The enduring outbreak of the corona virus disease (COVID-19) originated from China illustrates global concerns owing to their infective nature and time-consuming incubation. Even though diagnostic ...tools based on RT-PCR are being extensively employed at present, well-timed and precise diagnostics are still restricted because of the long-period and exhaustive man-power requirement. To tackle this problem, we herewith report the fabrication of the surface functionalised magnetic nanoparticles (MNP's) and viral RNA-extraction protocol for potential detection of COVID-19. The zinc ferrite nanoparticles were prepared by combustion synthesis and its surface was functionalised by silica and carboxyl-modified polyvinyl alcohol. The MNP's were characterized to confirm the nano-scale appearance and functionalization. The proposed model may provide the ability to extract the viral RNA from several specimens through automation process. In light of ease and proficiency, this protocol may significantly lessen the operation period and necessities for the present molecular-level diagnostic of COVID-19.
The Front Cover Cover illustrates how the pyridine ring of the antihistamine loratadine can be selectively functionalised at the ortho‐, meta‐, or para‐position (each of them activated by a thunder). ...Indeed, the selective functionalisation of this N‐heterocycle is often problematic, thus a lighthouse guides the chemists through the late‐stage functionalisations of pyridine‐containing biomolecules. More information can be found in the Review by V. Fasano et al.
•Controlling functionalisation of molten low density polyethylene (LDPE) using ozone was achieved.•Oxygen-containing groups were generated into ozonized PE (OPE) to improve hydrophilicity of OPE.•A ...slight degradation of OPE occurred at mild condition (below 220 within 2 h).•Cross-linking structure was formed after further ozonation (beyond 240 ℃ over 4 h).•The crystallinity of OPE decreased while thermal stability of OPE enhanced due to cross-linking structure.
High-value recycling petroleum-based polyethylene (PE) can effectively reduce carbon emissions and promote a circular economy. This study proposed a new method for functionalisation of low density polyethylene (LDPE) matrix at gas-liquid interface. The controlled functionalisation of LDPE at molten state was successfully achieved using ozone by altering reaction parameters. After ozone treatment, functionalised groups such as ketone (CO), ether (COC) and carboxyl groups (-COOH) were generated in ozonized PE (OPE) confirmed by FTIR and XPS. The contact angle with water dropped from 99 ° of pristine PE to 85.4 ° of OPE, which demonstrated that the hydrophilicity of OPE was improved significantly. The degree of ozonation was sensitive to temperature. A slight degradation of PE predominantly occurred under the mild condition (below 220 ℃ within 2 h) while the cross-linking structure was primarily generated after further oxidation (beyond 240 ℃ over 4 h), which revealed that functionalisation of OPE could be controllably achieved. Due to the formation of cross-linking structure, the crystallinity of OPE decreased from 33.8 % to 11.0 %. Meanwhile, the residue weight of OPE had a slight increase while its activation energy of thermal degradation reduced. Therefore, the functionalisation of PE using ozone is a promising technical and environmental-friendly approach to upcycle PE in the future.
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The focus of this review is to provide an overview of the field of organocatalysed photoredox chemistry relevant to synthetic medicinal chemistry. Photoredox transformations have been shown to enable ...key transformations that are important to the pharmaceutical industry. This type of chemistry has also demonstrated a high degree of sustainability, especially when organic dyes can be employed in place of often toxic and environmentally damaging transition metals. The sections are arranged according to the general class of the presented reactions and the value of these methods to medicinal chemistry is considered. An overview of the general characteristics of the photocatalysts as well as some electrochemical data is presented. In addition, the general reaction mechanisms for organocatalysed photoredox transformations are discussed and some individual mechanistic considerations are highlighted in the text when appropriate.
ZrC/SiC composites were obtained in situ using Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS), with a previous organic functionalisation of ZrC particles (ZrCf). It used the direct ceramisation/sintering of ...ZrCf/polycarbosilane mixture without any previous crosslinking steps. The prior functionalisation did not have an effect on either the relative density of the materials or the mechanical properties. However, larger SiC domains were observed around the functionalised ZrC particles, probably due to the hydrosilylation reaction between pendant alkene groups and Si-H from the commercial polycarbosilane. In addition, TEM analyses showed different features such as the presence of inter- and intra-granular SiC, and of a double layer at the grain boundaries between the ZrC and SiC phases, when avoiding functionalisation. The oxidation behaviour was also tested, and the prior functionalisation improved the properties of the final samples.
In recent years, nanotechnology has found widespread applications in environmental monitoring, medical applications, plant fertilisers, cosmetics and others. Therefore, it is important to study ...nanomaterials' influence and subsequent risks to the environment and organisms (from production to disposal). Therefore, in the present study, the toxic effects of two surface modifications (poly (ethylene glycol)-neridronate, PEG-Ner and poly (acrylic acid), PAA) in comparison to unmodified, 26 nm- and 52 nm-sized core@shell lanthanide-doped upconverting nanoparticles (UCNPs, NaYF4:Yb3+,Er3+@NaYF4) were analysed. Wheat seedlings (Triticum aestivum L.) were chosen as a model organism since this species is one of the most widely cultivated crops. The influence of UCNPs (at concentrations of 0, 10, 50, and 100 μg/mL) on germination percentage, germination rate and growth was studied based on morphological parameters such as root number, root and hypocotyl length, and root and hypocotyl mass. In addition, an assay based on Evans blue staining was conducted to analyse damaged cell membranes and cell death. The type, size and concentration of UCNPs influenced the growth but not the germination of wheat. 52-nm-sized ligand-free UCNPs and the 26-nm-sized UCNPs/PAA decreased plant growth. Moreover, the ligand-free 26-nm-sized UCNPs interacted with the root cell membranes of seedlings. No significant changes were observable regarding viability (tetrazolium chloride reduction assay), oxidative stress and electrolyte leakage from root cells in plants incubated with ligand-free 26-nm-sized UCNPs. Overall, we have shown that the ligand-free UCNPs (of both sizes) had the strongest toxic effect; PAA-modified UCNPs were toxic only at smaller sizes and PEG-Ner-modified UCNPs had no toxic impact. Therefore, PEG-Ner was identified as the safest surface compound among the UCNPs investigated in the study, which may neutralise the harmful effects of nanoparticles on plants.
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•The phytotoxicity of NaYF4:Yb3+,Er3+@NaYF4 upconverting nanoparticles (UCNPs) depends on surface modification and size.•Surface modification with PEG-Ner renders UCNPs non-toxic and PAA reduces the toxic effects of larger UCNPs (52 nm).•The UCNPs were visualised simultaneously in various parts of the plants without background autofluorescence.
The Cover Feature illustrates how enzyme kits function as proficient and readily available ′First Aid′ for synthetic chemists, to simplify syntheses of complex molecules complementary to conventional ...chemical methods. In their Perspective, N. D. Fessner et al. illustrate the power of enzyme libraries for the total synthesis of natural products, their functionalisation or diversification, using oxyfunctionalisation as an example. Enzyme kits can provide ready‐ and easy‐to‐use collections of biocatalysts that are efficient in the modification of complex compounds, thereby symbolising ′First Aid Kits′ for synthetic chemists. Hence, the authors reason that enzyme kits might facilitate the integration of biocatalysis into synthetic organic chemistry as a complementary tool. More information can be found in the Perspective by N. D. Fessner et al.
Geopolymer materials offer environmental benefits and strong mechanical properties but face limitations such as efflorescence, shrinkage, thermal stability and poor mechanical performance at high ...temperatures. This study introduces a novel solution using silane-functionalized graphene oxide nanocomposites (GO-APTS) to address these challenges. Experiments on metakaolin-based geopolymers demonstrate that incorporating GO-APTS improves dispersion, enhances mechanical strength, refines pore structures, and boosts resilience to high temperatures while reducing shrinkage and efflorescence, without compromising the workability of the mixes. Although the structural integrity of the material at nanoscale degrades beyond certain temperatures, the overall thermal resistance is significantly increased, with treated geopolymers displaying a ∼6 % improvement in porosity, ∼20 % higher residual compressive strength and ∼15 % reduction in shrinkage compared to control samples after exposure to heat. Our work reveals the promising potential of silanized graphene oxide nanocomposites in crafting cementitious materials suitable for high-temperature applications, paving the way for their broader use in innovative construction and industry solutions.
•GO-APTS significantly enhance mechanical strength and thermal properties of geopolymer.•GO-APTS reduces shrinkage and efflorescence in geopolymer.•APTS delays deterioration of GO up to approximately 620 °C – compared to 580 °C for pure GO.•Formation of new geopolymer reaction products at elevated temperatures are observed.•Simultaneously, structural deterioration and nanoscale degradation are evident.
Herein, we report the development of transition‐metal‐catalyst‐ and external‐oxidant‐free electrochemical cross‐coupling hydrogen‐evolution chemistry involving glycine amides and diarylphosphine ...oxides. A broad range of biologically active α‐aminophosphonates was obtained in moderate to good yields in a clean and sustainable manner. Moreover, the TBAB (tetrabutylammonium bromide) electrolyte was recycled four times without obvious loss of reaction activity. Moreover, this protocol was performed on the gram scale under slightly modified electrolytic conditions or in combination with continuous flow microreactor technology. Control experiments were used to disclose a possible free‐radical mechanism.
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•The capacitance of MXene is studied.•MXene, Ti3C2, is deposited on the surface of 3D-printed electrodes.•The resulting capacitance is largely attributed to electrochemical ...capacitance.
3D printing is a manufacturing technique that can be used to produce electrochemical capacitors with customised shapes and minimal material waste. However, the range of carbon-additive filaments currently commercially available is limited, resulting in 3D-printed electrodes with a poor capacitive performance due to their high thermoplastic content. Herein, a novel approach is presented for enhancing the electrochemical properties of 3D-printed electrodes, based on electrochemical activation of the electrodes followed by MXene functionalisation. Archetypal MXene, Ti3C2, has been used to modify the 3D-printed electrode surface; it has been demonstrated that it enhances the capacitance of the electrodes almost three-fold. These findings show a new route towards enhancing the performance of 3D-printed electrochemical capacitors and pave the way for further developments leading to other electrochemical applications.
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