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Fluorescence techniques are known for their high sensitivity and are widely used as analytical tools and detection methods for product and process control, material sciences, environmental and biotechnical analysis, molecular genetics, cell biology, medical diagnostics, and drug screening. For routine measurements by fluorescence techniques the existence of an improved quality assurance is one of the basic needs. According to DIN/ISO 17025 certified standards are used for fluorescence diagnostics having the drawback of giving relative values only. Typical requirements onto fluorescence reference materials or standards deal with the verification of the instrument performance as well as the improvement of the data comparability. Especially for biomedical applications fluorescence labels are used for the detection of proteins. In particular these labels consist of nano crystalline materials like CdS and CdSe. The field of Non-Cadmium containing materials is under investigation. In order to evaluate whether glass based materials can be used as standards it is necessary to calculate absolute values like absorption/excitation cross sections or relative quantum yields. This can be done using different quantities of dopands in glass, glass ceramics or crystals. The investigated materials are based on different types of glass, silicate, phosphate and boron glass, which play a dominant role for the absorption and emission mechanism. Additional to the so-called elementary fluorescence properties induced by raw earth elements the formation of defects lead to higher cross sections additionally. The main investigations deal with wavelength accuracy and lifetime of doped glasses, glass ceramics and crystalline samples. Moreover intensity patterns, homogeneity aspects and photo stability will be discussed.
A comparative evaluation of systematically tailored chemical structures of various phosphorus-containing aminic hardeners for epoxy resins was carried out. In particular, the effect of the oxidation state of the phosphorus in the hardener molecule on the curing behavior, the mechanical, thermomechanical, and hot-wet properties of a cured bifunctional bisphenol-A based thermoset is discussed. Particular attention is paid to the comparative pyrolysis of neat cured epoxy resins containing phosphine oxide, phosphinate, phosphonate, and phosphate (with a phosphorus content of about 2.6 wt %) and of the fire behavior of their corresponding carbon fiber-reinforced composites. Comparatively faster curing thermosetting system with an enhanced flame retardancy and adequate processing behavior can be formulated by taking advantage of the higher reactivity of the phosphorus-modified hardeners. For example, a combination of the high reactivity and of induced secondary crosslinking reactions leads to a comparatively high Tg when curing the epoxy using a substoichiometric amount of the phosphinate-based hardener. The overall mechanical performance of the materials cured with the phosphorus-containing hardeners is comparable to that of a 4,4-DDS-cured reference system. While the various phosphorus-containing hardeners in general provide the epoxy-based matrix with enhanced flame retardancy properties, it is the flame inhibition in the gas phase especially that determines the improvement in fire retardancy of carbon fiber-reinforced composites. In summary, the present study provides an important contribution towards developing a better understanding of the potential use of such phosphorus-containing compounds to provide the composite matrix with sufficient flame retardancy while simultaneously maintaining its overall mechanical performance on a suitable level.
A systematic and comparative evaluation of the pyrolysis of halogen-free flame-retarded epoxy resins containing phosphine oxide, phosphinate, phosphonate, and phosphate (phosphorus contents around 2.6 wt.%) and the fire behaviour of their carbon fibre composites is presented. Decomposition pathways are proposed based on the thermal analysis (TG), TG coupled with evolved gas analysis (TG-FTIR), kinetics and analysis of the residue with FTIR and XPS. All organophosphorus-modified hardeners containing phenoxy groups lead to a reduced decomposition temperature and mass loss step for the main decomposition of the cured epoxy resin. With increasing oxidation state of the phosphorus the thermally stable residue increases, whereas the release of phosphorus-containing volatiles decreases. The flammability of the composites was investigated with LOI and UL 94 and the fire behaviour for forced-flaming conditions with cone calorimeter tests performed using different irradiations. The flame retardancy mechanisms are discussed. With increasing oxidation state of the phosphorus additional charring is observed, whereas the flame inhibition, which plays the more important role for the performance of the composites, decreases. The processing and the mechanical performance (delamination resistance, flexural properties and interlaminar bonding strength) of the fibre-reinforced composites containing phosphorus were maintained at a high level and, in some cases, even improved. The potential for optimising flame retardancy while maintaining mechanical properties is highlighted in this study.
The pyrolysis of an epoxy resin and the fire behavior of corresponding carbon fiber-reinforced composites, both flame-retarded with either 10-ethyl-9,10-dihydro-9-oxa-10-phosphaphenanthrene 10-oxide or 1,3,5-tris[2-(9,10-dihydro-9-oxa-10-phosphaphenanthrene 10-oxide-10-)ethyl]1, 3,5-triazine-2,4,6(1H,3H,5H)-trione, are investigated. The different fire retardancy mechanisms are discussed, and their influence on the fire properties assessed, in particular for flammability (limiting oxygen index, UL 94) and developing fires (cone calorimeter with different external heat fluxes of 35, 50, and 70 kW m-2). Adding the flame retardants containing 9,10-dihydro-9-oxa-10-phosphaphenanthrene-10-oxide affects the fire behavior by both condensed phase and gas phase mechanisms. Interactions between the additives and the epoxy resin result in a change in the decomposition pathways and an increased char formation. The release of phosphorous products results in significant flame inhibition. The fire properties achieved are thus interesting with respect to industrial exploration.
Summary: The decomposition of novel phosphorus-containing poly(oxyphenylene-sulfonyl-phenylene-oxy-diphenyl phenylene phosphine oxide) (PSU_I), 2,5-dihydroxy-1-biphenylene-phosphine oxide based polysulfone (PSU_II), poly(sulfonyl-diphenylphenylene phosphonate) (PSU_P) and bisphenol A-based polysulfone (PSU) is studied. The influence of the chemical structure, charring and phosphorus release is discussed based on the mass loss, kinetics and products. The pyrolysis and fire behaviour of blends with epoxy resin (EP) are studied. For EP-PSU_II, phosphorus initiates water elimination and changes the decomposition pathway of EP. The fire behaviour of EP-PSU shows some improvements, whereas the heat release rate is crucially reduced for EP-PSU_II due to simultaneous char formation and flame inhibition.
FAU membranes of type NaX and MFI membranes of type silicalite-1 which contain adsorbed azobenzene (AZB), have photoswitchable permeation properties due to the transcis photoisomerization of AZB. The change of gas permeation through these hostguest composite membranes depends on the irradiation wavelength, the quality of the membranes and the amount of adsorbed AZB. The permeances of the gases in the trans-form of the zeolite-encapsulated AZB were higher than those in the cis-form. The separation factors of equimolar mixtures of N2/CO2 and CH4/CO2 fed through the FAUAZB membrane were higher at trans-switching than at cis-switching. The changes of the permeances of single gases and of the separation factors of equimolar gas mixtures by photoinduced transcis switching were found to be reversible over numerous switching cycles. The experimental results are in agreement with predictions made by Monte Carlo simulations for passing of permeant gases through these hostguest systems with the zeolite-hosted AZB in the trans- and in the cis-configuration.
Glow discharge optical emission spectroscopy (GD-OES) is briefly reviewed, with particular reference to topics relevant to the application field of near surface and thin film analysis. The special needs and requirements for thin film analysis, in contrast to coating and bulk analysis, are pointed out. A task list is developed which shows the requirements of further developments to the technique and the fundamentals. The state-of-the-art is presented in measurement technique, GD source control and design, the effect of traces of molecular gases, correction and quantification procedures, contributions of modelling and, finally, reference materials for thin film analysis.
The scope of this paper is to illustrate the need for an improved quality assurance in fluorometry. For this purpose, instrumental sources of error and their influences on the reliability and comparability of fluorescence data are highlighted for frequently used photoluminescence techniques ranging from conventional macro- and microfluorometry over fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry to microarray technology as well as in vivo fluorescence imaging. Particularly, the need for and requirements on fluorescence standards for the characterization and performance validation of fluorescence instruments, to enhance the comparability of fluorescence data, and to enable quantitative fluorescence analysis are discussed. Special emphasis is dedicated to spectral fluorescence standards and fluorescence intensity standards.
The need for the traceable characterization of fluorescence instruments is emphasized from a chemists point of view, focusing on spectral fluorescence standards for the determination of the wavelength- and polarization-dependent relative spectral responsivity and relative spectral irradiance of fluorescence measuring systems, respectively. In a first step, major sources of error of fluorescence measurements and instrument calibration are revealed to underline the importance of this issue and to illustrate advantages and disadvantages of physical and chemical transfer standards for generation of spectral correction curves. Secondly, examples for sets of traceable chemical emission and excitation standards are shown that cover a broad spectral region and simple procedures for the determination of corrected emission spectra with acceptable uncertainties are presented. With proper consideration of the respective measurement principle and geometry, these dye-based characterization procedures can be not only applied to spectrofluorometers but also to other types of fluorescence measuring systems and even to Raman spectrometers.
A strategy for the rational design of a new optical sensor material for the selective recognition of long-chain carboxylates in water is presented. The approach relies on the combination of structure-property relationships to single out the optimal molecular sensor unit and the tuning of the sensing characteristics of an inorganic support material. A spacer-substituted 7-urea-phenoxazin-3-one was employed as the signaling moiety and a mesoporous trimethylsilylated UVM-7 (MCM-41 type) material served as the solid support. The sensor material shows the advantageous features of both modules that is absorption and emission in the visible spectral range, a fluorescence red-shift and enhancement upon analyte coordination, and the amplification of noncovalent (binding) and hydrogen-bonding (recognition) interactions in the detection event. Besides these basic results that are related to the design and performance of the sensor material, the paper discusses general aspects of amido-substituted phenoxazinone photophysics and addresses some general features of molecular anion recognition chemistry in aqueous vs nonaqueous media, utilizing steady-state and time-resolved optical as well as NMR spectroscopies. Detailed studies on potentially competing biochemical species and a first access to the schematic model of the response of the sensor material as obtained by a combination of fluorescence lifetime distribution analysis and Langmuir-type fitting of the gross binding constants complement the key issues of the paper.
To date, in the textile manufacturing process of warp knitting, trouble-shooting and process optimization mainly rely on empirical knowledge and experiments. This factor limits the achievable increase in productivity and quality. On the other hand, using simulations, different phenomena that affect the quality of the knitted fabric and the knitting process can be clarified in the run-up of the experiments. Consequently, an increase in quality and flexibility can be reached with reduced experimental effort. This paper presents a process simulation of the warp thread dynamics in the thread feeding system of a warp knitting machine. For this purpose, a continuum model of the warp thread that includes the spatial dynamics of the thread and the axial transport movement has been developed.
Photoluminescence techniques are amongst the most widely used tools in the material and life sciences, with new and exciting applications continuously emerging. Advantages include their comparative ease of use, unique sensitivity, non-invasive character, and potential for multiplexing, remote sensing, and miniaturization. Increasing applications of fluorescence techniques in the life sciences and emerging medical applications of fluorescence microscopic techniques including 1P and 2P fluorescence microscopy combined with fluorescence lifetime imaging (FLIM) in e.g. in vivo eye diagnostics boosted the demand for robust, easy-to-use, and reliable fluorescence standards to ensure the reliability and comparability of fluorescence data. This includes fluorescence standards for the consideration of instrument-specific spectral and intensity distortions of measured signals and instrument performance validation, fluorescence intensity standards for the quantification of measured intensities and for signal referencing, and lately, also fluorescence lifetime standards.
The development of dendritic metal ion carrier systems for use in a biological environment is a challenging task as the carrier system must possess multiple features (e.g. a protective shell for metal decomplexation, targeting functions, metal-intradendrimer complexes, etc.) to substitute for the function of metal proteins in processes such as copper metabolism. Thus, Cu(II) complexation by a series of poly(propyleneimine) glycodendrimers ranging up to the fifth generation that have either a dense maltose or maltotriose shell was investigated by UV/Vis spectroscopy and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR). As a necessary step towards potential biological application, we elucidated the complexation capacity, location of the Cu(II)-dendrimer complexes and the Cu(II) coordination sphere in the dendritic environment. A generation-dependent Cu(II) complexation was found. Furthermore, analysis of the EPR spectra revealed that internal and external Cu(II) coordination and the symmetry (axial and rhombic) of the generated complexes depend on the oligosaccharide shell, dendrimer generation and the relative concentrations of Cu(II) and the dendrimers. Both axial and rhombic symmetries are generation dependent, but also distort with increasing generation number. External coordination of Cu(II) is supported by sugar groups and water molecules. Finally, a third-generation dendrimer with a maltose shell was used to explore the general complexation behaviour of the dendritic poly(propyleneimine) scaffold towards different metal ions [Cu(II), Ag(I), VO(IV), Ni(II), Eu(III) and UO2(VI)].
Immunologische Verfahren haben während der vergangenen Jahrzehnte eine große Verbreitung in der Medizin gefunden. Grundlage dieser Verfahren ist die spezifische Bindung zwischen Antigen und Antikörper. Eine der wichtigsten Methoden zum sensitiven und quantitativen Nachweis biologisch relevanter Moleküle ist hierbei der Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA).
Unter dem Aspekt der zahlreichen Einsatzgebiete ist die Frage nach Messunsicherheiten bei der Konzentrationsbestimmung von Biomolekülen mittels ELISA aus metrologischer Sicht von großem Interesse. Eine erhebliche Herausforderung stellt hierbei die Vielzahl von Einflussgrößen dar, die zudem hinsichtlich ihrer Messunsicherheit nur schwer zu quantifizieren sind. In Hinblick auf den Einsatz der Assays im Bereich der Laboratoriumsmedizin besteht die Notwendigkeit, Genauigkeit und Zuverlässigkeit dieser Messverfahren zu validieren. Zu diesem Zwecke wurden im Rahmen einer CCQM-Studie (CCQM- Comité consultatif pour la quantité de matiè re - métrologie en chimie ) internationale Vergleichsmessungen an einem ELISA zur Zytokinbestimmung (humanes Interferon-a) durchgeführt, an denen sich die PTB beteiligt hat.
Determination of radon exhalation from construction materials using VOC emission test chambers
(2013)
The inhalation of 222Rn (radon) decay products is one of the most important reasons for lung cancer after smoking. Stony building materials are an important source of indoor radon. This article describes the determination of the exhalation rate of stony construction materials by the use of commercially available measuring devices in combination with VOC emission test chambers. Five materials – two types of clay brick, clinker brick, light-weight concrete brick, and honeycomb brick – generally used for wall constructions were used for the experiments. Their contribution to real room concentrations was estimated by applying room model parameters given in ISO 16000-9, RP 112, and AgBB. This knowledge can be relevant, if for instance indoor radon concentration is limited by law. The test set-up used here is well suited for application in test laboratories dealing with VOC emission testing.
Fluorescence techniques are known for their high sensitivity and are widely used as analytical tools, detection methods and imaging applications for product and process control, material sciences, environmental and bio-technical analysis, molecular genetics, cell biology, medical diagnostics, and drug screening. According to DIN/ISO 17025 certified standards are used for steady state fluorescence diagnostics, a method having the drawback of giving relative values for fluorescence intensities only. Therefore reference materials for a quantitative characterization have to be related directly to the materials under investigation. In order to evaluate these figures it is necessary to calculate absolute numbers such as absorption/excitation cross sections and quantum yield. This has been done for different types of dopands in different materials such as glass, glass ceramics, crystals or nano crystalline material embedded in polymer matrices. Samples doped with several fluophores of different emission wavelengths and decay times are required for fluorescent multiplexing applications. Decay times shorter than 100 ns are of special interest. In addition, a proper knowledge is necessary of quantum efficiency in highly scattering media. Recently, quantum efficiency in YAG:Ce glass ceramics has been successfully investigated. Glass and glass ceramics doped with threefold charged rare earth elements are available. However, these samples have the disadvantage of emission decay times much longer than 1 microsecond, due to the excitation and emission of their optical forbidden electronic transitions. Therefore first attempts have been made to produce decay-time standards based on organic and inorganic fluophores. Stable LUMOGEN RED pigments and YAG:Ce phosphors are diluted simultaneously in silicone matrices using a wide range of concentrations between 0.0001 and 2 wt%. Organic LUMOGEN RED has decay times in the lower nanosecond range with a slight dependency on concentration and temperature. In addition, the well-known decay properties of inorganic YAG:Ce are observed also embedded in silicone matrix. Luminescent silicone layers are obtained with thicknesses between 150 and 300 m and no change of decay time, which has been determined to be between 60 and 62 ns. Finally, first results are shown for fluorescent CaF2:Pb glass ceramics embedded in a silicate glass matrix. Wavelength accuracy and lifetime are characterized for different environmental conditions such as temperature treatment and UV irradiation. Moreover, intensity patterns, e.g. line profiles and results, are discussed on homogeneity and photo and thermal stability, respectively. Fluorescence (steady state, decay time) and absorption (remission, absorption) spectroscopy are employed as diagnostic methods to get a microscopic view of the relevant physical processes. The work is funded by BMBF under project number 13N8849.
Algorithms were developed to approximate the 3-dimensional internal packing density distributions of fibrous filter media at different levels of detail and complexity. Each algorithm uses certain input information derived from X-ray tomographic data of filter samples.
Algorithm 1 creates a binary media structure consisting of the true (i.e. tomographically determined) void distribution plus regions of uniform packing density. The average packing density of the media is maintained constant. Algorithm 2 creates a model fibrous structure of straight fibres of equal diameter and random length positioned randomly in space, while maintaining the true (i.e. tomographically determined) fibre orientation distribution. The number and length of the fibres on average adds up to the packing density of the filter. The model fibrous structure is recreated by a stationary Poisson process of convex bodies. Algorithm 3 distributes pores of random size and location within a homogeneous matrix, such that the average packing density again coincides with the true (i.e. tomographically determined) packing density. This algorithm is also based on a stationary Poisson process of convex bodies.
The capability of each algorithm to recreate the essential structural features of the media was tested against 'reality' by computing the respective overall pressure drop of the filter as well as the velocity distribution in the filter interior, and comparing with the results obtained for the 'true' packing density distribution of a sample measured by tomography. Compared to the assumption of a completely homogenous filter (which gives roughly 2 times the actual Δp), all algorithms are closer to reality. The binary algorithm deviates in Δp by a factor of 1.8; algorithm 3 comes within a factor of 1.6 of the true Δp. The best approximation is by algorithm 2 which narrows the difference in Δp to a factor of 1.4.
The conventional hybridoma screening and subcloning process is generally considered to be one of the most critical steps in hapten-specific antibody production. It is time-consuming, monoclonality is not guaranteed, and the number of clones that can be screened is limited. Our approach employs a novel hapten-specific labeling technique of hybridoma cells. This allows for fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) and single-cell deposition and thereby eliminates the above-mentioned problems. A two-step staining approach is used to detect antigen specificity and antibody expression: in order to detect antigen specificity, hybridoma cells are incubated with a hapten−horseradish peroxidase conjugate (hapten−HRP), which is subsequently incubated with a fluorophore-labeled polyclonal anti-peroxidase antibody (anti-HRP−Alexa Fluor 488). To characterize the expression of membrane-bound immunoglobulin G (IgG), a fluorophore-labeled anti-mouse IgG antibody (anti-IgG−Alexa Fluor 647) is used. Hundreds of labeled hybridoma cells producing monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) specific for a hapten were rapidly isolated and deposited from a fusion mixture as single-cell clones via FACS. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) measurements of the supernatants of the sorted hybridoma clones revealed that all hapten-specific hybridoma clones secrete antibodies against the target. There are significant improvements using this high-throughput technique for the generation of mAbs including increased yield of antibody-producing hybridoma clones, ensured monoclonality of sorted cells, and reduced development times.
One of the challenges of high-temperature polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells is the poisoning of the Pt catalyst with H3PO4. H3PO4 is imbibed into the routinely used polybenzimidazole-based membranes, which facilitate proton conductivity in the temperature range of 120−200 °C. However, when leached out of the membrane by water produced during operation, H3PO4 adsorbs on the Pt catalyst surface, blocking the active sites and hindering the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR).
The reduction of H3PO4 to H3PO3, which occurs at the anode due to a combination of a low potential and the presence of gaseous H2, has been investigated as an additional important contributing factor to the observed poisoning effect. H3PO3 has an affinity toward adsorption on Pt surfaces even greater than that of H2PO4 −. In this work, we investigated the poisoning effect of both H3PO3 and H3PO4 using a half-cell setup with a gas diffusion electrode under ambient conditions. By means of in situ X-ray absorption spectroscopy, it was possible to follow the signature of different species adsorbed on the Pt nanoparticle catalyst (H, O, H2PO4 −, and H3PO3) at different potentials under ORR conditions in various electrolytes (HClO4, H3PO4, and H3PO3). It was found that H3PO3 adsorbs in a pyramidal configuration P(OH)3 through a Pt−P bond. The competition between H3PO4 and H3PO3 adsorption was studied, which should allow for a better understanding of the catalyst poisoning mechanism and thus assist in the development of strategies to mitigate this phenomenon in the future by minimizing H3PO3 generation by, for example, improved catalyst design or adapted operation conditions or changes in the electrolyte composition.
Mass Spectrometry (MS) and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (NMR) are critical components of every industrial chemical process as they provide information on the concentrations of individual compounds and by-products. These processes are carried out manually and by a specialist, which takes a substantial amount of time and prevents their utilization for real-time closed-loop process control. This paper presents recent advances from two projects that use Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) to address the challenges of automation and performance-efficient realizations of MS and NMR. In the first part, a complete toolchain has been developed to develop simulated spectra and train ANNs to identify compounds in MS. In the second part, a limited number of experimental NMR spectra have been augmented by simulated spectra to train an ANN with better prediction performance and speed than state-of-theart analysis. These results suggest that, in the context of the digital transformation of the process industry, we are now on the threshold of a possible strongly simplified use of MS and MRS and the accompanying data evaluation by machine-supported procedures, and can utilize both methods much wider for reaction and process monitoring or quality control.
We present a comparative study of the spectroscopic properties of the donor–acceptor–donor substituted dyes triphenylamine-allylidenemalononitrile-julolidine (TMJ) and triphenylamine-allylidenemalononitriletriphenylamine (TMT), bearing one and two propeller-like triphenylamine donor moieties, in solvents of varying polarity and viscosity and in the aggregated and solid state. Our results reveal control of the aggregation-induced spectroscopic changes and the packing motifs of the dye molecules in the solid state by the chemical nature and structure of the second nitrogen-containing donor, i.e., a planar and a rigid julolidine or a twisted triphenyl group. Assuming that the TMT and TMJ aggregates show a comparable arrangement of the molecules to the respective crystals, these different molecular interactions in the solid state are responsible for aggregation induced emission (AIE) in the case of TMT and its absence for TMJ. Moreover, a versatile strategy for the fluorescence enhancement of only weakly emissive AIE dyes is shown, turning these dyes into bright nanoscale fluorescent reporters by using them as stains for preformed polymer particles.
Mass Spectrometry (MS) and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (NMR) are critical components of every industrial chemical process as they provide information on the concentrations of individual compounds and by-products. These processes are carried out manually and by a specialist, which takes a substantial amount of time and prevents their utilization for real-time closed-loop process control. This paper presents recent advances from two projects that use Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) to address the challenges of automation and performance-efficient realizations of MS and NMR. In the first part, a complete toolchain has been developed to develop simulated spectra and train ANNs to identify compounds in MS. In the second part, a limited number of experimental NMR spectra have been augmented by simulated spectra to train an ANN with better prediction performance and speed than state-of-theart analysis. These results suggest that, in the context of the digital transformation of the process industry, we are now on the threshold of a possible strongly simplified use of MS and MRS and the accompanying data evaluation by machine-supported procedures, and can utilize both methods much wider for reaction and process monitoring or quality control.
The absorption and emission properties of organic dyes are generally tuned by altering the substitution pattern. However, tuning the fluorescence lifetimes over a range of several 10 ns while barely affecting the spectral features and maintaining a moderate fluorescence quantum yield is challenging. Such properties are required for lifetime multiplexing and barcoding applications. Here, we show how this can be achieved for the class of fluoranthene dyes, which have substitution-dependent lifetimes between 6 and 33 ns for single wavelength excitation and emission. We explore the substitution-dependent emissive properties in the crystalline solid state that would prevent applications.
Furthermore, by analyzing dye mixtures and embedding the dyes in carboxyfunctionalized 8 μm-sized polystyrene particles, the unprecedented potential of these dyes as labels and encoding fluorophores for time-resolved fluorescence detection techniques is demonstrated.
Time-resolved flow cytometry represents an alternative to commonly applied spectral or intensity multiplexing in bioanalytics. At present, the vast majority of the reports on this topic focuses on phase-domain techniques and specific applications. In this report, we present a flow cytometry platform with time-resolved detection based on a compact setup and straightforward time-Domain measurements utilizing lifetime-encoded beads with lifetimes in the nanosecond range. We provide general assessment of time-domain flow cytometry and discuss the concept of this platform to address achievable resolution limits, data analysis, and requirements on suitable encoding dyes. Experimental data are complemented by numerical calculations on photon count numbers and impact of noise and measurement time on the obtained lifetime values.
3-Bromopyruvic acid (3BP) is a potential anticancer drug, the action of which on cellular metabolism is not yet entirely clear. The presence of a bromine atom suggests that it is also reactive towards low-energy electrons, which are produced in large quantities during tumour Radiation therapy. Detailed knowledge of the interaction of 3BP with secondary electrons is a prerequisite to gain a complete picture of the effects of 3BP in different forms of Cancer therapy. Herein, dissociative electron attachment (DEA) to 3BP in the gas phase has been studied both experimentally by using a crossed-beam setup and theoretically through scattering and quantum chemical calculations. These results are complemented by a vacuum ultraviolet absorption spectrum.
The main fragmentation channel is the formation of Br@ close to 0 eV and within several resonant features at 1.9 and 3–8 eV. At low electron energies, Br@ formation proceeds through s* and p* shape resonances, and at higher energies through core-excited resonances. It is found that the electron-capture cross-section is clearly increased compared with that of non-brominated pyruvic acid, but, at the same time, fragmentation reactions through DEA are significantly altered as well. The 3BP transient negative ion is subject to a lower number of fragmentation reactions than those of pyruvic acid, which indicates that 3BP could indeed act by modifying the electron-transport chains within oxidative phosphorylation. It could also act as a radio-sensitiser.
Pharmaceuticals, certain food ingredients, and mammalian endogenous metabolic products in wastewater are mostly of human origin. They are anthropogenic markers.
Proper knowledge of their levels in wastewater helps to track sources of pollutants in natural waters and allows for calculation of removal efficiencies in wastewater Treatment plants. Here, we describe the development and application of an indirect competitive, multiplexing suspension Array fluorescence immunoassay (SAFIA) for the detection of carbamazepine (CBZ), diclofenac (DCF), caffeine (CAF), and isolithocholic acid (ILA) in wastewater, covering those classes of anthropogenic markers. The assay consists of haptens covalently conjugated to fluorescence-encoded polystyrene core/silica shell microparticles to create a site for competitive binding of the antibodies (Abs). Bound Abs are then stained with fluorophore-labeled Abs. Encoding and signaling fluorescence of the particles are determined by an automated flow cytometer.
For compatibility of the immunoassay with the 96-well microtiter plate format, a stop reagent, containing formaldehyde, is used. This enables a wash-free procedure while decreasing time-to-result. Detection limits of 140 ± 40 ng/L for CBZ, 180 ± 110 ng/L for CAF, 4 ± 3 ng/L for DCF, and 310 ± 70 ng/L for ILA are achieved, which meet the sensitivity criteria of wastewater analysis. We demonstrate the applicability of SAFIA to real wastewater samples from three different wastewater Treatment plants, finding the results in good agreement with LC-MS/MS. Moreover, the accuracy in general exceeded that from classical ELISAs. We therefore propose SAFIA as a quick and reliable approach for wastewater analysis meeting the requirements for process analytical technology.
Limited data exist on the pharmacokinetic profile of novel direct acting antivirals in kidney transplant recipients. Daclatasvir is primarily eliminated via the biliary route and sofosbuvir via the renal route; here we report the pharmacokinetic profile of combined treatment with these compounds in a prospective study of hepatitis C virus positive kidney transplant recipients (EudraCT: 2014-004551-32). In this study plasma samples of 16 HCV positive kidney transplant recipients receiving daclatasvir and sofosbuvir were collected at 4 time points at day 1, 7, 14, 21, 56, and 84 after start of treatment. Inclusion criteria were stable graft function and an estimated GFR (eGFR) > 30mL/min/1.73m. Daclatasvir, sofosbuvir and GS-331007 (inactive metabolite of sofosbuvir) plasma concentrations were determined using ultra-performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometry. All patients showed a rapid virological response with HCV RNA below the detection limit 21 days after the start of therapy (medium time to viral clearance). No difference of the areas under the concentration-time curve (AUC) of daclatsavir, sofosbuvir and GS-331007 was observed between patients with an eGFR below or ≥ 60mL/min. For GS-331007, no relevant changes of trough levels were observed over time. Mean GS-331007 trough levels were 339.5±174.9 ng/mL in patients with an eGFR ≥ 60mL/min and 404.3±226 ng/mL in patients with an eGFR < 60mL/min at day 7 (p=0.52). At day 84, GS-331007 trough levels were 357.8±200.8 ng/mL and 404.2±70.2 ng/mL in patients with an eGFR ≥ 60 mL/min and in patients with an eGFR < 60 mL/min, respectively (p=0.51). The accumulation ratios of renally eliminated GS-331007 for AUC and Cmax did not significantly differ between the two eGFR groups at day 7. An impaired eGFR (30-60 mL/min) does not lead to a dose accumulation of daclatasvir, sofosbuvir and GS-331007. This study provides the rationale for future studies investigating the pharmacokinetic profile of sofosbuvir based HCV treatment in kidney transplant recipients with an eGFR < 30 mL/min.
Plasmapolymerisierte Allylaminschichten (50 nm) wurden auf Polypropylenfolien abgeschieden. Die auf diese Weise generierte NH2-funktionalisierte Polymeroberfläche wurde mit Xanthen-Fluorophoren chemisch umgesetzt. Da die Farbstoff-gekoppelten Folien nur geringe Fluoreszenz aufwiesen, wurden zwei Wege zur möglichen Entkopplung der Farbstoffe von der Oberfläche und damit zur Erhöhung der Fluoreszenzintensität getestet. Als erstes wurde ein Spacer durch die Umsetzung der primären Aminogruppen mit Glutaraldehyd und der nachfolgenden Kettenverlängerung mit Diaminohexan eingeführt. Diese nachfolgende Reaktion ergab eine spacergebundene NH2-Oberfläche, die analog der Allylaminschicht mit den Farbstoffen umgesetzt wurde. Als weiterer Weg wurde der Zusatz einer geeigneten Käfigverbindung, des Cucurbit[6]urils, getestet. Die spacergebundenen und zusätzlich mit Cucurbituril modifizierten aminofunktionellen Oberflächen zeigten nach der Farbstoffankopplung eine verbesserte Fluoreszenzintensität.
Metal-based gas diffusion electrodes are utilized in chlor-alkali electrolysis or electrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide, allowing the reaction to proceed at high current densities. In contrast to planar electrodes and predominantly 2D designs, the industrially required high current densities can be achieved by intense contact between the gas and liquid phase with the catalytically active surfaces. An essential asset for the knowledge-based design of tailored electrodes is therefore in-depth information on electrolyte distribution and intrusion into the electrode’s porous structure. Lab-based and synchrotron radiography allow for monitoring this process operando. Herein, we describe the development of a cell design that can be modularly adapted and successfully used to monitor both the oxygen reduction reaction and the electrochemical reduction of CO2 as exemplary and currently very relevant examples of gas-liquid reactions by only minor modifications to the cell set-up. With the reported cell design, we were able to observe the electrolyte distribution within the gas diffusion electrode during cell operation in realistic
conditions.
Polypropylene supports were functionalized by plasma-deposition of polymeric allylamine layers. The surface amino groups generated were wet-chemically reacted with xanthene dyes resulting in fluorescent polymer films. The effect of polymer-attachment of the dyes on their emission features was studied fluorometrically and different methods were tested to improve the fluorescence properties of the films. Modification with cucurbit[6]uril (CB6) yields a moderately enhanced fluorescence as well as an improved photostability. The observed effect is most likely due to CB6-induced rigidization of the linker molecules which seems to reduce fluorescence quenching dyedye and fluorophoresurface interactions.
A new class of boron-dipyrromethene (BDP or BODIPY) dyes was obtained by phenanthrene fusion to the β-pyrrole positions, absorbing in the wavelength range of important laser sources. Despite a 'propeller-like' distorted structure in the crystalline state, the chromophore absorbs (log ε ≥ 5) and fluoresces (Φf ≥ 0.8) strongly and can be easily turned into a fluorescence light-up probe. Incorporation into latex beads produces bright and photostable single-dye and Förster Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET) particles for microscopy applications.
A novel phosphorus-modified polysulfone (P-PSu) was employed as a combined toughness modifier and a source of flame retardancy for a DGEBA/DDS thermosetting system. In comparison to the results of a commercially available polysulfone (PSu), commonly used as a toughness modifier, the chemorheological changes during curing measured by means of temperature-modulated DSC revealed an earlier occurrence of mobility restrictions in the P-PSu-modified epoxy. A higher viscosity and secondary epoxy-modifier reactions induced a sooner vitrification of the reacting mixture; effects that effectively prevented any phase separation and morphology development in the resulting material during cure. Thus, only about a 20% increase in fracture toughness was observed in the epoxy modified with 20 wt.% of P-PSu, cured under standard conditions at 180 °C for 2 h. Blends of the phosphorus-modified and the standard polysulfone (PSu) were also prepared in various mixing ratios and were used to modify the same thermosetting system. Again, no evidence for phase separation of the P-PSu was found in the epoxy modified with the P-PSu/PSu blends cured under the selected experimental conditions. The particular microstructures formed upon curing these novel materials are attributed to a separation of PSu from a miscible P-PSuepoxy mixture. Nevertheless, the blends of P-PSu/PSu were found to be effective toughness/flame retardancy enhancers owing to the simultaneous microstructure development and polymer interpenetration.
During the mineralisation of metal carbonates MCO3 (M = Ca, Sr, Ba, Mn, Cd, Pb) liquid-like amorphous intermediates emerge. These intermediates that form via a liquid/liquid phase separation behave like a classical emulsion and are stabilized electrostatically. The occurrence of these intermediates is attributed to the formation of highly hydrated networks whose stability is mainly based on weak interactions and the variability of the metal-containing pre-critical clusters. Their existence and compositional freedom are evidenced by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS). Liquid intermediates in non-classical crystallisation pathways seem to be more common than assumed.
A novel method that optimizes the screening for antibody-secreting hapten-specific hybridoma cells by using flow cytometry is described. Cell clones specific for five different haptens were analyzed. We selectively double stained and analyzed fixed hybridoma cells with fluorophore-labeled haptens to demonstrate the target-selectivity, and with a fluorophore-labeled anti-mouse IgG antibody to characterize the level of surface expression of membrane-bound IgGs. ELISA measurements with the supernatants of the individual hybridoma clones revealed that antibodies from those cells, which showed the highest fluorescence intensities in the flow cytometric analysis, also displayed the highest affinities for the target antigens. The fluorescence intensity of antibody-producing cells corresponded well with the produced antibodies' affinities toward their respective antigens. Immunohistochemical staining verified the successful double labeling of the cells. Our method makes it possible to perform a high-throughput screening for hybridoma cells, which have both an adequate IgG production rate and a high target affinity.