the generated hydroxyl radicals. The trapping experiments confirmed that positive holes were the major degrading species during the photocatalytic degradation of 2-CP. This work provides a feasible way to improve the photocatalysis by introducing a proper amount of noble metals over the surface of semiconductor photocatalysts.     

Syntheses and crystal structures of mixed-ligand copper(II)–imidazole–carboxylate complexes

The syntheses, characterization, and crystal structures of the reaction products of Cu²⁺ with imidazole (Himz) and different aromatic carboxylates, viz.: [Cu(Himz)₂(cinn)₂(H₂O)] (1), [Cu(Himz)₂(paba)₂] (2) and [Cu(Himz)₂(clba)₂] (3) (cinn^– = C₉H₇O₂^–, paba^– = C₇H₆NO₂^–, clba^– = C₇H₄ClO₂^–) are described and studied by spectroscopic (UV–visible, FTIR) measurements. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses indicate that each complex is monomeric. The metal ion in 1 adopts square-pyramidal coordination geometry arising from two imidazole nitrogens, two cinnamate oxygens, and an apical aqua. The metal ions of 2 and 3, however, assume a square planar configuration, which is realized by coordination of two nitrogens of two imidazoles and two oxygens; in both complexes, the imidazole moieties are trans to each other. TGA results indicate that upon heating, these complexes lose their carboxylate anions first, followed by removal of the imidazole molecules.     

Heat transfer mechanisms in poplar wood undergoing torrefaction

Torrefaction, a thermal treatment process of biomass, has been proved to improve biomass combustible properties. Torrefaction is defined as a thermochemical process in reduced oxygen condition and at temperature range from 200 to 300 °C for shorter residence time whereby energy yield is maximized, can be a bridging technology that can lead the conventional system (e.g. coal-fired plants) towards a sustainable energy system. In efforts to develop a commercial operable torrefaction reactor, the present study examines the minimum input condition at which biomass is torrefied and explores the heat transfer mechanisms during torrefaction in poplar wood samples. The heat transfer through the wood sample is numerically modeled and analyzed. Each poplar wood is torrefied at temperature of 250, 270, and 300 °C. The experimental study shows that the 270 °C-treatment can be deduced as the optimal input condition for torrefaction of poplar wood. A good understanding of heat transfer mechanisms can facilitate the upscaling and downscaling of torrefaction process equipment to fit the feedstock input criteria and can help to develop treatment input specifications that can maximize process efficiency.     

Visible Light Promoted Iron-Catalyzed One-Pot Synthesis of 2-Arylimino-2H-Chromenes from 2-Hydroxybenzyl Alcohols and β- Ketothioamides at Room Temperature

An efficient, environmentally benign and one-pot approach for the synthesis of 2-arylimino-2H-chromenes from 2-hydroxybenzyl alcohols and β-ketothioamides at room temperature under visible light has been developed. The reported reaction conditions were favorable for a wide range of β-ketothioamides afforded good to excellent yields of the respective products. The low cost and air stable Knölker iron catalyst has been employed for the dehydrogenation of 2-hydroxybenzyl alcohols under photolysis that would usually require a higher temperature.