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Direct electrosynthesis of high-value amino acids from carbon and nitrogen monomers remains a challenge. Here, we design a tandem dual-site PbCu electrocatalyst for efficient amino acid electrosynthesis. Using oxalic acid (H2C2O4) and hydroxylamine (NH2OH) as the raw reactants, for the first time, we have realized the flow-electrosynthesis of glycine at the industrial current density of 200 mA cm–2with Faradaic efficiency over 78%. In situ ATR-FTIR spectroscopy characterizations reveal a favorable tandem pathway on the dual-site catalyst. Specifically, the Pb site drives the highly selective electroreduction of H2C2O4to form glyoxylic acid, and the Cu site accelerates the fast hydrogenation of oxime to form a glycine product. A glycine electrosynthesis (GES)-formaldehyde electrooxidation (FOR) assembly is further established, which synthesizes more valuable chemicals (HCOOH, H2) while minimizing energy consumption. Altogether, we introduce a new strategy to enable the one-step electrosynthesis of high-value amino acid from widely accessible monomers.

The electrochemical reduction of CO2(CO2RR) into valuable chemicals and fuels is a promising approach for sustainable energy storage and compromising greenhouse gas emissions, among which the formation of higher-valued multi-carbon products (C2+) is desired. However, selective CO2RR to C2+usually suffers from a low reaction rate and low selectivity for the complex and long pathways. More seriously, the catalytic system involving catalyst, interface and microenvironment changes dynamically at realistic working conditions, which regrettably causes misleading results regarding the promoted factor and reaction mechanism of CO2RR. To this regard, it is necessary to develop the advanced in situ techniques to track the dynamic evolution of the catalytic system under operating conditions. Here, we discuss the necessary factors and key challenges in producing C2+products, including current state-of-the-art copper-based catalyst, as well as the dynamic evolution of the catalyst structure, oxidation state and composition. Then, we present the strategies using advanced in situ and operando characterizations to monitor the deep triggers of dynamic evolution and deeply understand the reaction mechanism. Finally, we highlight how the cross-coupled model and data-driven flow enable the new paradigm of in situ characterization with higher accuracy and efficiency.

A recent report from investigators at Sichuan University in Chengdu, People's Republic of China, discusses the development of a biomimetic microneedle patch called HepMi-PCL. Inspired by corals, this patch is designed to indicate and treat infections within wounds. The patch utilizes 3D printing technology and contains a heparin-based hydrogel that can absorb exudate in the wound, indicating whether anti-infection treatment is needed. The patch can release drugs rapidly when a positive chronic infection is identified, and the drug delivery slows down or ceases as the infection is managed. This innovative patch has the potential to expedite the diagnosis and treatment of infections, resulting in faster healing for infected wounds. [Extracted from the article]

2024 MAR 23 (NewsRx) -- By a News Reporter-Staff News Editor at Obesity, Fitness & Wellness Week -- Fresh data on Bacterial Infections and Mycoses - Wound Infections are presented [...]