Search

Currently, new functional materials are being created with a strong emphasis on their ecological aspect. Materials and devices based on DNA biopolymers, being environmentally friendly, are therefore very interesting from the point of view of applications. In this paper, we present the results of research on complexes in the powder form based on plasmid DNA (pDNA) and three surfactants with aliphatic chains containing 16 carbon atoms (cetyltrimethylammonium chloride, benzyldimethylhexadecylammonium chloride and hexadecylpyridinium chloride). The X-ray diffraction results indicate a local hexagonal packing of DNA helices in plasmid DNA complexes, resembling the packing for corresponding complexes based on linear DNA. Based on the Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy results, the DNA conformation in all three complexes was determined as predominantly of A-type. The two relaxation processes revealed by dielectric spectroscopy for all the studied complexes are connected with two different contributions to total conductivity (crystallite part and grain boundaries). The crystallite part (grain interior) was interpreted as an oscillation of the polar surfactant head groups and is dependent on the conformation of the surfactant chain. The influence of the DNA type on the properties of the complexes is discussed, taking into account our previous results for complexes based on linear DNA. We showed that the type of DNA has an impact on the properties of the complexes, which has not been demonstrated so far. It was also found that the layer of pDNA–surfactant complexes can be used as a layer with variable specific electric conductivity by selecting the frequency, which is interesting from an application point of view. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experimental IR spectra of (S)-4′-(1-methylheptyloxycarbonyl) biphenyl-4-yl 4-[2-(2,2,3,3,4,4,4-heptafluorobutoxy) ethyl-1-oxy]-2-fluorobenzoate in the crystal phase are analyzed with the help of dispersion-corrected density functional theory (DFT+D3) calculations for isolated molecular monomer and dimer models, and a periodic model computed at the extended density functional tight-binding (xTB) level of theory. It is found that the frequency scaling coefficients obtained with the results of the molecular calculations are good matches for the crystal phase, being close to 1. The molecular and periodic models both confirm that varied intra- and intermolecular interactions are crucial in order to reproduce the broadened shape of the experimental band related to C=O stretching; the key factors are the conjugation of the ester groups with the aromatic rings and the varied intermolecular chemical environments, wherein the C=O group that bridges the biphenyl and F-substituted phenyl groups seems particularly sensitive. The C=O stretching vibrations are investigated as a function of temperature, covering the range of the crystal, smectic CA*, smectic C* and isotropic liquid phases. The structure changes are followed based on the X-ray diffraction patterns collected in the same temperatures as the IR spectra. The experimental and computational results taken together indicate that the amount of weak C=O...H-C hydrogen bonds between the molecules in the smectic layers decreases with increasing temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the fundamental elements of a scientist's work is the ability to lead observations of the phenomena that surround us and based on them making conclusions. These observations are conducted within the so-called scientific experiments. Lessons learned based on the results obtained in experiments allow researchers to better understand the essence of the phenomena occurring in the world around us. Drawing conclusions is not always easy. In order to achieve this skill, we must possess a well-established knowledge in the field of the phenomenon that interests us. The most striking example of how important skills are observation and drawing proper conclusions is the phenomenon of global climate warming. The main parameter influencing temperatures registered on Earth is the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, and especially carbon dioxide created from combustion processes. A significant role in studies of the reduction of CO2 emissions plays chemists. To be sure that conducted by them experiments are optimally designed, it is necessary to ensure them with proper education already at the secondary school level. The main aim of this article was to conduct the study in order to explain chemical issues that create the greatest cognitive difficulties among students. The second aim of the article was to propose a chemical experiment to students that would allow them to find out more about the phenomena governing in the area of problematic issues. The proposed experiment is based on the concept of solubility equilibrium. Results of preliminary tests that have been carried out after applying this experiment on a small group of students, indicated their better understanding of the studied subject. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]