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PeerJ 2024Pyrophosphatases (PPases) are enzymes that catalyze the hydrolysis of pyrophosphate (PPi), a byproduct of the synthesis and degradation of diverse biomolecules. The... (Review)
Review
Pyrophosphatases (PPases) are enzymes that catalyze the hydrolysis of pyrophosphate (PPi), a byproduct of the synthesis and degradation of diverse biomolecules. The accumulation of PPi in the cell can result in cell death. Although the substrate is the same, there are variations in the catalysis and features of these enzymes. Two enzyme forms have been identified in bacteria: cytoplasmic or soluble pyrophosphatases and membrane-bound pyrophosphatases, which play major roles in cell bioenergetics. In eukaryotic cells, cytoplasmic enzymes are the predominant form of PPases (c-PPases), while membrane enzymes (m-PPases) are found only in protists and plants. The study of bacterial cytoplasmic and membrane-bound pyrophosphatases has slowed in recent years. These enzymes are central to cell metabolism and physiology since phospholipid and nucleic acid synthesis release important amounts of PPi that must be removed to allow biosynthesis to continue. In this review, two aims were pursued: first, to provide insight into the structural features of PPases known to date and that are well characterized, and to provide examples of enzymes with novel features. Second, the scientific community should continue studying these enzymes because they have many biotechnological applications. Additionally, in this review, we provide evidence that there are m-PPases present in fungi; to date, no examples have been characterized. Therefore, the diversity of PPase enzymes is still a fruitful field of research. Additionally, we focused on the roles of H/Na pumps and m-PPases in cell bioenergetics. Finally, we provide some examples of the applications of these enzymes in molecular biology and biotechnology, especially in plants. This review is valuable for professionals in the biochemistry field of protein structure-function relationships and experts in other fields, such as chemistry, nanotechnology, and plant sciences.
Topics: Inorganic Pyrophosphatase; Bacteria; Fungi; Diphosphates
PubMed: 38938619
DOI: 10.7717/peerj.17496 -
Chemphyschem : a European Journal of... Jun 2024An electro-active copolymer of methyl methacrylate and 2-((4-acroylpiperazine-1-yl)methyl)-9H-thioxanthene-9-one (poly(MMA-co-ThS)) was synthesized by radical...
An electro-active copolymer of methyl methacrylate and 2-((4-acroylpiperazine-1-yl)methyl)-9H-thioxanthene-9-one (poly(MMA-co-ThS)) was synthesized by radical polymerization. The copolymer has good solubility in most organic solvents, thermal stability up to 282 °C and excellent ability to form thin films on silicon wafers. Poly(MMA-co-ThS) films exhibited an electrochemical and electrochromic activity resulting in the formation of long-lived radical anion states of pendant thioxanthone groups inside the film. These states exhibit optical transitions in the visible region as a broad optical absorption band, 500 < l < 900 nm (1.38
PubMed: 38938183
DOI: 10.1002/cphc.202400266 -
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces Jun 2024Herein, poly(-(4-aminophenyl)methacrylamide)-carbon nano-onions [abbreviated as PAPMA-CNOs (f-CNOs)] integrated gallic acid cross-linked zein composite fibers...
Herein, poly(-(4-aminophenyl)methacrylamide)-carbon nano-onions [abbreviated as PAPMA-CNOs (f-CNOs)] integrated gallic acid cross-linked zein composite fibers (ZG/f-CNOs) were developed for the removal/recovery of phosphate from wastewater along with controlled drug delivery and intrinsic antibacterial characteristics. The composite fibers were produced by Forcespinning followed by a heat-pressure technique. The obtained ZG/f-CNOs composite fibers presented several favorable characteristics of nanoadsorbents and drug carriers. The composite fibers exhibited excellent adsorption capabilities for phosphate ions. The adsorption assessment demonstrated that composite fibers process highly selective sequestration of phosphate ions from polluted water, even in the presence of competing anions. The ZG/f-CNOs composite fibers presented a maximum phosphate adsorption capacity () of 2500 mg/g at pH 7.0. This represents the most efficient phosphate adsorption system among all of the reported nanocomposites to date. The isotherm studies and adsorption kinetics of the adsorbent showed that the adsorption experiments followed the pseudo-second-order and Langmuir isotherm model ( = 0.9999). After 13 adsorption/desorption cycles, the adsorbent could still maintain its adsorption efficiency of 96-98% at pH 7.0 while maintaining stability under thermal and chemical conditions. The results mark significant progress in the design of composite fibers for removing phosphates from wastewater, potentially aiding in alleviating eutrophication effects. Owing to the f-CNOs incorporation, ZG/f-CNOs composite fibers exhibited controlled drug delivery. An antibiotic azithromycin drug-encapsulated composite fibers presented a pH-mediated drug release in a controlled manner over 18 days. Furthermore, the composite fibers displayed excellent antibacterial efficiency against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria without causing resistance. In addition, zein composite fibers showed augmented mechanical properties due to the presence of f-CNOs within the zein matrix. Nonetheless, the robust zein composite fibers with inherent stimuli-responsive drug delivery, antibacterial properties, and phosphate adsorption properties can be considered promising multifunctional composites for biomedical applications and environmental remediation.
PubMed: 38938118
DOI: 10.1021/acsami.4c04718 -
Advanced Science (Weinheim,... Jun 2024Recognizing the essential factor governing interfacial hydrogen/oxygen evolution reactions (HER/OER) is central to electrocatalytic water-splitting. Traditional...
Recognizing the essential factor governing interfacial hydrogen/oxygen evolution reactions (HER/OER) is central to electrocatalytic water-splitting. Traditional strategies aiming at enhancing electrocatalytic activities have mainly focused on manipulating active site valencies or coordination environments. Herein, the role of interfacial adsorption is probed and modulated by the topological construct of the electrocatalyst, a frequently underestimated non-Faradaic mechanism in the dynamics of electrocatalysis. The engineered CoFeP nanorods, anchored with FeO clusters, manifest a marked amplification of the surface electric field, thus delivering a substantially improved bifunctional electrocatalytic performance. In alkaline water splitting anion exchange membrane (AEM) electrolyzer, the current density of 1.0 A cm can be achieved at a cell voltage of only 1.73 V for the FeO@CoFeP|| FeO@CoFeP pairs for 120 h of continuous operation at 1.0 A cm. Detailed investigations of electronic structures, combined with valence state and coordination geometry assessments, reveal that the enhancement of catalytic behavior in FeO@CoFeP is chiefly attributed to the strengthened adsorptive interactions prompted by the intensified electric field at the surface. The congruent effects observed in FeO-cluster-decorated CoFeP nanosheets underscore the ubiquity of this effect. The results put forth a compelling proposition for leveraging interfacial charge densification via deliberate cluster supplementation.
PubMed: 38937998
DOI: 10.1002/advs.202403206 -
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces Jun 2024It was confirmed that the detrimental effect of SO on Li desorption and readsorption intensified with the increase of the SO/Cl ratio, resulting in application...
It was confirmed that the detrimental effect of SO on Li desorption and readsorption intensified with the increase of the SO/Cl ratio, resulting in application limitations of aluminum-based adsorbent (Li/Al-LDHs) in sulfate-type brines. Based on the interlayer anion exchangeability of Li/Al-LDHs, a one-step interlayer restoration strategy was designed with the assistance of molecular dynamics to rapidly substitute the intercalated SO with preferentially desorbed Cl, aiming to fundamentally address the damage to the cycling performance. The strategy effectiveness was verified by the restored adsorption and desorption capacities in various sulfate-type brines. Furthermore, enhanced lithium extraction processes for sulfate-type brines were established and showed universal applicability for complex brines with different compositions during fixed-bed cycles. By regulating the implementation frequency, the Li extraction efficiency was improved, in which the extraction amount per unit time could increase by more than 100% compared with the conventional process.
PubMed: 38937961
DOI: 10.1021/acsami.4c03043 -
Journal of Nanobiotechnology Jun 2024Efficient monitoring of glucose concentration in the human body necessitates the utilization of electrochemically active sensing materials in nonenzymatic glucose...
Controlled synthesized of ternary Cu-Co-Ni-S sulfides nanoporous network structure on carbon fiber paper: a superior catalytic electrode for highly-sensitive glucose sensing.
BACKGROUND
Efficient monitoring of glucose concentration in the human body necessitates the utilization of electrochemically active sensing materials in nonenzymatic glucose sensors. However, prevailing limitations such as intricate fabrication processes, lower sensitivity, and instability impede their practical application. Herein, ternary Cu-Co-Ni-S sulfides nanoporous network structure was synthesized on carbon fiber paper (CP) by an ultrafast, facile, and controllable technique through on-step cyclic voltammetry, serving as a superior self-supporting catalytic electrode for the high-performance glucose sensor.
RESULTS
The direct growth of free-standing Cu-Co-Ni-S on the interconnected three-dimensional (3D) network of CP boosted the active site of the composites, improved ion diffusion kinetics, and significantly promoted the electron transfer rate. The multiple oxidation states and synergistic effects among Co, Ni, Cu, and S further promoted glucose electrooxidation. The well-architected Cu-Co-Ni-S/CP presented exceptional electrocatalytic properties for glucose with satisfied linearity of a broad range from 0.3 to 16,000 μM and high sensitivity of 6829 μA mM cm. Furthermore, the novel sensor demonstrated excellent selectivity and storage stability, which could successfully evaluate the glucose levels in human serum. Notably, the novel Cu-Co-Ni-S/CP showed favorable biocompatibility, proving its potential for in vivo glucose monitoring.
CONCLUSION
The proposed 3D hierarchical morphology self-supported electrode sensor, which demonstrates appealing analysis behavior for glucose electrooxidation, holds great promise for the next generation of high-performance glucose sensors.
Topics: Copper; Electrodes; Nickel; Catalysis; Humans; Cobalt; Electrochemical Techniques; Biosensing Techniques; Sulfides; Carbon Fiber; Glucose; Nanopores; Oxidation-Reduction; Blood Glucose
PubMed: 38937768
DOI: 10.1186/s12951-024-02635-w -
Scientific Reports Jun 2024Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) fruit quality depends on many traits including visual, biochemical and mineral characteristics. One of the negative traits is aril...
Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) fruit quality depends on many traits including visual, biochemical and mineral characteristics. One of the negative traits is aril whitening (AW) which is a frequently observed disorder in hot and dry climates, that leads to decline in desirable fruit quality. Color, antioxidant, and mineral contents of the arils are of prime importance as quality traits. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the effect of shading and foliar minerals on fruit quality during the fruit development stages of pomegranate. Treatments included shaded (50% green net) and unshaded trees and foliar application of trees with potassium sulfate (K, 1% and 2%) or sodium silicate (Si, 0.05, 0.1 and 0.15%) during two growing seasons. Results showed that the severity of AW at harvest decreased significantly when trees were covered with shading compared to control. The color values of L* and ⁰hue for arils were lower in fruits grown under shading conditions indicating darker red arils. Shading significantly reduced chilling injury in cold storage compared to open field fruits. Shading and Si 0.15% increased superoxide dismutase, and catalase enzymes activity while decreased Polyphenol oxidase and peroxidase. Covering trees with shading and Si 0.15% spray resulted in the highest total anthocyanin, antioxidant activity, and total phenolics content in the arils. Shading as well as Si 0.15% increased macronutrients content of the arils. The study concluded that covering pomegranate trees and spraying with Si in hot climate reduced AW, increased antioxidant traits, and led to higher fruit quality.
Topics: Antioxidants; Fruit; Pomegranate; Silicates; Sulfates; Minerals; Color; Anthocyanins
PubMed: 38937529
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-65084-3 -
Scientific Reports Jun 2024Past and present habitability of Mars have been intensely studied in the context of the search for signals of life. Despite the harsh conditions observed today on the...
Past and present habitability of Mars have been intensely studied in the context of the search for signals of life. Despite the harsh conditions observed today on the planet, some ancient Mars environments could have harbored specific characteristics able to mitigate several challenges for the development of microbial life. In such environments, Fe minerals like siderite (already identified on Mars), and vivianite (proposed, but not confirmed) could sustain a chemolithoautotrophic community. In this study, we investigate the ability of the acidophilic iron-oxidizing chemolithoautotrophic bacterium Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans to use these minerals as its sole energy source. A. ferrooxidans was grown in media containing siderite or vivianite under different conditions and compared to abiotic controls. Our experiments demonstrated that this microorganism was able to grow, obtaining its energy from the oxidation of Fe that came from the solubilization of these minerals under low pH. Additionally, in sealed flasks without CO, A. ferrooxidans was able to fix carbon directly from the carbonate ion released from siderite for biomass production, indicating that it could be able to colonize subsurface environments with little or no contact with an atmosphere. These previously unexplored abilities broaden our knowledge on the variety of minerals able to sustain life. In the context of astrobiology, this expands the list of geomicrobiological processes that should be taken into account when considering the habitability of environments beyond Earth, and opens for investigation the possible biological traces left on these substrates as biosignatures.
Topics: Acidithiobacillus; Mars; Oxidation-Reduction; Iron; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Ferrous Compounds; Minerals; Exobiology; Extraterrestrial Environment; Carbonates; Ferric Compounds
PubMed: 38937525
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-64246-7 -
Angewandte Chemie (International Ed. in... Jun 2024We disclose a benzylic C-H oxidative coupling reaction with alcohols that proceeds through a synergistic deprotonation, halogenation and substitution sequence. The...
We disclose a benzylic C-H oxidative coupling reaction with alcohols that proceeds through a synergistic deprotonation, halogenation and substitution sequence. The combination of tert-butoxide bases with 2-halothiophene halogen oxidants enables the first general protocol for generating and using benzyl halides through a deprotonative pathway. In contrast to existing radical-based pathways for C-H functionalization, this process is guided by C-H acidity trends. This gives rise to new synthetic capabilities, including the ability to functionalize diverse methyl(hetero)arenes, tolerance of oxidizable and nucleophilic functional groups, precision site-selectivity for polyalkylarenes and use of a double C-H etherification process to controllably oxidize methylarenes to benzaldehydes.
PubMed: 38937258
DOI: 10.1002/anie.202408750 -
The Journal of Physical Chemistry. A Jun 2024Metal oxide clusters with atomic oxygen radical anions are important model systems to study the mechanisms of activating and transforming very stable alkane molecules...
Metal oxide clusters with atomic oxygen radical anions are important model systems to study the mechanisms of activating and transforming very stable alkane molecules under ambient conditions. It is extremely challenging to characterize the activation and conversion of methane, the most stable alkane molecule, by metal oxide cluster anions due to the low reactivity of the anionic species. In this study, using a ship-lock type reactor that could be run at relatively high pressure conditions to provide a high number of collisions in ion-molecule reactions, the rate constants of the reactions between (MoO)O ( = 1-21) cluster anions and the light alkanes (C-C) were measured under thermal collision conditions. The relationships among the reaction rates of different alkanes were obtained to establish a model to predict the low rate constants with methane from the high rate constants with C-C alkanes. The model was tested by using available experimental results in literature. This study provides a new method to estimate the relatively low reactivity of atomic oxygen radical anions with methane on metal oxide clusters.
PubMed: 38937133
DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpca.4c01163