Rational surface charge engineering of haloalkane dehalogenase for boosting the enzymatic performance in organic solvent solutions

Biocatalysis in organic solvents(OSs)has numerous important applications,but native enzymes in OSs often exhibit limited catalytic performance.Herein,we proposed a computation-aided surface charge engineering strategy to improve the catalytic performance of haloalkane dehalogenase DhaA in OSs based on the energetic analysis of substrate binding to the DhaA surface.Several variants with enhanced OS resistance were obtained by replacing negative charged residues on the surface with positive charged residue(Arg).Particularly,a four-substitution variant E16R/E93R/E121R/E257R exhibited the best catalytic performance(five-fold improvement in OS resistance and seven-fold half-life increase in 40%(vol)dimethylsulfoxide).As a result,the overall catalytic performance of the variant could be at least 26 times higher than the wild-type DhaA.Fluorescence spectroscopy and molecular dynamics simulation studies revealed that the residue substitution mainly enhanced OS resistance from four aspects:(a)improved the overall structural stability,(b)increased the hydrophobicity of the local microenvironment around the catalytic triad,(c)enriched the hydrophobic substrate around the enzyme molecule,and(d)lowered the contact frequency between OS molecules and the catalytic triad.Our findings validate that computationaided surface charge engineering is an effective and ingenious rational strategy for tailoring enzyme performance in OSs.

Effects of Metal Ions and Organic Solvents on Alkaline Phosphatase from Rice-field Eel

[Objective]The mechanism of alkaline phosphatase（ALP） was studied to promote rice-field eel aquaculture industry. [ Method] The effects of effectors such as multiple metal ions and organic solvents on ALP in viscera of rice-field eel. [ Result] Na^＋ and K ^＋ didn＇t generate big influences on enzyme activity;Mg^2＋ and Ca^2＋ could promote ALP while Li^＋,Cu^2＋ and Zn^2＋ could restrain ALP enzyme activity. Both HPO4^2- and WO4^2- generated by en- zyme catalyzing disodium phenyl phosphate possessed strong inhibitory effects on emzymc, and 9.5 mmol/L HPO4^2 - would make enzyme activity decline by 13% while 9.5 mmol/L WO4^3- would make enzyme decline by 34%. The inhibition types of them were both competitive inhibition on enzyme activity. The organic solvents such as methanol, ethanol,ethylene glycol,isopropannl all generated influences on ALP and the order according to their inhibitory effects was isopropanol 〉 ethanol 〉 methanol 〉 ethylene glycol. [ Conclusion] The inflncnces of various effeetors on ALP aetivity of rice-field eel were studied from dynamics perspective to provide theoretical basis for further clarifying ALP mechanism.

Step‑by‑Step Modulation of Crystalline Features and Exciton Kinetics for 19.2%Efficiency Ortho‑Xylene Processed Organic Solar Cells

With plenty of popular and effective ternary organic solar cells(OSCs)construction strategies proposed and applied,its power conversion efficiencies(PCEs)have come to a new level of over 19%in single-junction devices.However,previous studies are heavily based in chloroform(CF)leaving behind substantial knowledge deficiencies in understanding the influence of solvent choice when introducing a third component.Herein,we present a case where a newly designed asymmetric small molecular acceptor using fluoro-methoxylated end-group modification strategy,named BTP-BO-3FO with enlarged bandgap,brings different morphological evolution and performance improvement effect on host system PM6:BTP-eC9,processed by CF and ortho-xylene(o-XY).With detailed analyses supported by a series of experiments,the best PCE of 19.24%for green solvent-processed OSCs is found to be a fruit of finely tuned crystalline ordering and general aggregation motif,which furthermore nourishes a favorable charge generation and recombination behavior.Likewise,over 19%PCE can be achieved by replacing spin-coating with blade coating for active layer deposition.This work focuses on understanding the commonly met yet frequently ignored issues when building ternary blends to demonstrate cutting-edge device performance,hence,will be instructive to other ternary OSC works in the future.

Highly efficient and stable organic solar cells with SnO_(2)electron transport layer enabled by UV-curing acrylate oligomers

The interfaces between the inorganic metal oxide and organic photoactive layer are of outmost importance for efficiency and stability in organic solar cells(OSCs).Tin oxide(SnO_(2))is one of the promising candidates for the electron transport layer(ETL)in high-performance inverted OSCs.When a solution-processed SnO_(2)ETL is employed,however,the presence of interfacial defects and suboptimal interfacial contact can lower the power conversion efficiency(PCE)and operational stability of OSCs.Herein,highly efficient and stable inverted OSCs by modification of the SnO_(2)surface with ultraviolet(UV)-curable acrylate oligomers(SAR and OCS)are demonstrated.The highest PCEs of 16.6%and 17.0%are achieved in PM6:Y6-BO OSCs with the SAR and OCS,respectively,outperforming a device with a bare SnO_(2)ETL(PCE 13.8%).The remarkable enhancement of PCEs is attributed to the optimized interfacial contact,leading to mitigated surface defects.More strikingly,improved light-soaking and thermal stability strongly correlated with the interfacial defects are demonstrated for OSCs based on SnO_(2)/UV cross-linked resins compared to OSCs utilizing bare SnO_(2).We believe that UV cross-linking oligomers will play a key role as interfacial modifiers in the future fabrication of large-area and flexible OSCs with high efficiency and stability.

Green‑Solvent Processed Blade‑Coating Organic Solar Cells with an Efficiency Approaching 19%Enabled by Alkyl‑Tailored Acceptors

Power-conversion-efficiencies(PCEs)of organic solar cells(OSCs)in laboratory,normally processed by spin-coating technology with toxic halogenated solvents,have reached over 19%.However,there is usually a marked PCE drop when the bladecoating and/or green-solvents toward large-scale printing are used instead,which hampers the practical development of OSCs.Here,a new series of N-alkyl-tailored small molecule acceptors named YR-SeNF with a same molecular main backbone are developed by combining selenium-fused central-core and naphthalene-fused endgroup.Thanks to the N-alkyl engineering,NIR-absorbing YR-SeNF series show different crystallinity,packing patterns,and miscibility with polymeric donor.The studies exhibit that the molecular packing,crystallinity,and vertical distribution of active layer morphologies are well optimized by introducing newly designed guest acceptor associated with tailored N-alkyl chains,providing the improved charge transfer dynamics and stability for the PM6:L8-BO:YRSeNF-based OSCs.As a result,a record-high PCE approaching 19%is achieved in the blade-coating OSCs fabricated from a greensolvent o-xylene with high-boiling point.Notably,ternary OSCs offer robust operating stability under maximum-power-point tracking and well-keep>80%of the initial PCEs for even over 400 h.Our alkyl-tailored guest acceptor strategy provides a unique approach to develop green-solvent and blade-coating processed high-efficiency and operating stable OSCs,which paves a way for industrial development.

Organic Solvents Enhanced Spectrofluorimetric Method for Determination of Laccase Activity

A novel fluorimetric method for determination of laccase activity in organic solvents is proposed, based on the oxidation ofo-phenylenediamine (1,2-diaminobenzene, OPDA) catalyzed by laccase yielding 2,3-diaminophenazine. The optimal conditions for laccase in organic media areT=55°C, pH=6.5, 1.0×10?2mol/L OPDA, 1.25 mL ethanol, 1.25 mL 1,4-dioxane and 1.25 mL acetone. The linear range of the method proposed in ethanol, 1,4-dioxane and acetone media were 0.44–19.33, 0.11–20.85, 0.38–21.05 U with the detection limit of 0.088, 0.022, 0.076 U, respectively. The proposed method has been applied to the analysis of laccase activity of real samples with more accurate and sensitive than that of the previous method reported.

Improved Production of Paclitaxel from Suspension Culture of Taxus chinensis var. mairei by in situ Extraction with Organic Solvents

The production of paclitaxel from suspension culture of Taxus chinensis var,mairei was improved by in situ extraction with organic solvents to avoid feedback repression and product degradation.Oleic acid and dibutyl phthalate were proved to be suitable solvents .The optimal volumetric percentage of organic solvents in the culture medium was found to be around 8%,and the favorable time for their introduction was at the exponential phase of cell growth,Paclitaxel production with the in situ extraction was ca 3-fold of that without extraction.

Determination of physical properties for the mixtures of [BMIM]Cl with different organic solvents

Physical properties including refractive index, density, viscosity and conductivity for binary mixtures of l-butyl- 3-methyl imidazolium chloride （[BMIM]CI） and different organic solvents at 298.15 K have been investigated. Ex- cess molar volumes have been calculated and obtained data has been fitted by the Redlich-Kister equation. The density and refractive index were found to increase with increasing concentration of [BMIM]CI, however, excep- tions do exist as in the case of dimethyl sulfoxide （DMSO）/[BMIM]CI. For DMSO/[BMIM]CI, the density decreases with increasing concentration. The addition of different organic solvents was able to disrupt the interactions within mixtures, leading to free mobility of ions. The free mobility of ions has been found to enhance conductivity and decrease viscosity to varying extents in all mixtures studied. It has been observed that solubility parameters, dielectric constants and composition of the solvents used play a vital role in determining the resultant properties. The data obtained will play an important role in understanding the effect of the addition of organic solvents in ILs to enhance their applicability.

Stability of M13 Phage in Organic Solvents

The effect of different types of organic solvents on the structural integrity of M13 phages has been directly visualized by transmission and scanning electron microscopy. The exposure of M13 phages to apolar hexane had no effect on the structure of the phages for up to 8 h. In contrast, phages showed ~10-fold contraction into rod-like I-forms and to flattened spheroids with ~12 nm diameter upon exposure to polar organic solvents. We show that this finding can be beneficial for the macromolecular self-assembly and in broader aspects, to enhance the spatial arrangement of desired inorganic nanoparticles in the rapidly developing field of virotronics.

A Simple Theoretical Approach of Aqueous Solutions of Salts and Organic Solvents in Paper Chromatography

The purpose of this study is to determine the properties of the solvents responsible of the chromatographic phenomenon. A simple and homogeneous system of ascending chromatography on paper is described, allowing varying only one of the factors constituting it. This method made it possible to determine constants by means of a simple equation. The validity of the method is deduced from the good agreement between its mathematical expression and the experimental values obtained.

GROWTH OF o-DICYANOVINYL ANISOLE(DIVA) CRYSTAL IN ORGANIC SOLVENTS

Crystal growth habits of O-Dicyanovinyl anisole (DIVA) in organic solvents are described

Subacute Chorea Induced by Organic Solvents

Introduction: Chronic exposure to organic solvents may result in a variety of neurologic complications like dementia, cerebellar dysfunction, pyramidal syndrome, cranial nerve abnormalities, and neuropathy. Clinical Presentation: We report an unusual case of subacute chorea induced by occupational exposure. Brain magnetic resonance imaging showed diffuse white matter T2 hyperintensity. The screening of basic blood tests, and CSF studies to eliminate alternate diagnoses, were normal. The patient received 1000 mg/day of intravenous methylprednisolone for 3 days, with cessation of professional activity. We observed a regression of neurological symptoms after 3 months of follow-up. Conclusion: This case highlights the diversity of acute or chronic neurological complications of solvents.

Distribution and sources of solvent extractable organic compounds in PM_(2.5) during 2007 Chinese Spring Festival in Beijing

The solvent extractable organic compounds （SEOC）, including n-alkanes, polycylic aromatic hydrocarbons, fatty acids, and dicarboxylic acids in PM2.5 during the 2007 Chinese Spring Festival in Beijing, were measured via gas chromatography-mass spectrometry for determining the characteristics and sources of these organic pollutants. The concentrations of total n-alkanes, PAHs, and organic acids before Chinese Spring Festival Eve （1025.5, 95.9, and 543.3 ng/m3, respectively） were higher than those after （536.6, 58.9, and 331.8 ng/m3, respectively）, n-Aalkanes and PAHs had much higher concentration in nighttime than those in daytime because of high relative humidity and low wind speed during the night. Combustion of coal and exhaust emission were major sources of n- alkanes. It could be concluded by the characteristic ratios that the primary source of PAHs in fine particles was the combustion of coal, but the combustion of gasoline was in the next place. The ratios of C18：0/C16 indicated the contribution of vehicular emissions to the fatty acids. Dicarboxylic and aromatic acids were abundant in daytime than in nighttime because these acids were secondary organic acid and the photochemical degradation of aromatic hydrocarbons was the main source.

Rapid recovery of polycrystalline silicon from kerf loss slurry using double-layer organic solvent sedimentation method

The rapid development of photovoltaic （PV） industries has led to a shortage of silicon feedstock. However, more than 40% silicon goes into slurry wastes due to the kerf loss in the wafer slicing process. To effectively recycle polycrystalline silicon from the kerf loss slurry, an innovative double-layer organic solvent sedimentation process was presented in the paper. The sedimentation velocities of Si and SiC particles in some organic solvents were investigated. Considering the polarity, viscosity, and density of solvents, the chloroepoxy propane and carbon tetrachloride were selected to separate Si and SiC particles. It is found that Si and SiC particles in the slurry waste can be successfully separated by the double-layer organic solvent sedimentation method, which can greatly reduce the sedimentation time and improve the purity of obtained Si-rich and SiC-rich powders. The obtained Si-rich powders consist of 95.04% Si, and the cast Si ingot has 99.06% Si.

Cloning, overexpression, and characterization of a novel organic solvent-tolerant lipase from Paenibacillus pasadenensis CS0611

We found a novel lipase gene in the Paenibacillus pasadenensis CS0611 strain.The lipase gene sequence was cloned into the pET-28a expression vector to construct a recombinant lipase protein containing 6×His tags at the C-and N-termini,respectively.High-level expression of the lipase in E.coli BL21(DE3)was obtained upon induction with IPTG at 20°C.The recombinant lipase activity was approximately 1631-fold higher than the wild type.His-tagged recombinant lipase was purified rapidly and efficiently by using Ni-charged affinity chromatography with 63.5%recovery and a purification factor of 10.78.The purified lipase was stable in a broad range of temperatures and pH values,with the optimal temperature and pH being 50°C and 7.0,respectively.Its activity was stimulated to different degrees in the presence of metal ions such as Ca2+,Mg2+,and some non-ionic surfactants.In addition,the purified lipase was activated by a series of water-miscible organic solvents such as some short carbon chain alcohols and was highly tolerant to some water-immiscible organic solvents.

π-Extension and chlorination of non-fullerene acceptors enable more readily processable and sustainable high-performance organic solar cells

Organic solar cells(OSCs)processed without halogenated solvents and complex treatments are essential for future commercialization.Herein,we report three novel small molecule acceptors(NFAs)consisting of a Y6-like core but withπ-extended naphthalene with progressively more chlorinated end-capping groups and a longer branched chain on the Nitrogen atom.These NFAs exhibit good solubilities in nonchlorinated organic solvents,broad optical absorptions,closeπ-πstacking distances(3.63–3.84A),and high electron mobilities(~10^(-3)cm^(2)V^(-1)s^(-1)).The o-xylene processed and as-cast binary devices using PM6 as the donor polymer exhibit a PCE increasing upon progressive chlorination of the naphthalene end-capping group from 8.93%for YN to 14.38%for YN-Cl to 15.00%for YN-2Cl.Furthermore similarly processed ternary OSCs were fabricated by employing YN-Cl and YN-2Cl as the third component of PM6:CH1007 blends(PCE=15.75%).Compared to all binary devices,the ternary PM6:CH1007:YN-Cl(1:1:0.2)and PM6:CH1007:YN-2Cl(1:1:0.2)cells exhibit significantly improved PCEs of 16.49%and15.88%,respectively,which are among the highest values reported to date for non-halogenated solvent processed OSCs without using any additives and blend post-deposition treatments.

Air-Processed Efficient Organic Solar Cells from Aromatic Hydrocarbon Solvent without Solvent Additive or Post-Treatment:Insights into Solvent Effect on Morphology

Most of the recent organic solar cells(OSCs)with top-of-the-line efficiencies are processed from organic solvents with a high vapor pressure such as CF in nitrogen-filled glovebox,which is not feasible for large-area manufacturing.Herein,we cast active layers with both aromatic hydrocarbon solvents and halogenated solvents without any solvent additive or post-treatment,as well as interlayers with water and methanol in air(35%relative humidity)for efficient OSCs,except cathode electrode's evaporation is in vacuum.Compared to the PM6:Y6 system that is processed from CF,the PM6:BTP-ClBr2 system demonstrates good efficiency of 16.28%processed from CB and the device based on PM6:BTP-4Cl achieves 16.33%using TMB as its solvent for the active layer.These are among the highest efficiencies for CB-and TMB-processed binary OSCs to date.The molecular packing and phase separation length scales of each combination depend strongly on the solvent,and the overall morphology is the result of the interplay between solvent evaporation(kinetics)and materials miscibility(thermodynamics).Different solvents are required to realize the optimal morphology due to the different miscibility between the donor and acceptor.Finally,17.36%efficiency was achieved by incorporating PC71BM for TMB-processed devices.Our result provides insights into the effect of processing solvent and shows the potential of realizing high-performance OSCs in conditions relevant for industrial fabrication.

Preparation of nanometer perovskite-type oxide La_(0.8)Sr_(0.2)MnO_3 by organic solvent sol-gel method and capability testing

A perovskite-type oxide, La0.8Sr0.2MnO3, was synthesized by the organic solvent sol-gel method. The desired metal cations were chelated in a solution by using citric acid as the chelating agent and absolute ethanol as the solvent. The thermal decomposition of the metal carboxylate precursor gels was studied by thermogravimetric/differential thermal analyzer （TG/DTA） and the products derived from calcining the gels were characterized by X-ray diffraction （XRD） and transmission electronic microscope （TEM）. The polarization curves were acquired on an electrochemical workstation （LK98） and the discharge curves were acquired on a testing instrument of batteries （DC-5）, with a constant current discharge, less than 120 mA/cm^2. The results revealed that the nanometer perovskite-type powder with lesser particle size could be achieved with an organic solvent and had a better catalytic activity.

Effect of Organic Solvent and Resin on Luminescent Capability of SrAl_2O_4:Eu^(2+),Dy^(3+) Phosphor

Organic substance such as solvent and resin's effect on luminescent capability of SrAl2O4:Eu2+ , Dy3+ phosphor was studied. Some organic solvents and resins were selected for experimentation. The results indicate that those organic solvents will not have negative effect on the applied capability of SrAl2O4:Eu2+ , Dy3+ phosphor. Adopting the organic resins and covering method, the afterglow luminance of SrAl2O4:Eu2+ , Dy3+ phosphor was increased by 85.01% and 82.51%.