Biological macromolecule detection by use of a thiacarbocyanine dye.
Biological macromolecule detection using thiacarbocyanine dye and observation of absorption spectra changes
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Biological macromolecule detection using thiacarbocyanine dye and observation of absorption spectra changes
Biological macromolecule detection using thiacarbocyanine dye and observation of absorption spectra changes
Second order absorption spectra of symmetric cyanine dyes in methanol solution using spectrophotometer
The small molecule thioflavin T (ThT) is a defining probe for the identification and mechanistic study of amyloid fiber formation. As such, ThT is fundamental to investigations of serious diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson disease, and type II diabetes. For each disease, a different protein undergoes conformational conversion to a {beta}-sheet rich fiber. The fluorescence of ThT exhibits an increase in quantum yield upon binding these fibers. Despite its widespread use, the structural basis for binding specificity and for the changes to the photophysical properties of ThT remain poorly understood. Here, we report the co-crystal structures of ThT with two alternative states of {beta}-2 microglobulin ({beta}2m); one monomeric, the other an amyloid-like oligomer. In the latter, the dye intercalates between {beta}-sheets orthogonal to the {beta}-strands. Importantly, the fluorophore is bound in such a manner that a photophysically relevant torsion is limited to a range of angles generally associated with low, not high, quantum yield. Quantum mechanical assessment of the fluorophore shows the electronic distribution to be strongly stabilized by aromatic interactions with the protein. Monomeric {beta}2m gives little increase in ThT fluorescence despite showing three fluorophores, at two binding sites, in configurations generally associated with high quantum yield. Our efforts fundamentally extend existing understanding about the origins of amyloid-induced photophysical changes. Specifically, the {beta}-sheet interface that characterizes amyloid acts both sterically and electronically to stabilize the fluorophore's ground state electronic distribution. By preventing the fluorophore from adopting its preferred excited state configuration, nonradiative relaxation pathways are minimized and quantum yield is increased.
A large clearance TiO{sub 2} nanotube arrays (LTAs) has been synthesized by a not more than 12 h anodization duration and based on this a branched TiO{sub 2} nanotube arrays (BLTs) has been achieved through TiO{sub 2} nanorods branch-like grown on the LTAs. Some key factors and probable mechanisms of the fabrication processes on two novel nanoarchitectures are discussed. Exhilaratingly, it is found that the obtained LTAs has demonstrated large pore diameter and void spaces (pore diameter {approx}350 nm; void spaces {approx}160 nm; and tube length {approx}3.5 {mu}m), and the synthesized hierarchical BLTs, compared with conventional TiO{sub 2} nanotube arrays, has shown a much stronger dye absorption performance and an approximately double of the solar cell efficiency (in our case from 1.62% to 3.18% under simulated AM 1.5 conditions). - Graphical Abstract: The schematic diagram of synthesis process for LTAs and BLTs is on the above and the corresponding FESEM images of obtained photoanodes samples are shown below. Highlights: > Large clearance TiO{sub 2} nanotube arrays (LTAs) was synthesized by a fast anodization process of 12 h. > Anodization time of 12 h is just 10% of about 120 h reported in the previous references. > Branch-like TiO{sub 2} nanotube arrays (BLTs) was achieved by growing TiO{sub 2} nanorods on the LTAs. > Obtained BLTs and LTAs show impressive morphology and noticeable improvement of surface area. > BLTs shows about more than 1 times higher solar cell efficiency than that of TiO{sub 2} nanotube arrays.
Abstract Anthraquinone (AQ) redox mediators are introduced to metal‐free organic dye sensitized photo‐electrochemical cells (DSPECs) for the generation of H 2 O 2 . Instead of directly reducing O 2 to produce H 2 O 2 , visible‐light‐driven AQ reduction occurs in the DSPEC and the following autooxidation with O 2 allows H 2 O 2 accumulation and AQ regeneration. In an aqueous electrolyte, under 1 sun conditions, a water‐soluble AQ salt is employed with the highest photocurrent of up to 0.4 mA cm −2 and near‐quantitative faradaic efficiency for producing H 2 O 2 . In a non‐aqueous electrolyte, under 1 sun illumination, an organic‐soluble AQ is applied and the photocurrent reaches 1.8 mA cm −2 with faradaic efficiency up to 95 % for H 2 O 2 production. This AQ‐relay DSPEC exhibits the highest photocurrent so far in non‐aqueous electrolytes for H 2 O 2 production and excellent acid stability in aqueous electrolytes, thus providing a practical and efficient strategy for visible‐light‐driven H 2 O 2 production.
We developed colloidal barium-doped TiO 2 nanocrystals that enable the highly reversible light-responsive color switching of redox dyes with excellent cycling performance and high switching rates. Oxygen vacancies resulting from the Ba doping serve as effective sacrificial electron donors (SEDs) to scavenge the holes photogenerated in TiO 2 nanocrystals under UV irradiation and subsequently promote the reduction of methylene blue to its colorless leuco form. Effective color switching can therefore be realized without relying on external SEDs, thus greatly increasing the number of switching cycles. Moreover, Ba doping can also accelerate the recoloration under visible-light irradiation by shifting the absorption edge of TiO 2 nanocrystals to a shorter wavelength. Such a system can be further casted into a solid film to produce a rewritable paper on which letters and patters can be repeatedly printed using UV light and then erased by heating; this process can be repeated for many cycles and does not require additional inks.
Tin oxide (SnO 2 ) is the most enticing alternative to titanium oxide (TiO 2 ) with the aim of identifying a more positive conduction band material for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSCs). We put forward a protocol based on grinding, sonication, and centrifuge to generate transparent SnO 2 pastes to minimize light reflectance losses from the metal oxide. Under optimized conditions, a highly transparent film with substantially enhanced light penetration depth through active layer SnO 2 is realized for efficient light harvesting from two different commercially available powders (18 and 35 nm nanoparticle sizes). A ruthenium sensitizer ( B11 ) and two organic sensitizers ( NL3 and MK2 ) are shown to achieve higher or comparable photocurrent densities with SnO 2 relative to standard TiO 2 -based DSCs. SnO 2 -based DSCs show minimum recombination losses, comparable charge collection efficiencies, and minimal photovoltage losses relative to TiO 2 DSCs. Thus, the option of a transparent metal oxide, which can facilitate high photocurrents (>16 mA cm -2 observed) and lower recombination rates than TiO 2 is an attractive material for DSC applications.
A new uranyl containing metal–organic framework was prepared and the diffraction data reveals the structure consists of interpenetrating 3D nets with a 4,3-connected tbo topology. Furthermore, each net contains large 22.8 Å pores and is constructed from monomeric, hexagonal bipyramidal uranyl nodes that are joined by 1,2,4,5-tetrakis(4-carboxyphenyl)benzene ligands. The crystalline material is stable in aqueous media and due to the large void space (constituting 76% of the unit cell by volume) can sequester organic dyes, the uptake of which induces a visible change to the color of the material.
In article number 2300629, Mallouk, Maeda and co-workers report that a surface modification of a dye-sensitized calcium niobate nanosheet photocatalyst with anionic polymers such as sodium polymethacrylate improves the activity for solar water splitting, giving a maximum solar-to-hydrogen energy conversion efficiency of 0.12±0.01% and an apparent quantum yield of 5.1% at 420 nm.
Conventional reduction process of indigo dyes with sodium dithionite produced lots of harmful byproducts and caused environmental pollution. A new reduction method should be introduced to textile dyer so that reduction can be less hazardous with low impact on the environment and energy resources. This study investigates an alternative reducing agent obtained from natural resources. Three different types of reducing agent are used, extracted from the Date palm, Banana and Apple by boiling method. To compare their effect on the reduction of the natural indigo dyestuff, different color fastness properties, pH and the color yield (K/S) were measured according to the concentration of reducing agent and hydrated lime concentration. Outcomes show that K/S value varies with the amount of reducing agent. Average higher value shows from date palm among the three reducing agents at 25 °C & pH range 10.8–11. By using natural reducing agents, it can be possible to get satisfactory colorfastness and depth of shed compared to a synthetic reducing agent.
The different doping concentrations of lanthanum (La)-doped ZnO nanoparticles were synthesized successfully using zinc acetate and lanthanum nitrate via wet chemical method. Characterization of the prepared sample was done by standard analytical techniques such as powder x-ray diffraction analysis (P-XRD), high-resolution scanning electron microscopy (HR-SEM), energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), Fourier transformer-infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, photoluminescence (PL) and UV-Vis spectroscopy (UV-Vis), and magnetic studies (VSM). The structural analysis has been carried out by powder x-ray diffraction. X-ray diffraction studies revealed that the nanoparticles are well-crystalline and possess hexagonal wurtzite structure. HR-SEM images showed the homogenous spherical-shaped morphology of the synthesized ZnO nanoparticles. EDS analysis confirmed the presence of La ions into ZnO lattice. The band gap (Eg) energy was determined by UV-Visible spectral data, and it was found that the Eg value decreases with increasing the La concentration into ZnO lattice. PL spectra confirmed that the effective La doping enhance the UV and visible region near band gap emission. The effect of La doping on the photocatalytic activity of ZnO nanoparticles for the degradation of methylene blue dye was studied under solar illumination and the results showed that the La doping kindles appreciable degradation of MB. The optical density measurements of the ZnO nanoparticles against both gram-positive (Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus) as well as gram-negative bacteria (Proteus mirabilis, Salmonella typhi) showed better bacterial activity than pure ZnO. Moreover, it showed that higher dopant La in ZnO exhibit efficient antibacterial activity.
In this study highly efficient photocatalyst based on composite nanofibers containing polyacrylonitrile (PAN), carbon nanotubes (CNT), and surface functionalized TiO{sub 2} nanoparticles was developed. The composite nanofibers were fabricated using electrospinning technique followed by chemical crosslinking. The surface modification and morphology changes of the fabricated composite nanofibers were examined through SEM, TEM, and FTIR analysis. The photocatalytic performance of the composite nanofibers for the degradation of model molecules, methylene blue and indigo carmine, under UV irradiation in aqueous solutions was investigated. The results demonstrated that high photodegradation efficiency was obtained in a short time and at low power intensity compared to other reported studies. The effective factors on the degradation of the dyes, such as the amount of catalyst, solution pH and irradiation time were investigated. The experimental kinetic data were fitted using pseudo-first order model. The effect of the composite nanofibers as individual components on the degradation efficiency of MB and IC was evaluated in order to understand the overall photodegradation mechanism. The results obtained showed that all the components possess significant effect on the photodegradation activity of the composite nanofibers. The stability studies demonstrated that the photodegradation efficiency can remain constant at the level of 99% after five consecutive cycles. - Highlights: • Develop effective photocatalyst based on PAN–CNT/TiO{sub 2}–NH{sub 2} composite nanofibers. • High photodegradation efficiency and fast kinetics was obtained. • Regeneration of the composite nanofibers allowed the reuse of these material. • Mechanism of the photocatalytic degradation was proposed. • The flexibility of the composite nanofibers allows use in a continuous operation mode.
The dispersion-corrected density functional theory (DFT-D3) is used to investigate the mechanism of mesoporous pulp waste (MPW) and polyaniline (PANI) adsorptive removal methyl orange (MO) dye from their aqueous solutions. The results are absolutely reliable because of the sufficiently accurate method although such big systems are studied. It is demonstrated that hydrogen bond and Van Der Waals interactions play a significant role in MO adsorption by MPW and PANI. For MO adsorption by MPW, hydrogen bond and Van Der Waals interactions are both weakened in S{sub 1} state. In contrast, hydrogen bond and Van Der Waals interactions between PANI and MO are both enhanced in S{sub 1} state. The thermodynamic parameters such as enthalpy and free energy change reveal that the MO adsorption by MPW and PANI are spontaneous and exothermic. The adsorption of MO on MPW is less favorable in S{sub 1} state and the adsorption of MO on PANI is more favorable in S{sub 1} state. Therefore, the photoexcitation should be controlled during the MO adsorption by MPW and applied for MO adsorption by PANI. - Highlights: • The hydrogen bond and Van Der Waals interactions play a significant role in MO adsorption by MPW and PANI. • The influence of photoexcitation on adsorption has been studied firstly in our work. • The adsorption of MO on MPW is less favorable in S{sub 1} state and the adsorption of MO on PANI is more favorable in S{sub 1} state. • The MO adsorption by MPW and PANI are spontaneous and exothermic.
Detailed studies of junction flows in heat exchangers with an interrupted fin design are rare. However, understanding these flow structures is important for design and optimization purposes, because the thermal hydraulic performance of heat exchangers is strongly related to the flow behaviour. In this study flow visualization experiments were performed in six scaled-up models of a louvered fin round tube heat exchanger. The models have three tube rows in a staggered layout and differ only in their fin spacing and louver angle. A water tunnel was designed and built and the flow visualizations were carried out using dye injection. At low Reynolds numbers the streakline follows the tube contours, while at higher Reynolds numbers a horseshoe vortex is developed ahead of the tubes. The two resulting streamwise vortex legs are destroyed by the downstream louvers (i.e. downstream the turnaround louver), especially at higher Reynolds numbers, smaller fin pitches and larger louver angles. Increasing the fin spacing results in a larger and stronger horseshoe vortex. This illustrates that a reduction of the fin spacing results in a dissipation of vortical motion by mechanical blockage and skin friction. Furthermore it was observed that the vortex strength and number of vortices in the second tube row is larger than in the first tube row. This is due to the thicker boundary layer in the second tube row, and the flow deflection, which is typical for louvered fin heat exchangers. Visualizations at the tube-louver junction showed that in the transition part between the angled louver and the flat landing a vortex is present underneath the louver surface which propagates towards the angled louver. (author)
Core–shell type photoanode composed of electrically conducting fluorine doped tin dioxide (FTO) matrix and TiO{sub 2} shell layer was prepared and applied in dye sensitized solar cells. Effects of fluorine doping on tin dioxide based cells and precursor material on shell layer were investigated. Fluorine doped tin dioxide nanoparticles were synthesized under hydrothermal conditions and resistivity value down to 17 Ω cm was achieved. Cells constructed from FTO nanoparticles show enhanced performance compared to intrinsic SnO{sub 2}. Deposition of thin blocking TiO{sub 2} layers was conducted using ammonium hexafluorotitanate and titanium tetrachloride aqueous solutions for different dipping durations which yielded significant deviations in the layer morphology and affected cell parameters. Best results were obtained with titanium tetrachloride treated cells giving 11.51 mA/cm{sup 2} photocurrent density and they were comparable with that of pure TiO{sub 2} based cells prepared under identical conditions. - Graphical abstract: Core shell type FTO matrix was formed as TiO{sub 2} is the shell material to create a blocking layer between FTO core and the electrolyte for suppressed recombination and efficiency enhancement. Display Omitted - Highlights: • Core–shell type photoanode using conducting FTO matrix and TiO{sub 2} shell was prepared. • FTO nanoparticles having resistivity value down to 17 Ω cm was achieved. • Best cell parameters were obtained with TiCl{sub 4} treated cells. • FTO nanoparticle based cells show enhanced performance compared to intrinsic SnO{sub 2}. • Photocurrent in TiCl{sub 4} treated cells is found as comparable to pure TiO{sub 2} cell.
Graphical abstract: -- Abstract: Highly branched, jacks-like ZnO nanorods architecture were explored as a photoanode in dye-sensitized solar cells, and their photovoltaic performance was compared with that of branch-free ZnO nanorods photoanodes. The highly branched network and large pores of the jacks-like ZnO nanorods electrodes enhances the charge transport, and electrolyte penetration. Thus, the jacks-like ZnO nanorods DSSCs render a higher conversion efficiency of {eta} = 1.82% (V{sub oc} = 0.59 V, J{sub sc} = 5.52 mA cm{sup -2}) than that of the branch-free ZnO nanorods electrodes ({eta} = 1.08%, V{sub oc} = 0.49 V, J{sub sc} = 4.02 mA cm{sup -2}). The incident photon-to-current conversion efficiency measurements reveal that the jacks-like ZnO nanorods DSSCs exhibit higher internal quantum efficiency ({approx}59.1%) than do the branch-free ZnO nanorods DSSC ({approx}52.5%). The charge transfer resistances at the ZnO/dye/electrolyte interfaces investigated using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy showed that the jacks-like ZnO nanorods DSSC had high charge transfer resistance and a slightly longer electron lifetime, thus improving the solar-cell performance.
Graphical abstract: Display Omitted Highlights: ► Preparation and characterization of novel transparent nanocrystalline glass-ceramic. ► Precipitation of photoactive phases by using controlled heat-treatment. ► Conservation of transparency along with photoactivity. ► Using the prepared nanocrystalline glass-ceramic in water purification. -- Abstract: Transparent glass ceramic material was prepared from alkali-borosilicate glass containing titania by proper heat treatment scheme. The prepared samples were characterized using differential thermal analysis, X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscope, selected area electron diffraction and UV–visible spectroscopy. The applied heat treatment program allowed the crystallization of nano-crystalline anatase, rutile, barium titanate, titanium borate and silicate phases while maintaining the transparency. The precipitated nano-crystalline anatase and rutile phases were responsible for the observed high photocatalytic activity of the prepared samples. Samples of 24.29 and 32.39 TiO{sub 2} wt% showed better efficiency for the decolorization of remazole red dye compared with commercial-TiO{sub 2} used in preparation of glass-ceramic. The reuse of prepared glass-ceramic photocatalyst with nearly same efficiency for different times was also proved.