Lactic Acid from Glycerol by Ethylene-Stabilized Platinum-Nanoparticles

Small-sized Pt-nanoparticles (NPs) of 1.5 nm, generated by metal vapor synthesis, and supported onto Ketjenblack proved to be the first example of a heterogeneous monometallic Pt–NP-based catalyst, which was stabilized by ethylene during conversion of glycerol to lactate (LA). A LA chemoselectivity of 95% was obtained in three consecutive catalytic runs

Microgels as Soluble Scaffolds for the Preparation of Noble Metal Nanoparticles Supported on Nanostructured Metal Oxides

An approach for the preparation of noble metal nanoparticles supported on nanostructured metal oxides is described herein. The approach is based on the sequential generation of the noble metal nanoparticles and of a metal oxide phase inside a cross-linked polymer colloid (microgel). By tuning the properties of the employed microgel, the nature and amount of both the noble metal nanoparticles and the metal oxide phase can be independently varied. The resulting composite colloids are colloidally stable and, upon isolation by precipitation and subsequent calcination, produce noble metal nanoparticles dispersed on a crystalline, nanostructured oxide phase. Preliminary catalytic tests provide information on the accessibility of the noble metal nanoparticles and, particularly in the case of gold, result in promising catalytic performances in the aerobic oxidation of alcohols

Synthesis of Nanocrystalline TiOF₂ Embedded in a Carbonaceous Matrix from TiF₄ and d‑Fructose

Nanostructured titanium oxide difluoride embedded in a matrix of amorphous carbon was synthesized by pyrolysis of d-fructose in the presence of titanium tetrafluoride (optimal Ti/fructose molar ratio = 5.5), both in the solid state at ca. 150 °C and in suspension of 1,2-dichloroethane at reflux temperature. The resulting solid materials were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and elemental analysis. In every case, PXRD and TEM data indicated the presence of an unique crystalline phase (TiOF₂) embedded in a light matrix (amorphous carbon). The average crystal size of the powder can be regulated by varying the reaction time

Unraveling the Role of Low Coordination Sites in a Cu Metal Nanoparticle: A Step toward the Selective Synthesis of Second Generation Biofuels

The acidity of a prereduced Cu/SiO₂ catalyst was extensively investigated by means of FT-IR of adsorbed pyridine and by titration with 2-phenyl­ethylamine in cyclohexane. Comparison with the parent CuO/SiO₂ material, which was already shown to exhibit Lewis acid sites due to the high dispersion of the CuO phase, provided evidence that reduction of this phase to the metallic state increases the acidity of the material. This allowed us to set up a bifunctional catalyst showing acidic and hydrogenation activity, both ascribable to the presence of the metal particle, without the need of an acidic support. This catalyst was tested in the one-pot transformation of γ–valerolactone into pentyl valerate and showed comparable activity (91% vs 92% conversion) and improved selectivity (92% vs 72%) with respect to the previously reported copper catalyst supported on acidic material. The role of Cu in activating the substrate was also evidenced through FTIR of adsorbed γ-valerolactone

Internalization studies of Glc-SPIONs.

GLUT1 levels estimated by ELISA in PSN-1, BCPAP and HEK293 cells (at the top). Uptake studies: PSN-1 and BCPAP cells were incubated with 0.1 mg/mL of Glc-SPIONs for 30 min, 1, 3, 6, and 12 h. The Fe cellular content was estimated by GF-AAS analysis. Uptake studies after treating the cells with GLUT1 inhibitors: PSN1 and BCPAP cells were pre-incubated for 1 h with anti-GLUT1 polyclonal antibody, WZB117, Fasentin, BAY-876, and STF-31. Subsequently, cells were treated for 3 or 6 h with 0.1 mg/mL of Glc-SPIONs.</p

Fig 3 -

A) Schematic representation of the arrangement of the set of 6 Eppendorf vials filled with (from left to right): 0, 1, 2, 4, 8, 10 mg/mL Glc-SPIONs in 0.1 M NaHCO3; B) T1-weighted sagittal image of the rack of vials; C) Schematic arrangement of the skewed set of 4 Eppendorf vials, containing a suspension of cells treated for 6 hours with (from left to right): 0, 0.25, 0.50, 1 mg/mL Glc-SPIONs; the sample out of line represents the blank; D) T1-weighted sagittal image of the set of 4 Eppendorf vials.</p

Cytotoxicity in human pancreatic and thyroid cancer cells.

Cells (5·103·mL-1) were treated for 1, 3, 6, 12, and 24 h with increasing concentrations of Glc-SPIONs. Cytotoxicity was assessed by the MTT test. p<0.05.</p

Fig 2 -

HR-TEM image of Glc-SPIONs (A); false-color EF-TEM images filtered at 713 eV providing Fe maps (B); reference TEM image (C); histogram of particle size distribution (D) and histogram of hydrodynamic diameter distributions (measured by DLS) (E); value of zeta potential of– 39.6 and– 0.3 mV at pH 8.3 and 3 (F).</p