An easy method was used to modify the Cloisite Na+ with different cationic surfactants. To prevent the damages in the clay crystal structure, the process was taken without acid activation. The organo-modified montmorillonite (MMT) were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermal analysis (TG/DTG), field emission scanning electron microscopy ...

the amphiphilic graft copolymer using chitosan (cs) as hydrophilic segment and poly (l-lactic acid) (plla) as hydrophobic segment, was prepared through a protection-graft-de protection route. chitosan is a polysaccharide comprising of copolymers of glucosamine and n-acetyl glucosamine. chitosan is the deacetylated derivative of chitin, which is one of the most abundant natural polysaccharides c...

Natural RNAs utilize extensive chemical modifications to diversify their structures and functions. 2-Thiouridine geranylation is a special hydrophobic tRNA modification that has been discovered very recently in several bacteria, such as Escherichia coli, Enterobacter aerogenes, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Salmonella Typhimurium The geranylated residues are located in the first anticodon position...

Chemical modification and electron spin resonance techniques were used to study the topography of carboxyl residues in purple membranes. The results showed that buried carboxyl groups are )ocated in hydrophobic protein domains at least 16 A from the membrane surface, and that the carboxyl-terminal tail is partially immobilized. Carboxyl groups on bacteriorhodopsin in purple membranes...

The voice is produced by the vibration of vocal cords which are located in the larynx. Therefore, one of the major consequences for patients subjected to laryngectomy is losing their voice. In these cases, a synthetic one-way valve set (voice prosthesis) can be implanted in order to allow restoration of speech. Most voice prostheses are produced with silicone-based materials such as polydimethy...

Magnesian limestone is a key construction component of many historic buildings that is under constant attack from environmental pollutants notably by oxides of sulfur via acid rain, particulate matter sulfate and gaseous SO(2) emissions. Hydrophobic surface coatings offer a potential route to protect existing stonework in cultural heritage sites, however, many available coatings act by blocking...

GAD65, the smaller isoform of the enzyme glutamic acid decarboxylase, synthesizes GABA for fine-tuning of inhibitory neurotransmission. GAD65 is synthesized as a soluble hydrophilic protein but undergoes a hydrophobic post-translational modification and becomes anchored to the cytosolic face of Golgi membranes. A second hydrophobic modification, palmitoylation of Cys30 and Cys45 in GAD65, is no...

The frequent oil spillages and the industrial discharge of organic contaminants have not only created severe environmental and ecological crises, but also cause a risk of fire and explosion. These environmental and safety issues emphasize the urgent need for materials that possess superior sorption capability and less flammability and thus can effectively and safely clean up the floating oils a...