Controlled synthesis of monodisperse SiO(2)--TiO(2) microspheres with a yolk-shell structure as effective photocatalysts.

Monodisperse yolk-shell SiO(2) -TiO(2) microspheres were synthesized using core-shell silica microspheres as templates. In the absence of prior surface modifications, a uniform coating of the TiO(2) layer on the core-shell silica was achieved through a sol-gel route. Mesoporous silica shells between the outer TiO(2) shell and the SiO(2) core were selectively removed by using a weak base, yielding yolk-shell SiO(2) -TiO(2) microspheres (ys-SiO(2) @TiO(2) ).

Practical recombinant hybrid mussel bioadhesive fp-151.

Mussel adhesive proteins (MAPs) have received increased attention as potential environmentally friendly adhesives under aqueous conditions and in medicine. However, attempts to produce functional recombinant MAPs (mainly foot protein type 1, fp-1) by several expression systems have failed. Even though we previously reported a functional expression of recombinant foot protein type 5 (fp-5) with significant adhesive ability in Escherichia coli, its practical use was limited by several problems such as low production yield, low purification yield, and high levels of post-purification insolubility.

Expression of functional recombinant mussel adhesive protein Mgfp-5 in Escherichia coli.

Mussel adhesive proteins have been suggested as a basis for environmentally friendly adhesives for use in aqueous conditions and in medicine. However, attempts to produce functional and economical recombinant mussel adhesive proteins (mainly foot protein type 1) in several systems have failed. Here, the cDNA coding for Mytilus galloprovincialis foot protein type 5 (Mgfp-5) was isolated for the first time.