A novel molecular imprinting polymer for the selective adsorption of D-arabinitol from spiked urine

In this research, molecular imprinting polymers (MIPs) for D-arabinitol were synthesized using a bulk polymerization method through a noncovalent approach. The MIPs were prepared by using D-arabinitol as a template, acrylamide as a functional monomer, ethylene glycol dimethacrylateas cross-linker, benzoyl peroxide as an initiator and dimethyl sulfoxideas a porogen. MIPS was synthesized in several formulas with a different molar ratio of template to functional monomers and cross-linker. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used to characterize the MIPs produced. A batch rebinding assay was used to test the binding efficiency of each formula. Batch rebinding test results revealed that MIPsF3 with a molar ratio of the template: monomer and crosslinker ratio respectively (1: 4: 25) had the highest binding capacity at 1.56 mgg ^-1 . The results of isotherm adsorption showed that the MIPs produced followed the Freundlich equation with an R-value of 0.97. The MIPs produced was also selective toward its isomeric compounds (i.e. L-arabinitol, adonitol, xylitol, and glucose). The extraction efficiency of the MIPs against D-arabinitol was 88.98%.     

Temperature-responsive protein pores

We describe temperature-responsive protein pores containing single elastin-like polypeptide (ELP) loops. The ELP loops were placed within the cavity of the lumen of the alpha-hemolysin (alphaHL) pore, a heptamer of known crystal structure. The cavity is roughly spherical with a molecular surface volume of about 39,500 A3. In an applied potential, the wild-type alphaHL pore remained open for long periods. In contrast, the ELP loop-containing alphaHL pores exhibited transient current blockades, the nature of which depended on the length and sequence of the inserted loop. Together with similar results obtained with poly(ethylene glycols) covalently attached within the cavity, the data suggest that the transient current blockades are caused by excursions of ELP into the transmembrane beta-barrel domain of the pore. Below its transition temperature, the ELP loop is fully expanded and blocks the pore completely, but reversibly. Above its transition temperature, the ELP is dehydrated and the structure collapses, enabling a substantial flow of ions. Potential applications of temperature-responsive protein pores in medical biotechnology are discussed.     

Pharmacological Activities of Soursop (Annona muricata Lin.)

Soursop (Annona muricata Lin.) is a plant belonging to the Annonaceae family that has been widely used globally as a traditional medicine for many diseases. In this review, we discuss the traditional use, chemical content, and pharmacological activities of A.muricata. From 49 research articles that were obtained from 1981 to 2021, A.muricata’s activities were shown to include anticancer (25%), antiulcer (17%), antidiabetic (14%), antiprotozoal (10%), antidiarrhea (8%), antibacterial (8%), antiviral (8%), antihypertensive (6%), and wound healing (4%). Several biological activities and the general mechanisms underlying the effects of A.muricata have been tested both in vitro and in vivo. A.muricata contains chemicals such as acetogenins (annomuricins and annonacin), alkaloids (coreximine and reticuline), flavonoids (quercetin), and vitamins, which are predicted to be responsible for the biological activity of A. muricata.     

Glycerol Upgrading over Zeolites by Batch-Reactor Liquid-Phase Oligomerization: Heterogeneous versus Homogeneous Reaction

Glycerol upgrading to diglycerols in the presence of basic (Na⁺ or Cs⁺) ion-exchanged (FAU or BEA) zeolite catalysts was studied in a liquid-phase batch rector at 260 °C under normal pressure. Homogeneous NaHCO₃ and CsHCO₃ catalysts were studied for comparison. All the catalysts, including NaHCO₃ and CsHCO₃, displayed the same conversion–selectivity relationship. The selectivity to linear diglycerols decreased at higher conversions/reaction times owing to the consecutive formation of higher oligomers, with preferential further conversion of α,α′-diglycerol. The maximum yield of linear diglycerols was limited to about 30 %. The activities of the zeolites followed the order X>Y>Beta, independent of the alkali ion present. Catalysis by the zeolites starts with an induction period attributed to a slow leaching of alkaline cations from the zeolite. Thereafter, the reaction is characterized by a progressive loss of the microporous structure of the zeolite and increasing overlap of heterogeneous and homogeneous catalysis, where, primarily, the activity depends on the cation content of the zeolite.