Showing papers by "Henan University of Technology published in 2021"

Guidelines for the use and interpretation of assays for monitoring autophagy (4th edition)

Abstract: In 2008, we published the first set of guidelines for standardizing research in autophagy. Since then, this topic has received increasing attention, and many scientists have entered the field. Our knowledge base and relevant new technologies have also been expanding. Thus, it is important to formulate on a regular basis updated guidelines for monitoring autophagy in different organisms. Despite numerous reviews, there continues to be confusion regarding acceptable methods to evaluate autophagy, especially in multicellular eukaryotes. Here, we present a set of guidelines for investigators to select and interpret methods to examine autophagy and related processes, and for reviewers to provide realistic and reasonable critiques of reports that are focused on these processes. These guidelines are not meant to be a dogmatic set of rules, because the appropriateness of any assay largely depends on the question being asked and the system being used. Moreover, no individual assay is perfect for every situation, calling for the use of multiple techniques to properly monitor autophagy in each experimental setting. Finally, several core components of the autophagy machinery have been implicated in distinct autophagic processes (canonical and noncanonical autophagy), implying that genetic approaches to block autophagy should rely on targeting two or more autophagy-related genes that ideally participate in distinct steps of the pathway. Along similar lines, because multiple proteins involved in autophagy also regulate other cellular pathways including apoptosis, not all of them can be used as a specific marker for bona fide autophagic responses. Here, we critically discuss current methods of assessing autophagy and the information they can, or cannot, provide. Our ultimate goal is to encourage intellectual and technical innovation in the field.

Liquid Alloy Interlayer for Aqueous Zinc-Ion Battery

Abstract: Ameliorating the interfacial issues of the zinc anode, particularly dendrite growth and electrode corrosion, is imperative for rechargeable zinc metal batteries. Herein, an electrochemical-inert li...

Engineering polyphenols with biological functions via polyphenol-protein interactions as additives for functional foods

Abstract: Background As plant secondary metabolites, polyphenols have gained more attention with increasing market demand due to their potential benefit for health. However, the low uptake rate and target delivery efficiency of polyphenols towards target sites such as organs, tissues and cells limit their applications. Polyphenols possess binding affinities with proteins via non-covalent and (or) covalent interactions, which provide a strategy for engineering as polyphenol-protein complexes to protect them from oxidation and enzymatic hydrolysis during gastrointestinal digestion. Polyphenol engineering via polyphenol-protein interaction changes the physical and chemical characteristics of polyphenols, thereby protecting polyphenols from oxidation and enzymatic hydrolysis during gastrointestinal digestion and improving their uptake rate, target specific delivery and biological activity. Scope and approach This review aims to describe the mechanisms underlying engineering polyphenols via polyphenol-protein interaction, as well as their effect on the antioxidative, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer activities of polyphenols. Especially, it focuses on polyphenols functional enhancement for improved intestinal health by engineering with proteins. Key finding and conclusions Polyphenol stability in gastrointestinal tract, uptake, target specific delivery, bioavailability and biological activity can be enhanced by engineering with proteins via polyphenol-protein interactions. The potential applications of the engineering polyphenol-protein complex for health benefit are specifically addressed, but their safety needs to be assessed carefully before developing as functional food ingredients.

Aluminum dihydric tripolyphosphate/polypyrrole-functionalized graphene oxide waterborne epoxy composite coatings for impermeability and corrosion protection performance of metals

Abstract: A new attractive waterborne epoxy (WEP) coating based on aluminum dihydric tripolyphosphate/polypyrrole/graphene oxide (ADTP-GO-PPy) hybrids was first proposed for the mild steel protection in 3.5% NaCl solution. ADTP-GO-PPy hybrids were synthesized using in situ polymerized GO-PPy as a precursor and anchoring lamellar structure of ADTP on the surface of GO-PPy nanosheets with the coupling agent 3-aminopropyl triethoxysilane (ASi). This induced the superiority improvement in the dispersion ability of ADTP-GO-PPy hybrids in WEP matrix due to significant increase of interspacing from 0.83 to 1.70 nm. Additionally, after decoration by lamellar particles of ADTP, the GO-PPy sheet surface was covered by many lamellar particles of ADTP owing to hydrolysis and condensation reactions between ASi and oxygen containing groups of GO-PPy. Hybrid coating showed clear superiority in improving the anticorrosion property, which can be reflected by the morphologies of the rust layers beneath WEP coating. The superior corrosion protection performance of hybrid coating was attributed to the excellent barrier ability of GO nanosheets, self-healing of PPy film, and layer structure of ADTP.

Small molecule-based supramolecular-polymer double-network hydrogel electrolytes for ultra-stretchable and waterproof Zn–air batteries working from −50 to 100 °C

Abstract: The continuing boom in the field of soft electronics has boosted the development of highly stretchable and environment-adaptable energy storage devices based on hydrogel electrolytes. Development of such soft energy supply devices still remains a challenging task since conventional hydrogel electrolytes are quite vulnerable to mechanical deformation and exhibit low temperature-tolerance to maintain their functions under extremely cold conditions. Herein, a small molecule-based supramolecular-polymer double-network (SP-DN) hydrogel platform was developed by introducing a series of non-covalent self-assembled guanosine G-quadruplex supramolecular networks into covalently cross-linked polyacrylamide polymer networks. The obtained KOH (6 M)-filled SP-DN hydrogels exhibited excellent stretchability (>1600%) and wide temperature-tolerance (from −196 to 100 °C), superior interfacial adhesion to various electrode substrates, and ultra-high low- and high-temperature conductivities (252.2 mS cm−1 at −50 °C; 431.7 mS cm−1 at 100 °C). All these outstanding properties strongly recommend the application of SP-DN hydrogels as quasi-solid electrolytes for highly stretchable (device-level elongation >1000%) and wearable Zn–air batteries (ZABs). More interestingly, without any special pre-treatment, the fabricated stretchable ZABs are highly waterproof and temperature-resistant (down to −50 °C and up to 100 °C) with a high energy/power density and a stable long-cycle life. This study offers a new option to design water-based hydrogel electrolytes for highly stretchable and environment-adaptable energy storage devices.

Discrete metal nanoparticles with plasmonic chirality.

Abstract: From a geometrical perspective, a chiral object does not have mirror planes or inversion symmetry. It exhibits the same physical properties as its mirror image (enantiomer), except for the chiroptical activity, which is often the opposite. Recent advancements have identified particularly interesting implications of chirality on the optical properties of metal nanoparticles, which are intimately related to localized surface plasmon resonance phenomena. Although such resonances are usually independent of the circular polarization of light, specific strategies have been applied to induce chirality, both in assemblies and at the single-particle level. In this tutorial review, we discuss the origin of plasmonic chirality, as well as theoretical models that have been proposed to explain it. We then summarise recent developments in the synthesis of discrete nanoparticles with plasmonic chirality by means of wet-chemistry methods. We conclude with a discussion of promising applications for discrete chiral nanoparticles. We expect this tutorial review to be of interest to researchers from a wide variety of disciplines where chiral plasmonics can be exploited at the nanoparticle level, such as chemical sensing, photocatalysis, photodynamic or photothermal therapies, etc.

Semisupervised Feature Extraction of Hyperspectral Image Using Nonlinear Geodesic Sparse Hypergraphs

Abstract: Recently, the sparse representation (SR)-based graph embedding method has been extensively used in feature extraction (FE) tasks, but it is hard to reveal the complex manifold structure and multivariate relationship of samples in the hyperspectral image (HSI). Meanwhile, the small size sample problem in HSI data also limits the performance of the traditional SR approach. To tackle this problem, this article develops a new semisupervised FE algorithm called a geodesic-based sparse manifold hypergraph (GSMH). The presented method first utilizes the geodesic distance to measure the nonlinear similarity between samples lying on manifold space and further constructs the manifold neighborhood of each sample. Then, a geodesic-based neighborhood SR (GNSR) model is designed to explore the multivariate sparse correlations of different manifold neighborhoods. Considering the multivariate sparse manifold correlations among samples, a pair of semisupervised hypergraphs (HGs) is constructed to effectively incorporate the labeled and unlabeled training information in the embedding process and obtain the nonlinear discriminative feature representation for HSI. Experimental results on three HSI datasets indicate that the proposed method not only achieves satisfying FE performance with limited labeled training samples but also shows superiority compared with other state-of-the-art methods.

Influence of modifier oxide on the structural and radiation shielding features of Sm3+-doped calcium telluro-fluoroborate glass systems

Abstract: A sequence of Sm3+-incorporated calcium telluro-fluoroborate glasses by changing the modifier oxide was prepared via the melt-quenching method. The physical, structural, and gamma radiation shielding properties are investigated. XRD spectra confirmed the glassy state. The glasses’ compactness was explored via the structural features like the boron-boron separation, oxygen molar volume, and oxygen packing density. Mechanical and optical properties such as Poisson’s ratio, optical electronegativity, optical basicity, two-photon absorption (TPA) coefficient, and ionic and covalent characters were evaluated and discussed per modifier concentration. The photon attenuation attributes of the glasses were computed by means of the MCNP-5 code. The mass attenuation coefficient (MAC) was simulated in the energy region of 0.015–15 MeV. The highest MAC achieved at gamma energy 0.015 MeV increased from 25.004 to 33.165 cm2g−1 with increasing the CaO ratios between 0 and 40 wt%. Besides, several attenuation factors, such as the mean free path and the radiation protection efficiency, were evaluated connected with the MAC’s simulated values. The study showed that the fabricated glasses’ radiation protection efficiency at 0.5 MeV increased from 33.39 to 39.31, increasing the CaO content from 0 to 40 mol%.

Significantly Boosting Efficiency of Polymer Solar Cells by Employing a Nontoxic Halogen-Free Additive

Abstract: Traditional additives like 1,8-diiodooctane and 1-chloronaphthalene were successfully utilized morphology optimization of various polymer solar cells (PSCs) in an active layer, but their toxicity brought by halogen atoms limits their corresponding large-scale manufacturing. Herein, a new nontoxic halogen-free additive named benzyl benzoate (BB) was introduced into the classic PSCs (PTB7-Th:PC71BM), and an optimal power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 9.43% was realized, while there was a poor PCE for additive free devices (4.83%). It was shown that BB additives could inhibit PC71BM's overaggregation, which increased the interface contact area and formed a better penetration path of an active layer. In addition, BB additives could not only boost the distribution of a PTB7-Th donor at the surface, beneficial to suppressing exciton recombination in inverted devices but also boost the crystallinity of a blend layer, which is conducive to exciton dissociation and charge transport. Our work effectively improved a device performance by using a halogen-free additive, which can be referential for industrialization.

The SARS-CoV-2 B.1.618 variant slightly alters the spike RBD-ACE2 binding affinity and is an antibody escaping variant: a computational structural perspective

Abstract: Continuing reports of new SARS-CoV-2 variants have caused worldwide concern and created a challenging situation for clinicians. The recently reported variant B.1.618, which possesses the E484K mutation specific to the receptor-binding domain (RBD), as well as two deletions of Tyr145 and His146 at the N-terminal binding domain (NTD) of the spike protein, must be studied in depth to devise new therapeutic options. Structural variants reported in the RBD and NTD may play essential roles in the increased pathogenicity of this SARS-CoV-2 new variant. We explored the binding differences and structural-dynamic features of the B.1.618 variant using structural and biomolecular simulation approaches. Our results revealed that the E484K mutation in the RBD slightly altered the binding affinity through affecting the hydrogen bonding network. We also observed that the flexibility of three important loops in the RBD required for binding was increased, which may improve the conformational optimization and consequently binding of the new variant. Furthermore, we found that deletions of Tyr145 and His146 at the NTD reduced the binding affinity of the monoclonal antibody (mAb) 4A8, and that the hydrogen bonding network was significantly affected consequently. This data show that the new B.1.618 variant is an antibody-escaping variant with slightly altered ACE2–RBD affinity. Moreover, we provide insights into the binding and structural-dynamics changes resulting from novel mutations in the RBD and NTD. Our results suggest the need for further in vitro and in vivo studies that will facilitate the development of possible therapies for new variants such as B.1.618.

Super-stretchable and extreme temperature-tolerant supramolecular-polymer double-network eutectogels with ultrafast in situ adhesion and flexible electrochromic behaviour

Abstract: The current tough and stretchable gels with various integrated functions are mainly based on polymer hydrogels. By introducing a non-covalent supramolecular self-assembled network into a covalently cross-linked polymer network in the presence of eco-friendly and cost-effective deep eutectic solvents (DESs), we developed a new small molecule-based supramolecular-polymer double-network (SP-DN) eutectogel platform. This exciting material exhibits high stretchability and toughness (>18 000% areal strain), spontaneous self-healing ability, ultrafast (∼5 s) in situ underwater and low-temperature (−80 °C) adhesion, and unusual boiling water-resistance, as well as strong base-, strong acid- (even aqua regia), ultra-low-temperature- (liquid nitrogen, −196 °C), and high-temperature- (200 °C) resistance. All these outstanding properties strongly recommend the SP-DN eutectogels as a quasi-solid electrolyte for soft electrochromic devices, which exhibited exceptional flexibility and consistent electrochromic behaviours in harsh mechanical or temperature environments. The experimental and simulation results uncovered the assembly mechanism of the SP-DN eutectogels. Unlike polymer hydrogels, the obtained SP-DN eutectogels showed high molecular design freedom and structural versatility. The findings of this work offer a promising strategy for developing the next generation of mechanically robust and functionally integrated soft materials with high environmental adaptability.

Non-Halogenated Polymer Donor-Based Organic Solar Cells with a Nearly 15% Efficiency Enabled by a Classic Ternary Strategy

Abstract: Organic solar cells (OSCs) are expected to attain a satisfactory power conversion efficiency (PCE) and acceptable production cost to guarantee strong competitiveness. However, state-of-the-art PCEs...

Conferring supramolecular guanosine gel nanofiber with ZIF-67 for high-performance oxygen reduction catalysis in rechargeable zinc–air batteries

Abstract: Nanostructured gels have emerged as a unique material platform for energy-related applications and have been mainly focused on polymer gels in recent years. We developed a coordination-driven hierarchical assembly strategy for the general exploration of robustness supramolecular gel (SMG) materials as metal-organic framework (MOF) supports for further development of high efficiency oxygen reduction reaction electrocatalysts for rechargeable Zn–air batteries. As the first example of SMG/MOF composites, guanosine SMG (GSMG) fibres were modified by terpyridine ligands, cross-linked by Zn (II), and then anchored in-situwith ZIF-67 polyhedra to produce a special ZIF-67/Zn-GSMG heterostructure enriched in heteroatoms (B, N, C, Co, and Zn) and with a continuous rigid skeleton. Pyrolysis yielded cobalt-embedded porous carbon polyhedra/B,N dual-doped carbon nanofibers with superior oxygen reduction reaction activity, showing an exceptional potential for applications in rechargeable Zn–air batteries. The present work provides a new material platform for promising future design of functional multicomponent composites.