The sluggish progress of battery technologies has drastically hindered the rapid development of electric vehicles and next-generation portable electronics. The lithium (Li) metal anode is critical to break the energy-density bottleneck of current Li-ion chemistry. After being intensively studied in recent years, the Li-metal field has developed new understanding and made unprecedented progress in preventing Li-dendrite growth and improving Coulombic efficiency, especially through development of advanced electrolytes and novel analytical tools. In this Opinion, we revisit the controversial issues surrounding Li metal as an anode based upon recent advances, revealing the underlying cause of Li-metal failure and the true role of ‘solid electrolyte interphase' in Li-metal anodes. Finally, we propose future directions that must be taken in order for Li-metal batteries to become commercially viable.
Acoustic microfluidic devices are powerful tools that use sound waves to manipulate micro- or nanoscale objects or fluids in analytical chemistry and biomedicine. Their simple device designs, biocompatible and contactless operation, and label-free nature are all characteristics that make acoustic microfluidic devices ideal platforms for fundamental research, diagnostics, and therapeutics. Herein, we summarize the physical principles underlying acoustic microfluidics and review their applications, with particular emphasis on the manipulation of macromolecules, cells, particles, model organisms, and fluidic flows. We also present future goals of this technology in analytical chemistry and biomedical research, as well as challenges and opportunities.
Matteo Piscitelli, Diellza Bajrami, Cinzia Di Franco
et al.
Abstract Physisorption of antibodies onto surfaces is a low‐cost, rapid, and effective approach for immobilizing bioreceptors in applications such as bioelectronic sensors. However, there is a prevailing notion that physisorbed protein layers lack structural order, thus potentially compromising their stability and sensitivity compared to antibody films that are covalently attached to the substrate surface. This study demonstrates the preferential orientation of β‐sheets within the secondary structure of protein layers, specifically anti‐immunoglobulin G (anti‐IgG) and bovine serum albumin (BSA), when physisorbed onto gold (Au) thin films. Using polarization modulation infrared reflection‐absorption spectroscopy (PM‐IRRAS) and infrared attenuated total reflection (IR‐ATR) spectroscopy, it has been confirmed that the β‐strands in these protein layers are tilted relative to the surface normal by average angles of 75.3° ± 0.4° for anti‐IgG and of 79.3 ± 0.2° for BSA. These results are obtained by analyzing the orientation of the transition dipole moments (TDMs) associated with the amide I molecular vibrations derived from a comparison between experimental and simulated mid‐infrared spectra assuming isotropically oriented TDMs. The simulations incorporate refractive and absorption index dispersions obtained from the IR‐ATR spectra. Thus obtained findings offer valuable molecular‐level insights facilitating the design and optimization of biofunctionalized interfaces in advanced biomedical and biosensing applications.
Phage-displayed anti-immunocomplex peptide-based non-competitive immunoassays have shown great potential for detecting organophosphorus pesticide (OPs) residues. However, the phage-borne peptides raise safety concerns and require secondary reagents, which limit their commercial application. To address these challenges, a new approach has been developed. This study employed the SIC2 peptide, which recognized the immune complex of single-chain variable fragment 5 (scFv5) and OPs, to reveal its potential for detecting OPs residues. The SIC2 peptide was fused with glutathione S-transferase (GST) and biotin acceptor domain (BAD) genes. These fusion constructs were expressed in Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3) and then biotinylated. The biotinylated fusion protein bound to streptavidin-horseradish peroxidase (SA-HRP) conjugates through the biotin-streptavidin system, enhancing the detection signal via the catalytic oxidation of 3,3′,5,5′-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB). Based on this, and using immunomagnetic beads, a rapid non-competitive magnetic immunoassay (NCMIA) was developed for detecting OPs. The results showed that under optimal conditions, the limits of detection (LODs) for 12 OPs ranging from 1.04 to 13.18 ng mL-1, and the incubation time of this assay needed 11 min. The intra- and inter-batch recovery rates of 3 OPs in cucumber, cabbage and lettuce ranged from 79.91 % to 103.72 %, with coefficients of variation ranging from 0.26 % to 14.98 %. In addition, the recoveries of parathion determined by NCMIA were consistent with the results of parallel analyses using gas chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (GC–MS/MS).
Nitu Sharma, Purti Agrawal Saini, Sonu Rawat
et al.
Background:
COVID-19 has significantly impacted the healthcare system globally and posed high effects on subjects with chronic diseases such as diabetes and sequel like diabetes retinopathy.
Aim:
To assess the impact of COVID-19 on laboratory parameters in diabetic retinopathy in the central rural population of India.
Materials and Methods:
The study assessed 100 subjects with diabetic retinopathy who underwent COVID-19 vaccination. In all the subjects, blood glucose, glycosylated haemoglobin, urea, creatinine, total bilirubin, total protein, albumin, SGOT, SGPT/ALT, ALP, and cholesterol levels were assessed to assess any association with DR progression. For quality control, validation of calibration Multical-XL and control Erba Path and Erba Norm results was done before processing the sample. In laboratory parameters, blood glucose was assessed using glucose oxidase peroxidase (GOD) method, glycosylated hemoglobin with immunoturbidimetrique method, Urea by urease) enzymatic method, creatinine using enzymatic method, total bilirubin by Diazo method, total protein using Biuret method, albumin by BCG method, SGOT/AST - IFCC without the pyridoxal phosphate method, SGPT/ALT with IFCC without the pyridoxal phosphate method, ALP by AMP method, and cholesterol by CHOD-POD method. The data gathered were statistically analyzed using SPSS (software version 24.0) for assessment of descriptive measures, Student t-test, and ANOVA [P < 0.05].
Results:
It was seen that in individuals with <5 years of diabetes, 34% had mild NPDR, 5% had moderate NPDR, 3% had severe NPDR, and 5% had PDR. Studies show that the 6–10-year period NPDR was more accounting, and as the duration of diabetes progressed, PDR was on the rise, reaching a peak of 11–15 years. We observed a significant change between and within groups.
Conclusion:
The present study concludes that hypoglycemia increases renal impairment and diabetic retinopathy incidence. However, its incidence has remarkably increased, with diabetes duration and diabetic age being reduced significantly after COVID-19.
Khalid Dhafer Al Hendi, Mohammed Hamad Alyami, Naveen S. Yadav
et al.
Background:
It is important to evaluate the physical properties of dual-cure resin cement in different shades of monolithic zirconia because such an understanding is necessary for its clinical application.
Materials and Methods:
For this in vitro study, 60 specimens of dual-cure resin cement were prepared and grouped into three sets (n = 20) according to monolithic zirconia shade: light, medium, and dark. Two-millimeter-thick discs of each shade were used as substrates for curing the resin cement. A Vickers hardness tester was employed for measuring microhardness, while ISO 4049 standards were followed for examining water sorption and solubility. Measurements were recorded at 24 hours, baseline, and 1 week after curing.
Results:
The highest mean value of microhardness (85 HV) was observed in the light shade zirconia group, whereas medium and dark shades exhibited average values equal to 80 HV and 75 HV, respectively. The dark shade showed maximum water sorption among other groups with a mean value of 35 μg/mm³, followed by medium (30 μg/mm3) and light (25 μg/mm3) shades. In relation to solubility, the dark shade also had the highest value, which was approximately 3.5 μ/mm3, while the medium shade showed around 2.5 μg/mm3 and the light shade exhibited nearly 1.5 μg/mm3.
Conclusion:
Microhardness and water sorption/solubility are significantly affected by the shade variation of monolithic zirconias combined with dual-cured resins. Lighter shades result in higher microhardness and lower water absorption and solubility, leading to better performance and longer lifespan.