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Materials (Basel, Switzerland) Apr 2024This research study focused on the effect of adding boric acid to epoxy resin in order to obtain a composite material with improved properties and performance. To this...
This research study focused on the effect of adding boric acid to epoxy resin in order to obtain a composite material with improved properties and performance. To this end, a fine powder of boric acid (HBO) was introduced into epoxy resin in different amounts, i.e., 0.5 g, 1.0 g, and 1.5 g. As the matrix of the epoxy composites, styrene-modified epoxy resin based on bisphenol A (BPA) (Epidian 53) was used. It was cross-linked with two types of curing agents, i.e., an amine (ET) and a polyamide (PAC). The mechanical properties of the obtained epoxy composites (in terms of compressive strength, compressive modulus, and compressive strain) were determined at room temperature in order to assess the effect of the addition of boron acid and of the type of curing agent employed to cure the epoxy on these characteristics. Calorimetric measurements were made to highlight any changes in the glass transition temperature (Tg) as a result of the addition of boric acid to epoxy resin. Finally, flammability tests were performed on both Epidian 53/PAC and Epidian 53/ET epoxy composites to analyze their fire behavior and consequently establish the effectiveness of the selected additive as a flame retardant.
PubMed: 38730899
DOI: 10.3390/ma17092092 -
PeerJ 2024Many citrus species and cultivars are grown successfully in tropical and subtropical countries, as well as in arid and semi-arid regions with low levels of organic...
Many citrus species and cultivars are grown successfully in tropical and subtropical countries, as well as in arid and semi-arid regions with low levels of organic matter and low cation exchange, resulting in lower nutrient uptake by the plant. The essential nutrients needed for citrus flowering and fruit set are limited in winter due to a reduction in transpiration rate, negatively effecting vegetative growth, flowering, yield, and fruit quality. The present investigation was carried out to assess the nutritional status, fruit yield parameters, and fruit quality of Valencia orange trees after foliar spraying of seaweed extract (SW) combined with calcium chloride and boric acid and their combinations in the 2020/2021 and 2021/2022 seasons. The treatments were arranged in a split-plot design (three levels spraying seaweed extract × four levels spraying calcium chloride and boric acid and their combinations × four replicates × one tree/replicate). The results indicated that all of the characteristics measured, including leaf chlorophyll, leaf mineral contents, fruit yield parameters, fruit physical properties, and fruit chemical properties, were significantly affected by the foliar spraying of seaweed extract (SW) combined with calcium chloride and boric acid and their combinations. Although all treatments increased the productivity and the physical and chemical properties of Valencia orange fruits compared to the control, a treatment of 10 g/L SW combined with 0.5 g/L boric acid and 1 g/L calcium chloride produced superior results. This ratio of SW, boric acid, and calcium chloride is therefore recommended to enhance productivity and improve the physico-chemical properties of Valencia orange for greater fruit yield.
Topics: Boric Acids; Citrus sinensis; Fruit; Seaweed; Calcium Chloride; Plant Leaves; Plant Extracts; Chlorophyll
PubMed: 38726378
DOI: 10.7717/peerj.17378 -
Heliyon Apr 2024Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) are highly advanced engineered particles with increased surface area and extreme adsorption capacity for various molecules....
Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) are highly advanced engineered particles with increased surface area and extreme adsorption capacity for various molecules. Herein, two types of MSNs were synthesized and applied as adsorbents for phosphine gas. One was without functional groups (MSN), and the other was post-modified with boric acid (MSN-BA). The structures of MSN and boric acid-modified MSN with high surface areas of about 1025 and 650 m/g, respectively, were defined. MSN was found to have particles with sizes around 30 nm by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). In the present study, MSNs were used as an antidote to phosphorus poisoning, and zinc phosphide (phosphorus) powder was used as the toxic and lethal agent. analysis was carried out on rats to demonstrate the ability of MSNs to chemisorb phosphine gas. In the survival percentage assessment, Phos-poisoned animals were kept alive after treatment with MSNs, and the MSN-BA-treated group (dose of 5 mg/kg) was shown to have a 60 % survival rate. Blood serum analysis showed that MSNs have a high potential to alleviate organ blood damage, and serum biomarkers dropped sharply while phosphine-poisoned animals were treated with MSN-BA.
PubMed: 38681564
DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e29458 -
Materials (Basel, Switzerland) Apr 2024Hydrogels, versatile materials used in various applications such as medicine, possess properties crucial for their specific applications, significantly influenced by...
Hydrogels, versatile materials used in various applications such as medicine, possess properties crucial for their specific applications, significantly influenced by their preparation methods. This study synthesized 18 different types of hydrogels using sodium alginate (SA) and two molecular weights of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). Crosslinking agents such as aqueous solutions of calcium (Ca) and copper (Cu) ions and solutions of these ions in boric acid were utilized. The hydrogels were subjected to compression strength tests and drying kinetics analysis. Additionally, six hydrogel variants containing larger PVA particles underwent Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) post-drying. Some samples were lyophilized, and their surface morphology was examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results indicate that the choice of crosslinking method significantly impacts the physicochemical properties of the hydrogels. Crosslinking in solutions with higher concentrations of crosslinking ions enhanced mechanical properties and thermal stability. Conversely, using copper ions instead of calcium resulted in slower drying kinetics and reduced thermal stability. Notably, employing boric acid as a crosslinking agent for hydrogels containing heavier PVA molecules led to considerable improvements in mechanical properties and thermal stability.
PubMed: 38673173
DOI: 10.3390/ma17081816 -
Food Chemistry: X Jun 2024The variety of enzyme-based biological preservatives is limited. This study evaluated the effects of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) on the quality of crayfish during...
The variety of enzyme-based biological preservatives is limited. This study evaluated the effects of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) on the quality of crayfish during refrigerated storage by measuring the pH, total volatile basic nitrogen, trimethylamine, and microbial contamination in crayfish muscle simulation system. The results revealed that 0.3% GSH-Px (CK3) not only suppressed the degradation of nitrogenous substances but also decreased the contamination levels of total viable, Enterobacteriaceae, and counts ( < 0.05). Furthermore, the populations of , , and differed in the CK3 group compared to the other groups ( < 0.05) at the end of the storage (day 15). Moreover, the principal coordinate analysis showed that the colony composition of CK3 stored for 15 days was similar to that of the control group stored for 10 days. Therefore, GSH-Px exhibits antibacterial activity against Gram-negative bacteria and has good application potential in freshwater aquatic product preservation.
PubMed: 38665628
DOI: 10.1016/j.fochx.2024.101388 -
PloS One 2024To enhance the yield of the one-step synthesis of terpinyl acetate from α-pinene and acetic acid, this study evaluated α-hydroxycarboxylic acid (HCA)-boric acid...
To enhance the yield of the one-step synthesis of terpinyl acetate from α-pinene and acetic acid, this study evaluated α-hydroxycarboxylic acid (HCA)-boric acid composite catalysts based on orthogonal experimental design. The most important factor affecting the terpinyl acetate content in the product was the HCA content. The catalytic performance of the composite catalyst was related to the pKa1 of HCA. The tartaric acid-boric acid composite catalyst showed the highest catalytic activity. The α-pinene conversion reached 91.8%, and the terpinyl acetate selectivity reached 45.6%. When boric acid was replaced with B2O3, the HCA composite catalyst activity was enhanced, which reduced the use of HCA. When the lactic acid and B2O3 content accounted for 10% and 4% of the α-pinene mass content, respectively, the α-pinene conversion reached 93.2%, and the terpinyl acetate selectivity reached up to 47.1%. In addition, the presence of water was unfavorable to HCA-boric acid composite catalyst. However, a water content less than 1% of the α-pinene mass content improved the catalytic activity of HCA-B2O3. When the tartaric acid-B2O3 was used as catalyst, and the water content was 1% of the α-pinene mass content, the α-pinene conversion was 89.6%, and the terpinyl acetate selectivity was 47.5%.
Topics: Catalysis; Bicyclic Monoterpenes; Boric Acids; Monoterpenes; Tartrates; Acetates; Carboxylic Acids; Terpenes
PubMed: 38662654
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0299218 -
Ulusal Travma Ve Acil Cerrahi Dergisi =... Apr 2024The continuous advancement in medical and surgical techniques has led to a rise in the frequency of abdominal operations, subsequently increasing the incidence of...
BACKGROUND
The continuous advancement in medical and surgical techniques has led to a rise in the frequency of abdominal operations, subsequently increasing the incidence of intra-abdominal adhesions. Over 90% of laparotomies result in postoperative intra-abdominal adhesions. This study investigates the effect of a 5% boric acid solution on the development of intra-abdominal adhesions in rats, using an adhesion model.
METHODS
This study was conducted with two groups: a control group, in which the adhesion model was applied without any treatment, and a boric acid group, which was treated with a 5% boric acid solution. Each group comprised 16 rats. On the 14th postoperative day, the rats were sacrificed, re-explored, and the developed adhesions were evaluated both macroscopically and microscopically. The data from macroscopic and microscopic scoring were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U test in the IBM Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) Statistics 24 program. A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. This research was supported by the Manisa Celal Bayar University Scientific Research Projects Commission.
RESULTS
A statistically significant difference was observed between the boric acid-treated group and the control group, with the boric acid group showing a significant decrease in adhesion development both macroscopically and microscopically (p<0.05).
CONCLUSION
In the future, boron could play a significant role in reducing and preventing intra-abdominal adhesions after surgery. This investigation could pave the way for further research into the mechanism by which boric acid prevents the development of intra-abdominal adhesions. Moreover, it is imperative to explore the potential side effects of intra-abdominal boron application at the optimum concentration of the solution.
Topics: Humans; Animals; Rats; Boron; Abdominal Cavity; Laparotomy; Boric Acids; Tissue Adhesions
PubMed: 38634852
DOI: 10.14744/tjtes.2024.77767 -
International Journal of Molecular... Mar 2024Increased evidence has documented a direct association between Ciprofloxacin (CFX) intake and significant disruption to the normal functions of connective tissues,...
Increased evidence has documented a direct association between Ciprofloxacin (CFX) intake and significant disruption to the normal functions of connective tissues, leading to severe health conditions (such as tendonitis, tendon rupture and retinal detachment). Additionally, CFX is recognized as a potential emerging pollutant, as it seems to impact both animal and human food chains, resulting in severe health implications. Consequently, there is a compelling need for the precise, swift and selective detection of this fluoroquinolone-class antibiotic. Herein, we present a novel graphene-based electrochemical sensor designed for Ciprofloxacin (CFX) detection and discuss its practical utility. The graphene material was synthesized using a relatively straightforward and cost-effective approach involving the electrochemical exfoliation of graphite, through a pulsing current, in 0.05 M sodium sulphate (NaSO), 0.05 M boric acid (HBO) and 0.05 M sodium chloride (NaCl) solution. The resulting material underwent systematic characterization using scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive X-ray analysis, X-ray powder diffraction and Raman spectroscopy. Subsequently, it was employed in the fabrication of modified glassy carbon surfaces (EGr/GC). Linear Sweep Voltammetry studies revealed that CFX experiences an irreversible oxidation process on the sensor surface at approximately 1.05 V. Under optimal conditions, the limit of quantification was found to be 0.33 × 10 M, with a corresponding limit of detection of 0.1 × 10 M. Additionally, the developed sensor's practical suitability was assessed using commercially available pharmaceutical products.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Ciprofloxacin; Graphite; Fluoroquinolones; Carbon; Electrodes
PubMed: 38612501
DOI: 10.3390/ijms25073691 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Mar 2024The development of novel photocatalysts, both visible and UV-responsive, for water decomposition reactions is of great importance. Here we focused on the application of... (Review)
Review
The development of novel photocatalysts, both visible and UV-responsive, for water decomposition reactions is of great importance. Here we focused on the application of the borates as photocatalysts in water decomposition reactions, including water splitting reaction, hydrogen evolution half-reaction, and oxygen evolution half-reaction. In addition, the rates of photocatalytic hydrogen evolution and oxygen evolution by these borate photocatalysts in different water decomposition reactions were summarized. Further, the review summarized the synthetic chemistry and structural features of existing borate photocatalysts for water decomposition reactions. Synthetic chemistry mainly includes high-temperature solid-state method, sol-gel method, precipitation method, hydrothermal method, boric acid flux method, and high-pressure method. Next, we summarized the crystal structures of the borate photocatalysts, with a particular focus on the form of the B-O unit and metal-oxygen polyhedral in the borates, and used this to classify borate photocatalysts, which are rarely mentioned in the current photocatalysis literature. Finally, we analyzed the relationship between the structural features of the borate photocatalysts and photocatalytic performance to discuss the further challenges faced by the borate photocatalysts for water decomposition reactions.
PubMed: 38611829
DOI: 10.3390/molecules29071549 -
Nature Communications Apr 2024Derivatives of free monocoordinated borylenes have attracted considerable interest due to their ability to exhibit transition-metal-like reactivity, in particular small...
Derivatives of free monocoordinated borylenes have attracted considerable interest due to their ability to exhibit transition-metal-like reactivity, in particular small molecules capture. However, such complexes are rare as the formation is either endergonic, or the resulting adduct is a transient intermediate that is prone to reaction. Here, we present the synthesis of two bis(N-heterocyclic carbene)-borylene complexes capable of capturing and functionalizing carbon dioxide. The capture and subsequent functionalization of CO by the bis(NHC)-disilylamidoborylene 1 is demonstrated by the formation of the bis(NHC)-isocyanatoborylene-carbon dioxide complex 3. Reversible capture of CO is observed using the bis(NHC)-mesitylborylene 2, and the persistent bis(NHC)-mesitylborylene-carbon dioxide adduct 4 can be stabilized by hydrogen bonding with boric acid. The reactions of 4 with ammonia-borane and aniline demonstrate that the captured CO can be further functionalized.
PubMed: 38594261
DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-47381-7