A midgut-specific lytic polysaccharide monooxygenase of Locusta migratoria is indispensable for the deconstruction of the peritrophic matrix.

Lytic polysaccharide monooxygenases (LPMOs) are important enzymes that boost the hydrolysis of recalcitrant polysaccharides, such as chitin. They are found extensively in different insect species and are classified as auxiliary activities family 15 (AA15) LPMOs (LPMO15). Some of them were identified from the insect midgut and proven to act on chitin.

A phenolphthalein-based fluorescent probe for the sequential sensing of Al and F ions in aqueous medium and live cells.

A novel fluorescent probe, phenolphthalein‑dialdehyde‑(2‑pyridyl) hydrazone (L), for sequentially detecting Al and F in almost 100% aqueous medium was successfully designed and synthesized. The probe offers two binding pockets for Al to form a 1: 2 ligand/metal complex, leading to a significant fluorescence enhancement at 465 nm. Further, the in-situ formed L-Al complex acts as a secondary fluorescent chemosensor for F by quenching the fluorescence of the complex with high selectivity.