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For the first time, a mechanistic study of methane oxy-steam reforming and LNG (OSR-LNG) processes is presented using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The FTIR measurements were carried out in the temperature range of 200–600 °C in the tested processes. The reaction mechanisms of oxy-steam reforming of CH4 or LNG were proposed from the results obtained. It was found that the dissociation of methane into carbon-containing molecules and/or into carbon molecules adsorbed on the catalyst surface is a crucial step in determining the reaction rate. The results can be used to design catalytic systems for natural gas reforming.

In this study, multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were prepared by chemical vapour deposition (CVD) using acetylene as a carbon source over an iron catalyst. As-prepared MWCNTs were used to support modern mono-copper, palladium, and bimetallic palladium-copper catalysts, and their feasibility for hydrogen production was tested during steam reforming of methanol (SRM) and methanol decomposition (DM). The structural characteristics of the MWCNTs were evaluated using the SEM and XRD methods. The physicochemical properties of the monometallic and bimetallic catalysts were analysed using the TPR and XRD methods. The promotion effect of palladium on methanol conversion rate and H2 productivity in the case of the copper catalysts was demonstrated. The enhanced activity of the Cu/MWCNTs after palladium promotion was due to the formation of Pd-Cu alloy compound. Refereed/Peer-reviewed

Volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs), such as hydrogen sulfide, methanethiol, and ethanethiol, are associated with ‘reductive’ aromas in wine and contribute to approximately 30% of all wine faults. These compounds can have a significant impact on wine aroma and perceived quality, and subsequently, consumer preference. In this communication, we report a novel method for the generation of smart surfaces that incorporate immobilized gold nanoparticles to remove VSCs compounds.

The surface chemistry of biomaterials plays a pivotal role in regulating the type, amount, and conformational changes of adsorbed proteins, which then modulates the subsequent innate immune responses. Albumin is the most abundant protein in serum and a major constituent of the protein corona that forms on biomaterial surfaces. Therefore, it is important to understand the role of surface chemistry in albumin adsorption, surface induced conformational changes, and how this affects the subsequent immune responses. To interrogate these events, we generated model substrata with four tailored surface chemistries rich in amines, oxazolines, carboxylic acid groups and pure hydrocarbons via plasma polymerization. The positively charged amine and oxazoline rich surface chemistries caused greatest albumin adsorption and protein conformational changes. Our data demonstrated that macrophages (differentiated THP-1 cells) were able to interact with unfolded albumin via their scavenger receptors. The innate inflammatory responses were studied by measuring the expression of pro- and anti- inflammatory markers. As an overall trend, the pre-adsorption of albumin resulted in a reduction in the level of expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines while the secretion of anti-inflammatory markers was stimulated. This study provides valuable information, which could aid in the design of future biomaterials that elicit predictable immune response. Refereed/Peer-reviewed

Refereed/Peer-reviewed The methods currently available for determining haze proteins in wine are time-consuming, expensive, and often not sufficiently accurate. The latter may lead to bentonite over-fining of a wine, which might strip wine phenolics and aroma compounds, or wine under-fining, which increases the risk of protein instability. In this work, an efficient and rapid fluorescence-based technology to detect haze-forming proteins in white wines was developed. A fluorescent compound was synthesised to selectively bind haze-forming proteins. Studies involving HPLC demonstrated a linear dependence over a range of relevant haze protein concentrations and a low detection limit of 2 mg/L. Forty-eight control and bentonite fined wines were analysed to validate the analytical performance of the fluorescent dye in the detection of haze-forming proteins. The method can be deployed rapidly, without sample preparation, presenting an opportunity to use in routine testing and overcome limitations of the “heat test” currently used in the wine industry.

Protein is reportedly negligible in most red wines, due to its loss following co-precipitation with phenolic substances. A method for protein quantification in red wine was developed which overcame analytical interference from phenolic substances, based on ethanol precipitation, followed by acid-hydrolysis and amino acid quantification. Protein concentration was surveyed in a range of red wines produced from V. vinifera and interspecific (Vitis spp) hybrids, revealing higher than expected concentrations, ranging from 23 mg/L ± 2.57 to 380 mg/L ± 16. The results showed that tannin extracted from grapes remains soluble in wine in the presence of protein even at high protein (100 mg/L) and tannin (500 mg/L) concentrations. As a further consequence of this, the particle size and concentration of colloids within high- and low-protein wines were similar, independent of protein or tannin concentration. Higher wine tannin concentration was also correlated with increased heat stability of wine protein.

Nanoparticles have become an important utility in many areas of medical treatment such as targeted drug and treatment delivery as well as imaging and diagnostics. These advances require a complete understanding of nanoparticles' fate once placed in the body. Upon exposure to blood, proteins adsorb onto the nanoparticles surface and form a protein corona, which determines the particles' biological fate. This study reports on the protein corona formation from blood serum and plasma on spherical and rod‐shaped nanoparticles. These two types of mesoporous silica nanoparticles have identical chemistry, porosity, surface potential, and size in the y ‐dimension, one being a sphere and the other a rod shape. The results show a significantly larger amount of protein attaching from both plasma and serum on the rod‐like particles compared to the spheres. Interrogation of the protein corona by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry reveals shape‐dependent differences in the adsorption of immunoglobulins and albumin proteins from both plasma and serum. This study points to the need for taking nanoparticle shape into consideration because it can have a significant impact on the fate and therapeutic potential of nanoparticles when placed in the body. Refereed/Peer-reviewed

Background and Aims Sulfide‐bound copper (Cu) in wine may act as a potential source of hydrogen sulfide. The aim of this study was to understand how the white wine matrix can influence the filterability of sulfide‐bound Cu. Methods and Results Sulfide‐bound Cu was formed in situ with addition of copper(II) sulfate and sodium sulfide to white wine and model wines. The amount of subsequent Cu passing through membrane filters was measured by flame atomic absorption spectroscopy or inductively coupled plasma with optical emission spectroscopy. Nanoparticle tracking analysis was utilised to measure the size of particles generated after copper(II) and sulfide addition. The majority of the particles were around or below 0.2 μm, and polyethersulfone and nylon membranes remove up to 40–90% of sulfide‐bound Cu from white wine. The regenerated cellulose, Teflon and glass fibre membranes removed minimal sulfide‐bound Cu. Conclusions Membrane filtration removed sulfide‐bound Cu by adsorption rather than by particle size discrimination. Polysaccharides and proteins were the components of white wine that most inhibited adsorption. Significance of the Study The addition of copper(II) to wine with hydrogen sulfide results in products that cannot be removed by filtration on the basis of their particle size but instead may be partly removed by adsorption onto membrane filters to an extent impacted by the wine composition and the filtration medium.

Carbon nanotube (CNT) arrays were fabricated on Ct-Me-N-(O) alloys with content of Ct in the range of 6–40 at.% by chemical vapour deposition. The Ct was a catalytic metal from the group of the following elements: Ni, Co, Fe, Pd, while Me was a transition metal from the group of IV–VII of the periodic table (where Me = Ti, V, Cr, Zr, Nb, Mo, Ta, W, Re). Carbon nanotubes were found to grow efficiently on the alloy surface with its composition containing Ti, V, Cr, Zr, Hf, Nb or Ta. The growth of CNTs was not observed when the alloy contained W or Re. Additions of oxygen and nitrogen in the alloy facilitated the formation of oxynitrides and catalyst extrusion on the alloy surface. Replacement of the metals in alloy composition affected the diameter of the resulting CNTs. The obtained results showed that the alloy films of varying thickness (10–500 nm) may be used for the CNTs growth. The resulting CNT material was highly homogenous and its synthesis reproducible.

Filtration is essential for red wine stability, but its effect on wine colloids and sensory properties, such as texture, remains a concern. Small-scale investigations have demonstrated loss of color and polysaccharides; however, the effect of commercial-scale filtration on red wines is unknown. Samples of four commercial wines (Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz from 2013 and 2014 vintages) were collected from two commercial bottling facilities before and after crossflow filtration and lenticular filtration, after 0.65-μm membrane, and after 0.45-μm membrane filtration. Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 wines were filtered through polyether sulfone or nylon 0.45-μm membranes. The average size of particles in all wines decreased significantly with crossflow filtration. The concentration of polysaccharides decreased with 0.45-μm filtration, while tannin and color remained unchanged. After 18 months of bottle aging, the average particle sizes of filtered and unfiltered 2013 wines were similar, whereas the filtered 2014 wines contained smaller particles than the unfiltered 2014 wines. Sensory analysis showed no consistent filtration-related trends in textural attributes across all wines, although there were some significantly different aromas or flavor attributes for samples of different filtration grade within each wine. These results suggest that commonly applied commercial filtration practices do not affect wine color and have a minimal effect on sensory profiles of red wines.

The nature of the protein corona forming on biomaterial surfaces can affect the performance of implanted devices. This study investigated the role of surface chemistry and wettability on human serum-derived protein corona formation on biomaterial surfaces and the subsequent effects on the cellular innate immune response. Plasma polymerization, a substrate-independent technique, was employed to create nanothin coatings with four specific chemical functionalities and a spectrum of surface charges and wettability. The amount and type of protein adsorbed was strongly influenced by surface chemistry and wettability but did not show any dependence on surface charge. An enhanced adsorption of the dysopsonin albumin was observed on hydrophilic carboxyl surfaces while high opsonin IgG2 adsorption was seen on hydrophobic hydrocarbon surfaces. This in turn led to a distinct immune response from macrophages; hydrophilic surfaces drove greater expression of anti-inflammatory cytokines by macrophages, whilst surface hydrophobicity caused increased production of proinflammatory signaling molecules. These findings map out a unique relationship between surface chemistry, hydrophobicity, protein corona formation, and subsequent cellular innate immune responses; the potential outcomes of these studies may be employed to tailor biomaterial surface modifications, to modulate serum protein adsorption and to achieve the desirable innate immune response to implanted biomaterials and devices. usc Refereed/Peer-reviewed

The use of bentonite fining in the global wine industry causes losses in the range of US$1 billion per year. This work explores for the first time the potential use of natural zeolites as an alternative to bentonite to remove haze proteins from white wines. Wines treated with zeolites were compared to those obtained after fining using two commercial bentonites (Vitiben and Pluxcompact). Semillon wine was fully stabilized by applying 4 g/L of zeolite, whereas Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay required 6 g/L dosage of zeolite. Analysis of metal content showed that zeolites reduced potassium concentration by more than 30% in the treated wines, which could lead to improved tartrate stability. Importantly, compared to bentonites, zeolites cause much less wine loss, and they can be potentially reused as soil amendments in agriculture. The results of this study indicate that natural zeolites can offer winemakers an alternative to bentonite for haze protein removal from white wines. Refereed/Peer-reviewed

In this work, the interaction of wine macromolecules with a bovine serum albumin (BSA) was investigated using fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS). FCS offers the opportunity to study molecular and macromolecular aggregation without disturbing the wine by introducing only very small amounts of fluorescently labelled molecules to the system. It was observed that the diffusion coefficient of fluorescently labelled BSA varies with the addition of wine macromolecules, indicating changes in the protein conformation and the formation of complexes and aggregates. The addition of a wine polysaccharide rhamnogalacturonan II-enriched fraction led to aggregation, while addition of a mannoprotein-enriched fraction exhibited a protective effect on protein aggregation. Proteins strongly interacted with tannins, leading to the precipitation of protein-tannin complexes, while the presence of polysaccharides prevented this precipitation. Finally, the application of FCS was demonstrated in real wines, to investigate the problem of protein haze formation through live monitoring of heat-induced aggregation in wine Refereed/Peer-reviewed

The adsorption of wine constituents at solid surfaces is important in applications such as filtration and membrane fouling, binding to tanks and fittings and interactions with processing aids such as bentonite. The interaction of wine constituents with surfaces is mediated through adsorbed wine components, where the type of constituents, amount, orientation, and conformation are of consequence for the surface response. This study examines the effect of surface chemical functionalities on the adsorption of red wine constituents. Plasma-polymerized films rich in amine, carboxyl, hydroxyl, formyl and methyl functional groups were generated on solid substrates whereas, glycidyltrimethylammonium chloride was covalently attached to allylamine plasma-polymer modified surface and poly(sodium styrenesulfonate) was electrostatically adsorbed to an amine plasma-polymerized surface. The surface chemical functionalities were characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The ability of different substrates to adsorb red wine constituents was evaluated by quartz crystal microbalance and atomic force microscopy. The results showed that substrates modified with −SO3H and –COOH groups can adsorb more of the wine nitrogen-containing compounds whereas −NH2 and −NR3 groups encourage carbon-containing compounds adsorption. Red wine constituents after filtration were adsorbed in higher extend on −NR3 and –CHO surfaces. The –OH modified surfaces had the lowest ability to absorb wine components.

Precipitates were prepared from two compositionally different Pinot noir wines with addition of excess ethanol, and contained primarily polysaccharide, tannin and protein. The ethanol-soluble material was further fractionated into polymeric (tannin) and monomeric phenolics. Tannin associated with precipitates was of a higher molecular mass than that remaining in ethanolic solution. Wine fractions were reconstituted at the ratios of the original wine and analyzed using nanoparticle tracking analysis. The average particle size of the tannin fraction was 75-89 nm, and increased when combined with the precipitate (≅ 200 nm). Addition of the monomeric fraction to the tannin-precipitate complex increased both the incidence and concentration of smaller particles, reducing the average particle size. The formation of aggregates occurred in all fractions and only minor differences in particle size distribution were found between wines. Differences in particle concentration between wines appear to be due to differences in the total concentration of macromolecules rather than compositional differences.

This report addresses the issue of optimizing extracellular matrix protein density required to support osteogenic lineage differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) by culturing MSCs on surface-bound density gradients of immobilized collagen type I (COL1) and osteopontin (OPN). A chemical surface gradient is prepared by tailoring the surface chemical composition from high hydroxyl groups to aldehyde groups using a diffusion-controlled plasma polymerization technique. Osteogenesis on the gradient surface is determined by immunofluorescence staining against Runx2 as an early marker and by staining of calcium phosphate deposits as a late stage differentiation marker. The Runx2 intensity and calcified area increase with increasing COL1 density up to a critical value corresponding to 124.2 ng cm−2, above which cell attachment and differentiation do not rise further, while this critical value for OPN is 19.0 ng cm−2. This gradient approach may facilitate the screening of an optimal biomolecule surface density on tissue-engineered scaffolds, implants, or tissue culture ware to obtain the desired cell response, and may generate opportunities for more cost-effective regenerative medicine Refereed/Peer-reviewed

In this work, bimetallic Cu-Ni catalysts supported on binary oxides containing ZnO, ZrO2, CeO2 and Al2O3 were investigated in hydrogen production via the oxidative steam reforming of methanol (OSRM). Their physicochemical properties were extensively studied using various methods such as BET, TPR-H2, TPD-NH3, XRD, SEM-EDS, ToF-SIMS and XPS. The reactivity measurements showed that the active phase and support composition played an important role in the activity of the catalyst in the OSRM. The most active system at higher temperatures was 30% Cu - 10% Ni/CeO2&middot, Al2O3, with high catalytic activity attributed to the Cu0.8Ni0.2 alloy formation. In addition, the reactivity results showed that the most active catalyst exhibited high acidity and was easily reduced. At low temperatures, the best catalytic properties were exhibited by 30% Cu - 10% Ni/ZrO2&middot, Al2O3. The reactivity and physicochemical properties of the studied catalysts confirmed the crucial role of alloy composition on their catalytic properties in the oxy-steam reforming of methanol. The obtained results validate the possibility of using Cu-Ni catalysts for hydrogen production.

Herein, we report about the monometallic Ni and bimetallic Pd-Ni catalysts supported on CeO2-Al2O3 binary oxide, which were investigated in oxy-steam reforming of methanol (OSRM). Monometallic and bimetallic supported catalysts were prepared by wet aqueous impregnation and subsequent impregnation method, respectively. The physicochemical properties of the catalytic systems were investigated using various methods such as: BET, XRD, TPR-H2, TPD-NH3, XPS and SEM-EDS techniques. It has been proven that the addition of palladium to the nickel catalyst facilitates its reduction. The activity tests performed for all catalysts confirmed the promotion effect of palladium on catalytic activity of nickel catalyst and selectivity towards hydrogen production. Both nickel and bimetallic palladium-nickel supported catalysts showed excellent stability during the reaction. Such catalytic systems are valuable for the advance of the field of fuel cell technology.

Magnetic nanoparticles were modified by plasma polymerization, using allylamine, acrylic acid and 2-methyl-2-oxazoline as precursor to produce amine, carboxyl and oxazoline functional group rich surfaces. The nanoparticles were characterized by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and zeta potential measurements. The capacity of nanoparticles carrying different surface properties to remove haze-forming proteins from Sémillon and Sauvignon Blanc unfined wines was examined by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The protein capture efficiency of the modified surfaces decreases in the following order: COOH > POx > NH₂. This study will help optimising the design of this new technology for the selective removal of haze proteins from white wines. Refereed/Peer-reviewed

Oil pollution of waters is one of the most serious environmental problems globally. The long half-life and persistence within the environment makes oil particularly toxic and difficult to remediate. There is a significant need for efficient and cost-effective oil recovery technologies to be brought in to practice. In this study, we developed a facile and efficient magnetic separation method. The surface of 316L stainless steel nanoparticles was modified by plasma deposition of 1,7-octadiene and perfluorooctane, producing relatively hydrophobic coatings having water contact angles of 86 and 100°, respectively. Both coatings had high oil removal efficiency (ORE) of >99%. The captured oil could be easily separated by applying an external magnetic force. The ease of material preparation and separation from the water after the oil is captured, and its high ORE is a compelling argument for further development and optimization of the technology to possible utilization into practice. Furthermore, the capacity of plasma polymerization to deliver desired surface properties can extend the application of the technology to removing other chemical and biological contaminants from polluted waters.

Copper and gold doped copper catalysts supported on multi-walled carbon nanotubes were prepared by wet impregnation and deposition–precipitation methods, respectively. The catalysts were tested in the oxy-steam reforming of methanol (OSRM) and characterized by XRD, SEM-EDS, TOF-SIMS, thermo-gravimetric analysis and temperature-programmed desorption of ammonia. The reactivity results showed the promotion effect of gold on the activity and selectivity of the copper catalysts in the OSRM. The formed Cu–Au alloy as an active phase was responsible for the activity and selectivity improvement of the bimetallic catalysts in the oxy-steam reforming of methanol. The formation of an Au–Cu alloy was confirmed by the XRD, TOF-SIMS and SEM-EDS techniques. The reducibility and acidity of the tested catalysts are important factors, which influence the activity of the copper and gold–copper catalysts.

Clarity in wine is an essential quality attribute that is recognised and valued by consumers. Despite advances made in recent times to improve technological aspects of clarification processes, the inherent compositional variability of wine still affects these processes. This paper reviews the complex interactions of wine constituents, for example protein, polysaccharides and phenolic substances, and the physical chemistry and current knowledge relating to wine clarification. Furthermore, it discusses potential areas of fundamental research into the mechanisms and interactions that lead to successful clarification that are required to improve the clarification process and may lead to increased process capacity and wine quality.

The critical growth factor density required to support neural lineage generation from mouse embryonic stem cells is assessed by constructing a surface density gradient of immobilized nerve growth factor (NGF) from a plasma polymer film base. A chemical surface gradient varying from high hydroxyl group density to high aldehyde group density is prepared through diffusion-controlled plasma polymerization of two monomers (ethanol and propionaldehyde) under a moving mask. NGF density gradients are then produced by reductive amination with the aldehyde groups on the plasma polymer surface. Mouse embryoid body derived (mEB) cell differentiation on the gradient surface is evaluated by immunofluorescence staining against Nestin. mEB cell density and the percentage of Nestin-positive cells increase with increasing NGF density up to a critical value corresponding to 52.9 ng cm−2, above which cell attachment and differentiation do not increase further. This gradient-based screening approach allows the growth factor surface densities to be optimized for biomaterials intended for cell differentiation or expansion, which is highly relevant to creating efficient manufacture processes for cell therapies. Refereed/Peer-reviewed

The importance of nanostructured surfaces in a range of technological and biological processes is well documented within literature, yet often ill-understood. Simple and reliable methods for the preparation of nanotextured surfaces are required to advance both fundamental understandings of nanoscale phenomena and our capacity to design nano-engineered materials for specific applications. Nano engineered surfaces are, for instance, needed to shed light on the effect of nanostructures' size and density on immune cells cytokine production. In applied bioengineering, nanostructured artificial surfaces could be specifically tailored to enhance the osteo-integration of implants. This study presents a versatile, plasma polymer enabled method for the generation of surfaces with well-defined nanotopography and tailored outermost surface chemistry. This was achieved by finely controlling the covalent bonding of gold nanoparticles of desired size to plasma-deposited poly(methyloxazoline) interlayer deposited on the material substrate. An additional 5 nm thin polymer was deposited over the nanostructures providing a uniformly tailored outermost surface chemistry while preserving the topography. This rapid, versatile, substrate independent, and scalable strategy for the preparation of a well-defined nanotopography surface has promising prospects in many fields relying on surface engineering, including food and membrane technologies, biomaterial and environmental engineering, sensing, marine sciences, and even pollution control. Refereed/Peer-reviewed

Poly(2-oxazoline)s are emerging revolutionary biomaterials, exhibiting comparable and even superior properties to well-established counterparts. Overcoming current tedious wet synthesis methods, we report solvent-free and substrate independent, plasma polymerised nano-scale biocompatible polyoxazoline coatings capable of controlling protein and cell adhesion, and significantly reducing biofilm build up. Refereed/Peer-reviewed

Materials mechanical properties are known to be an important regulator of cellular processes such as proliferation, differentiation and migration, and have seen increasing attention in recent years. At present, there are only few approaches where the mechanical properties of thin films can be controllably varied across an entire surface. In this work, we present a technique for controlled generation of gradients of surface elastic moduli involving a weak polyelectrolyte multilayer (PEM) system of approximately 100 nm thickness and time dependent immersion in a solution of 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide (EDC) as a crosslinking agent. Uniform surface chemistry across the gradient and wettability was provided by the addition of a 10 nm thick plasma polymer layer deposited from vapour of either allylamine or acrylic acid.We used the resultant stiffness gradients (0.5e110 MPa in hydrated state) to investigate the adhesion, morphology and proliferation on human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs). We show that substrate mechanical properties strongly influence HDF cell fate. We also found that in the experimental range of surface properties used in this study, the surface stiffness was a stronger driving force to cells fate compared to chemistry and wettability. Refereed/Peer-reviewed

The adsorption and action of four starch polymers in talc flocculation has been studied. The polymers include: two chemically modified starch polymers (carboxymethyl (CM) and phenyl succinate (PS) starch), with similar molecular weight but variation in terms of added aromatic functionality; and two unmodified starch polymers, Gelose 80 and Gelose 50, which vary in their amylose:amylopectin ratio. The adsorption behaviour of the polymers indicated that the carboxyl groups of the functionalised polymers discouraged adsorption at low ionic strength, with the non-charged Gelose polymers adsorbing to higher densities in spite of having lower molecular weights. AFM imaging and contact angle measurements indicated that the polymers interact similarly with the talc basal plane in terms of coverage and effect on hydrophobicity, with minor differences in adsorbed layer thickness. CM and PS starch had an equal and best effect on the flocculation behaviour of talc suspension. The settling rate of bare talc was 0.14 m h 1; the two functionalised starch polymers increased the settling rate to 1.7 and 2 m h 1 for CM and PS starch, respectively (at 8 mg L 1 concentration). Whereas different chemical substitution had no pronounced effect on the settling behaviour, the relative content of amylose to amylopectin did produce differences in settling. Gelose 80 (80% amylose; 1.3 m h 1 settling rate at 40 mg L 1 concentration) performed better when compared Gelose 50 (50% amylose; 0.65 m h 1 settling rate at 40 mg L 1 concentration). Of the two unmodified starch polymers, Gelose 80 gave the best overall settling performance, highlighting the effect of the linear starch chains in encouraging good bridging flocculation Refereed/Peer-reviewed

Haze formation is a significant problem for the wine industry. A novel technology for the rapid, selective, magnetic removal of pathogenesis-related proteins from wine was developed. The pathogenesis-related proteins in nine different white wines were selectively captured and removed by acrylic acid plasma-coated magnetic nanoparticles. Treated white wines were analyzed for protein and phenolic content to assess the performance of the functionalized magnetic nanoparticles. The analysis showed that the acrylic acid coated magnetic nanoparticles effectively removed proteins and did not significantly change the phenolic composition of the wines. This new technology may become an alternative to conventional bentonite treatment which has economic and sensory impacts in the wine production process. Furthermore, such rapid separation technology for the binding and removal of proteins could benefit other areas such as diagnostics, water treatment, biotechnology and therapeutics. Refereed/Peer-reviewed

We have investigated three natural talc samples from different geographical locations (Rhode Island (USA), Delaware (USA), and Flinders Range (Australia)) to determine the effect of impurities and cleavage characteristics on hydrophobicity and polymer adsorption. Bulk (electron microprobe) and surface (X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy) composition measurements have indicated that the Rhode Island and Delaware talcs have the lowest level of Al atoms substituted within the talc structure (0.008%), and detectable at the cleaved basal plane surface (1.5 and 1.7%), and that the Flinders Range talc has the highest level of Al atoms (8.5% bulk; 8.2% surface). Contact angle measurements have highlighted the role of Al atom substitution and step-edge density (as revealed by AFM imaging) on the measured hydrophobicity of the cleaved surfaces, with the Flinders Range talc and the Rhode Island talc having significantly lower contact angles than the Delaware talc (65° and 83°, respectively, versus 90° for the Delaware). In addition, we have characterised the adsorption of two polysaccharide polymers on the three talc samples (CMC and Dextrin TY) using in situ tapping mode AFM. CMC adsorbs with the same morphology on all three talc samples, whereas Dextrin TY presents three different morphologies on the talc surfaces. The potential implications of the observed variation in adsorption behaviour on mineral flotation are discussed. Refereed/Peer-reviewed

The adsorption of macromolecules on solid surfaces is of great importance in the field of nanotechnology, biomaterials, biotechnological, and food processes. In the field of oenology adsorption of wine macromolecules such as polyphenols, polysaccharides, and proteins is much less desirable on membrane materials because of fouling and reduced filtering performance. On the other hand, adsorption of these molecules on processing aids is very beneficial for achieving wine clarity and stability. In this article, the effect of surface chemical functionalities on the adsorption of white, rosé, and red wine constituents was evaluated. Allylamine, acrylic acid, and ethanol were selected as precursors for plasma polymerization in order to generate coatings rich in amine, carboxyl, and hydroxyl chemical groups, respectively. The surface chemical functionalities were characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and the ability of different surface chemical functionalities to adsorb wine constituents were characterized by quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation (QCM-D) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The results demonstrated that the amine and carboxyl modified surfaces encourage adsorption of constituents from white wine. The hydroxyl modified surfaces have the ability to preferentially adsorb rosé wine constituents, whereas red wine adsorbed to the highest extent on acrylic acid surface.

Herein, we report monometallic Ni and bimetallic Pd&ndash, Ni catalysts supported on CeO2&ndash, Al2O3 binary oxide which are highly active and selective in oxy-steam reforming of methanol (OSRM). Monometallic and bimetallic supported catalysts were prepared by an impregnation method. The physicochemical properties of the catalytic systems were investigated using a range of methods such as: Brunauer&ndash, Emmett&ndash, Teller (BET), X-ray Powder Diffraction (XRD), Temperature-programmed reduction (TPR&ndash, H2), Temperature-programmed desorption (TPD&ndash, NH3), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Scanning Electron Microscope equipped with an energy dispersive spectrometer (SEM&ndash, EDS). We demonstrate that the addition of palladium facilitates the reduction of nickel catalysts. The activity tests performed for all catalysts confirmed the promotion effect of palladium on the catalytic activity of nickel catalyst and their selectivity towards hydrogen production. Both nickel and bimetallic palladium&ndash, nickel supported catalysts showed excellent stability during the reaction. The reported catalytic systems are valuable to make advances in the field of fuel cell technology.

Atomic force microscopy (AFM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) were used to study the Cuactivation of the (110) surface of sphalerites with Fe content varying from 0 to 14.79 wt%. Time resolvedAFM images show the development of surface oxidation products at high-energy step edges. These smallprotrusions evolve into larger conglomerates and finally full surface coverage with time. Surface morphologychanges show an increase in the number of cleavage steps and the size of precipitates as a functionof Fe concentration. Both of these factors contribute to the increased rate of Cu activation of high Fesphalerite as compared to low Fe sphalerite. XPS analysis of the sphalerites Cu activated for 1 h at pH 5,indicates an increased Cu concentration and the formation of disulphide and polysulphide that correlateswith an increase in bulk Fe content. Refereed/Peer-reviewed

The wetting of a material can be tuned by changing the roughness on its surface. Recent advances in the field of nanotechnology open exciting opportunities to control macroscopic wetting behaviour. Yet, the benchmark theories used to describe the wettability of macroscopically rough surfaces fail to fully describe the wetting behaviour of systems with topographical features at the nanoscale. To shed light on the events occurring at the nanoscale we have utilised model gradient substrata where surface nanotopography was tailored in a controlled and robust manner. The intrinsic wettability of the coatings was varied from hydrophilic to hydrophobic. The measured water contact angle could not be described by the classical theories. We developed an empirical model that effectively captures the experimental data, and further enables us to predict the wetting of surfaces with nanoscale roughness by considering the physical and chemical properties of the material. The fundamental insights presented here are important for the rational design of advanced materials having tailored surface nanotopography with predictable wettability. Refereed/Peer-reviewed

The catalytic activity of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) in oxy-steamreforming of methanol (ASRM) was investigated for the first time. We demonstrate that CNTs are a potent catalytic material for hydrogen generation in oxy-steam reforming of methanol. Refereed/Peer-reviewed

International audience; The method of preparation and the properties of conductive composites of ultrahigh-molecular-weight polyethylene with different carbon nanotubes (CNTs) as conductive fillers are presented. The composites were prepared through the covering of the surface of polyethylene granules with CNTs and sintering under optimized conditions. The electrical and mechanical properties of the composites were investigated as functions of the CNT concentration and CNT dispersion process for several kinds of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) and multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). The CNTs were not uniformly dispersed in the composites but were prelocalized on the granule boundaries, very efficiently forming conductive networks. It was, however, critically important to ensure the good dispersion of the nanotubes in the microscale, and this was performed by sonication in solvents before dry mixing. Ultralow percolation thresholds were obtained: 0.095 wt % for SWCNTs and 0.05 wt % for MWCNTs (ca. 0.045 vol % for SWCNTs and 0.021 vol % for MWCNTs). The critical exponents were higher than those for uniformly dispersed conductive particles: 2.2 and 2.6 for SWCNTs and for MWCNTs, respectively. The mechanical properties of the composites were also strongly modified by the presence of CNTs. The modulus and ultimate strength increased by about 100% with 2% CNTs. The elongation at break decreased but was still about 500-1000%. Near the electrical percolation threshold, the mechanical properties were not significantly modified.

The effects of pH and Cu(2+) treatment on the formation of volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs) were investigated in Chardonnay and Shiraz wine samples. Four VSCs were significantly affected by pH, with lower wine pH associated with decreased hydrogen sulfide (H2S), methanethiol, dimethyl sulfide, and carbon disulfide concentrations. The effects of pH and Cu(2+) on H2S formation from known precursor compounds were subsequently studied in a model wine system. In samples treated with cysteine and glutathione lower pH produced less H2S. Nanoparticle tracking analysis was used to study the effects of variable pH concentrations in a model system containing Cu(2+), tartaric acid, and H2S. Differences in Cu(2)(+)-tartrate complexes particle size and concentration were measured as a function of pH and H2S addition, suggesting the type of complexes formed may affect the binding sites of Cu(2+) available to catalyse the formation of VSCs such as H2S.

Synthetic materials employed for enhancing, replacing, or restoring biological functionality may be compromised by the host immune responses that they evoke. Surface modification has attracted substantial attention as a tool to modulate the host response to synthetic materials; however, how surface nanotopography combined with chemistry affects immune effector cell responses is still poorly understood. To address this open question, a unique set of model surfaces with controlled surface nanotopography in the range of 16, 38, and 68 nm has been generated. Tailored outermost surface chemistry that was amine, carboxyl, or methyl group rich has been provided. The combinations of these properties yield 12 surface types that are subject to functional assays assessing key immune effector cells, namely, primary neutrophil and macrophage responses in vitro. The data demonstrate that surface nanotopography leads to enhanced matrix metalloproteinase-9 production from primary neutrophils, and a decrease in pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion from primary macrophages. Together, these results are the first to directly compare the immunomodulatory effects of the cooperative interplay between surface nanotopography and chemistry. Refereed/Peer-reviewed

This paper demonstrates the benefit of using spinel (ZnAl2O4) as a support for copper catalysts in hydrogen generation. We have investigated the influence of catalyst pre-treatment, support composition and copper content on the physicochemical and catalytic properties of copper catalysts supported on ZnxAlyOx?1.5y in the methanol steam reforming. The physicochemical properties of the catalysts were examined by X-ray diffraction, temperature- programmed reduction, specific surface area and porosity, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, FTIR and chemisorption methods. The reduced copper catalysts showed higher conversion of methanol and higher hydrogen production. We also found that the presence of Cu? and Cu0 species on the catalyst surface strongly influences the reaction yield and hydrogen production. FTIR measurements performed for copper catalysts confirmed that increasing of aluminium content in the case of catalytic systems caused the growth of adsorbed species on the catalyst surface. Refereed/Peer-reviewed

The adsorption of two dextrin-based polymers, a regular wheat dextrin (TY) and a carboxymethyl-substituted (CM) dextrin, onto an anatase TiO2 particle film has been studied using in situ attenuated total reflection (ATR) FTIR spectroscopy. Infrared spectra of the polymer solutions and the polymer adsorbed at the anatase surface were acquired for two solution conditions: pH 3 and pH 9; below and above the isoelectric point (IEP) of anatase, respectively. Comparison of the polymer solution spectra and the adsorbed layer spectra highlighted a number of spectral differences that were attributed to involvement of the carboxyl group of CM Dextrin interacting with the anatase surface directly and the adsorption of oxidized dextrin chains in the case of regular dextrin (TY) at high pH. The adsorption/desorption kinetics were determined by monitoring spectral peaks of the pyranose ring of both polymers. Adsorption equilibrium was not established for Dextrin TY for many hours, whereas CM Dextrin reached equilibrium in its adsorption within 60 min. The extent of desorption of Dextrin TY (observed by flowing a background electrolyte dextrin-free solution) was extensive at both pH values, which reflects the poor affinity and binding of the polymer on anatase. In contrast, CM Dextrin underwent almost no desorption, indicating a high affinity between the carboxyl groups of the polymer and the anatase surface. Refereed/Peer-reviewed

Synchrotron FTIR microscopy has been used to probe the structure of model boundary lubricant layers confined at the solid−solid interface. The combination of high brightness of the IR source and a novel contact geometry that uses a hemispherical internal reflection element as the means for light delivery has enabled the detection of