Topic Review
Analysis of Phytic Acid
Phytate is a six-fold dihydrogenphosphate ester of myo‑inositol or cis-1,2,3,5-trans-4,6-cyclohexanehexol which is the most abundant of nine possible isomers of inositol (Ins). Myo-orientation is also found in the case of phytic acid, which is due to the fact that the maximal number (i.e., five out of six) of phosphate groups are present in thermodynamically stabilized equatorial position. However, the molecule can be inverted from equatorial (1a5e) to the axial (5a1e) orientation between pH 9.0 and pH 9.5.
  • 1.8K
  • 18 Jan 2021
Topic Review
Analytical Methods for Codeine Determination
Codeine is derived from morphine, an opioid analgesic, and has weaker analgesic and sedative effects than the parent molecule. This weak opioid is commonly used in combination with other drugs for over-the-counter cough relief medication. Due to the psychoactive properties of opioid drugs, the easily obtained codeine often becomes subject to misuse. Codeine misuse has emerged as a concerning public health issue due to its associated adverse effects such as headache, nausea, vomiting, and hemorrhage. Thus, it is very important to develop reliable analytical techniques to detect codeine for both quality control of pharmaceutical formulations and identifying drug misuse in the community. This review aims to provide critical outlooks on analytical methods napplicable to the determination of codeine.
  • 1.1K
  • 11 Mar 2021
Topic Review
Analytical Methods for Detection and Quantification of Neurotransmitters
Recognized for its speed and selectivity, high-precision liquid chromatography with an electrochemical detector (HPLC-ECD) enables direct analysis of intracerebral microdialysis samples without complex derivatization. Various chromatographic methods, including reverse phase (RP), are explored for neurotransmitters (NTs) and metabolites separation. 
  • 148
  • 25 Jan 2024
Topic Review
Analytical Techniques for Detection and Quantification of PFAS
The established methods for performing poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) analysis are based on Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS). Both the sample preparation and the development of the chromatographic set-up are crucial steps for reliable, precise, and accurate measurements. According to the literature, the conventional reverse phase separation stationary phase column is the most widely utilized approach. To improve the chromatographic performance, columns equipped with polar functionalized C18 alkyl chains were introduced.
  • 461
  • 21 Jun 2023
Topic Review
Analytical Techniques for Detection of Quantum Dots
Since the discovery of Quantum Dots (QDs) by Alexey I. Ekimov in 1981, the interest of researchers in that particular type of nanomaterials (NMs) with unique optical and electrical properties has been increasing year by year. Thus, since 2009, the number of scientific articles published on this topic has not been less than a thousand a year. The increasing use of QDs due to their biomedical, pharmaceutical, biological, photovoltaics or computing applications, as well as many other high-tech uses such as for displays and solid-state lighting (SSL), has given rise to a considerable number of studies about its potential toxicity. However, there are a really low number of reported studies on the detection and quantification of QDs, and these include ICP–MS and electrochemical analysis, which are the most common quantification techniques employed for this purpose. Keeping in mind both human health and environmental risks of QDs as well as the scarcity of analytical techniques and methodological approaches for their detection, the adaptation of existing techniques and methods used with other NMs appears necessary. 
  • 556
  • 27 Jul 2022
Topic Review
Anion Exchange Membranes with Inorganic Fillers
Anion exchange membrane fuel cells (AEMFC) are clean energy conversion devices that are an attractive alternative to the more common proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs), because they present, among others, the advantage of not using noble metals like platinum as catalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction. The AEMs are the central element of many technologically relevant devices, first and foremost alkaline membrane fuel cells (FC). These fuel cells can significantly reduce the amount of noble metal catalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and may represent the future of FC development.
  • 1.0K
  • 29 Nov 2021
Topic Review
Anisotropic Chitosan Scaffolds for Cartilage Regeneration
The replacement of damaged or degenerated articular cartilage tissue remains a challenge, as this non-vascularized tissue has a very limited self-healing capacity. Therefore, tissue engineering (TE) of cartilage is a promising treatment option. Although significant progress has been made in recent years, there is still a lack of scaffolds that ensure the formation of functional cartilage tissue while meeting the mechanical requirements for chondrogenic TE. In this article, we report the application of flock technology, a common process in the modern textile industry, to produce flock scaffolds made of chitosan (a biodegradable and biocompatible biopolymer) for chondrogenic TE. By combining an alginate hydrogel with a chitosan flock scaffold (CFS+ALG), a fiber-reinforced hydrogel with anisotropic properties was developed to support chondrogenic differentiation of embedded human chondrocytes. Pure alginate hydrogels (ALG) and pure chitosan flock scaffolds (CFS) were studied as controls. Morphology of primary human chondrocytes analyzed by cLSM and SEM showed a round, chondrogenic phenotype in CFS+ALG and ALG after 21 days of differentiation, whereas chondrocytes on CFS formed spheroids. The compressive strength of CFS+ALG was higher than the compressive strength of ALG and CFS alone. Chondrocytes embedded in CFS+ALG showed gene expression of chondrogenic markers (COL II, COMP, ACAN), the highest collagen II/I ratio, and production of the typical extracellular matrix such as sGAG and collagen II. The combination of alginate hydrogel with chitosan flock scaffolds resulted in a scaffold with anisotropic structure, good mechanical properties, elasticity, and porosity that supported chondrogenic differentiation of inserted human chondrocytes and expression of chondrogenic markers and typical extracellular matrix.
  • 438
  • 11 Nov 2021
Topic Review
Annatto
Annatto (/əˈnætoʊ/ or /əˈnɑːtoʊ/) is an orange-red condiment and food coloring derived from the seeds of the achiote tree (Bixa orellana), native to tropical America. It is often used to impart a yellow or orange color to foods, but sometimes also for its flavor and aroma. Its scent is described as "slightly peppery with a hint of nutmeg" and flavor as "slightly nutty, sweet and peppery". The color of annatto comes from various carotenoid pigments, mainly bixin and norbixin, found in the reddish waxy coating of the seeds. The condiment is typically prepared by grinding the seeds to a powder or paste. Similar effects can be obtained by extracting some of the color and flavor principles from the seeds with hot water, oil, or lard, which are then added to the food. Annatto and its extracts are now widely used in an artisanal or industrial scale as a coloring agent in many processed food products, such as cheeses, dairy spreads, butter and margarine, custards, cakes and other baked goods, potatoes, snack foods, breakfast cereals, smoked fish, sausages, and more. In these uses, annatto is a natural alternative to synthetic food coloring compounds, but it has been linked to rare cases of food-related allergies. Annatto is of particular commercial value in the United States because the Food and Drug Administration considers colorants derived from it to be "exempt of certification".
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  • 20 Oct 2022
Topic Review
Annealing Methods for Perovskite Solar Cells
Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have garnered significant attention in the photovoltaic field owing to their exceptional photoelectric properties, including high light absorption, extensive carrier diffusion distance, and an adjustable band gap. Temperature is a crucial factor influencing both the preparation and performance of perovskite solar cells. The annealing temperature exerts a pronounced impact on the device structure, while the operational temperature influences carrier transport, perovskite band gap, and interface properties. 
  • 155
  • 28 Feb 2024
Topic Review
Annealing Methods in the Growth of Perovskite Grains
Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) are a promising and fast-growing type of photovoltaic cell due to their low cost and high conversion efficiency. The high efficiency of PSCs is closely related to the quality of the photosensitive layer, and the high-quality light absorbing layer depends on the growth condition of the crystals. In the formation of high-quality crystals, annealing is an indispensable and crucial part, which serves to evaporate the solvent and drive the crystallization of the film. Various annealing methods have different effects on the promotion of the film growth process owing to the way they work.
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  • 08 Jul 2022
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