Analytische Chemie
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Eingeladener Vortrag
- nein (23)
Ziel dieser Arbeit war die Entwicklung einer Methode zur Hochdurchsatzanalyse von partikelgebundenen Split-and-Mix-Peptidbibliotheken. Dabei wurde ein System entwickelt, das Partikelbibliotheken in kurzer Zeit auf ihre Bindung zu einem Zielmolekül hin untersucht und im nächsten Schritt eine direkte „Ein-Partikel“-Sequenzierung der Peptide von der festen Phase ermöglicht. Die Analyse der Bindung eines Zielmoleküls an ein selektiv bindendes Peptid wurde dabei in einem Modellsystem simuliert. Dazu wurde FITC-markiertes Neutravidin 3 mit festphasengebundenen biotinylierten und nicht-biotinylierten Peptiden inkubiert. Die Bindung von Neutravidin-FITC an die biotinylierten Peptide konnte erfolgreich mittels eines Fluoreszenzmikroskops nachgewiesen werden, wobei diese Methode für eine Hochdurchsatzanalyse ungeeignet war. So wurde die Analyse des Fluoreszenzassays auf einen Microarrayscanner übertragen (siehe Abbildung 33). Dies gelang erfolgreich wobei die hohe Eigenfluoreszenz des Tentagel-Harzes zu falsch positiven Ergebnissen führte. Mit einem Wechsel zum längerwelligen Fluoreszenzfarbstoff ATTO-633 konnten falsch positive Ergebnisse vermieden werden. Somit wurde die zeitintensive Fluoreszenzanalyse von einem Fluoreszenzmikroskop erfolgreich auf einen Microarrayscanner übertragen, welcher in kurzer Zeit (ca. 5 min pro Objektträger) eine Vielzahl an peptidbeladenen Partikeln gleichzeitig analysieren kann.
An experimental investigation has been carried out to characterize and discriminate seven saffron samples and to verify their declared geographical origin using a voltammetric electronic tongue (VE-tongue). The ability of multivariable analysis methods such as Principal Component Analysis (PCA), Hierarchical Cluster Analysis (HCA) to classify the saffron samples according to their geographical origin have been investigated. A good discrimination has reached using PCA and HCA in the VE-tongue characterization case. Furthermore, cross validation and Partial Least Square (PLS) techniques were applied in order to build suitable management and prediction models for the determination of safranal concentration in saffron samples based on SPME-GC-MS and UV-Vis Spectrophotometry. The obtained results reveals that some relationships were established between the VE-tongue signal, SPMEGC-MS and UV-Vis spectrophotometry methods to predict safranal concentration levels in saffron samples by using the PLS model. In the light of these results, we can say that the proposed electronic system offer a fast, simple and efficient tool to recognize the declared geographical origin of the saffron samples.
Die quantitative Bestimmung der Haftfestigkeit von Beschichtungen ist von entscheidender Bedeutung sowohl für die Entwicklung als auch für die Qualitätssicherung. In einer Vergleichsstudie zur Haftfestigkeit von optischen und ophthalmischen Schichten wurde mit Hilfe der Zentrifugentechnologie der Einfluss verschiedener Parameter (Substratdicke, Oberflächenvorbehand-lung, Haftvermittler) auf die Haftfestigkeit optischer Schichten auf silikatischen und ophthalmischer Schichten auf polymeren Substraten untersucht.
Zur Bestimmung der Haftfestigkeit in der physikalisch korrekten Dimension Kraft pro Fläche im Stirnabzug stehen die Ein-Proben-Prüfung mit der Zugprüfmaschine und die Mehr-Proben-Prüfung mittels Zentri- fugentechnologie zur Verfügung. Die Zentrifugentechnologie wurde ausgewählt, da die Prüfung von bis zu acht Proben unter nahezu identischen Versuchsbedingungen und somit eine statistisch gesicherte Bestimmung der Haftfestigkeit möglich sind.
Es konnte nachgewiesen werden, dass die Substratdicke einen erheblichen Einfluss auf die gemessene Haftfestigkeit hat. Dies entspricht den Erwartungen, da es sich bei der Haftfestigkeit um eine System- eigenschaft des Schicht-Substrat-Systems handelt. Bei den Delaminationsbrüchen (DF) konnte zwischen Delamination des metallischen Reflektors (DF-R) und Delamination des Dielektrikums (DF-D) unter- schieden werden. Im Fall hinreichender Haftfestigkeit der Beschichtung traten auch Adhäsionsbrüche am Interface zum und Kohäsionsbrüche im Klebstoff auf. Nachfolgende Untersuchungen werden sich mit alternativen Klebstoffen und weiterentwickelten Fügestrategien befassen.
CONRAD-2 is an imaging instrument using low-energy (cold) neutrons. The instrument is installed at the end of a curved neutron guide which avoids the direct line of sight towards the reactor core. This ensures a very low background of high-energy neutrons and. photons at the sample position. The cold neutron beam provides a wavelength range which is suitable for phase-and diffraction-contrast imaging such as grating interferometry and Bragg edge mapping. The instrument is well suited for high resolution imaging due to the high efficiency of the very thin scintillators that can be used for the detection of cold neutrons. An instrument upgrade was performed recently as a part of an upgrade program for the cold neutron instrumentation at HZB. The parameters of the instrument as well as some research highlights will be presented.
Absorption effects in total reflection X-ray fluorescence (TXRF) analysis are important to consider, especially if external calibration is to be applied. With a color X-ray camera (CXC), that enables spatially and energy resolved XRF analysis, the absorption of the primary beam was directly visualized for mL-droplets and an array of pL-droplets printed on a Si-wafer with drop-on-demand technology. As expected, deposits that are hit by the primary beam first shade subsequent droplets, leading to a diminished XRF signal. This shading effect was quantified with enhanced precision making use of sub-pixel analysis that improves the spatial resolution of the camera. The measured absorption was compared to simulated results using three different model calculations. It was found they match very well (average deviation < 10%). Thus errors in quantification due to absorption effects can be accounted for in a more accurate manner.
Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) exploits the enhancement of electromagnetic fields in close vicinity of plasmonic nanostructures, enabling characterization of analytes at the single-molecule level. The nanometer-scale spatial arrangement of plasmonic metal nanoparticles and analyte molecules has a significant effect on the observed signal enhancements and represents a great challenge in this technique.
In our work, DNA origami is used as platform for precise positioning of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). Especially high sensitivities are expected for gold nanolenses (AuNLs), consisting of rows of three or more differently-sized AuNPs. We assembled different AuNL designs and determined respective SERS enhancement factors by collecting Raman spectra from single AuNLs. Finite difference time domain calculations estimate attainable electromagnetic field enhancements. Ultimately, we aim to develop a versatile platform for various SERS applications.
Air-coupled ultrasound has been applied increasingly as a non-destructive testing method for lightweight construction in recent years. It is particularly appropriate for composite materials being used in automotive and aviation industry. Air-coupled ultrasound transducers mostly consist of piezoelectric materials and matching layers. However, their fabrication is challenging and their signal-to-noise ratio often not sufficient for many testing requirements. To enhance the efficiency, air-coupled ultrasound transducers made of cellular polypropylene have been developed. Because of its small density and sound velocity, this piezoelectric ferroelectret matches the small acoustic impedance of air much better than matching layers applied in conventional transducers. In our contribution, we present two different methods of spherical focusing of ferroelectret transducers for the further enhancement of their performance in NDT applications. Measurements on carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) samples and on metal adhesive joints performed with commercially available focused air-coupled ultrasound transducers are compared to measurements executed with self-developed focused ferroelectret transducers.
Polysaccharides modify the rheological properties of cement based systems. Depending upon their chemistry, molecular architecture, and adsorption tendency, they have different modes of action. Some polysaccharides like diutan gum have strong effect on the fluid phase; others like starch strongly interact with particles. This paper presents effects of diutan gum and starches in presence of polycarboxylates. Rheometric investigations with varied particle volume fractions and increasing coarse aggregate diameters were conducted. The results show that starches have stronger influence on the rheology at high particle volume fractions than diutan gum. At lower particle volume fractions this trend is inverted. Experiments with aggregates sizes up to 16 mm (0.63 in.) indicate that stabilizing agent influences on the effects of aggregates on yield stress were small; however up to 1.0 mm (0.04 in.), a significant effect on the plastic viscosity could be observed, which levelled off at larger diameters.
In this paper we present results of our recent efforts to understand the mechanical interface behaviour of single-walled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) embedded in metal matrices. We conducted experimental pull-out tests of CNTs embedded in Pd or Au and found Maximum forces in the range 10 - 102 nN. These values are in good agreement with forces obtained from molecular Dynamics simulations taking into account surface functional Groups (SFGs) covalently linked to the CNT material. The dominant failure mode in experiment is a CNT rupture, which can be explained with the presence of SFGs. To qualify the existence of SFGs on our used CNT material, we pursue investigations by means of fluorescence labeling of surface species in combination with Raman imaging. We also report of a tensile test system to perform pull-out tests inside a transmission electron microscope to obtain in situ images of CNT-metal interfaces under mechanical loads at the atomic scale.
In the near future, it will be important to adopt innovative approaches and technologies in order to further guarantee the reliability and availability of the highway network. New tools are therefore needed in order to obtain in-depth information about the condition of bridges and its development early enough before significant, precarious damage cases occur. In 2011, the research program “Intelligente Brücken (Smart Bridges)” was launched by the BASt together with the BMVI to evolve systems for information and holistic evaluation for Bridge structures as a supplement to the current inspection-based maintenance management. Several projects dealt with the topic in the last few years and provided guidelines and a solid basis to move towards a first implementation considering the input of all research projects carried out so far.
The effect of porosity and microcracking on the mechanical properties (strength, fracture toughness,Young’s modulus, and fracture energy) and thermal expansion of diesel particulate filter (DPF) gradecordierite materials has been investigated. A method to deconvolute the effect of porosity and microc-racking on Young’s modulus is proposed. In addition, the microcrack density and the pore morphologyfactor are calculated by applying a micromechanical differential scheme. The values of the investigatedmechanical properties are shown to decrease with an increase in porosity, but the thermal expansionvalues are insensitive to porosity. The variation in mechanical properties as a function of porosity leadsto distinct porosity dependence of thermal shock resistance for crack initiation and crack propagationfor DPF grade synthetic cordierite.
Fraunhofer Life Science Day
(2015)
Their high affinity, selectivity and specificity make monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) very important tools in research, diagnostics and therapy. The production of mAbs is routinely performed by hybridoma technique. Hybridomas are generated by fusing antibody-producing B cells with indefinitely proliferating myeloma cells. Both, cell fusion and the indispensable identification and isolation of the desired antibody-producing hybridoma clone is still far from being trivial.
We describe a novel method that should help to optimize the cell fusion, and the screening for antibody-secreting hapten-specific hybridoma cells by using fluorescence activated cell sorting and single-cell fusion. Hybridoma cells specific for a hapten were incubated with a hapten-peroxidase conjugate (hapten-HRP), which was subsequently incubated with a fluorophore-labeled polyclonal anti-peroxidase antibody (anti-HRP-Alexa Fluor® 488). To characterize the expression of membrane-bound immunoglobulin G (IgG) a fluorophore-labeled anti-mouse IgG antibody (anti-IgG-Alexa Fluor® 647) was used. Successful staining was verified by confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). We show that it is possible to specifically label hapten-specific hybridoma cells. It should also be possible to use this labelling approach for the isolation of hapten-specific B cells from the spleen and use these cells for single-cell fusion. Parallelized cell fusion chips were developed to increase fusion efficiencies.
Introduction to PowderCell
(2015)
The kinetic energy of keV electrons backscattered from a rutile (TiO2) surface depends measurably on the mass of the scattering atom. This makes it possible to determine separately the angular distribution of electrons backscattered elastically from either Ti or O. Diffraction effects of these backscattered electrons inside the rutile crystal lead to the formation of Kikuchi patterns. The element-resolved Kikuchi patterns of Ti and O differ characteristically, but each can be described fairly well in terms of the dynamical theory of diffraction. Qualitatively, much of the differences can be understood by considering the relative arrangement of the Ti and O atoms with respect to planes defined by the crystal lattice.
In this paper, we present a new dataset consisting of 19,407 X-ray images. The images are organized in a public database called GDXray that can be used free of charge, but for research and educational purposes only. The database includes five groups of X-ray images: castings, welds, baggage, natural objects and settings. Each group has several series, and each series several X-ray images. Most of the series are annotated or labeled. In such cases, the coordinates of the bounding boxes of the objects of interest or the labels of the images are available in standard text files. The size of GDXray is 3.5 GB and it can be downloaded from our website. We believe that GDXray represents a relevant contribution to the X-ray testing community. On the one hand, students, researchers and engineers can use these X-ray images to develop, test and evaluate image analysis and computer vision algorithms without purchasing expensive X-ray equipment. On the other hand, these images can be used as a benchmark in order to test and compare the performance of different approaches on the same data. Moreover, the database can be used in the training programs of human inspectors.
Mycotoxins are secondary metabolites of fungi which have diverse detrimental effects on humans, animals and crops. Traceable worldwide in foods and animal feeds, these contaminants cause manifold diseases and extensive economic losses. Therefore, European legislation set maximum levels of distinct mycotoxins to minimize the risks for the buying public. But standardized food analysis techniques fail to detect masked mycotoxins, whose research increasingly moves to the fore in recent years. They are formed from detoxification metabolism of plants as well as from fungi, which conjugate for example with glucosides or dihexosides. All masked mycotoxins have one thing in common: They are not detectable with standard methods, thereby contributing to the overall exposure and pose an additional health risk for the consumer.
The dissertation work will focus on the following potential new group of masked toxins. Food safety relevant mycotoxins like zearalenone and ochratoxin A possess one or more 1,3-dicarbonyl moieties. Latter are principally able to form thermodynamically stable chelate complexes with metal cations. First investigations at BAM showed interactions between zearalenone and copper ions and it is conceivable that they possibly build a complex. Our main focus is now to identify, characterize and quantify 1,3-dicarbonyl mycotoxin metal complexes as potential candidates within the group of conjugated mycotoxins.
We will simulate processes of biotransformation and identify distinct metabolites by electrochemistry coupled to liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (EC-HPLC-MS). The obtained knowledge contributes to a better understanding of masked mycotoxins and an improved monitoring of foods and feeds, to ensure food safety.
Gravimetrically prepared mono-elemental reference solutions having a well-known mass fraction of approximately 1 g/kg define the very basis of virtually all measurements in inorganic analysis. Serving as the starting materials of all standard/calibration solutions, they link virtually all measurements of inorganic analytes to the purity of the solid materials they were prepared from. In case these solid materials are characterized comprehensively with respect to their purity, this link also establishes direct metrological traceability to The International System of Unit. Within the framework of the European Metrology Research Programme (EMRP), in the Joint Research Project called SIB09 Primary standards for challenging elements, a reference solution of molybdenum was prepared directly from the respective metal with a relative expanded uncertainty associated with the mass fraction of Urel(w) < 0.05 %. A highly accurate and precise ICP OES and MC-ICP-MS method was developed to assist with the preparation and as a dissemination tool.
Die Blitzthermografie weist eine Reihe von Vorteilen gegenüber anderen Verfahren der aktiven Thermografie auf und hat daher eine relativ große Verbreitung in Forschung und Industrie gefunden. Ein wesentlicher Nachteil ist jedoch die begrenzte Energie, die pro Blitz genutzt werden kann. Es stellt sich die Frage, ob sich durch mehrere kurz hintereinander ausgeführte Blitze eine Verbesserung des Energieeintrags erreichen lässt. Zur experimentellen Untersuchung dieser Frage wurde ein Versuchsstand mit vier Blitzlampen so umgerüstet, dass die Blitzlampen zeitgleich oder nacheinander mit einer regelbaren Verzögerung ausgelöst werden können („Multiblitz“). Als Probekörper dienten Platten aus CFK, an deren Rückseite Flachbodenbohrungen (FBB) eingebracht worden waren. Betrachtet wurde jedoch nur der absolute Temperaturhub am ungestörten Material. Die Experimente zeigen relativ geringe Effekte im Prozentbereich, wie sie auch gemäß einer quantitativen Abschätzung zu erwarten sind. Interessanterweise vergrößerte sich der Einfluss der Multiblitzanregung auf die Energieeinkopplung deutlich bei einem etwas vergrößerten Abstand zwischen Blitzlampen und untersuchter Oberfläche. Die Ursache für diesen Effekt ist derzeit unklar, vermutet werden eine Temperaturabhängigkeit und/oder eine Abstandsabhängigkeit des Wärmübergangskoeffizienten im Konvektionsterm.
Cracks perpendicular to the surface may be initial indicators for a deterioration process of concrete structures. Moisture penetrates inside the structure and transports adverse chemicals. The paper presents an investigation about the reliability of available commercial non-destructive evaluation techniques to reliably estimate the depth of surface-breaking cracks in reinforced concrete structures. Aim of the study was the investigation of surface-braking cracks under laboratory conditions. Commercial acoustic devices as impact echo equipment, single ultrasonic transducers and arrays were applied even if they have not been developed for this purpose. The commercial software and descriptions for application was followed strictly to compare the function, precision and repeatability of the measurements. Both, perpendicular notches and cracks have been considered. The study was completed with a discussion about reference specimens. The study was the basis for formulation of gaps in research. The Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) has initiated and funded a Project.
LIBS is on the step from a laboratory application to on-site analysis. A validated mobile LIBS-system for on-site application on building materials is under development at BAM in cooperation with industrial partners (system developers and companies), who will use this technique for investigation on building structures like bridges and parking decks. The system is designed to measure the content of harmful species like chlorine, sulfur or alkalis, to give the engineer a tool for the estimation of the condition of concrete structures and for quality assurance during concrete repair work on-site. In these work results of on-site measurements on a chloride contaminated bridge are shown. Further work will focus on providing guidelines to establish LIBS as a standard procedure for chemical investigations of building materials.
The paper addresses beech wood as well as vulcanized fiber and discusses the results obtained when using acoustic emission and thermography as non-destructive testing techniques along tensile and load increase fatigue tests to characterize the wooden material’s behavior under increasing fatigue loads to get enhanced information regarding the fatigue behavior of both materials. Reference is mainly made to the materials’ anisotropic and microstructural behavior and what implications this has with respect to the materials’ strength. The influence of moisture is discussed, as well as parameters that may deserve monitoring in the sense of structural health monitoring to be applied in timber structures in general.
Ultrasonic measurement evaluation methods have been proven to be effective for detection of subtle changes, caused by temperature, load or moisture. However, for its application outdoors it is necessary to analyse unavoidable influences, such as weather. Therefore an ultrasonic monitoring system with 40 ultrasonic sensors (20 transmitters, 20 receivers; 25 kHz central frequenzy) has been implemented on a concrete specimen (4×5×0.8m3), that is exposed to weather conditions. Data from 400 sensor combinations was collected over a period of six months with an interval of two hours. The data was evaluated by both qualitative (correlation techniques) and quantitative (ultrasonic velocity changes via Coda Wave Interferometry and time of flight method) evaluation methods and compared to the temperature changes caused by weather.
We present the results of several machine learning (ML)- inspired data fusion algorithms applied to multi-sensory nondestructive testing (NDT) data. Our dataset consists of Impact-Echo (IE), Ultrasonic Pulse Echo (US) and Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) data collected on large-scale concrete specimens with built–in simulated honeycombing defects. The main objective is to improve the detectability of honeycombs by fusing the information from the three different sensors. We describe normalization, feature detection and optimal feature selection. We have used unsupervised and supervised ML, i.e., classification and clustering, for data fusion. We demonstrate the advantage of data fusion in reducing the false positives up to 10% compared to the best single sensor, thus, improving the detectability of the defects. The methods were evaluated on a concrete specimen. The effectiveness of the proposed approach was demonstrated on a separate full-scale concrete specimen. The results indicate the transportability of the conclusions from one specimen to the other.
Synthesis, structure determination, and formation of a theobromine: oxalic acid 2:1 cocrystal
(2015)
The structure and the formation pathway of a new theobromine : oxalic acid (2 : 1) cocrystal are presented. The cocrystal was synthesised mechanochemically and its structure was solved based on the powder X-ray data. The mechanochemical synthesis of this model compound was studied in situ using synchrotron XRD. Based on the XRD data details of the formation mechanism were obtained. The formation can be described as a self-accelerated ('liquid like') process from a highly activated species.
In carrier gas hot extraction the calibration of low amounts of non-metals with masses of a few micrograms with small uncertainty remains a challenge. To achieve high flexibility a high precision gas mixture pump was combined with an automated syringe drive. The gas mixing pump allows filling the syringe with different gas compositions; the automated syringe drive allows matching to modulate the signal profiles to those of real samples. The system was designed and its experimental potential explored. The resulting calibration curves were comparable to those obtained by calibration using solid materials of sufficient purity and stoichiometry. However smaller uncertainties and lower limits of quantification (i.e. 0.5 µg and 0.6 µg for O and N, respectively) were found using the gas calibration device.
We present a systematic study on the effect of surface ligands on the luminescence properties and colloidal stability of β-NaYF4:Yb3+,Er3+ upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs), comparing nine different surface coatings to render these UCNPs water-dispersible and bioconjugatable. A prerequisite for this study was a large-scale synthetic method that yields ~2 g per batch of monodisperse oleate-capped UCNPs providing identical core particles. These ~23 nm sized UCNPs display an upconversion quantum yield of ~0.35% when dispersed in cyclohexane and excited with a power density of 150 W cm-2, underlining their high quality. A comparison of the colloidal stability and luminescence properties of these UCNPs, subsequently surface modified with ligand exchange or encapsulation protocols, revealed that the ratio of the green (545 nm) and red (658 nm) emission bands determined at a constant excitation power density clearly depends on the surface chemistry. Modifications relying on the deposition of additional (amphiphilic) layer coatings, where the initial oleate coating is retained, show reduced non-radiative quenching by water as compared to UCNPs that are rendered water-dispersible via ligand exchange. Moreover, we could demonstrate that the brightness of the upconversion luminescence of the UCNPs is strongly affected by the type of surface modification, i.e., ligand exchange or encapsulation, yet hardly by the chemical nature of the ligand.
Solgel prepared ternary FeF3–MgF2 materials have become promising heterogeneous catalysts due to their porosity and surface Lewis/Brønsted acidity (bi-acidity). Despite the good catalytic performance, nanoscopic characterisations of this type of material are still missing and the key factors controlling the surface properties have not yet been identified, impeding both a better understanding and further development of ternary fluoride catalysts. In this study, we characterised the interaction between the bi-acidic component (FeF3) and the matrix (MgF2) on the nano-scale. For the first time, the formation pathway of FeF3–MgF2 was profiled and the template effect of MgF2 during the synthesis process was discovered. Based on these new insights two novel materials, FeF3–CaF2 and FeF3–SrF2, were established, revealing that with decreasing the atomic numbers (from Sr to Mg), the ternary fluorides exhibited increasing surface acidity and surface area but decreasing pore size. These systematic changes gave rise to a panel of catalysts with tuneable surface and bulk properties either by changing the matrix alkaline earth metal fluoride or by adjusting their ratios to Fe or both. The template effect of the alkaline earth metal fluoride matrix was identified as the most probable key factor determining the surface properties and further influencing the catalytic performance in ternary fluoride based catalysts, and paves the way to targeted design of next-generation catalysts with tunable properties.
Polyglycerol (PG) coated polypropylene (PP) films were synthesized in a two-step approach that involved plasma bromination and subsequently grafting hyperbranched polyglycerols with very few amino functionalities. The influence of different molecular weights and density of reactive linkers were investigated for the grafted PGs. Longer bromination times and higher amounts of linkers on the surface afforded long-term stability. The protein adsorption and bacteria attachment of the PP-PG films were studied. Their extremely low amine content proved to be beneficial for preventing bacteria attachment.
In- and quasielastic neutron scattering is employed to investigate both the vibrational density of states and the molecular dynamics of two homologous discotic liquid crystals (DLC) with different length of the alkyl side chain based on a triphenylene derivate. For both compounds characteristic low frequency excess contributions to the vibrational density of states are found. Therefore it is concluded that these liquid crystals show a glass-like behaviour. Elastic scans further show that in these materials a rich molecular dynamics takes place.
This paper reflects recent progress in the field of fluorescent polymer optical fiber sensors (F-POF) for partial discharge (PD) detection in high voltage (HV) cable accessories using optical-only PD detection by coincidence single photon counting. In experiments with artificial PD sources these sensors show the ability to detect optical emissions from picocoulomb-level PDs in a real-scale model of a translucent high voltage cable accessory. False positives (caused by detector noise) are efficiently suppressedwhile maintaining sufficient sensitivity,even when the sensor is located in an unfavorable position.
Reliable analysis of chemical indicators in water, sediment and soil samples for the purpose of environmental pollution assessment poses one of the greatest analytical challenges, having in mind the complexity of sample matrix and low concentrations of pollutants. Organics (pesticides, PAHs, PCBs, etc.) and heavy metals (Hg, Cd, Ni, Pb and As) represent target parameters. Laboratories performing sampling and tests in this field regulated by respective EU directives, need strong support in terms of providing them with appropriate matrix CRMs enabling the process of quality control. NMIs and DIs with proven metrological capabilities for the production and certification of such materials are necessary for the provision of quality data. This project is aiming to develop capacity to produce CRMs for environmental analysis by transferring the theoretical and practical know-how between the partners and combining their skills to focus on environmental CRM production in accordance with ISO Guide 34. Production process includes good manufacturing practices for processing materials, method development and validation for homogeneity, stability and characterisation tests, characterisation of selected analytes together with additional information about matrix constituents, the calculation of individual uncertainties (between units inhomogeneity, long term stability, characterisation) and combination of uncertainties to determine overall uncertainty of the matrix reference materials. Inter laboratory comparison registered as EURAMET project is set as the ultimate project outcome, confirming the partners’ capabilities in applying newly acquired skills.
This report is the result of a comprehensive study on the available CMs which come potentially in question for the reliable analysis of the number based size distribution of a nanomaterial according to the EC recommendation for a definition of nanomaterial. Based on the performance criteria already established in NanoDefine the potential CMs are evaluated according to studies available in the literature as well as following the expertise of the NanoDefine consortium partners. The specific advantages and disadvantages of each method with respect to its applicability to the scope of NanoDefine are particularly highlighted. An CM evaluation table is produced so that the mostly suited CMs with respect to the EC definition can be grouped and recommended to the corresponding NanoDefine work packages for further specific development (improvement and adaption), or for direct validation and standardisation, respectively. The actual evaluation report including the recommended CMs will be revised and, if necessary, eventually updated at the mid time of the project. The update will be jointly discussed in the NanoDefine consortium on the basis of the results of testing the methods on the NanoDefine real world materials.
Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) can catalyze the decolorization of organic dyes in the presence of sodium borohydride (NaBH4), which can be utilized for sensitive optical signaling. Here, we monitor the catalytic reduction of a fluorescent substrate, exemplarily chosen uranine, by AuNPs serving as nanocatalysts by absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy. Dye reduction is accompanied by dramatic changes in the absorption and fluorescence properties of uranine. As proposed reaction mechanism, we assume electron transfer between uranine and NaBH4 through the AuNPs nanocatalysts which is currently investigated also by time-resolved fluorescence and detailed spectroscopic studies of the influence of pH, NaBH4, and AuNPs on these effects. As ultimate goal, a model reporter platform with colorimetric andfluorometric signaling is anticipated for the detection of different analytes by coating AuNPs with affinity ligands such as antibodies and aptamers and and special separation methods.
Als schweizweit einziger Hersteller produzierte die Gesellschaft der Ludwig von Roll'schen Eisenwerke seit den 1870er Jahren granulierte Hochofenschlacke. Im Blashochofen von Choindez im Schweizer Jura wird bis Mitte der 1920er Jahre Bohnerz aus dem Delsberger Becken, das kontemporär publizierten Analysen zufolge als Spuren- bzw. Schwermetalle Titan, Chrom, Blei und Vanadium enthält, zu grauem Roheisen verhüttet. In zementgebundenen Mörtelmischungen des 19. und frühen 20. Jahrhunderts aus verschiedenen Regionen der Schweiz finden sich neben reliktischen Hüttensandsplittern vereinzelt bis zu fünfhundert Mikrometer große scharze Kugeln mit grünlichem Schimmer, wohl nicht gemahlener Schlackensand. Deren mittels Ramanmikroskopie (Phasenbestand) und energiedispersiver Röntgenspektroskopie am Rasterelektronenmikroskop (Elementanalytik) ermittelte Mineralogie ergibt in Form von Plattnerit PbO2, Rutil TiO2 und vermitlich Chromit Fe(II)Cr2O4 bzw. Nichromit (Ni,Co,Fe(II))(Cr,Fe(III),Al)2)4 Übereinstimmungen mit den nur die Elementzusammensetzung berücksichtigenden historischen Resultaten. Ebenfalls im Zusammenhang mit dem das Bohnerz begleitenden Boluston samt Huppererde zu sehen sind die Minerale Coelestin SrSO4 und Zirkon ZrSiO4, des Weiteren der Siliciumcarbidpolymorph Moissanit SiC als Reaktionsprodukt von Quarzsand und Brennstoff. Die Kohärenz zwischen um die Jahrhundertwende durchgeführten Analysen von Rohmaterial als auch Ofenbruch aus dem in Choindez betriebenen Hochofen und den in diesem Beitrag diskutierten Resultaten moderner analytischer Methoden spricht für den Gebrauch von granulierter Schlacke aus dem Hause Ludwig von Roll als Mörtelzuschlag. Die Hüttensandkörner, eigentlich latent hydraulisch, sind aufgrund der fehlenden Aufbereitung zu grob für eine effektive Hydratation und deshalb trotz reaktiver Glasphase und Klinkermineralien (Belit Ca2SiO4 und Monocalciumaluminat CaAl2O4) intakt in der Bindemittelmatrix erhalten.
The intention of this compilation of articles was to introduce brand-new developments in the field of chemical imaging which have not been discussed in previous review articles. These include the design of new sensor nanomaterials based on photon uponversion crystals which convert near-infrared excitation light into sensor signals in the visible wavelength range highlighted by Christ and Schäferling. Sun, Ungerböck and Mayr describe the state of the art in oxygen imaging in microreactors and microfluidic devices. Miniaturized sensors for the imaging of oxygen, pH and temperature in microchips, microfluidic platforms and microbioreactors are reviewed by Pfeiffer and Nagl. Furthermore, Dmitriev and Papkovsky present a critical assessment of the applicability of probes for intracellular oxygen sensing.
I hope these articles provide an interesting insight into advanced luminescent sensor materials and the applications of optical micro- and nanosensors in fluorescence imaging today and will be inspiring for the reader. Finally, I would like to thank all authors and referees for spending their time to enable this collection of articles.
The synthesis of water-soluble dyes, which absorb and emit in the range between 650 and 950 nm and display high extinction coefficients (ε) as well as high fluorescence quantum yields (Φf), is still a demand for optical imaging. We now present a synthetic route for the preparation of a new group of glycerol-substituted cyanine dyes from dendronized indole precursors that have been functionalized as Nhydroxysuccinimide (NHS) esters. High Φf values of up to 0.15 and extinction coefficients of up to 189 000 L mol−1 cm−1 were obtained for the pure dyes. Furthermore, conjugates of the new dendronized dyes with the antibody cetuximab (ctx) that were directed against the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) of tumor cells could be prepared with dye to protein ratios between 0.3 and 2.2 to assess their potential as imaging probes. For the first time, ctx conjugates could be achieved without showing a decrease in Φf and with an increasing labeling degree that exceeded the value of the pure dye even at a labeling degree above 2. The incorporation of hydrophilically and sterically demanding dendrimers into cyanines prevented dimer formation after covalent conjugation to the antibody. The binding functionality of the resulting ctx conjugates to the EGFR was successfully demonstrated by cell microscopy studies using EGFR expressing cell lines. In summary, the combination of hydrophilic glycerol dendrons with reactive dye labels has been established for the first time and is a promising Approach toward more powerful fluorescent labels with less dimerization.
Here, we summerize our efforts concerning new design concepts and examples for fluorescence standards that can provide traceability to radiometric units and present a first step towards a toolbox of fluorescence standards, currently consisting of:
i) A first set of liquid fluorescence standards enables the determination of a broad variety of fluorescence parameters was developed and certified by BAM and is distributed by Sigma-Aldrich.
ii) Ready-to-use, glass-based fluorescence standards for instrument performance validation (IPV) and determination instrument-to-instrument variations can also be used as wavelength standard for fluorescence instruments with low requirements on spectral resolution and allow monitoring of temporal changes of the wavelength-dependent spectral responsivity.
iii) Novel calibration tools and validation concepts for microarray-based platforms used in molecular diagnostics and food safety control.
iv) We currently develop reference materials, which can be used as reliable quantum yield standards for relative methods for the determination of QY and can be valuable in the evaluation of the performance and sources of uncertainty of absolute, standard-free methods using e.g. integrating spheres.
One of the most important collections of manuscripts and wall paintings from sites of the northern Silk Road, discovered at the beginning of the 20thC, are deposited in Berlin. The fragments represent a broad spectrum of scripts, languages, and painting styles depending on the region of origin and purpose of dissemination. The manufacturing material reflects the various influences in the oasis sites. Based on analyses of some pigments, examples are posed.
Dietary supplements high in isolated isoflavones are commercially available for human consumption primarily to alleviate menopausal symptoms in women. The isoflavone composition, quantity and importantly their estrogenic potency are poorly standardised and can vary considerably between different products. The aim of this study was to analyse the isoflavone composition of 11 dietary supplements based on soy or red clover using the HPLC/MS/MS technique. Furthermore, we investigated the transactivational potential of the supplements on the estrogen receptors (ER), ERα and ERβ, performing luciferase reporter gene assays. As expected, we found that the isoflavone composition varies between different products. The measured total isoflavone contents in various supplements were mostly comparable to those claimed by the manufacturers in their product information. However expressing the isoflavone content as isoflavone aglycone equivalents, soy-based supplements had a clearly lower quantity compared to the manufacturer information. All supplements transactivated more or less ERα and ERβ with a preference for ERβ. The transactivational efficiency exceeded partly the maximal 17β-estradiol induced ER activation. While the different soy-based supplements revealed similar transactivation potential to both ERs, red clover-based supplements differed considerably. We conclude that different commercial dietary supplements based on soy or red clover vary in their isoflavone composition and quantity. They are estrogenically active, although especially the red clover-based supplements show considerable differences in their estrogenic potential to ERα and ERβ. Thus, different isoflavone-rich products cannot be necessarily compared regarding possible biological effects.
High resolution in situ monitoring of the initial cement hydration influenced by organic admixtures
(2015)
Numerous admixtures are used in the building practice to customize the properties of the cement paste during application. The influences of admixtures on the course of cement hydration and formation of hydrate phases have to be considered. Polycarboxylate ether (PCE) based polymeric superplasticizers (SPs) are known to retard the setting of the cement paste. The extent of the retardation differs depending on the molecular structure of the SP. Additionally, the presence of a stabilizing agent (SA) in the cement paste has a retarding side effect on the setting. The initial cement hydration processes and the detailed mechanisms of the retardation influenced by PCEs, as well as their interactions with particular SAs, are insufficiently understood. Up to now, only the results of phenomenological studies were taken into account to describe this retardation process. A detailed structure analysis monitoring the change of the phase composition during the hydration was never applied. Both SP and SA affect the adsorption of the sulphate ions on the clinker particles, causing changes in the formation of ettringite during the initial hydration, and are therefore a crucial part of the setting process itself. Here, the initial hydration of cement influenced by the interaction of SP and SA was monitored in situ by synchrotron X-ray diffraction. The high time resolution of the measurements allowed a continuous detection of the hydrates formed. The hydration was followed from the starting point of water addition and for couple of hours afterwards. The hydration of the levitated cement pellets containing starch as SA was initialized by adding aqueous solutions of different commercial SPs. Changes in the ettringite formation were detected in comparison to the reference hydration of pure cement.
Introducing fluorine into molecules has a wide range of effects on their physicochemical properties, often desirable but in most cases unpredictable. The fluorine atom imparts the C–F bond with low polarizability and high polarity, and significantly affects the behavior of neighboring functional groups, in a covalent or noncovalent manner. Here, we report that fluorine, present in the form of a single fluoroalkyl amino acid side chain in the P1 position of the well-characterized serine-protease inhibitor BPTI, can fully restore inhibitor activity to a mutant that contains the corresponding hydrocarbon side chain at the same site. High resolution crystal structures were obtained for four BPTI variants in complex with bovine b-trypsin, revealing changes in the stoichiometry and dynamics of water molecules in the S1 subsite. These results demonstrate that the introduction of fluorine into a protein environment can result in “chemical complementation” that has a significantly favorable impact on protein–protein interactions.
Microorganisms accumulate molar concentrations of compatible solutes like ectoine to prevent proteins from denaturation. Direct structural or spectroscopic information on the mechanism and about the hydration shell around ectoine are scarce. We combined surface plasmon resonance (SPR), confocal Raman spectroscopy, molecular dynamics simulations, and density functional theory (DFT) calculations to study the local hydration shell around ectoine and its influence on the binding of a gene-S-protein (G5P) to a single-stranded DNA (dT(25)). Due to the very high hygroscopicity of ectoine, it was possible to analyze the highly stable hydration shell by confocal Raman spectroscopy. Corresponding molecular dynamics simulation results revealed a significant change of the water dielectric constant in the presence of a high molar ectoine concentration as compared to pure water. The SPR data showed that the amount of protein bound to DNA decreases in the presence of ectoine, and hence, the protein-DNA dissociation constant increases in a concentration-dependent manner. Concomitantly, the Raman spectra in terms of the amide I region revealed large changes in the protein secondary structure. Our results indicate that ectoine strongly affects the molecular recognition between the protein and the oligonudeotide, which has important consequences for osmotic regulation mechanisms.
Zur Bestimmung von Arzneimittelrückständen in Oberflächengewässern wird häufig die LC-MS/MS als Methode der Wahl eingesetzt. Obwohl sich dieses Nachweisverfahren durch eine hohe Empfindlichkeit und Selektivität auszeichnet, gibt es vor allem bei geringen Substanzkonzentrationen häufig störende Einflüsse durch Matrixeffekte. Diese Matrixeffekte können unterschiedliche Ursachen haben.
Einige Matrixeffekte werden am Beispiel des Wirkstoffs Carbamazepin erläutert. Carbamazepin wird durch Kläranlagen nur partiell aus dem Abwasser entfernt und ist im Spurenbereich auch noch im Trinkwasser nachzuweisen. Wenn für die LC-MS/MS wasserbasierte Anteile in der mobilen Phase genutzt werden, befinden sich trotz Verwendung einer Labor-Reinstwasseranlage in der mobilen Phase noch kleinste Konzentrationen von Carbamazepin, welche einen Blindwert im unteren ppt-Bereich verursachen.
Weitere Matrixeffekte treten durch die unterschiedliche Qualität der Oberflächenwasserproben auf. Koelutionen von weiteren Inhaltstoffen zeitgleich mit dem Zielanalyten führen zu einer Diskriminierung des Meßsignals. Verbindungen, die den gleichen Massenübergang bei nahezu identischer Retentionszeit zeigen, erfordern eine reproduzierbare chromatographische Vortrennung oder die Wahl einer alternativen HPLC-Säule.