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Bolaamphiphile-class surfactants composed of two hydrophilic (maltoside) headgroups connected by long saturated alkyl chains were tested for their ability to stabilize a solubilized membrane protein, Escherichia co/i diacylglycerol kinase (DAGK), and to sustain its native function. Members of this "Bis-MALT-C18-28" series were poor solubilizers of DAGK in the absence of conventional detergent. However, mixed micelles of the bolaamphiphiles with either dodecylphosphocholine or -n-decyl maltoside were more effective and enhanced DAGK's thermal stability relative to corresponding detergent-only conditions. Moreover, certain bolaamphiphiles were seen to be lipid-like by providing partial activation of DAGK's catalytic activity. Finally, addition of bolaamphiphiles to miceilar NMR samples of DAGK did not result in a degradation of spectral quality, indicating their compatibility with high-resolution structural studies. To the best of our knowledge, this work represents the first documentation of the potential of bolaamphiphile-class surfactants for use in biochemical and biophysical studies of MPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zinc-ion batteries are promising power sources, but their practical application is impeded by the Zn dendrite growth and side reactions at the electrode/electrolyte interface. Here, we report that such issues can be effectively addressed by a self-healable hydrogel electrolyte. The electrolyte is comprised of carboxyl-modified poly(vinyl alcohol) cross-linked by COO-Fe bonding in the presence of Zn(NO 3 ) 2 and MnSO 4 . A quasi-solid-state Zn-MnO 2 battery using the electrolyte delivers a specific capacity up to 177 mAh g -1 after 1000 cycles with a retention rate of 83%, which is much better than its equivalent using an aqueous electrolyte. The improvement is attributed to efficient suppression of the dendrite growth and side reactions at the electrode/electrolyte by the hydrogel electrolyte. More importantly, the battery autonomously recovery its energy-storage functions even after multiple physical damages, showing excellent robustness and reliability. The present investigation provides an effective strategy to address the energy-storage performance and reliability of a light-metal battery system.

Bolaamphiphile-class surfactants composed of two hydrophilic (maltoside) headgroups connected by long saturated alkyl chains were tested for their ability to stabilize a solubilized membrane protein, Escherichia coli diacylglycerol kinase (DAGK), and to sustain its native function. Members of this "Bis-MALT-C(18-28)" series were poor solubilizers of DAGK in the absence of conventional detergent. However, mixed micelles of the bolaamphiphiles with either dodecylphosphocholine or beta-n-decyl maltoside were more effective and enhanced DAGK's thermal stability relative to corresponding detergent-only conditions. Moreover, certain bolaamphiphiles were seen to be lipidlike by providing partial activation of DAGK's catalytic activity. Finally, addition of bolaamphiphiles to micellar NMR samples of DAGK did not result in a degradation of spectral quality, indicating their compatibility with high-resolution structural studies. To the best of our knowledge, this work represents the first documentation of the potential of bolaamphiphile-class surfactants for use in biochemical and biophysical studies of MPs.

Two unique 8,9,30-phragmalin ortho esters, xyloccensins O (1) and P (2), were isolated from the mangrove plant Xylocarpus granatum. They are a new type of ortho ester of phragmalin. The structures were determined by spectroscopic and single-crystal X-ray diffraction techniques. The biogenetic pathway to these new phragmalins was also proposed. [structure: see text]