Your browser doesn't support javascript.
loading
Show: 20 | 50 | 100
Results 1 - 20 de 60
Filter
Add more filters










Publication year range
1.
Rev Sci Instrum ; 95(5)2024 May 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38690984

ABSTRACT

This paper presents the development of a novel high-pressure/high-temperature reactor cell dedicated to the characterization of catalysts using synchrotron x-ray absorption spectroscopy under operando conditions. The design of the vitreous carbon reactor allows its use as a plug-flow reactor, monitoring catalyst samples in a powder form with a continuous gas flow at high-temperature (up to 1000 °C) and under high pressure (up to 1000 bar) conditions, depending on the gas environment. The high-pressure/high-temperature reactor cell incorporates an automated gas distribution system and offers the capability to operate in both transmission and fluorescence detection modes. The operando x-ray absorption spectroscopy results obtained on a bimetallic InCo catalyst during CO2 hydrogenation reaction at 300 °C and 50 bar are presented, replicating the conditions of a conventional microreactor. The complete setup is available for users and permanently installed on the Collaborating Research Groups French Absorption spectroscopy beamline in Material and Environmental (CRG-FAME) sciences and French Absorption spectroscopy beamline in Material and Environmental sciences at ultra-high dilution (FAME-UHD) beamlines (BM30 and BM16) at the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility in Grenoble, France.

2.
Inorg Chem ; 63(6): 3129-3136, 2024 Feb 12.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38288664

ABSTRACT

Combining nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), X-ray absorption spectroscopy near-edge structure (XANES), and density functional theory (DFT), we elucidate the structures of tungstate and molybdate with sugars of interest in the conversion of biomass to platform chemicals (glucose, mannose, and erythrose). We highlight a number of complexes, including one nearly isostructural structure that is formed with each metal-sugar combination. We also emphasize the singular reactivity of erythrose that undergoes retro-aldolization at room temperature.

3.
Nanomaterials (Basel) ; 13(23)2023 Nov 22.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38063696

ABSTRACT

Selenium 0 (Se0) is a powerful anti-proliferative agent in cancer research. We investigated the impact of sub-toxic concentrations of Se0 functionalized nanoparticles (SeNPs) on prostate cancer PC-3 cells and determined their intracellular localization and fate. An in-depth characterization of functionalized selenium nanoparticles composition is proposed to certify that no chemical bias relative to synthesis issues might have impacted the study. Selenium is an extremely diluted element in the biological environment and therefore requires high-performance techniques with a very low detection limit and high spatial resolution for intracellular imaging. This was explored with state-of-the-art techniques, but also with cryopreparation to preserve the chemical and structural integrity of the cells for spatially resolved and speciation techniques. Monodisperse solutions of SeNPs capped with bovine serum albumin (BSA) were shown to slow down the migration capacity of aggressive prostate cancer cells compared to polydisperse solutions of SeNPs capped with chitosan. BSA coating could prevent interactions between the reactive surface of the nanoparticles and the plasma membrane, mitigating the generation of reactive oxygen species. The intracellular localization showed interaction with mitochondria and also a localization in the lysosome-related organelle. The SeNPs-BSA localization in mitochondria constitute a possible explanation for our result showing a very significant dampening of the PC-3 cell proliferation capabilities. The purpose of the use of sublethal compound concentrations was to limit adverse effects resulting from high cell death to best evaluate some cellular changes and the fate of these SeNPs on PC-3. Our findings provide new insight to further study the various mechanisms of cytotoxicity of SeNPs.

4.
Inorg Chem ; 62(19): 7545-7556, 2023 May 15.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37130307

ABSTRACT

The control of metal-sugar complexes speciation in solution is crucial in an energy transition context. Herein, the formation of tungstate-mannose complexes is unraveled in aqueous solution using a multitechnique experimental and theoretical approach. 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), as well as 13C-1H and 1H-1H correlation spectra, analyzed in the light of coordination-induced shift method and conformation analysis, were employed to characterize the structure of the sugar involved in the complexes. X-ray absorption near edge structure spectroscopy was performed to provide relevant information about the metal electronic and coordination environment. The calculation of 13C NMR chemical shifts for a series of tungstate-mannose complexes using density functional theory (DFT) is a key to identify the appropriate structure among several candidates. Furthermore, a parametric study based on several relevant parameters, namely, pH and tungstate concentration, was carried out to look over the change of the nature and concentrations of the complexes. Two series of complexes were detected, in which the metallic core is either in a ditungstate or a monotungstate form. With respect to previous proposals, we identify two new species. Dinuclear complexes involve both α- and ß-furanose forms chelating the metallic center in a tetradentate fashion. A hydrate form chelating a ditungstate core is also revealed. One monotungstate complex appears at high pH, in which a tetrahedral tungstate center is bound to α-mannofuranose through a monodentate site at the second deprotonated hydroxyl group. This unequalled level of knowledge opens the door to structure-reactivity relationships.

5.
Inorg Chem ; 62(23): 8747-8760, 2023 Jun 12.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37247425

ABSTRACT

The cellular level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) has to be controlled to avoid some pathologies, especially those linked to oxidative stress. One strategy for designing antioxidants consists of modeling natural enzymes involved in ROS degradation. Among them, nickel superoxide dismutase (NiSOD) catalyzes the dismutation of the superoxide radical anion, O2•-, into O2 and H2O2. We report here Ni complexes with tripeptides derived from the amino-terminal CuII- and NiII-binding (ATCUN) motif that mimics some structural features found in the active site of the NiSOD. A series of six mononuclear NiII complexes were investigated in water at physiological pH with different first coordination spheres, from compounds with a N3S to N2S2 set, and also complexes that are in equilibrium between the N-coordination (N3S) and S-coordination (N2S2). They were fully characterized by a combination of spectroscopic techniques, including 1H NMR, UV-vis, circular dichroism, and X-ray absorption spectroscopy, together with theoretical calculations and their redox properties studied by cyclic voltammetry. They all display SOD-like activity, with a kcat ranging between 0.5 and 2.0 × 106 M-1 s-1. The complexes in which the two coordination modes are in equilibrium are the most efficient, suggesting a beneficial effect of a nearby proton relay.


Subject(s)
Hydrogen Peroxide , Superoxide Dismutase , Reactive Oxygen Species , Hydrogen Peroxide/chemistry , Superoxide Dismutase/chemistry , Oxidation-Reduction , Superoxides/chemistry , Nickel/chemistry
6.
Angew Chem Int Ed Engl ; 62(25): e202217791, 2023 Jun 19.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36869617

ABSTRACT

The redox activity of Cu ions bound to the amyloid-ß (Aß) peptide is implicated as a source of oxidative stress in the context of Alzheimer's disease. In order to explain the efficient redox cycling between CuII -Aß (distorted square-pyramidal) and CuI -Aß (digonal) resting states, the existence of a low-populated "in-between" state, prone to bind Cu in both oxidation states, has been postulated. Here, we exploited the partial X-ray induced photoreduction at 10 K, followed by a thermal relaxation at 200 K, to trap and characterize by X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy (XAS) a partially reduced Cu-Aß1-16 species different from the resting states. Remarkably, the XAS spectrum is well-fitted by a previously proposed model of the "in-between" state, hence providing the first direct spectroscopic characterization of an intermediate state. The present approach could be used to explore and identify the catalytic intermediates of other relevant metal complexes.


Subject(s)
Alzheimer Disease , Amyloid beta-Peptides , Humans , Amyloid beta-Peptides/metabolism , Copper/chemistry , X-Rays , Alzheimer Disease/metabolism , Oxidation-Reduction , X-Ray Absorption Spectroscopy
7.
Redox Biol ; 61: 102641, 2023 05.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36842241

ABSTRACT

At physiological levels, the trace element selenium plays a key role in redox reactions through the incorporation of selenocysteine in antioxidant enzymes. Selenium has also been evaluated as a potential anti-cancer agent, where selenium nanoparticles have proven effective, and are well tolerated in vivo at doses that are toxic as soluble Se. The use of such nanoparticles, coated with either serum albumin or the naturally occurring alkaline polysaccharide chitosan, also serves to enhance biocompatibility and bioavailability. Here we demonstrate a novel role for selenium in regulating histone methylation in ovarian cancer cell models treated with inorganic selenium nanoparticles coated with serum albumin or chitosan. As well as inducing thioredoxin reductase expression, ROS activity and cancer cell cytotoxicity, coated nanoparticles caused significant increases in histone methylation. Specifically, selenium nanoparticles triggered an increase in the methylation of histone 3 at lysines K9 and K27, histone marks involved in both the activation and repression of gene expression, thus suggesting a fundamental role for selenium in these epigenetic processes. This direct function was confirmed using chemical inhibitors of the histone lysine methyltransferases EZH2 (H3K27) and G9a/EHMT2 (H3K9), both of which blocked the effect of selenium on histone methylation. This novel role for selenium supports a distinct function in histone methylation that occurs due to a decrease in S-adenosylhomocysteine, an endogenous inhibitor of lysine methyltransferases, the metabolic product of methyl-group transfer from S-adenosylmethionine in the one-carbon metabolism pathway. These observations provide important new insights into the action of selenium nanoparticles. It is now important to consider both the classic antioxidant and novel histone methylation effects of this key redox element in its development in cancer therapy and other applications.


Subject(s)
Chitosan , Selenium , Histones/metabolism , Methylation , Selenium/metabolism , Lysine/metabolism , S-Adenosylhomocysteine/metabolism , Antioxidants/metabolism , Chitosan/metabolism , Histone-Lysine N-Methyltransferase/genetics
8.
Environ Sci Technol ; 56(23): 16838-16847, 2022 12 06.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36350260

ABSTRACT

Soil is a major receptor of manufactured nanomaterials (NMs) following unintentional releases or intentional uses. Ceria NMs have been shown to undergo biotransformation in plant and soil organisms with a partial Ce(IV) reduction into Ce(III), but the influence of environmentally widespread soil bacteria is poorly understood. We used high-energy resolution fluorescence-detected X-ray absorption spectroscopy (HERFD-XAS) with an unprecedented detection limit to assess Ce speciation in a model soil bacterium (Pseudomonas brassicacearum) exposed to CeO2 NMs of different sizes and shapes. The findings revealed that the CeO2 NM's size drives the biotransformation process. No biotransformation was observed for the 31 nm CeO2 NMs, contrary to 7 and 4 nm CeO2 NMs, with a Ce reduction of 64 ± 14% and 70 ± 15%, respectively. This major reduction appeared quickly, from the early exponential bacterial growth phase. Environmentally relevant organic acid metabolites secreted by Pseudomonas, especially in the rhizosphere, were investigated. The 2-keto-gluconic and citric acid metabolites alone were able to induce a significant reduction in 4 nm CeO2 NMs. The high biotransformation measured for <7 nm NMs would affect the fate of Ce in the soil and biota.


Subject(s)
Cerium , Metal Nanoparticles , Nanostructures , Particle Size , Cerium/chemistry , Soil/chemistry , Metal Nanoparticles/chemistry , Bacteria
9.
Nanomaterials (Basel) ; 12(20)2022 Oct 21.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36296892

ABSTRACT

Quantum dots (QDs) are widely used in optoelectronics, lighting, and photovoltaics leading to their potential release into the environment. The most promising alternative to the highly toxic cadmium selenide (CdSe) QDs are indium phosphide (InP) QDs, which show reduced toxicity and comparable optical and electronic properties. QD degradation leads to the release of toxic metal ions into the environment. Coating the QD core with robust shell(s) composed of another semi-conductor material enhances their properties and protects the QD from degradation. We recently developed double-shelled InP QDs, which proved to be less toxic than single-shell QDs. In the present study, we confirm their reduced cytotoxicity, with an LC50 at 77 nM for pristine gradient shell QDs and >100 nM for pristine thin and thick shell QDs. We also confirm that these three QDs, when exposed to simulated sunlight, show greater cytotoxicity compared to pristine ones, with LC50 ranging from 15 to 23 nM. Using a combination of spectroscopic and microscopic techniques, we characterize the degradation kinetics and transformation products of single- and double-shell QDs, when exposed to solar light at high temperature, simulating environmental conditions. Non-toxic pristine QDs degrade to form toxic In−phosphate, In−carboxylate, Zn−phosphate, and oxidized Se, all of which precipitate as heterogeneous deposits. Comparison of their degradation kinetics highlights that the QDs bearing the thickest ZnS outer shell are, as expected, the most resistant to photodegradation among the three tested QDs, as gradient shell, thin shell, and thick shell QDs lose their optical properties in less than 15 min, 60 min, and more than 90 min, respectively. They exhibit the highest photoluminescence efficiency, i.e., the best functionality, with a photoluminescence quantum yield in aqueous solution of 24%, as compared to 18% for the gradient shell and thin shell QDs. Therefore, they can be considered as safer-by-design QDs.

10.
J Vis Exp ; (183)2022 05 27.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35695534

ABSTRACT

The study of elements with X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) is of particular interest when studying the role of metals in biological systems. Sample preparation is a key and often complex procedure, particularly for biological samples. Although X-ray speciation techniques are widely used, no detailed protocol has been yet disseminated for users of the technique. Further, chemical state modification is of concern, and cryo-based techniques are recommended to analyze the biological samples in their near-native hydrated state to provide the maximum preservation of chemical integrity of the cells or tissues. Here, we propose a cellular preparation protocol based on cryo-preserved samples. It is demonstrated in a high energy resolution fluorescence detected X-ray absorption spectroscopy study of selenium in cancer cells and a study of iron in phytoplankton. This protocol can be used with other biological samples and other X-ray techniques that can be damaged by irradiation.


Subject(s)
Selenium , Metals , Temperature , X-Ray Absorption Spectroscopy/methods
11.
ChemistryOpen ; 10(11): 1133-1141, 2021 11.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34791819

ABSTRACT

We present in this work a first X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy study of the interactions of Zn with human BST2/tetherin and SARS-CoV-2 orf7a proteins as well as with some of their complexes. The analysis of the XANES region of the measured spectra shows that Zn binds to BST2, as well as to orf7a, thus resulting in the formation of BST2-orf7a complexes. This structural information confirms the the conjecture, recently put forward by some of the present Authors, according to which the accessory orf7a (and possibly also orf8) viral protein are capable of interfering with the BST2 antiviral activity. Our explanation for this behavior is that, when BST2 gets in contact with Zn bound to the orf7a Cys15 ligand, it has the ability of displacing the metal owing to the creation of a new disulfide bridge across the two proteins. The formation of this BST2-orf7a complex destabilizes BST2 dimerization, thus impairing the antiviral activity of the latter.


Subject(s)
Antigens, CD/metabolism , SARS-CoV-2/chemistry , Viral Proteins/metabolism , Zinc/metabolism , Cysteine/chemistry , GPI-Linked Proteins/metabolism , Histidine/chemistry , Humans , Molecular Dynamics Simulation , Protein Binding , X-Ray Absorption Spectroscopy
12.
Inorg Chem ; 60(17): 12772-12780, 2021 Sep 06.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34416109

ABSTRACT

Nickel superoxide dismutase (NiSOD) is an enzyme that protects cells against O2·-. While the structure of its active site is known, the mechanism of the catalytic cycle is still not elucidated. Its active site displays a square planar NiII center with two thiolates, the terminal amine and an amidate. We report here a bioinspired NiII complex built on an ATCUN-like binding motif modulated with one cysteine, which demonstrates catalytic SOD activity in water (kcat = 8.4(2) × 105 M-1 s-1 at pH = 8.1). Its reactivity with O2·- was also studied in acetonitrile allowing trapping two different short-lived species that were characterized by electron paramagnetic resonance or spectroelectrochemistry and a combination of density functional theory (DFT) and time-dependent DFT calculations. Based on these observations, we propose that O2·- interacts first with the complex outer sphere through a H-bond with the peptide scaffold in a [NiIIO2·-] species. This first species could then evolve into a NiIII hydroperoxo inner sphere species through a reaction driven by protonation that is thermodynamically highly favored according to DFT calculations.


Subject(s)
Biomimetic Materials/chemistry , Coordination Complexes/chemistry , Superoxides/chemistry , Catalysis , Density Functional Theory , Models, Chemical , Molecular Structure , Nickel/chemistry , Superoxide Dismutase/chemistry
13.
Inorg Chem ; 58(19): 12775-12785, 2019 Oct 07.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-31545024

ABSTRACT

The superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity of mononuclear NiII complexes, whose structures are inspired by the NiSOD, has been investigated. They have been designed with a sulfur-rich pseudopeptide ligand, derived from nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA), where the three acid functions are grafted with cysteines (L3S). Two mononuclear complexes, which exist in pH-dependent proportions, have been fully characterized by a combination of spectroscopic techniques including 1H NMR, UV-vis, circular dichroism, and X-ray absorption spectroscopy, together with theoretical calculations. They display similar square-planar S3O coordination, with the three thiolates of the three cysteine moieties from L3S coordinated to the NiII ion, together with either a water molecule at physiological pH, as [NiL3S(OH2)]-, or a hydroxo ion in more basic conditions, as [NiL3S(OH)]2-. The 1H NMR study has revealed that contrary to the hydroxo ligand, the bound water molecule is labile. The cyclic voltammogram of both complexes displays an irreversible one-electron oxidation process assigned to the NiII/NiIII redox system with Epa = 0.48 and 0.31 V versus SCE for NiL3S(OH2) and NiL3S(OH), respectively. The SOD activity of both complexes has been tested. On the basis of the xanthine oxidase assay, an IC50 of about 1 µM has been measured at pH 7.4, where NiL3S(OH2) is mainly present (93% of the NiII species), while the IC50 is larger than 100 µM at pH 9.6, where NiL3S(OH) is the major species (92% of the NiII species). Interestingly, only NiL3S(OH2) displays SOD activity, suggesting that the presence of a labile ligand is required. The SOD activity has been also evaluated under catalytic conditions at pH 7.75, where the ratio between NiL3S(OH2)/ NiL3S(OH) is about (86:14), and a rate constant, kcat = 1.8 × 105 M-1 s-1, has been measured. NiL3S(OH2) is thus the first low-molecular weight, synthetic, bioinspired Ni complex that displays catalytic SOD activity in water at physiological pH, although it does not contain any N-donor ligand in its first coordination sphere, as in the NiSOD. Overall, the data show that a key structural feature is the presence of a labile ligand in the coordination sphere of the NiII ion.


Subject(s)
Coordination Complexes/chemistry , Cysteine/chemistry , Nickel/chemistry , Sulfur Compounds/chemistry , Superoxide Dismutase/chemistry , Biomimetic Materials/chemistry , Hydrogen-Ion Concentration , Ligands , Oxidation-Reduction
14.
Chemistry ; 25(67): 15351-15360, 2019 Dec 02.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-31486181

ABSTRACT

In Rhodospirillum rubrum, the maturation of carbon monoxide dehydrogenase (CODH) requires three nickel chaperones, namely RrCooC, RrCooT and RrCooJ. Recently, the biophysical characterisation of the RrCooT homodimer and the X-ray structure of its apo form revealed the existence of a solvent-exposed NiII -binding site at the dimer interface, involving the strictly conserved Cys2. Here, a multifaceted approach that used NMR and X-ray absorption spectroscopies, complemented with structural bio-modelling methodologies, was used to characterise the binding mode of NiII in RrCooT. This study suggests that NiII adopts a square-planar geometry through a N2 S2 coordinating environment that comprises the two thiolate and amidate groups of both Cys2 residues at the dimer interface. The existence of a diamagnetic mononuclear NiII centre with bis-amidate/bis-thiolate ligands, coordinated by a single-cysteine motif, is unprecedented in biology and raises the question of its role in the activation of CODH at the molecular level.


Subject(s)
Cysteine/chemistry , Metallochaperones/chemistry , Nickel/chemistry , Rhodospirillum rubrum/chemistry , Amino Acid Sequence , Binding Sites , Cations, Divalent/chemistry , Coordination Complexes/chemistry , Ligands , Models, Molecular , Nitrogen/chemistry , Protein Binding , Protein Conformation , Protein Multimerization , Solvents/chemistry , Sulfur/chemistry , Thermodynamics
15.
Sci Rep ; 9(1): 10626, 2019 07 23.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-31337829

ABSTRACT

Latin America, like other areas in the world, is faced with the problem of high arsenic (As) background in surface and groundwater, with impacts on human health. We studied As biogeochemical cycling by periphyton in Lake Titicaca and the mine-impacted Lake Uru Uru. As concentration was measured in water, sediment, totora plants (Schoenoplectus californicus) and periphyton growing on stems, and As speciation was determined by X-ray absorption spectroscopy in bulk and EDTA-extracted periphyton. Dissolved arsenic was between 5.0 and 15 µg L-1 in Lake Titicaca and reached 78.5 µg L-1 in Lake Uru Uru. As accumulation in periphyton was highly variable. We report the highest As bioaccumulation factors ever measured (BAFsperiphyton up to 245,000) in one zone of Lake Titicaca, with As present as As(V) and monomethyl-As (MMA(V)). Non-accumulating periphyton found in the other sites presented BAFsperiphyton between 1281 and 11,962, with As present as As(III), As(V) and arsenosugars. DNA analysis evidenced several taxa possibly related to this phenomenon. Further screening of bacterial and algal isolates would be necessary to identify the organism(s) responsible for As hyperaccumulation. Impacts on the ecosystem and human health appear limited, but such organisms or consortia would be of great interest for the treatment of As contaminated water.


Subject(s)
Arsenic/analysis , Bioaccumulation , Environmental Monitoring/methods , Groundwater/chemistry , Lakes/chemistry , Arsenates/analysis , Bolivia , Cyperaceae/chemistry , Ecosystem , Geologic Sediments/chemistry , Humans , Monosaccharides/analysis , Periphyton , Plant Extracts/chemistry , Water Pollutants, Chemical/analysis , X-Ray Absorption Spectroscopy
16.
Metallomics ; 11(8): 1401-1410, 2019 08 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-31268088

ABSTRACT

In this paper we prove in the exemplary case of the amyloid-ß peptide in complex with Cu(ii) that at the current low temperatures employed in XAS experiments, the time needed for collecting a good quality XAS spectrum is significantly shorter than the time after which structural damage becomes appreciable. Our method takes advantage of the well-known circumstance that the transition of Cu from the oxidized to the reduced form under ionizing radiation can be quantified by monitoring a characteristic peak in the pre-edge region. We show that there exists a sufficiently large time window in which good XAS spectra can be acquired before the structure around the oxidized Cu(ii) ion reorganizes itself into the reduced Cu(i) "resting" structure. We suggest that similar considerations apply to other cases of biological interest, especially when dealing with macromolecules in complex with transition metal ions.


Subject(s)
Amyloid beta-Peptides/chemistry , Copper/chemistry , X-Ray Absorption Spectroscopy/methods , Algorithms , Humans , Kinetics , Ligands , Models, Molecular , Oxidation-Reduction
17.
Nanoscale ; 11(19): 9341-9352, 2019 May 16.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30950461

ABSTRACT

Many solid tumors and their metastases are still resistant to current cancer treatments such as chemo- and radiotherapy. The presence of a small population of Cancer Stem Cells in tumors is held responsible for relapses. Moreover, the various physical barriers of the organism (e.g. blood-brain barrier) prevent many drugs from reaching the target cells. In order to alleviate this constraint, we suggest a Trojan horse strategy consisting of intravascular injection of macrophages loaded with therapeutic nanoparticles (an iron nanoparticle-based solution marketed under the name of FERINJECT®) to bring a high quantity of the latter to the tumor. The aim of this article is to assess the response of primary macrophages to FERINJECT® via functional assays in order to ensure that the macrophages loaded with these nanoparticles are still relevant for our strategy. Following this first step, we demonstrate that the loaded macrophages injected into the bloodstream are able to migrate to the tumor site using small-animal imaging. Finally, using synchrotron radiation, we validate an improvement of the radiotherapeutic effect when FERINJECT®-laden macrophages are deposited at the vicinity of cancer cells and irradiated.

18.
Environ Sci Technol ; 52(22): 13099-13109, 2018 11 20.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30339761

ABSTRACT

Wetlands have been proposed to naturally attenuate U transfers in the environment via U complexation by organic matter and potential U reduction. However, U mobility may depend on the identity of particulate/dissolved uranium source materials and their redox sensitivity. Here, we examined the fate of uranium in a highly contaminated wetland (up to 4500 mg·kg-1 U) impacted by former mine water discharges. Bulk U LIII-EXAFS and (micro-)XANES combined with SEM-EDXS analyses of undisturbed soil cores show a sharp U redox boundary at the water table, together with a major U redistribution from U(IV)-minerals to U(VI)-organic matter complexes. Above the water table, U is fully oxidized into mono- and bidentate U(VI)-carboxyl and monodentate U(VI)-phosphoryl complexes. Minute amounts of U(VI)-phosphate minerals are also observed. Below the water table, U is fully reduced and is partitioned between U(IV)-phosphate minerals (i.e., ningyoite and a lermontovite-like phase), and bidentate U(IV)-phosphoryl and monodentate U(IV)-carboxyl complexes. Such a U redistribution from U-minerals inherited from mine water discharge deposits could result from redox cycling nearby the water table fluctuation zone. Oxidative dissolution of U(IV)-phosphate minerals could have led to U(VI)-organic matter complexation, followed by subsequent reduction into U(IV)-organic complexes. However, uranium(IV) minerals could have been preserved in permanently waterlogged soil.


Subject(s)
Uranium , France , Minerals , Oxidation-Reduction , Phosphates , Soil , Wetlands
19.
Nanoscale ; 10(34): 16030-16039, 2018 Aug 30.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30106078

ABSTRACT

Heterostructures based on Prussian blue analogues (PBA) combining photo- and magneto-striction have shown a large potential for the development of light-induced magnetization switching. However, studies of the microscopic parameters that control the transfer of the mechanical stresses across the interface and their propagation in the magnetic material are still too scarce to efficiently improve the elastic coupling. Here, this coupling strength is tentatively controlled by strain engineering in heteroepitaxial PBA core-shell heterostructures involving the same Rb0.5Co[Fe(CN)6]0.8·zH2O photostrictive core and isostructural shells of similar thickness and variable mismatch with the core lattice. The shell deformation and the optical electron transfer at the origin of photostriction are monitored by combined in situ and real time synchrotron X-ray powder diffraction and X-ray absorption spectroscopy under visible light irradiation. These experiments show that rather large strains, up to +0.9%, are developed within the shell in response to the tensile stresses associated with the expansion of the core lattice upon illumination. The shell behavior is, however, complex, with contributions in dilatation, in compression or unchanged. We show that a tailored photo-response in terms of strain amplitude and kinetics with potential applications for a magnetic manipulation using light requires a trade-off between the quality of the interface (which needs a small lattice mismatch i.e. a small a-cubic parameter for the shell) and the shell rigidity (decreased for a large a-parameter). A shell with a high compressibility that is further increased by the presence of misfit dislocations will show a decrease in its mechanical retroaction on the photo-switching properties of the core particles.

20.
Rev Sci Instrum ; 89(3): 035109, 2018 Mar.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-29604772

ABSTRACT

The construction of a high-temperature reaction cell for operando X-ray absorption spectroscopy characterization is reported. A dedicated cell was designed to operate as a plug-flow reactor using powder samples requiring gas flow and thermal treatment at high temperatures. The cell was successfully used in the reaction of dry reforming of methane (DRM). We present X-ray absorption results in the fluorescence detection mode on a 0.4 wt. % Ni/ZrO2 catalyst under realistic conditions at 750 °C, reproducing the conditions used for a conventional dynamic microreactor for the DRM reaction. The setup includes a gas distribution system that can be fully remotely operated. The reaction cell offers the possibility of transmission and fluorescence detection modes. The complete setup dedicated to the study of catalysts is permanently installed on the Collaborating Research Groups French Absorption spectroscopy beamline in Material and Environmental sciences (CRG-FAME) and French Absorption spectroscopy beamline in Material and Environmental sciences at Ultra-High Dilution (FAME-UHD) beamlines (BM30B and BM16) at the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility in Grenoble, France.

SELECTION OF CITATIONS
SEARCH DETAIL
...