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At least 181 records · Page 10

Thin film surface modifications of thin/tunable liquid/gas diffusion layers for high-efficiency proton exchange membrane electrolyzer cells

We present that a proton exchange membrane electrolyzer cell (PEMEC) is one of the most promising devices for high-efficiency and low-cost energy storage and ultrahigh purity hydrogen production. As one of the critical components in PEMECs, the titanium thin/tunable LGDL (TT-LGDL) with its advantages of small thickness, planar surface, straight-through pores, and well-controlled pore morphologies, achieved superior multifunctional performance for hydrogen and oxygen production from water splitting even at low temperature. Different thin film surface treatments on the novel TT-LGDLs for enhancing the interfacial contacts and PEMEC performance were investigated both in-situ and ex-situ for the first time. Surface modified TT-LGDLs with about 180 nm thick Au thin film yielded performance improvement (voltage reduction), from 1.6849 V with untreated TT-LGDLs to only 1.6328 V with treated TT-LGDLs at 2.0 A/cm 2 and 80°C. Furthermore, the hydrogen/oxygen production rate was increased by about 28.2% at 1.60 V and 80°C. The durability test demonstrated that the surface treated TT-LGDL has good stability as well. Finally, the gold electroplating surface treatment is a promising method for the PEMEC performance enhancement and titanium material protection even in harsh environment.

08 HYDROGEN↗

Three-Function Logic Gate Controlled by Analog Voltage

The figure is a schematic diagram of a complementary metal oxide/semiconductor (CMOS) electronic circuit that performs one of three different logic functions, depending on the level of an externally applied control voltage, V(sub sel). Specifically, the circuit acts as A NAND gate at V(sub sel) = 0.0 V, A wire (the output equals one of the inputs) at V(sub sel) = 1.0 V, or An AND gate at V(sub sel) = -1.8 V. [The nominal power-supply potential (VDD) and logic "1" potential of this circuit is 1.8 V.] Like other multifunctional circuits described in several prior NASA Tech Briefs articles, this circuit was synthesized following an automated evolutionary approach that is so named because it is modeled partly after the repetitive trial-and-error process of biological evolution. An evolved circuit can be tested by computational simulation and/or tested in real hardware, and the results of the test can provide guidance for refining the design through further iteration. The evolutionary synthesis of electronic circuits can now be implemented by means of a software package Genetic Algorithms for Circuit Synthesis (GACS) that was developed specifically for this purpose. GACS was used to synthesize the present trifunctional circuit. As in the cases of other multifunctional circuits described in several prior NASA Tech Briefs articles, the multiple functionality of this circuit, the use of a single control voltage to select the function, and the automated evolutionary approach to synthesis all contribute synergistically to a combination of features that are potentially advantageous for the further development of robust, multiple-function logic circuits, including, especially, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs). These advantages include the following: This circuit contains only 9 transistors about half the number of transistors that would be needed to obtain equivalent NAND/wire/AND functionality by use of components from a standard digital design library. If multifunctional gates like this circuit were used in the place of the configurable logic blocks of present commercial FPGAs, it would be possible to change the functions of the resulting digital systems within shorter times. For example, by changing a single control voltage, one could change the function of thousands of FPGA cells within nanoseconds. In contrast, typically, the reconfiguration in a conventional FPGA by use of bits downloaded from look-up tables via a digital bus takes microseconds.

Zebulum, Ricardo↗

Recent upgrades and new scientific infrastructure of MARIA research reactor, Otwock-Swierk, Poland

The MARIA reactor is open-pool type, water and beryllium moderated. It has two independent primary cooling systems: fuel and pool cooling system. Each fuel assembly is cooled down separately in pressurized channels with individual performances characterization. The fuel assemblies consist of five layers of bent plates or six concentric tubes. Currently it is one of the most powerful research reactors in Europe with operation availability at least up to 2030. Its nominal thermal power is 30 MW. It is characterized by high neutron flux density: up to 3x10{sup 14} n cm{sup -2} s{sup -1} in case of thermal neutrons, and up to 2x10{sup 13} n cm{sup -2} s{sup -1} in case of fast neutrons. The reactor is operated for ca. 4000 h per year. The reactor facility is equipped with fully equipped three hot cells with shielding up to 10{sup 15} Bq. Adjacent to the reactor facility, the radio-pharmaceutics plant (POLATOM) and Material Research Laboratory are located. They are equipped with a number of hot cells with instrumentation. The transport system of radioactive materials from reactor facility to Material Research Laboratory is available. During 2014 the MARIA reactor has been operated with three different types of fuel the same time: previous 36% enriched fuel, and two types of new LEU fuels. In the meantime, molybdenum irradiation programme has been developed. Maria is a multifunctional research tool, with a notable application in production of radioisotopes, radio-pharmaceutics manufacturing (ca. 600 TBq/y), {sup 99}Mo for medical scintigraphy (ca. 6000 TBq/y), neutron transmutation doping of silicon single crystals, wide scientific research based on neutron beams utilization. From the beginning MARIA reactor was intended for loop and fuel testing research activities. Currently it is used mostly as material testing and irradiation facility and for that reason it has wide experimental capabilities. There are eight horizontal irradiation channels from among whom six of them are equipped with instrumentation for condensed matter physics research: - H3 - spectrometer and diffractometer with double monochromator; - H4 - small angle scattering spectrometer; - H5 - polarized neutrons spectrometer; - H6, H7 - two 3-axial crystal neutron spectrometers; - H8 - neutron radiography stand. For two horizontal channels are ongoing exploitation programs: - H2 - station with epithermal neutron beam produced in uranium converter is being developed. Intelligent converter will be installed on the periphery of reactor core. The intensity of the beam will be at the level 2x10{sup 9} n cm{sup -2}s{sup -1} what makes the beam unique in the Europe. - H1 - special pneumatic horizontal mail is being developed for irradiation material samples in the vicinity of the core i.e. in the distal part of the H1 channel. The number of neutron irradiation facilities in MARIA reactor is increasing every year. Numerous of thermal neutron irradiation channels including fast hydraulic rabbit system and large size channels for fast neutron irradiation are used routinely. Recently new in-pile facility with ITER-like neutron energy spectrum for 14 MeV neutron irradiation has been constructed. Taking into account its performance and ability of almost incessant operation the facility appears as one of the most powerful 14 MeV neutron sources. The facility shall be used for material research connected with thermonuclear devices (ITER) and 4. generation nuclear reactors. The system of independent fuels channels used in MARIA reactor appear to be very flexible and very convenient to be used as irradiation channels for uranium targets for {sup 99}Mo production. Currently, MARIA reactor supplies ca. 18% world production of {sup 99}Mo. The MARIA reactor research activities are still extended. The current scientific projects are connected e.g. with silicon neutron transmutation doping, in-pile gamma heating measurements, French calculation codes implementation (TRIPOLI4, APOLLO2). The horizontal neutron beams utilization is also developed. The MARIA reactor, due to its primary application connected with loop and fuel testing, is very convenient for testing the nuclear instrumentation, control and measurement systems.

21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS↗

Surface Passivation to Improve the Performance of Perovskite Solar Cells

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) suffer from a quick efficiency drop after fabrication, partly due to surface defects, and efficiency can be further enhanced with the passivation of surface defects. Herein, surface passivation is reviewed as a method to improve both the stability and efficiency of PSCs, with an emphasis on the chemical mechanism of surface passivation. Various molecules are utilized as surface passivants, such as halides, Lewis acids and bases, amines (some result in low-dimensional perovskite), and polymers. Multifunctional molecules are a promising group of passivants, as they are capable of passivating multiple defects with various functional groups. This review categorizes these passivants, in addition to considering the potential and limitations of each type of passivant. Additionally, surface passivants for Sn-based PSCs are discussed since this group of PSCs has poor photovoltaic performance compared to their lead-based counterpart due to their severe surface defects. Lastly, future perspectives on the usage of surface passivation as a method to improve the photovoltaic performance of PSCs are addressed to provide a direction for upcoming research and practical applications.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

Environmentally Friendly Production of High-Quality and Multifunctional Carbon Quantum Dots from Coal

Researchers from the University of Wyoming and the University of Utah worked jointly to study the valorization of coal to carbon quantum dots (CQDs), a value-added product with a broad spectrum of applications. The CQDs were produced by an environmentally facile hydrothermal method, and the experimental factors influencing the properties of CQDs were investigated. We subsequently explored the applications of CQDs as co-sensitizers of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC) and photocatalysts of water treatment. As an outlook, techno-economic and environmental analysis studied the feasibility of mass production of CQDs.

01 COAL, LIGNITE, AND PEAT↗

Integrated halide perovskite photoelectrochemical cells with solar-driven water-splitting efficiency of 20.8%

Abstract Achieving high solar-to-hydrogen (STH) efficiency concomitant with long-term durability using low-cost, scalable photo-absorbers is a long-standing challenge. Here we report the design and fabrication of a conductive adhesive-barrier (CAB) that translates >99% of photoelectric power to chemical reactions. The CAB enables halide perovskite-based photoelectrochemical cells with two different architectures that exhibit record STH efficiencies. The first, a co-planar photocathode-photoanode architecture, achieved an STH efficiency of 13.4% and 16.3 h to t 60 , solely limited by the hygroscopic hole transport layer in the n-i-p device. The second was formed using a monolithic stacked silicon-perovskite tandem, with a peak STH efficiency of 20.8% and 102 h of continuous operation before t 60 under AM 1.5G illumination. These advances will lead to efficient, durable, and low-cost solar-driven water-splitting technology with multifunctional barriers.

08 HYDROGEN↗

Methacrylated gelatin-embedded fabrication of 3D graphene-supported Co 3 O 4 nanoparticles for water splitting

In this work, we developed a general platform for the fabrication of transition metal oxide nanoparticles supported by a graphene foam (GF) by first coating it with a methacrylated gelatin (GelMA) hydrogel, which served as a 3D matrix for nanoparticle dispersion. The engineered GelMA/GF matrix was hydrophilic with good mechanical strength and high conductivity, therefore providing a good platform for the dispersion of a variety of metal/oxide precursors. Due to this platform, well-dispersed Co 3 O 4 nanoparticles with the smallest size of 3 nm assembled on the nitrogen-doped graphene foam (Co 3 O 4 /NGF). The crystalline transformation from a CoCl 2 [H 2 O] 2 precursor to Co 3 O 4 was revealed by in operando X-ray diffraction and absorption techniques. After applying Co 3 O 4 /NGF as a free-standing electrocatalyst for water splitting, the nanoparticles of size 3 nm exhibited optimal catalytic activity in alkaline media; the corresponding cell could promote water splitting at a current density of 10 mA cm -2 with only 1.63 V and exhibited excellent stability in a 25 h long-term operation. Our results demonstrate that the GelMA hydrogel-coated 3D graphene foam can be a promising platform for the design and fabrication of graphene-based multifunctional materials.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Toward Superb Perovskite Oxide Electrocatalysts: Engineering of Coupled Nanocomposites

Abstract A significant issue that bedeviled the commercialization of renewable energy technologies, ranging from low‐temperature water electrolyzers to high‐temperature solid oxide cells, is the lack of high‐performance catalysts. Among various candidates that could tackle such a challenge, perovskite oxides are rising‐star materials because of their unique structural and compositional flexibility. However, single‐phase perovskite oxides are challenging to satisfy all the requirements of electrocatalysts concurrently for practical applications, such as high catalytic activity, excellent stability, good ionic and electronic conductivities, and superior chemical/thermo‐mechanical robustness. Impressively, perovskite oxides with coupled nanocomposites are emerging as a novel form offering multifunctionality due to their intrinsic features, including infinite interfaces with solid interaction, tunable compositions, flexible configurations, and maximum synergistic effects between assorted components. Considering this new configuration has attracted great attention owing to its promising performances in various energy‐related applications, this review timely summarizes the leading‐edge development of perovskite oxide‐based coupled nanocomposites. Their state‐of‐art synthetic strategies are surveyed and highlighted, their unique structural advantages are highlighted and illustrated through the typical oxygen reduction reaction and oxygen evolution reactions in both high and low‐temperature applications. Opinions on the current critical scientific issues and opportunities in this burgeoning research field are all provided.

08 HYDROGEN↗

Chapter 3: Ultrathin Oxides for Solar Cells

This chapter discusses the many uses of ultrathin oxide layers across a broad range of photovoltaic (PV) technologies. The chapter is broken down into six sections, working from the solar absorber outwards: passivation layers, selective contact/buffer layers, recombination layers, barrier layers, anti-reflective coatings, and anti-soiling layers. The goal is to introduce the layer function, outline the scientific mechanisms behind each function, and provide illustrative examples from academic literature and industry. One theme in this chapter is the multifunctionality of oxide layers in the PV device stack, that is, a single layer rarely has only one purpose and therefore certain ideas will build upon other sections. The chapter covers a wide range of material and the discussions and examples are by no means exhaustive. The best efforts have been made to capture the central concepts for each topic and direct the reader to additional resources that have been found by the authors to be useful and relevant.

anti-reflection coatings↗

A preliminary study of photoacoustic/ultrasound dual-mode imaging in melanoma using MAGE-targeted gold nanoparticles

Nanoprobes are small enough to circulate within the vasculature and can reach tumour tissues through the endothelial gap, providing a new strategy for accurate tumour monitoring and imaging-guided antitumour therapy at the molecular level. Both photoacoustic and ultrasonic imaging are noninvasive tools for cancer detection via the application of nanoprobes. In this study, a polymeric multifunctional nanoparticle probe loaded with gold nanorods (Au-NRs) and liquid perfluorocarbon (perfluorinated hexane/PFH) and conjugated to a monoclonal antibody (MAGE-1 antibody) to melanoma-associated antigens (MAGE) targeting melanoma was successfully prepared by the double emulsion and carbodiimide methods as a targeted photoacoustic/ultrasound dual-mode imaging contrast agent (MAGE-Au-PFH-NPs). Cell-targeting experiments in vitro showed large amounts of MAGE-Au-PFH-NPs surrounding B16 melanoma cells in the targeted group. The photoacoustic signal in the targeted group was significantly increased, and the duration was longer than that in the untargeted group in vivo. The photoacoustic signal of the nanoprobes was enhanced with increased Au-NR concentration in the photoacoustic experiment in vitro. The enhanced signal was observed by ultrasound after 808-nm laser irradiation. A cytotoxicity and biocompatibility test showed that MAGE-Au-PFH-NPs exhibited good biological safety. The MAGE-Au-PFH-NPs can be used as a photoacoustic/ultrasound dual-mode contrast agent to lay the foundation for a promising new approach for the noninvasive targeting, monitoring and treatment of tumours.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

Synthesis, crystal and electronic structures, linear and nonlinear optical properties, and photocurrent response of oxyhalides CeHaVIO 4 (Ha = Cl, Br; VI = Mo, W)

Four heteroanionic oxyhalides, CeClMoO 4 , CeBrMoO 4 , CeClWO 4 , and CeBrWO 4 , have been studied as multifunctional materials, which show a combination of good second harmonic generation (SHG) response and photocurrent signals. Millimeter-sized CeHaVIO 4 (Ha = Cl, Br; VI = Mo, W) crystals were grown by halide salt flux. The crystal structure of CeHaVIO 4 crystals was accurately determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. CeClMoO 4 , CeBrMoO 4 , and CeBrWO 4 are isostructural to each other, and crystallize in the acentric LaBrMoO 4 structure type. CeClWO 4 crystallizes in a new structure type with unit cell parameters of a = 19.6059(2) Å, b = 5.89450(10) Å, c = 7.80090(10) Å, and β = 101.4746(8)°. The bandgaps of CeHaVIO 4 fall into the range of 2.8(1)–3.1(1) eV, which are much smaller than those of isotypic LaHaVIO 4 (Ha = Cl, Br; VI = Mo, W) in the range of 3.9(1)–4.3(1) eV. The narrowing of bandgaps in CeHaVIO 4 originates from the presence of partially filled 4f orbitals of cerium atoms, which was confirmed by density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The moderate bandgaps make CeHaVIO 4 suitable for infrared nonlinear optical (IR NLO) applications. CeBrMoO 4 and CeBrWO 4 exhibit moderate SHG responses of 0.58× AGS and 0.46× AGS, respectively, and are both type-I phase-matching materials. Moderate SHG response, easy growth of crystals, high ambient stability, and type-I phase-matching behavior make CeBrMoO 4 and CeBrWO 4 great materials for IR NLO applications. CeHaVIO 4 films also exhibited good photocurrent response upon light radiation. Furthermore, this work demonstrates the rich structural chemistry of the REHaVIO 4 (RE = Y, La–Lu; Ha = Cl, Br; VI = Mo, W) family and the potential presence of more multifunctional materials.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Multifunctional Films Deposited by Atomic Layer Deposition for Tailored Interfaces of Electrochemical Systems

A new strategy for electrochemical interfaces that utilizes multilayer films deposited by atomic layer deposition (ALD) is introduced. Manganese-rich and nickel-rich cathode oxides were coated with a novel bilayer film of metal fluorides. Subsequent exposure to prolonged, high-voltage electrochemical cycling vs graphite electrodes revealed that the bilayer film can greatly enhance the high-voltage stability of cathode oxides. In particular, in manganese-rich cells, capacity fade due to manganese dissolution was substantially reduced and impedance rise was virtually eliminated. Furthermore, in nickel-rich NMC-811 cells, impedance rise was reduced by ~80%, compared to the NMC-811 baseline, after ~300 h of high-voltage exposure during cycling. Here, the multilayer film strategy presents an exciting opportunity for tailoring designs and materials for electrochemical interfaces in advanced lithium-ion batteries and beyond.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Electrochemical investigation of stainless steel corrosion in a proton exchange membrane electrolyzer cell

The lack of a fundamental understanding of the corrosion mechanisms in the electrochemical environments of proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolyzer and/or fuel cells (ECs/FCs) has seriously hindered the improvement of performance and efficiency of PEM ECs/FCs. In this study, a stainless steel mesh was purposely used as an anode gas diffusion layer that was intentionally operated with high positive potentials under harsh oxidative environments in a PEMEC to study the corrosion mechanism of metal migration. A significant amount of iron and nickel cations were determined to transport through the anode catalyst layer, the PEM and the cathode catalyst layer during the PEMEC operation. The formation/deposition of iron oxide and nickel oxide on the carbon paper gas diffusion layer at the cathode side is first revealed by both scanning electron microscope and X-ray diffraction. The results indicate the corrosion elements of iron and nickel are transported from anode to cathode through the catalyst-coated membrane, and deposited on carbon fibers as oxides. This phenomenon could also open a new corrosion-based processing approach to potentially fabricate multifunctional oxide structures on carbon fiber devices. This study has demonstrated a new accelerated test method for investigating the corrosion and durability of metallic materials as well.

08 HYDROGEN↗

NiMo-ceria-zirconia-based anode for solid oxide fuel cells operating on gasoline surrogate

A multi-functional NiMo-ceria-zirconia composite was developed as an anode for a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) running on isooctane that is a commonly used model fuel for gasoline. The anode layer was fabricated on an electrolyte-supported single cell using yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) as the electrolyte and La0.6Sr0.4Co0.2Fe0.8O3-d as the cathode. Our results indicated that the single NiMo-ceria-zirconia layer possessed a dual-functionality: the first function was to internally convert complex hydrocarbons into a synthesis gas and the second function was to electrochemically oxidize the synthesis gas mixture for electric power generation. The addition of Mo to the Ni-ceria-zirconia allowed direct conversion of isooctane in SOFC. It significantly suppressed carbon deposition in the anode and improved the lifetime of a single cell. Additionally, the presence of Mo in the Ni-ceria-zirconia anode appeared to facilitate a higher degree of sintering, which increased the electrical conductivity and maximum power density of the single cell. When operating on isooctane at 800 °C, single cell with the 5 wt.% Mo in the Ni-ceria-zirconia-based anode displayed a maximum power density of 212 mW cm-2 at 0.48V which was higher than that of a single cell with the Ni-YSZ-based anode without the Mo promoter (49 mW cm-2 at 0.48 V).

NiMo-Ceria-Zirconia composite, Single layer multif↗

Human TREX2 components PCID2 and centrin 2, but not ENY2, have distinct functions in protein export and co-localize to the centrosome

TREX-2 is a five protein complex, conserved from yeast to humans, involved in linking mRNA transcription and export. The centrin 2 subunit of TREX-2 is also a component of the centrosome and is additionally involved in a distinctly different process of nuclear protein export. While centrin 2 is a known multifunctional protein, the roles of other human TREX-2 complex proteins other than mRNA export are not known. In this study, we found that human TREX-2 member PCID2 but not ENY2 is involved in some of the same cellular processes as those of centrin 2 apart from the classical TREX-2 function. PCID2 is present at the centrosome in a subset of HeLa cells and this localization is centrin 2 dependent. Furthermore, the presence of PCID2 at the centrosome is prevalent throughout the cell cycle as determined by co-staining with cyclins E, A and B. PCID2 but not ENY2 is also involved in protein export. Surprisingly, siRNA knockdown of PCID2 delayed the rate of nuclear protein export, a mechanism distinct from the effects of centrin 2, which when knocked down inhibits export. Finally we showed that co-depletion of centrin 2 and PCID2 leads to blocking rather than delaying nuclear protein export, indicating the dominance of the centrin 2 phenotype. Together these results represent the first discovery of specific novel functions for PCID2 other than mRNA export and suggest that components of the TREX-2 complex serve alternative shared roles in the regulation of nuclear transport and cell cycle progression. - Highlights: • TREX2 complex member PCID2 but not ENY2 localizes to the centrosome in HeLa cells. • Centrin 2 is required for the localization of PCID2 at the centrosome. • PCID2 is found at the centrosome in G1/S at a slightly higher rate than that in G2/M. • PCID2 but not ENY2 delays the rate of nuclear protein export. • Co-depletion of centrin 2 and PCID2 leads to blocking rather than delaying nuclear protein export.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

Covalent adaptable networks for electrolyte–binder integration in recyclable lithium metal batteries

Lithium-metal batteries (LMBs) are considered a promising next-generation energy storage technology due to their exceptionally high energy density. However, the development of solid polymer electrolytes and cathode binders for LMBs faces critical challenges, including interfacial instability, poor recyclability, and growing environmental concerns. In particular, current systems often rely on non-recyclable components featuring permanently crosslinked networks and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), such as poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF), which cause battery waste and environmental harm. Herein, we introduce a multifunctional covalent adaptable network (CAN) platform based on thermally reversible Diels–Alder (DA) chemistry, designed for dual functionality as a CAN-based electrolyte (CAE) and a CAN-based cathode binder. The CAE achieves high ionic conductivity and strong storage modulus (1.4 mS cm −1 and ∼ 10 5 Pa at room temperature, respectively) and enables stable long-term cycling in symmetric Li||Li cells for over 2000 h with low overpotential. When it is applied as a cathode binder in LiFePO 4 (LFP) composite electrodes (C-LFP), the CAN matrix significantly reduces interfacial resistance and enhances discharge capacity compared to conventional PVDF-based systems. Thermal treatment induces self-healing at the cathode–electrolyte interface, further improving contact and yielding a discharge capacity of 150 mAh g −1 at 0.5 C. Moreover, the dynamic CAN architecture allows efficient recovery and reuse of lithium salts from spent electrolytes through retro-DA reactions under mild conditions (∼80 °C), establishing a low-energy, cost-effective recycling pathway. In conclusion, this work presents a scalable and sustainable strategy for high-performance LMBs by integrating recyclability, interfacial healing, and PFAS-free design, offering a holistic solution aligned with circular economy principles and next-generation battery demands.

Diels–Alder↗

Tributyltin-induced endoplasmic reticulum stress and its Ca{sup 2+}-mediated mechanism

Organotin compounds, especially tributyltin chloride (TBT), have been widely used in antifouling paints for marine vessels, but exhibit various toxicities in mammals. The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is a multifunctional organelle that controls post-translational modification and intracellular Ca{sup 2+} signaling. When the capacity of the quality control system of ER is exceeded under stress including ER Ca{sup 2+} homeostasis disruption, ER functions are impaired and unfolded proteins are accumulated in ER lumen, which is called ER stress. Here, we examined whether TBT causes ER stress in human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells. We found that 700 nM TBT induced ER stress markers such as CHOP, GRP78, spliced XBP1 mRNA and phosphorylated eIF2α. TBT also decreased the cell viability both concentration- and time-dependently. Dibutyltin and monobutyltin did not induce ER stress markers. We hypothesized that TBT induces ER stress via Ca{sup 2+} depletion, and to test this idea, we examined the effect of TBT on intracellular Ca{sup 2+} concentration using fura-2 AM, a Ca{sup 2+} fluorescent probe. TBT increased intracellular Ca{sup 2+} concentration in a TBT-concentration-dependent manner, and Ca{sup 2+} increase in 700 nM TBT was mainly blocked by 50 μM dantrolene, a ryanodine receptor antagonist (about 70% inhibition). Dantrolene also partially but significantly inhibited TBT-induced GRP78 expression and cell death. These results suggest that TBT increases intracellular Ca{sup 2+} concentration by releasing Ca{sup 2+} from ER, thereby causing ER stress. - Highlights: • We established that tributyltin induces endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. • Tributyltin induces ER stress markers in a concentration-dependent manner. • Tributyltin increases Ca{sup 2+} release from ER, thereby causing ER stress. • Dibutyltin and monobutyltin did not increase GRP78 or intracellular Ca{sup 2+}.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗