Protein adsorption separation using glass fiber membranes modified with short-chain organosilicon derivatives

Preparation of hydrophobic layered double hydroxide-based composite pigments via octyltriethoxysilane surface modification for cosmetic applications

Pigments play a pivotal role in the cosmetic industry, in which the development of pigments with concurrent color diversity, hydrophobicity, biocompatibility and photostability remains a great challenge. Herein, we report organic-inorganic composite pigments synthesized via a combination of organic dye anions (Ponceau SX and acid green (AG)), layered double hydroxides (LDHs) and octyltriethoxysilane (OTEOS) (denoted as O/Dye-LDHs: O/SX-LDHs and O/AG-LDHs).The prepared composite pigments were characterized via a comprehensive investigation based on X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS-mapping), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, CIE 1976 L*a*b* color scales, static contact angle measurement and HET-CAM assay. The results confirm the successful intercalation of organic dye anions into the interlayer region of LDHs via host-guest interactions and the surface modification of OTEOS on the layer surface, forming a new kind of hydrophobic organic-inorganic composite pigment with a sandwich structure. LDH layer protection and OTEOS coating play crucial roles in the high photostability, good hydrophobicity and satisfactory biocompatibility of pigments. In addition, O/Dye-LDHs exhibit rich color and color adjustability. Impressively, we applied mixture composite pigments with different O/SX-LDH-to-O/AG-LDH ratios to formulate an eye shadow cream, which present a series of popular and natural colours with water resistance to enhance one's attractiveness and appearance. This work provides a promising strategy for the design of safe and efficient composite pigments, demonstrating their potential application in the field of makeup.

Recent Progress in Modifications, Properties, and Practical Applications of Glass Fiber

As a new member of the silica-derivative family, modified glass fiber (MGF) has attracted extensive attention because of its excellent properties and potential applications. Surface modification of glass fiber (GF) greatly changes its performance, resulting in a series of changes to its surface structure, wettability, electrical properties, mechanical properties, and stability. This article summarizes the latest research progress in MGF, including the different modification methods, the various properties, and their advanced applications in different fields. Finally, the challenges and possible solutions were provided for future investigations of MGF.

Superhydrophobic Glass Microfiber Filter as Background-Free Substrate for Quantitative Fluorometric Assays

We have discovered herein that commonly used laboratory glass microfiber filters can be functionalized as background-free superhydrophobic substrates for quantitative fluorometric assays. In particular, glass microfiber filters (Whatman GF/A) can be treated with low-concentration (20 mM) methyltrichlorosilane/toluene solution to be superhydrophobic (water contact angle >150°) in less than 5 min; the modified glass microfiber filter can be readily patterned with UV/ozone irradiation to create hydrophilic reaction zones on the otherwise superhydrophobic substrate. Compared with traditional cellulose filter paper, the glass microfiber filter has extremely low fluorescence background, which makes it an excellent substrate for preparing quantitative fluorometric assays. In conjunction with smartphone imaging and color analysis, we have showcased a copper(I)-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC)-based fluorometric assay for copper quantitation on these patterned, superhydrophobic glass microfiber filter substrates. Both the limit of detection and linear response range are comparable with the standard spectrophotometric quantitation in solution and commercial copper detection kits, which augments the application potential of superhydrophobic glass microfiber filters as ideal (e.g., background-free) substrates for the preparation of multiplex microassays and other advanced microanalytical devices based on fluorescence readout.

Novel affinity membranes with macrocyclic spacer arms synthesized via click chemistry for lysozyme binding

Affinity membrane has great potential for applications in bioseparation and purification. Disclosed herein is the design of a novel affinity membrane with macrocyclic spacer arms for lysozyme binding. The clickable azide-cyclodextrin (CD) arms and clickable alkyne ethylene-vinyl alcohol (EVAL) chains are designed and prepared. By the azide-alkyne click reaction, the EVAL-CD-ligands affinity membranes with CD spacer arms in three-dimensional micro channels have been successfully fabricated. The FT-IR, XPS, NMR, SEM and SEM-EDS results give detailed information of structure evolution. The abundant pores in membrane matrix provide efficient working channels, and the introduced CD arms with ligands (affinity sites) provide supramolecular atmosphere. Compared with that of raw EVAL membrane, the adsorption capacity of EVAL-CD-ligands membrane (26.24mg/g) show a triple increase. The study indicates that three effects (inducing effect, arm effect, site effect) from CD arms render the enhanced performance. The click reaction happened in membrane matrix in bulk. The effective lysozyme binding and higher adsorption performance of affinity membranes described herein compared with other reported membranes are markedly related with the proposed strategy involving macrocyclic spacer arms and supramolecular working channels.

Separation Strategies for Processing of Dilute Liquid Streams

Processing of dilute liquid streams in the industries like food, agro-, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, environment, and so forth needs special strategy for the separation and purification of the desired product and for environment friendly disposal of the waste stream. The separation strategy adopted to achieve the goal is extremely important from economic as well as from environmental point of view. In the present paper we have reviewed the various aspects of some selected universal separation strategies such as adsorption, membrane separation, electrophoresis, chromatographic separation, and electroosmosis that are exercised for processing of dilute liquid streams.