ABSTRACT
This study describes the prototype of a novel ultra-sensitive time-resolved fluoroimmunoassay (TRFIA) for the quantification of lead (Pb) in plasma. The assay procedures were conducted in 96-microwell plates and involved the competitive binding format. The assay used a mouse monoclonal antibody, designated as 2C33, that specifically recognized the diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid chelate of Pb (Pb-DTPA) but did not recognize Pb-free DTPA chelator. The antigen used for coating onto the inner surfaces of assay plate microwells was Pb-DTPA conjugated with bovine serum albumin protein (Pb-DTPA-BSA). The competitive binding reaction occurred between Pb-DTPA chelates, formed in the sample solutions by treating the samples with an excess DTPA, and the coated Pb-DTPA-BSA for a limited quantity of 2C33 antibody binding sites. The antigen-antibody complex formed in the plate wells was quantified by a europium-DTPA-labeled secondary antibody and a fluorescence enhancement solution. The conditions of the assay were refined, and its optimum procedures were established. The TRFIA was validated following the immunoassay validation guidelines, and all of the validation criteria were acceptable. The working range of the assay was 20-300 pg mL-1 and its limit of quantitation was 20 pg mL-1. Metals that are commonly encountered in blood plasma did not interfere with Pb in the analysis by the proposed TRFIA. The assay was applied to the quantitation of Pb in plasma samples with satisfactory accuracy and precision. The results were compared favorably with those obtained by atomic emission spectroscopy. In conclusion, the present study represents the first TRFIA for the quantitation of Pb in plasma. The assay is superior to the existing atomic spectrometric methods and other immunoassays for Pb in terms of sensitivity, convenience, and analysis throughputs. The proposed TRFIA is anticipated to effectively contribute to assessing Pb concentrations and controlling the exposure of humans to its potential toxicity.
ABSTRACT
The parallel factor (PARAFAC) kernel matrix to analyze a sample system stimulated by more than one type of perturbation is described. PARAFAC kernel is a quantitative representation of the synchronicity and asynchronicity observed within the PARAFAC score matrices generated by carrying out two-dimensional (2D) correlation analyses. Thus, kernel matrix representation provides more intuitively understandable interpretation to the conventional PARAFAC trilinear model. In this study, the utility of PARAFAC kernel is demonstrated by the study of poly(lactic acid)-nanocomposite undergoing a structural change depending on the temperature as well as the clay content in the sample. Seemingly complicated variation of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra induced by the change in the temperature and clay content are readily analyzed by the multiple-perturbation 2D correlation spectroscopy and PARAFAC kernel. PARAFAC kernel revealed that crystalline and amorphous structures of the PLA substantially undergo thermal deformation, and these variations are also influenced by the presence of the clay.
ABSTRACT
In this study, biomass pyrolysis process for producing H(2)-rich gas is presented. The whole biomass pyrolysis process is established and simulated based on rigorous thermodynamic model, which includes pyrolysis reactor connecting one oil cracking reactor, water gas reactor and a gasifier. The simulation results are verified by the laboratory scale experimental measurements. Then, the influence of main operation parameters such as seam/biomass ratio, temperature (pyrolysis reactor, oil thermal cracking and gasifier) on the composition of fuel gas and hydrogen yield is discussed. Lastly, the optimization results are available. The results indicate that higher gas products and hydrogen yield can be obtained from the process, the H(2) yield can reach 83g/kg biomass, the H(2) concentration can reach 55% (mol) at the optimal temperature and steam/biomass ratio.
Subject(s)
Biomass , Biotechnology/methods , Gases/metabolism , Hot Temperature , Hydrogen/metabolism , Computer Simulation , Empirical Research , Equipment Design , Steam , ThermodynamicsABSTRACT
Series nickel catalysts Ni/MgO(x)/CaO(1-)(x) (x=0.3, 0.5, 0.7, Ni: 5 wt%) were prepared and tested in fixed-bed reactor for biomass tar steam reforming, toluene as tar destruction model compound. Different ratios of MgO and CaO were mixed to simulate dolomite as Ni support. Two preparation methods: solid mixing with (SMW) and without water (SM) were used, the preparation methods and concentration of MgO had an important influence on toluene conversion and products. Catalysts prepared by SM method exhibited higher performance on toluene conversion, resulted in higher H(2) yield, and also, higher CO(2) and lower CO selectivity with higher temperature. For the same preparation method, higher concentration of MgO resulted in higher toluene conversion, and also influence on CO, CO(2) selectivity, but no obvious influence on the H(2) yield. Catalysts were characterized by BET, X-ray diffraction (XRD), SEM.
