Deformation-mediated superstructures and cavitation of poly (l-lactide): In-situ small-angle X-ray scattering study

Cavitation and superstructure evolution of polymers during stretching play crucial roles to influence the mechanical properties of materials. In this study, we investigated deformation-mediated superstructures and cavitation of poly (l-lactide) (PLA) as well as their dependence on stretching temperatures by in-situ small-angle X-ray (SAXS) analysis coupled with mechanical testing. It is found that the cavitation and crystalline deformation are strongly influenced by stretching stress during deformation, which significantly depends on the stretching temperature. At lower stretching temperature (70 °C), the cavitation is initiated before the yielding and then stimulates the crystallite shearing. At higher stretching temperature (90 °C), however, the crystallites shear firstly and then crystalline deformation promotes the formation of cavities orientated along the stretching direction. High stretching temperature benefits the formation of relatively perfect crystals with high orientation. The results provide the basic knowledge of how to adjust the mechanical properties of polymer materials by controlling their superstructure in the deformation process.     

Interaction of 1-allyl-3-methyl-imidazolium chloride and carbon black and its influence on carbon black filled rubbers

The interactions of the ionic liquid 1-allyl-3-methyl-imidazolium chloride (AMIMCl) with different grades of carbon black have been investigated using rheological measurements, differential scanning calorimetry and Raman spectroscopy. We could prove strong attractive interactions of AMIMCl with the carbon black surface, which result, for example, in the formation of an AMIMCl–carbon black–bucky gel and in an increased glass transition temperature of the ionic liquid in the presence of carbon black. Raman spectroscopy revealed that the AMIMCl is preferably attached to the edges of graphitic crystals at the carbon black surface, which have the highest adsorption energies. A surface treatment of different grades of carbon black with AMIMCl led to significant changes of the mechanical and electrical properties of different rubber compounds filled with carbon black, which can be attributed to a decreased filler–polymer interaction and a local plasticising effect of the AMIMCl at the carbon black surface.     

Design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of 2-aminobenzanilide derivatives as potent and selective HDAC inhibitors

Epigenetic regulation is an essential process for the normal functioning of genes. Therefore, targeting epigenetic dysregulation in cancer may be a valid therapeutic approach for the treatment of this severe disease. Histone deacetylases (HDACs) are enzymes involved in the regulation of epigenetic post-translational modifications; because they are overexpressed in many types of cancer, HDACs are valuable targets for the development of new anticancer agents. A large series of 2-aminobenzanilides linked at the 4'-position to α-amino acid amides, arenes, and heteroarenes through a methylene bridge were designed, synthesized, and tested as novel HDAC inhibitors. Several compounds showed IC(50) values in the two-digit nanomolar range in hrHDAC1 inhibition assays, lower than that of the reference compound MS-275. They also showed interesting selectivity profiles, as confirmed by western blot assays.     

Malachite green derivatives for two-photon RNA detection

The design, preparation and characterisation of a library of malachite green (MG) derivatives for two-photon RNA labelling is described. Some of these MG derivatives exhibit an increased affinity for an MG-aptamer, as well as improved two-photon sensitivity when compared to the classical malachite green chloride. The underlying mechanisms and potential benefits for in vivo RNA visualisation are discussed.     

Experimentelle Untersuchung zur Tropfenbildung in kontinuierlich betriebenen Rotor‐Stator‐Maschinen

Rotor‐stator‐machinery is characterized in continuous operation by a homogeneous power input and a defined residence time. The influence of the equipment configuration and process design in the laminar flow regime was considered little till now. In order to fill this knowledge gap, the process behavior of this type of device was systematically investigated experimentally under axial flow conditions, as well as an energetic optimization of the machine configuration was performed.     

The Critical Role of Passive Permeability in Designing Successful Drugs

Passive permeability is a key property in drug disposition and delivery. It is critical for gastrointestinal absorption, brain penetration, renal reabsorption, defining clearance mechanisms and drug-drug interactions. Passive diffusion rate is translatable across tissues and animal species, while the extent of absorption is dependent on drug properties, as well as in vivo physiology/pathophysiology. Design principles have been developed to guide medicinal chemistry to enhance absorption, which combine the balance of aqueous solubility, permeability and the sometimes unfavorable compound characteristic demanded by the target. Permeability assays have been implemented that enable rapid development of structure-permeability relationships for absorption improvement. Future advances in assay development to reduce nonspecific binding and improve mass balance will enable more accurately measurement of passive permeability. Design principles that integrate potency, selectivity, passive permeability and other ADMET properties facilitate rapid advancement of successful drug candidates to patients.     

PET Recycling – Contributions of Crystallization to Sustainability

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is one of the most common thermoplastic polymers and its durability has become a major environmental concern. The current public debate on plastic debris also triggered the revision of PET recycling technologies. This Research Article focuses on the chemical recycling of PET by means of methanolysis. The process degrades PET into two main reaction products, dimethyl terephthalate (DMT) and ethylene glycol (EG). Subsequent separation by distillation combined with crystallization removes critical impurities and non-PET components from co-polymers, providing monomers of high purity needed for re-polymerization purposes.     

Aerobic Granular Sludge: Perspectives for Excess Sludge Management and Resource Recovery

Aerobic granular sludge (AGS) technology is gaining increasing interest globally. However, several aspects are still challenging its installation, as the integration into existing municipal wastewater treatment plants. The operation of AGS units in continuous flow mode could facilitate that integration; yet has only been experienced at lab and pilot scales. Further, handling of excess granular sludge constitutes a prominent challenge. Even that, adopting effective strategies for its management holds promising contributions to the circular economy by fostering the reuse and recovery of valuable resources. The recovery of phosphorus and alginate-like polymers holds significant commercial potential worldwide, with broad applications in agriculture, food, pharmaceuticals, and biotechnology.     

Enzymatic esterification of glycerol I. Lipase-catalyzed synthesis of regioisomerically pure 1,3-sn-diacylglycerols

Regioisomerically pure 1,3-sn-diacylglycerols are conveniently prepared in high yields (>80%) and in large quantities by enzymatic esterification of glycerol in the presence of various 1,3-selective lipases(Chromobacterium viscosum, Rhizopus delemar, Rhizomucor miehei) and a variety of different acyl donors like free fatty acids, fatty acid alkyl esters and vinyl esters. All reactions are carried out in aprotic organic solvents of low water content, namelyn-hexane, diethyl ether or tBuOMe. The creation of an artificial interphase between the solvent-immiscible hydrophilic glycerol and the hydrophobic reaction media by the adsorption of glycerol onto a solid support prior to use was essential for the success of these transformations. The effects of reaction conditions and the regioselectivities of the lipases on the product yields are described in detail.     

Aging Behavior of Propellants investigated by heat generation,stabilizer consumption,and molar mass degradation

Four double-base rocket propellants and a single-base gun propellant were tested to find out stabilizer consumption molar mass degradation, and heat generation between 50 °C and 90 °C and between 40 °C and 110 °C, respectively. Stabilizer depletion was measured by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), molar mass degradation by gel permeation chromatography (GPC), and heat generation by microcalorimetry. The conditioning times at different temperatures were determined with one of the rocket propellants, and the influence of the long-term storage on heat generation at 60 °C for 2191 dys was investigated. A correlated experiment between stabilizer consumption and heat generation showed that heat production does not increase substantially until the stabilizer has been consumed almost completely. The experimental data of molar mass degradation are described by a kinetic model based on statistical chain scission, and the stabilizer decrease by a first order reaction. For the gun propellant the Arrhenius plots of the reaction rate constants show two temperatures of teh stabilizer consumption, molar mass degradation and heat generation were determined.