Synthesis, Trans-Cis Photoisomerization, Fluorescence Decay Studies of Methoxy Ester Functionalized Alkoxy Side Chain Azobenzene Compounds and Their Photoluminescence Dynamics.

In this study, a series of new methoxy ester functionalized core fluorinated, chloro-fluorinated azobenzene derivatives were synthesized. The molecular structures of the azobenzene derivatives (3a-3c and 4a-4c) were confirmed through various analytical methods, with variations in the alkoxy chain length on one end of the aromatic ring. Optical absorption studies of 3a, 3b revealed π-π* transitions around 368-392 nm.

Adsorption-Enhanced Sensitivity for Electrochemical Sensing of Diclofenac by Poly(ether sulfone)-Based Laser-Induced Graphene.

Emerging contaminants are a matter of growing concern for environmental and human health and safety, requiring efficient and affordable sensing platforms. Laser-induced graphene (LIG) is a novel material with a 3D porous graphene structure that can be fabricated in a simple one-step fabrication process. However, most LIG-based works in electrochemical sensors are limited to polyimide (PI)-based platforms, thus limiting the purview of properties of LIG dependent on the substrate-laser interaction.

Identification of an antibiotic from an HTS targeting EF-Tu:tRNA interaction: a prospective topical treatment for MRSA skin infections.

Because of the urgent need for new antibiotics to treat drug-resistant bacterial pathogens, we employed an assay that rapidly screens large quantities of compounds for their ability to interfere with bacterial protein synthesis, in particular, the delivery of amino acids to the ribosome via tRNA and elongation factor Tu (EF-Tu). We have identified a drug lead, named MGC-10, which kills Gram-positive bacteria, including methicillin-resistant (MRSA), with a MIC of 6 µM, while being harmless to mammalian cells in that concentration range. The antibacterial activity of MGC-10 was broad against over 50 strains of antibiotic-resistant samples obtained from hospital infections, where MGC-10 inhibited all tested strains of MRSA.

Fast and Facile Synthesis of Cobalt-Doped ZIF-8 and FeO/MCC/Cobalt-Doped ZIF-8 for the Photodegradation of Organic Dyes under Visible Light.

Co-doped ZIF-8 as a water-stable visible light photocatalyst was prepared by using a one-pot, fast, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly method. The band structure of ZIF-8 was tuned through the incorporation of different percentages of cobalt to attain an optimal band gap ( ) that enables the activation of ZIF-8 under visible light and minimizes the recombination of photogenerated charge carriers. A magnetic composite of Co-doped ZIF-8 was also synthesized to facilitate catalyst recycling and reusability through the application of an external magnetic field.

Community dynamics during de novo colonization of the nascent peri-implant sulcus.

Dental implants have restored chewing function to over 100,000,000 individuals, yet almost 1,000,000 implants fail each year due to peri-implantitis, a disease triggered by peri-implant microbial dysbiosis. Our ability to prevent and treat peri-implantitis is hampered by a paucity of knowledge of how these biomes are acquired and the factors that engender normobiosis. Therefore, we combined a 3-month interventional study of 15 systemically and periodontally healthy adults with whole genome sequencing, fine-scale enumeration and graph theoretics to interrogate colonization dynamics in the pristine peri-implant sulcus.