scholarly journals Hydration layer of only few molecules controls lipid mobility in biomimetic membranes

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Madhurima Chattopadhyay ◽  
Emilia Krok ◽  
Hanna Orlikowska ◽  
Petra Schwille ◽  
Henri G. Franquelim ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Lipid Bilayers ◽  
Strong Dependence ◽  
Lateral Diffusion ◽  
Diffusion Activation Energy ◽  
Water Molecules ◽  
Hydration Layer ◽  
Lipid Molecule ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Lipid Mobility ◽  
Lipid Diffusion

Self-assembly of biomembranes results from the intricate interactions between water and the lipids' hydrophilic head groups. Therefore, the lipid-water interplay strongly contributes to modulating membranes architecture, lipid diffusion, and chemical activity. Here, we introduce a new method of obtaining dehydrated, phase-separated, supported lipid bilayers (SLBs) solely by controlling the decrease of their environment's relative humidity. This facilitates the study of the structure and dynamics of SLBs over a wide range of hydration states. We show that the lipid domain structure of phase-separated SLBs is largely insensitive to the presence of the hydration layer. In stark contrast, lipid mobility is drastically affected by dehydration, showing a 6-fold decrease in lateral diffusion. At the same time, the diffusion activation energy increases approximately twofold for the dehydrated membrane. The obtained results, correlated with the hydration structure of a lipid molecule, revealed that about 6-7 water molecules directly hydrating the phosphocholine moiety play a pivotal role in modulating lipid diffusion. These findings could provide deeper insights into the fundamental reactions where local dehydration occurs, for instance during cell-cell fusion, and help us better understand the survivability of anhydrobiotic organisms. Finally, the strong dependence of lipid mobility on the number of hydrating water molecules opens up an application potential for SLBs as very precise, nanoscale hydration sensors.

Influence of Brain Gangliosides on the Formation and Properties of Supported Lipid Bilayers for Binding Kinetics Studies

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luke Jordan ◽  
Nathan Wittenberg
Keyword(s):  
Lipid Bilayers ◽  
Binding Kinetics ◽  
Supported Lipid Bilayers ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Concentration Dependent Manner ◽  
Supported Lipid Bilayer ◽  
Head Groups ◽  
Lipid Diffusion ◽  
Kinetics Of ◽  
Brain Gangliosides

This is a comprehensive study of the effects of the four major brain gangliosides (GM1, GD1b, GD1a, and GT1b) on the adsorption and rupture of phospholipid vesicles on SiO2 surfaces for the formation of supported lipid bilayer (SLB) membranes. Using quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring (QCM-D) we show that gangliosides GD1a and GT1b significantly slow the SLB formation process, whereas GM1 and GD1b have smaller effects. This is likely due to the net ganglioside charge as well as the positions of acidic sugar groups on ganglioside glycan head groups. Data is included that shows calcium can accelerate the formation of ganglioside-rich SLBs. Using fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) we also show that the presence of gangliosides significantly reduces lipid diffusion coefficients in SLBs in a concentration-dependent manner. Finally, using QCM-D and GD1a-rich SLB membranes we measure the binding kinetics of an anti-GD1a antibody that has similarities to a monoclonal antibody that is a hallmark of a variant of Guillain-Barre syndrome.

scholarly journals Angolan vegetable crops have unique genotypes of potential value for future breeding programmes

2016 ◽  
Vol Volume 112 (Number 3/4) ◽  
Author(s):  
José P. Domingos ◽  
Ana M. Fita ◽  
María B. Picó ◽  
Alicia Sifres ◽  
Isabel H. Daniel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Strong Dependence ◽  
The Other ◽  
Vegetable Crops ◽  
Cucurbita Maxima ◽  
Capsicum Chinense ◽  
Local Markets ◽  
Potential Value ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Breeding Programmes

Abstract A survey was carried out in Angola with the aim of collecting vegetable crops. Collecting expeditions were conducted in Kwanza-Sul, Benguela, Huíla and Namibe Provinces and a total of 80 accessions belonging to 22 species was collected from farmers and local markets. Species belonging to the Solanaceae (37 accessions) and Cucurbitaceae (36 accessions) families were the most frequently found with pepper and eggplant being the predominant solanaceous crops collected. Peppers were sold in local markets as a mixture of different types, even different species: Capsicum chinense, C. baccatum, C. frutescens and C. pubescens. Most of the eggplant accessions collected belonged to Solanum aethiopicum L. Gilo Group, the so-called ‘scarlet eggplant’. Cucurbita genus was better represented than the other cucurbit crops. A high morphological variation was present in the Cucurbita maxima and C. moschata accessions. A set of 22 Cucurbita accessions from Angola, along with 32 Cucurbita controls from a wide range of origins, was cultivated in Valencia, Spain and characterised based on morphology and molecularity using a set of 15 microsatellite markers. A strong dependence on latitude was found in most of the accessions and as a result, many accessions did not set fruit. The molecular analysis showed high molecular variability and uniqueness in the collected accessions, as shown by their segregation from the set of global controls. In summary, the material collected is quite valuable because of its uniqueness and the potential of the breeding characteristics it possesses.

scholarly journals Size matters: Size Dependency of Gold Nanoparticles Interacting with Model Membranes

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Claudia Contini ◽  
James W. Hindley ◽  
Tom Macdonald ◽  
Joseph Barritt ◽  
Oscar Ces ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gold Nanoparticles ◽  
Lipid Bilayers ◽  
Lipid Membrane ◽  
Rapid Development ◽  
Membrane System ◽  
Size Dependent ◽  
Research Fields ◽  
Large Unilamellar Vesicles ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Experimental Characterisation

<p><b>The rapid development of nanomaterials has led to an increase in the number and variety of engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) in the environment. Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) are an example of a commonly studied ENM whose highly tailorable properties have generated significant interest through a wide range of research fields. In the present work, we report the first qualitative as well as quantitative experimental characterisation of the AuNP-membrane interaction. We investigate the interactions between citrate-stabilised AuNPs (diameters 5, 10, 25, 35, 50, 60 nm) and large unilamellar vesicles (LUVs) acting as a model membrane system. LUVs were prepared in two different formulations using 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-glycero-3-phosphocholine (POPC) and 1,2-dileoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DOPC). Our results show that the interaction between AuNPs and LUVs is size dependent; in particular, we reveal the existence of two AuNP’s critical diameters which determine the fate of AuNPs in contact with a lipid membrane. The results provide a new understanding of the size dependent interaction between AuNPs and lipid bilayers of direct relevance to nanotoxicology and to the design of NP vectors.</b></p>

c , T-Dependence of the Self Diffusion in Concentrated Aqueous Sucrose Solutions

1994 ◽  
Vol 49 (3-4) ◽  
pp. 258-264 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. Girlich ◽  
H.-D. Lüdemann ◽  
C. Buttersack ◽  
K. Buchholz
Keyword(s):  
Field Gradient ◽  
Concentration Dependence ◽  
Diffusion Coefficients ◽  
The Self ◽  
Water Molecules ◽  
Pulsed Field Gradient Nmr ◽  
Pulsed Field ◽  
Self Diffusion ◽  
Sucrose Solutions ◽  
Wide Range

The self diffusion coefficients D of the water molecules and of sucrose have been determined by the pulsed field gradient NMR technique over a wide range of temperatures and concentrations (cmax: 70% w/w suc.). All temperature dependencies can be fitted to a Vogel- Tammann-Fulcher equation. The isothermic concentration dependence of D for the sucrose is given by a simple exponential concentration dependence

scholarly journals Validity and limitations of simple reaction kinetics to calculate concentrations of organic compounds from ion counts in PTR-MS

2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (11) ◽  
pp. 6193-6208 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rupert Holzinger ◽  
W. Joe F. Acton ◽  
William J. Bloss ◽  
Martin Breitenlechner ◽  
Leigh R. Crilley ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Proton Transfer ◽  
Reaction Kinetics ◽  
Transfer Reaction ◽  
Performance Status ◽  
Calibration Method ◽  
Proton Transfer Reaction ◽  
Rural Site ◽  
Water Molecules ◽  
Simple Reaction ◽  
Wide Range

Abstract. In September 2017, we conducted a proton-transfer-reaction mass-spectrometry (PTR-MS) intercomparison campaign at the CESAR observatory, a rural site in the central Netherlands near the village of Cabauw. Nine research groups deployed a total of 11 instruments covering a wide range of instrument types and performance. We applied a new calibration method based on fast injection of a gas standard through a sample loop. This approach allows calibrations on timescales of seconds, and within a few minutes an automated sequence can be run allowing one to retrieve diagnostic parameters that indicate the performance status. We developed a method to retrieve the mass-dependent transmission from the fast calibrations, which is an essential characteristic of PTR-MS instruments, limiting the potential to calculate concentrations based on counting statistics and simple reaction kinetics in the reactor/drift tube. Our measurements show that PTR-MS instruments follow the simple reaction kinetics if operated in the standard range for pressures and temperature of the reaction chamber (i.e. 1–4 mbar, 30–120∘, respectively), as well as a reduced field strength E∕N in the range of 100–160 Td. If artefacts can be ruled out, it becomes possible to quantify the signals of uncalibrated organics with accuracies better than ±30 %. The simple reaction kinetics approach produces less accurate results at E∕N levels below 100 Td, because significant fractions of primary ions form water hydronium clusters. Deprotonation through reactive collisions of protonated organics with water molecules needs to be considered when the collision energy is a substantial fraction of the exoergicity of the proton transfer reaction and/or if protonated organics undergo many collisions with water molecules.

scholarly journals Parametric Assessment of Trend Test Power in a Changing Environment

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (9) ◽  
pp. 3889
Author(s):  
Andrea Gioia ◽  
Maria Francesca Bruno ◽  
Vincenzo Totaro ◽  
Vito Iacobellis
Keyword(s):  
Statistical Tests ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Strong Dependence ◽  
Generalized Extreme Value Distribution ◽  
Monte Carlo Experiment ◽  
Data Series ◽  
Test Power ◽  
Special Cases ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Position Parameter

In the context of climate and environmental change assessment, the use of probabilistic models in which the parameters of a given distribution may vary in accordance with time has reinforced the need for appropriate procedures to recognize the “statistical significance” of trends in data series arising from stochastic processes. This paper introduces a parametric methodology, which exploits a measure based on the Akaike Information Criterion (AICΔ), and a Rescaled version of the Generalized Extreme Value distribution, in which a linear deterministic trend in the position parameter is accounted for. A Monte Carlo experiment was set up with the generation of nonstationary synthetic series characterized by different sample lengths and covering a wide range of the shape and scale parameters. The performances of statistical tests based on the parametric AICΔ and the non-parametric Mann-Kendall measures were evaluated and compared with reference to observed ranges of annual maxima of precipitation, peak flow, and wind speed. Results allow for sensitivity analysis of the test power and show a strong dependence on the trend coefficient and the L-Coefficient of Variation of the parent distribution from the upper-bounded to the heavy-tailed special cases. An analysis of the sample variability of the position parameter is also presented, based on the same generation sets.

scholarly journals Advanced Graphene-Based Transparent Conductive Electrodes for Photovoltaic Applications

Micromachines ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (6) ◽  
pp. 402 ◽  
Author(s):  
Susana Fernández ◽  
Alberto Boscá ◽  
Jorge Pedrós ◽  
Andrea Inés ◽  
Montserrat Fernández ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Thin Films ◽  
Strong Dependence ◽  
Transparent Conductive Oxide ◽  
Electrical Performance ◽  
Transparent Electrodes ◽  
Surface Reflection ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Cell Front ◽  
Additional Role ◽  
Transparent Conductive Electrodes

New architectures of transparent conductive electrodes (TCEs) incorporating graphene monolayers in different configurations have been explored with the aim to improve the performance of silicon-heterojunction (SHJ) cell front transparent contacts. In SHJ technology, front electrodes play an important additional role as anti-reflectance (AR) coatings. In this work, different transparent-conductive-oxide (TCO) thin films have been combined with graphene monolayers in different configurations, yielding advanced transparent electrodes specifically designed to minimize surface reflection over a wide range of wavelengths and angles of incidence and to improve electrical performance. A preliminary analysis reveals a strong dependence of the optoelectronic properties of the TCEs on (i) the order in which the different thin films are deposited or the graphene is transferred and (ii) the specific TCO material used. The results shows a clear electrical improvement when three graphene monolayers are placed on top on 80-nm-thick ITO thin film. This optimum TCE presents sheet resistances as low as 55 Ω/sq and an average conductance as high as 13.12 mS. In addition, the spectral reflectance of this TCE also shows an important reduction in its weighted reflectance value of 2–3%. Hence, the work undergone so far clearly suggests the possibility to noticeably improve transparent electrodes with this approach and therefore to further enhance silicon-heterojunction cell performance. These results achieved so far clearly open the possibility to noticeably improve TCEs and therefore to further enhance SHJ contact-technology performance.

scholarly journals Chitosan-ZnO Nanocomposites Assessed by Dielectric, Mechanical, and Piezoelectric Properties

Polymers ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (9) ◽  
pp. 1991 ◽  
Author(s):  
Evgen Prokhorov ◽  
Gabriel Luna-Bárcenas ◽  
José Martín Yáñez Limón ◽  
Alejandro Gómez Sánchez ◽  
Yuriy Kovalenko
Keyword(s):  
Dielectric Constant ◽  
Flexible Electronics ◽  
Piezoelectric Properties ◽  
Strong Dependence ◽  
Nanocomposite Films ◽  
Strong Interactions ◽  
Zno Nps ◽  
Chitosan Matrix ◽  
Three Phase ◽  
Wide Range

The aim of this work is to structurally characterize chitosan-zinc oxide nanoparticles (CS-ZnO NPs) films in a wide range of NPs concentration (0–20 wt.%). Dielectric, conductivity, mechanical, and piezoelectric properties are assessed by using thermogravimetry, FTIR, XRD, mechanical, and dielectric spectroscopy measurements. These analyses reveal that the dielectric constant, Young’s modulus, and piezoelectric constant (d33) exhibit a strong dependence on nanoparticle concentration such that maximum values of referred properties are obtained at 15 wt.% of ZnO NPs. The piezoelectric coefficient d33 in CS-ZnO nanocomposite films with 15 wt.% of NPs (d33 = 65.9 pC/N) is higher than most of polymer-ZnO nanocomposites because of the synergistic effect of piezoelectricity of NPs, elastic properties of CS, and optimum NPs concentration. A three-phase model is used to include the chitosan matrix, ZnO NPs, and interfacial layer with dielectric constant higher than that of neat chitosan and ZnO. This layer between nanoparticles and matrix is due to strong interactions between chitosan’s side groups with ZnO NPs. The understanding of nanoscale properties of CS-ZnO nanocomposites is important in the development of biocompatible sensors, actuators, nanogenerators for flexible electronics and biomedical applications.

Effects of water content and temperature on the surface conductivity of bentonite clay

Soil Research ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 50 (1) ◽  
pp. 44 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. A. Mojid ◽  
H. Cho
Keyword(s):  
Water Content ◽  
Bentonite Clay ◽  
Ionic Mobility ◽  
Surface Conductivity ◽  
Temperature Correction ◽  
Hydration Layer ◽  
Temperature Range ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Hydration Layers ◽  
Water Contents

This study explored the effects of water content and temperature on the mobility of exchangeable cations (termed the surface ionic mobility and hereafter ionic mobility) in the hydration layers of bentonite clay. The ionic mobility directly governs the surface conductivity of the clay. The investigation was done by measuring the bulk electrical conductivity (EC) of four sand–bentonite mixtures of different proportions for a wide range of water contents under constant temperature, and three bentonite samples at different water contents over 5–90°C. The ionic mobility was determined from the surface conductivity at the mean ionic strength of the hydration layers. The ionic mobility in the sand–bentonite samples increased with an increase in hydration layer thickness. For a given thickness of the hydration layer, the greater the bentonite content of a sample, the smaller was the ionic mobility. The ionic mobility in the bentonite samples at different water contents also increased, at reduced rates, with a rise in temperature. Consequently, the surface conductivity of the samples increased non-uniformly, at two different rates, with an increase in temperature. The increasing rate of this conductivity depended on temperature; over the low temperature range which depended on the water content, the rate was 0.013 dS/m.K, and over higher temperature range, the rate decreased to 0.008 dS/m.K. The commonly used temperature correction factor, 0.019 dS/m.K, for EC therefore did not hold true for the bentonite samples.

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