Hydrogen-bonded networks based on manganese(II), nickel(II), copper(II) and zinc(II) complexes of N,N′-dimethylurea

A project related to the crystal engineering of hydrogen-bonded coordination complexes has been initiatied and some of our first results are presented here. The compounds [Mn(DMU)₆](ClO₄)₂ (1), [Ni(DMU)₆](ClO₄)₂ (2), [Cu(OClO₃)₂(DMU)₄] (3) and [Zn(DMU)₆](ClO₄)₂ (4) have all been prepared from the reaction of N,N-dimethylurea (DMU) and the appropriate hydrated metal perchlorate salt. Crystal structure determinations of the four compounds demonstrate the existence of [M(DMU)₆]²⁺ cations and ClO₄ ^– counterions in (1), (2) and (4), whereas in (3) monodentate coordination of the perchlorate groups leads to molecules. The [M(DMU)₆]²⁺ cations and ClO₄ ^– anions self-assemble to form a hydrogen-bonded one-dimensional (1D) architecture in (1) and different 2D hydrogen-bonded networks in (2) and (4). The hydrogen bonding functionalities on the molecules of (3) create a 2D structure. The complexes were also characterised by room-temperature effective magnetic moments and i.r. studies. The data are discussed in terms of the nature of bonding and the known structures.     

Comparative Evaluation of Different Targeted and Untargeted Analytical Approaches to Assess Greek Extra Virgin Olive Oil Quality and Authentication

Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) is a key component of the Mediterranean diet, with several health benefits derived from its consumption. Moreover, due to its eminent market position, EVOO has been thoroughly studied over the last several years, aiming at its authentication, but also to reveal the chemical profile inherent to its beneficial properties. In the present work, a comparative study was conducted to assess Greek EVOOs’ quality and authentication utilizing different analytical approaches, both targeted and untargeted. 173 monovarietal EVOOs from three emblematic Greek cultivars (Koroneiki, Kolovi and Adramytiani), obtained during the harvesting years of 2018–2020, were analyzed and quantified as per their fatty acids methyl esters (FAMEs) composition via the official method (EEC) No 2568/91, as well as their bioactive content through liquid chromatography coupled to high resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS) methodology. In addition to FAMEs analysis, EVOO samples were also analyzed via HRMS-untargeted metabolomics and optical spectroscopy techniques (visible absorption, fluorescence and Raman). The data retrieved from all applied techniques were analyzed with Machine Learning methods for the authentication of the EVOOs’ variety. The models’ predictive performance was calculated through test samples, while for further evaluation 30 commercially available EVOO samples were also examined in terms of variety. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study where different techniques from the fields of standard analysis, spectrometry and optical spectroscopy are applied to the same EVOO samples, providing strong insight into EVOOs chemical profile and a comparative evaluation through the different platforms.     

Ultrasound-induced inactivation of gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria in secondary treated municipal wastewater

The effect of 24 kHz, high energy ultrasound in the presence and absence of titanium dioxide particles on the destruction of different bacteria groups was studied. Applying a total of 1500 W/L for 60 min (this corresponds to 5400 kJ/L specific nominal energy), the mean destruction of gram-negative bacteria such as total coliforms, faecal coliforms and Pseudomonas spp. was 99.5%, 99.2% and 99.7%, respectively. More recalcitrant to sonolytic inactivation were the gram-positive bacteria Clostridium perfringens and faecal streptococci with a mean removal of 66% and 84%, respectively. The presence of 5 g/L TiO₂ generally enhanced the destruction of gram-negative bacteria, yielding three to five logs reduction. On the other hand, the relatively weak sonochemical inactivation of gram-positive bacteria was only slightly affected by the presence of solid particles. Inactivation was found to follow first-order kinetics regarding bacteria population and was not affected significantly by the wastewater quality. Ultrasound irradiation at 4000 kJ/L specific nominal energy and in the presence of 5 g/L TiO₂ achieved less than 10³ CFU/100 mL total coliforms, thus meeting USEPA quality standards for wastewater reuse.