Bacterial composition and physicochemical characteristics of sorghum based on environmental factors in different regions of China

The fermentation process for Jiang-flavored baijiu using sorghum as the raw material involves a variety of microorganisms. However, the specific physicochemical characteristics of sorghum and microbial composition on its surface have not been fully elucidated. We aimed to perform a comprehensive comparative analysis of the variations in physicochemical properties and surface microflora in waxy sorghum samples from three prominent production regions in China (Renhuai, Jinsha, and Duyun). Multivariate statistical assessments were conducted that incorporated local soil and climate variables. The results showed that Cyanobacteria, unclassified bacteria, Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, and Bacteroidota were the dominant bacteria in these regions. These bacteria were associated with ethyl acetate, ethyl caprylate, ethyl lactate, and butyl groups, which synergistically produce flavorful compounds. The surface bacterial communities were affected by soil total phosphorus, altitude, diurnal temperature range, monthly mean temperature, precipitation, and effective accumulated temperature. The findings of this study provide a new perspective on microorganisms related to Jiang-flavored baijiu and can help establish a reference for the stability of liquor quality

Tailoring grain boundary stability of zinc-titanium alloy for long-lasting aqueous zinc batteries

Abstract The detrimental parasitic reactions and uncontrolled deposition behavior derived from inherently unstable interface have largely impeded the practical application of aqueous zinc batteries. So far, tremendous efforts have been devoted to tailoring interfaces, while stabilization of grain boundaries has received less attention. Here, we demonstrate that preferential distribution of intermetallic compounds at grain boundaries via an alloying strategy can substantially suppress intergranular corrosion. In-depth morphology analysis reveals their thermodynamic stability, ensuring sustainable potency. Furthermore, the hybrid nucleation and growth mode resulting from reduced Gibbs free energy contributes to the spatially uniform distribution of Zn nuclei, promoting the dense Zn deposition. These integrated merits enable a high Zn reversibility of 99.85% for over 4000 cycles, steady charge-discharge at 10 mA cm−2, and impressive cyclability for roughly 3500 cycles in Zn-Ti//NH4V4O10 full cell. Notably, the multi-layer pouch cell of 34 mAh maintains stable cycling for 500 cycles. This work highlights a fundamental understanding of microstructure and motivates the precise tuning of grain boundary characteristics to achieve highly reversible Zn anodes

Near-Infrared Squaraine Dye Encapsulated Micelles for in Vivo Fluorescence and Photoacoustic Bimodal Imaging

Combined near-infrared (NIR) fluorescence and photoacoustic imaging techniques present promising capabilities for noninvasive visualization of biological structures. Development of bimodal noninvasive optical imaging approaches by combining NIR fluorescence and photoacoustic tomography demands suitable NIR-active exogenous contrast agents. If the aggregation and photobleaching are prevented, squaraine dyes are ideal candidates for fluorescence and photoacoustic imaging. Herein, we report rational selection, preparation, and micelle encapsulation of an NIR-absorbing squaraine dye (D1) for in vivo fluorescence and photoacoustic bimodal imaging. D1 was encapsulated inside micelles constructed from a biocompatible nonionic surfactant (Pluoronic F-127) to obtain D1-encapsulated micelles (D1micelle) in aqueous conditions. The micelle encapsulation retains both the photophysical features and chemical stability of D1. D1micelle exhibits high photostability and low cytotoxicity in biological conditions. Unique properties of D1micelle in the NIR window of 800–900 nm enable the development of a squaraine-based exogenous contrast agent for fluorescence and photoacoustic bimodal imaging above 820 nm. In vivo imaging using D1micelle, as demonstrated by fluorescence and photoacoustic tomography experiments in live mice, shows contrast-enhanced deep tissue imaging capability. The usage of D1micelle proven by preclinical experiments in rodents reveals its excellent applicability for NIR fluorescence and photoacoustic bimodal imaging.NRF (Natl Research Foundation, S’pore)Accepted versio