Search

T1ρ is an NMR relaxation mode that is sensitive to low frequency molecular motions, making it an especially valuable tool in biomolecular research. Here, we introduce a new method, SPICY, for measuring T1ρ relaxation times. In contrast to conventional T1ρ experiments, in which the sequence is repeated many times to determine the T1ρ time, the SPICY sequence allows determination of T1ρ within a single scan, shortening the experiment time remarkably. We demonstrate the method using ¹H T1ρ relaxation dispersion experiments. Additionally, we combine the sequence with spatial encoding to produce 1D images in a single scan. We show that T1ρ relaxation times obtained using the single scan approach are in good agreement with those obtained using the traditional experiments.

Molecular exchange between different physical or chemical environments occurs due to either diffusion or chemical transformation. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy provides a means of understanding the molecular exchange in a noninvasive way and without tracers. Here, we introduce a novel two dimensional, single-scan ultrafast Laplace NMR (UF LNMR) method to monitor molecular exchange using transverse relaxation as a contrast. The UF

A combined pretreatment based on alkaline deep eutectic solvent (DES) of K2CO3 and glycerol and sequential acid fractionation was developed to extract reactive lignin from wheat straw biomass. This process exhibited excellent purification performance in lignin isolation, and the lignin fractionated at low pH displayed high reactivity, having hydroxyl and carboxyl groups up to 9.60 and 2.52 mmol/g, respectively. Silica was selectively separated and removed during the precipitation stage, avoiding the “silica interference”. Moreover, DES-lignin nanospheres created by self-assembly using lignin fractions obtained by acid precipitation possessed a high zeta potential, large particle size and high content of hydrophilic groups. Overall, the findings related to the dissociation mechanism and fractionation of reactive lignin during alkaline DES pretreatment and the acid sequence precipitation are crucial for facilitating lignin valorization in high-added value products.

Engendering stimuli-responsive and green shapable materials is a critical aspect of intelligent, responsive packaging technologies. Thermochromism, i.e., the optical response of materials to thermal stimuli, merges the visual appearance of the packaging with the temperature of the surroundings and cargo. Herein, sustainable, functional two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) hybrids of natural nanoribbons, i.e., cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs) and ionic liquids (ILs), were introduced as highly porous hydrothermochromic nanofoams, spheres, and flexible films. Hygroscopic ILs of nickel (II) or chromium (III) salts and imidazolium derivatives (1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride) were incorporated into the nanofibrils network, driving reversible color-switching via moisture adsorption controlled by temperature (hydrothermochromism, HTC). Multicolored HTC hybrids with a vast and adjustable color range from pale green to blue and from green to red with a color transition at 20 °C–80 °C were obtained by tailoring the composition (nickel and chromium chloride chemistry) and shape of the CNF–IL samples. These humidity- and temperature-responsive hybrids derived from biobased nanomaterials can pave the way toward future green smart packaging, which meets the requirements of sustainable development. The hybrids also provide advanced performance by monitoring and responding to the conditions of items and the surroundings.