ACS Omega最新文献

Starch and cellulose are pivotal determinants of tobacco quality. In this work, starch and cellulose in flue-cured tobacco leaf were extracted through a sequential extraction process. First, an aqueous solution of tobacco leaves was prepared, and starch was extracted by boiling the leaves in water. The precipitate was separated, and the cellulose within it was hydrolyzed using a sulfuric acid solution. Then, starch content was quantified by a colorimetric reaction with iodine solution, while cellulose content was determined by using anthrone as a chromogenic agent. The reaction conditions were optimized to ensure accuracy, and the recovery rate and relative standard deviation (RSD) were calculated under these optimum conditions. The recovery rates for starch and cellulose in the tobacco samples ranged from 90 to 105%, with the RSD of interday and intraday determination being less than 5%. These results demonstrate that the proposed method is both sensitive and reproducible, making it suitable for the rapid and precise quantification of starch and cellulose in tobacco samples.

Designing novel 2D materials is crucial for advancing next-generation optoelectronic technologies. This work introduces and analyzes the 1T′-HfCl₂ monolayer, a novel low-symmetry variant within the 2D transition metal dichloride family. Phonon dispersion calculations reveal no imaginary frequencies, suggesting its dynamical stability. 1T′-HfCl₂ exhibits semiconducting behavior with a direct band gap of 1.52 eV, promising for optoelectronics. Strong excitonic effects with a binding energy of 525 meV highlight significant electron–hole interactions typical of 2D systems. Furthermore, the monolayer achieves total reflection of linearly polarized light along the ŷ direction at photon energies above 2.5 eV, showcasing its potential as an optical polarizing filter. Raman spectra calculations also reveal distinct peaks between 96.72 and 270.38 cm^–1. The tunable excitonic and optical properties of 1T′-HfCl₂ highlight its potential in future functional devices, paving the way for its integration into semiconducting and optoelectronic applications.

Tissue-engineered cartilage, supported by advancements in photo-cross-linkable hydrogels, offers a promising solution for the repair and regeneration of damaged cartilage in anatomically complex and mechanically demanding sites. Low-temperature soluble GelMA (LT-GelMA) remains in a liquid state at room temperature, allowing for easier handling; however, it has limitations in mechanical strength and structural stability. To address these limitations, we developed a novel dual-network hydrogel combining LT-GelMA with Pluronic F127-diacrylate (F127DA). The resulting hydrogel uniquely integrates the low-temperature solubility of LT-GelMA with the enhanced mechanical strength provided by photo-cross-linkable F127DA nanomicelles. Additionally, the hydrogel exhibits controlled swelling and biodegradation rates. In vitro studies revealed a significant increase in chondrocyte viability by day 7 in formulations with higher F127DA concentrations. In vivo, the hydrogel demonstrated superior neo-cartilage formation in a subcutaneous nude mouse model, as indicated by increased deposition of cartilage-specific extracellular matrix components at 4 and 8 weeks. In summary, we developed a hydrogel with fluidity at room temperature and enhanced mechanical performance. These results indicate that the LT-GelMA/F127DA hydrogel effectively addresses the current gaps in cartilage tissue engineering. The hydrogel’s superior performance, especially in promoting cartilage regeneration, positions it as a promising alternative for reconstructive surgery, representing a significant improvement over existing cartilage repair strategies.

Capillary vibrating sharp-edge spray ionization (cVSSI) has been used to study the effects of applied voltage and mass spectrometer heated inlet transfer tube temperature on DNA triplex ion production for native mass spectrometry (MS) samples. Overall, medium applied voltage (−900 to −1000 V) results in better ion production of the desired triplex ions (Tri) (i.e., those without cation adducts such as NH₄⁺, Na⁺, and K⁺); mass spectral peak intensities for the [Tri]^8–, [Tri]^9–, and [Tri]^10– ions increase by ∼70, ∼260, and ∼125 fold, respectively, compared to higher voltages (−1100 to −1500 V). The latter voltages result in increased triplex adduct ion (Tri + ad) formation; for the 8–, 9–, and 10– charge states; the ratios of Tri to Tri+ad ion abundances increase by ∼6 fold for the lower voltage. By capillary inlet temperatures of 300 to 400 °C, Tri ion abundances reach maximum values of 6.1 × 10⁵ ([Tri]^8–), 2.9 × 10⁶ ([Tri]^9–), and 6.4 × 10⁵ ([Tri]^10–). Ion abundances for the respective species decrease by ∼4, ∼14, and ∼190 fold at a heated inlet transfer tube temperature of 450 °C. The abundances for Tri+ad ions species generally follow a similar trend as a function of heated inlet transfer tube temperature with the exception that maximum values are obtained at 250 °C. The abundances for DNA triplex fragment ions (Tri-fr) reach maximum values at 400 °C resulting from excessive, in-source ion activation. From these studies, the optimal capillary MS inlet temperature for production of large oligonucleotides by cVSSI is 300 to 350 °C and the applied voltage should be maintained at ∼ −900 V. These studies lay the foundation for native MS of large oligonucleotide species in negative-ion mode exploiting the sensitivity enhancements of cVSSI.

The packaging material must be safe for food, humans, and the environment, which makes the work on creating edible biodegradable packaging from polymers relevant. In this work, sustainable edible carrageenan/starch nanodispersions reinforced with nanocellulose (NC) for packaging (coating) of products were developed to improve their shelf life and preservation. The effect of the polysaccharide ratio and NC particle forms on nanodispersion properties and coating process was investigated. Various analysis methods were applied to study nanodispersions, determining particle shape, size, density, surface tension, viscosity, and contact angles onto fruits/vegetables. Nanodispersions were coated onto apples, bananas, and peppers for evaluation of their storage. The nanodispersions with 33.3/66.7 wt % carrageenan/starch with 5% NC fibrils or 10% NC crystals demonstrated the potential for applying on fruits as packaging due to decreased water loss from fruits/vegetables. They can be used prospectively by spraying on fruits/vegetables during harvesting since they consist of components actively used in the food industry.

Although perovskite-structured materials have primarily been widely employed in solar cell applications, limited studies have been conducted in the field of electrorheology (ER). In this study, various halide perovskite materials, including FAPbBr₃, FAPbI₃, MAPbBr₃, MAPbI₃, CsPbBr₃, and CsPbI₃ were synthesized for the first time to evaluate their applicability in ER for the first time. Initially, the morphological and chemical properties of these materials were characterized to confirm the successful formation of the perovskite structures. In addition, the as-synthesized halide perovskite materials were dispersed in silicone oil (3.0 wt %) to evaluate their suitability as dispersants in ER fluids. Among these, the CsPbI₃-based ER fluid exhibited the optimal dielectric properties and the greatest dispersion stability of the various systems examined. In ER applications, the CsPbI₃-based ER fluid demonstrated the highest ER performance, achieving a shear stress of 99.4 Pa, owing to the synergistic effects of its intrinsic rod-like structure and dielectric properties, which promoted polarization. The aspect ratios of the CsPbI₃ rods were further controlled by modifying the synthetic process, resulting in the generation of both shorter and longer rods. Notably, ER fluids based on CsPbI₃ synthesized via a hydrothermal method yielded rod-like structures with a high aspect ratio of 20, leading to an enhanced ER activity of 128.0 Pa. These results highlight the potential of halide perovskite materials for use in ER applications.

This is the report of the HPLC-MSn-guided isolation of new anti-inflammatory prenylated isoflavonoids and pterocarpans from the stems of Acosmium diffusissimum using GNPS molecular networking as the main tool. Cluster analysis guided the isolation of five new prenylated isoflavonoids, diffusiflavone A–E (1–4 and 9), two prenylated pterocarpans, diffusicarpan A and B (5 and 6), and two known compounds 6-prenylorobol (7) and 3-O-methylquercetin (8). The in vitro anti-inflammatory potential of compounds 1–6 and 9 was assessed in macrophages induced with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Compounds 2, 3, 5, and 9 were observed to have a reduction in NO levels in at least one of the concentrations tested (1.25, 2.5, 5, 10, and 20 μg/mL) and also reduced IL-1β and IL-6 cytokines, especially diffusicarpan A which reduced cytokine levels in all the concentrations tested.

Zein-based nanoparticles offer significant potential as carriers for drug delivery due to their biocompatibility. However, optimizing their formulation is essential to achieving efficient encapsulation and stability. This study aimed to optimize the formulation of zein-casein-hyaluronic acid-based nanoparticles for the encapsulation of a hydrophilic drug, focusing on achieving favorable physicochemical properties for oral drug delivery applications. A factorial experimental design was employed to evaluate the influence of key formulation parameters, including zein concentration, hyaluronic acid concentration, sodium caseinate concentration, and the organic-to-aqueous phase (O/W) ratio. Particle size (PS), polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential, and encapsulation efficiency (EE) were analyzed as response variables. Multivariate analyses, such as hierarchical cluster analysis and principal component analysis, were performed to explore the relationships between formulation parameters and nanoparticle properties. Model validity was confirmed by using ANOVA and residual analysis. Optimized nanoparticles exhibited a PS of 217 ± 5 nm, PDI of 0.077 ± 0.022, zeta potential of −24.7 ± 1.9 mV, and EE of 31% ± 4. The nanoparticles displayed a monomodal size distribution and a spherical morphology. Multivariate analyses revealed that the O/W ratio and zein concentration were the most influential factors, while sodium caseinate played a crucial stabilizing role. The desirability function yielded a high score (D = 0.9338), confirming the robustness of the optimization process. Stability studies demonstrated that refrigeration at 8 °C preserved the nanoparticles’ physicochemical properties over 180 days. This study underscores the power of experimental design as a tool to refine nanoparticle formulations, paving the way for more efficient drug delivery systems and unlocking new possibilities for the oral administration of hydrophilic compounds.

Stainless-steel grade 316L is widely used in medical and food processing applications due to its corrosion resistance and durability. However, its inherent lack of antibacterial properties poses a challenge in environments requiring high hygiene standards. This study investigates a novel surface modification approach combining electrochemical anodization and nonthermal plasma treatment to enhance the antibacterial efficacy of SS316L. The surface morphology, roughness, chemical composition, and wettability of the modified surfaces were systematically analyzed using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), and water contact angle (WCA) measurements. SEM revealed the formation of tunable nanoporous structures with pore diameters ranging from 100 to 300 nm, depending on the applied anodizing voltage (40 and 60 V). AFM measurements demonstrated that surface roughness varied significantly with anodizing voltage, from 4.3 ± 0.4 nm at 40 V to 15.0 ± 0.6 nm at 60 V. XPS analysis confirmed the presence of Cr₂O₃, a key oxide for corrosion resistance, and revealed increased oxygen concentration after plasma treatment, indicating enhanced surface oxidation. Wettability studies showed that plasma treatment changed the surfaces to superhydrophilic, with WCAs below 5°. Antibacterial efficacy against Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) was significantly improved, with plasma-treated samples exhibiting up to 92% reduction in bacterial adhesion. These results demonstrate that the combined anodization and plasma treatment process effectively enhances the antibacterial and surface properties of SS316L, making it a promising strategy for applications in medical and food processing industries.