Enhanced redox kinetics of Prussian blue analogues for superior electrochemical deionization performance.

Prussian blue analogues (PBAs), representing the typical faradaic electrode materials for efficient capacitive deionization (CDI) due to their open architecture and high capacity, have been plagued by kinetics issues, leading to insufficient utilization of active sites and poor structure stability. Herein, to address the conflict issue between desalination capacity and stability due to mismatched ionic and electronic kinetics for the PBA-based electrodes, a rational design, including Mn substitution and polypyrrole (ppy) connection, has been proposed for the nickel hexacyanoferrate (Mn-NiHCF/ppy), serving as a model case. Particularly, the theoretical calculation manifests the reduced bandgap and energy barrier for ionic diffusion after Mn substitution, combined with the increased electronic conductivity and integrity through ppy connecting, resulting in enhanced redox kinetics and boosted desalination performance. Specifically, the optimized Mn-NiHCF/ppy demonstrates a remarkable desalination capacity of 51.8 mg g-1 at 1.2 V, accompanied by a high charge efficiency of 81%, and excellent cycling stability without obvious degradation up to 50 cycles, outperforming other related materials. Overall, our concept shown herein provides insights into the design of advanced faradaic electrode materials for high-performance CDI.

Cellulose nanofibers-based composite film with broadening MXene layer spacing and rapid moisture separation for humidity sensing and humidity actuators.

Based on the basic idea of expanding the interlayer spacing of MXene, utilizing the effect of gallic acid-modified cellulose nanofibers for rapid moisture separation, the flexible sensing and driving composite film with a perfect balance among humidity signal response and mechanical properties was prepared. Inspired by the stacking of autumn fallen leaves, the cellulose nanofibers-based composite films were formed by self-assembly under vacuum filtration of blending gallic acid-modified cellulose nanofibers with MXene. The enhanced mechanical properties (tensile strength 131.1 MPa, puncture load 0.88 N, tearing strength 165.55 N/mm, and elongation at break 16.14 %), humidity sensing (the stable induced voltage 63.7 mV and response/recovery time 3.2/5.1 s), and humidity driving (154.7° bending angle) properties were observed. The synergistic effect of hydrogen bonds, the "pinning effect" arising from the side chains, and the hierarchical layered microstructure contributed to the enhanced performance. This work exemplifies the application of green natural product for preparing intelligent sensing, wearable devices, and biomimetic robots.

Hydrophobic Multilayered PEG@PAN/MXene/PVDF@SiO2 Composite Film with Excellent Thermal Management and Electromagnetic Interference Shielding for Electronic Devices.

With the rapid development of electronic industry, it's pressing to develop multifunctional electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding materials to ensure the stable operation of electronic devices. Herein, multilayered flexible PEG@PAN/MXene (Ti3C2Tx)/PVDF@SiO2 (PMF) composite film has been constructed from the level of microstructure design via coaxial electrospinning, coating spraying, and uniaxial electrospinning strategies. Benefiting from the effective encapsulation for PEG and high conductivity of MXene coating, PEG@PAN/MXene composite film with MXene coating loading density of 0.70 mg cm-2 exhibits high thermal energy storage density of 120.77 J g-1 and great EMI shielding performance (EMI SE of 34.409 dB and SSE of 49.086 dB cm3 g-1) in X-band (8-12 GHz). Therefore, this advanced composite film can not only help electronic devices prevent the influence of electromagnetic pollution in the X-band but also play an important role in electronic device thermal management. Additionally, the deposition of nano PVDF@SiO2 fibers (289 ± 128 nm) endowed the PMF composite film with great hydrophobic properties (water contact angle of 126.5°) to ensure the stable working of hydrophilic MXene coating, thereby breaks the limitation of humid application environments. The finding paves a new way for the development of novel multifunctional EMI shielding composite films for electronic devices.

Rare-earth (Eu3+) substitution impact on the structural, morphological, magneto-dielectric, and electrochemical properties of Cd0.45Co0.55Fe2-yEuyO4spinel nanoferrites.

A series ofCd0.45Co0.55Fe2-yEuyO4(y= 0.0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3) spinel nanoferrites (SNFs) were synthesized using a self-igniting process and employed as electrode materials for supercapacitor applications. The results demonstrated the formation of a single SNFs phase, as shown by the XRD data. The crystallite size lies between the range of 29.30-51.12 nm. The porosity percentage is within the range of 31.37%-32.99%. Rietveld refinement of XRD and Raman analysis revealed the pure spinel phase and no secondary phase was observed. The saturation magnetization and magnetic anisotropy were also decreased with the addition of Eu3+in Cd-Co SNFs. The high coercive field was enhanced for Eu3+doping as compared to pure Cd-Co SNFs. The dielectric constant was improved with the substitution of Eu3+in Cd-Co SNFs. The dielectric tangent loss was reduced with the doping of Eu3+. The electrochemical performance of the Eu3+doped Cd-Co SNFs achieved an impressive maximum specific capacitance at a lower scan rate. Based on these findings, the outstanding electrochemical performance of the Eu3+doped Cd-Co SNFs suggests their potential as promising materials for high-frequency, magnetic ferrofluid, and supercapacitor electrodes.

Machine learning trained poly (3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) functionalized carbon matrix suspended Cu nanoparticles for precise monitoring of nitrite from pickled vegetables.

Precise monitoring of nitrite from real samples has gained significant attention due to its detrimental impact on human health. Herein, we have fabricated poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) functionalized carbon matrix suspended Cu nanoparticles (PEDOT-C@Cu-NPs) through a facile green synthesis approach. Additionally, we have used machine learning (ML) to optimize experimental parameters such as pH, drying time, and concentrations to predict current of the designed electrochemical sensor. The ML optimized concentration of fabricated C@Cu-NPs was further functionalized by PEDOT (π-electron mediator). The designed PEDOT functionalized C@Cu-NPs (PEDOT-C@Cu-NPs) electrode has shown excellent electro-oxidation capability towards NO2- ions due to highly exposed Cu facets, defects rich graphitic C and high π-electron density. Additionally, the designed material has shown low detection limit (3.91 µM), high sensitivity (0.6372 µA/µM/cm2), and wide linear range (5-580 µM). Additionally, the designed electrode has shown higher electrochemical sensing efficacy against real time monitoring from pickled vegetables extract.

Preparation and modification of polymer microspheres, application in wastewater treatment: A review.

The removal of various pollutants from water is necessary due to the increasing requirements for the removal of various pollutants from wastewater and the quality of drinking water. Polymer microspheres are regarded as exemplary adsorbent materials due to their high adsorption efficiency, excellent adsorption performance, and ease of handling. Herein, the advantages and disadvantages of different preparation methods, modifications, applications and the current research status of polymer microspheres are summarized at large. Furthermore, the enhanced performance of modified composite microspheres is emphasized, including adsorption efficiency, thermal stability, and significant improvements in physical and chemical properties. Subsequently, the current applications and potential of polymeric microspheres for wastewater treatment, including the removal of inorganic and organic pollutants, heavy metal ions, and other contaminants are summarized. Finally, future research directions for polymer microspheres are proposed, outlining the challenges and solutions associated with the application of polymer microspheres in wastewater treatment.

Au-decorated Ti3C2Tx/porous carbon immunoplatform for ECM1 breast cancer biomarker detection with machine learning computation for predictive accuracy.

Electrochemical immunosensors, surpassing conventional diagnostics, exhibit significant potential for cancer biomarker detection. However, achieving a delicate balance between signal sensitivity and operational stability, especially at the heterostructure interface, is crucial for practical immunosensors. Herein, porous carbon (PC) integration with Ti3C2Tx-MXene (MX) and gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) constructs a versatile immunosensing platform for detecting extracellular matrix protein-1 (ECM1), a breast cancer-associated biomarker. The inclusion of PC provided robust structural support, enhancing electrolytic diffusion with an expansive surface area while synergistically facilitating charge transfer with Ti3C2Tx. The biosensor optimized with 1.0 mg PC demonstrates a robust electrochemical redox response to the surface-bound thionine (th) redox probe, utilizing an inhibition-based strategy for ECM1 detection. The robust antibody-antigen interactions across the PC-integrated Ti3C2Tx-Au NPs platform (MX-Au-C-1) enabled robust ECM1 detection within 0.1-7.5 nM, with a low limit of detection (LOD) of 0.012 nM. The constructed biosensor shows improved operational stability with a 98.6 % current retention over 1 h, surpassing MXene-integrated (MX-Au) and pristine Au NPs (63.2 % and 44.3 %, respectively) electrodes. Moreover, the successful adaptation of the artificial neural network (ANN) model for predictive analysis of the generated DPV data further validates the accuracy of the biosensor, promising its future application in AI-powered remote health monitoring.

Machine learning assisted designing of conjugated organic chromophores, light absorption, and emission behavior prediction.

Organic materials have several important characteristics that make them suitable for use in optoelectronics and optical signal processing applications. For absorption and emission maxima, the stabilities and photoactivities of conjugated organic chromophores can be tailored by selecting a suitable parent structure and incorporating substituents that predictably change the optical characteristics. However, a high-throughput design of efficient conjugated organic chromophores without using trial-and-error experimental approaches is required. In this study, machine learning (ML) is used to design and test the conjugated organic chromophores and predict light absorption and emission behavior. Many machine learning models are tried to select the best models for the prediction of absorption and emission maxima. Extreme gradient boosting regressor has appeared as the best model for the prediction of absorption maxima. Random forest regressor stands out as the best model for the prediction of emission maxima. Breaking Retrosynthetically Interesting Chemical Substructures (BRICS) is used to generate 10,000 organic chromophores. Chemical similarity analysis is performed to obtain a deeper understanding of the characteristics and actions of compounds. Furthermore, clustering and heatmap approaches are utilized.

A remarkable study to unveil the relationship between fluorescence life time decay(ns) and nonlinear optical parameters of series of porphyrin and polyoxometalates hybrids.

Relationship between excited state dynamics and nonlinear optical (NLO) parameters is very unique. Herein, three different polyoxometalates (POMs) namely WD-POM (Wells-Dawson POM) based porphyrin hybrids WDPOM3PyP, Trans-2WDPOM2PyP, and 3WDPOMPyP (having one, two, and three WD-POM respectively), and their porphyrin precursors with (Trishydroxyl amino methane) namely Tris3PyP, Trans-2Tris2PyP, and 3TrisPyP respectively have been used for the study. Fluorescence decay and Z-scan studies by using nanosecond (ns) time span conveys the corresponding lifespan for each excited state, along with the NLO analysis respectively. The calculated lifetime data were found in the range of 3WDPOMPyP (τ1 = 5.65 ns), Trans-2WDPOM2PyP (τ1 = 2.21 ns), and WDPOM3PyP (τ1 = 1.96 ns). Third order NLO measurements represented that WDPOM3PyP showed better NLO response (χ3 = 2.26 × 10-10esu and ß = 1.54 × 10-5 esu) as compared to Trans-2WDPOM2PyP (χ3 = 1.73 × 10-10 esu and ß = 1.53 × 10-5 esu), and 3WDPOMPyP (χ3 = 1.55 × 10-10 esu and ß = 0.65 × 10-5 esu) obtained at wavelength of 532 nm. Electrochemical studies have shown that the minor energy differences between the singlet and triplet excited states are responsible for intercrossing system (ISC) that helps in the transfer of electrons from porphyrin moiety to WD-POM. By absorbing a photon, the excited species were produced causing an initial charge transfer. This charge transfer state undergoes an electron transfer decaying to the lowest triplet state, and singlet state causing an increase in NLO. The obtained results indicated potential uses in photonic and all-optical switching devices.

Machine learning powered CN-coordinated cobalt nanoparticles embedded cellulosic nanofibers to assess meat quality via clenbuterol monitoring.

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has prohibited the use of clenbuterol (CLN) because it induces anabolic muscle growth while potentially causing adverse effects such as palpitations, anxiety, and muscle tremors. Thus, it is vital to assess meat quality because, athletes might have positive test for CLN even after consuming very low quantity of CLN contaminated meat. Numerous materials applied for CLN monitoring faced potential challenges like sluggish ion transport, non-uniform ion/molecule movement, and inadequate electrode surface binding. To overcome these shortcomings, herein we engineered bimetallic zeolitic imidazole framework (BM-ZIF) derived N-doped porous carbon embedded Co nanoparticles (CN-CoNPs), dispersed on conductive cellulose acetate-polyaniline (CP) electrospun nanofibers for sensitive electrochemical monitoring of CLN. Interestingly, the smartly designed CN-CoNPs wrapped CP (CN-CoNPs-CP) electrospun nanofibers offers rapid diffusion of CLN molecules to the sensing interface through amine and imine groups of CP, thus minimizing the inhomogeneous ion transportation and inadequate electrode surface binding. Additionally, to synchronize experiments, machine learning (ML) algorithms were applied to optimize, predict, and validate voltametric current responses. The ML-trained sensor demonstrated high selectivity, even amidst interfering substances, with notable sensitivity (4.7527 µA/µM/cm2), a broad linear range (0.002-8 µM), and a low limit of detection (1.14 nM). Furthermore, the electrode exhibited robust stability, retaining 98.07% of its initial current over a 12-h period. This ML-powered sensing approach was successfully employed to evaluate meat quality in terms of CLN level. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study of using ML powered system for electrochemical sensing of CLN.

Synergistic reductive catalytic effects of an organic and inorganic hybrid covalent organic framework for hydrogen fuel production.

Electrocatalytic hydrogen generation in alkaline medium has become widely used in a variety of sectors. However, the possibility for additional performance improvement is hampered by slow kinetics. Because of this restriction, careful control over processes such as water dissociation, hydroxyl desorption and hydrogen recombination is required. Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) based on porphyrin and polyoxometalates (POMs) show encouraging electrocatalytic performance, offering a viable route for effective and sustainable hydrogen generation. Their specific architectures lead to increased electrocatalytic activity, which makes them excellent choices for developing water electrolysis as a clean energy conversion method in the alkaline medium. In this regard, TTris@ZnPor and Lindqvist POM were coordinated to create a new eco-friendly and highly active covalent organic framework (TP@VL-COF). In order to describe TP@VL-COF, extensive structural and morphological investigations were carried out through FTIR, 1H NMR, elemental analysis, SEM, fluorescence, UV-visible, PXRD, CV, N2-adsorption isotherm, TGA and DSC analyses. In an alkaline medium, the electrocatalytic capability of 20%C/Pt, TTris@ZnPor, Lindqvist POM and TP@VL-COF was explored and compared for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). The TP@VL-COF showed the best catalytic efficiency for HER in an alkaline electrolyte, requiring just a 75 mV overpotential to drive 10 mA cm-2 and outperforming 20%C/Pt, TTris@ZnPor, Lindqvist POM and other reported catalysts. The Tafel slope value also indicates faster kinetics for TP@VL-COF (114 mV dec-1) than for 20%C/Pt (182 mV dec-1) TTris@ZnPor (116 mV dec-1) and Lindqvist POM (125 mV dec-1).

Thermoelectric Properties of CrS2-x Te x (x: 0, 1, 2) Dichalcogenides Monolayers: First-Principles Study.

In this study, we conducted first-principles calculations interfaced with Boltzmann transport theory to examine the carrier-dependent thermoelectric properties of CrS2-x Te x (x: 0, 1, 2) dichalcogenides monolayers. We conducted a systematic analysis of the structural, phonon band structures, elastic properties, electronic structures, and thermoelectric properties, of electron (e) and hole (h) doped CrS2-x Te x (x: 0, 1, 2) dichalcogenides monolayers. The studied 2D TMDCs exhibit structural stability, as indicated by the negative formation energy. Additionally, the phonon band structures indicate no negative frequencies along any wave vector, confirming the dynamic stability of the CrS2-x Te x monolayers. CrS2 and CrTe2 monolayers are semiconductors with direct bandgaps of 1.01 and 0.67 eV, respectively. A Janus CrSTe monolayer has a smaller bandgap of 0.21 eV. Temperatures range between 300 and 500 K, and concentrations of e(h) doped in the range of 1.0 × 1018-1.0 × 1020 cm-3 are used to compute the thermoelectric transport coefficients. The low lattice thermal conductivity is predicted for the studied compounds, among which Janus CrSTe and CrTe2 have the minimum value of κlat ≈ 1 W/mK @ 700 K. The figure-of-merit ZT projected value at the optimal e(h) doping concentration for the CrS2 monolayer is as high as 0.07 (0.09) at 500 K. Our findings demonstrate how to design improved thermoelectric materials suitable for various thermoelectric devices.

MXene@c-MWCNT Adhesive Silica Nanofiber Membranes Enhancing Electromagnetic Interference Shielding and Thermal Insulation Performance in Extreme Environments.

A lightweight flexible thermally stable composite is fabricated by combining silica nanofiber membranes (SNM) with MXene@c-MWCNT hybrid film. The flexible SNM with outstanding thermal insulation are prepared from tetraethyl orthosilicate hydrolysis and condensation by electrospinning and high-temperature calcination; the MXene@c-MWCNTx:y films are prepared by vacuum filtration technology. In particular, the SNM and MXene@c-MWCNT6:4 as one unit layer (SMC1) are bonded together with 5 wt% polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) solution, which exhibits low thermal conductivity (0.066 W m-1 K-1) and good electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding performance (average EMI SET, 37.8 dB). With the increase in functional unit layer, the overall thermal insulation performance of the whole composite film (SMCx) remains stable, and EMI shielding performance is greatly improved, especially for SMC3 with three unit layers, the average EMI SET is as high as 55.4 dB. In addition, the organic combination of rigid SNM and tough MXene@c-MWCNT6:4 makes SMCx exhibit good mechanical tensile strength. Importantly, SMCx exhibit stable EMI shielding and excellent thermal insulation even in extreme heat and cold environment. Therefore, this work provides a novel design idea and important reference value for EMI shielding and thermal insulation components used in extreme environmental protection equipment in the future.

Tamarindus indica seed polysaccharide-copper nanocomposite: An innovative solution for green environment and antimicrobial studies.

The purpose of this study was to synthesize ecofriendly nano-composite in which agricultural waste (seeds of Tamarindus indica) was used to synthesize tamarind seed polysaccharides (TSP) and its composite with copper nanoparticles (Cu-NPs) for the purpose of green and clean environment as well as reduction of green-house gases. Confirmation of extracted TSP, synthesized nanocomposite was carried out using FTIR, SEM, PXRD and EDX techniques. In FTIR analysis TSP gives a strong broad peak at 3331 cm-1 due to -OH group and in case of composite its intensity is reduced which might be due to the interactions between -OH and Cu+2 ions. SEM analysis gives that TSP have irregular and rough surface while Cu-NPs exhibited spherical morphology and composite showed clustering of spherical shape to rough surface. EDX analysis quantitatively represented copper having atomic ratio 0.57 % which confirms the synthesis of composite. Furthermore, synthesized composite demonstrated excellent antibacterial activity against gram-positive (S.aureus) and gram-negative bacteria (E.coli) even greater than standard medicine (ciprofloxacin). From this study it was revealed that agriculture waste can be utilized to make environment green as well as synthesized composite from agricultural waste seed also displayed excellent antimicrobial activities which directs that they can be utilized in medical field. This study aims to assess the antimicrobial properties of the nanocomposite, aiming to contribute to the development of effective antimicrobial agents. Through these objectives, the research seeks to bridge the gap between green technology and antimicrobial efficacy, offering a promising avenue for both environmental conservation and healthcare advancements.

First principle study of scandium-based novel ternary half Heusler ScXGe (X = Mn and Fe) alloys: insight into the spin-polarized structural, electronic, and magnetic properties.

The structural, electronic, and magnetic properties of novel half-Heusler alloys ScXGe (X = Mn, Fe) are investigated using the first principle full potential linearized augmented plane wave approach based on density functional theory (DFT). To attain the desired outcomes, we employed the exchange-correlation frameworks, specifically the local density approximation in combination with Perdew, Burke, and Ernzerhof's generalized gradient approximation plus the Hubbard U parameter method (GGA + U) to highlight the strong exchange-correlation interaction in these alloys. The structural parameter optimizations, whether ferromagnetic (FM) or nonmagnetic (NM), reveal that all ScXGe (where X = Mn, Fe) Heusler alloys attain their lowest ground state energy during FM optimization. The examination of the electronic properties of these alloys reveals their metallic character in both the spin-up and spin-down channels. The projected densities of states indicate that bonding is achieved through the hybridization of p-d and d-d states in all of the compounds. The investigation of the magnetic properties in ScXGe (where X = Mn, Fe) compounds indicates pronounced stability in their ferromagnetic state. Notably, the Curie temperatures for ScXGe (X = Mn, Fe) are determined to be 2177.02 K and 1656.09 K, respectively. The observation of metallic behavior and the strong ferromagnetic characteristics in ScXGe (X = Mn, Fe) half-Heusler alloys underscores their potential significance in the realm of spintronic devices. Consequently, our study serves as a robust foundation for subsequent experimental validation.

Modified acid polysaccharide derived from Salvia przewalskii with excellent wound healing and enhanced bioactivity.

Acid polysaccharide was extracted from Salvia przewalskii root powders (PSP), purified by diethylaminoethyl cellulose column (DEAE-52) and molecular sieve (PSP2). PSPm1 was obtained by modifying PSP2 with nitrite and phosphoric acid. The chemical structure of PSP2 and PSPm1 exhibited notable distinctions, primarily due to the absence of arabinose and promotion of glucuronic acid (GlcA). The structure of PSPm1 was deduced through the utilization of 1H, 13C, and 2-D NMR. The main chain was linked by α-D-Galp(1 â†’ 3)-α-Glcp-(1 â†’ fragments and →6)-ß-D-Galp fragments, with the presence of →4)-α-D-GlcpA-(1 â†’ 6)-ß-D-Galp-(1 â†’ ï¼Œ â†’ 4)-α-D-GalAp-(1 â†’ 2,4)-α-D-Rhap-(1 â†’ fragments and →6)-α-Glcp-(1 â†’ 2,4)-ß-D-Manp-(1 â†’ fragments. PSPm1 exhibited different immunoregulatory bioactivity in vitro, including haemostatic effects indicated by activated clotting time of 55.5 % reduction by the activated clotting time (ACT) test and wound healing function in vivo. PSPm1 also displayed better anti-tumor biological effects than unmodified. The structure-activity dissimilarity between PSP2 and PSPm1 primarily stems from variations in molecular weight (Mw), monosaccharide composition, and branching patterns. The modification of polysaccharides from the extract residues of Chinese medicinal materials may be a new form of drug supplements.

Appraisal of the adsorption potential of novel modified gellan gum nanocomposite for the confiscation of methylene blue and malachite green.

In the present investigation a novel, environmentally affable and economical, modified gellan gum nanocomposite (MAA-g-GG/Ppy/MMT) was fabricated via free-radical polymerization for the liquid-phase mitigation of Methylene blue (MB) and Malachite green (MG) dyes. The innovation of this work is substantiated by the intentional combination of diverse materials, the strategic incorporation of polypyrrole for enhanced adsorption, and the thoughtful addition of MMT as a nanofiller to address mechanical strength and improve adsorption capacity. The physico-chemical facets of MAA-g-GG/Ppy/MMT and its interaction with the dye molecules were elucidated using FT-IR, SEM-EDX, BET, TEM, and XRD techniques. The optimum conditions for the sorption of MB and MG were deemed to be dosage (1.2 g/L for both dyes), contact time (50 min for both dyes), initial MG/MB concentration (MB = 40 mg/L & MG = 30 mg/L), and pH (MB = 10 & MG = 7). The Freundlich isotherm was identified as the most suitable model, as evidenced by the highest R2 value (∼0.999), indicating multilayer adsorption. The pseudo second-order model appraised the kinetic data. Thermodynamic findings revealed the adsorption process to be spontaneous, viable and exothermic which was ascertained by negative ∆H⸰ values (-22.8 kJ/mol for MB and -18.3 kJ/mol for MG). The substantial Langmuir adsorption capacity (Qm: MG =185.185; MB = 344.827) can be ascribed to the reason for strong interactions between MAA-g-GG/Ppy/MMT and dyes. The high reliability of MAA-g-GG/Ppy/MMT was determined by the regeneration studies that worked up to four cycles for both dyes. The real water (distilled water, tap water, and river water) samples spiked with MG/MB demonstrated a substantial uptake of dyes (>85 %) and the marginal influence of ionic strength on the adsorptive potential of MAA-g-GG/Ppy/MMT validated its efficacy for the decontamination of real effluents. The forces of attraction between the dyes and MAA-g-GG/Ppy/MMT included van der Waals, electrostatic forces of attraction, and π-π interaction. This green, economical, and viable MAA-g-GG/Ppy/MMT will prove to be an efficient adsorbent for the decontamination process of sequestration of dyes to achieve a sustainable environment.

Phyllostachys nigra (Lodd. ex Lindl.) derived polysaccharide with enhanced glycolipid metabolism regulation and mice gut microbiome.

This study focuses on the characterization and regulation of glycolipid metabolism of polysaccharides derived from biomass of Phyllostachys nigra (Lodd. ex Lindl.) root (PNr). The extracts from dilute hydrochloric acid, hot water, and 2 % sodium hydroxide solution were characterized through molecular weight, gel permeation chromatography, monosaccharides, Fourier transform infrared, and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy analyses. Polysaccharide from alkali extraction and molecular sieve purification (named as: PNS2A) exhibited optimal inhibitory of 3T3-L1 cellular differentiation and lowered insulin resistance. The PNS2A is made of a hemicellulose-like main chain of →4)-ß-D-Xylp-(1→ that was connected by branches of 4-O-Me-α-GlcAp-(1→, T-α-D-Galp-(1→, T-α-L-Araf-(1→, →2)-α-L-Araf-(1→, as well as ß-D-Glcp-(1→4-ß-D-Glcp-(1→ fragments. Oral delivery of PNS2A in diabetes mice brought down blood glucose and cholesterol levels and regulated glucose and lipid metabolism. PNS2A alleviated diabetes symptoms and body weight and protected liver and kidney function in model animals by altering the gut microbiome. Polysaccharides can be a new approach to develop bamboo resources.

In Vitro Activity of New ß-Lactamase Inhibitor Combinations against blaNDM, blaKPC, and ESBL-Producing Enterobacteriales Uropathogens.

Antibiotic resistance in uropathogens has increased substantially and severely affected treatment of urinary tract infections (UTIs). Lately, some new formulations, including meropenem/vaborbactam (MEV), ceftazidime/avibactam (CZA), and ceftolozane/tazobactam (C/T) have been introduced to treat infections caused by drug-resistant pathogens. This study was designed to screen Enterobacteriales isolates from UTI patients and to assess their antimicrobial resistance pattern, particularly against the mentioned (new) antibiotics. Phenotypic screening of extended-spectrum ß-lactamase (ESBL) and carbapenem resistance was followed by inhibitor-based assays to detect K. pneumoniae carbapenemase (KPC), metallo-ß-lactamase (MBL), and class D oxacillinases (OXA). Among 289 Enterobacteriales, E. coli (66.4%) was the most predominant pathogen, followed by K. pneumoniae (13.8%) and P. mirabilis (8.3%). The isolates showed higher resistance to penicillins and cephalosporins (70-87%) than to non-ß-lactam antimicrobials (33.2-41.5%). NDM production was a common feature among carbapenem-resistant (CR) isolates, followed by KPC and OXA. ESBL producers were susceptible to the tested new antibiotics, but NDM-positive isolates appeared resistant to these combinations. KPC-producers showed resistance to only C/T. ESBLs and carbapenemase encoding genes were located on plasmids and most of the genes were successfully transferred to recipient cells. This study revealed that MEV and CZA had significant activity against ESBL and KPC producers.

Identification and In Silico Characterization of a Conserved Peptide on Influenza Hemagglutinin Protein: A New Potential Antigen for Universal Influenza Vaccine Development.

Antigenic changes in surface proteins of the influenza virus may cause the emergence of new variants that necessitate the reformulation of influenza vaccines every year. Universal influenza vaccine that relies on conserved regions can potentially be effective against all strains regardless of any antigenic changes and as a result, it can bring enormous public health impact and economic benefit worldwide. Here, a conserved peptide (HA288-107) on the stalk domain of hemagglutinin glycoprotein is identified among highly pathogenic influenza viruses. Five top-ranked B-cell and twelve T-cell epitopes were recognized by epitope mapping approaches and the corresponding Human Leukocyte Antigen alleles to T-cell epitopes showed high population coverage (>99%) worldwide. Moreover, molecular docking analysis indicated that VLMENERTL and WTYNAELLV epitopes have high binding affinity to the antigen-binding groove of the HLA-A*02:01 and HLA-A*68:02 molecules, respectively. Theoretical physicochemical properties of the peptide were assessed to ensure its thermostability and hydrophilicity. The results suggest that the HA288-107 peptide can be a promising antigen for universal influenza vaccine design. However, in vitro and in vivo analyses are needed to support and evaluate the effectiveness of the peptide as an immunogen for vaccine development.