Aaron Haben

Standard Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) for the analysis of trace elements in any kind of highly saline samples (> 1% dissolved salts) suffers from salt deposition, reduced sensitivity, and shortened component lifetime. Conventional approaches, such as extensive dilution or matrix separation, are time-consuming and prone to contamination. We present an advanced, automated transient ICP-MS (tICPMS) method adapted for the Agilent 8900 ICP-QQQ. By modifying the sample introduction system to perform online dilution and utilizing helium collision mode, we enable the direct injection of very small sample amounts. The method produces time-resolved, peak-shaped signals and allows the accurate determination of Li(I), Al(III), Cu(II), Cs(I), Eu(III) and U(VI) in matrices with salt concentrations up to 5 M NaCl and in certified reference materials like seawater. The optimized method significantly reduces sample consumption to 32 µL per measurement and maximizes efficiency by minimizing manual intervention. The average recovery rates for all elements in 0.1 M NaCl were mostly (in over 80% of cases) in the range of 95–105% for both methods. At higher salinity levels (1.0 and 5.0 M NaCl), the enhanced t-ICP-MS method showed significantly better recovery compared to the classic measurement method with dilution. In summary, the t-ICP-MS measurement method offers a robust, high-throughput workflow for challenging natural samples such as untreated seawater or geological pore water with high salt content, without the need for time-consuming prior cleaning or preparation of the samples.

Standard Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) for the analysis of trace elements in any kind of highly saline samples (> 1% dissolved salts) suffers from salt deposition, reduced sensitivity, and shortened component lifetime. Conventional approaches, such as extensive dilution or matrix separation, are time-consuming and prone to contamination. We present an advanced, automated transient ICP-MS (tICPMS) method adapted for the Agilent 8900 ICP-QQQ. By modifying the sample introduction system to perform online dilution and utilizing helium collision mode, we enable the direct injection of very small sample amounts. The method produces time-resolved, peak-shaped signals and allows the accurate determination of Li(I), Al(III), Cu(II), Cs(I), Eu(III) and U(VI) in matrices with salt concentrations up to 5 M NaCl and in certified reference materials like seawater. The optimized method significantly reduces sample consumption to 32 µL per measurement and maximizes efficiency by minimizing manual intervention. The average recovery rates for all elements in 0.1 M NaCl were mostly (in over 80% of cases) in the range of 95–105% for both methods. At higher salinity levels (1.0 and 5.0 M NaCl), the enhanced t-ICP-MS method showed significantly better recovery compared to the classic measurement method with dilution. In summary, the t-ICP-MS measurement method offers a robust, high-throughput workflow for challenging natural samples such as untreated seawater or geological pore water with high salt content, without the need for time-consuming prior cleaning or preparation of the samples.

Background/Objectives: Alveolar macrophages represent the main path of defense in the peripheral pulmonary tissue, though their role in chronic inflammatory lung diseases shows that their protective function can turn pathological. This study focused on developing a system to passively target the release of the pro-inflammatory cytokine TNF-α through the local delivery of siRNA. Methods: An inhalable aspherical microparticle made up of mesoporous silica nanoparticles, crosslinked by an electrostatic LbL-system embedding the siRNA, was developed. Results: Through testing with the NGI, adequate aerodynamic properties with an MMAD as low as 3.37 µm could be determined, with a GSD as low as 1.46, suggesting a relatively small size distribution even during inhalation. To further understand the interaction of the microrods with the lung parenchyma and the resident cells, the disintegration of the rods in different simulant body fluids, their toxicity, and the cell uptake through dTHP-1 and A549 were observed. This showed slow but continuous disintegration, no toxicity in A549 cells, and high microrod uptake by dTHP-1 cells. To demonstrate the effect of the delivered siRNA on the release of TNF-α, ELISAs were carried out, establishing an inhibitory effect of the siRNA-carrying microcarrier system compared to those without siRNA or loaded with scrambled siRNA. To increase the efficacy of the siRNA, chloroquine as an endosomal escape-enhancing compound was loaded onto the mesoporous silica nanoparticles. This resulted in a significant improvement in siRNA inhibition. Conclusions: The developed formulation is able to reach the targeted structure and inhibit the secretion of TNF-α, with CQ increasing the inhibitory effect of the siRNA.

The widespread use of antibiotics worldwide has led to an increase in multi‐resistant pathogens, including vancomycin‐resistant enterococci (VRE). To prevent the spread of multi‐resistant pathogens, antimicrobial surfaces have become more widely used. Various metals and surface topographies are researched to optimize their bactericidal effect. Copper surfaces have proven cost‐effective, easy to implement, and safe. However, concurrent metal resistance in Enterococcus faecium , leads to strains highly resistant to both vancomycin and copper. The efficacy of copper coatings are evaluated, and copper and brass surfaces are functionalized with Direct Laser Interference Patterning (DLIP) and determined the release of copper and zinc ions during cell‐surface. Additionally, the copper stress response of five E. faecium isolates is characterized by scanning and transmission electron microscopy, determination of the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) on copper‐infused media, and whole‐genome sequencing. The copper stress responses of the isolates differed due to their different copper resistance genes. In particular, it is shown that prior exposure to vancomycin enhanced copper tolerance in E. faecium . Furthermore, the copper‐tolerant isolate is the only one to survive direct contact with the functionalized copper surface. These results highlight the importance of investigating antimicrobial and functionalized surfaces against hospital pathogens and co‐resistance against metal and antibiotics.

Despite extensive research in the field of all‐solid‐state batteries, there has been limited attention to their recycling, which is crucial for achieving long‐term sustainability. Different electrolyte and electrode combinations must be considered for the recycling of these batteries, each requiring a detailed investigation of potential recycling approaches. The halide‐based solid electrolyte, Li ₃ InCl ₆ , has attracted significant attention due to its high‐room‐temperature lithium‐ion conductivity and its ability to recover its initial crystal structure after dissolution in water without significant electrochemical deterioration. This structural reversibility could potentially enable a direct recycling approach, allowing for the separation of the electrolyte from active electrode materials when dissolved in H ₂ O. To assess the recycling compatibility, the interactions of Li ₃ InCl ₆ with different electrode materials (Li ₄ Ti ₅ O ₁₂ , LiCoO ₂ , LiMn ₂ O ₄ , carbon‐coated LiFePO ₄ , LiNi _0.8 Mn _0.1 Co _0.1 O ₂ , and LiNi _0.8 Co _0.15 Al _0.05 O ₂ ) are studied during dissolution. Interactions arising from Lewis‐acid and Lewis‐base reactions can be identified using a combination of X‐ray diffraction, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Depending on the material combination, these interactions significantly impact the electrochemical properties of both recycled Li ₃ InCl ₆ and the electrode materials compared to the pristine samples.

Despite extensive research in the field of all-solid-state batteries, there has been limited attention to their recycling, which is crucial for achieving long-term sustainability. Different electrolyte and electrode combinations must be considered for the recycling of these batteries, each requiring a detailed investigation of potential recycling approaches. The halide-based solid electrolyte, Li3InCl6, has attracted significant attention due to its high room-temperature lithium-ion conductivity and its ability to recover its initial crystal structure after dissolution in water without significant electrochemical deterioration. This structural reversibility could potentially enable a direct recycling approach, allowing for the separation of the electrolyte from active electrode materials when dissolved in H2O. To assess the recycling compatibility, the interactions of Li3InCl6 with different electrode materials (Li4Ti5O12, LiCoO2, LiMn2O4, carbon-coated LiFePO4, LiNi0.8Mn0.1Co0.1O2 and LiNi0.8Co0.15Al0.05O2) are studied during dissolution. Interactions arising from Lewis-acid and Lewis-base reactions can be identified using a combination of X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Depending on the material combination, these interactions significantly impact the electrochemical properties

Porous metallopolymer membranes are prepared via the self-assembly and non-solvent-induced phase separation (SNIPS) process. These membranes efficiently remove (transition)metal ions and perfluorinated organic substances from the water phase.