Sensitive targeted multiple protein quantification based on elemental detection of Quantum Dots

A generic strategy based on the use of CdSe/ZnS Quantum Dots (QDs) as elemental labels for protein quantification, using immunoassays with elemental mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), detection is presented. In this strategy, streptavidin modified QDs (QDs-SA) are bioconjugated to a biotinylated secondary antibody (b-Ab₂). After a multi-technique characterization of the synthesized generic platform (QDs-SA-b-Ab₂) it was applied to the sequential quantification of five proteins (transferrin, complement C3, apolipoprotein A1, transthyretin and apolipoprotein A4) at different concentration levels in human serum samples. It is shown how this generic strategy does only require the appropriate unlabeled primary antibody for each protein to be detected. Therefore, it introduces a way out to the need for the cumbersome and specific bioconjugation of the QDs to the corresponding specific recognition antibody for every target analyte (protein). Results obtained were validated with those obtained using UV–vis spectrophotometry and commercial ELISA Kits.     

Fracture behavior and mechanical,thermal, and rheological properties of biodegradable films extruded by flat die and calender

The development of biodegradable materials for tailored applications, particularly in the field of polymeric films and sheets, is a challenging technological goal as well as a contribution to help protect the environment. Poly(lactic) acid (PLA) is a promising substitute for several oil-based polymers; however, to overcome its thermal and mechanical drawbacks, researchers have developed solutions such as blending PLA with polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT), which is capable of increasing the ductility of the final material. In this study, PLA/PBAT binary blends, with minimum possible content of nonrenewable materials, were examined from processing, thermal, morphological, and rheological perspective. An optimized PLA/PBAT ratio was chosen as the polymeric basis to obtain a biodegradable formulation by adding a biobased plasticizer and appropriate fillers to produce a micrometer film with tailored flexibility and tear resistance. The processing technology involved flat-die extrusion, followed by calendering. The tearing resistance of the produced film was investigated, and the results were compared with literature data. A study on the essential work of fracture was implemented to explore the mode III out-of-plane fracture resistance starting from a trouser tear test.     

Lipase‐Supported Metal–Organic Framework Bioreactor Catalyzes Warfarin Synthesis

A green and sustainable strategy synthesizes clinical medicine warfarin anticoagulant by using lipase‐supported metal–organic framework (MOF) bioreactors (see scheme). These findings may be beneficial for future studies in the industrial production of chemical, pharmaceutical, and agrochemical precursors.     

Van't Hoff analysis in chiral chromatography

The present review discusses the theory and application of van't Hoff analysis in chiral chromatography, with main focus on liquid chromatography. The topics considered include the physical meaning of van't Hoff equation's parameters, interpretation of thermodynamic data in terms of retention and enantioseparation mechanisms, abnormal behavior of van't Hoff plots, and best practices to avoid biased results.     

A Switch in the Hydrophobic/Hydrophilic Gas-Adsorption Character of Prussian Blue Analogues: An Affinity Control for Smart Gas Sorption

Porous coordination polymers are molecule-based materials presenting a high degree of tunability, which offer many advantages for targeted applications over conventional inorganic materials. This work demonstrates that the hydrophilic/hydrophobic character of Prussian blue analogues having a lipophilic feature may be tuned to optimize the gas adsorption properties. The role of the coordinatively unsaturated metal sites is emphasized through a combination of theoretical and experimental study of water, ethanol, and n-hexane adsorption.     

Adsorption effects and NMR properties: Continuous chain approach

The NMR properties of nuclei linked to long linear polymer molecules are sensitive to the influence of hard walls. In this context, the residual energy of tensorial spin-spin interactions is calculated using a path integral approach. Several thermodynamic quantities of the polymer system (free energy, equation of state,...) are also expressed, taking chain stiffness effects and the presence of two repulsive walls into consideration.     

2,7-二氯荧光素与蛋白质相互作用的分光光度法研究

首次采用分光光度法研究了模拟生理条件(pH 7.4 Tris-HCl缓冲溶液,离子强度I=0.1)下2,7-二氯荧光素与牛血清白蛋白(BSA)相互作用的情况.研究结果表明:两者相互作用形成稳定的复合物,最大吸收波长为509nm,与2,7-二氯荧光素的最大吸收波长502nm比较,红移了7nm;两者之间主要通过静电引力结合,但并不排除疏水作用力和氢键;两者之间的结合数为32.     

A Novel Biomass Supported Na2CO3 System for Flue Gas Desulfurization

The breakthrough and stoichiometric SO2 adsorption efficiencies of a biomass supported Na2CO3 system (80 wt %Na2CO3/straw) have reached 48.9% and 80.6% respectively at a desulfurization temperature of 80℃.     

O在Au(111)表面吸附的密度泛函理论研究

应用密度泛函理论，本文系统地研究了O在Au(111)表面上的吸附能、吸附结构、功函数、电子密度和投影态密度，给出了覆盖度从0.11ML到1.0ML的范围内，O的吸附特性随覆盖度变化的规律.研究发现O的稳定吸附位为3重面心立方(fcc)洞位，O在fcc洞位的吸附能对覆盖度比较敏感，其值随着覆盖度的增加而减小；O诱导Au(111)表面功函数的变化量与覆盖度成近线性关系，原因是Au表面电子向O偏移，形成表面偶极子；O—Au的相互作用形成成键态和反键态，且反键态都被占据，造成O—Au键很弱，O吸附能较小. 关键词： 表面吸附 Au(111)表面 密度泛函理论 电子特性     

TOF-SIMS imaging of chlorhexidine-digluconate transport in frozen hydrated biofilms of the fungus Candida albicans

The diffusion of the anti-microbial chlorhexidine digluconate (CHG) has been studied in C. albicans biofilms by time-of-flight secondary-ion mass spectrometry (TOF-SIMS). C. albicans has been shown to become resistant to common anti-microbial agents, including CHG, when growing as a biofilm. Mass transport resistance within biofilms has commonly been suggested as a resistance mechanism, but measurement of transport for most anti-microbial agents in biofilms has proven extremely difficult because of the heterogeneity of the biofilms and the difficulty in detecting these agents within an intact biofilm. In this study, TOF-SIMS has been used to study the transport of CHG and glucose in a frozen hydrated biofilm. The TOF-SIMS images reveal a progression of CHG from the top of the biofilm to its base with time. Images suggest that there are channels within the biofilm and show preferential binding of CHG to cellular components of the biofilm. Additionally, both living and dead cells can be identified in the TOF-SIMS images by the sequestration of K⁺ and the presence of cell markers. This study demonstrates that TOF-SIMS has the unique potential to simultaneously observe the presence of an antimicrobial agent, concentration of nutrients, and the viability of the cell population.