Preconditioning of AISI 304 stainless steel surfaces in the presence of flavins—Part II: Effect on biofilm formation and microbially influenced corrosion processes

Biofilm formation and microbially influenced corrosion of the iron-reducing microorganism Shewanella putrefaciens were investigated on stainless steel surfaces preconditioned in the absence and presence of flavin molecules by means of XANES (X-ray absorption near-edge structure) analysis and electrochemical methods. The results indicate that biofilm formation was promoted on samples preconditioned in electrolytes containing minute amounts of flavins. On the basis of the XANES results, the corrosion processes are controlled by the iron-rich outer layer of the passive film. Biofilm formation resulted in a cathodic shift of the open circuit potential and a protective effect in terms of pitting corrosion. The samples preconditioned in the absence of flavins have shown delayed pitting and the samples preconditioned in the presence of flavins did not show any pitting in a window of −0.3- to +0.0-V overpotential in the bacterial medium. The results indicate that changes in the passive film chemistry induced by the presence of minute amounts of flavins during a mild anodic polarization can change the susceptibility of stainless steel surfaces to microbially influenced corrosion.     

Electrosynthesis of hierarchical Cu2O–Cu(OH)2 nanodendrites supported on carbon nanofibers/poly(para-phenylenediamine) nanocomposite as high-efficiency catalysts for methanol electrooxidation

The development of highly efficient catalysts using inexpensive and earth-abundant metals is a crucial factor in a large-scale commercialization of direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs). In this study, we explored a new catalyst based on copper nanodendrites (CuNDs) supported on carbon nanofibers/poly (para-phenylenediamine) (CNF/PpPD) nanocomposite for methanol oxidation reaction (MOR). The catalyst support was prepared on a carbon paste electrode by electropolymerization of para-phenylenediamine monomer on a drop-cast carbon nanofibers network. Afterwards, CuNDs were electrodeposited on the nanocomposite through a potentiostatic method. The morphology and the structure of the prepared nanomaterials were characterized by transmission electron microscope, scanning electron microscope, energy dispersive X-ray, X-ray diffraction, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscope. The results suggested that a three-dimensional nanodendritic structure consisting of Cu₂O and Cu(OH)₂ formed on the hybrid CNF/PpPD nanocomposite. The catalytic performance of CuNDs supported on CNF, PpPD and CNF/PpPD was evaluated for MOR under alkaline conditions. The CNF/PpPD/CuNDs exhibits a highest activity (50 mA cm^?2) and stability toward MOR over 6 h, with respect to CNF/CuNDs (40 mA cm^?2) and PpPD/CuNDs (36 mA cm^?2). This inexpensive catalyst with high catalytic activity and stability is a promising anode catalyst for alkaline DMFC applications.     

Functional and textural properties of vegetable‐fibre enriched yoghurt

In this study, different vegetable‐fibre enriched yoghurts namely control (C), pumpkin (PY), carrot (CY), green pea (GY) and zucchini (ZY), were produced. It was observed that Streptococcus thermophilus and Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus counts were higher in yoghurts supplemented with vegetable purees, in accordance with the enhanced growth of lactic acid bacteria due to the fibres, phenolic compounds and organic acids present in the vegetables. Furthermore, vegetable puree supplementation affected the pH, titratable acidity, syneresis, colour (L*, a*, b*, ΔE values), texture (firmness, cohesiveness, consistency and viscosity index) and sensorial properties of the yoghurts. Firmness, consistency and viscosity indices were higher in the yoghurt produced with carrot puree, whereas the highest antioxidant capacity was detected in the pumpkin yoghurt, which corresponded to the highest total phenolic, ascorbic acid and total carotenoid contents. The results of the present study could lead to an innovative approach in the functional dairy product market for the development of dairy products enriched with vegetables that have nutritional and potential therapeutic characteristics.     

Improving ultraviolet light photocatalytic activity of polyaniline/silicon carbide composites by Fe-doping

It was aimed to prepare polyaniline (Pani) composites, including silicon carbide (SiC) nanofibers doped with iron (Fe) ions. The Fe-doping of SiC was performed to enhance the photocatalytic activity of the composites through the separation of photoexcited mobile charge carriers. For comparison purposes, Pani composites were also prepared with undoped SiC nanofibers. The composite samples were characterized by FTIR, XRD, SEM, EDX, and UV–Vis spectroscopies. Experiments on photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue under ultraviolet light irradiation revealed that Pani/SiC-Fe composites exhibited higher photocatalytic activity when compared with Pani/SiC composites. Almost 22% dye removal was obtained within 300 min with the Pani composite, containing 15 wt.% SiC-Fe. FTIR, XRD, SEM, EDX, and UV–Vis spectroscopies demonstrated that SiC nanofibers were successfully doped with iron ions and incorporated into the polyaniline matrix. The original aspect of this study was to research the photocatalytic activity of polyaniline composites containing Fe-doped SiC nanofibers. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2020 , 137, 48524.     

Usage of bioactivated PCL nanofiber as a fluoxetine capturing matrix in milk

ABSTRACT

In this study, for the first time, polycaprolactone (PCL) nanofiber matrix was bioactivated for the removal of fluoxetine from milk. Bioactivated nanofiber was prepared by immobilizing fluoxetine antibody on PCL nanofiber matrix. The fluoxetine removal efficiency of bioactivated nanofiber in milk was found to be approximately 93.6%. This removal did not significantly change the biochemical composition of milk. In conclusion, as a novel product, bioactivated nanofibrous PCL matrix can be used for the removal of drugs or unwanted chemicals from breast milk or from other fluids.