ABSTRACT
In this study, we report the potential of 2D/2D TiO2-GO-ZnFe2O4 photocatalyst obtained using the fluorine-free lyophilization technique for the degradation of ibuprofen belonging to the group of active pharmaceutical ingredients (API). The improved ibuprofen degradation under simulated solar light was achieved in the presence of a composite of 2D TiO2 combined with GO and embedded ZnFe2O4, which additionally provides superparamagnetic properties and enables photocatalyst separation after the photodegradation process. After only 20 min of the photodegradation process in the presence of 2D/2D TiO2-GO-ZnFe2O4 composite, more than 90% of ibuprofen was degraded under simulated solar light, leading to non-toxic and more susceptible to biodegradation intermediates. At the same time, photolysis of ibuprofen led to the formation of more toxic intermediates. Furthermore, based on the photocatalytic degradation analysis, the degradation by-products and possible photodegradation pathways of ibuprofen were investigated. The photodegradation tests and electronic spin resonance analyses indicated the significant involvement of superoxide radicals and singlet oxygen in the ibuprofen photodegradation process.
Subject(s)
Ibuprofen , Sunlight , Catalysis , Titanium , PhotolysisABSTRACT
High filled polylactide/multiwall carbon nanotube composites were subjected to multiple extrusions using single-screw and twin-screw extruders. Samples of the processed composites were characterized by SEM, XRD, Raman, and FTIR spectroscopy. Thermal and rheological properties were investigated by DSC and MFR analyses. Subsequent extrusions resulted in decreased torque and process efficiency, which is a consequence of the viscosity reduction of PLA. Thermal and rheological properties of composites changed after each extrusion as well. As revealed by DSC analyses, cold crystallization temperature showed a tendency to decrease after each process, whereas cold crystallization enthalpy ΔHcc increased significantly. Melt flow rate, which is indicative of the polymer degradation, increased after each extrusion.
ABSTRACT
Alpha-lactalbumin (α-LA) and binding of zinc cations to protein were studied. Molecular characteristics of protein was determined by MALDI-TOF/MS and electrophoresis SDS-PAGE, and also, for complexes, it was determined by spectroscopic techniques (ATR-FT-IR and Raman) and microscopic techniques (SEM along with an EDX detector and also TEM). The pH dependence of zeta potential of α-LA was determined in saline solution. The zinc binding to the protein mechanism was investigated; zinc binding to protein kinetics, the molecular modeling by the DFT method, and electron microscopy (SEM and TEM) for microstructure observation were performed. The experiments performed indicate a quick binding process (equilibrium takes place after 2 min of incubation) which occurs onto the surface of α-LA. Zinc cations change the conformation of the protein and create spherical particles from the morphological point of view. DFT studies indicate the participation of acidic functional groups of the protein (aspartic acid and glutamic acid residues), and these have a decisive influence on the interaction with zinc cations. Application studies of general toxicity and cytotoxicity and bioavailability were conducted.
ABSTRACT
The aim of the study was to investigate the process of Fe3+ binding to bLTF. Moreover, the physicochemical characterization of the respective supersaturated complex was studied. The knowledge should be important for the description of processes that may take place in dairy products fortified with iron. Additionally, the synthesized complex can be utilized as a dietary supplement for the treatment of iron deficiency anemia (IDA). Finally, it was shown that formation of supersaturated iron-protein structures which include LTF often accompanies development of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer or Parkinson. Thus, the study can reveal some aspects of its pathogenesis process. The methodology of the investigation comprised the utilization of batch sorption study and applying Freundlich and Langmuir models. The complex also was characterized by numerous techniques: spectrometric (ICP-MS), spectroscopic (UV-Vis, ATR-FTIR), electron microscopy (TEM-EDX), SDS-PAGE. Based on obtained results the potential mechanisms of iron interaction with protein were described. Moreover, the molecular docking was applied to visualize possible metal binding sites. The respective complex contains ≈ 33.0 mg/g of iron which is nearly 50 Fe3+ per one protein molecule. The cytotoxicity of the obtained complex was evaluated by MTT reduction and LDH release assays on Caco-2 and nL929 cell lines.
Subject(s)
Iron , Lactoferrin , Caco-2 Cells , Humans , Ions , Iron/chemistry , Molecular Docking SimulationABSTRACT
In this work, we present the characterization and electrochemical performance of various ternary silicon oxycarbide/graphite/tin (SiOC/C/Sn) nanocomposites as anodes for lithium-ion batteries. In binary SiOC/Sn composites, tin nanoparticles may be produced in situ via carbothermal reduction of SnO2 to metallic Sn, which consumes free carbon from the SiOC ceramic phase, thereby limiting the carbon content in the final ceramic nanocomposite. Therefore, to avoid drawbacks with carbon depletion, we used graphite as a substitute during the synthesis of precursors. The ternary composites were synthesized from liquid precursors and flake graphite using the ultrasound-assisted hydrosilylation method and pyrolysis at 1000 °C in an Ar atmosphere. The role of the graphitic component is to ensure good electric conductivity and the softness of the material, which are crucial for long term stability during alloying-dealloying processes. The presented approach allows us to increase the content of the tin precursor from 40 wt.% to 60 wt.% without losing the electrochemical stability of the final material. The charge/discharge capacity (at 372 mA g-1 current rate) of the tailored SiOC/C/Sn composite is about 100 mAh g-1 higher compared with that of the binary SiOC/Sn composite. The ternary composites, however, are more sensitive to high current rates (above 372 mA g-1) compared to the binary one because of the presence of graphitic carbon.
ABSTRACT
To assess the impact of graphite fillers on the thermal processing of graphite/poly(lactic acid) (PLA) composites, a series of the composite samples with different graphite of industrial grade as fillers was prepared by melt mixing. The average size of the graphite grains ranged between 100 µm and 6 µm. For comparative purposes, one of the carbon fillers was expandable graphite. Composites were examined by SEM, FTIR, and Raman spectroscopy. As revealed by thermogravimetric (TG) analyses, graphite filler slightly lowered the temperature of thermal decomposition of the PLA matrix. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) tests showed that the room temperature crystallinity of the polymer matrix is strongly affected by the graphite filler. The crystallinity of the composites determined from the second heating cycle reached values close to 50%, while these values are close to zero for the neat polymer. The addition of graphite to PLA caused a slight reduction in the oxidation induction time (OIT). The melt flow rate (MFR) of the graphite/PLA composites was lower than the original PLA due to an increase in flow resistance associated with the high crystallinity of the polymer matrix. Expandable graphite did not cause changes in the structure of the polymer matrix during thermal treatment. The crystallinity of the composite with this filler did not increase after first heating and was close to the neat PLA MFR value, which was extremely high due to the low crystallinity of the PLA matrix and delamination of the filler at elevated temperature.
