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Paper-based potentiometric pH sensors allow multiple measurements to be recorded in a cost-effective manner but usually in combination with an external display unit. In this work, a potentiometric pH sensor is integrated with an electrochromic readout system all on paper. The potentiometric pH sensor is based on electropolymerised aniline on a conductive gold nanoparticle film working electrode. The voltage output of the sensor is amplified using an operational amplifier and generated across an electrochromic readout system. The readout system comprises four segments of electrochromic Prussian blue/polyaniline on conductive gold nanoparticle films connected by graphite resistive separators. The colour of each segment is dependent on the voltage output from the potentiometric sensor and can be used to determine the pH range of a sample or whether the sample pH falls outside a critical value. This type of integrated paper device can be used for multiple measurements and also be applied to the development of other types of potentiometric sensors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A paper-based laboratory-on-a-chip assay for the rapid detection of a highly pathogenic strain of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (HP-PRRSV) was developed for the first time. The single-unit chip was simply fabricated using Whatman filter paper and plastic lamination. The chip measured 2.5 × 3.0 cm[sup 2] and was divided into two parts, one for nucleic acid amplification and the other for signal detection. The HP-PRRSV assay was performed by specific ORF I Nsp 2 gene amplification via an isothermal reverse transcription loop-mediated DNA amplification platform, whereas the cDNA signal detection was performed by visual observation of colorimetric changes in blue silver nanoplates (AgNPls). Positive results caused non-aggregation of the blue AgNPls on the detection pad, whereas negative results induced colorimetric changes in the AgNPls from blue to colourless on the pad. The assay had a limit of detection of 100 copies of the target Nsp 2 gene and high specificity for other types of infectious viruses. The assay required only one hour to complete. This work demonstrates a simple and rapid assay for viruses using a simple, low-cost, paper-based chip. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research prepared a photochromic material of WO3 doped with Mo or Cu through a solvothermal method. The material exhibits selective absorption of UV light in the 200-350-nm range. The crystal structure of WO3 remained unchanged after doping, but the bandgap was reduced, thereby increasing its coloration rate. The doping of Mo or Cu brought different new features to WO3: Mo-doping imparted a purple hue upon UV irradiation, whereas Cu-doping accelerated the bleaching of WO3 due to its multi-valent state. WO3-0.1Mo and WO3-0.1Cu were preferentially selected through a practical photochromic process and bandgap calculations, and further used to prepare photochromic ink. This ink is suitable for the preparation of writing and photochromic rewriting paper and retains good photochromic properties even after 50 uses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polycationic-type homopolymers derived from polymerisable ionic liquids with adequate hydrophobicity were prepared to form spherical nanoparticles in water that changed their diameter as a function of temperature. The diameter change was attributed to a temperature-sensitive and reversible lower critical solution temperature-type phase change of the polymers in water. Suitably designed charged homopolymers derived from ionic liquids formed spherical nanoparticles in water, and underwent a lower critical solution temperature-type phase change in water. The average radius of the homogeneously dispersed nanoparticles was easily controlled by the temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The discoloration/degradation of the artificial dye Rhodamine B (RhB) was investigated using advanced oxidation technologies. Aqueous solutions of RhB containing spinel copper ferrites (CuFe[sub 2]O[sub 4]) as a heterogeneous catalyst were exposed to UV irradiation/hydrogen peroxide. Under these experimental conditions the discoloration/degradation of RhB is strongly promoted by copper ferrites, reaching 95 % discoloration of the dye in 10 min and 97 % degradation in 200 min. The influence of the catalyst amount, H[sub 2]O[sub 2] concentration, light source, and UV light intensity were studied. Optimum concentrations of H[sub 2]O[sub 2] and catalyst dosage were found for the RhB degradation reaction. The catalyst had high magnetic sensitivity under an external magnetic field, which allowed its magnetic separation from water avoiding secondary pollution processes, and its recycling. A markedly synergetic effect of spinel copper ferrite and UV light irradiation was observed for the RhB discoloration/degradation with H[sub 2]O[sub 2] as a green oxidant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The unique structural and physicochemical properties of adamantane and its derivatives have attracted considerable attention in the field of medicinal chemistry. Substituting phenyl rings for adamantane or its derivatives has provided a promising strategy to introduce lipophilicity and escape the 'flat land' of modern drug discovery. Additionally, the unique three-dimensional structure of adamantane facilitates the precise positioning of substituents allowing for a more effective exploration of drug targets. Evidently, we have seen an increased use of adamantane in pharmaceutically relevant molecules. The following Account highlights our group's research in five drug discovery programs over the past 15 years showcasing the use of adamantane and its analogues in these studies. Adamantyl-containing compounds have proven to be effective ligands at a range of therapeutic targets. Its unique structural and physicochemical properties provide a promising strategy to increase lipophilicity and introduce three-dimensionality to a structure. The following Account highlights our group's research in five drug discovery programs showcasing the use of adamantane. (Image credit: Chianna Dane.) This article belongs to the 10th Anniversary Collection of RACI and AAS Award papers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the bimetallic metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) of FeNi-BDC and FeNi-BDC-NH2 (BDC, 1,4-benzenedicarboxylate) with similar Fe/Ni molar ratio, crystal structure, porosity and thermal stability were synthesized by a solvothermal method. The results of adsorption experiments at ambient conditions showed that the adsorptive uptake of NO, CO2, O2 and N2 on FeNi-BDC were all very small under different adsorption partial pressures, with FeNi-BDC displaying a weak adsorption property because of its lack of unsaturated adsorption sites. On the contrary, at 100 kPa, the adsorption of NO by FeNi-BDC-NH2 was considerably higher than that by FeNi-BDC, indicating that the incorporation of NH2 on the ligand could effectively enhance the adsorption of NO. The adsorption capacity of FeNi-BDC-NH2 for NO reached 142.17 cm3 g−1, which was considerably higher than its capacity for CO2, O2 and N2 under the same conditions. Ideal Adsorption Solution Theory simulations calculated the adsorption selectivity for NO/CO2 and NO/O2 under a mixed atmosphere to reach 1325 and 13,346 respectively, demonstrating high adsorption selectivity. Through in situ infrared experiments and calculations of the enthalpy of adsorption, it was demonstrated that FeNi-BDC-NH2 adsorbed NO because NO can combine with NH2 in the material to form a NONOate structure. A preliminarily exploration of the mechanism of NO adsorption and the influence of NH2 functional groups on the adsorption and separation of NO revealed that the selectivity of adsorption was closely related to the variability of the enthalpy of adsorption. This also provided a new strategy for the adsorption and separation of NO in the flue gas environment. The bimetallic metal–organic frameworks of FeNi-BDC and FeNi-BDC-NH2 (BDC, 1,4-benzenedicarboxylate) with similar Fe/Ni molar ratio, crystal structure, porosity and thermal stability were synthesized by a solvothermal method. FeNi-BDC-NH2 demonstrated superior NO adsorption performance and high adsorption selectivity, indicating that the introduction of NH2 on the ligand can improve the adsorption capacity and selectivity of the material for NO, which also provides a new strategy for adsorption and separation of NO in a flue gas environment. (Image credit: Li Hao.) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In addition to three known compounds (1 – 3), two new rearranged spongian diterpenes (4 and 5) with perhydroazulene and dioxabicyclooctane ring systems were isolated from the mantle and viscera of the Australian nudibranch G oniobranchus coi. The relative configuration of the major spiroepoxide 4 was explored by comparison with those of m -chloroperbenzoic acid oxidation products derived from dendrillolide A (1). Aldehydes 6 and 7 were identified as the ring-opened artefacts of the spiroepoxides 5 and 4 respectively, and yielded ketone 3 on storage. The relative configurations of lactols 8 and 9 , isolated as an inseparable mixture of diastereomers, were deduced by molecular modelling and computational studies. Acetylation of the lactol mixture provided dendrillolide A (1), further confirming the structural assignments of 8 and 9. Dissection of animal tissue established that the norditerpenoid metabolites were present in both mantle and viscera tissues. The nudibranch Goniobranchus coi sequesters and concentrates antifeedant oxygenated diterpenes into its mantle dermal formations to utilise as a chemical weapon when attacked by predators. Through chemical correlation, high-field NMR spectroscopy and molecular modelling new oxygenated metabolites were identified and elucidated. (Image credit: Louise C. Forster.) This article belongs to the collection 10th Anniversary Collection of RACI and AAS Award papers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to understand autoimmune phenomena contributing to the pathophysiology of COVID-19 and post-COVID syndrome, we have been profiling autoantigens (autoAgs) from various cell types. Although cells share numerous autoAgs, each cell type gives rise to unique COVID-altered autoAg candidates, which may explain the wide range of symptoms experienced by patients with autoimmune sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Based on the unifying property of affinity between autoAgs and the glycosaminoglycan dermatan sulfate (DS), this paper reports 140 candidate autoAgs identified from proteome extracts of human Jurkat T-cells, of which at least 105 (75%) are known targets of autoantibodies. Comparison with currently available multi-omic COVID-19 data shows that 125 (89%) DS-affinity proteins are altered at protein and/or RNA levels in SARS-CoV-2-infected cells or patients, with at least 94 being known autoAgs in a wide spectrum of autoimmune diseases and cancer. Protein alterations by ubiquitination and phosphorylation during the viral infection are major contributors of autoAgs. The autoAg protein network is significantly associated with cellular response to stress, apoptosis, RNA metabolism, mRNA processing and translation, protein folding and processing, chromosome organization, cell cycle, and muscle contraction. The autoAgs include clusters of histones, CCT/TriC chaperonin, DNA replication licensing factors, proteasome and ribosome proteins, heat shock proteins, serine/arginine-rich splicing factors, 14-3-3 proteins, and cytoskeletal proteins. AutoAgs, such as LCP1 and NACA, that are altered in the T cells of COVID patients may provide insight into T-cell responses to viral infection and merit further study. The autoantigen-ome from this study contributes to a comprehensive molecular map for investigating acute, subacute, and chronic autoimmune disorders caused by SARS-CoV-2. Based on the unique affinity between autoantigens (autoAgs) and dermatan sulfate (DS), this paper reports 140 candidate autoAgs identified from proteome extracts of Jurkat T-cells, with at least 105 (75%) being known targets of autoantibodies in various autoimmune diseases and cancer. Comparison with currently available multi-omic COVID-19 data shows that 125 (89%) DS-affinity proteins are altered in SARS-CoV-2-infected cells or patients. AutoAgs, such as LCP1 and NACA, that are altered in the T cells of COVID-19 patients may provide insight into T-cell responses during viral infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To understand how COVID-19 may induce autoimmune diseases, we have been compiling an atlas of COVID autoantigens (autoAgs). Using dermatan sulfate (DS) affinity enrichment of autoantigenic proteins extracted from HS-Sultan lymphoblasts, we identified 362 DS-affinity proteins, of which at least 201 (56%) are confirmed autoAgs. Comparison with available multi-omic COVID data shows that 315 (87%) of the 362 proteins are affected in SARS-CoV-2 infection via altered expression, interaction with viral components, or modification by phosphorylation or ubiquitination, at least 186 (59%) of which are known autoAgs. These proteins are associated with gene expression, mRNA processing, mRNA splicing, translation, protein folding, vesicles, and chromosome organization. Numerous nuclear autoAgs were identified, including both classical antinuclear antibodies (ANAs) and extractable nuclear antigens (ENAs) of systemic autoimmune diseases and unique autoAgs involved in the DNA replication fork, mitotic cell cycle, or telomerase maintenance. We also identified many uncommon autoAgs involved in nucleic acid and peptide biosynthesis and nucleocytoplasmic transport, such as aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases. In addition, this study found autoAgs that potentially interact with multiple SARS-CoV-2 Nsp and Orf components, including CCT/TriC chaperonin, insulin degrading enzyme, platelet-activating factor acetylhydrolase, and the ezrin-moesin-radixin family. Furthermore, B-cell-specific IgM-associated endoplasmic reticulum (ER) complex (including MBZ1, BiP, heat shock proteins, and protein disulfide-isomerases) is enriched by DS-affinity and up-regulated in B-cells of COVID-19 patients, and a similar IgH-associated ER complex was also identified in autoreactive pre-B1 cells in our previous study, which suggests a role of autoreactive B1 cells in COVID-19 that merits further investigation. In summary, this study demonstrates that virally infected cells are characterized by alterations of proteins with propensity to become autoAgs, thereby providing a possible explanation for infection-induced autoimmunity. The COVID autoantigen-ome provides a valuable molecular resource and map for investigation of COVID-related autoimmune sequelae and considerations for vaccine design. This paper investigates the autoantigenic proteome ('autoantigen-ome') of human B cells and shows that a large fraction of these DS-binding autoantigens is affected during SARS-CoV-2 infection, giving rise to a diverse pool of autoAgs that may lead to infection-induced autoimmune diseases. The COVID autoantigen-ome provided in this paper may serve as a molecular map and resource for investigating autoimmune phenomena of SARS-CoV-2 infection and its long-term sequelae. Understanding immunogenic proteins of COVID may also enhance vaccine target design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rare-earth perovskite oxides have become a research hotspot in the fields of environment and energy owing to their structural tunability, excellent redox properties, high stability and high catalytic activity. Researchers have designed and developed different rare-earth perovskite catalysts for tackling environmental pollutants in recent years. This review summarizes recent research progress on rare-earth perovskite catalysts in the catalytic oxidation and photocatalytic degradation of pollutants, gas sensing of volatile organic compounds and photocatalytic water splitting for hydrogen production and carbon dioxide reduction and conversion, and summarizes the mechanism of these reactions. It also discusses in detail the relationship between structural modification, synthesis process and the physical–chemical properties of the catalysts. Finally, the challenges with rare-earth chalcocite catalysts in the field of environment and energy are discussed. This paper reviews recent progress in rare-earth perovskite oxide materials, explores the effects of capacity factors, lattice defects, different metal active centers and perovskite modifications on crystal structure and applied properties, discusses the effects of synthesis processes (sol-gel, co-precipitation, microemulsion, hydrothermal, high-temperature) on their physical and chemical properties, and summarizes their applications in pollutant catalytic oxidation and photocatalytic degradation, VOCs gas sensing, and photocatalytic splitting of water for hydrogen production and carbon dioxide reduction and conversion. (Image credit: P. Li.) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) is an important coenzyme involved in various metabolic processes of living cells. As an important biomarker, NADH is associated with breast cancer and Alzheimer's disease. In this paper, silver plated gold core–shell nanoparticles containing Raman signal molecules were synthesised on the basis of bare gold. Using the Raman peak corresponding to the 4-mercaptobenzonitrile (MB) silent region C≡N vibration for quantification, while avoiding competition with the precious metal surface binding site to be measured, it can also be free from the interference of endogenous biomolecules. On the one hand, it can correct the working curve, on the other hand, it can avoid competing with the binding site. Compared with the core–shell structure prepared here, the limit of detection (LOD) for NADH was only 10−5 M for bare gold and the LOD for the core–shell structure prepared on the basis of bare gold was 3.3 × 10−7 M. In terms of correction, with Rhodamine 6G (R6G) as a Raman signalling molecule, the R 2 value before SERS detection and correction is only 0.9405, and the R 2 value after correction increases to 0.9853. The unique fingerprint peak of SERS was used to realise the quantitative detection of NADH, which realizes the detection of NADH in complex biological samples of serum and provides the possibility for expanding the early diagnosis of breast cancer. As an important biomarker, NADH is associated with breast cancer. In this paper, silver-plated gold core–shell nanoparticles containing Raman signalling molecules were synthesized. Based on SERS technology, the detection of NADH in complex biological samples of serum was achieved, offering the possibility to expand the early diagnosis of breast cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The foreword to this special issue of the Journal provides an overview of the papers that have been contributed by participants at the 2019 RACI Australian Conference on Physical Chemistry, which was held at the University of Western Australia from 11 to 14 February 2019. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research prepared a photochromic material of WO3 doped with Mo or Cu through a solvothermal method. The material exhibits selective absorption of UV light in the 200-350-nm range. The crystal structure of WO3 remained unchanged after doping, but the bandgap was reduced, thereby increasing its coloration rate. The doping of Mo or Cu brought different new features to WO3: Mo-doping imparted a purple hue upon UV irradiation, whereas Cu-doping accelerated the bleaching of WO3 due to its multi-valent state. WO3-0.1Mo and WO3-0.1Cu were preferentially selected through a practical photochromic process and bandgap calculations, and further used to prepare photochromic ink. This ink is suitable for the preparation of writing and photochromic rewriting paper and retains good photochromic properties even after 50 uses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Science Threshold Learning Outcomes (TLOs) are a consensus set of academic standards for Australian university Science education. They were developed by Prof. Brian Yates and Prof. Sue Jones, supported by Dr Jo-Anne Kelder, during 2010-2011. The co-authors of this paper are key figures in Australian Science education, and in this manuscript, we have used a reflective semi-structured interview approach to describe the process of developing the Science TLOs and consider their subsequent effect on tertiary science education in Australia. This manuscript documents Sue and Brian's impact on science curriculum through the lenses of leadership, community and practice. We have a twofold aim: first to draw lessons for harnessing consensus in scientific communities on the value and purpose of a tertiary science education, and second to celebrate the success of these influential and impactful leaders in our community. We demonstrate how work to develop the TLOs has transformed tertiary science education in Australia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Iridoids, an important active ingredient, are widely distributed in varieties of Chinese herbal medicines and have varieties of pharmacological activities, such as anti-tumor, hypoglycemic, anti-inflammatory and so on, most of which exist in the form of glycosides in nature. However, its clinical application is limited by poor lipid solubility, low bioavailability and short half-life. It is necessary to optimize the structure of iridoids. It is hard to modify the hydroxyl groups at specific sites because iridoid glycosides are polyhydroxy compounds and very complex. In this paper, the words of 'Iridoid glycosides' and 'Hydroxyl protection' were used as the keywords, more than 200 articles from 1965 to 2021 were obtained from databases, such as CNKI, PubMed, Scifinder and so on. Finally, 60 articles were selected to summarize the hydroxyl protection of iridoid glycosides, which will provide a theoretical basis for their structural modification and stimulate their application potential in the field of drug research and development. Iridoid glycosides are polyhydroxy compounds so it is challenging to modify the hydroxyl groups at their specific sites. In this paper, according to literature on hydroxyl protection and based on our practical research work on iridoid glycosides, the methods and applications of iridoid glycosides in hydroxyl protection were summarized and analyzed which laid a research foundation for the development of new iridoid glycosides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a new type of flooding technology, the application of nano-surfactant fluids in the petroleum industry has received much attention in recent years. Stability of the nanofluids, which requires the nanoparticles to remain dispersed in the base fluid during flowing in porous media, is vital for enhanced oil recovery (EOR). In this paper, the feasibility of using amphoteric surfactants to promote the dispersion stability of TiO2 nanoparticles in aqueous solution for EOR was investigated for the first time. The dispersion effects of four major classes of surfactants (cationic, anionic, non-ionic, and amphoteric) on TiO2 nanoparticles were compared. When the ultrasonication time was 10 min, the concentration of TiO2 nanoparticles and surfactant was 0.002 and 0.1 wt%, respectively, and the amphoteric surfactant disodium cocoamphodiacetate (CAD) had better dispersion stability for TiO2 nanoparticles compared with other surfactants. The Zeta potential of the CAD/TiO2 dispersion system was −47.53 mV, and the average particle size was 40 nm. Moreover, a nanofluid flooding system of CDEA-CAD/TiO2, with good dispersion stability and remarkable oil displacement performance, was constructed by compounding CAD with the non-ionic surfactant alkanolamide (CDEA). In the core flooding test, the CDEA-CAD/TiO2 nanofluid effectively enhanced oil recovery by 13.3%, which was mainly attributed to the outstanding wettability reversal, interfacial and emulsifying properties of the nanofluid. This study would help further supplement the research on the dispersibility of TiO2 nanoparticles and construct an efficient nanofluid flooding system to enhance oil recovery. This work mainly explored the feasibility of amphoteric surfactants to improve the dispersion stability of TiO2 nanofluids. A nanofluid flooding system based on amphoteric surfactants and TiO2 nanoparticles with stable dispersion and remarkable oil displacement performance was constructed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article is a brief review of the history of printing, centred around the life and inventions of Johannes Gutenberg, who is widely regarded as the father of printing. Starting with what we know of the earliest developments in printing in China, the article will present the little knowledge we have about Gutenberg's life and a summary of his contribution to the invention and development of the printing press and its associated technologies. This will be illuminated by an examination of how his most famous publication, the 42-line Gutenberg Bible, came to be created. Gutenberg's improvements to the chemistry of metal type and printing ink are outlined. The crucial importance of printing on the development of European society in the critical periods of the Reformation and the Renaissance and in the development and culture of science is obvious, but the lasting impact of the language of printing in today's world is surprising. Johannes Gutenberg is widely regarded as the father of printing through his contribution to the invention and development of the printing press and associated technologies such as the chemistry of metal type and printing ink. His work has had a major impact on the development and culture of science and on the language of printing in today's world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes a fluorometric assay for the determination of carbendazim (CBZ) in aqueous samples based on an unmodified CBZ-specific aptamer and the fluorescent intercalator SYBR Green I (SG-I). The CBZ aptamer has double-stranded parts and G-quadruplex spatial structures, which can be recognized by SG-I. It leads to strong fluorescent emission of SG-I. In the presence of CBZ, the aptamer will bind to CBZ to form stable compounds due to its specific affinity. This will induce the conformational change of the aptamer. SG-I will then detach from the aptamer, leading to the decrease of its fluorescence. Therefore, the concentration of CBZ is determined through the changes in fluorescence of the system. This fluorometric biosensor for CBZ detection is constructed with a linear range from 3.58 to 230 nM with a limit of detection (LOD) of 3.58 nM. With great sensitivity and selectivity, this assay is efficient and convenient with a < 40 min operation time. Meanwhile, the average recovery of CBZ is 99.87–101.77% in the application of actual water samples with relative standard deviations (RSD) ranging from 1.97 to 2.63%. This paper proposes a fluorescent aptasensor for detecting carbendazim (CBZ) based on the interaction among CBZ, CBZ-aptamer and Synergy Brands, SYBR Green I (SG-I). The results show the aptasensor has a linear range from 3.58 to 230 nM and a good limit of detection (LOD) of 3.58 nM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper illustrates the establishment of a colourimetric method for detection of the fungicide tebuconazole (TEB) in aqueous samples based on an unmodified TEB-specific aptamer and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). In the absence of TEB, the AuNPs are coated with a TEB-specific aptamer and then stably dispersed a NaCl solution of high concentration, leading to a red solution and producing a maximum UV absorption peak at 520 nm. In the presence of TEB, due to the specific high affinity between TEB and the TEB-specific aptamer, the aptamer combines with TEB to form stable compounds, causing the AuNPs to be exposed in the solution and aggregate. The aggregated AuNPs turn the solution from red to blue, presenting a maximum UV absorption peak at 650 nm. Therefore, the concentration of TEB in the system can be quantitatively detected through the changes in absorbance. This TEB selective colourimetric biosensor detects TEB over a linear concentration range of 20 to 400 nM (R = 0.99385) and has a limit of detection (LOD) of 4.13 nM. The average recovery of TEB is 94.9–104.8 % in the application of actual water samples with the relative standard deviations (RSD) ranging from 1.01 to 5.34 %. With considerable sensitivity and selectivity, this aptasensor indicates great potential for TEB detection in aqueous samples. This paper proposes a colourimetric aptasensor for detecting tebuconazole (TEB) based on the interaction between TEB, a TEB-specific aptamer, and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). The results show that the aptasensor has a linear TEB concentration range from 20–400 nM and a good limit of detection (LOD) of 4.13 nM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quipazine, first identified in the 1960s, has been the topic of >1000 published papers. On the basis of available 5-HT2 serotonin receptor radioligand binding data and various preclinical studies, it might be thought that quipazine bears the hallmarks of a classical hallucinogen or psychedelic agent - agents currently being examined for their potential use in treating certain neuropsychiatric disorders. Nevertheless, by definition, such agents require the availability of human data, which, in the case of quipazine, are lacking. Because quipazine is also a 5-HT3 receptor agonist, future human studies with this agent might prove problematic because 5-HT3 agonists are known to produce emesis. Nevertheless, continued investigation of novel quipazine analogs with modified pharmacological profiles might prove worthwhile. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The detection of protein biomarkers is crucial for early disease diagnosis. However, these biomarkers are present at low levels in serum, and the detection signal is easily interfered with by high levels of proteins. These factors pose major challenges for direct biomarker detection by existing technologies; thus, sample pre-treatments are performed as the best solution. Molecularly imprinted polymers have excellent properties of good binding ability, high selectivity and low cost, making this technique one of the best for serum pre-treatment. This review discusses the recent research status and development of bulk and surface imprinting techniques for high-abundance proteins. Furthermore, this paper emphasizes the research overview and progress of substrate and template selection, template immobilization technology and strategies to control the thickness of imprinted polymers when using the surface imprinting technique. Finally, the main challenges of molecular imprinting technique (MIT) application for high-abundance proteins and the future direction of this field are highlighted. The overview and progress of the selection of substrate and template, immobilization methods and thickness controlling strategy in surface imprinting is emphasized. Furthermore, immobilization methods such as ligand, metal ion, covalent interaction and physical adsorption are introduced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The 9th Heron Island Conference, organised by Curt Wentrup and Craig Williams, was held at the Heron Island Resort, Great Barrier Reef, 26 June-2 July 2022. HFIP-assisted Brønsted acid catalyzed synthesis of furan derivatives. The mechanism was elucidated by density functional theory calculations using a solvent continuum model. SP [ sp [6] SP ] sp Thanh Vinh Nguyen and Bonnie Pu (The University of New South Wales) contribute a research paper on HFIP-assisted Brønsted acid catalysed synthesis of furan derivatives. SP [ sp [7] SP ] sp Although numerous methods of synthesis of furans have been reported, most of them use transition metal or Brønsted acid catalysts under harsh reaction conditions. [Extracted from the article]

Point-of-care testing (POCT) technology allows scientists to monitor and diagnose diseases at the patient site, much faster than classical lab-based methods. Herein, a rapid, simple, and sensitive 3D printed microfluidic device integrated with smartphone-based on-chip detection is described for POCT quantification of urinary uric acid. The device includes two circular inputs each connected to a microliter-scale chamber, separated by an integrated porous membrane, located between the sample and reagent chambers. The microfluidic device was fabricated from a transparent photopolymer using a 3D printer, in a single run. The concentration of uric acid was determined based on a chromogenic reaction in which ferrous ion, produced via the reduction of ferric ion by the analyte, complexed with 1,10-phenanthroline, and the color was recorded by a smartphone. Response surface methodology including a central composed design was utilized to evaluate the experimental parameters and subsequent introduction of a multivariate model to describe the experimental conditions. Under the optimum conditions, the calibration curve was linear over the concentration range of 30–600 mg L−1. The limit of detection was determined to be 10.5 mg L−1. The microfluidic device was successfully utilized for the recovery and quantification of uric acid in the urine, with recoveries ranging from 91.7 to 99.7%. A microfluidic device was 3D printed for the determination of uric acid levels in urine. The device was coupled with a smartphone-based colorimetric method. Response surface methodology including central composed design was used to optimize experimental variables. This device shows promise for the evaluation of renal and kidney function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A fluorescent imidazophenazine-based derivative (S) has been successfully synthesised, and can be used as a chemsensor for relay recognition of CN– in DMSO/H2O (7 : 3, v/v) solution, which exhibited external stimuli-responsiveness. The sensor immediately responded with obvious colour changes (from red to purple) and fluorescent quenching when CN– was added to the S solution. Its detection limit for CN– is 2.16 × 10−7 M. In addition, NMR spectroscopy and density function theory calculations were also used to confirm the recognition mechanism. In particular, the fluorescence responding circle could be repeated three times by the sequential addition of CN– and CH3COO– or CN– and HSO4–. Moreover, a CN– detection test paper was prepared using S , providing a convenient method for CN– identification. A stimuli responsive chemosensor S based on imidazophenazine was synthesised. It displayed colourimetric–fluorescence dual channel detection properties for CN– based on an obvious change of colour and fluorescence. The fluorescence responding cycle could be repeated three times by the sequential addition of CN– and CH3COO– or CN– and HSO4–. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes a colorimetric aptasensor for the detection of testosterone (TES) in environmental water, using TES-specific aptamer (apT5) as a sensing probe, gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) as indicator, and hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) as inducer, respectively. Based on competition between TES and CTAB for apT5, the aptamer can form an aptamer–TES complex, leaving CTAB free to aggregate AuNPs in the presence of TES. Dispersed and aggregated AuNPs have different absorption wavelengths and the signal of absorption intensity is associated with the concentration of TES, so TES can be detected quantitatively based on the signal absorption intensity. This sensitive aptasensor for TES detection has a wide linear range (R = 0.998) from 1.91–800 nM and a limit of detection (LOD) of 1.91 nM. In addition, this aptasensor has high selectivity over some interferents. The method detects TES in tap water samples with recoveries in the range of 98.9–102.6 % (RSD ≤ 7.35 %). This biosensor presents a good and potential application to rapidly detect TES in actual environmental water samples. This paper proposes a colorimetric aptasensor for detecting testosterone (TES) based on competition between TES and CTAB for apT5. The results show the aptasensor has a wide linear range from 1.91–800 nM and a good limit of detection of 1.91 nM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The unsubstituted bis-hydrotris(1-pyrazolyl)borate) (Tp) ligand framework has been used to synthesise a range of heteroleptic Ln(III) coordination complexes [Ln(Tp)2(X)]. The precursor complexes [Ln(Tp)2(OTf)] 1-Ln (Ln = Y, Eu, Gd, Yb; OTf = triflate) were synthesised by reaction of Ln(OTf)3 with two equivalents of K(Tp). The 8-coordinate β-diketonate complexes [Ln(Tp)2(hfac)] 2-Ln (Ln = Y, Eu, Yb; hfac = hexafluoroacetylacetonate) were synthesised from Ln(OTf)3 by reacting 1-Ln generated in situ with an equivalent of K(hfac). The 7-coordinate amide complexes [Ln(Tp)2(N″)] 3-Ln (Ln = Y, Yb; N″ = bis(trimethylsilyl)amide) were synthesised from 1-Ln by reaction with K(N″). Reactivity of 3-Ln towards protonolysis was demonstrated by the isolation of the hydroxide dimer [{Y(Tp)2(μ -OH)}2] 4-Y from adventitious reaction with water and the aryloxide complex [Ln(Tp)2(OAr)] 5-Ln (Ln = Y, Yb; OAr = 2,6- t Bu2-4-Me-phenoxide) from reaction with H(OAr). Full characterisation data are presented for all complexes, including solid-state molecular structure determination by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Scorpionate nitrogen-donor trispyrazolylborate (Tp) ligands are well-known in transition metal chemistry. However, in lanthanide chemistry the literature is dominated by substituted analogues of Tp and the chemistry of the unsubstituted Tp ligand has remained largely unexplored. We discovered as part of a different research project that the [Ln(Tp)2]+ unit is both highly reactive and capable of supporting a variety of co-ligands. This paper builds on this discovery to present rational synthetic routes to a series of heteroleptic lanthanide complexes, [Ln(Tp)2(X)]. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The traditional Gaussian basis sets used in modern quantum chemistry lack an electron-nuclear cusp, and hence struggle to accurately describe core electron properties. A recently introduced novel type of basis set, mixed ramp-Gaussians, introduce a new primitive function called a ramp function which addresses this issue. This paper introduces three new mixed ramp-Gaussian basis sets - STO-R, STO-RG and STO-R2G, made from a linear combination of ramp and Gaussian primitive functions - which are derived from the single-core-zeta Slater basis sets for the elements Li to Ne. This derivation is done in an analogous fashion to the famous STO- n G basis sets. The STO-RG basis functions are found to outperform the STO-3G basis functions and STO-R2G outperforms STO-6G, both in terms of wavefunction fit and other key quantities such as the one-electron energy and the electron-nuclear cusp. The second part of this paper performs preliminary investigations into how standard all-Gaussian basis sets can be converted to ramp-Gaussian basis sets through modifying the core basis functions. Using a test case of the 6-31G basis set for carbon, we determined that the second Gaussian primitive is less important when fitting a ramp-Gaussian core basis function directly to an all-Gaussian core basis function than when fitting to a Slater basis function. Further, we identified the basis sets that are single-core-zeta and thus should be most straightforward to convert to mixed ramp-Gaussian basis sets in the future. This article presents three novel mixed ramp-Gaussian basis sets – STO-R, STO-RG and STO-R2G – derived from the single zeta Slater basis set, with the aim of more accurately describing the core region. It is found that STO-RnG gives superior results to STO-(n +3)G. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, oil-in-water-in-oil (O/W/O) double Pickering emulsions were prepared by purified and modified attapulgite (ATP), and modified nano-Fe3O4 as stable particles. By using the Pickering emulsion as a template and using methyl methacrylate (MMA), butyl methacrylate ester (BMA) and styrene (St) as monomers, ATP/P(MMA-BMA-St)/Fe3O4 composite porous resins were then prepared. The oil absorption performance of the composites was investigated. The results showed that the composite materials prepared by the double Pickering emulsion template method exhibited a three-dimensional (3D) porous structure. When using the optimal conditions (m MMA: m BMA = 3:2, m (MMA+BMA): m St = 1:2, initiator = 5.33%, crosslinking agent = 20%, modified attapulgite = 0.33% and oil phase/water phase = 1:4), the prepared porous material had the best oil absorption performance, resulting in a diesel oil absorption rate and oil retention rate of 897.29 and 84.76% respectively. This study provides a simple, economic and environmentally friendly method for the preparation of inorganic–organic composite porous materials, which has great application potential in the field of oil treatment. Oil-in-water-in-oil (O/W/O) double Pickering emulsions were prepared using purified and modified attapulgite (ATP) and modified nano-Fe3O4 as stable particles and then used as templates to form ATP/P(MMA-BMA-St)/Fe3O4 composite porous resins. The experiment provides a simple, economic and environmentally friendly method for the preparation of inorganic–organic composite porous materials, which are expected to have great application potential in the field of oil treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The utility of dendrimers as effective carriers for targeted drug delivery and imaging has been facilitated by a high degree of molecular uniformity, narrow molecular weight distribution, tunable size and shape characteristics, and multivalency. Dendrimer–quantum dot (QD) nanocomposites have traditionally been synthesised by electrostatic self-assembly of preformed dendrimers and QDs, but higher generations are associated with limited flexibility and increased cytotoxicity. In this paper, we report the fabrication of CdTe QD nanoparticles using a dendronised linear copolymer bearing thiolated fourth-generation poly(amido amine) (PAMAM) dendrons as the capping and stabilising agent. We demonstrate this approach enables synthesis of nanocomposites with aqueous and photophysical stability. This paper describes the synthesis of green and yellow CdTe QD–dendronised polymer nanocomposites in situ using a partially thiolated dendronised polymer as capping agent and stabiliser. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fruit flies are a widely distributed pest insect that pose a significant threat to food security. Flight is essential for the dispersal of the adult flies to find new food sources and ideal breeding spots. The supply of metabolic fuel to power the flight muscles of insects is regulated by adipokinetic hormones (AKHs). The fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster , has the same AKH that is present in the blowfly, Phormia terraenovae ; this AKH has the code-name Phote-HrTH. Binding of the AKH to the extra-cellular binding site of a G protein-coupled receptor causes its activation. In this paper, the structure of Phote-HrTH in sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) micelle solution was determined using NMR restrained molecular dynamics. The peptide was found to bind to the micelle and be fairly rigid, with an S 2 order parameter of 0.96. The translated protein sequence of the AKH receptor from the fruit fly, D. melanogaster , Drome-AKHR, was used to construct two models of the receptor. It is proposed that these two models represent the active and inactive state of the receptor. The model based on the crystal structure of the β-2 adrenergic receptor was found to bind Phote-HrTH with a binding constant of −102 kJ mol−1, while the other model, based on the crystal structure of rhodopsin, did not bind the peptide. Under molecular dynamic simulation, in a palmitoyloleoylphosphatidylcholine (POPC) membrane, the receptor complex changed from an inactive to an active state. The identification and characterisation of the ligand binding site of Drome-AKHR provide novel information of ligand–receptor interaction, which could lead to the development of species-specific control substances to use discriminately against the fruit fly. The supply of fuel for flight of the fruit fly pest is regulated by the adipokinetic hormone (AKH), Phote-HrTH. Thus, its receptor is a suitable target for the development of eco-friendly pesticides. In this paper we report the solution structure of the hormone and receptor. Docking and identification of the ligand binding site is reported. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This is the first paper in a sequential pair devoted to the enzyme mutarotase (aldose 1-epimerase; EC 5.1.3.3). Here, the broader context of the physiological role of mutarotase, among those enzymes considered to be part of 'metabolic structure', is reviewed. We also summarise the current knowledge about the molecular mechanism and substrate specificity of the enzyme, which is considered in the context of the binding of fluorinated glucose analogues to the enzyme's active site. This was done as a prelude to our experimental studies of the anomerisation of fluorinated sugars by mutarotase that are described in the following paper. Mutarotase (aldose 1-epimerase; EC 5.1.3.3) catalyses the rapid exchange between the α- and β-anomers of d-glucose and some other monosaccharides. We summarise current knowledge of its involvement in metabolism, and its molecular mechanism. Its substrate specificity is considered in relation to fluorinated glucose analogues reported on in the following paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Controlled particle size synthesis of functionalised siloxane particles using a one-pot method. It is a pleasure to present this year's special issue featuring the recipients of awards and medals issued by the Australian Academy of Science and the Royal Australian Chemical Institute. Highly monodisperse, size-controlled silica particles from 50 nm to over 1000 nm bearing thiol, vinyl, phenyl, propyl, cyanopropyl and chloropropyl substituents were synthesised from the corresponding single organosilane source. [Extracted from the article]

Lightweight metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) with large volume storage capabilities are highly sought after as solid adsorbents in gas storage applications. This is particularly important for hydrogen gas adsorbents and can be explored through constructing MOFs from magnesium, which is a light metal and can readily form lightweight frameworks. Recently, the use of bulky, 3D aliphatic linkers in MOF synthesis has resulted in materials with higher gas adsorption enthalpies at lower pressures. Here, we employ both aliphatic linkers and magnesium clusters to produce lightweight, aliphatic frameworks with potential use for gas adsorption applications. Two magnesium MOFs were synthesised, 3DL-MOF-2 and 3DL-MOF-3 (3DL = 3DLinker), and structurally investigated using single crystal X-ray diffraction. While these MOFs do not have any accessible void spaces and therefore cannot be used for gas adsorption, they create a platform for future magnesium aliphatic MOF research to form open frameworks. This paper presents a structural investigation into two magnesium MOFs consisting of aliphatic linkers. These MOFs act as a platform for future investigations into lightweight MOF systems which have capabilities to capture and store gas molecules at low pressures, for potential incorporation into tanks for fuel cell vehicles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several radiometals are of interest in the development of new α-emitting radiopharmaceuticals. This review highlights the role of coordination chemistry in the design of 225Ac, 212/213Bi, 212Pb, 149Tb, 227Th, and 223/224Ra radiopharmaceuticals to treat cancer. Several chelators have recently been developed that are addressing the specific requirements of each radiometal to provide outstanding radiolabelling and in vivo properties. These advances are supporting the momentum that is building around radiopharmaceuticals for targeted α therapy. This paper is a review of the coordination chemistry of radiometals for targeted α therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), a part of the natural defence against pathogens, have been considered as alternative antibiotics to combat the increase of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Given the advanced development of fluorescent probes, extensive research has been focussed on understanding the physiological processes of the interaction between AMPs and bacteria. To better guide the choice of suitable fluorescent reporters for the mechanism study of AMPs, in this review, we summarise a toolbox of commonly used fluorescent reporters for AMP studies, including intrinsic fluorescent reporters, conventional fluorophores, and recently developed aggregation-induced emission (AIE) fluorogens. This paper is a brief guide of commonly available fluorescent labelling methodologies to study the mechanisms of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This introduction sets the papers collected for this special edition (that arose from the 2011 Lord Howe Island conference on Global Artificial Photosynthesis) in the context of the scientific and governance challenges for a Global Solar Fuels project. This special edition represents the first dedicated to such a theme and its significance is highlighted by the fact that 2012 is the United Nations' Year of Sustainable Energy for All. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, density functional theory (DFT) at the GGA/RPBE level was employed to examine the effects of the kerogen microstructure on the formation mechanism of methane during the pyrolysis of kerogen. The calculations prove that the evolution of CH4 during kerogen pyrolysis corresponds to demethylation, and the process of forming methane involves the interaction of intramolecular hydrogen atom transfer and assistant hydrogen atom transfer. In all reaction paths, the energy barrier of path 5 is the smallest at 260.56 kJ mol−1. The energy barrier of path 6 is the largest at 554.36 kJ mol−1. The results indicate that CO is favourable for demethylation, and CO2 is not conducive to demethylation. Path 1 is the formation of methane by the transfer of assistant hydrogen atoms, and the required energy barrier is 379.45 kJ mol−1. The side chain structure of the aromatic hydrocarbon structure is liable to demethylation to form methane. A comparison of the reaction energy barriers follows the order: path 1 < path 15 < path 14 < path 10, which indicates the that difference in the demethylation reaction is based on the microstructure. In the same reaction process, the benzene ring and the aliphatic hydrocarbon structure are more susceptible to demethylation to form methane. In the heterocyclic bicyclic structures containing O and S, a comparison of the reaction energy barriers follows the order: path 11 ≈ path 12 < path 13, so paths 11 and 12 are close, but path 13 is more difficult to occur, indicating that it is more difficult to demethylate with heteroatoms in the same ring. From a thermodynamic point of view, in the process of assisting the formation of methane by hydrogen atoms, the demethylation reaction is mainly an endothermic reaction. During the transfer of intramolecular hydrogen atoms, the demethylation reaction is mainly an exothermic reaction, and most reactions are spontaneous. In this paper, the effect of the microscopic molecular structure of kerogen on CH4 in pyrolysis products was studied by density functional theory. A reaction pathway was designed for each compound. A comparison of reaction energy barriers was performed to determine the influence of different molecular structures on the formation of CH4. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accurate prediction of the separation conditions for a set of target analytes with no retention data available is fundamental for routine analytical assays but remains a very challenging task. In this paper, a quality by design (QbD) optimisation workflow capable of discovering the optimal chromatographic conditions for separation of new compounds in hydrophilic-interaction liquid chromatography (HILIC) is introduced. This workflow features the application of quantitative structure-retention relationship (QSRR) methodology in conjunction with design of experiments (DoE) principles and was used to carry out a two-level full factorial DoE optimisation for a mixture of pharmaceutical analytes on zwitterionic, amide, amine, and bare silica HILIC stationary phases, with mobile phases containing varying acetonitrile content, mobile phase pH, and salt concentration. A dual-filtering approach that considers both retention time (tR) and structural similarity was used to identify the optimal set of analytes to train the QSRR in order to maximise prediction accuracy. Highly predictive retention models (average R2 of 0.98) were obtained and statistical analysis of the prediction performance of the QSRR models demonstrated their ability to predict the retention times of new compounds based solely on their molecular structures, with root-mean-square errors of prediction in the range 7.6-11.0 %. Further, the obtained retention data for pharmaceutical test compounds were used to compute their separation selectivity, which was used as input into a DoE optimiser in order to select the optimal separation conditions. Experimental separations performed under the chosen optimal working conditions showed good agreement with the theoretical predictions. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study of a QbD optimisation workflow assisted with dual-filtering-based retention modelling to facilitate the method development process in HILIC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, diamine monomers with ether bonds in the main chain are selected for molecular structure design, and four polyamide-imide (PAI) materials are prepared by the acyl chloride method. A diamine monomer containing an ether group can reduce the friction coefficient and improve the wear performance of PAI material. The wear mechanism of PAI material can also change due to ether linkages. PAI synthesized using m -phenylenediamine without an ether bond has the highest friction coefficient and abrasion loss, and the wear mechanism is mainly adhesive wear. With the increase of the number of ether bonds in the diamine monomer structure, the friction coefficient of the material decreases from 0.5445 to 0.4216 (22.57 %). The abrasion loss of the PAI material synthesized using 4,4′-diaminodiphenyl ether is the smallest, which is 84.4 % lower than m -phenylenediamine. The wear mechanism is abrasive wear and slight adhesion wear. With the increase of the number of ether bonds, the heat r esistance of PAI decreases slightly, while the hydrophobic property increases and the water absorption decreases. To summarise, PAI material synthesized using 4,4′-diaminodiphenyl ether has a low friction coefficient, the best wear resistance, the highest tensile strength and elongation at break, and the best comprehensive properties of the materials reported here. A diamine monomer containing an ether group can reduce the friction coefficient and improve the wear performance of PAI material, and the wear mechanism of the PAI material can also change due to ether linkages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we developed a simply designed detection method for logic gates by using aptamers, cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide, together with melamine and cyromazine to control the aggregation and dispersion of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). First, either melamine or cyromazine can induce the aggregation of AuNPs, supporting an OR gate to detect whether they were present or not. Second, based on the fact that aptamer T31 can specifically bind with melamine, preventing the aggregation of AuNPs, an improved INHIBIT gate was also fabricated to find whether there was melamine. It has a detection limit of 0.12 ppm by the naked eye for the detection of melamine, and the limit of detection (LOD) by spectrophotometer is 2.2 ppb. Third, with the adsorption of aptamer Tcy1 on AuNPs and the strong coordination of Tcy1 with cyromazine, the addition of cyromazine and CTAB immediately resulted in the aggregation of AuNPs, giving rise to an AND gate. This gate has a detection limit of 0.17 ppm by the naked eye and the limit of detection (LOD) is 9.0 ppb by spectrophotometer. The system provided a good platform for the development of functional logic systems. Three logic gates (OR, INHIBIT, and AND logic gates) were fabricated for the simultaneous detection of cyromazine and melamine by using the aptamer-facilitated design of AuNPs. With the INHIBIT gate, we could determine the presence of melamine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although cannabis has been used for several thousand years, the exact composition of the cannabinoids patients are administered for different symptoms has remained largely unknown. While this absence of catalogued information may be accepted in some cultures, the use of cannabis as a human product in the registered medicines setting requires knowing its composition so that doses can be standardised between patients. This is particularly so in clinical trials that are currently under way to determine the efficacy of a product. Although the major cannabinoids of interest to prescribers are well known – tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol and the corresponding acids tetrahydrocannabinolic acid and cannabidiolic acid, the cannabis plant contains many more phytocannabinoids. We have developed and validated a robust and fast (11 min) isocratic HPLC method for the analysis of 17 phytocannabinoids. The method had an analytical range of 1–150 μg mL−1 for tetrahydrocannabinolic acid and cannabidiolic acid, 0.5–75 μg mL−1 for tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol, and 0.5–20 μg mL−1 for the remaining 13 cannabinoids. The method had excellent repeatability with a relative standard deviation of between 5 and 14 % and a bias of between –8.6 and 6 % for the 17 cannabinoids. The method was applied to the analysis of medicinal cannabis products, including both flos and oils with results matching the supplier's certificate of analysis. This simple fast isocratic method with basic HPLC equipment can be easily transferred to any analytical laboratory interested in the identification and quantitation of cannabinoids. This paper describes the optimal separation of 17 cannabinoids using an isocratic HPLC-UV method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since the first detection of synthetic cannabinomimetics in herbal smoking blends in 2008 the clandestine production of these compounds, based on seizure data, increased in number every year until ~2012. In recent years there has been a decline in synthetic cannabinomimetic production both in number and diversity. The synthetic details of the first generation cannabinoids were documented in the scientific and medical literature making production comparatively simple. Subsequent generations of synthetic cannabinoids involved more complex but still very practicable synthetic chemistry. This resulted in a period of rapid growth in synthetic cannabinoids creating a health crisis and problems for forensic chemists faced with many substances for which no certified reference materials existed. Routine forensic chemistry laboratories were well practiced at identifying known drugs using chromatographic–mass spectrometric techniques and comparison to reference materials. However as synthetic cannabinomimetics, often referred to in the literature as synthetic cannabinoids, appeared in large numbers, few laboratories were equipped with the nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectrometers and high resolution mass spectrometers (HRMS) required for identification of unknown substances. These developments also challenged public prosecutors for opinions from forensic experts as to the legality or otherwise of these novel drugs. The emergence of synthetic cannabinoids during the last decade has created problems for the forensic chemist tasked with identification. This paper gives a brief history of the synthetic cannabinoids and discusses the analytical and legal challenges faced by the forensic community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A foreword to "Australian Journal of Chemistry" is presented.

Poly(vinylidene fluoride-chlorotrifluoroethylene) (P(VDF-CTFE)) membranes were prepared by drop-casting with tetrahydrofuran (THF), and were then radiated by a low dose of gamma radiation without any other reagents. The apparent colour of the freshly prepared film was a semi-transparent white, which gradually darkened and finally turned black after 10.2 kGy gamma radiation. Meanwhile, the yield and breaking strength of the membrane both improved. X-Ray diffraction (XRD) spectra showed that the structure of the microcrystal of the irradiated P(VDF-CTFE)-THF membrane was not changed. FT-IR analysis showed that the structure of the newly formed double bonds was dominated by –CF2–CF=CH–CF2–, which was formed by both dehydrofluorination and dehydrochlorination. This structure was further confirmed by 1H NMR spectra. The intermediates, such a radical-containing double bonds (–(CF=CH) n –C•F–) formed in this process were traced by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. The thermal and mechanical properties were studied by gel permeation chromatography (GPC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), stress–strain and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), and all the changes of microstructure and optimization of apparent properties were not found in the corresponding membrane prepared by a solution-cast method with ethyl acetate (EtOAc). Therefore, this paper briefly analyses the probable mechanism of using low dose of gamma radiation to improve the mechanical properties of the P(VDF-CTFE) film prepared with THF. Fluoropolymer P(VDF-CTFE) membranes prepared by solution casting with tetrahydrofuran (THF) were radiated by a low gamma radiation dose without any other reagents, which introduced C=C bonds into the polymeric chains and resulted in a change of membrane colour and mechanical properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This special issue of the Journal presents papers authored by RACI award winners from 2017 to 2019. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multi-responsive materials have received extensive interest in many areas due to their smart characteristics. This paper presents rationally designed multi-responsive spherical polyelectolyte brushes composed of a solid polystyrene (PS) core and a poly (2-(dimethylamino) ethyl methacrylate) (PDMAEMA) shell synthesized by photoemulsion polymerization. Based on dynamic light scattering, Zeta potential, turbidity measurements, isothermal titration calorimetry, and UV-vis spectroscopy, PS-PDMAEMA works as a good potential adsorbent for bovine serum albumin (BSA) for which the maximum adsorption capability could reach up to 5190 mg g−1. Moreover, the immobilization and release of protein on the polymer brush could be adjusted with different triggers, including the pH, ionic strength, and temperature. Furthermore, the green gas triggers, CO2 and N2, could be employed in the BSA@ PS-PDMAEMA system by easily bubbling over many cycles without any salt accumulation. The main reason for the observed actions is the brushes could be switched alternately between extended and collapsed states with different stimulations. Upon comparing the circular dichroism spectra of original and released BSA after many cycles of adsorption and release, it's clear that the protein can retain its initial biological activity after release from the PS-PDMAEMA. This work provides an effective and green way to immobilize and release proteins in biotechnology. Multi-responsive spherical polyelectrolyte brushes were adopted as a good absorbent for protein due to the Donna effect and electrostatic interactions. The adsorption and release process could be triggered by pH, ionic strength, temperature, or CO2/N2. For a gas trigger, salt accumulation was avoided even after many cycles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rich customary knowledge possessed by Indigenous people from around the world has provided intellectually stimulating academic research opportunities and has been a successful avenue for healthcare and drug discovery as well as commercial native foods, flavours, fragrances, nutraceuticals, cosmetics, and agricultural products. When conducted with benefit sharing and reciprocity as core agenda, such research can provide community capability strengthening and immense rewards for both the Indigenous people and the academic research team involved, as well as benefiting potentially many others. This account shares my experiences as a natural products and medicinal chemistry academic, of working with Australian Aboriginal Elders, most notably from Yaegl Country of northern New South Wales, on investigating their bush medicines. Together we have facilitated the recognition and preservation of Yaegl Country customary knowledge and through initiation of a science leadership program, the National Indigenous Science Education Program, we have promoted educational attainment and STEM engagement in Australian Aboriginal youth. While this account is authored as my own personal statement of the Macquarie–Yaegl partnership, I am indebted to the Yaegl Aboriginal Elders and other Australian Aboriginal people I have worked with, and my university, school and community collaborators, my research team and student volunteers, who have all enabled the outcomes described in this account to be realised, and have made the experience so rewarding. I am also thankful to the Royal Australian Chemical Institute for the recognition of the value of this work through the award of a 2019 Royal Australian Chemical Institute Citation. This paper provides a personal account of the Macquarie–Yaegl partnership, which commenced as a bush medicines research project and has been the catalyst for positive cultural change and educational outcomes that have benefited Australian Aboriginal people. This account showcases how as chemists we can collaborate with Indigenous communities in a manner that provides fulfilling research and societal benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]