Carbonaceous mesoporous and 2D materials are very interesting as interface for composite materials, especially in the field of energy applications. Besides many complex applications, scaffolding, electrode reinforcement, they can be simply used to increase effective surfaces, or to increase adhesion when used as interfaces, eg between metals and elastomers. Herein the focus is on development of low power, low pressure and low temperature plasma processes for synthesis and treatments of such materials. LTLP plasmas are dry methods, considered “green”, and in different forms already used in industry for various applications (e.g. etching, deposition, cleaning). Presented are ex-situ SEM, TEM, Raman, XPS and NEXAS studies of mesoporous carbons and 2D systems from LTLP plasmas, focusing on the role of plasma, substrate type and temperature on the quality, pore size and functionalities. These results are connected with in situ analysis of the growth (synthesis) processes, for example operando Raman and FTIR, mass spectroscopy, optical emission spectroscopy (enabling analysis of e.g. hydrogen presence), microwave interferometry. The main question is what can we learn and how can we steer the process to tailor the material. In situ /operando methods reveal the advantages and disadvantages of such processes, and the underlying open fundamental questions, need for modeling, and possible new applications.

This study investigates the effects of damage from proton irradiation on large-bandgap semiconductors, including n-type silicon carbide (n-SiC) and diamond (both polycrystalline and monocrystalline). This study involves (i) the implantation of 2 MeV protons at two fluences (5 × 1012 and 5 × 1015 H+/cm2) and (ii) simulations using the Stopping and Range of Ions in Matter software to evaluate the particle concentration depths and defect concentration profiles. In order to complement and extend the simulation results, Raman spectroscopy, photoluminescence, and UV–visible spectroscopy were performed to provide valuable insights into the optical and structural properties of the post-irradiated materials, which can be considered as potential Cherenkov radiator candidates. The results indicate that, under identical irradiation conditions, defects are detected in post-irradiated SiC, as well as in diamond. This suggests that, even at comparable defect concentrations, their detectability strongly depends on the analysis configuration and the underlying mechanisms involved.

The usage of carbon fibers (CFs) for high‐temperature applications has been increasing in recent years. However, the determination of thermal properties at high temperatures is a challenging task. In this study, the thermal conductivity of two different types of CF having a diameter in the range from 5–7 m, as a function of temperature, was examined by using the optothermal Raman method. Raman spectroscopy was first used to obtain the structural organization and structural homogeneity of the fibers. Then, owing to the fact that Raman spectra are sensitive to laser excitation power and external temperature, Raman spectroscopy was used as a contactless thermometer to determine the local temperature rise of the fibers. A formula was derived by solving the heat diffusion equation for cylindrical fibers and a set of boundary conditions, similar to the experimental conditions, which allows accurate estimation of longitudinal thermal conductivity. The results are discussed in relation with the phonon scattering theory and can be attributed to the combined effect of scattering from defects. The radiative and convective heat losses were estimated, and their influence on thermal conductivity was also determined.

Taking advantage of the high-energy-density microwave plasma environment as a unique 3D space for the self-assembly of free-standing nanostructures, a novel multifunctional platform for the continuous production of graphene and derivatives at the gram scale was developed. The platform is supported by a prototype plasma machine capable of performing a wide variety of industrially applicable processes within a single assembly environment. Free-standing graphene and nitrogen doped graphene, i.e., N-graphene nanosheets, and hybrid nanocomposites are assembled in a one-step process in seconds under atmospheric pressure conditions without the need of post-treatment. A single custom-designed machine enables the synthesis of an extensive array of hybrid nanomaterials featuring metal nanoparticles anchored in graphene. The method enables the conversion of a wide range of low-cost feedstock (e.g., ethanol, acetonitrile, etc.) into graphene and derivatives at a rate up to 30 mg/min. The resulting N-graphene sheets exhibit high quality, as evidenced by the highest reported presence of single atomic layers (45%), high ratio of 2D/G peak intensities in Raman spectra and N/O atomic ratio greater than one. The use of the obtained N-graphene in low secondary electron emission applications and in inkjet printing are explored. The presented plasma machine embodies significant potential to increase the effectiveness of plasma-driven process regarding productivity, costs and turnaround time.

Low-temperature plasmas are nowadays widely developed and used for synthesis and functionalization of various materials with applications in areas ranging from microelectronics and aeronautical industry to energy conversion and storage. The focus of the research and applications has lately shifted towards carbon and carbon-based materials synthesis. The materials of interest vary from nanoparticles, nanotubes, nanowalls, free standing graphene flakes, vertical graphene rods, sponge structures, nanostructured surfaces, to composites (with conductive or non-conductive polymers, or MoS 2 , to mention some of the examples that will be presented herein). The interest for direct applications of plasma processes as well as nanostructures in the field of energy conversion and storage has been present since a long time. Recently, however, several interesting fundamental breakthroughs have been observed in terms of better control of processes, diagnostics and several other benefits that are attracting more and more attention: lower temperatures of surfaces needed for synthesis and functionalization (due to active plasma species interacting with surfaces), dry processes (diluted precurors or liquid monomers introduced in processes, without use of solvents), decreased overall pollution, fast processes, to mention just some of the advantages. However, our work must not forget the disadvantages and problems that can occur during application tests, such as stability, adhesion, loss of conductivity, reproducibility, general ageing or recyclability. Different factors can affect the function of the final setup (from photocatalytic elements, to batteries or fuel cells/HER systems, in our case) – from production of the starting materials to the assembly. Therefore, careful synthesis and control of the process (including the chamber and surface conditions for example) is necessary. We present herein several examples of carbon materials developed or in development (as mentioned 1D-3D carbons, carbon in organic and inorganic composits, mesoporous carbons). These materials were synthesized at surface temperatures between room temperature and up to 550°C. We emphasize, for example, the importance of in-situ control of processes, the importance of precise process conditions, the control of the synthesized materials with regard to their electrical conductivity, adhesion, thermal stability or sensitivity to photon irradiation. Acknowledgments: Authors acknowledge the EU Graphene Flagship FLAG-ERA III JTC 2021 project VEGA (PR-11938) and the project PEGASUS (funded by the European Union's Horizon research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 766894. UC and NMS acknowledge the Slovenian Research Agency for the program ARRS No. P1-0417 and project Z2-4467. TS, EK and JB want to thank HZB for the allocation of synchrotron radiation beamtime at the HE-SGM beamline of BESSY II. Thanks goes also to Prof. Wöll from KIT for providing the HE-SGM endstation used for the XPS and NEXAFS measurements. This project has received funding from the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 730872 (Nr. 18207084-ST and 18207393- ST). EK and JB acknowledge also support obtained via ARD MATEX Region Centre.

Raman scattering is commonly used to quantify defects in sp2 carbons, mostly based on the values of the double-resonant D-band intensity. It is well known that this peculiar band undergoes changes when the sp2 carbon is polished. However, the physical process behind this phenomenon is unclear so far. In this paper, we provide a deep understanding of the fundamental optical properties of the polishing-induced defects by combining angle-resolved polarized Raman scattering and theoretical calculations. We address the question regarding the types of these additional defects that participate in the intervalley double-resonance Raman process and contribute to the spatially inhomogeneous increase of the relative D-band intensity. The study was performed on anthracene-based coke pyrolyzed at 2000 degrees C and uses highly oriented pyrolytic graphite with known crystallographic orientations as a model material. The results shed light on the types of defects as well as the D-band peculiar behavior as a function of the spatial orientation of graphene layers dictated by polishing with respect to the fixed direction of the incident and scattered light. Moreover, the insignificant change in I2D/IG, the width and the position of the G band after polishing, and the insensitivity of less ordered carbons to this process are also discussed.

Hypericum perforatum is frequently used for mild to moderate depressive disorders [1]. Oral bioavailability of key constituents is known [2] [3]. However, to understand the pharmacological response and the mechanism of action of herbal medicinal products, an important step is the investigation of the complex metabolic processes within the human digestive tract. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of the digestive processes in the upper GI tract and the colon on the chemical profile of a H. perforatum ethanolic extract.

BACKGROUND:STW 5-II is a combination of six herbal extracts with clinically proven efficacy in functional dyspepsia (FD) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). STW 5-II contains a wide variety of secondary plant constituents that may interact with the human gut microbiome. In addition to complex carbohydrates, secondary plant metabolites, such as polyphenols, are known to exert prebiotic-like effects. PURPOSE:This study aimed to assess the bidirectional interactions between STW 5-II and the human gut microbiome. METHODS:STW 5-II was incubated with human fecal microbiota in a short-term colonic model. In the samples, the impact of STW 5-II on microbial fermentation capacity (pH, gas production), short chain fatty acid (SCFA) production, and microbial composition (Illumina 16S rRNA gene sequencing) was analyzed. In addition, the biotransformation of STW 5-II constituents by the fecal microbiota was assessed by UHPLCHRMS-based metabolite profiling. Furthermore, Caco-2/THP1 co-culture assay was used to explore the effect on gut barrier integrity and inflammatory markers. RESULTS:Fermentation of STW 5-II by fecal microbiota led to consistent changes in pH and gas production and increased production of SCFAs (acetate, propionate, and butyrate). STW 5-II promoted the enrichment of Bifidobacteriaceae, Lachnospiraceae, Ruminococcaceae, Erysipelotrichaceae, and Eggerthellaceae and suppressed the growth of pathogenic species from the Enterobacteriaceae family. In Caco2/THP1 culture, treatment with STW 5-II-incubated samples resulted in significantly increased transepithelial electrical resistance, indicating enhanced barrier function. Among inflammatory markers, STW 5-II-incubated samples increased LPS-induced secretion of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10, as well as NF-κB activity, and significantly decreased the secretion of the pro-inflammatory chemokine MCP-1. UHPLCHRMS analysis identified 110 constituents of STW 5-II with changed levels during incubation with fecal microbiota: 63 constituents that were metabolized, 22 intermittently increased metabolites, and 25 final metabolites, including compounds with established anti-inflammatory activity, such as 18β-glycyrrhetinic acid. CONCLUSION:These findings indicate a microbiome-mediated digestive health-promoting effect of STW 5-II via three different routes, namely enhanced microbial SCFA production, microbial production of potentially bioactive metabolites from STW 5-II constituents, and prebiotic-like action by promoting the proliferation/growth of beneficial bacteria.

Echinacea purpurea wird häufig zur Linderung der Symptome bei Infektionen der oberen Atemwege eingesetzt [1]. Um die pharmakologische Wirksamkeit und den Wirkmechanismus von Arzneipflanzen besser zu verstehen, ist es wichtig, die komplexen Stoffwechselprozesse im menschlichen Verdauungstrakt zu berücksichtigen. Die Auswirkungen der Verdauungsschritte im oberen Gastrointestinaltrakt auf einen E.-purpurea-Presssaft wurden mit Hilfe des statischen In-vitro-Models Infogest 2.0 [2] untersucht. Der getrocknete Presssaft wurde nacheinander im Verhältnis 1:1 mit simulierter Speichelflüssigkeit (keine Amylase, keine Inkubation), simulierter Magenflüssigkeit (Pepsin, Magenlipase, 2h, pH 3, 37°C) und simulierter Darmflüssigkeit (Pankreatin, Galle, 2h, pH 7, 37°C) gemischt.

BAY 987 204 (Euphytose®) is a combination of four medicinal herb extracts, Valeriana officinalis, Passiflora incarnata, Crataegus sp. and Ballota nigra, that is traditionally used for minor anxiety and sleep disorders [1]. With the overall aim to assess the possible role of gut microbiota in mediating the activity of herbal preparations in mental health [2], a short term in vitro colonic batch fermentation model with human fecal microbiota from seven healthy donors has been used to study the microbiome-mediated metabolization, which was performed by ProDigest as previously described [3]. Annotation of the constituents present in the native preparation and of the metabolites formed during anaerobic fermentation was accomplished by UHPLC-HRMS. The results suggest that incubation with human gut microbiota leads to an intensive metabolization of the constituents of the tested product. The majority of the annotated constituents have been catabolized by gut microbiota in all donor samples. Flavonoid C-glycosides showed slower metabolization in comparison to O- and mixed C – O-glycosides, and several intermediate and final metabolites were detected. The mammalian lignans enterolactone and enterodiol were found as the major metabolites in all donor samples, resulting from yet undetected progenitor compounds, such as lignin. It is noteworthy that enterolactone was recently associated with lower prevalence of depressive symptoms and sleep disorders [4], [5], suggesting that the newly produced metabolites, may be involved into the observed therapeutic effects.

STW5-II is a plant combination of six plants (Iberis amara L, Mentha piperita L, Matricaria chamomilla L, Glycyrrhiza glabra L, Carum carvi L, Melissa officinalis L) indicated for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in Germany. IBS is a heterogenous globally prevalent disorder categorized into constipation, diarrhoea and mixed.

Introduction STW 5-II, a combination of six plant extracts (Iberis amara L., Mentha piperita L., Matricaria chamomilla L., Glycyrrhiza glabra L., Carum carvi L., Melissa officinalis L.), is indi-cated for the treatment of Functional Dyspepsia (FD) and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) symptoms in Germany. Native compounds of these extracts have been previously identified by LC/MS. Objective: FD gene targets for the native compounds in STW 5-II were predicted followed by wet lab validations to characterize effects of STW5-II and its single herbs.

For centuries, medicinal plants have been used in traditional medicine to support mental health and alleviate neurological disorders. There is a growing evidence that gut microbiota play an important role in the pathophysiology of mental disorders via modulating the microbiome-gut-brain axis. Therefore, the interaction between medicinal plants and gut microbiota could be relevant to explain their mental health-promoting effects [1]. This systematic review has been done on 2-steps: first, medicinal plants for which clinical studies on anxiety, depression, sleep disorders or cognitive dysfunction are available, were identified and second, studies on interaction of those plants with gut microbiota were retrieved. A literature search was performed using the online databases Pubmed and Embase, and a total of 887 publications were screened. 210 publications were analyzed as full-text documents, of which 104 studies met the inclusion criteria. In total, 34 mental health-related medicinal plants with in vitro and/or in vivo data on possible interactions with gut microbiota have been identified. Among the most intensively investigated herbs are Schisandra chinensis and Panax quinquefolius [2] [3]. In many cases, the herbal extracts were able to inverse gut dysbiosis and/ or to modulate the Firmicutes/Bacteroides ratio in various animal models [4]. Since many potentially relevant plant constituents cannot cross the blood brain barrier in their genuine form, pre-clinical or intervention studies need to consider the gut microbiota as an additional piece of the puzzle to explain the mode of action of medicinal plants on mental health.

The Raman spectra of graphene-based matter exhibit a set of defect/disorder-induced bands. The D band, which exhibits a strong dispersion up to similar to 50 cm(-1)/eV, comes from transverse optical phonons around K or K ' in the first Brillouin zone and involves an intervalley double resonance (DR) Raman process. In the present work, resonant Raman scattering (lines ranging from 1.58 to 3.81 eV) is used to study the unusual behavior of the one-phonon Raman band of a carbonaceous material (anthracene-based carbon which is one of the graphitizable carbons) upon its secondary carbonization stage (450 degrees C-1000 degrees C). While the G band appears to be nondispersive, the D band exhibits a change in both position and intensity. Its dispersion progressively rises from similar to 6 cm(-1)/eV to values close to what is usually observed in defected graphene-based systems when anthracene-based carbon becomes almost pure. This evolution appears to be correlated with a release of hydrogen (fixed on the edges of polyaromatic layers) questioning their role in changing the D band resonance conditions.

Thermally stable carbon nitride nanostructures have potential applications in surface coatings and automotive fields. In this work, hydrogenated nitrogen-rich carbon nitride nanoparticles have been synthesised via low-pressure low-power plasma vapour deposition technique from methane/nitrogen gas mixture in a dry process. Thermal stability of the initially prepared hydrogenated carbon nitride structures has been analysed by near-edge X-ray absorption fine-structure spectroscopy (NEXAFS, insitu), Raman spectroscopy, scanning and transmission electron microscopy and nuclear reaction analysis (NRA). Thermal studies reveal the excellent stability of the material and nitrogen-rich characteristics (N/C ratio 0.5-0.2 +/- 0.01). The obtained results suggest transformation of sp(3)-rich as-deposited carbon nitride into sp(2)- carbon phase with more graphitic features upon thermal annealing. Such in-situ thermal studies of plasma deposited carbon nitrides confirm the conversion of sp(3)-rich phase to sp(2)-rich carbon phase at the critical temperature (about 450 K), without a huge loss in nitrogen content. The analysis revealed that the material is a stable plasma deposit after this critical temperature up to >1100 K. Additionally, super hydrophilic carbon nitride nanostructure transforms into a hydrophobic surface after thermal annealing. These thermally stable hydrophobic carbon nitride nanoparticles could be used as a promising material for the hydrophobic coatings for various applications, especially for harsh conditions. (C) 2021 Published by Elsevier Ltd.