Metal-Organic Frameworks Possessing Suitable Pores for Xe/Kr Separation

Adsorption separation of the Xe/Kr mixture remains a tough issue since Xe and Kr have an inert nature and similar sizes. Here we present a chlorinated metal-organic framework (MOF) [JXNU-19(Cl)] and its nonchlorinated analogue (JXNU-19) for Xe/Kr separation. The two isostructural MOFs constructed from the heptanuclear cobalt-hydroxyl clusters bridged by organic ligands are three-dimensional structures. Detailed contrast of the Xe/Kr adsorption separation properties of the MOF shows that significantly enhanced Xe uptakes and Xe/Kr adsorption selectivity (17.1) are observed for JXNU-19 as compared to JXNU-19(Cl). The main binding sites for Xe in the MOF revealed by computational simulations are far away from the chlorine sites, suggesting that the introduction of the chlorine groups results in the unfavorable Xe adsorption for JXNU-19(Cl). The optimal pores, high surface area, and multiple strong Xe-framework interactions facilitate the effective Xe/Kr separation for JXNU-19.

Cucurbituril-Shaped Cd18(triazolate)12 Unit-Based Metal-Organic Framework Exhibiting an C2H2/CO2 Separation Ability

Herein, a metal-organic framework (MOF), {[(Me2NH2)4][Cd(H2O)6][Cd18(TrZ)12(TPD)15(DMF)6]}n (denoted as JXNU-18, TrZ = triazolate), constructed from the unique cucurbituril-shaped Cd18(TrZ)12 secondary building units bridged by 2,5-thiophenedicarboxylic (TPD2-) ligands, is presented. The formation of the cucurbituril-shaped Cd18(TrZ)12 unit is unprecedented, demonstrating the geometric compatibility of the organic linkers and the coordination configurations of the cadmium atoms. Each Cd18(TrZ)12 unit is connected to eight neighboring Cd18(TrZ)12 units through 30 TPD2- linkers, affording the three-dimensional structure of JXNU-18. More interesting is that JXNU-18 displays an efficient C2H2/CO2 separation ability, as revealed by the gas adsorption experiments and dynamic gas breakthrough experiments, which afford insights into the potential applications of JXNU-18 in gas separation. The tubular pores composed of two Cd18(TrZ)12 units bridged by six 2,5-thiophenedicarboxylic linkers provide the suitable pore space for C2H2 trapping, as unveiled by computational simulations.

Boosting the C2H2/CO2 Separation Performance of Metal-Organic Frameworks through Fluorine Substitution

A pair of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) of JXNU-15 (formulated as [Co₆(μ₃-OH)₆(BTB)₂(BPY)₃]_n, BTB^3- = benzene-1,3,5-tribenzoate and BPY = 4,4'-bipyridine) and its fluorinated JXNU-15(F) ([Co₆(μ₃-OH)₆(SFBTB)₂(BPY)₃]_n) based on the fluorous 1,3,5-tri(3,5-bifluoro-4-carboxyphenyl)benzene (SFBTB^3-) ligands were presented. The detailed comparisons of the acetylene/carbon dioxide (C₂H₂/CO₂) separation abilities between the isostructural JXNU-15(F) and JXNU-15 were presented. In comparison with the parent JXNU-15, the higher C₂H₂ uptake, larger adsorption selectivity of the C₂H₂/CO₂ (50/50) mixture, and enhanced C₂H₂/CO₂ separation performance endow JXNU-15(F) with highly efficient C₂H₂/CO₂ separation performance, which is demonstrated by singe-component gas adsorptions and dynamic gas mixture breakthrough experiments. The fluorine substituents exert the crucial effects on the enhanced C₂H₂/CO₂ separation ability of JXNU-15(F) and play the dominant role in the C₂H₂-framework interactions, as uncovered by computational simulations. This work illustrates a powerful fluorine substitution strategy for boosting C₂H₂/CO₂ separation ability for MOFs.

Deletion of pancreatic β-cell adenosine kinase improves glucose homeostasis in young mice and ameliorates streptozotocin-induced hyperglycaemia

Severe reduction in the β‐cell number (collectively known as the β‐cell mass) contributes to the development of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Recent pharmacological studies have suggested that increased pancreatic β‐cell proliferation could be due to specific inhibition of adenosine kinase (ADK). However, genetic evidence for the function of pancreatic β‐cell ADK under physiological conditions or in a pathological context is still lacking. In this study, we crossed mice carrying LoxP‐flanked Adk gene with Ins2‐Cre mice to acquire pancreatic β ‐cell ADK deficiency (Ins2‐Cre^±Adk^fl/fl) mice. Our results revealed that Ins2‐Cre^+/‐Adk^fl/fl mice showed improved glucose metabolism and β‐cell mass in younger mice, but showed normal activity in adult mice. Moreover, Ins2‐Cre^±Adk^fl/fl mice were more resistant to streptozotocin (STZ) induced hyperglycaemia and pancreatic β‐cell damage in adult mice. In conclusion, we found that ADK negatively regulates β‐cell replication in young mice as well as under pathological conditions, such as STZ induced pancreatic β‐cell damage. Our study provided genetic evidence that specific inhibition of pancreatic β‐cell ADK has potential for anti‐diabetic therapy.

Bioinspired porous octacalcium phosphate/silk fibroin composite coating materials prepared by electrochemical deposition

The biomimetic structure and composition of biomaterials are recognized as critical factors that determine their biological performance. A bioinspired nano-micro structured octacalcium phosphate (OCP)/silk fibroin (SF) composite coating on titanium was achieved through a mild electrochemically induced deposition method. Findings indicate that SF plays a critical role in constructing the unique biomimetic hierarchical structure of OCP/SF composite coating layers. In vitro cell culture tests demonstrate that the presence of OCP/SF composite coatings, with highly ordered and hierarchically porous structure, greatly enhance cellular responses. The coatings developed in this study have considerable potential for various hard tissue engineering and applications.

Controlling silk fibroin microspheres via molecular weight distribution

Silk fibroin (SF) microspheres were produced by salting out SF solution via the addition of potassium phosphate buffer solution (K2HPO4-KH2PO4). The morphology, size and polydispersity of SF microspheres were adjusted by changing the molecular weight (MW) distribution and concentration of SF, as well as the ionic strength and pH of the buffer solution. Changing the conditions under which the SF fiber dissolved in the Lithium Boride (LiBr) solution resulted in altering the MW distribution of SF solution. Under optimal salting-out conditions (ionic strength>0.7 M and pH>7) and using a smaller and narrower SF MW distribution, SF microspheres with smoother shapes and more uniform sizes were produced. Meanwhile, the size and polydispersity of the microspheres increased when the SF concentration was increased from 0.25 mg/mL to 20 mg/mL. The improved SF microspheres, obtained by altering the distribution of molecular weight, have potential in drug and gene delivery applications.