Interfacial and Self-Aggregation of Binary Mixtures of Anionic and Nonionic Amphiphiles in Aqueous Medium

A novel statistical method for long-term coronavirus modelling

Background: Novel coronavirus disease has been recently a concern for worldwide public health. To determine epidemic rate probability at any time in any region of interest, one needs efficient bio-system reliability approach, particularly suitable for multi-regional environmental and health systems, observed over a sufficient period of time, resulting in a reliable long-term forecast of novel coronavirus infection rate. Traditional statistical methods dealing with temporal observations of multi-regional processes do not have the multi-dimensionality advantage, that suggested methodology offers, namely dealing efficiently with multiple regions at the same time and accounting for cross-correlations between different regional observations. Methods: Modern multi-dimensional novel statistical method was directly applied to raw clinical data, able to deal with territorial mapping. Novel reliability method based on statistical extreme value theory has been suggested to deal with challenging epidemic forecast. Authors used MATLAB optimization software. Results: This paper described a novel bio-system reliability approach, particularly suitable for multi-country environmental and health systems, observed over a sufficient period of time, resulting in a reliable long-term forecast of extreme novel coronavirus death rate probability. Namely, accurate maximum recorded patient numbers are predicted for the years to come for the analyzed provinces. Conclusions: The suggested method performed well by supplying not only an estimate but 95% confidence interval as well. Note that suggested methodology is not limited to any specific epidemics or any specific terrain, namely its truly general. The only assumption and limitation is bio-system stationarity, alternatively trend analysis should be performed first. The suggested methodology can be used in various public health applications, based on their clinical survey data.

Adsorption and volumetric properties of some nonionic surfactants and their mixtures with quercetin and rutin

The adsorption and volumetric properties of the Triton X-114 (TX114), Tween 80 (T80), quercetin (Q) and rutin (Ru) at the different temperatures in relation to above properties of the TX114 and T80 mixtures with quercetin and rutin in the absence and presence of alcohol were discussed based on the studies reported in the literature. The adsorption isotherms of the mixtures of the nonionic surfactants with flavonoids in the presence and absence of alcohol were analyzed based on the isotherms of the surface tension of the particular mixture components and thermodynamic parameters of the adsorption of these components at the water-air interface. The surface tension isotherms of the particular component of the mixtures were taken into account while considering the surface tension isotherms of the mixtures and the composition of the mixed surface layer at the water-air interface. Different ways of the mixed surface layer composition determination were shown. The values of the surface tension and composition of the mixed surface layers obtained using different methods were discussed in the light of the intermolecular interactions and their contribution to the surface tension of the surfactants mixture with flavonoids and alcohol. The composition of the mixed monolayer and the bulk phase were compared and the differences between them were explained. The behaviour of the nonionic surfactants and flavonoids in the presence and absence of alcohol was analyzed in relation to the micelle formations and molar volumes of the mixtures and their components. Moreover, the micelles composition and their size as well as the thermodynamic parameters of the micellization process were analyzed.

Exploiting the unique specialty of hydrazone functionality: Synthesis of a highly sensitive UV-Vis active solvatochromic probe

The unique physico-chemical attributes of the hydrazone functionality have been extensively studied for a diverse range of chemical, biological and analytical applications. The synthesis of a highly sensitive hydrazone based UV-Vis active solvatochromic probe that exhibits excellent sensitivity toward sensing of solvent polarity, microstructural changes and onset of micellization in aqueous systems was carried out. Specifically, synthesis of 2,4-dinitrophenyl-2-(2-nitrobenzylidene)hydrazone (DNPNBH), through an easy to carry, atom economical, one-pot single step approach via use of low-cost precursors viz. ortho-nitrobenzaldehyde and 2,4-dinitrophenyl hydrazine is presented. The UV-Vis absorption features of the synthesized hydrazone exhibit excellent sensitivity toward the polarity of its immediate microenvironment. The microenvironment polarity sensing potential of DNPNBH is demonstrated for some single solvent systems and DMF-Water mixture as a model binary solvent system and the results are supported by quantum mechanical calculations. Use of the DNPNBH as a probe (at concentrations many orders lower than required for conventional probes) to precisely reflect the onset of micellization and estimation of critical micelle concentration (CMC) of amphiphilic molecules (5.25 mM for SDS, 1.53 mM for CTAB and 0.055 mM for Brij56) in aqueous solutions is also demonstrated. The results clearly qualify the synthesized hydrazone as a highly sensitive UV-Vis probe that can be employed for reliable sensing of solvent polarity, composition dependence of physicochemical attributes in mixed solvent systems and the estimation of CMC of surfactant systems via spectrophotometry.

Influence of Ethylene Oxide Content in Nonionic Surfactant to the Hydrolysis of Reactive Dye in Silicone Non-Aqueous Dyeing System

Silicone reverse dyeing technology provides an important means of saving water and salts-free in the textile dyeing industry. The interactions between dyes and surfactants may influence the hydrolysis of dye during dyeing. In this investigation, the effect of ethylene oxide content in nonionic surfactant on the hydrolytic reaction of reactive dye was firstly investigated in a siloxane reverse emulsion dyeing system. Compared with no surfactants, the hydrolytic reaction of vinyl sulfone reactive dye was a slowdown when some nonionic surfactants were used during dyeing. Usually, the hydrophobic groups in nonionic surfactants were dodecyl chains but their polar head groups were different. The hydrolytic reaction of vinyl sulfone dye showed that the longer of EO (ethylene oxide) chains, the faster the hydrolytic reaction of vinyl sulfone dye. From the absorption spectrum of dye, it could be concluded that more of dyes would be solubilized into the formed micelles, and dye-surfactant complexes were adhered to the surface of micelles if the molecular structure of surfactant had a shorter EO chains. Furthermore, the intramolecular or intermolecular hydrogen bond could be formed between dye and surfactant, which would further influence the hydrolytic reaction of vinyl sulfone dye. However, the solubility of surfactant in siloxane non-aqueous media would decrease with the increase of EO chains. Meanwhile, the dispersion of dye was enhanced as well as the hydrolytic reaction of dye. From this investigation, some surfactant can be used to improve the fixation of reactive dye during dyeing. Furthermore, washing times after dyeing and the ecological problems can be decreased.

The flotation and adsorption of mixed collectors on oxide and silicate minerals

The analysis of flotation and adsorption of mixed collectors on oxide and silicate minerals is of great importance for both industrial applications and theoretical research. Over the past years, significant progress has been achieved in understanding the adsorption of single collectors in micelles as well as at interfaces. By contrast, the self-assembly of mixed collectors at liquid/air and solid/liquid interfaces remains a developing area as a result of the complexity of the mixed systems involved and the limited availability of suitable analytical techniques. In this work, we systematically review the processes involved in the adsorption of mixed collectors onto micelles and at interface by examining four specific points, namely, theoretical background, factors that affect adsorption, analytical techniques, and self-assembly of mixed surfactants at the mineral/liquid interface. In the first part, the theoretical background of collector mixtures is introduced, together with several core solution theories, which are classified according to their application in the analysis of physicochemical properties of mixed collector systems. In the second part, we discuss the factors that can influence adsorption, including factors related to the structure of collectors and environmental conditions. We summarize their influence on the adsorption of mixed systems, with the objective to provide guidance on the progress achieved in this field to date. Advances in measurement techniques can greatly promote our understanding of adsorption processes. In the third part, therefore, modern techniques such as optical reflectometry, neutron scattering, neutron reflectometry, thermogravimetric analysis, fluorescence spectroscopy, ultrafiltration, atomic force microscopy, analytical ultracentrifugation, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Vibrational Sum Frequency Generation Spectroscopy and molecular dynamics simulations are introduced in virtue of their application. Finally, focusing on oxide and silicate minerals, we review and summarize the flotation and adsorption of three most widely used mixed surfactant systems (anionic-cationic, anionic-nonionic, and cationic-nonionic) at the liquid/mineral interface in order to fully understand the self-assembly progress. In the end, the paper gives a brief future outlook of the possible development in the mixed surfactants.

Solvent-Induced Molecular Folding and Self-Assembled Nanostructures of Tyrosine and Tryptophan Analogues in Aqueous Solution: Fascinating Morphology of High Order

Hydrophobic derivatives of tyrosine and tryptophan, viz. octyl and dodecyl esters of tyrosine and octyl ester of tryptophan, are synthesized, and the interfacial and bulk properties in aqueous media are investigated as models for the membrane proteins. Molecular modeling by the density functional theory method is carried out to understand the molecular conformation and geometry for the purpose of determining the packing parameters. Water-induced molecular folding of the esters of both tyrosine and tryptophan, as observed using rotating frame nuclear Overhauser effect spectroscopy, indicates that the segregation of the hydrophobic and hydrophilic blocks in water is the key to the development of fascinating interfacial property displayed by the aromatic amino acid esters. The unusually high-order morphology of the aggregates, as observed using high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, is highly uncommon for single-chain amphiphiles and points to the fact that the self-assembly behavior of the present systems resembles that of block copolymers. The study of the growth of mesosized hollow aggregates with internal bilayer structures from tyrosine and tryptophan-based model systems would add to the understanding of biochemistry and biotechnology relevant to the cell membrane. The potential of biocompatible nanostructured motifs as the drug carriers is discussed. The highly functional role played by the aromatic amino acids at the membrane-water interface will be considered with the present amphiphilic models for future perspective.

Janus Particles Templated by Janus Emulsions and Application as a Pickering Emulsifier

One-step vibrational mixing has afforded the batch-scale preparation of a Janus emulsion. The fabrication of Janus particles (JPs) templated by Janus emulsions was motivated by the topology and composition of the Janus droplets being highly tunable and controllable. Two immiscible polymerizable monomers were introduced as inner phases of the Janus emulsion. The advanced geometry of the resultant JPs was easily and precisely controlled from "snowman" to "dumbbell" by adjusting the mass ratio of two oils in the initial emulsion. The surface coverage of one lobe to the other was tuned by adjusting the mass ratio of mixed surfactants. Moreover, the size of JPs was able to be extended continuously from hundreds of micrometers to a few hundred nanometers while their morphologies remained within this wide size range. The proposed strategy is a universal technique in the synthesis of a family of composite polymeric JPs with both chemical and shape anisotropy. In addition, the as-generated chemically biphasic JPs were applied as emulsifiers to stabilize Pickering emulsions, and more attractively, emulsion inversion was readily achieved by choosing JPs with different morphologies.

The rheological characteristics for the mixtures of cationic surfactant and anionic–nonionic surfactants: the role of ethylene oxide moieties

Ethylene oxide moieties in various numbers regulate the rheological characteristics of anionic–nonionic/cationic surfactants solutions by affecting the molecular self-assembly.

Experimental and theoretical approach to aggregation behavior of new di-N-oxide surfactants in an aquatic environment

A homologous series of new dicephalic type surfactants (N,N-bis3,3'-(dimethylamino)propyl]alkylamide di-N-oxides) were synthesized and their aggregation phenomena were extensively studied. First, the pH-sensitivity of the investigated surfactants was tested in potentiometric titrations. Then, the adsorption isotherms were measured and interpreted using the Gibbs adsorption equation to determine physicochemical properties. The spin probe EPR technique was employed to monitor the micellization behavior of the surfactants, depending on temperature and surfactant concentration. Critical micelle concentrations (CMC) were determined through an analysis of the calculated spin probe rotational correlation times. A greater insight into the local microenvironment of the formed aggregates was gained by analyzing the properties of the immobilized spin probes. In addition, the CMC values were compared with the ones obtained from tensiometry measurements (taking into account the contributions of the various ionic and nonionic surfactant forms). The approximate size of the micellar aggregates was estimated by the dynamic light scattering (DLS) method. Good agreement between the experimental hydrodynamic radii and those predicted using density functional theory (DFT) guaranteed that the subsequently calculated aggregation numbers, representing the number of molecules in a micelle, were close to the real values. Moreover, the theoretical QSAR methods were used to determine the shape of the micelles via the prediction of the critical packing parameter (CPP).