Patulin is a mycotoxin produced by fungi that contaminate fruits, juices, and other agricultural commodities. Sorption properties of polyurethane-beta-cyclodextrin polymers were evaluated for the ability to remove patulin from solutions, including apple juice. Freundlich isotherm analysis determined the polymers possess a degree of heterogeneity. Evaluation of the polymers by solid phase extraction analysis indicated patulin sorption is enhanced in aqueous environments. Polymers crosslinked with tolylene 2,4-diisocyanate were suitable for extraction of patulin from apple juice. Quantum chemical studies of the interactions of patulin and beta-cylcodextrin using the PM3 semi-empirical method infer patulin is capable of binding to the polymer in multiple modes. Certain of these bound complexes possess intermolecular hydrogen bond interactions between the primary hydroxyls of beta-cyclodextrin and patulin. These nanoporous cyclodextrin polymers exhibit favorable properties to assist the detection of patulin in aqueous solutions.
Plant parasitic nematodes are the most destructive group of plant pathogens worldwide and their control is extremely challenging. Plant Essential oils (EOs) and their constituents have a great potential in nematode control since they can be developed for use as nematicides themselves or can ... more
For over a century, ulcer has been a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Its treatment has progressed from vagotomy to proton pump inhibitors. However, the drugs used produce many adverse effects and are less effective than they ought to be. Therefore, there is a growing interest in alt ... more
Endophytic fungi are ubiquitous organisms found in the plants, residing intercellular or intracellular, at least for a portion of their lives without causing apparent symptoms of infection. Almost all plants are known to harbor endophytes. The choice of the plant to be used for exploring en ... more
Physicists describe how they have synthesized a new material that belongs to the iron-selenide class of superconductors, called LixFe2Se2(NH3)y, in a paper about to be published in EPJ B. The work was carried out by Ernst-Wilhelm Scheidt from the University of Augsburg and colleagues. This ... more
The U.S. federal government is significantly underestimating the costs of carbon pollution because it is using a faulty analytical model, according to a new study published in the Journal of Environmental Studies and Sciences. A more appropriate accounting of costs would pave the way to cle ... more
Springer advisory board member Vladimir V. Dmitriev, along with fellow scientists Yuriy M. Bunkov and Igor A. Fomin, have been named winners of the 2008 Fritz London Memorial Prize for their discovery and understanding of the "Phase Coherent Spin Precession and Spin Superfluidity of 3He-B." ... more