Blocked isocyanates:from analytical and experimental considerations to non-polyurethane applications

In this review we aim to provide an introductory guide to blocked isocyanates, through discussion on different examples of blocking groups, along with experimental considerations for their application. The review brings together updated examples of functionalities used and places specific emphasis on the analytical techniques used for the determination of deblocking temperature, updating previous reviews with the newly applied technique of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Additionally, we put forward a brief update on the use of blocked isocyanates for other non-traditional polyurethane based polymer applications. We also highlight the importance of matching the analytical technique to the application of the blocked isocyanate, with differences in material state and experimental parameters having a great impact on the deblocking temperature reported

Sandwich Electrode Architectures for the Enzymatic Bio-Electrochemical Oxygen Reduction Reaction.

With annual global energy consumption predicted to double by 2050 and CO2 emissions having already reached crisis point, the growing demand for renewable and environmentally clean power sources has been propelled to the forefront of academic and industrial research. One strategy currently under investigation is the employment of enzymes in enzymatic fuel cells (EFCs), which convert chemical energy to electrical energy. This research focused on comparing the use of different protein-stabilising agents in low-cost bilirubin oxidase (BOD) from Myrothecium verrucaria cathodes with sandwich architectures, for biocatalysis of the electrochemical oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). As a novel route towards EFC cost reduction, Super P (carbon black powder, CBP) was initially selected as an electronically conductive enzyme support material. To increase direct electron transfer, COOH functionalisation of the CBP was investigated and characterised with ATR-FTIR, CHN and thermogravimetric analysis and the Boehm titration technique. Chemical oxidation yielded surface COOH concentrations ranging between 0.16 - 1.70 mmol g-1, which was determined with cyclic voltammetry (CV) to be outside of the suitable range for application within BOD cathodes. This resulted in the use of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) as the enzyme support material. The effect of several room temperature ionic liquids (RTILs) on BOD activity was also investigated, resulting in the novel identification of three RTILs that are BOD-compatible in the absence of water: 1-ethyl-3 -methylimidazolium ethylsulfate (EMIM-EtSO4), 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium diethylphosphate (EMIM-Et2PO4) and 1,3-methylimidazolium dimethylphosphate (MMIM-Me2PO4). Two BOD cathodes, utilising the non-ionic surfactants (NISs) Triton X-100 and Tween 20, were developed, optimised and characterised. Triton X-100 was determined to be the favourable NIS for three-layer BOD cathode fabrication, compared to Tween 20, especially with respect to electrode current densities (-81 vs. -60 μA cm-2 at 0.3 V vs. Ag|AgCl at pH 5.0) attributed to the BOD-catalysed ORR. Chronoamperometric studies over a period of 8 days showed no difference between the stability of the two BOD cathodes

Dietary resveratrol prevents alzheimer's markers and increases life span in SAMP8

Resveratrol is a polyphenol that is mainly found in grapes and red wine and has been reported to be a caloric restriction (CR) mimetic driven by Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) activation. Resveratrol increases metabolic rate, insulin sensitivity, mitochondrial biogenesis and physical endurance, and reduces fat accumulation in mice. In addition, resveratrol may be a powerful agent to prevent age-associated neurodegeneration and to improve cognitive deficits in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Moreover, different findings support the view that longevity in mice could be promoted by CR. In this study, we examined the role of dietary resveratrol in SAMP8 mice, a model of age-related AD. We found that resveratrol supplements increased mean life expectancy and maximal life span in SAMP8 and in their control, the related strain SAMR1. In addition, we examined the resveratrol-mediated neuroprotective effects on several specific hallmarks of AD. We found that long-term dietary resveratrol activates AMPK pathways and pro-survival routes such as SIRT1 in vivo. It also reduces cognitive impairment and has a neuroprotective role, decreasing the amyloid burden and reducing tau hyperphosphorylation