Voltammetric Sensing of Amino Acids in the Presence of Cu(II) in Acidic and Alkaline Solutions

A number of amino acids have been determined at carbon film electrodes in the presence of copper. Strongly acidic, 0.1 M HCl, in the presence of 0.1 mM Cu(II), as well as alkaline, 0.1 M NaOH, solution permit successful measurement of individual amino acids, clearer separation between oxidation of Cu and Cu‐complexes occurring in alkaline solution. Electrochemical impedance showed that Cu(II) facilitates charge transfer, particularly in alkaline medium. Square wave voltammetry with preconcentration increased the response compared to linear sweep voltammetry. Protein hydrolysis rates were monitored through determination of amino acids produced by decomposition, injecting samples into alkaline electrolyte solution.     

Part two: Analytical optimisation of a procedure for lead detection in milk by means of bismuth-modified screen-printed electrodes

This work reports the optimisation of a new analytical method for lead ion detection in milk; the electrochemical detection scheme is based on the method that was described in Part I [1]. It features the use of a disposable, environmentally friendly bismuth film electrode to replace the traditionally used (toxic) mercury one while here we report an arduous development of sample treatment so that the simple device can be applied as a screening tool in many settings. For this purpose, a milk pre-treatment procedure by means of wet digestion with HCl, HClO₄, and H₂O₂ combined with an ultrasonic treatment was developed. The detection of lead ions in treated milk was then carried out using a disposable screen-printed electrode modified with Nafion^® and an “in situ” bismuth film, with the analysis being performed in anodic stripping voltammetry mode. The analytical method developed allows the detection of milk contaminated with lead ions at a concentration of 20 μg Kg⁻¹ (legal limit) and it can be proposed as a screening method for routine analysis of lead ions in milk with the advantage of employing inexpensive and portable instrumentation. Moreover, dedicated software supported by a portable instrument introduces procedures that are essential to avoid distortion from ambient lead contamination and also makes it possible for an unskilled operator to carry out each step of the analysis.     

Determination of mercury(II) by invertase enzyme inhibition coupled with batch injection analysis

The determination of mercury(II) ions at the trace level by inhibition of the invertase enzyme-catalysed hydrolysis of sucrose into glucose and fructose coupled to electrochemical batch injection analysis was investigated using two approaches. In the first, the glucose produced was detected by injection of 100 microliters samples into the batch injection cell containing a platinum electrode modified by immobilised glucose oxidase. In the second, the glucose and fructose present in injected samples were oxidised directly at a copper-modified glassy carbon electrode. The experimental parameters were optimised and the degree of enzyme inhibition by mercury(II) ions under both conditions was measured. Mercury concentrations in the ng ml-1 range were determined by these two techniques with low sample and reagent consumption. Comparison is made between the two methods and perspectives as a screening test for field application are indicated.     

Part I: A comparative study of bismuth-modified screen-printed electrodes for lead detection

Lead determination was carried out in the frame of the European Union project Biocop (www.biocop.org) using a bismuth-modified screen-printed electrode (Bi-SPE) and the stripping analysis technique. In order to choose a sensitive Bi-SPE for lead detection, an analytical comparative study of electrodes modified by Bi using "in situ", "ex situ" and "bulk" procedures was carried out. On the basis of the results obtained, we confirmed that the "in situ" procedure resulted in better analytical performances with respect to not only "ex situ" but also to "Bi(2)O(3) bulk" modified electrodes, allowing for a linear range of lead ion concentration from 0.5 to 100 μg L(-1) and a detection limit of 0.15 μg L(-1). We demonstrated that, before the Bi film deposition, an oxidative electrochemical pre-treatment of the working electrode could be useful because it eliminates traces of lead in the graphite-ink, as shown with stripping measurements. It also improves the electrochemical performance of the electrodes as demonstrated with Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) measurements. The influence of different analytical parameters, such as the electrolyte solution composition (acetate buffer, chloridric acid, nitric acid, perchloric acid) and the ionic strength was investigated in order to evaluate how to treat the sample before the analysis. The morphology of prepared "in situ" Bi-SPEs was also characterized by Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM). Finally, the Bi-SPEs were used to determine the concentration of lead ions in tap and commercial water samples obtaining satisfactory values of the recovery percentage (81% and 98%).     

(E)‐4,4′‐Bis(1,3‐benzoxazol‐2‐yl)stilbene at 150 and 375 K

The title compound, a chromophore of formula C₂₈H₁₈N₂O₂, crystallizes with the molecule lying on an inversion centre to give one‐half of a crystallographically independent molecule in the asymmetric unit. The molecule is almost planar, with slight deviation of the benzene rings from the mean molecular plane. The structure is characterized by a herringbone packing arrangement arising from C—H...π and π–π intermolecular interactions. The benzoxazole group is disordered between two orientations, with occupancy factors of 0.669 (10) and 0.331 (10) at 150 K [0.712 (7) and 0.288 (7) at 375 K].     

Electrochemical Sensing of Paracetamol Using 3D Porous Laser Scribed Graphene Platform

This work presents a novel disposable electrochemical sensor for paracetamol (PCM). The sensing platform is based on graphene, manufactured via laser-scribing technology (LSG) to produce a 3D-porous structure that offers a large surface area. The analytical performances of LSG electrodes were greatly enhanced due to the high catalytic activity of graphene produced by LSG technology compared to conventional carbon electrodes. Moreover, the results showed an outstanding adsorption feature towards PCM, allowing its detection at nanomolar level from 5 nM to 100 nM through pre-concentration. The proposed sensing strategy was successfully applied for the determination of PCM in human urine samples.     

The Impact of Apple Variety and the Production Methods on the Antibacterial Activity of Vinegar Samples

Apple vinegar is a natural product widely used in food and traditional medicine as it contains many bioactive compounds. The apple variety and production methods are two factors that play a major role in determining the quality of vinegar. Therefore, this study aims to determine the quality of apple vinegar samples from different varieties (Red Delicious, Gala, Golden Delicious, and Starking Delicious) prepared by three methods using small apple pieces, apple juice, and crushed apple, through determining the physicochemical properties and antibacterial activity of these samples. The antibacterial activity was studied against five pathogenic bacteria: Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumonia, Escherichia coli (ATB: 57), Escherichia coli (ATB: 97), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, using two methods, disk diffusion and microdilution, for determining the minimum inhibitory concentrations and the minimum bactericidal concentrations. The results of this study showed that the lowest pH value was 3.6 for Stark Delicious, obtained by liquid fermentation, and the highest acetic acid values were 4.7 and 4% for the vinegar of Red Delicious and Golden Delicious, prepared by solid fermentation, respectively. The results of the antibacterial activity showed considerable activity of apple vinegar on the tested strains. Generally, the Staphylococcus aureus strain appears less sensitive and Pseudomonas aeruginosa seems to be very sensitive against all samples, while the other strains have distinct sensitivities depending on the variety studied and the method used. A higher antibacterial activity was found in vinegar obtained by the apple pieces method and the Red Delicious variety, with a low MIC and MBC recorded, at 1.95 and 3.90 µL/mL, respectively. This study has shown that the choice of both apple variety and production method is therefore an essential step in determining and aiming for the desired quality of apple vinegar.     

A molecular model for flow induced crystallization of polymers

We present in this paper a thermodynamic model for flow induced crystallization of a thermoplastic. The thermomechanical framework (generalized standard materials) allows us to couple in a very natural way the kinetics of crystallization with the mechanical history experienced by the thermoplastic^[1]. In describing the viscoelastic properties of the polymer with a molecular theory, we obtain a model for flow-induced crystallization that couples the chain conformation to the kinetics of crystallization. This model intends to be valid both for shearing and elongation. We present the equations for two cases: Maxwell and Pom-Pom constitutive equations. We finally illustrate our model with injection molding simulations achieved with a dedicated Finite Element code.     

Convective heat transfer over two blocks arbitrary located in a 2D plane channel using a hybrid lattice Boltzmann-finite difference method

The present paper deals with the numerical investigation of a 2D laminar fluid flow and heat transfer in a plane channel with two square blocks located at arbitrary positions. The numerical model is based on a coupling between the multiple relaxation time-lattice Boltzmann equation and the finite difference method for incompressible flow. Both the horizontal and the vertical separation distances between the two blocks are varied. Particular attention was paid to the distribution patterns of the time averaged local Nusselt number on the top and bottom walls. Results obtained from the present study show a complex flow patterns developed in the channel due to the change of the square blocks positions.     

On the Cauchy problem for a class of iterated Fuchsian partial differential equations

In this paper, we consider the Cauchy problem with ramified data for a class of iterated Fuchsian partial differential equations. We give an explicit representation of the solution in terms of Gauss hypergeometric functions. Our results are illustrated through some examples.