Analytische Chemie
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Eingeladener Vortrag
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The qualitative and quantitative investigations of historical iron-gall inks by use of μ-XRF spectrometry is a common method for analyzing the diff erences in their composition. When a fingerprint is established, it is possible to characterize the distinguishable inks used in the production of medieval manuscripts, and, in turn assist in the reconstruction of the manuscript’s history.The characterization of the primary inks in palimpsests, i.e. manuscripts written on re-used parchment, presents a serious problem as the effect of the partial removal on the inks fi ngerprint is yet known.
In this paper we explore our preliminary results concerning the effects of two removal techniques on the fingerprint of iron-gall inks on parchment.
This project aims to develop capacity to produce certified reference materials (CRMs) for environmental analysis by transferring know-how between the partners and combining their skills to focus on environmental CRM production. The production process includes good manufacturing practices for processing materials, method development, the validation and application of homogeneity, stability and characterisation tests, the calculation of individual uncertainties (between-unit inhomogeneity, long term stability, characterisation) and combination of uncertainties to determine overall uncertainty of the matrix reference materials. An inter laboratory comparison registered as a EURAMET project is set as the ultimate project outcome, confirming the partners’ capabilities in applying newly acquired skills.
This project aims to develop capacity to produce certified reference materials (CRMs) for environmental analysis by transferring know-how between the partners and combining their skills to focus on environmental CRM production. The production process includes good manufacturing practices for processing materials, method development, the validation and application of homogeneity, stability and characterisation tests, the calculation of individual uncertainties (between-unit inhomogeneity, long term stability, characterisation) and combination of uncertainties to determine overall uncertainty of the matrix reference materials. An inter laboratory comparison registered as a EURAMET project is set as the ultimate project outcome, confirming the partners’ capabilities in applying newly acquired skills.
The importance of microRNA (miRNA) dysregulation for the development and progression of diseases and the discovery of stable miRNAs in peripheral blood have made these short-sequence nucleic acids next-generation biomarkers. Here we present a fully homogeneous multiplexed miRNA FRET assay that combines careful biophotonic design with various RNA hybridization and ligation steps. The single-step, single-temperature, and amplification-free assay provides a unique combination of performance parameters compared to state-of-the-art miRNA detection technologies. Precise multiplexed quantification of miRNA-20a, -20b, and -21 at concentrations between 0.05 and 0.5 nm in a single 150 mL sample and detection limits between 0.2 and 0.9 nm in 7.5 mL serum samples demonstrate the feasibility of both highthroughput and point-of-care clinical diagnostics.
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.
Sixteen Ayyubid-Mamluk glazed pottery sherds were analyzed in order to identify and characterize the elemental composition to determine their provenance. The tested sherds were collected from the historical site of Karak Castle, southern Jordan.
Chemical analysis for the sixteen samples has been carried out using Synchrotron Radiation X-ray Fluorescence Spectrometry (SR-XRF) Technique. Furthermore, the semiquantitative analysis of the elements Fe – Cu – Zn – Br – Rb – Sr – Y – Zr – Nb – Mo – Pd – Ag – Cd and Pb has been performed for the samples based on Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and hierarchical Cluster Analysis with Bray-Curtis in order to define grouping of different glazed pottery by obtaining information on their similarity and clustering. The results of chemical analysis provided persuasive evidence that the Karak Castle pottery sherds have at least three different sources of provenance.
The modeling of waveguides by means of the Scaled Boundary Finite Element Method (SBFEM) has recently been addressed and is considered an effective procedure for the simulation of ultrasonic guided waves in plates and uniform structures, as well as their interaction with defects. This work presents the extension of the known applications like uniform concrete foundation cylinders to structures with more complex shapes and defects. The main focus is the required modeling of 3-D structures in SBFEM to solve these efficiently. Furthermore the coupling of different models is discussed. This involves models like a mainly uniform foundation cylinder with varying material behavior or geometry in certain areas which has to be modeled in 3-D SBFEM. With the presentation of numerical examples the accuracy and performance of the modeling is discussed and the advantages in improving numerical stability are shown.
Recommendations on a Revision of the EC Definition of Nanomaterial Based on Analytical Possibilities
(2015)
In October 2011 the European Commission (EC) published a "Recommendation on the definition of nanomaterial" (2011/696/EU), to promote consistency in the interpretation of the term "nanomaterial" for legislative and policy purposes in the EU. The EC NM Definition includes a commitment to its review in the light of experience and of scientific and technological developments. This review is ongoing in 2015 and as a contribution to the review the Joint Research Centre of the European Commission (JRC) has already developed a series of three scientific-technical reports with the title: “Towards a review of the EC Recommendation for a definition of the term nanomaterial” which provides to the EC policy services science-based options on how the definition could be revised or supported with additional guidance.
The overarching nature and wide scope of the EC NM Definition, as it does not exclude a priori any particulate material regardless the state, form and size, creates many analytical challenges in its imple-mentation for all stakeholders, including enterprises and regulators.
The NanoDefine project has as core objective to support the implementation of the EC NM Definition. In this report key aspects of the EC NM Definition are addressed, with the goal to improve the implement-ability of the EC NM Definition. These aspects are presented and discussed based on the results of two years of research performed within the framework of the project. As a result this report assesses how well the requirements of the EC NM Definition can be fulfilled with currently available analytical possi-bilities. It presents recommendations and options on a revision of the EC NM Definition to improve the implementability of the definition based on currently available analytical possibilities, according to the state of the art of mid-2015.
Of the technical issues considered in this report, the following seem to deserve the most attention in terms of clarification of the definition and/or provision of additional implementation guidance:
The term ‘external dimension’.
A clear definition of 'External dimension' should be included in the text of the EC NM definition and more precise guidance on what is considered as an external dimension and how to properly character-ise it should be provided.
The ‘number based particle size distribution‘.
The EC NM Definition uses a threshold related to the number based size distribution of particles. Yet most of the easily available techniques provide a mass-, volume- or scattered light intensity-based size distribution which needs to be converted into a number based distribution to be used for regulatory pur-poses. A specific guidance on the conditions under which these methods can be used to identify a na-nomaterial by employing appropriate quantity or metrics conversion should be provided.
The ‘polydispersity‘ and ‘upper size limit‘
Polydispersity is a challenge for the measurement of particle size distribution for the EC NM definition, specifically for materials with high polydispersity index and broad size distribution especially when the volume or mass of the fraction containing particles below 100 nm is very small. Therefore a dedicated guidance should be provided that allows applying an upper size limit in measurements and particle statistics.
Interfaces provide the structural basis for function as, for example, encountered in nature in the membrane-embedded photosystem or in technology in solar cells. Synthetic functional multilayers of molecules cooperating in a coupled manner can be fabricated on surfaces through layer-by-layer self-assembly. Ordered arrays of stimuli-responsive rotaxanes undergoing well-controlled axle shuttling are excellent candidates for coupled mechanical motion. Such stimuli-responsive surfaces may help integrating synthetic molecular machines in larger systems exhibiting even macroscopic effects or generating mechanical work from chemical energy through cooperative action. The present work demonstrates the successful deposition of ordered mono- and multilayers of chemically switchable rotaxanes on gold surfaces. For the first time, rotaxane mono- and multilayers are shown to reversibly switch in a coupled manner between two ordered states as revealed by linear dichroism effects in angle-resolved NEXAFS spectra. Such a concerted switching process is observed only when the surfaces are well packed, while less densely packed surfaces lacking lateral order do not exhibit such effects.
Supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) are largely used all over the world. The leading SCMs are fly ash (FA) and slag. However, such materials originate from industries that are not well established in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Therefore, it becomes extremely challenging and expensive to build up sustainable cement and concrete. For SSA, agriculture is one of the leading economic sectors. Agricultural by-products such as rice husk ash (RHA), can be a potential binder material beneficial for use in a cementitious system. RHA combined with limestone filler (LSF) is an option that can be practised for rice producing countries in Africa.
The concreting of prefabricated concrete structures can lead to insufficient bonding or even to remaining cavities. Honeycombs (aggregate clusters without cement) represent potential weakening of the structure and need to be detected non-destructively. In our study we tested the capability of ground penetrating radar (GPR) techniques for this purpose. We applied GPR in reflection mode and zero-offset profiling (ZOP) transmission mode on a precast concrete twin wall with built-in honeycombs. GPR measurements were performed as two channel measurement with ground coupled antennas with centre frequencies of 1.5 GHz and 2.6 GHz mounted to an automated scanner system.
Our findings show that ZOP transmission measurements are a more efficient method to detect voids in reinforced concrete structures compared to reflection mode measurements. This holds for both the effort needed for the measurement and the evaluation as well as the validity of the data. Honeycombs (basically representing voids) are usually characterized by strongly reduced amplitudes and earlier arrivals of the transmitted wave.
The concreting of prefabricated concrete structures can lead to insufficient bonding or even to remaining cavities. Honeycombs (aggregate clusters without cement) represent potential weakening of the structure and need to be detected non-destructively. In our study we tested the capability of ground penetrating radar (GPR)techniques for this purpose. We applied GPR in reflection mode and zero-offset profiling (ZOP) Transmission mode on a precast concrete twin wall with built-in honeycombs. GPR measurements were performed as twochannel measurement with ground coupled antennas with centre frequencies of 1.5 GHz and 2.6 GHz mounted to an automated scanner system.
Our findings show that ZOP transmission measurements are a more efficient method to detect voids in reinforced concrete structures compared to reflection mode measurements. This holds for both the effort needed for the measurement and the evaluation as well as the validity of the data. Honeycombs (basically representing voids) are usually characterized by strongly reduced amplitudes and earlier arrivals of the transmitted wave.
Amplitudes variation of GPR rebar reflection due to the influence of concrete aggregate scattering
(2015)
Dense GPR measurements of rebar reflection amplitudes Show relative variations, which can be in the order of more than 10% - 20%. Former investigations demonstrated that these variations are caused by the heterogeneity of concrete, i.e. due to the inclusion of aggregates in concrete. These amplitude variations make it difficult to analyse single reflection amplitudes in order to determine the rebar diameter or to estimate the concrete deterioration state. In a systematic study we have quantified the statistical variation of the rebar reflection amplitude for concrete covers of 6 cm, 9 cm, 12 cm, 15 cm and 18 cm, for two different grading curves and for the rebar diameters 12 mm and 28 mm. Also the influence of the wavelength has been investigated by using antennas with different centre frequencies in relation to the aggregate size. The results are discussed with regard to a quantitative amplitude evaluation of GPR measurements and also the potential of using these variations for a characterization of concrete material properties.
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.
X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) is a powerful tool for probing the local chemical environment ofatoms near surfaces. When applied to soft matter, such as polymers, XPS spectra are frequently shifted andbroadened due to thermal atom motion and by interchain interactions. We present a combined quantummechanical QM/molecular dynamics (MD) simulation of X-ray photoelectron spectra of polyvinyl alcohol(PVA) using oligomer models in order to account for and quantify these effects on the XPS (C1s) signal. Inour study, molecular dynamics at finite temperature were performed with a classical forcefield and by abinitio MD (AIMD) using the Car–Parrinello method. Snapshots along the trajectories represent possibleconformers and/or neighbouring environments, with different C1s ionization potentials for individualC atoms leading to broadened XPS peaks. The latter are determined by Δ-Kohn Sham calculations. Wealso examine the experimental practice of gauging XPS (C1s) signals of alkylic C-atoms in C-containingpolymers to the C1s signal of polyethylene. We find that (i) the experimental XPS (C1s) spectra of PVA (position and width) can be roughly repre-sented by single-strand models, (ii) interchain interactions lead to red-shifts of the XPS peaks by about0.6 eV, and (iii) AIMD simulations match the findings from classical MD semi-quantitatively. Further, (iv)the gauging procedure of XPS (C1s) signals to the values of PE, introduces errors of about 0.5 eV.
Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) is a fast and versatile technique for (semi) quantitative element analysis of solids, liquids, gases, and particulate matter. The LIBS method is used for optical sensing in various branches of industrial production. In the contribution we review some of our recent results on LIBS analysis of slags from secondary metallurgy in industrial steel making. Major oxides in steel slags are measured at-line and after homogenization using a calibration-free (CF) method. Two approaches for CF analysis based on the Boltzmann plot method and on the calculation of synthetic spectra are compared for the analysis of quaternary oxides. We also present the research in cooperation with our industrial partners in the process-analytical chemistry network PAC.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The Cultivation of “Saccharomyces cerevisiae” for enzyme production was monitored using Near-infrared spectroscopy. An inline NIR optrode was therefore immersed in a 15 L vessel. The calibration was done using a Partial Least Squares (PLS) model with reference measurements of glucose, ammonium, phosphate, ethanol, and optical density. A nonlinear biological process model based on an extended Kalman Filter (EKF) was used to describe the fermentation behavior. It was found that EKF corrects inaccurate PLS predictions.
Hydroformylation represents an important homogeneous catalyzed process, which is widely used within chemical industry. Usually applied with simple alkenes like Propene and Butene aldehydes obtained from alkenes >C6 are relevant intermediates in production of plasticizers, surfactants and polymers. Today the active catalyst species is often based on valuable Rhodium complexes in aqueous solution. This implies the problem of limited water solubility of the reactands, which is acceptable for short chain lengths, but states a problem in case of higher alkenes. Along with that efficient separation and recycling of the catalyst becomes more complicated. There are different approaches tackling this problem, e.g., by using of salt formation in the BASF process or downstream distillation within the Shell process
The Collaborative Research Center InPROMPT aims to establish a novel process concept for the hydroformylation of long-chained olefins, using a rhodium complex as catalyst in the presence of syngas. Recently, the hydroformylation in micro-emulsions, which allows for the efficient recycling of the expensive rhodium catalyst, was found to be feasible. However, the temperature and concentration sensitive multi-phase system demands a continuous observation of the reaction to achieve an operational and economically feasible plant operation. For that purpose, we tested the potential of both NMR and Raman spectroscopy for process control assistance. The lab-scale experiments were supported by sampling for off-line GC-analysis as reference analytics. The results of the NMR experiments will be part of another contribution.
The increasing pollution of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems with plastic debris, which leads to the accumulation of microscopic plastic particles of still unknown fate, is an upcoming problem of our time. In order to monitor the degree of contamination and to understand the underlying processes of degradation and internalization of plastic debris, analytical methods are urgently needed, which help to identify and quantify microplastics. Currently, expensive collected and purified materials enriched on filters are investigated by (micro) infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Few studies using micro-Raman spectroscopy have been published as well. In contrast to FTIR, Raman spectroscopy can handle wet samples, but it suffers from interference of fluorescent materials. Both micro-FTIR- and micro-Raman, always include time consuming scanning and mapping procedures followed by the manual inspection and measurement of selected particles.
Online monitoring and process control requires fast and noninvasive analytical methods, which are able to monitor the concentration of reactants in multicomponent mixtures with parts-per-million resolution. Online NMR spectros-copy can meet these demands when flow probes are directly coupled to reactors, since this method features a high linearity between absolute signal area and sample concentration, which makes it an absolute analytical com-parison method being independent on the matrix. Due to improved magnet design and field shimming strategies portable and robust instruments have been introduced to the market by several manufacturers during the last few years. First studies with this technology showed promising results to monitor chemical reaction in the laboratory.
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.
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 [1], 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 [2]. 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.
The catalytic efficiency of two magnetically responsive nanocatalysts was evaluated for the Degradation of Reactive Black 5 (RB5) and Reactive Yellow 84 (RY84) azo dyes using hydrogen peroxide as oxidant undervery mild conditions (atmospheric pressure, room temperature). In order to obtain the nanocatalysts, thesurface of magnetite (Fe3O4) nanoparticles, prepared by a co-precipitation method, was further modified with ferrous oxalate, a highly sensitive non-hazardous reducing agent. The sensitized nanomaterials were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning and transmission electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and vibrating sample magnetometry, and used in the catalytic wet hydrogen peroxideoxidation (CWHPO) of RB5 and RY84, in laboratory-scale experiments. The effect of important variables such as catalyst dosage, H2O2 concentration, and contact time was studied in the dye Degradation kinetics. The results showed that it was possible to remove up to 99.7% dye in the presence of 20 mM H2O2 after 240 min of oxidation for a catalyst concentration of 10 g L−1at 25◦C and initial pH value of 9.0.CWHPO of reactive dyes using sensitized magnetic nanocatalysts can be a suitable pre-treatment methodfor complete decolorization of effluents from textile dyeing and finishing processes, once the Optimum operating conditions are established.
The use of magnetic materials as heterogeneous catalysts has attracted increasing attention in the last years since they proved to be promising candidates for water treatment. In the present study, two types of surface-modified magnetite (Fe3O4) nanoparticles, coated with non-hazardous naturally occurring agents—either tannic acid (TA) or dissolved natural organic matter—were evaluated as magnetic heterogeneous catalysts. Chemical synthesis (co-precipitation) was chosen to yield the nanocatalysts due to its well-established simplicity and efficiency. Subsequently, the properties of the final products were fully assessed by various characterization techniques. The catalytic activity in heterogeneous oxidation of aqueous solutions containing a model pollutant, Bisphenol A (BPA), was comparatively studied. The effect of operational parameters (catalyst loading, H2O2 dosage, and UV light irradiation) on the Degradation performance of the oxidation process was investigated. The optimum experimental parameters were found to be 1.0 g/L of catalysts and 10 mM H2O2, under UV irradiation. The highest mineralization rates were observed for Fe3O4-TA catalyst. More than 80 % of BPA was removed after 30 min of reaction time under the specified experimental conditions. The obtained results showed that the two catalysts studied here are suitable candidates for the removal of pollutants in wastewaters by means of heterogeneous reaction using a green sustainable treatment method.
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.
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.
Sealing and strengthening of the subsoil by injection is a major issue in the field of geotechnical engineering. This involves also jet grouting, which allows creating columns of grouted soil by eroding and mixing the in-situ soil with a thin cement suspension. A general difficulty of this method is to predict the column diameter and its material strength. Here, we present two-dimensional finite-difference numerical simulation results of a promising non-destructive quality assurance testing tool to evaluate the diameter of jet grout columns. This approach incorporates crosshole and downhole seismic measurements. Preliminary tests showed that this tool is applicable under real site conditions.
For absorption processes with fluctuating feed gas compositions it is vital to continuously adjust
the operation point to achieve energy efficiency. In this contribution a Raman-based advanced
process control (APC) is introduced for the absorption of carbon dioxide (CO2) using an aqueous
solution of monoethanolamine (MEA). The APC is based on a Raman spectroscopic analysis of
the composition and CO2 load of the scrubbing liquid and a non-linear model predictive control
(NMPC) to adjust the scrubbing liquid cycle. In addition, an outer real-time optimization loop is
set in place to update the set points for the absorption process depending on the current feed gas composition minimizing the energy consumption of the process. Implementation and testing of the APC have been carried out in a mini-plant at TU Berlin. During a plant operation of more than 160 hours robustness and stability of the APC were shown.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The design of sample flow cells, commonly used in online analytics and especially for medium resolution NMR spectroscopy (MR-NMR) in low magnetic fields, was experimentally and theoretically investigated by 1H-NMR and numerical simulations. The flow pattern was characterised to gain information about the residence time distribution and mixing effects. Both 1H-NMR imaging and spectroscopy were used to determine the characteristics of flow cells and their significance for on-line measurements such as reaction monitoring or hyphenated separation spectroscopy. The volume flow rates investigated were in the range from 0.1 to 10 ml/min, typically applied in the above mentioned applications. When compared to those commonly used in high-field NMR, the special characteristics of flow cells for MR-NMR were revealed by various NMR experiments and compared with CFD simulations. The influence of the design of the inlet and outlet on the flow pattern was investigated as well as the effect of the length of the cell. For practical use, a numerical estimation of the inflow length was given. In addition, it was shown how experiments on the polarisation build-up revealed insight into the flow characteristics in MR-NMR.
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.