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The introduction of HR-CS-MAS instrumentation, as it is shown in Fig. 1, provides a new way for the determination of non-metals including fluorine via molecular absorption. We present a sensitive and fluorine-specific method for total fluorine determination in fifteen consume care products in which perfluordecalin were declared (nail polishes, eye shadows and body creams). After pyrohydrolytic digestion of samples, fluorine content was determined by GF-HR-CS-MAS. Calcium was used as a molecule forming element and the molecular absorption of calcium monofluoride (CaF) at the wavelength 606.440 nm was used for its quantification. No matrix effect was observed. Analytical signal depends only on the fluorine concentration and therefore pure sodium fluoride NaF was used as calibration standard. The use of zirconium oxide nanoparticles as permanent modifier improves the limit of detection (from 0.2 to 0.1 ng) and characteristic mass (from 0.10 to 0.05 ng) from a previous reported method. These results were also compared with ISE method (standard DIN 51-084) and no significant difference was found
Magnesium is a major element in the hydrosphere and biosphere, and it is direct correlated with the carbon cycle. Therefore, the study of its isotopic fractionation in sediments and sea water helps to understand the earth’s climate and global warming. Mg has three stable isotopes, 24Mg, 25Mg and 26Mg, and traditionally isotope amount ratios are measured by mass spectrometric methods. Their drawbacks include the high costs for instruments and their operation, experienced operators and elaborate time-consuming chromatographic sample preparation. Recently, an optical spectrometric method has been proposed as faster and low-cost alternative for the analysis of isotope ratios: high-resolution continuum source graphite furnace molecular absorption spectrometry (HR-CS-GFMAS).
For the determination of Mg isotope ratios in selected rock reference materials, the high-resolution molecular absorption spectrum of in-situ generated MgF molecule was studied applying multivariate analysis and the results compared with MC-ICP-MS. Samples were dissolved by acid digestion and Mg isotopes analyzed with and without matrix extraction. The absorption spectra were recorded for MgF for the electronic transition X 2Σ → B 2Σ+. The MgF spectrum is described as the linear combination of their isotopic components or isotopologues: 24MgF, 25MgF, and 26MgF. The isotope analysis was done by deconvolution of the MgF spectrum by partial least square regression (PLS). A PLS model was built and calibrated with enriched isotope spikes and certified reference materials. Spectra data was preprocessed by a derivate of second order and venetian blinds cross-validation was employed for finding the optimum latent variables. Finally, the model was refined by a genetic algorithm which identified the best subset of variables for a precise and accurate regression. Results are compatible with those obtained by MC-ICP-MS with an accuracy of ± 0.3‰ with uncertainties ranging between 0.02 to 0.6‰. This accuracy and precision discriminate the isotope fractionation in geological samples, and it is suitable for earth’s climate studies.
Analysis of stable isotopes has been used as proof of provenance of mineral and biological samples, to estimate a contamination source and to determine geological processes. This kind of analysis needs high accuracy and precision for reliable conclusions. Currently, stable isotope analysis is dominated by mass spectrometric techniques that are time consuming and expensive. Here we present a fast and low cost alternative for isotope analysis of boron and magnesium: high-resolution continuum source graphite furnace molecular absorption spectrometry (HR-CS-GFMAS). Two stable isotope systems were evaluated separately: boron (10B:11B) and magnesium (24Mg:25Mg:26Mg). Their isotope amount ratios were estimated by monitoring their absorption spectra in-situ generated monohydrides. The molecular absorption spectrum of a XH molecule (X= B or Mg) with n isotopes would be a linear combination of n isotopologue spectra and the amount of each component (isotope) could be calculated by a multivariate regression (n= 2 and 3 for B and Mg respectively). For the analysis of boron certified reference materials (CRM), the band 1→1 for the electronic transition X1Σ+ → A1Π was measured around wavelength 437.1 nm. Since boron has a memory effect in graphite furnaces, a combination of 2 % (v/v) hydrogen gas in argon, 1 % trifluoromethane in argon, an acid solution of calcium chloride and mannitol as chemical modifiers were used during the BH vaporization at 2600 °C. Partial least square regression (PLS) for analysis of samples was applied. For this, a spectral library with different isotope ratios for PLS regression was created. Magnesium does not have memory effect. Therefore, only 2 % of hydrogen in argon as gas modifier during vaporization at 2500 °C was employed for analysis of magnesium CRM. Absorption spectra of MgH for the X2Σ→A2Π electronic transition (band 0→0) were recorded around wavelength 513.45 nm. A similar PLS procedure to the BH was applied. Results for B and Mg CRM are metrologically compatible with those reported by mass spectrometric methods. An accuracy of 0.08 ‰ for B and 0.1 ‰ Mg was obtained as the average deviation from the isotope CRM. Expanded uncertainties with a coverage factor of k = 2 range between 0.10 - 0.40 ‰.
Variations in the isotope amount composition of some elements like lithium, boron, magnesium, calcium, copper and strontium have been used as proof of provenance of a sample and to describe geological processes. Routinely, isotope compositions are determinate by mass spectrometry; the working horse of the isotope analysis. However, mass spectrometric methods are expensive, time consuming and they require a high qualified analysist.
Here an alternative faster and low cost optical method for isotope ratio determination is proposed: high-resolution continuum source molecular absorption spectrometry (HR-CS-MAS). Stable isotope amount composition of X= Li, B, Mg, Ca, Cu and Sr have been determined by monitoring the absorption spectrum of their monohydride (XH) in graphite furnace HR-CS-MAS. For example, for the three Mg isotopes (24Mg, 25Mg and 26Mg) band (0→0) for the electronic transition X1Σ+ → A1Π was evaluated around wavelength 513.4 nm (Fig. 1). Partial least square regression (PLS) for analysis of samples and reference materials were applied. For this, a spectral library with different isotopes ratios for PLS regression were built. Results are metrological compatible with those reported by mass spectrometric methods.
We propose an alternative faster and low-cost optical method for isotope analysis: high-resolution continuum source molecular absorption spectrometry (HR-CS-MAS).
Stable isotope amount composition of X = Li, B, Mg, Ca and Sr were determined by monitoring the absorption spectra of their in situ generated mono-hydrides (XH) in graphite furnace HR-CS-MAS. Isotopes of boron (10B and 11B) were studied via their hydrides for the electronic transition X1Σ+ → A1Π (Fig. 1a). The spectrum of a given sample is a linear combination of the 10BH molecule and its isotopologue 11BH. Therefore, the isotopic composition of samples can be calculated by a partial least square regression (PLS). For this, a spectral library is built by using samples with known isotope composition. Results with an accuracy of 0.15 ‰ are metrologically compatible with those reported by mass spectrometric methods. Similar results are obtained for n isotope systems like Mg (24Mg, 25Mg, and 26Mg), where isotope shifts of their isotopologues can be resolved as shown in Fig.1b. The extension of this methodology to other elements like Li, Ca and Sr is discussed.
Boron presents two stable isotopes, 10B and 11B and due to their relatively large mass difference (~ 10%) isotope fractionation leads to considerable isotope amount ratio variations n(10B)/n(11B) in natural occurrence. These have been used as a proof of provenance of mineral and biological samples, to estimate a contamination source and to the determination of geological processes by erosion or subduction. Additionally, boron is employed in the nuclear industry due to the capability of its isotope 10B to thermal-neutron capture and therefore 10B enriched boric acid solutions are used in the cooling system of thermonuclear facilities and in the alloying of steel and carbides for protective shielding. Usually, isotope ratio variations are determined by mass spectroscopic methods.
Here an alternative faster and low cost method for isotope ratio determination is proposed: high-resolution continuum source molecular absorption spectrometry (HR-CS-MAS). Boron isotope amount ratios have been determined by monitoring the absorption spectrum of boron monohydride (BH) in graphite furnace HR-CS-MAS. Bands (0→0) and (1→1) for the electronic transition X1Σ+ → A1Π were evaluated around wavelengths 433.1 nm and 437.1 nm respectively. Partial least square regression (PLS) for analysis of samples and reference materials were applied. For this, a spectral library with different isotopes ratios for PLS regression was built. Results obtained around the 433.1 nm and 437.1 nm spectral regions are metrologically compatible with those reported by mass spectrometric methods. Moreover, a precision and accuracy of the method of ± 0.5 ‰ for the evaluated spectral region around 437.1 nm is reported here. This accuracy and precision is comparable with those obtained by thermal ionization mass spectrometry (TIMS) and multiple collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (MC-ICP-MS) for boron isotope ratio measurements.
We developed a rapid and robust HPLC-MS/MS (QqQ) method for the quantification of hepcidin-25, a promising new biomarker in iron metabolism, in human samples. The novelty of the method is the use of special HPLC vials to avoid adsorptive losses due to the basic character of the peptide that causes interaction with the silanol groups of the vial’s glass surface. Up to 90% decrease in the MS/MS signal was observed, when commercial HPLC vials were used, while vials treated with 3-(2-aminoethylamino)propylmethyldimethoxysilane or 1H,1H,2H,2H-perfluorooctyltriethoxysilane, leading to no losses in the range of physiological hepcidin-25 mean serum levels (10-20 µg/L).
Hepcidin-25 has attracted much attention ever since its discovery in 2001. It is widely recognized that this liver produced peptide hormone plays a major role in the regulation of iron levels in mammals and can reveal important clinical information about several pathological states in patients suffering from iron-related disorders.
With the aim to tackle the current difficulties in hepcidin quantification and improve the status of this promising biomarker in the clinical field, we developed a rapid and robust analytical strategy for the quantification of hepcidin-25 in human samples based on HPLC-MS/MS (QqQ) to be implemented in routine laboratories. The novelty of the method is the use of special HPLC vials to avoid adsorptive losses due to the basic character of the peptide that causes interaction with the silanol groups of the vial’s glass surface. Up to 90% decrease in the MS/MS signal was observed, when commercial HPLC vials were used, while vials treated with 3-(2-aminoethylamino)propylmethyl-dimethoxysilane or 1H,1H,2H,2H-perfluorooctyltriethoxysilane, leading to no significant losses in the dynamic range of physiological hepcidin-25 mean serum levels (10-20 µg/L).
Careful analytical validation was performed for determining the reproducibility, repeatability, limit of quantification (0.5 µg/L) and linearity (0.5-40 µg/L) of the method. Serum samples from 9 healthy volunteers were analyzed with a median hepcidin-25 level of 3.3 µg/L, comparable to results reported in the literature.
Hepcidin-25 has attracted much attention ever since its discovery in 2001. It is widely recognized that this peptide hormone plays a major role in the regulation of iron levels in mammals and can reveal important clinical information about several iron-related disorders. However, the development of a reliable assay to quantify hepcidin proved to be problematic and serum hepcidin-25 concentrations determined by various assays differ substantially. Challenges arise in the MS analysis of hepcidin due to the “sticky” character of the peptide and the lack of suitable standards.
With the aim to tackle the current difficulties in hepcidin quantification and improve the status of this promising biomarker in the clinical field, we developed a rapid and robust analytical strategy for the quantification of hepcidin-25 in human samples based on HPLC-MS/MS (QqQ) as a reference method candidate to be implemented in routine laboratories. The novelty of the method is the use of amino- and fluoro-silanized autosampler vials to reduce hepcidin interaction to laboratory glassware surfaces. Furthermore, we have investigated two sample preparation strategies and two chromatographic separation conditions where the use of acidic mobile phases was compared with a novel approach involving solvents at high pH containing 0.1% of ammonia. Both methods were carefully validated and applied to clinical samples in an intra-laboratory comparison of two LC-MS/MS methods using the same hepcidin-25 calibrators with very good correlation of the results.
HPLC-MS/MS quantification of hepcidin-25, a new promising iron biomarker, in human serum samples
(2017)
Hepcidin-25 has attracted much attention ever since its discovery in 2001. It is widely recognized that this liver produced peptide hormone plays a major role in the regulation of iron levels in mammals. Hepcidin levels could reveal important clinical information about several pathological states in patients suffering from iron-related disorders such as chronic kidney disease (CKD) or hereditary haemochromatosis (HH). Despite significant efforts though, the development of a reliable assay to quantify hepcidin proved to be problematic for the last 15 years.
With the aim to tackle the current difficulties in hepcidin quantification and improve the status of this promising biomarker in the clinical field, we developed a rapid and robust analytical strategy for the quantification of hepcidin-25 in human samples based on HPLC-MS/MS (QqQ) to be implemented in routine laboratories. The novelty of the method is the use of special HPLC vials to avoid adsorptive losses due to the basic character of the peptide that causes interaction with the silanol groups of the vial’s glass surface. Up to 90% decrease in the MS/MS signal was observed, when commercial HPLC vials were used, while vials treated with 3-(2-aminoethylamino)propylmethyl-dimethoxysilane or 1H,1H,2H,2H-perfluorooctyltriethoxysilane, leading to no significant losses in the dynamic range of physiological hepcidin-25 mean serum levels (10-20 µg/L).
Careful analytical validation was performed for determining the reproducibility, repeatability, limit of quantification (0.5 µg/L) and linearity (0.5-40 µg/L) of the method. Serum samples from 9 healthy volunteers were analyzed with a median hepcidin-25 level of 3.3 µg/L, comparable to results reported in the literature.
Immunoassays based on the detection of the antibody -Antigen interaction belong to the most important analytical techniques.
Electrochemical methods in immunoassays are increasingly used as they offer some advantages as being fast, simple, portable and cheap detection methods.
Cocaine is a highly addictive stimulant that occurs naturally as an Alkaloid of the Coca plants. It is frequently detected on bank notes and in wastewater.
Immunoassays based on the detection of the antibody-antigen interaction belong to the most important analytical techniques.
Electrochemical methods in immunoassays are increasingly used as they offer some Advantages as being fast, simple, portable and cheap detection methods.
Cocaine is a highly addictive stimulant that occurs naturally as an Alkaloid of the Coca plants. It is frequently detected on bank notes and in wastewater.
A wide range of properties in crystalline materials is affected by the presence of dislocations, the carriers of plastic deformation. Dislocations can be thought of as filiform structures, characterized by geometrical factors such as their Burgers vector, slip plane, length per unit volume (dislocation density) and line direction. In technical materials such as functional and structural alloys, as well as in minerals, the understanding of bulk deformation driven by dislocation activity is of paramount importance, and thus also the techniques that allow its characterization. Since decades, diffraction contrast in the transmission electron microscope (TEM) is widely implemented to image and describe two-dimensional (2D) projections of dislocation substructures in thin foils [1]. Recently, the use of electron tomography was applied for the first time to fully reconstruct a 3D dislocation network in a GaN epilayer [2]. Although this latter technique has gained popularity, it usually requires an elaborate experimental setup, as well as sophisticated image post-processing methods for a successful reconstruction. Stereoscopic methods in the TEM also have traditionally allowed the three-dimensional (3D) observation of dislocations [e. g. 3]. For this purpose, the same region of a TEM foil is imaged using the same diffraction vector with two beam directions slightly tilted from each other. Subsequently, the pair of images is observed with help of stereo-viewers or 3D glasses. Based on this principle, a system based on a special hardware and software combination was developed for segmentation and analysis of stereomicroscopy data in biological research, and it was also used to analyze simple dislocation structures [4]. In the present contribution a simple software tool is introduced, which has been developed to reconstruct, visualize and quantify dislocation substructures in the thicker regions of electron-transparent foils. A special focus is set on the use of scanning (S)TEM for its implementation.
As depicted in Figure 1, the tool is based on the separate tracing of dislocation line segments on both images of a stereo-pair. The points 1, 2 and 3 are marked on the images viewed by the left and right eyes (Figures 1a and b, respectively), showing an relative displacement Δx on the superimposed images in the anaglyph of Figure 1c. This Δx is given by the point’s depth Δh and by the stereo-angle ϑ, as shown in Figure 1d. By knowing the beam direction for the left and right images (BL and BR, respectively), ϑ can be determined, and hence also Δh. Once the depth information from all traced nodes is gained, a reconstruction is made (Figure 1e) where the line length can directly be read from the tool’s interface. The setup is merely geometrical and only needs the relative tilt between both images, the direction of the tilt axis and the image calibration, thus allowing asymmetrical tilts with respect to the foil normal. The foil thickness is measured directly from the endings of the dislocations on the bottom and top surfaces of the TEM foil, and is determined as t ~ 370 nm for the region in Figure 1. With t, the volume is in Figure 1e is also known, and the total dislocation density of the region is calculated as ρt = 44.4 x 1012 m∙m-3. It is clear from Figure 1 that in the Ni-base superalloy presented here, the dislocation substructures are highly localized towards the interface between the two phases of which the microstructure is composed, γ and γ’ (labeled in Figure 1a). The reconstructed model allows a separation of the dislocation densities within the γ and the γ’ phases and at their interface, which would be rather difficult by using common methods such as the one proposed by Ham [5]. Thus the partial dislocation densities are measured as ργ = 1.7 x 1012 m∙m-3, ργ’ = 2.7 x 1012 m∙m-3 and ργ/γ’ = 40.0 x 1012 m∙m-3. The tool also incorporates the knowledge of the crystallographic positions at the two tilts to enable plotting the line segment orientations. One can chose to display the resulting line directions as an interactive table; as an additional spherical spatial graph, where all lines extend from the center of a sphere; as a 2D plot of the spherical coordinates θ and φ; or as points plotted on a stereographic projection.
Thus, a simple software tool has been developed that allows the reconstruction, visualization and quantification of foil thickness, localized dislocation densities (or other filiform substructures) and orientations based on only one stereo-pair
Dislocations, as carriers of plastic deformation, affect important properties in technical materials, e. g., plasticity. The realistic description of plastic deformation caused by dislocations demands the representative measurement of their features, e.g., line direction, slip plane, Burgers vector and density. Bulk deformation of structural and functional alloys requires reliable data from large regions. The filiform nature of dislocations interacting with complex microstructures additionally demands observation and analysis techniques that allow resolving the details of their interactions in space. The use of electron tomography for this purpose is bound to difficult and time consuming experimental setups, which are not always applicable to any material. In this contribution a new tool is presented, which enables the three-dimensional reconstruction, visualization and quantification of dislocation densities and directions from manual tracing of scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) stereo-pairs. Examples are shown from samples of a creep-deformed monocrystalline Ni-base superalloy.
Thermographic NDE is based on the interaction of thermal waves with inhomogeneities. These inhomogeneities are related to sample geometry or material composition. Although thermography is suitable for a wide range of inhomogeneities and materials, the fundamental limitation is the diffusive nature of thermal waves and the need to measure their effect radiometrically at the sample surface only. The propagation of the thermal waves from the heat source to the inhomogeneity and to the detection surface results in a degradation in the spatial resolution of the technique. A new concerted ansatz based on a spatially structured heating and a joint sparsity of the signal ensemble allows an improved reconstruction of inhomogeneities. As a first step to establish an improved thermographic NDE method, an experimental setup was built based on structured 1D illumination using a flash lamp behind a mechanical aperture. As a follow-up to this approach, we now use direct structured illumination using a 1D laser array. The individual emitter cells are driven by a random binary pattern and additionally shifted by fractions of the cell period. The repeated measurement of these different configurations with simultaneously constant inhomogeneity allows for a reconstruction that makes use of joint sparsity. With analytical-numerical modelling or numerical FEM simulations, we study the influence of the parameters on the result of non-linear reconstruction. For example, the influence of the illumination pattern as a variable heat flux density and Neumann boundary condition for convolution with the constant Green's function can be studied. These studies can be used to derive optimal conditions for a measurement technique.
The separation of two closely located defects in fields of Thermographic NDE is very challenging. The diffusive nature of thermal waves leads to a fundamental limitation in spatial resolution. Therefore, super resolution image reconstruction can be used. A new concerted ansatz based on spatially structured heating and joint sparsity of the signal ensemble allows an improved reconstruction of closely located defects. This new technique has also been studied using 1D laser arrays in active thermography.
The post-processing can be roughly described by two steps: 1. Finding a sparse basis representation using a reconstruction algorithm such as the Fourier transform, 2. Application of an iterative joint sparsity (IJOSP) method to the firstly reconstructed data. For this reason, different methods in post-processing can be compared using the same measured data set.
The focus in this work was the variation of reconstruction algorithms in step 1 and its influence on the results from step 2. More precise, the measured thermal waves can be transformed to virtual (ultrasound) waves that can be processed by applying ultrasound reconstruction algorithms and finally the super resolution algorithm. Otherwise, it is also possible to make use of a Fourier transform with a subsequent super resolution routine. These super resolution thermographic image reconstruction techniques in post-processing are discussed and evaluated regarding performance, accuracy and repeatability.
The diffusive nature of heat propagation complicates the separation of two closely spaced defects. This results in a fundamental limitation in spatial resolution. Therefore, super resolution (SR) image reconstruction can be used. SR processing techniques based on spatially structured heating and joint sparsity of the signal ensemble allows for an improved reconstruction of closely spaced defects. This new technique has been studied using a 1D laser array with randomly chosen illumination pattern.
This paper presents the results after applying SR algorithms such as the iterative joint sparsity (IJOSP) algorithm, to our processed measurement data. Two different data processing strategies are evaluated and discussed regarding their influence on the reconstruction goodness as well as their complexity. Moreover, the degradation of the SR reconstruction by the choice of regularization parameters in data processing is discussed.
The application of both SR techniques that are evaluated in this paper results in a spatial resolution enhancement of approximately a factor of four which leads to a better separation of two closely spaced defects. The fundamental difference between both SR techniques is their complexity.
The separation of two closely located defects in fields of Thermographic NDE is very challenging. The diffusive nature of thermal waves leads to a fundamental limitation in spatial resolution. Therefore, super resolution image reconstruction can be used.
The measured thermal waves can be transformed to virtual (ultrasound) waves that can be processed by applying ultrasound reconstruction algorithms and finally the super resolution algorithm. Otherwise, it is also possible to make use of a Fourier transform with a subsequent super resolution routine.
These super resolution thermographic image reconstruction techniques in post-processing are discussed and evaluated regarding performance, accuracy and repeatability.
Die thermografische ZfP basiert auf der Wechselwirkung von thermischen Wellen mit Inhomogenitäten. Die Ausbreitung von thermischen Wellen von der Wärmequelle zur Inhomogenität und zur Detektionsoberfläche entsprechend der thermischen Diffusionsgleichung führt dazu, dass zwei eng beieinander liegende Defekte fälschlicherweise als ein Defekt im gemessenen Thermogramm erkannt werden können. Um diese räumliche Auflösungsgrenze zu durchbrechen, also eine Super Resolution zu realisieren, kann die Kombination von räumlich strukturierter Erwärmung und numerischen Verfahren des Compressed Sensings verwendet werden.
Für unsere Arbeiten benutzen wir Hochleistungs-Laser im Kilowatt-Bereich um die Probe entweder hochaufgelöst entlang einer Linie (1D) abzurastern oder strukturiert zu erwärmen. Die Verbesserung des räumlichen Auflösungsvermögens zur Defekterkennung hängt dann im klassischen Sinne direkt von der Anzahl der Messungen ab. Mithilfe des Compressed Sensings und Vorkenntnissen über das System ist es jedoch möglich die Anzahl der Messungen zu reduzieren und trotzdem Super Resolution zu erzielen. Wie viele Messungen notwendig sind und wie groß der Auflösungsgewinn gegenüber der konventionellen thermografischen Prüfung mit flächiger Erwärmung ist, hängt von einer Reihe von Messparametern, der Messstrategie, Probeneigenschaften und den verwendeten Rekonstruktionsalgorithmen ab.
Unsere Studien befassen sich mit dem Einfluss der experimentellen Parameter, wie z.B. der Pulslänge der Laserbeleuchtung und der Größe des Laserspots. Weiterhin haben wir uns mit der Wahl der Parameter in der Rekonstruktion auseinandergesetzt, die einen Einfluss auf das im Compressed Sensing zugrundeliegende Minimierungsproblem haben. Für jeden getesteten Parametersatz wurde eine Rekonstruktionsqualität berechnet. Schließlich wurden die Defektrekonstruktionen basierend auf den Parameternsätzen verglichen, sodass eine Parameterwahl für hohe Rekonstruktionsqualitäten mit thermografischer Super Resolution empfohlen werden kann.
We report on the in situ investigation of mechanochemical syntheses of metal phosphonates. The metal phosphonates are formed in milling reactions starting from a metal acetate and a phosphonic acid. The conversions are observed by synchrotron PXRD and Raman spectroscopy to shed light on the reaction mechanisms including possible intermediates.
The exploration of metal phosphonates has gained great interest during the last decades, because of their structural diversity. They are promising candidates for a variety of applications ranging from adsorbance to electrocatalysis. The knowledge of the Crystal structure is significant for assigning a coordination polymer for a specific function. We investigated the influence of the fluorination degree of the organic linker on the Crystal packing, the interlayer distance, and the hydrophobicity of the resulting compounds. With fluorinated and nonfluorinated benzylphosphonic acids as starting materials in mechanochemical synthesis, four novel cadmium benzylphosphonates were obtained. Their structures were solved from powder X-ray diffraction.
The exploration of metal phosphonates chemistry has gained great interest during the last decades, because of their structural diversity. Transition metal phosphonates are promising candidates for an application as electrocatalysts in oxygen evolution reactions (OER).
Here, we present the in situ investigation of mechanochemical syntheses of different manganese phosphonates by synchrotron X-ray diffraction. Nitrilotri(methylenephosphonic acid) and N,N-Bis(phosphonomethyl)glycine were chosen as ligands. The liquid-assisted milling process can be divided into three steps, including an amorphous stage. One of the products has not been obtained by classical solution chemistry before.
These metal phosphonates and/or their derivatives are considered to be active in electrochemical energy conversion. The verification of their applicability is one of the topics of our resent research.
Mechanochemistry is a versatile approach for green and fast synthesis of pure substances. By milling the reactants, various organic, inorganic, and metal-organic compounds can be obtained in high yields. Although mechanochemistry is widely used, the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood making mechanochemical reactions difficult to predict. Metal phosphonates are metal-organic compounds accessible by grinding. Because of their structural diversity, the exploration of the chemistry of metal phosphonates has gained considerable interest during the last decades. Transition metal phosphonates are promising candidates for an application as electrocatalysts in oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Here, we present the in situ investigation of the mechanochemical synthesis of a manganese(II)-phosphonate by synchrotron X-ray diffraction and thermography. The product has not been obtained by classical solution chemistry before and its crystal structure was determined from PXRD data. The milling process can be divided into different steps, with the product crystallization corresponding with the highest temperature rise. The activity of this metal phosphonate towards OER was measured and is presented here.
Mechanochemistry is a versatile approach for green and fast synthesis of pure substances. The exploration of the chemistry of metal phosphonates has gained considerable interest during the last decades due to their structural diversity. We synthesized manganese phosphonates in milling reactions. The mechanochemical reactions were investigated in situ to reveal the underlying mechanisms.
The exploration of metal phosphonates chemistry has gained great interest during the last decades, because of their structural diversity. Transition metal phosphonates are promising candidates for an application as electrocatalysts in oxygen reduction reactions (ORR). Here, we present the in situ investigation of mechanochemical syntheses of two different manganese phosphonates by synchrotron X-ray diffraction. Nitrilotri(methylenephosphonic acid) and N,N-Bis(phosphonomethyl)glycine were chosen as ligands. The liquid-assisted milling process can be divided into three steps, including an amorphous stage. One of the products has not been obtained by classical solution chemistry before.
These metal phosphonates and/or their derivatives are considered to be active in electrochemical energy conversion. The verification of their applicability is one of the topics of our resent research.
Metal phosphonates are metal-organic compounds consisting of a metal core and a phosphonate ligand. Depending on the nature of the ligand, metal phosphonates appear in different structures covering the range from molecular compounds to three-dimensional networks. Due to their structural diversity, the chemistry of metal phosphonates has gained great interest during the last decades. Metal phosphonates can be used for various applications as gas storage and separation, magnetism, and energy conversion. Especially transition metal phosphonates are promising candidates as electrocatalysts. Mechanochemistry is a versatile approach for green and fast synthesis of pure substances. By milling the reactants, various organic, inorganic, and metal-organic compounds can be obtained in high yields. Here, we present the synthesis of different new metal phosphonates obtained by grinding of metal acetates with respective phosphonic acids. By varying the ratio of the reactants, we are able to determine the composition of the final products. The addition of small amounts of liquid to the grinding process tends to increase the product’s crystallinity. The crystal structures of the new compounds were determined from powder X-ray data.
Carbamazepine (CBZ) and cetirizine (CTZ) are pharmaceutical drugs detected in the aquatic environment. However, the effects to marine invertebrates derived from the combination of these drugs with decreased pH conditions due to ocean acidification are poorly explored. This study investigated the biochemical parameters related to metabolic capacity and oxidative stress response and the transcription of genes related to the mode of action (MoA) of CBZ (1.0 μg/L) and CTZ (0.6 μg/L) in the clam Ruditapes philippinarum chronically exposed (28 days) to control (7.8) and low (7.5) pH conditions. The biochemical parameters applied were: the activity of electron transport system (indicator of organisms’ metabolic capacity); lipid peroxidation content (indicator of cell damage); total glutathione peroxidase activity (indicator of antioxidant defense). The transcription of genes related with drug neurotransmission and metabolism, cell defense and immunity and biomineralization was studied. No metabolic changes and oxidative stress was induced by the exposure to CBZ or CTZ at each pH level, but the transcription of several genes related with the MoA (neurotransmission, immunity and biomineralization) was altered by low pH, drug exposure and the combination of both stressors. In conclusion, it was shown that the interaction of drug exposure and low pH conditions can change bivalves’ sensitivity to drugs or alter drugs toxicity.
As groundwork for thickness determination of polymeric surface protection systems for concrete, we present a method for measuring the thickness of isolated semitransparent solids using pulse thermography both in transmission and reflection configuration. An advanced analytical model by Salazar et al. capturing semitransparency is applied. After calibration with samples of well-known thickness, the unknown thickness of samples of the same material can be obtained by fitting.
Optical Stability Studies of Hexagonal Upconverting Nanocrystals and Development of Monitoring Tools
(2021)
We demonstrate the potential of time-resolved luminesence spectroscopy for the straightforward assessment and in situ monitoring of the stabilty of UCNPs. Different analytical methods were used to assess the dissolution behaviour of UCNPs in varuous media. Potentiometric and optical data were correlated to develop a new non-invasive monitoring tool for particle dissolution
Functionalisation of UCNPs with analyte-responsive dyes as resonance energy transfer (RET)acceptors, which is in the focus of our work, will yield chemoresponsive nanoprobes with unique features: they can be excited in the NIR range (which minimizes the photo-damage of biological samples, as well as the autofluoresence background) and one of their several sharp UC emission bands can be used as donor for RET sensing applications in combination with analyte-sensitive dyes which serve as indicators, whereas the other UC band(s) can act as internal reference. The first step upon preparation of such nanosensors is the functionalisation of the UCNPs with different surface chemistries for indicator conjugation. Desirable are systems with short distance between the UCNP(donor) and the indicator (acceptor) as a prerequisite for efficient RET. Additionally, dyes with a large spectral overlap between their absorption and one of the UC emission bands are required. Several classes of pH-responsive fluorescent dyes like xanthenes are eligible. Here, we present first studies to optimize the surface functionalization to achieve high RET efficiencies, which would improve the performance of such nanosensors for ratiometric fluorescence measurements of pH in biological matrices.
Metallic nanoparticles (NPs) are currently applied in a variety of consumer products and are also attractive for medical applications. With their widespread use, the potential for human exposure to NPs — either intended or unintended — is increasing. Therefore, many studies have evaluated the toxicity and transport mechanism of NPs. In comparison with two-dimensional cultured cells, multicellular spheroids (MCS) look promising to be used as a three-dimensional cellular model, having unique advantages in nanoparticle studies due to the fact that interactions with excreted extracellular matrix can be investigated. Fibroblast cells are one of the most important cell systems to express a microenvironment by excreting an abundant extracellular matrix. For bioimaging laser ablation inductively coupled-plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) is used in this investigation to study the interaction of metallic NPs with MCS for multi-element detection offering a wide dynamic range. As a mass spectrometer we have applied a time-of-flight (TOF) instrument for (quasi-) simultaneous detection of all isotopes of elements of interest.
The aim of this study is to investigate the localization of silver (Ag) NPs exposed to fibroblast MCSs by means of LA-ICP-TOF-MS. In addition, for demonstrating elemental microscopy we chose phosphorous (31P) and iron (56Fe) to visualize regions of enriched extracellular matrix and single cells, respectively. In this presentation, we show that exposed Ag NPs are highly accumulated at the same position of single cells in an outer rim of fibroblast MCSs.
We have applied laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) with subcellular resolution as an elemental mass microscope to investigate the distributions of Ag nanoparticles (NP) in a 3-dimentional multicellular spheroid (MCS) model. The production of MCS has been optimized by changing the seeding cell number (500 to 40,000 cells) and the growth period (1 to 10 days). Incubations of MCS with Ag nanoparticle suspensions were performed with a concentration of 5 µg mL-1 for 24 hours. Thin-sections of the Eosin stained MCS were analysed by elemental mass microscopy using LA-ICP-MS to image distributions of 109Ag, 31P, 63Cu, 66Zn and 79Br. A calibration using NP suspensions was applied to convert the measured Ag intensity into the number of particles being present in each measurement pixel. The numbers of NP determined ranged from 30 up to 4,000 particles in an enrichment zone. The particle distribution was clearly correlated to 31P, 66Zn and 79Br and was localized in an outer rim of proliferating cells (confirmed by DAPI) with a width of about two-single cell diameters. For the highest seeding cell number NPs were only detected in this outer rim, whereas small molecules as for instance 79Br and 109Ag ions were detected in the core of the MCS as well. Aniline blue staining demonstrated that this outer rim was rich in collagen structures in which fibroblast cells were embedded and a thin-membrane was visible which separated the core from the biological active cell layer functioning as biological barriers for NP transport. In this presentation, we will show the possibility using this 3-dimensional model for toxicological and medical applications.
Thermoresponsive polymers have shown great potential in applications such as bioseparation, drug delivery and diagnostic. Only few thermoresponsive polymers that present an upper critical solution temperature (UCST), i.e. phase separate from solution upon cooling, in a relevant temperature range have been reported so far. Moreover, the most studied UCST type polymers namely polybetaines are difficult to use under physiological conditions, which significantly restricts their potential applications. Therefore, UCST polymers with sharp and robust phase transition in physiological conditions (in the presence of salts, ions etc.) are highly needed in order to extend the range of applications of this class of polymers.
Herein, a robust UCST-type copolymer of acrylamide (AAm) and acrylonitrile (AN) (poly(AAm-co-AN)) was prepared by reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization[4] and its thermo-induced aggregation behavior in aqueous media was studied. At temperature below the UCST, the copolymer chains were aggregated together. The aggregate size was found to be larger with increasing AN contents and became smaller upon dilution of the copolymer solutions. While above the UCST, the copolymer chains were expanded and weekly associated in solution. The association between the copolymer chains formed smaller aggregates with increasing the AN contents or the dilution of the solutions. A model is proposed to explain such aggregation behavior.
Dual orthogonal functionalities in a single material is highly desirable in many fields such as bio-imaging, sensing, coating or diagnostic and therapy. However, a precise and controlled approach to prepare two different functionalities is still a challenging task. Herein, we show the simple preparation method for the synthesis of dual-functional hybrid core/shell/shell nanoparticles consisting of a silica core with a fluorescent and a thermoresponsive polymeric layer. Silica core particles were first coated by a fluorescent layer using surface- nitiated reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization. The fluorescent silica nanoparticles were then completely enclosed within a switchable protective coating made of thermoresponsive poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) via RAFT polymerization. Thermoresponsive poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) is known to change its properties according to the surroundings temperature in a reversible and controllable way (LCST behavior). The successful preparation of well-defined dual-functional hybrid core/shell/shell nanoparticles was shown by scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, while their fluorescence and thermoresponsive properties were confirmed by fluorescence spectroscopy and dynamic light scattering measurements, respectively.
Thermoresponsive polymers have shown great potential in applications such as bioseparation, drug delivery and diagnostic. Only few thermoresponsive polymers that present an upper critical solution temperature (UCST) in a relevant temperature range, i.e. Phase separate from solution upon cooling, have been reported so far. Moreover, the most studied UCST type polymers namely polybetaines are difficult to use under physiological conditions, which significantly restricts their potential applications. Therefore, UCST polymers with sharp and robust phase transition in physiological conditions (in the presence of salts, ions etc.) are highly needed in order to extend the range of applications of this class of polymers.
Herein, a robust UCST-type copolymer of acrylamide (AAm) and acrylonitrile (AN) (poly(AAm-co-AN)) was prepared by reversible addition fragmentation chain Transfer (RAFT) polymerization and its thermo-induced aggregation behavior in aqueous media was studied by turbidity and dynamic light scattering measurements. At temperature below the UCST, the poly(AAm-co-AN) copolymer chains were aggregated together. The aggregate size was found to be larger with increasing AN contents and became smaller upon dilution of the copolymer solutions. While above the UCST, the poly(AAm-co-AN) copolymer chains were expanded and weekly associated in solution. The association between the copolymer chains formed smaller aggregates with increasing the AN Contents or the concentration of the solutions. A model is proposed to explain such aggregationassociation behavior of the poly(AAm-co-AN) copolymer depending on the AN Contents and concentration of the solutions.
Functional polymer based on 2,6-diaminopyridine with tunable UCST behaviour in water/alcohol mixture
(2017)
Thermoresponsive polymers are of great importance in numerous applications such as bioseparation, drug delivery, diagnostic and microfluidic applications.[1-2] Only a few thermoresponsive polymers have been reported that present an Upper Critical Solution Temperature (UCST), i.e. phase separate from solution upon cooling, in a relevant temperature range and “green” solvents such as water or ethanol.[3] Indeed, polymers with UCST behavior below 60°C in alcohol or water/alcohol mixtures are extremely promising for the preparation of “smart” materials for sensing.
In this work, two novel functional polymers of based on a 2,6-diaminopyridine motif were synthesized by free-radical polymerization. Their UCST-type transition temperature is tunable by varying either their concentration in solution or the type of solvent. Insights into this phenomenon are investigated using turbidimetry and temperature dependent dynamic light scattering.
Fluorescent nanoparticles that “light up”/”dim down” by applying external stimuli are of particular interest in the fields of sensing, diagnostics, photonics, protective coatings and microfluidics. The current challenge for these materials is to combine for instance fluorescence and its response to a stimulus such as temperature in a precise manner. Here we present such a system based on a core/shell/shell architecture consisting of a silica core with a fluorescent layer and a thermoresponsive shell.
The silica core nanoparticles were first coated with a fluorescent shell using surface initiated reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization. The fluorescent nanoparticles were then completely engulfed by a switchable protective coating made of thermoresponsive poly(N-isopropylacrylamide). The fluorescence of the nanoparticles could be “switched on” at room temperature and “switched off” with increasing environmental temperature because of the presence of the thermoresponsive layer. Insights into this phenomenon will be given based on temperature dependent fluorescence measurements and dynamic light scattering.
Temperature switches “on” and “off” nanoparticle fluorescence in a core/shell/shell architecture
(2017)
Fluorescent nanoparticles that light “on/off” by applying external stimuli are of particular interest in the fields of sensing, diagnostics, photonics, protective coatings and microfluidics. The current challenge for these materials is for instance to combine fluorescence and its response to a stimulus such as temperature in a precise manner. Here we present such a system based on a core/shell/shell architecture consisting of a silica core with a fluorescent layer and a thermoresponsive shell.
In this work the silica core nanoparticles were first coated with a fluorescent shell using surface initiated reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization. The fluorescent nanoparticles were then completely engulfed by a switchable protective coating made of thermoresponsive poly(N-isopropylacrylamide). The fluorescence of the nanoparticles could be “switched on” at room temperature and “switched off” with increasing environmental temperature because of the presence of the thermoresponsive layer. Insights into this phenomenon will be given based on temperature dependent fluorescence measurements and dynamic light scattering.
Imaging of Eu doped very small iron oxide nanoparticle in atherosclerotic plaques via LA-ICP-MS
(2018)
Atherosclerotic lesions can be visualized by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) using very small iron oxide nanoparticles (VSOP). VSOP accumulate in atherosclerotic plaques and thus serve as an atherosclerosis probe. The aim of this project was to image the distribution of europium doped VSOP (Eu-VSOP) by laser ablation ICP-MS in histological thin cuts of the aortic root region of ApoE knockout mouse model that is rich in atherosclerotic plaques. In addition, it was investigated whether VSOP accumulation in the plaques correlates with other biomarkers of inflammation for example macrophages and altered endothelium to assess whether it correlates with instability or vulnerability of the plaque regions. For this purpose, antibodies were labeled with various lanthanide elements and correlated with the Eu-VSOP distribution using LA-ICP-MS in a multiplex measurement mode.
Imaging of Eu doped very small iron oxide nanoparticle in atherosclerotic plaques via LA ICP-MS
(2018)
Atherosclerotic lesions can be visualized by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) using very small iron oxide nanoparticles (VSOP). VSOP accumulate in atherosclerotic plaques and thus serve as an atherosclerosis probe.
The aim of this project was to image the distribution of europium doped VSOP (Eu-VSOP) by laser ablation ICP-MS in histological thin cuts of the aortic root region of ApoE knockout mouse model that is rich in atherosclerotic plaques. In addition, it was investigated whether VSOP accumulation in the plaques correlates with other biomarkers of inflammation for example macrophages and altered endothelium to assess whether it correlates with instability or vulnerability of the plaque regions. For this purpose, antibodies were labeled with various lanthanide elements and correlated with the Eu-VSOP distribution using LA-ICP-MS in a multiplex measurement mode.
A possible correlation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) with endogenous iron or Eu-VSOP can also be detected by LA-ICP-MS. For this purpose, ROS-specific antibodies were also labeled with lanthanides.
Imaging of Eu doped very small iron oxide nanoparticle in atherosclerotic plaques via LA-ICP-MS
(2018)
Atherosclerotic lesions can be visualized by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) using very small iron oxide nanoparticles (VSOP). VSOP accumulate in atherosclerotic plaques and thus serve as an atherosclerosis probe.
The aim of this project was to image the distribution of europium doped VSOP (Eu-VSOP) by laser ablation ICP-MS in histological thin cuts of the aortic root region of ApoE knockout mouse model that is rich in atherosclerotic plaques. In addition, it was investigated whether VSOP accumulation in the plaques correlates with other biomarkers of inflammation for example macrophages and altered endothelium to assess whether it correlates with instability or vulnerability of the plaque regions. For this purpose, antibodies were labeled with various lanthanide elements and correlated with the Eu-VSOP distribution using LA-ICP-MS in a multiplex measurement mode.
A possible correlation of reactive nitrogen species (RNS) with endogenous iron or Eu-VSOP can also be detected by LA-ICP-MS. For this purpose, RNS-specific antibodies were also labeled with lanthanides.
Highly selective and sensitive antibodies are only available for a limited number of small molecules. Hence the development of new antibodies is important to exploit the full potential of immunoanalytics. Small molecules do not elicit an immune response in mammals unless conjugated to carrier molecules. The choice of the structures to be conjugated, called haptens, is critical for the antibody production. Here we present our Approach to produce antibodies for the plasticizer diisononyl 1,2-cyclehexane-dicarboxylic acid (DINCH) and di-2-ethylhexyl terephthalate (DEHT) as well as the bile acid isolithocholic acid (ILA).
NSO-Heterocyclen (NSO-H) finden sich zusammen mit polycyklischen aromatischen Kohlenwasserstoffen (PAK) überwiegend an Teer- und Teeröl kontaminierten Standorten
im Boden und Grundwasser.
NSO-H sind ähnlich toxisch wie PAK, aber polarer und damit hydrophiler. Da NSO-H an kontaminierten Standorten lediglich einen geringen Anteil des Schadstoffinventars
ausmachen, wurde ihnen in der Vergangenheit wenig Aufmerksamkeit zuteil und sie werden im Gegensatz zu PAK nicht routinemäßig erfasst.
Aufgrund ihrer teilweise ausgeprägten Persistenz und der vergleichsweisen guten Wasserlöslichkeit bilden sie trotz der eher geringen Anfangskonzentrationen große
Schadstofffahnen mit geringen Konzentrationen aus. Mikrobielle Abbauprozesse bewirken dabei im Verlauf der Fahne Veränderungen der Anteile der Einzelsubstanzen
zueinander. In der Nähe des Schadensherdes dominieren meist PAK, im Abstrom sinkt deren Konzentration allerdings schneller, so dass hier die NSO-H die dominierende Schadstoffgruppe darstellen. Auf Grund des unterschiedlichen Abbauverhaltens kann die NSO-HBelastung
über den PAK Summenparameter nicht zuverlässig bestimmt werden.
BODIPY fluorophores are popular functional dyes in a multitude of fields in chemistry, physics, and materials sciences due to their excellent properties such as a good photostability, high fluorescence quantum yields, and almost unlimited possibilities for tailoring their properties by chemical functionalization. In sensing applications, BODIPY dyes are widely employed.
In this work, we present an approach for creating a BODIPY-based pocket-like structure for the recognition of volatile organic compounds (VOC) such as benzene and its derivatives. This may lead to the development of sensing devices for this class of compounds, which receive special attention by environmental chemists and regulatory authorities due to severe adverse effects on humans in particular and the environment in general. The low reactivity of benzene-derived hazardous compounds is thereby a major fact that has to be taken into consideration. While for other reactive gaseous compounds, fluorophore-based detection performance is achieved by the chemical modification of the fluorophore itself, e.g. by bond cleavage, addition, oxidation or reduction reactions; this is not possible for many VOCs. Several metal complexes were described for the sensing of benzene and its derivatives, but no organic dyes such as BODIPYs are known with these capabilities. Our unique concept towards BODIPY-based molecules acting as scavengers for VOCs is supposed to overcome the problem of benzene’s low reactivity by enforcing π-π-interactions between the fluorophore and the volatile aromatic analyte in pocket-like molecular structures.
Fluorescence based sensing is a versatile approach for the trace analysis outside of the laboratory, requiring suitable sensor materials and their integration into sensing devices. The versatility of fluorophores as probes, especially in terms of the possibility to tailor their optical as well as their recognition properties by synthetic modifications in a wide range, renders them a superior active component for the preparation of optical sensor devices. Recent works at BAM in this field include, for example, the detection of nerve gas agents, illustrating impressively the aforementioned benefits of fluorophores in optical sensing applications.
In the interdisciplinary approach presented here, we target hazardous gases such as ammonia, benzene, and hydrogen sulfide, next to others, which pose a major threat to human health and environmental safety and for which the availability of a sensitive and reliable detection method is highly desirable.
The dyes presented follow a “turn-on” fluorescence schematic which allows for the selective and sensitive detection of the respective gaseous analyte. The immobilization of the probe in polymeric matrices is then the next step toward the fabrication of a prototype device for molecular sensing.
The combination of Radio-frequency identification (RFID) and low energy sensors offers promising chances to implement cost effective, easy to apply, and easy to handle sensor systems for a variety of applications. The RFID technology is already well established in logistics. Enhanced processing and interface capabilities enable the integration of various sensors for control, diagnostics, and monitoring tasks. In the scope of research projects carried out at the Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing (BAM), RFID sensor systems were developed and validated with regard to two different application scenarios: the Identification and diagnosis of concrete components for road bridges and the monitoring of dangerous goods transportation. This contribution presents selected research results and reflects the practical experiences on future chances and limitations of RFID sensor systems.
Completely embedded sensor systems for long-term operation offer innovative possibilities for structural health monitoring of concrete structures. Measuring of relevant parameters, e.g., temperature, humidity, or indication of corrosion can be performed with low energy sensors. This allows to implement passive RFID sensor systems without cable connection and battery, which are power supplied exclusively by the electromagnetic field from the external reader device. To evaluate characteristics and conditions of this concept, a systematical investigation of the transmission characteristics with variation of relevant parameters, as communication frequency, installation depth, type of concrete, moisture content, etc. is currently carried out in an interdisciplinary Research project at BAM. First results are presented in this paper.
Temperature characteristics of a piezoresistive accelerometer for high impact shock application
(2018)
This study presents the characterization of a piezoresistive accelerometer damped with silicon oil for the application in drop tests carried out at BAM. Experiments were performed with the Hopkinson Bar method in close correlation to the real-world application conditions. The results point out certain limitations regarding the temperature influence and the frequency response. Additional experiments were performed with a gas damped type of piezoresistive accelerometer, which has superior specifications, particularly for low temperatures. The results allow for a comparison.
Remote gas sensors mounted on mobile robots enable the mapping of gas distributions in large or hardly accessible areas. A challenging task, however, is the generation of threedimensional distribution maps from these gas measurements.
Suitable reconstruction algorithms can be adapted, for instance, from the field of computed tomography (CT), but both their performance and strategies for selecting optimal measuring poses must be evaluated. For this purpose simulations are used, since, in contrast to field tests, they allow repeatable conditions. Although several simulation tools exist, they lack realistic models of remote gas sensors. Recently, we introduced a model for a Tunable Diode Laser Absorption Spectroscopy (TDLAS) gas sensor taking into account the conical shape of its laser beam. However, the novel model has not yet been validated with experiments. In this paper, we compare our model with a real sensor device and show that the assumptions made hold.
This study presents the characterization of a piezoresistive accelerometer damped with silicon oil for the application in drop tests carried out at BAM. Experiments were performed with the Hopkinson Bar method in close correlation to the real-world application conditions. The results point out certain limitations regarding the temperature influence and the frequency response. Additional experiments were performed with a gas damped type of piezoresistive accelerometer, which has superior specifications, particularly for low temperatures. The results allow for a comparison.
Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) is an important part of buildings surveillance and maintenance to detect material failure as early as possible and to contribute in protection of structures and their users.
The implementation of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) sensor systems without cable connection and battery into building components offers innovative possibilities to enable long-term in-situ SHM of addressed structures, bridges. The objectives of the presented study are complete embedding of RFID sensors systems in concrete, full passive communication with the systems, at best for the whole life span of structures. One challenge for this task is the highly alkaline environment in concrete, which requires non-degrading and robust encapsulation. Further Requirements are passive communication and energy supply, appropriate antenna design, placement and fixation in concrete, and the selection and implementation of sensors and connections. The concept is to develop and optimize a simple and robust system, which meets the requirements, as well as comprehensive validation in concrete specimen and real world applications. Two different systems were developed (HF and UHF RFID, respectively).
First tasks were the implementation of analog sensors using the superposition principle for the signal adaption. Investigation of suitable materials for robust encapsulation and sensor protection against basic environments.
Four materials were investigated in pH 13 solution for 14 days
- 3D-Printer-Polymer was completely resolved
- PVC has no noticeable decrease in weight
- (VitaPro) glass filter for the sensor protector, has weight loss 2.7 %
- The epoxy resin has increased by 1.8 % due to moisture expansion
Different concrete samples were prepared for the validation of the systems.
RFID sensors were embedded in different integration depths. Investigate the energy- and data transfer through concrete, also with varying moisture content. Additionally, signal strength data was used to optimize and validate the antenna characteristics in concrete. Next steps are to guarantee a sufficient energy supply for UHF RFID systems embedded in different concrete mixtures and further embedding the HF and UHF RFID systems in real bridges and buildings to validate the long term monitoring.
Leaking methane (CH4) from infrastructures, such as pipelines and landfills, is critical for the environment but can also pose a safety risk. To enable a fast detection and localization of these kind of leaks, we developed a novel robotic platform for aerial remote gas sensing. Spectroscopic measurement methods for remote sensing of selected gases lend themselves for use on mini-copters, which offer a number of advantages for inspection and surveillance over traditional methods. No direct contact with the target gas is needed and thus the influence of the aerial platform on the measured gas plume can be kept to a minimum. This allows to overcome one of the major issues with gas-sensitive mini-copters. On the other hand, remote gas sensors, most prominently Tunable Diode Laser Absorption Spectroscopy (TDLAS) sensors have been too bulky given the payload and energy restrictions of mini-copters. Here, we present the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle for Remote Gas Sensing (UAV-REGAS), which combines a novel lightweight TDLAS sensor with a 3-axis aerial stabilization gimbal for aiming on a versatile hexacopter. The proposed system can be deployed in scenarios that cannot be addressed by currently available robots and thus constitutes a significant step forward for the field of Mobile Robot Olfaction (MRO). It enables tomographic reconstruction of gas plumes and a localization of gas sources. We also present first results showing its performance under realistic conditions.
Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) is an important part of buildings surveillance and maintenance to detect material failure as early as possible and to contribute in protection of structures and their users.
The implementation of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) sensor systems without cable connection and battery into building components offers innovative possibilities to enable long-term in-situ SHM of addressed structures, bridges. The objectives of the presented study are complete embedding of RFID sensors systems in concrete, full passive communication with the systems, at best for the whole life span of structures. One challenge for this task is the highly alkaline environment in concrete, which requires non-degrading and robust encapsulation. Further Requirements are passive communication and energy supply, appropriate antenna design, placement and fixation in concrete, and the selection and implementation of sensors and connections. The concept is to develop and optimize a simple and robust system, which meets the requirements, as well as comprehensive validation in concrete specimen and real world applications. Two different systems were developed (HF and UHF RFID, respectively).
First tasks were the implementation of analog sensors using the superposition principle for the signal adaption. Investigation of suitable materials for robust encapsulation and sensor protection against basic environments.
Four materials were investigated in pH 13 solution for 14 days
- 3D-Printer-Polymer was completely resolved
- PVC has no noticeable decrease in weight
- (VitaPro) glass filter for the sensor protector, has weight loss 2.7 %
- The epoxy resin has increased by 1.8 % due to moisture expansion
Different concrete samples were prepared for the validation of the systems.
RFID sensors were embedded in different integration depths. Investigate the energy- and data transfer through concrete, also with varying moisture content. Additionally, signal strength data was used to optimize and validate the antenna characteristics in concrete. Next steps are to guarantee a sufficient energy supply for UHF RFID systems embedded in different concrete mixtures and further embedding the HF and UHF RFID systems in real bridges and buildings to validate the long term monitoring.
Der Fokus des Arbeitsfelds ist die messtechnisch fundierte Anwendung der 3D-Verfahrenskombination zur Lösung vielfältiger Messaufgaben mit optimaler Datenqualität für interne und externe Kunden.
Das setzt insbesondere eine jeweils problembezogene Messmethodik voraus. Dazu setzen wir kameragestützte 3D-Koordinatenmessverfahren ein, die auf dem fotogrammetrischen Prinzip der Bildtriangulation beruhen. Darunter fallen folgende miteinander flexibel kombinierbare Verfahrensmodifikationen: Mehrbildfotogrammetrie, Messadapter für Geometriemerkmale, Streifenprojektionsverfahren, statische bis hochdynamische Stereofotogrammetrie auf Punktebasis oder aufgabenangepasster Oberflächenmuster und mechanisch-optische Taster.
A 400 m² soil test field with gas injection system was built up, which enables an experimental validation of linear gas sensors for specific applications and gases in an application-relevant scale. Several injection and soil watering experiments with carbon dioxide (CO2) at different days with varying boundary conditions were performed indicating the potential of the method for, e.g., rapid leakage detection with respect to Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) issues.
This work presents first results from repeti-tive CO2 injection experiments performed on a recently built-up 400 m² soil test field with gas injection system. The test field contains 48 membrane-based linear gas sensors that were installed in several depths of the test field. Sensors for measuring meteorological parameters (e.g., wind / rain) and the parameters soil temperature, soil moisture, and groundwater level were installed additionally. A more de-tailed description of the test field setup can be found in. A short description of the mem-brane-based linear gas sensors’ functional prin-ciple can be found in.
KonSens (Kommunizierende Sensorsysteme für die Bauteil- und Umweltüberwachung) - Projektergebnisse
(2019)
Im Projekt KonSens werden für die Anwendungsbeispiele bauteilintegrierte Sensorik für Betonkomponenten und mobile Multigassensorik Sensorsysteme in Form von Funktionsmustern entwickelt, validiert und angewendet. Schwerpunkte liegen einerseits in der Detektion und Bewertung von Korrosionsprozessen in Beton und andererseits in der Detektion und Quantifizierung sehr geringer Konzentrationen toxischer Gase in der Luft. Dabei ist die Adaption der sensorischen Methoden aus dem Labor in reale Messumgebungen inklusive geeigneter Kommunikationstechnik ein wichtiger Aspekt.
In the KonSens Project, sensor systems are developed, validated, and operated in form of functional models for the application areas Structure Integrated Sensors and Mobile Multi-gas Sensors. Key aspects are the detection and evaluation of corrosion processes in reinforced concrete structures as well as the detection and quantification of very low concentrations of toxic gases in air. The adaption of sensor principles from the lab into real-life application including appropriate communication techniques is a major task.
In recent years, Structural Health Monitoring have gained in importance, since growing age of buildings and infrastructure as well as increasing load requirements demand for reliable surveillance methods. In this regard, the project follows two strategies: First, the development and implementation of completely embedded sensor systems consisting of RFID-tag and in situ sensors, and their further application potential (e.g. for precast concrete elements, roadways, wind power plants, and maritime structures). Secondly, the development of a long-term stable, miniaturized, fiber optic sensor for a ratiometric and referenced measurement of the pH-value in concrete based on fluorescence detection as an indicator for carbonation and corrosion.
Environmental pollution through emission of toxic gases becomes an increasing problem not only in agriculture (e.g. biogas plants) and industry but also in urban areas. This leads to increasing demand to monitor environmental emissions as well as ambient air and industrial air components in many scenarios and in even lower concentrations than nowadays. The selectivity of luminescence-based sensors is enabled by the combination of the sensing dye and the material, which is used as accumulation medium for concentration of the analyte. This principle allows for developing gas sensors with high selectivity and sensitivity of defined substances. Additional benefits, particularly of fluorescence-based sensors, are their capability for miniaturization and potential multiplex mode. Objective is the development and implementation of sensors based on fluorescence detection for defined toxic gases (ammonia, hydrogen sulfide, ozone, and benzene) with sensitivity in the low ppm or even ppb range. Additionally, the integration of such sensors in mobile sensor devices is addressed.
Im Projekt KonSens werden für die Anwendungsbei-
spiele bauteilintegrierte Sensorik für Betonkomponen-
ten und mobile Multigassensorik Sensorsysteme in
Form von Funktionsmustern entwickelt, validiert und
angewendet. Schwerpunkte liegen einerseits in der
Detektion und Bewertung von Korrosionsprozessen in
Beton und andererseits in der Detektion und Quantifi-
zierung sehr geringer Konzentrationen toxischer Gase
in der Luft. Dabei ist die Adaption der sensorischen
Methoden aus dem Labor in reale Messumgebungen
inklusive geeigneter Kommunikationstechnik ein
wichtiger Aspekt.
Innovation is the catalyst for the technology of the future. It is important to develop new and better technologies that can continuously monitor the environmental impact, e.g., for air Quality control or emission detection. In the recently at BAM developed Universal Pump Sensor Control (UPSC3) module, different components and sensors are fused. The combination of the individual components makes the UPSC3 module an excellent monitoring and reference system for the development and characterization of gas specific sensors. Measurements over long periods are possible, for mixed gas loads or for certain gas measurements. The System is part of a mobile sensor network of several sensor units, which can also be used as standalone systems.
Long-term completely embedded sensor systems offer innovative possibilities for structural health Monitoring of concrete structures. Measuring of relevant parameters, e.g., temperature, humidity, or indication of corrosion can be performed with low energy sensors.
This allows to implement passive RFID sensor systems without cable connection and battery, which are power supplied exclusively by the electromagnetic field from the external Reader device. To evaluate characteristics and conditions of this concept, a systematical Investigation of the transmission characteristics with variation of relevant parameters, as communication frequency, installation depth, type of concrete, moisture content, etc. is currently carried out in an interdisciplinary research project at BAM. First results are presented in this paper.
Due to their toxicity and widespread application for mining and industrial purposes, cyanides are ranking among the most important inorganic pollutants which should be tested and monitored not only in the aquatic environment, but also in soils and soil-like materials. Reference materials of soils with relevant contents of cyanide to ensure reliable test results of laboratories are rare today.
New certified reference material (CRM) BAM-U116/CGL306 “Cyanide in soil” was produced within a framework of cooperation between Central Geological Laboratory (CGL) of Mongolia and Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing (BAM) of Germany in 2013-2017.
The CRM BAM-U116/CGL306 represents a mixture of a sandy soil collected from a contaminated former gasworks area in the Berlin region (Germany) and an unpolluted sandy soil from Nalaikh region (Mongolia). The bulk candidate material for this reference material was prepared at CGL CRM Laboratory exclusively destined to the preparation of reference materials and equipped with modern technical equipment. Homogeneity, stability and shelf life were studied in full compliance with ISO Guide 35. The CRM was evaluated as sufficiently homogeneous. Statistical evaluation of certification analysis was performed using software packages SoftCRM and ProLab Plus. Certified value of total cyanide of the CRM is 12.0 mg/kg and expanded uncertainty was assigned as 0.8 mg/kg.
The intended purpose of this material is the verification of analytical results obtained for the mass fraction of total cyanide in soils and soil-like materials applying the standardized procedure ISO 11262:2011. As any reference material, it can also be used for routine performance checks (quality control charts) or validation studies.
This poster presents the focused ion beam preparation methodologies developed within the framework of the EU funded EURAMET project ADVENT (Advanced Energy-Saving Technology).
It summarises the key breakthroughs achieved for various in situ investigation techniques, e.g. in situ experiments at the Synchrotron facility BESSY II (IR-SNOM and XRS), TEM and SMM instrumentation.
The created experimental devices from diverse thin-film semiconductor materials paved the way to dynamic structural studies bearing the potential to determine nanoscale correlations between strain and electric fields and, moreover, for the fundamental development of new in situ capabilities.
The PMD Core Ontology (PMDco) is a comprehensive set of building blocks produced via consensus building. The ontological building blocks provide a framework representing knowledge about fundamental concepts used in Materials Science and Engineering (MSE) today. The PMDco is a mid-level ontology that establishes connections between narrower MSE application ontologies and domain neutral concepts used in already established broader (top-level) ontologies. The primary goal of the PMDco design is to enable interoperability between various other MSE-related ontologies and other common ontologies.
PMDco’s class structure is both comprehensive and extensible, rendering it an efficient tool to structure MSE knowledge. The PMDco serves as a semantic middle-layer unifying common MSE concepts via semantic mapping to other semantic representations using well-known key terms used in the MSE domain. The PMDco enables straight-forward documentation and tracking of science data generation and in consequence enables high-quality FAIR data that allows for precise reproducibility of scientific experiments.
The design of PMDco is based on the W3C Provenance Ontology (PROV-O), which provides a standard framework for capturing the production, derivation, and attribution of resources. Via this foundation, the PMDco enables the integration of data from various data origins and the representation of complex workflows.
In summary, the PMDco is a valuable advancement for researchers and practitioners in MSE domains. It provides a common MSE vocabulary to represent and share knowledge, allowing for efficient collaboration and promoting interoperability between diverse domains. Its design allows for the systematic integration of data and metadata, enabling seamless tracing of science data. Overall, the PMDco is a crucial step towards a unified and comprehensive understanding of the MSE domain in general.
The knowledge of the cure situation during the production process of
thermosetting material is of enormous importance.
• Mid- and near- infrared (IR) spectroscopy in attenuated total
reflectance (ATR) geometry are promising techniques for curing
studies.
• An IR/THz sensor system was developed to investigate its suitability
for future online monitoring of curing processes in the production line.
Novel Technique for On-Line Monitoring of the Curing Process of Fiber Reinforced Polymer Composites
(2020)
A specially designed experimental set up has been integrated into a commercially available FT IR Spectrometer for ATR experiments on Epoxy Systems. Representative data of far infrared spectra measured during the curing process at different temperatures of an epoxy system will be presented in dependency of the curing situation. The experiments and the selected set up are discussed to demonstrate its potential for future monitoring and ageing control applications during a manufacturing process of polymer composites.
X-ray computed tomography (CT) model holds only for THz-TDS reconstruction if minor refraction index differences between the inhomogeneities and the surrounding material matrix exist. A Time Domain SAFT algorithm has been developed to overcome the restrictions. THz time domain measurement on representative sample sets with inherent artefacts were performed to use them for the Image reconstructions. The results will be presented and compared with optical surface images of the used test objects to evaluate the SAFT algorithm in relation to the reconstruction quality.
The globe's seas were used as dumping ground after the world wars and those millions of ammunition, most of all containing 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT), represent a pressing danger for fishermen, dredging operations, submarine cable installations and tourism. We developed an extremely selective indication method for TNT based on a specific reaction that produces a highly fluorescent compound. The indication system was integrated into a microfluidic PDMS chip for the solid-liquid extraction of TNT from water samples, offering environmental monitoring possibilities. Combining the advantages of a light-up indicator, microfluidics and a smartphone as detector, the embedded sensor allows for the remote and rapid detection of TNT down to ng in surface and sea waters.
Die industrielle Röntgen-Computertomographie (CT) ist in der geometrischen Messtechnik die einzige Technologie, die sowohl innen- als auch außenliegende Merkmale eines Werkstücks mit einer Messung zerstörungsfrei messen kann. Die Güte der Messung kann mittels einer dem Messwert beigeordneten Messunsicherheit angegeben werden. Allerdings sind zur Ermittlung der Messunsicherheit für eine Messgröße einer CT-Messung nach Stand der Technik (VDI/VDE 2630 Blatt 2.1) zwanzig Wiederholmessungen an kalibrierten Werkstücken notwendig. Da die Messung mit realen CT-Messgeräten zeit- und kostenintensiv ist, wird analog zur taktilen Koordinatenmesstechnik eine numerische Messunsicherheitsbestimmung durch Simulation angestrebt (vgl. VDI/VDE 2617 Blatt 7, GUM Supplement 1). Die Simulation bietet den Vorteil, dass sie sowohl zeitsparend als auch kosten- und ressourceneffizient ist. Allerdings ist die Zuverlässigkeit der verschiedenen Simulationsumgebungen momentan nicht quantifizierbar. Für eine glaubwürdige Anwendung von Simulationsumgebungen für die Messunsicherheitsbestimmung benötigen Anwender eine Beurteilung derselben – auch um eine Norm- bzw. Richtliniensicherheit in der Praxis sicherzustellen.
Das Ziel dieses Projekts ist es daher, einen Richtlinienentwurf VDI/VDE 2630 Blatt 2.2 „Basisqualifizierung von Softwaresystemen für die Simulation geometrischer Messungen mit Röntgen-Computertomografie“ zu erstellen. Auf dieser Basis soll es möglich sein, die Eignung von Simulationsumgebungen zur Ermittlung der aufgabenspezifischen Messunsicherheit zu bewerten. Dazu wird ein Testframework entwickelt, mit welchem Durchstrahlungssimulationssoftwares basisqualifiziert werden können.
Das Projekt wird in der Förderrichtlinie WIPANO durch das Bundesministerium für Wirtschaft und Energie gefördert.
aRTist is an easy-to-use and practical simulation tool to generate realistic radiographic images from CAD objects. A dedicated add-on module makes CT simulation easy (virtual computer tomography). Just choose the number of projections.
Unlike in the practice, simulation can separately image the primary and scatter radiation. This allows studying the scattering artefacts in CT (gray-level variations in regions of homogeneous material).
Virtual CT with aRTist
(2023)
The software aRTist is a simulation tool for the generation of realistic radiographs of virtual radiographic superstructures.
With radiographic simulations, virtual component models can be scanned as in a computer tomograph.
Industrial X-ray computed tomography (CT) enables the non-destructive detection of internal and external surfaces as well as inhomogeneities of technical objects. Virtual CT offers new possibilities for the investigation of parameter influences of this complex testing and measuring technique. In addition to the option of switching physical effects on and off, scanning movements can also be tested before their technical realization.
The virtual CT generates projection images from different directions for the subsequent reconstruction of a volume model of the examined object. The reconstruction of the simulated scans is carried out with the algorithms and programs for real scans. Tomographic scans consist of a large number of projections, which practically cannot be generated individually by the user of a simulation. The software offers various options for the automated simulation of tomographic scans. These range from standard CT to scans on free trajectories or with individual projection matrices.
Modeling of the photon-electron cascade process in multicomponent objects of complex geometrical structure by use of hybrid supercomputers is considered. An approach to computing the cascade processes is developed. The approach has three key properties allowing the effective use of heterogeneous structure of computers for solving the tasks of radiation transport in complex multi-scale geometries. Firstly, two different discreet geometrical description of an object being under radiation is used: triangulated model for photon transport and voxel model for elec-tron transport. Secondly, small parameter of the problem is explicitly taking into ac-count for modeling surface effects (for instance, electron emission). Thirdly, the ef-fective calculation decomposition between CPU and GPU is developed for signifi-cant increasing the speed of calculations of processes in question. Modeling of ex-periment on researching the bremsstrahlung generated by electron beam in Ta target is carried out. Comparison of computing and experimental results shows satisfactory consent.
A series of different nanoparticle suspensions (Gold, Latex, and SiO2 in varying concentrations) were microprinted onto TEM grids in a 4 x 4 array in the concentration range 7x10^8 to 1x10^11 NP/mL and imaged with SEM and TSEM. Concentrations and printing conditions (temperature, relative humidity) were varied in order to minimize the coffee ring effect.
For mobile robots that operate in complex, uncontrolled environments, estimating air flow models can be of great importance. Aerial robots use air flow models to plan optimal navigation paths and to avoid turbulence-ridden areas. Search and rescue platforms use air flow models to infer the location of gas leaks. Environmental monitoring robots enrich pollution distribution maps by integrating the information conveyed by an air flow model. In this paper, we present an air flow modelling algorithm that uses wind data collected at a sparse number of locations to estimate joint probability distributions over wind speed and direction at given query locations. The algorithm uses a novel extrapolation approach that models the air flow as a linear combination of laminar and turbulent components. We evaluated the prediction capabilities of our algorithm with data collected with an aerial robot during several exploration runs. The results show that our algorithm has a high degree of stability with respect to parameter selection while outperforming conventional extrapolation approaches. In addition, we applied our proposed approach in an industrial application, where the characterization of a ventilation system is supported by a ground mobile robot. We compared multiple air flow maps recorded over several months by estimating stability maps using the Kullback-Leibler divergence between the distributions. The results show that, despite local differences, similar air flow patterns prevail over time. Moreover, we corroborated the validity of our results with knowledge from human experts.
Airborne ultrasonic testing of lightweight, structured composite materials enables fast and contact-free non-destructive testing in aerospace and avoids material degradation due to contact with a coupling liquid. Established resonant air-coupled transducers consist of piezocomposite materials and several matching layers or more advanced materials like charged cellular polypropylene. The relaxation time and the specific frequency of such mechanical ultrasound emitters limit the spectrum of applications for each device. A short pulse length is key for reliable defect detection and each component at test can be best characterized at material- and geometry-specific frequencies. Here we show that focused thermoacoustic transducers are suited for testing lightweight, structured composite plates. Since the ultrasound is generated in air, these transducers show no resonance behavior and emit a broadband acoustic spectrum between 1.2 kHz and 1 MHz. Composite specimens of 3 mm to 9 mm thickness made of polylactide with a honeycomb structure were tested. Flat bottom holes were introduced to quantify the spatial resolution of the imaging method inside the strongly anisotropic specimen. As no broadband receivers are available yet, cellular polypropylene transducers were used as receivers, which limits the bandwidth of the method towards the bandwidth of the receiver. Nevertheless, we demonstrate the competitiveness of the thermoacoustic transducer compared to mechanical emitters at their respective resonance frequencies. Because a thermoacoustic transmitter features a nearly ideal pulse width, a single transmitter can be coupled with receivers with different resonance frequencies. With the development of broadband ultrasound receivers, air-coupled ultrasound spectroscopy will likely be possible in the near future. The analyzed transducer holds the potential to speed up testing during production and maintenance in aerospace and automotives. Its combination with a broadband receiver could also expand the application field of air-coupled ultrasonic testing from a qualitative error detection towards a quantitative, spatially resolved analysis of mechanical material properties.
Pulsed thermography is a well-known non-destructive testing technique and has proven to be a valuable tool for examination of material defects. Material defects are often simulated by flat-bottom holes (FBH) or grooves. Typically, analytical 1D models are used to determine the defect depth of FBHs, grooves or delaminations. However, these models cannot take into account lateral heat flows, or only to a limited extent (semi-empirical model). They are therefore limited by the FBHs aspect ratio (diameter to remaining wall thickness), to ensure that the heat flow above the defect can still be described one-dimensionally. Here, we present an approach for quantitative determination of the geometry of FBH or grooves. For this purpose, the results of a numerical 2D model are fitted to experimental data, e.g., to determine simultaneously the defect depth of a FBHs or groove and its diameter or width, respectively. The model takes lateral heat flows into account as well as thermal losses. Figure 1 shows the temperature increase of a pulsed thermography measurement at three different locations on the sample. The numerical model is fitted to the experimental data (red lines) to quantify the groove. The numerical simulation matches the experimental data well.
Thermoresponsive polymers have shown great potential in applications such as bioseparation, drug delivery and diagnostic. Only few thermoresponsive polymers that present an upper critical solution temperature (UCST), i.e. phase separate from solution upon cooling, in a relevant temperature range have been reported so far.
Herein, a robust UCST-type copolymer of acrylamide (AAm) and acrylonitrile (AN) (poly(AAm-co-AN)) was prepared by reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization and its thermo-induced aggregation behavior in aqueous media was studied. We propose a model for the temperature-induced aggregation behaviour of UCST-type poly(AAm-co-AN) copolymer in aqueous solution on the basis of turbidity measurements, SLS, DLS, SANS and cryo-TEM.
Functional polymer based on 2,6-diaminopyridine with tunable UCST behaviour in water/alcohol mixture
(2017)
Thermoresponsive polymers are of great importance in numerous applications such as bioseparation, drug delivery, diagnostic and microfluidic applications. Only few thermoresponsive polymers that present an upper critical solution temperature (UCST), i.e. phase separate from solution upon cooling, in a relevant temperature range and green solvents such as water or ethanol have been reported. Indeed, polymers with UCST behavior below 60°C in alcohol or water/alcohol mixtures are extremely promising for the preparation of smart materials for sensing.
In this work two novel functional polymers of based on a 2,6-diaminopyridine motif were synthesized by free radical polymerization. Their UCST-type transition temperature is tunable by varying either their concentration in solution or the type of solvent. Insights into this phenomenon will be given based on turbidimetry and temperature dependent dynamic light scattering
UCST-type thermoresponsive polymers that phase separate from solution upon cooling present a tremendous potential not only in aqueous media where they can be used in drug delivery, diagnostic and microfluidic applications, but also in water/alcohol mixtures, where they can be used for instance in sensing systems for alcohol-soluble drugs. However, only a few thermoresponsive polymers have been reported that present an UCST in a relevant temperature range and “green” solvents such as water or ethanol. In this context, acrylamide-based monomers can be very useful building blocks for designing novel UCST-type polymers because of their hydrophilic nature (with the right side chain) and propensity to form hydrogen bonds.
We want to present our latest results on the copolymer poly(acrylamide-co-acrylonitrile) (P(AAm-co-AN)) that present a UCST in water as well as on two homopolymers based on an acrylamide derivative of 2,6-diaminopyridine, namely poly(N-(6-aminopyridin-2-yl)acrylamide) (PNAPAAm) and poly(N-(6-acetamidopyridin-2-yl)acrylamide) (PNAcAPAAm) that show UCST-type thermoresponsiveness in water/alcohol mixtures.
Our focus for P(AAm-co-AN)) is its aggregation behaviour above and below its phase transition temperature as the size of thermoresponsive polymeric systems is of prime importance for biomedical applications (as size dependent processes take place in the body) and is linked to the optical properties of a material that matter in materials science.
In the case of PNAPAAm and PNAcAPAAm, we focused on the co-solvency/co-non solvency effect on the phase transition temperature in water/alcohol mixture. Indeed, polymers with UCST behavior below 60°C in water/alcohol mixtures are extremely promising for the preparation of “smart” materials for sensing.
Human Factors bei der Ultraschall-Handprüfung von Radsatzwellen mit Längsbohrung in der Ausbildung
(2019)
Ziel dieser Arbeit war es, menschliche und organisatorische Einflussfaktoren auf die Ultraschall-Handprüfung von Radsatzwellen zu identifizieren, um Empfehlungen zur Optimierung der Ausbildung auszuarbeiten. Dazu, wurden prüfungsbezogene Risiken in der Praxis mittels Fehlzustandsart- und –auswirkungsanalyse (FMEA) analysiert sowie von den Prüfern empfundene Probleme während der Ausbildung und in der Praxis mittels Fragebogen identifiziert.
Die Ergebnisse der FMEA haben gezeigt, dass während der gesamten ZfP-Prozesses Fehler auftreten können, für die Gegenmaßnahmen getroffen und implementiert werden sollten. Zu den vorgeschlagenen Gegenmaßnahmen zählen: Optimierung der Organisation, Prüftechnik, Dokumentation, Ausbildung, Arbeitsbedingungen und des Prüfprozesses.
Die Auswertung der Fragebögen zeigte eine relativ große Zufriedenheit mit den zur Ausbildung bereitgestellten Prüfunterlagen. Hinsichtlich der Praxis tendierten die Antworten der Prüfer in Richtung Verbesserung der Prüfunterlagen, Arbeitsbedingungen vor Ort, Arbeitsvorbereitung im Werk und Anweisung/fachlichen Einweisung durch die Prüfaufsichten.
Aus den Hinweisen und Erkenntnissen wurden einige Empfehlungen zur Optimierung der Prüfunterlagen, Kompetenzen und des Prüfprozesses erarbeitet. Es wurde empfohlen, die Qualität der Prüfunterlagen systematisch zu untersuchen und zusammen mit den Prüfern zu verbessern, um Missverständnisse bei der Nutzung der Prüfunterlagen zu minimieren und somit Fehler bei der Prüfung zu vermeiden. Eine weitere Empfehlung betraf die Entwicklung und das Angebot neuer Ausbildungsmodule zur Weiterbildung von Prüfaufsichten und Führungskräften, um ein Grundverständnis über Einflüsse auf die Qualität der Zerstörungsfreien Prüfungen zu schaffen. Zur Optimierung des gesamten ZfP-Prüfprozesses wird empfohlen, die mittels FMEA erarbeitete Liste möglicher Gegenmaßnahmen in der Praxis umzusetzen. Diese Liste sollte den Verantwortlichen zur Verfügung gestellt werden, um potenziell auftretende Fehler zu erkennen und zu vermeiden.
Im Zeitalter von Industrie 4.0 muss die zerstörungsfreie Prüfung (ZfP) mit den Anforderungen Schritt halten. Eine erfolgreiche Umsetzung von Digitalisierung, Automatisierung, komplexen Vernetzungen, künstlicher Intelligenz, Assistenzsystemen, intelligenten Sensortechnologien etc. hängt in hohem Maße mit einer erfolgreichen und optimalen Mensch-Maschine-Interaktion (MMI) zusammen. Auf dem Gebiet der ZfP wurde erkannt, dass mit zunehmender Automatisierung neue Herausforderungen in Bezug auf die Mensch-Maschine-Interaktion entstehen können: Herausforderungen, die angegangen werden müssen.
Der neu gegründete DGZfP FA "ZfP 4.0" hat sich diesem Thema angenommen und einen Unterausschuss (UA) zur Mensch-Maschine-Interaktion gegründet. Die Ziele dieses Unterausschusses bestehen darin, das Bewusstsein für die Mensch-Maschine-Interaktion in der ZfP zu sensibilisieren, sowie die Akzeptanz neuer Technologien in Hinblick auf Mensch-Maschine-Systeme und deren Umsetzung zu schaffen, um die Zuverlässigkeit und die Effektivität (Kostenreduktion + Sicherheit) der Mensch-Maschine-Systeme durch optimierte Mensch-Maschine-Interaktion zu gewährleisten. Einige der Themen, mit denen sich dieser UA auseinandersetzten möchte, sind: Entwurf und Entwicklung neuer Schnittstellen, Implementierung neuer Schnittstellen, Optimierung bestehender Technologien und Schnittstellen, Ausarbeitung von Technologien für das optimale MMI, Berücksichtigung der Zuverlässigkeit des gesamten Mensch-Maschine-Systems, Ausarbeitung der Inhalte für die Ausbildung, Wissenstransfer zwischen Disziplinen (z. B Psychologie, Ingenieurwesen, ZfP), usw.
Ziel dieses Vortrags ist es, Herausforderungen zu beschreiben, die Mensch-Maschine-Systeme im Zeitalter von ZfP 4.0 begegnen könnten. Dazu gehören beispielsweise Vertrauen in automatisierte Systeme, Out-of-the-Loop-Phänomene, Verlust von Fähigkeiten, Akzeptanz der Automatisierung, Usability, usw.
Only a few years after the invention of the laser, the concept of laser microprobe mass spectrometry (LMMS), a technique which employed intense laser radiation for ion generation, was introduced. In these early studies at excessive irradiation microplasma formation could be observed to be an effective channel for ion formation. However, this plasma generation in vacuum led to undesired distortions of the mass analyzers and, thus, was discarded as an analytical ion source.
Under ambient conditions, the surrounding air effectively cools the plasma cloud, making the plasma more controllable. The resulting laser induced plasma is nowadays commonly used in laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) applications as excitation source for optical emission spectroscopy experiments. However, little effort has been made to introduce a LIBS plasma as a promising ion source for ambient mass spectrometry. The main hindrance is the transient character of laser induced plasmas that typically only has a lifetime on the order of several microseconds. This drastically reduces the duty cycle of these plasma sources. After these microseconds, the generated ions recombinate to uncharged
atoms and even newly bound molecules, making them inaccessible to mass-to-charge analyzers. The advent of high repetition lasers together with the ever growing knowledge about manipulation of charged species at atmospheric pressures allow overcoming these obstacles. This presentation will introduce an ionization scheme using a laser induced plasma as the primary ion source. We believe that this novel ionization strategy will pave the way for future applications in ambient mass spectrometry.
Laser microprobe mass analysis (LMMS) employs local ionization by a focused laser and subsequent mass analysis. At excessive irradiation microplasmas led to undesired distortions. Thus, LMMS was discarded as promising ion source. Effective cooling under ambient conditions resulted in more controllable plasmas and development of laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS). However, little effort has been made to combine LIBS and ambient MS, since these plasmas only provide microsecond lifetimes. After these, recombination yields uncharged and newly bound species, making them inaccessible for MS. The combination of high repetition rate lasers together with growing knowledge about manipulation of charged species at atmospheric pressure allow overcoming these obstacles.
Recently, a novel ionization scheme for ambient MS has been introduced. It is based on a quasi-continuous laser induced plasma (LIP), ignited in front of the MS inlet. This setup comprises the advantages of an ambient probe, electro neutrality, a sufficient duty cycle, a ubiquitous plasma medium, low power consumption, the absence of solvents and high sensitivity. To assess its future applicability for the detection of volatile organic compounds, plasma properties and operating conditions are investigated to understand the processes, that lead to the unexpected formation of intact molecular ions. Comprehensive studies include optical Emission spectroscopy, shadowgraphic shockwave visualization and time-of-flight mass spectrometry.
Radiografische Simulationswerkzeuge wie aRTist, ScorpiusXLab, SimCT oder CIVA CT verwenden analytische Methoden und physikalische Monte-Carlo-Teilchentransportsimulationen, um die Interaktionsprozesse zwischen Röntgenstrahlung und Materie zu simulieren. Die berechneten Projektionen bilden anschließend unter Berücksichtigung einer definierten Scan-Trajektorie die Basis der Simulation einer röntgencomputertomografischen Untersuchung.
Radiografische Simulationswerkzeuge befinden sich in einem stetigen Wandel, beispielsweise durch die Entwicklung neuer Rekonstruktionsmethoden, durch Erweiterung von analytischen Modellen, durch Integration komplexer Trajektorien oder durch Berücksichtigung von prozessbedingten geometrischen Abweichungen. Im laufenden EMPIR-Projekt „AdvanCT“ entsteht deshalb ein „Good Practice Guide“ für die Simulationsumgebung aRTist. Ziel dieses Guides ist es, die mit steigender Komplexität verbundenen Einstiegshürden für Anwender von aRTist zu reduzieren, um damit einen praxisnahen Zugang zur virtuellen Computertomografie zu ermöglichen. Dabei werden anhand von praktisch nachvollziehbaren Beispielen die grundlegenden Mechanismen der Simulationsumgebung erklärt und ein strukturierter Leitfaden zur Simulation röntgencomputertomografischer Untersuchungen mit aRTist vermittelt. In diesem Beitrag werden erste Auszüge des Guides sowie eine Übersicht der weiteren geplanten Themen für die anschließende Diskussion vorgestellt.
Nearly all disease processes are associated with variations of components of the extracellular matrix (ECM) that are typically observed during the development of inflammation. This concerns for example proteoglycans and their associated glycosaminoglycans (GAG), which have been shown to bind to cationic metal imaging probes due to their strong complexing activity. The complexing activity largely depends on the degree of GAG sulfation and/or carboxylation as well as on the GAG isomericity. In this central project, we investigate GAG structures from inflammatory disorders (namely cardiovascular diseases, inflammatory intestinal diseases and neuroinflammation) provided by researchers of the Collaborative Research Center at the molecular disaccharidic level using chromatographic and mass spectrometric methods. In parallel, the spatial localization and quantification of metal-based imaging probes are evaluated by LA-ICP-MS imaging.
Microfluidic paper-based analytical devices (μPADs) in combination with surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) provide a way for analyses of complex mixtures. The μPADs can be used for the chromatographic separation of different compounds of mixtures in combination with the separate detection of the analytes in different zones on the paper by SERS. SERS allows to observe analytes directly without labelling in low concentrations in aqueous solutions and to identify them by their spectral fingerprint.
SERS substrates on the μPADs were created by drying standard silver nanoparticle (AgNP) solution on the paper. The microfluidic structure of the μPADs was prepared by wax printing. As a model system, an aqueous solution of the non-fluorescent analyte adenine and two fluorescent dyes tris(2,2’-bipyridyl)dichlororuthenium(II) and sulforhodamine B was tested. The dependency of the SERS signal intensity on the analyte concentration can be fitted using a Langmuir isotherm curve progression. With this approach, a semi-quantitative analysis of the components is possible. The reproducibility and stability of the measurement procedure was tested with several measurements over time, different NP batches, and with different analytes in different concentrations and resulted in an average relative standard deviation of 16 %.
The SERS spectra of the mixture of the model system are dominated by one compound depending on the concentration ratio. For the detection and identification of all components of the mixture, the compounds were therefore separated on the μPADs and measured at different positions. The position of adenine on the μPADs is dependent on the AgNP coverage of the paper. Due to this effect, it possible to detect adenine on a defined point on the μPADs and to get an information on the concentration in a mixture of three components.
Paper-based SERS test strips
(2016)
For the non-destructive chemical analysis of organic compounds, several different methods such as NMR, UV-vis absorption, IR, Raman, or fluorescence spectroscopy are available. However, all available methods have some restrictions such as the necessity of a large sample amount, interferences in the presence of water, or overlapping signals from the analytes or matrix. Surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) allows to observe analytes directly without labelling in low concentrations in aqueous solutions and to identify them by their spectral fingerprint. Therefore, in this work we use SERS as a detection method for different analytes in low concentrations in combination with paper-based test strips as SERS substrates and for sample preparation.
We present a spray method for the preparation of SERS test stripes.[1] With this spray method, nanoparticle solution was deposited on cellulose and glass fibre paper as SERS substrate. The prepared paper-based test strips were tested with classical SERS reporter molecules, e.g. rhodamine 6G, 4-aminothiophenol, and adenine. For the quantification of analytes, highly reproducible signal intensities are necessary, which can be realized with the test strips in acceptable quality. Moreover, employing intensity vs concentration calibration for the analytes, data analysis revealed a behaviour that was best described by a Langmuir isotherm, stressing the strong distance dependence of the SERS effect.
For an easier identification of analytes in a mixture of compounds, the paper-based test strips were functionalised with hydrophobic barriers by wax printing. With these microfluidic paper-based analytical devices (µPAD) the sample mixture can be separated by the chromatographic effects of the paper and the different analytes can be separately detected and identified by SERS.
[1] A. Bolz, U. Panne, K. Rurack, M. Buurman, Glass fibre paper-based test strips for sensitive SERS sensing, Anal. Methods, 2016, 8, 1313-1318.
Surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) is a fast and sensitive spectroscopic method for the identification of analytes. With available portable Raman spectrometers, on-site analysis is possible. However, for on-site analysis, SERS substrates, which are cheap, easy to prepare, and simple in sample handling are necessary. Relevant analytes in the addressable concentration region for SERS are e.g. antibiotics and pesticides. Here, we present paper-based test strips for SERS analysis which are coated with silver nanoparticles. The coating was realized with different deposition methods of nanoparticle solutions. The papers were also functionalised with hydrophobic barriers to create μPADs. The strips were tested with selected analytes (e.g., adenine, rhodamine-6G) over a broad concentration range. The focus of our study lay on reproducibility and optimum SERS signal intensity.
For the quantification of analytes, highly reproducible signal intensities are necessary. We have realized this reproducibility in acceptable quality. Moreover, employing intensity vs concentration calibration for the analytes, data analysis revealed a behaviour that was best described by a Langmuir isotherm, stressing the strong distance dependence of the SERS effect. For a fast and reproducible analysis of the data, a Labview program was finally compiled, which was fed with the calibration data and derived the concentration of analyte unknowns accordingly.
Hundreds of papyrus rolls, carbonized during the 79CE eruption of Mount Vesuvius, were discovered in 1754 at Herculaneum. Sophisticated mechanical methods for unrolling the best-preserved scrolls have been applied, with varying success. However, such processes have been abandoned, to prevent risk from irremediable damage or loss and to preserve the integrity of the extremely fragile rolls. Following the development of X-ray based non-invasive techniques, attempts to virtually unroll the scrolls were made. The most common ink in Antiquity was carbon-based, and the main element of carbonized papyrus is carbon, making these investigations difficult. However, some attempts with synchrotron X-ray phase-contrast tomography (XPCT) were successful. Recently, the identification of antique inks containing metals raised hope that if some of the inks contain metal the rolls can be virtually unrolled using conventional CT- technique. We investigated the inks of a selection of partially unrolled fragments stored at the Biblioteca Nazionale di Napoli with X-ray fluorescence in order to select the best candidates for tomography. Despite the many difficulties (analysis of several layers sticking together, letters barely visible, difficulty to separate contribution from the ink and from the papyrus, inhomogeneity of the support, fragility of the fragments…), encouraging results were found, with a number of inks from Greek fragments found to contain additions to the soot (Fe, Pb, Cu P).
In the last decade, applications of X-rays to the study of manuscripts significantly spread in both diversity and extent. They range from writing material analysis, mostly with X-ray fluorescence (XRF), permitting non-invasive characterization of inks and pigments used, to the investigation of the origin of writing supports. In addition, XRF mapping has proved to be an invaluable tool for recovering erased text. Finally, computed-tomography (CT) has shown potential in virtually unrolling rolls, making text readable without using-damaging mechanical methods. Despite their growing use, little attention has been paid to the side effects of such analytical tools. We observed irreversible parchment colour changes during some experiments on dead-sea scrolls with synchrotron radiation sources. Furthermore, partial photo-reduction of iron under high intensity beam during X-ray absorption near edge structure spectroscopy (XANES) measurements of iron-gall ink on paper has been reported several times [5,6]. Such phenomena have mostly been overlooked so far, although there is an increasing awareness of the necessity to study them. We conducted experiments at the Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron (DESY) facilities to investigate X-ray induced structural alteration of paper and parchment to see whether the presence of absorption centres (ink and pigments) has an impact. In addition to better understanding degradation processes, we are aiming to define an appropriate methodology of analysis of manuscripts with a tolerable risk of damage. The first results concerning X-ray induced damage of cellulose materials have already been presented at the Synchrotron Radiation and Neutrons in Art and Archaeology (SR2A). We are focusing here on the results on parchment materials.
The manuscript of the History of Outremer by William of Tyre stored at the BNF (ms. fr. 9084) is believed to have been illustrated by two different hands. Indeed, the first five miniatures of this manuscript appear to be very different from the last seventeen, which were supposedly painted by an artist known as the "Hospitaller Master". This painter worked on at least two manuscripts in Paris between 1276 and 1280, and eight more in Saint Jean d'Acre before 1291. During his stay in the Latin Kingdom of Jerusalem, his palette changed and reached its most important development in the Manuscript of the History of Outremer, maybe influenced by the colourful crusader style of the first five miniatures. The present work aims at identifying the pigments used on both parts of the manuscripts and see whether they are the same for both artists or not. For that, portable XRF analysis was used directly at the Bibliothèque National de France in Paris, where the manuscript is stored. This allowed a quick, non destructive and non invasive study of the manuscript. Significant differences were observed in the compositions of some pigments indeed, in particular for the red and green, showing the use of different palettes. This could indicate that the Hospitaller Master not only brought his knowledge and style, but also probably part of his palette of pigments with him when moving to Saint Jean d'Acre.
The future competitiveness of the process industry and their providers depends on its ability to deliver high quality and high value products at competitive prices in a sustain-able fashion, and to adapt quickly to changing customer needs. The transition of pro-cess industry due to the mounting digitalization of technical devices and their provided data used in chemical plants proceeds. Though, the detailed characteristics and con-sequences for the whole chemical and pharmaceutical industry are still unforeseeable, new potentials arise as well as questions regarding the implementation. As the digitali-zation gains pace fundamental subjects like the standardization of device interfaces or organization of automation systems must be answered. Still, process industry lack of sufficient system and development concepts with commercial advantage from this trend.
Compared to traditional batch processes, intensified continuous production allows new and difficult to produce compounds with better product uniformity and reduced con-sumption of raw materials and energy. Flexible (modular) chemical plants can produce various products using the same equipment with short down-times between cam-paigns, and quick introduction of new products to the market.
Full automation is a prerequisite to realize such benefits of intensified continuous plants. In continuous flow processes, continuous, automated measurements and closed-loop control of the product quality are required. Consequently, the demand for smart sensors, which can monitor key variables like component concentrations in real-time, is increasing. Low-Field NMR spectroscopy presents itself as such an upcoming smart sensor1,2 (as addressed, e.g., in the CONSENS project3).
Systems utilizing such an online NMR analyzer benefits through short development and set-up times when applied to modular production plants starting from a desired chemi-cal reaction3. As an example for such a modular process unit, we present the design and validation of an integrated NMR micro mixer based on computational modelling suited for a desired chemical reaction. This method includes a proper design of a con-tinuous reactor, which is optimized through computational fluid dynamics (CFD) for the demands of the NMR sensor as well as for the given reaction conditions. The system was validated with a chemical reaction process.
Intensified continuous processes are in focus of current research. Compared to traditional batch processes, intensified continuous production allows the synthesis of new and difficult producible compounds with better product uniformity and reduced consumption of raw materials and energy. Flexible (modular) chemical plants can produce various products using the same equipment with short down-times between campaigns, and quick introduction of new products to the market.
Full automation is a prerequisite to realize such benefits of intensified continuous plants. In continuous flow processes, continuous, automated measurements and closed-loop control of the product quality are required. Consequently, the demand for smart sensors, which can monitor key variables like component concentrations in real-time, is increasing. Low-Field NMR spectroscopy presents itself as such an upcoming smart sensor (as addressed, e.g., in the CONSENS project1,2).
Systems utilizing such an online NMR analyzer benefits through short development and set-up times when applied to modular production plants starting from a desired chemical reaction. As an example for such a modular process unit, we present the design and validation of an integrated NMR micro mixer based on computational modelling suited for a desired chemical reaction. This method includes a proper design of a continuous reactor, which is optimized through computational fluid dynamics (CFD) for the demands of the NMR sensor as well as for the given reaction conditions. The system was validated with a chemical reaction process.
Modular production involving Benchtop NMR: Current application examples driven by digitalization
(2021)
The demand for increasing product diversity in the chemical and pharmaceutical industry calls for new production processes that enable greater flexibility. Therefore, plants are needed which can be adapted to new processes in a fast manner and be scaled up and down easily to volatile market demands. Modular production techniques in combination with advanced process analytical technology (PAT) are considered as a promising solution able to fulfil these requirements.
The success and acceptance of modular concepts in both new and existing plants is dependent of its reliability, easy applicability, and standardization. In recent past, enormous efforts were made to overcome existing barriers in a superordinate level, e.g. DEXPI [1], ENPRO [2], or MTP [3] naming just a few. Here, we’d like to present a few, more hands-on, application examples which are shown in Figure 1 aiming to increase process flexibility and applicability.
This includes:
a) The development of an additively manufactured mixer—flow reactor combination for the application inside of NMR instruments. [4]
b) The application of automated, model-based approaches for model development and spectra evaluation.
c) The application of machine-assisted spectral model building as a genuine alternative to classical model-based approaches [5]
d) Improvement of NIR calibration through online available NMR reference data. [6]
These examples represent miscellaneous use cases but result of the same fact: the increased use and availability of data through advanced PAT and therefore new opportunities utilizing them.
Zearalenone (ZEN) and its metabolites such as the phase II sulfate and glucoside conjugates have been detected in food and feed commodities1. In addition to these naturally occurring ZEN conjugates, food fermentation by fungi may also lead to conjugate formation. Fungal strains of the genera Rhizopus and Aspergillus are used in tempeh fermentation, and it is known that some strains can conjugate ZEN2. Moreover, during this process the reductive phase I metabolites α- and β-zearalenol (α-/β-ZEL) and their conjugates are formed by the same microorganisms in vitro. As the conjugates can be hydrolysed by human intestinal microbiota, also sulfates and glucosides represent a relevant source for the human exposure to ZEN. If the unprocessed grains for tempeh fermentation like soybeans and/or maize are contaminated with ZEN, upon analysis ZEN content of the final tempeh product may be underestimated, because ZEN has been conjugated during food processing. Very recently, the EU-CONTAM Panel found it appropriate to set a group tolerable daily intake (TDI) expressed as ZEN equivalents for ZEN and its modified forms (phase I and phase II metabolites)3.
In this study a total of 70 strains of fungal species commonly found in tempeh fermentation were screened for ZEN metabolite formation in vitro. The fungal strains were isolated from inocula or fresh tempeh from different tempeh producers and market areas in Indonesia. ZEN (c = 0.3 µM) was added to liquid cultures of the fungi. After two days of incubation the media were analyzed for metabolite formation by HPLC-MS/MS. The conjugate formation varied with the fungal strain. In most cultures ZEN-14-sulfate was the major metabolite accompanied by rapid disappearance of ZEN; also, formation of α- and β-ZEL, ZEN-16-glucoside and two ZEL-sulfates has been observed.
The in vitro-screening showed that fungal strains used in tempeh fermentation have the potential for ZEN conversion leading to ZEN and ZEL conjugate formation. Therefore, reference substances of ZEN conjugates are urgently needed for monitoring food safety of tempeh and other fermented products manufactured from grains that can be contaminated with ZEN.