Simplified Synthesis of the Amine-Functionalized Magnesium Ferrite Magnetic Nanoparticles and Their Application in DNA Purification Method

For pathogens identification, the PCR test is a widely used method, which requires the isolation of nucleic acids from different samples. This extraction can be based on the principle of magnetic separation. In our work, amine-functionalized magnesium ferrite nanoparticles were synthesized for this application by the coprecipitation of ethanolamine in ethylene glycol from Mg(II) and Fe(II) precursors. The conventional synthesis method involves a reaction time of 12 h (MgFe2O4-H&R MNP); however, in our modified method, the reaction time could be significantly reduced to only 4 min by microwave-assisted synthesis (MgFe2O4-MW MNP). A comparison was made between the amine-functionalized MgFe2O4 samples prepared by two methods in terms of the DNA-binding capacity. The experimental results showed that the two types of amine-functionalized magnesium ferrite magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) were equally effective in terms of their DNA extraction yield. Moreover, by using a few minutes-long microwave synthesis, we obtained the same quality magnesium ferrite particles as those made through the long and energy-intensive 12-h production method. This advancement has the potential to improve and expedite pathogen identification processes, helping to better prevent the spread of epidemics.

Chemical similarity of dialkyl carbonates and carbon dioxide opens an avenue for novel greenhouse gas scavengers: cheap recycling and low volatility via experiments and simulations

Global warming linked to the industrial emissions of greenhouse gases may be the end of mankind unless it is adequately and timely handled. To prevent irreversible changes to the climate of the Earth, numerous research groups are striving to develop robust CO₂ sorbents. Dialkyl carbonates (DACs) and CO₂ exhibit obvious chemical similarities in their structure and properties. The degrees of oxidation of all atoms composing DACs and CO₂ are identical resulting in very similar nucleophilicities and electrophilicities of all interaction centers. While both compounds possess relatively high partial atomic charges on their polar moieties, the molecular geometries prevent tight binding of the head groups. The computed DAC-DAC binding energies are ∼40 kJ mol^-1, whereas the effect of the alkyl chain length is marginal. The phase transition points and shear viscosities of DACs are very low. We herein hypothesize and numerically rationalize that DACs represent noteworthy physical sorbents for CO₂ thanks to the similar sorbent-CO₂ and sorbent-sorbent interaction energies. By reporting in silico-derived sorption thermodynamics at various conditions, spectral and structural properties, and experimentally derived CO₂ capacities and recyclabilities, we highlight the mutual affinity of DACs and CO₂. Indeed, the experimentally determined CO₂ sorption capacity of 0.88 mol% (diethyl carbonate) at 278.15 K and 30 bar is competitive. The unprecedentedly low DAC-CO₂ binding energies, ∼14 kJ mol^-1, suggest a low-cost desorption process and outstanding recyclability of the sorbent. We also note that DACs possessing long alkyl chains (butyl, hexyl, octyl) exhibit negligible volatilities, while preserving the liquid aggregate state over a practically important temperature range. The reported results may foster the development of a new class of CO₂ scavengers with possibly quite peculiar characteristics.