Oxygen Impurity-Tuned Structure and Adhesion Properties of the Cu/SiO2 Interface

The properties of the Cu/SiO2 interface usually deteriorate in the complex atmospheric environment, which may limit its performance and application in the engineering. Using the reactive molecular dynamics method, we investigate how the mechanical behaviors of the Cu/SiO2 interface change as it interacts with oxygen impurities. The interfacial oxidation degree could be enhanced as O2 penetrates into the interface area. This makes the interfacial structure disordered and is not conducive to the survival of Cu-O-Si bondings, which reduces the tensile and shear strengths of the interface. To improve the abrupt bonding property change at the interface and modify the interfacial adhesion properties, O impurities are introduced at the Cu interstitial sites near the interface. By doing so, the interface strength can be significantly enhanced due to the production of typical O-Cu-O bondings while the regular interfacial structure is retained. Meanwhile, the interfacial oxidation also changes the tensile failure site and shearing sliding mode of the interface, i.e., from inside the oxide to between oxide and Cu. The findings of this work may not only advance the understanding of interaction mechanism between oxygen impurities and the Cu/SiO2 interface but also provide new insights into optimizing the bonding properties of the metal/oxide interface.

Phase-Pure α-FAPbI3 Perovskite Solar Cells via Activating Lead-Iodine Frameworks

Narrow bandgap cubic formamidine perovskite (α-FAPbI3 ) is widely studied for its potential to achieve record-breaking efficiency. However, its high preparation difficulty caused by lattice instability is criticized. A popular strategy for stabilizing the α-FAPbI3 lattice is to replace intrinsic FA+ or I- with smaller ions of MA+ , Cs+ , Rb+ , and Br- , whereas this generally leads to broadened optical bandgap and phase separation. Studies show that ions substitution-free phase-pure α-FAPbI3 can achieve intrinsic phase stability. However, the challenging preparation of high-quality films has hindered its further development. Here, a facile synthesis of high-quality MA+ , Cs+ , Rb+ , and Br- -free phase-pure α-FAPbI3 perovskite film by a new solution modification strategy is reported. This enables the activation of lead-iodine (Pb─I) frameworks by forming the coated Pb⋯O network, thus simultaneously promoting spontaneous homogeneous nucleation and rapid phase transition from δ to α phase. As a result, the efficient and stable phase-pure α-FAPbI3 PSC is obtained through a one-step method without antisolvent treatment, with a record efficiency of 23.15% and excellent long-term operating stability for 500 h under continuous light stress.

Elucidation of Chemical Interactions between Crude Drugs Using Quantitative Thin-Layer Chromatography Analysis

To elucidate the interactions between crude drugs in Kampo medicines (traditional Japanese medicines), it is important to determine the content of the constituents in a cost-effective and simple manner. In this study, we quantified the constituents in crude drug extracts using thin-layer chromatography (TLC), an inexpensive and simple analytical method, to elucidate the chemical interactions between crude drugs. We focused on five crude drugs, for which quantitative high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) methods are stipulated in the Japanese Pharmacopoeia XVIII (JP XVIII) and compared the analytical data of HPLC and TLC, confirming that the TLC results corresponded with the HPLC data and satisfied the criteria of JP XVIII. (Z)-ligustilide, a major constituent in Japanese Angelica Root, for which a method of quantification has not been stipulated in JP XVIII, was also quantitatively analyzed using HPLC and TLC. Furthermore, Japanese Angelica Root was combined with 26 crude drugs to observe the variation in the (Z)-ligustilide content from each combination by TLC. The results revealed that combinations with Phellodendron Bark, Citrus Unshiu Peel, Scutellaria Root, Coptis Rhizome, Gardenia Fruit, and Peony Root increased the (Z)-ligustilide content. Quantifying the constituents in crude drug extracts using the inexpensive and simple TLC method can contribute to elucidating interactions between crude drugs in Kampo medicines, as proposed by the herbal-pair theory.

Hydrogels Classification According to the Physical or Chemical Interactions and as Stimuli-Sensitive Materials

Hydrogels are attractive biomaterials with favorable characteristics due to their water uptake capacity. However, hydrogel properties are determined by the cross-linking degree and nature, the tacticity, and the crystallinity of the polymer. These biomaterials can be sorted out according to the internal structure and by their response to external factors. In this case, the internal interaction can be reversible when the internal chains are led by physicochemical interactions. These physical hydrogels can be synthesized through several techniques such as crystallization, amphiphilic copolymers, charge interactions, hydrogen bonds, stereo-complexing, and protein interactions. In contrast, the internal interaction can be irreversible through covalent cross-linking. Synthesized hydrogels by chemical interactions present a high cross-linking density and are employed using graft copolymerization, reactive functional groups, and enzymatic methods. Moreover, specific smart hydrogels have also been denoted by their external response, pH, temperature, electric, light, and enzyme. This review deeply details the type of hydrogel, either the internal structure or the external response. Furthermore, we detail some of the main applications of these hydrogels in the biomedicine field, such as drug delivery systems, scaffolds for tissue engineering, actuators, biosensors, and many other applications.

Impact of Ionic Liquids on Effectiveness of Tuning the Emissivity of Multilayer Graphene

Multilayer graphene has been employed as a functional material for tuning the emissivity in mid- and long-infrared range, which shows great potential for various applications, such as radiative cooling and thermal camouflage. However, the stability of the multilayer graphene is not sufficient for practical applications yet. Even though it is reported that the integrity of the multilayer graphene is compromised by ion intercalation, the detailed mechanism is rather unclear. Here, a set of ionic liquids is deployed as sources of electronic charges for tuning the emissivity of multilayer graphene. It is found that the emissivity modulator using 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium bis[(trifluoromethyl)sulfonyl]imide ([EMIm]NTf₂) as the ionic liquid provides a modulation depth of about 0.52 (i.e., about 21% larger than the best-reported value) while maintaining a reasonable device lifetime. The microscopic structures of the multilayer graphene in an operational and failure modulator are investigated by scanning electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction. The results indicate that the modulation depth of emissivity is negatively correlated with the initial voltage, which represents the reaction potential between the ionic liquid and graphene. Furthermore, not only the chemical reactivity but also the size of both anion and cation in the ionic liquids play important roles in maintaining stability of the modulator. Therefore, a set of criteria (e.g., low initial voltage and small size of anion and cation) is proposed to select proper ionic liquids for emissivity modulation. This not only sheds light on the underlying physics of the modulator but also promotes its practical applications.

The BioGRID database: A comprehensive biomedical resource of curated protein, genetic, and chemical interactions

The BioGRID (Biological General Repository for Interaction Datasets, thebiogrid.org) is an open-access database resource that houses manually curated protein and genetic interactions from multiple species including yeast, worm, fly, mouse, and human. The ~1.93 million curated interactions in BioGRID can be used to build complex networks to facilitate biomedical discoveries, particularly as related to human health and disease. All BioGRID content is curated from primary experimental evidence in the biomedical literature, and includes both focused low-throughput studies and large high-throughput datasets. BioGRID also captures protein post-translational modifications and protein or gene interactions with bioactive small molecules including many known drugs. A built-in network visualization tool combines all annotations and allows users to generate network graphs of protein, genetic and chemical interactions. In addition to general curation across species, BioGRID undertakes themed curation projects in specific aspects of cellular regulation, for example the ubiquitin-proteasome system, as well as specific disease areas, such as for the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19 severe acute respiratory syndrome. A recent extension of BioGRID, named the Open Repository of CRISPR Screens (ORCS, orcs.thebiogrid.org), captures single mutant phenotypes and genetic interactions from published high throughput genome-wide CRISPR/Cas9-based genetic screens. BioGRID-ORCS contains datasets for over 1,042 CRISPR screens carried out to date in human, mouse and fly cell lines. The biomedical research community can freely access all BioGRID data through the web interface, standardized file downloads, or via model organism databases and partner meta-databases.

Peptide-Mineral Complexes: Understanding Their Chemical Interactions, Bioavailability, and Potential Application in Mitigating Micronutrient Deficiency

Iron, zinc, and calcium are essential micronutrients that play vital biological roles to maintain human health. Thus, their deficiencies are a public health concern worldwide. Mitigation of these deficiencies involves micronutrient fortification of staple foods, a strategy that can alter the physical and sensory properties of foods. Peptide-mineral complexes have been identified as promising alternatives for mineral-fortified functional foods or mineral supplements. This review outlines some of the methods used in the determination of the mineral chelating activities of food protein-derived peptides and the approaches for the preparation, purification and identification of mineral-binding peptides. The structure-activity relationship of mineral-binding peptides and the potential use of peptide-mineral complexes as functional food ingredients to mitigate micronutrient deficiency are discussed in relation to their chemical interactions, solubility, gastrointestinal digestion, absorption, and bioavailability. Finally, insights on the current challenges and future research directions in this area are provided.

Facile synthesis and application of cellulosic coagulant from banana peels in cadmium-spiked water

Cellulosic coagulant with low crystallinity and surface charge of -19.2 mV were extracted from wet banana peels (WBE) using kitchen-blending method. Functionalization with ferric chloride and aluminium chloride yielded higher surface charge of -23.8 mV (mWBE). Both WBE and mWBE coagulants were used to target cadmium ions from aqueous solution. Coagulants and the floccules (WBEA and mWBEA) were characterized by XRD, FT-IR, zeta sizer nano series, and SEM/EDs. The amount of cadmium ion coagulated was determined using ICP-OES. The FTIR analysis revealed the functional groups involved in the coordination and subsequent removal of the metals ions around 1634 cm-1, ascribed to the C = O vibrational band of carbonyl group. Microscopic analysis revealed that the mWBE is porous and exhibited microfibers with rod-like morphology. The effects of parameters such as the initial concentration, coagulant dosage and solution pH were investigated. Coagulation results showed that 10 mg of WBE and mWBE could remove about 80% and 90% of the Cd2+ ions respectively. However; the difference in the performance of both materials does not justify the essence of surface modification. Therefore, WBE is considered more efficient and environmentally friendly. Notwithstanding, the performance of these coagulants in real environmental samples will confirm their robustness.

Exploring the Chemical Interaction between Diiodooctane and PEDOT-PSS Electrode for Metal Electrode-Free Nonfullerene Organic Solar Cells

Metal electrode-free organic solar cells with a printable top electrode are attractive in realizing the low cost of photovoltaics. Interaction between the printable electrode and the active layer is critical to the device performance. In this work, we report the chemical interaction between the printable polymer electrode poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) and the typically used additive of 1,8-dioodooctane (DIO) in the active layer. DIO can be converted to hydrogen iodide (HI) under the acidic condition of PEDOT:PSS, and the HI chemically reduces the PEDOT:PSS with the appearance of an absorbance band at 800-1100 nm. The generation of I₂ is verified by the color change of starch. The reaction results in a decrease of its work function that hinders efficient hole collection. A strategy is proposed to circumvent the detrimental interaction by inserting an ultrathin (15 nm) active layer without DIO between the initial active layer and the PEDOT:PSS electrode. A power conversion efficiency of 10.1% is achieved for the metal electrode-free nonfullerene organic solar cells.

Carbon-Coated MoSe2/MXene Hybrid Nanosheets for Superior Potassium Storage

Potassium-ion batteries (PIBs) are attracting intensive interest for large-scale applications due to the high natural abundance of potassium sources. However, the large radius of K⁺ makes it difficult for electrode materials to accommodate the repeated K⁺ insertion and extraction. Thus, developing high-performance electrode materials for PIBs remains a great challenge. Herein, we present the rational design and fabrication of hierarchical carbon-coated MoSe₂/MXene hybrid nanosheets (MoSe₂/MXene@C) as a superior anode material for PIBs. Specifically, the highly conductive MXene substrate can effectively relieve the aggregation of MoSe₂ nanosheets and improve the electronic conductivity. Moreover, the carbon layer enables us to reinforce the composite structure and further enhance the overall conductivity of the hybrid nanosheets. Meanwhile, strong chemical interactions are found at the interface of MoSe₂ nanosheets and MXene flakes, contributing to promoting the charge-transfer kinetics and improving the structural durability. Consequently, as an anode material for PIBs, the resulting MoSe₂/MXene@C achieves a high reversible capacity of 355 mA h g^-1 at 200 mA g^-1 after 100 cycles and an outstanding rate performance with 183 mA h g^-1 at 10.0 A g^-1. The presented design strategy holds great promise for developing more-efficient electrode materials for PIBs.

Inhibitory effect of chitooligosaccharides on retinol metabolism and bioavailability in mice

This study investigated the intervention effects of chitooligosaccharides (COS) on retinol metabolism and included comparisons of the retinol level, retinol binding protein 4 (RBP4) content, key genes, and protein expression between mice on a COS-enriched diet and a normal diet. The results showed that COS markedly decreased the retinol and RBP4 concentrations in the serum and liver. Furthermore, COS suppressed the mRNA and protein expression of RBP4, cellular retinol binding protein 1 (CRBP1), lecithin: retinol acyltransferase (LRAT) and cytochrome P45026A1 (CYP26A1). In addition, COS inhibited the mRNA expression of stimulated by retinoic acid 6 (STRA6). However, the protein expression of STRA6 was not significantly decreased. Thus, COS reduced the retinol concentration in the serum and disrupted the metabolism of retinol. The intervention mechanism of COS on retinol metabolism may be attributed to the modulation of RBP4, CRBP1, LRAT, STRA6, and CYP26A1 expression at the mRNA and protein levels. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Chitooligosaccharides (COS), known to be the degradation products of chitosan, have been found to induce pinkeye in industrial workers who participate in the manufacturing of COS. Meanwhile, 5% population with COS dietary supplement also have similar phenomenon. The aim of this study is to explore the possible mechanism underlay of this potential risk. The results of this study showed that high exposure to COS during manufacture influences retinol metabolism and leads to a decrease in retinol content, ultimately causing pinkeye. These findings provide new evidence for understanding COS-induced retinol metabolism alteration and drawing attention toward the prevention of potential risk in high-exposure populations.

Insight of Enhanced Redox Chemistry for Porous MoO2 Carbon-Derived Framework as Polysulfide Reservoir in Lithium-Sulfur Batteries

As a promising energy-storage system, lithium-sulfur batteries (LSBs) with a high energy density suffer from the polysulfide shuttle effect and sluggish reaction kinetics, which have been studied for a few decades. Incorporation of polar metal oxides is an efficient addition for LSBs to suppress the dissolution of soluble polysulfides, increase the utilization of sulfur, and improve cycling stability. Herein, a model (MoO₂/C-NCs) based on a porous octahedral carbon framework decorated with MoO₂ nanoparticles (MoO₂ NPs) as a sulfur host is proposed. Adsorption experiments of lithium polysulfides (LiPSs) to MoO₂/C-NCs and cyclic voltammetry analysis showed that the MoO₂ NPs facilitate interfacial charge transfer and provide numerous active sites for the electrochemical redox reactions of LiPSs. Density functional theory calculations further reveal that LiPSs are diffused and strongly adsorbed on the surface of MoO₂ NPs because of the powerful van der Waals forces via Mo-S and Li-O bonds, which helps achieve a stable long-term cycling performance. As a result, the fabricated LSBs display a high initial specific capacity of 1317 mA h g^-1 at 0.2C and a promising capacity of 602 mA h g^-1 and a capacity retention of 65.6% at 1C when proceeding to 500 cycles.

Polyiodide-Shuttle Restricting Polymer Cathode for Rechargeable Lithium/Iodine Battery with Ultralong Cycle Life

Rechargeable lithium/iodine (Li/I₂) batteries have attracted much attention because of their high gravimetric/volumetric energy densities, natural abundance and low cost. However, problems of the system, such as highly unstable iodine species under high temperature, their subsequent dissolution in electrolyte and continually reacting with lithium anode prevent the practical use of rechargeable Li/I₂ cells. A polymer-iodine composite (polyvinylpyrrolidone-iodine) with high thermostability is employed as cathode material in rechargeable Li/I₂ battery with an organic electrolyte. Because of the chemical interaction between polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and polyiodide, most of the polyiodide in the cathode could be effectively trapped during charging/discharging. In-situ Raman observation revealed the evolution of iodine species in this system could be controlled during the process of I₅^- ↔ I₃^- ↔ I^-. Herein, the Li/I₂ battery delivered a high discharge capacity of 278 mAh g^-1 at 0.2 C and exhibited a very low capacity decay rate of 0.019% per cycle for prolonged 1100 charge/discharge cycles at 2 C. More importantly, a high areal capacity of 4.1 mAh cm^-2 was achieved for the electrode with high iodine loading of 21.2 mg cm^-2. This work may inspire new approach to design the Li/I₂ (or Li/polyiodide) system with long cycle life.

Chemical interaction between Lilium brownii and Rhizoma Anemarrhenae, the herbal constituents of Baihe Zhimu decoction, by liquid chromatography coupled to hybrid triple quadrupole linear ion trap mass spectrometer

During the course of decoction, the components of herbal formula interact with each other, such that chemical extraction characteristics are altered. The crude drugs, Lilium brownii (Baihe) and Rhizoma Anemarrhenae (Zhimu), are the herbal constituents of Baihe Zhimu decoction, a traditional herbal formula. To investigate the chemical interaction between Baihe and Zhimu when decocting together, eight marker components in Baihe Zhimu decoction were simultaneously characterized and quantified in one run by a hybrid triple quadrupole linear ion trap mass spectrometer in the multiple reactions monitoring-information dependent acquisition-enhanced product ion mode. The results showed that Zhimu significantly suppressed the extraction of phenolic glycosides (the components from Baihe) when co-decocting, and Baihe clearly suppressed the extraction of xanthones and steroidal saponins (the components from Zhimu). Overall, the presently developed method would be a preferred candidate for the investigation of the chemical interaction between herbal medicines.

A Praline-Like Flexible Interlayer with Highly Mounted Polysulfide Anchors for Lithium-Sulfur Batteries

The development of lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries is dogged by the rapid capacity decay arising from polysulfide dissolution and diffusion in organic electrolytes. To solve this critical issue, a praline-like flexible interlayer consisting of high-loading titanium oxide (TiO₂ ) nanoparticles and relatively long carbon nanofibers is fabricated. TiO₂ nanoparticles with a size gradient occupy both the external and internal of carbon fiber and serve as anchors that allow the chemical adsorption of polysulfides through a conductive nanoarchitecture. The porous conductive carbon backbone helps in the physical absorption of polysulfides and provides redox reaction sites to allow the polysulfides to be reused. More importantly, it offers enough mechanical strength to support a high load TiO₂ nanoparticle (79 wt%) that maximizes their chemical role, and can accommodate the large volume changes. Significant enhancement in cycle stability and rate capability is achieved for a readily available sulfur/multi-walled carbon nanotube composite cathode simply by incorporating this hierarchically nanostructured interlayer. The design and synthesis of interlayers by in situ integration of metal oxides and carbon fibers via a simple route offers the potential to advance Li-S batteries for practical applications in the future.

SnS2- Compared to SnO2-Stabilized S/C Composites toward High-Performance Lithium Sulfur Batteries

The common sulfur/carbon (S/C) composite cathodes in lithium sulfur batteries suffer gradual capacity fading over long-term cycling incurred by the poor physical confinement of sulfur in a nonpolar carbon host. In this work, these issues are significantly relieved by introducing polar SnO2 or SnS2 species into the S/C composite. SnO2- or SnS2-stabilized sulfur in porous carbon composites (SnO2/S/C and SnS2/S/C) have been obtained through a baked-in-salt or sealed-in-vessel approach at 245 °C, starting from metallic tin (mp 231.89 °C), excess sulfur, and porous carbon. Both of the in situ-formed SnO2 and SnS2 in the two composites could ensure chemical interaction with lithium polysulfide (LiPS) intermediates proven by theoretical calculation. Compared to SnO2/S/C, the SnS2/S/C sample affords a more appropriate binding effect and shows lower charge transfer resistance, which is important for the efficient redox reaction of the adsorbed LiPS intermediates during cycling. When used as cathodes for Li-S batteries, the SnS2/S/C composite with sulfur loading of 78 wt % exhibits superior electrochemical performance. It delivers reversible capacities of 780 mAh g(-1) after 300 cycles at 0.5 C. When further coupled with a Ge/C anode, the full cell also shows good cycling stability and efficiency.

Tobacco Rotated with Rapeseed for Soil-Borne Phytophthora Pathogen Biocontrol: Mediated by Rapeseed Root Exudates

Black shank, caused by Phytophthora parasitica var. nicotianae, is a widespread and destructive disease of tobacco. Crop rotation is essential in controlling black shank. Here, we confirmed that rotating black shank-infested fields with rapeseed (Brassica napus) suppressed the incidence this disease. Further study demonstrated that rapeseed roots have a strong ability to attract zoospores and subsequently stop the swimming of zoospores into cystospores. Then, rapeseed roots secrete a series of antimicrobial compounds, including 2-butenoic acid, benzothiazole, 2-(methylthio)benzothiazole, 1-(4-ethylphenyl)-ethanone, and 4-methoxyindole, to inhibit the cystospore germination and mycelial growth of P. parasitica var. nicotianae. Thus, rapeseed rotated with tobacco suppresses tobacco black shank disease through the chemical weapons secreted by rapeseed roots.

Analysis and prediction of drug-drug interaction by minimum redundancy maximum relevance and incremental feature selection

Drug-drug interaction (DDI) defines a situation in which one drug affects the activity of another when both are administered together. DDI is a common cause of adverse drug reactions and sometimes also leads to improved therapeutic effects. Therefore, it is of great interest to discover novel DDIs according to their molecular properties and mechanisms in a robust and rigorous way. This paper attempts to predict effective DDIs using the following properties: (1) chemical interaction between drugs; (2) protein interactions between the targets of drugs; and (3) target enrichment of KEGG pathways. The data consisted of 7323 pairs of DDIs collected from the DrugBank and 36,615 pairs of drugs constructed by randomly combining two drugs. Each drug pair was represented by 465 features derived from the aforementioned three categories of properties. The random forest algorithm was adopted to train the prediction model. Some feature selection techniques, including minimum redundancy maximum relevance and incremental feature selection, were used to extract key features as the optimal input for the prediction model. The extracted key features may help to gain insights into the mechanisms of DDIs and provide some guidelines for the relevant clinical medication developments, and the prediction model can give new clues for identification of novel DDIs.

The chemical cross talk between rice and barnyardgrass

The chemical cross talk between rice and barnyardgrass which is one of the most noxious weeds in rice cultivation was investigated. Allelopathic activity of rice was increased by the presence of barnyardgrass seedlings or barnyardgrass root exudates. Rice allelochemical, momilactone B, concentration in rice seedlings and momilactone B secretion level from rice were also increased by the presence of barnyardgrass seedlings or barnyardgrass root exudates. As momilactone B possesses strong growth inhibitory activity and acts as an allelochemical, barnyardgrass-induced rice allelopathy may be due to the increased momilactone B secretion. These results suggest that rice may response to the presence of neighboring barnyardgrass by sensing the chemical components in barnyardgrass root exudates and increase allelopathic activity by elevated production and secretion levels of momilactone B. Thus, rice allelopathy may be one of the inducible defense mechanisms by chemical-mediated plant interaction between rice and barnyardgrass and the induced-allelopathy may provide a competitive advantage for rice through suppression of the growth of barnyardgrass.