Electrosynthesis of dimeric butenolides by C-C-homocoupling in the oxidation of 2,4-diarylfurans under aqueous conditions.

Fast and efficient galvanostatic conversion of 2,4-diarylfurans into dimeric furan-2(5)-ones is now possible in one pot and good yields at room temperature in sustainable aqueous organic solvent. Recent applications of these highly desired structures demand our attention since they are a versatile alternative to acrylates in polymerization to achieve green materials. The reaction mechanism proposal, supported by density functional theory (DFT) theoretical calculations, involves furanoxy radicals, detected by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), as the last intermediate before a homocoupling step that affords butenolides.

Zinc(II) Iminopyridine Complexes as Antibacterial Agents: A Structure-to-Activity Study.

Antibiotic resistance is currently a global health emergency. Metallodrugs, especially metal coordination complexes, comprise a broad variety of candidates to combat antibacterial infections. In this work, we designed a new family of Schiff base zinc(II) complexes with iminopyridine as an organic ligand and different inorganic ligands: chloride, nitrate, and acetate.

Optimal Fast Integral Decontamination of Aerosols and Fast Disinfection of Contaminated Surfaces.

Aerosolized anthrax () spores are of extreme health concern and can remain airborne for hours and contaminate all kinds of surfaces, constituting reservoirs from which resuspension is easily produced. The assessment of decontamination techniques must therefore consider both air and surfaces. In the present study, several kinds of disinfecting fogs were experimentally tested against spores, which served as a surrogate for , both as aerosols released into the air and spread on porous and non-porous surfaces with different positions and orientations.

Inhibition of Biofilm by Combined Effect of Dendritic Compounds and Amphotericin.

In the last decade, has become an important emerging opportunistic pathogen not only because of the increase in nosocomial infections frequency but also because of its ability to form biofilms and its innate resistance to commercial antifungals. These characteristics make this pathogen a major problem in hospital settings, including problems regarding equipment, and in immunosuppressed patients, who are at high risk for candidemia. Therefore, there is an urgent need for the development of and search for new antifungal drugs.

Bacteria capture with magnetic nanoparticles modified with cationic carbosilane dendritic systems.

Bacteria elimination from water sources is key to obtain drinkable water. Hence, the design of systems with ability to interact with bacteria and remove them from water is an attractive proposal. A diversity of polycationic macromolecules has shown bactericide properties, due to interactions with bacteria membranes.