The role of tetrahydroxyquinone solubility on apoptosis induction in human colorectal cells.

Tetrahydroxy-1,4-benzoquinone (THQ) is a highly redox-active substance that generates reactive oxygen species (ROS), which can induce apoptosis in cell culture experiments. The underlying mechanism for ROS production has previously been postulated to be the autoxidation of THQ to rhodizonic acid (RhA). However, our results suggest that the cells detoxify THQ by reducing it to hexahydroxybenzene (HHB), catalyzed by the NADPH-quinone-oxidoreductase (NQO1).

Composite Anion Exchange Membranes Containing a Long-Side Chain Ionomer and Exfoliated Lamellar Double Hydroxides.

Anion Exchange Membranes (AEMs) are promising materials for electrochemical devices, such as fuel cells and electrolyzers. However, the main drawback of AEMs is their low durability in alkaline operating conditions. A possible solution is the use of composite ionomers containing inorganic fillers stable in a basic environment.

The Fluorescent Cell Line SW620-GFP Is a Valuable Model to Monitor Magnetic Hyperthermia.

In this work, the cell line SW620-GFP has been used in a complete magnetic hyperthermia assay, from the preparation of the ferrofluid with folate-coated iron oxide nanoparticles to in vivo experiments. The physical and chemical characterization of the nanoparticles evidenced their superparamagnetic behaviour, an average diameter of 12 ± 4 nm, a 2 nm coat thickness, and a high-power loss density. The main innovation of the work is the exclusive capability of viable SW620-GFP cells to emit fluorescence, enabling fast analysis of both, cell viability in vitro with an epifluorescence microscope and tumour size and shape in vivo in a non-invasive manner using the iBox technology.

Heavy Metal Detection and Removal by Composite Carbon Quantum Dots/Ionomer Membranes.

The combination of ion exchange membranes with carbon quantum dots (CQDs) is a promising field that could lead to significant advances in water treatment. Composite membranes formed by sulfonated poly(ether ether ketone) (SPEEK) with embedded CQDs were used for the detection and removal of heavy metal ions, such as lead and cadmium, from water. SPEEK is responsible for the capture of heavy metals based on the cation exchange mechanism, while CQDs detect their contamination by exhibiting changes in fluorescence.