Deputy Director

Nonresidential Buildings to be effective on July 1, 2014 now include the following Energy Commission approved and adopted Nonsubstantive errata

A Rapid Detection Method for Microorganisms in Food

The objective of our research is to develop a method for rapid detection of microorganism in food. Polydiacetylenes (PDAs) are unique materials which can change color from blue to red in response to stimulation. This property gives PDA the potential for rapid detection of bacteria, viruses or other food contaminants. We’ve determined how common food sanitizers react with PDAs to identify potential false positive results. We’ve successfully made solid-based PDA platform and have tested on E. coli. Obvious color change from blue to pink was observed after culturing. We continue to work on improving the sensitivity of the platform and applying PDAs in real food production environments

Polymorphism, Halogen Bonding, and Chalcogen Bonding in the Diiodine Adducts of 1,3- and 1,4-Dithiane

Through variations in reaction solvent and stoichiometry, a series of S-diiodine adducts of 1,3- and 1,4-dithiane were isolated by direct reaction of the dithianes with molecular diiodine in solution. In the case of 1,3-dithiane, variations in reaction solvent yielded both the equatorial and the axial isomers of S-diiodo-1,3-dithiane, and their solution thermodynamics were further studied via DFT. Additionally, S,S’-bis(diiodo)-1,3-dithiane was also isolated. The 1:1 cocrystal, (1,4-dithiane)·(I2) was further isolated, as well as a new polymorph of S,S’-bis(diiodo)-1,4-dithiane. Each structure showed significant S···I halogen and chalcogen bonding interactions. Further, the product of the diiodine-promoted oxidative addition of acetone to 1,4-dithiane, as well as two new cocrystals of 1,4-dithiane-1,4-dioxide involving hydronium, bromide, and tribromide ions, was isolated