A series of chalcone compounds (2-11) were designed and synthesized to determine their cytotoxic effects. The structures of 2-11 were fully characterized by their physical and spectral data. The in vitro cytotoxic effects of 2-11 were evaluated against human ovarian cancer (A2780), breast cancer (MCF-7) and prostate cancer (PC-3 and LNCaP) cell lines. The activity potentials of compounds were further evaluated through molecular docking studies with AutoDock4 and Vina softwares. All the compounds (except compound 5) showed significant cytotoxic effects at high doses in all cancer cell lines. Among all the compounds studied, one compound i.e. compound 2 demonstrated dose-dependent activity, particularly against A2780/LNCaP cancer cell lines. The most effective compounds 8, 9, 10 and 11 reduced the cell viability of A2780, MCF-7, PC-3 and LNCaP cells by 50-98%, while other compounds 2, 4 and 7 reduced the cell viability of A2780 cells by 70-90% at concentrations of 50 and 100 µM.

Abstract The hexachlorocyclotriphosphaze compound (N3P3Cl6, HCCP) was reacted with excess (E)-(1-(4′-oxyphenyl)-3-(substituted-phenyl)prop-2-en-1-ones (2-11) to produce hexakis[(1-(4-oxyphenyl)-3-(substituted-phenyl)prop-2-en-1-one)]cyclotriphosphazenes (CP 2-11). The structures of products (CP 2-11) were confirmed using elemental analysis, FT-IR, MS spectral analysis as well as 31P, 1H and 13C-APT NMR techniques and their thermal properties determined by TGA and DSC techniques. The HOMO-LUMO energy gap and chemical reactivity identifiers were calculated and HOMO and LUMO images were viewed. According to the calculations, all the chemical potential values of CP 2-11 are negative and it shown that the molecules are stable. The in vitro cytotoxic of CP 2-11 investigated and their activity potentials were evaluated by molecular docking studies with Autodock Vina softwares. CP 2-11 compounds were found to demonstrate cytotoxic activity against human cancer cell lines (A2780, LNCaP and PC-3). The CP 2-11 compounds reduced the cell viability against all cancer cell lines in the range 36%–90% especially. The results showed that these compounds are powerful candidate molecules for pharmaceutical applications. Graphical Abstract Synthesis, spectroscopic and thermal properties, in vitro cytotoxic properties, theoretical analysis and molecular docking studies of hexa substituted cyclotriphosphazenes CP 2-11 were investigated. Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma

In this study, the amount of reduced glutathione (GSH), oxidized glutathione (GSSG), and malondialdehyde (MDA) were determined by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and selenium was determined by using the fluorescence spectrophotometer in eight different species of edible mushrooms. Brittlegill mushroom (Russula delica), meadow mushroom (Agaricus campestris), dryad’s saddle mushroom (Polyporus squamosus), white button mushroom (Agaricus bisporus), Pleurotus spp., ink mushroom (Coprinus atramentarius), ebekari mushroom (slimy) (Elazığ local) and çaşır mushroom (Pleurotus eryngii) (Tunceli local) were used for analysis. The amounts of GSH, GSSG, Se, and MDA with GSH/GSSG ratio in the eight different species of edible mushrooms were observed in between 269.10 ± 16.94–1554.83 ± 58.12 μg/g; 23.55 ± 1.89–841.90 ± 20.03 μg/g; 15.06 ± 1.56–82.10 ± 3.84 μg/g; 5.46 ± 0.50–27.45 ± 2.58 μg/g wet weight and 0.32–41.35, respectively. There is a weak correlation (R 2 = 0.389) between MDA and Se, on the other hand, the correlation (R 2 = 0.831) between GSH/GSSG ratio and selenium in mushrooms are reasonable well. In a similar manner, there is a weak correlation (R 2 = 0551) between GSH/GSSG and MDA ratios in mushrooms. It was found that these edible mushroom species are good source of glutathione (GSH, GSSG), and selenium (Se) in terms of quantities obtained; therefore, it can be said that mushrooms are a rich source of antioxidants.

Daphne oleoides Schreb. subsp. oleoides is an evergreen shrub which is known for its folkloric usage against various ailments such as arthritic and infectious diseases. The aim of the present study was to comparatively investigate the in vitro anti-inflammatory (nitric oxide inhibitory effects), antioxidant (DPPH, ABTS+ and FRAP tests) and antimicrobial activities of the extract/subextracts from the aerial parts of D. oleoides Schreb. subsp. oleoides (Thymelaeaceae). The powdered aerial parts were first extracted with methanol and then partitioned into five subextracts (n-hexane, dichloromethane (CH2Cl2), ethyl acetate (EtOAC), n-butanol and remaining water) by succesive solvent extractions. The chemical compositions of the extracts were compared with regard to their total phenolic, total flavonoid contents and fatty acid compositions. The CH2Cl2 and n-hexane extracts exerted the highest inhibitory effect on NO production (61.67±3.97% inhibition at 50μg/ml and 67.91±1.17% inhibition at 100μg/ml, respectively) of LPS-induced Raw 264.7 cells. The EtOAC subextract showed the highest antioxidant effect evaluated by DPPH (IC50: 0.35±0.12mg/ml) and FRAP (4.54±0.01mM FeSO4/mg extract) tests. The CH2Cl2 subextract was shown to contain the highest levels of flavonoids (0.837±0.035mg QUE/mg extract) and was also found to be rich in phenolics (1.063±0.011mg GAE/mg extract). Fatty acid analysis of the n-hexane extract revealed hexadecanoic acid and 9,15-octodecadienoic acids to be the major components. The n-hexane and CH2Cl2 subextracts exerted the highest antimicrobial potential.

Metal humates have been generally produced from water soluble alkaline humates with the related metal salts. In this study, a new method for the production of barium humate (Ba-HA) from Turkish coal was developed. Insoluble Ba-HA was produced from the result of the extraction of coal directly with barium hydroxide at 120℃. The effect of the amount of raw materials on the solubility and on the content of barium metal was investigated. The pilot plant trial was performed by using 100 kg of coal in one batch based on laboratory results. Ba-HA was characterized by means of FTIR and TGA. The calcination of Ba-HA at the different temperatures and in atmosphere of nitrogen and air was realized to provide the increase in the surface area and the decrease in the chromatographic groups giving yellow color. In terms of the surface area and UV-absorbance values, the calcination condition was selected as the temperature of 350℃ and atmosphere of air. The calcinated Ba-HA was used in the adsorption of some heavy metals. The results show that Ba-HA may have potential to be used as a low cost, natural and eco-friendly adsorbent.

Poly(butyl acrylate-co-methyl methacrylate)-montmorillonite (MMT) waterborne nanocomposites were successfully synthesized by semibatch emulsion polymerization. The syntheses of the nanocomposites were performed in presence of sodium montmorillonite (Na-MMT) and organically modified montmorillonite (O-MMT). O-MMT was used directly after the modification of Na-MMT with dimethyl dioctadecyl ammonium chloride. Both Na-MMT and O-MMT were sonified to obtain nanocomposites with 47 wt % solids and 3 wt % Na-MMT or O-MMT content. Average particle sizes of Na-MMT nanocomposites were measured as 110-150 nm while O-MMT nanocomposites were measured as 200-350 nm. Both Na-MMT and O-MMT increased thermal, mechanical, and barrier properties (water vapor and oxygen permeability) of the pristine copolymer explicitly. X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscope studies show that exfoliated morphology was obtained. The gloss values of O-MMT nanocomposites were found to be higher than that of the pristine copolymer. (c) 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 42373.

Bu calismada, su bazli kaplama malzemelerinde baglayici olarak kullanilan poli(butil akrilat-ko-metil metakrilat) kopolimerinin emulsiyon polimerizasyonu ile sentezlenmesi amaclanmistir. Sentezlenen kopolimerin film ozelliklerini gelistirmek amaciyla Na-montmorillonit kullanilarak nanokompozit elde edilmistir. Diferansiyel taramali kalorimetre (DSC) ile camsi gecis sicakligi, termal gravimetrik analiz (TGA) ile isil kararlilik belirlenmistir. Bu analizler kopolimerin isil ozelliklerinin gelistigini gostermistir. Ayrica gerceklestirilen mekanik test ile mekanik dayanimin da arttigi gorulmustur. Elde edilen katkisiz ve montmorillonit katkili kopolimerlerin baglayici olarak kullanildigi su bazli yol cizgi boyalari uretilmistir. Uretilen yol cizgi boyalarinin Karayollari Genel Mudurlugu’nun istedigi standartlarda oldugu ortme, yuzey kuruma, dip kuruma, asinma direnci ve kromatiklik koordinatlari gibi boya testleri ile belirlenmistir. Montmorillonit, kopolimerin film ozelliklerini gelistirmistir. Ancak katkisiz kopolimerli baglayici ile montmorillonit bazli nanokompozit baglayicinin kullanildigi boyalarin ozellikleri arasinda onemli bir fark gorulmemistir.

Nanocomposites based on poly(BA- co -MMA) and organo-montmorillonite (OMt) were synthesized by semi batch emulsion polymerization. OMt was used directly after the organic modification of sodium montmorillonite (Mt). By this way, dispersion of OMt in emulsion polymerization was improved. OMts were prepared by organic modification of Resadiye Mt (bentonite) with five different quaternary ammonium salts (QAS) to observe the effect of structural difference on the poly(butyl acrylate- co -methyl methacrylate) nanocomposites. The affinity of OMts towards organic liquids was observed via swelling test in toluene and butyl acrylate (BA)-methyl methacrylate (MMA) mixture. OMt content in the nanocomposite as well as the effect of QAS structure and dosage was investigated. Good dispersion of OMt in copolymer films was obtained as demonstrated by X-ray diffraction and partially exfoliated OMt structure was determined through transmission electron microscope. Final nanocomposites had 47 wt% solids contents. Nanocomposite containing 2.3 wt% OMt modified with two 18 carbons alkyl chain at excess QAS amount resulted in higher increments of thermal, mechanical, barrier properties and glossiness for coating applications.

Poly(butyl acrylate‐co‐methyl methacrylate) (BA‐co‐MMA) nanocomposite latexes were synthesized in the presence of sodium montmorillonite (Na‐MMT) and cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) as fillers. Nanocomposite preparation with 3 wt% Na‐MMT based upon the total monomer amount was conducted by semi‐batch emulsion polymerization. Furthermore, direct blending of neat copolymer latex with Na‐MMT was performed for comparison. CNC/BA‐co‐MMA nanocomposites were obtained via blending process with varying CNC content (1, 2, and 3 wt %). Good dispersion of both Na‐MMT and CNC within the copolymer matrix was achieved as demonstrated by X‐ray diffraction and transmission electron microscope. Particle size of the nanocomposite latexes was around 120 nm. Thermal, mechanical, and barrier properties of the copolymer showed great improvement with the addition of both Na‐MMT and CNC. CNC nanocomposites displayed enhanced properties with increasing CNC level. Tensile strength of copolymer latex with 3 wt% CNC reached 262.5% of the pristine latex, while tensile strength of Na‐MMT nanocomposite at the same content was 187.5% of the pristine latex. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 55:2922–2928, 2015. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers

We produced UV curable lenses with properties blocking short wave UV light. In the UV-curable formulations, we used an oligomer (Ac-PEEK) with another urethan oligomer (Mw = 2000). Radically active, molecular weight controlled Ac-PEEK was obtained by reacting 2-hydroxyl ethyl methacrylate with molecular- weight- controlled and isocyanate terminated PEEK (Mn = 4500). We characterized all synthesized monomer, oligomer and optical materials with UV/Vis spectrophotometer with interferogram, elemental analyser, mass spectrophotometer, proton nuclear magnetic resonance, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermal gravimetric analyzer, differential scanning calorimeter, scanning electron microscopy and gas chromatography. Results suggested that newly synthesized oligomer with the structure of PEEK absorbs short wave UV-light. Ageing tests [ISO 11979-5, Ophthalmic implants—intraocular lenses (IOL)—Part 5: Biocompatibility] performed on the IOL materials were successful. High contact angle of the obtained lenses suggests that all lenses were hydrophobic and SEM results revealed that lenses are morphologically homogeneous. Based on all positive properties just mentioned, we safely conclude that the lenses produced in this study are very promising for IOL production.

Two different commercial grade carbon black samples, Cabot Regal 400R (C1) and Cabot Mogul L (C2), were sulfonated with diazonium salt of sulfanilic acid. The resultant sulfonated carbon black samples (S–C) were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA). Composite membranes were then prepared using S–C as fillers and sulfonated poly(ether ether ketone) (SPEEK) as polymer matrix with three different sulfonation degrees (DS = 60, 70 and 82%). Structure and properties of the composite membranes were characterized by FTIR, TGA, scanning electron microscopy, proton conduction, water uptake, ion exchange capacity and chemical stability. Incorporation of S–C particles above 0· 25 wt% caused decrease in chemical stability. Pristine and composite membranes prepared from SPEEK82 decomposed completely in \(\boldsymbol{<}\)1 h, which is undesirable for fuel cell applications. SPEEK60 membrane having wt% of 0·25–0· 5 with S–C particles led to higher proton conductivity than that of pristine membrane. No positive effect was observed on the properties of the composite membranes with the addition of S–C particles at high concentrations due to the agglomeration problems and decrease in the content of conductive polymer matrix.

Composite adsorbent materials containing calcium alginate, clinoptilolite, and coal-derived humic acid were prepared. Humic acid (HA), clinoptilolite (CL), alginate (AL), alginate-entrapped humic acid (AL/HA), clinoptilolite (AL/CL), and humic acid/clinoptilolite (AL/HA/CL) samples were characterized. The effectiveness of the samples as adsorbents for the removal of cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), and lead (Pb) were studied in a series of batch-adsorption experiments. For the AL, AL/HA, AL/CL, and AL/HA/CL adsorbents, uptake versus time data were evaluated using two kinetic models, a linear and a non-linear pseudo-first-order and a pseudo-second-order model. The data for each metal ion on all adsorbents showed good correspondence with the pseudo-second-order kinetic model. The equilibrium data were fitted to Langmuir, Freundlich, Dubinin-Radushkevich, and Temkin isotherm models. The results show that a non-linear method seems more appropriate for obtaining isotherm parameters. The non-linear Freundlich and Langmuir models for Pb and Hg produced a best fit with high R-2 value (0.99). For HA adsorbent, the equilibrium data for Cd removal better fit to the non-linear Dubinin-Radushkevich isotherm.

In this study, synthetic (zeolite 4A) and natural zeolite (clinoptilolite-CL) filled sodium alginate (NaAlg) membranes were prepared with solution-casting method. Synthetic zeolite incorporated membranes were cross-linked with glutaraldehyde (GA). The morphologies of the membranes were studied using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The separation properties of the zeolite filled alginate membranes were characterized by pervaporation of ethanol–water mixtures. The effects of zeolite type, zeolite loading, zeolite particle size and feed composition on pervaporation performance were studied. Both flux and selectivity increased with the increasing of zeolite content in the membrane matrix. As increasing the water concentration in the feed mixtures flux values increased but selectivity decreased. According to the performance values, it was seen that the synthetic 4A zeolite was more proper than natural CL zeolite for the NaAlg matrix. However, results were not sufficient for using these membranes commercially. In order to increase PV performance ‘priming’ procedure was applied to 10 wt.% of 4A loaded NaAlg membrane. It was seen that both flux and selectivity enhanced owing to the use of this procedure. Selectivity of modified membrane was eight times higher than the 10 wt.% 4A loaded membrane.

Poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropene)–hexafluoropropylene (PVdF-HFP; M n, 130,000)-based membranes were prepared by means of phase inversion technique by coagulating with water and MeOH and then doping with H3PO4 and H2SO4. In order to improve the electrochemical properties of the PVdF-HFP membranes, coagulated membranes were also coated with polystyrene-block-poly(ethylene-ran-butylene)-block-polystyrene (PSEBS) and sulfonated with chlorosulfonic acid in the second stage. The effects of the type of coagulant, coagulation time, doping agents, coating, and sulfonation on the membrane properties were investigated. Membranes were thermally stable up to 400 °C. The conductivity values were measured to be between 1.10E − 01 and 6.00E − 03 mS/cm for uncoated samples. The proton conductivity value of the PSEBS-coated and sulfonated membrane was increased from 6.00E − 03 to 92.1 mS/cm. Water uptake values varied from 0 to 38 % for uncoated samples and from 11.5 to 65.2 % for coated samples. Chemical degradation of PVdF-HFP membranes was investigated via Fenton test. All membranes were found to be chemically stable. Morphology of the membranes was examined by scanning electron microscopy. Different membrane morphologies were observed, depending on different membrane preparation procedures.

Montmorillonite (MMT) was modified with 2-acrylamido-2-methyl-1-propanesulfonic acid (AMPS), dimethyl dioctadecylammonium chloride (DMDOC) and sulfanilic acid (SA). The organo-montmorillonites were used in the preparation of sulfonated poly (ether ether ketone) (SPEEK) based composite membranes for fuel cell applications. The thermogravimetric analysis revealed the improvement of the thermal resistance as compared to pristine membrane. The addition of DMDO-MMT increased in the proton conductivity of the composite membrane.

This work clearly demonstrates the effect of the type and molecular weight of the fluorinated polymer of SPEEK/Fluorinated polymer blends for low temperature (<80 degrees C) Fuel Cell Applications. Comparisons with trademarks (e.g., Nafion (R)) suggests that the membranes we have prepared in this study have good compatibility in all application respects.Membranes were prepared by solution casting method from four different fluorinated polymers; poly (vinylidene fluoride) with three different molecular weights (PVDF, M-w: 180.000, M-w: 275.000, M-w: 530.000); Poli(vinylidene fluoride-co-Hexafluoro propylen) (PVDF-HFP M-n:130.000) and sulfonated poly(ether ether ketone) (SPEEK) with sulfonation degree (SD) of 70.The sulfonation degree (SD) of SPEEK was determined by FTIR, H-1 NMR and ion exchange capacity (IEC) measurements. Thermo-oxidative stability and proton conductivity of the membranes were determined by using thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) and BT-512 BekkTech membrane test systems, respectively. Chemical degradation of SPEEK membranes was investigated via Fenton test. The morphology of the membranes were examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM).Water uptake and proton conductivity values decreased with the addition of fluorinated polymers (PVDF, PVDF-HFP) as expected, but proton conductivity values were still comparable to that of Nafion 117 (R) membrane. Addition of fluorinated polymers improved chemical degradation of the blend membranes in all ratios while addition of PVDF-HFP to the SPEEK70 caused phase separations in all ratios. Methanol permeability value of SPEEK70/PVDF(M-w = 275.000) blend membrane (3.13E-07 (cm(2)/s)) was much lower than Nafion 117 (R) (1.21E-06 (cm(2)/s). PVDF addition to the SPEEK polymers caused increase in elongation of the membranes. Increase in the molecular weight of the PVDF did not show any effect on the Young modulus, but resulted in high elongation values. On the other hand, increasing PVDF content of the blend membranes caused lower elongation values at break and didn't have any effect on the Young modulus. The gas permeability values of SPEEK70/PVDF type blend membranes were lower than that of the Nafion (R). Hydrogen and oxygen permeability values were one-tenth and one-fifth of the Nafion (R), respectively. (C) 2010 Professor T. Nejat Veziroglu. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

A novel membrane was prepared by coating chitosan on zeolite filled regenerated cellulose membrane, produced by the dissolution of cellulose with N-methylmorpholine-N-oxide (NMMO) solution. The resulting membranes were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis and scanning electron microscope. The effect of zeolite loading, chitosan coating, feed composition and temperature on the pervaporation performance of the membranes for the dehydration of water–ethylene glycol mixtures was analyzed. The regenerated cellulose membranes including different zeolite content gave low separation factor value in the separation of water from ethylene glycol. However, high separation factor value was obtained with the chitosan coated zeolite filled cellulose membrane because coating of zeolite filled membrane with chitosan eliminated the nonselective voids. With the increase of water concentration in feed solution, the total flux increased with the increase in the operating temperature while the separation factor decreased. The results of this study are a clear evidence of increase in membrane performance due to the coating of zeolite filled cellulose membrane by chitosan for the ethylene glycol/water mixtures.