Background/Objectives: Although the use of radiation-sensitizing agents has been shown to enhance the effect of radiation on tumor cells, the blood-brain barrier (BBB) impedes these agents from reaching brain tumor sites when given systemically. Localized methods of sensitizer delivery, utilizing hydrogels, have the potential to bypass the blood-brain barrier. This study examined the ability of photochemical internalization (PCI) of hydrogel-released bleomycin to enhance the growth-inhibiting effects of radiation on multi-cell glioma spheroids in vitro; Methods: Loaded fibrin hydrogel layers were created by combining thrombin, fibrinogen, and bleomycin (BLM). Supernatants from these layers were collected, combined with photosensitizer, and added to F98 glioma spheroid cultures. Following light (PCI) and radiation treatment, at increasing dosages, spheroid growth was monitored for 14 days; Results: PCI of released BLM significantly reduced the radiation dose required to achieve equivalent efficacy compared to radiation or BLM+RT alone. Both immediate and delayed RT delivery post BLM-PCI resulted in similar degrees of growth inhibition; Conclusion: Non-degraded BLM was released from the fibrin hydrogel. PCI of BLM synergistically increased the growth-inhibiting effects of radiation treatment compared to radiation and BLM, and radiation acting as a single treatment.

Five-day exposure of clary sage (Salvia sclarea) to 100 μM cadmium (Cd) in hydroponics was sufficient to increase Cd concentrations significantly in roots and aboveground parts and affect negatively whole plant levels of calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg), since Cd competes for Ca channels, while reduced Mg concentrations are associated with increased Cd tolerance. Total zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), and iron (Fe) uptake increased but their translocation to the aboveground parts decreased possible due to translocation barriers. Despite the substantial levels of Cd in leaves, without any observed defects on chloroplast ultrastructure, an enhanced photosystem II (PSII) efficiency was observed, with a higher fraction of absorbed light energy to be directed to photochemistry (ΦPSΙΙ). The concomitant increase in the photoprotective mechanism of non-photochemical quenching of photosynthesis (NPQ) resulted in an important decrease in the dissipated non-regulated energy (ΦNO), modifying the homeostasis of reactive oxygen species (ROS), through a decreased singlet oxygen (1O2) formation. Thus, when clary sage was exposed to Cd for a short period, tolerance mechanisms were triggered, with PSII photochemistry to be regulated by NPQ in such a way that PSII efficiency to be enhanced. However, exposure to a combination of Cd and high light or for longer duration (8 days) to Cd alone, resulted in an inhibition of PSII functionality pointing out towards Cd toxicity. Thus, the rapid activation of PSII functionality at short time exposures and the inhibition at longer duration suggests a hormetic response and describes these effects in terms of “adaptive response” and “toxicity”, respectively.

Current environmental conditions have prompted agri-food systems to explore new strategies for improving the production of crops in a sustainable manner. The use of omeprazole (OMP) and melatonin (MEL) have been proposed as innovative strategy for crop improvement when applied as biostimulants. However, although their role in the growth of several species has been studied, the results in photosynthetic efficiency parameters are still scarce. Therefore, the objec-tive of the present study was to evaluate the effect of foliar application of OMP and MEL on bi-omass, yield, SPAD values, leaf chlorophyll fluorescence (Fv/Fm), photochemical quenching (qP), Non-photochemical quenching (NPQ), quantum yield of photosystem II (PhiPSII) and elec-tron transport rate (ETR) in bean plants. Treatments were applied separately at doses of 1, 10, and 100 µM, plus a control without application. The results obtained indicate that OMP and MEL were able to increase biomass, yield, SPAD values, as well as photochemical quenching, fluores-cence, and PhiPSII coefficients. Finally, it is concluded that foliar application of OMP and MEL at a dose of 1 and 10 µM can increase photosynthetic efficiency and decrease photoinhibition, which is reflected in higher biomass accumulation and yield in green bean plants cv. Strike.

This study explores the synergistic integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in information technology with photochemical methods to optimize nanoparticle synthesis. By leveraging machine learning algorithms and predictive modeling, we demonstrate significant enhancements in the precision, efficiency, and scalability of nanoparticle production. AI-driven analysis of reaction parameters, optical properties, and structural characteristics enables real-time monitoring and adaptive optimization of photochemical reactions.The developed framework utilizes deep learning techniques to correlate reaction conditions with nanoparticle size, shape, and composition, facilitating the synthesis of tailored nanoparticles for various applications. Results show improved monodispersity, increased yield, and reduced synthesis time compared to traditional methods.This innovative approach paves the way for the rapid development of high-performance nanoparticles in fields such as biomedical imaging, energy storage, and catalysis. By harnessing the power of AI in information technology, this research unlocks new possibilities for the precise and efficient synthesis of nanoparticles via photochemical methods.

We propose a theoretical Photocurrent - Voltage characteristic (PC-V) model to assess the interfacial phenom-ena for a photo-electrochemical cell (PEC). The origin of voltage deficits and the distribution of the photocur-rent across the semiconductor-electrolyte interface (SEI) are reported for the cell. The model predicts the hole exchange current parameter to extract the cell polarization data at the SEI. The potential drop across the SEI across the cell is mapped for the n-type cells. The simulation results of the Pc-V model are used to differentiate the effect of the bulk and space charge region (SCR) recombination in the semiconductor cells. A deep neural network model is developed to assess the electron-hole transfer mechanism using the Pc-V characteristic curve. The applicability of the model is tested and validated with the real time data. The results show good agreement with the experimental data.

The development of advanced photochemical technologies requires a synergy of scientific innovation and business acumen. This study explores the pivotal role of business analytics in accelerating the development and commercialization of photochemical technologies. By integrating data-driven insights with chemical engineering principles, businesses can optimize research and development (R&D) investments, streamline process efficiencies, and identify high-potential applications. This research employs a mixed-methods approach, combining case studies, surveys, and statistical analysis to investigate the impact of business analytics on photochemical technology development. Key findings highlight the benefits of analytics-driven decision-making, including enhanced productivity, reduced time-to-market, and improved return on investment (ROI). Furthermore, this study identifies critical factors influencing the effective adoption of business analytics in photochemical technology development, including data quality, organizational culture, and cross-functional collaboration. The results provide valuable implications for researchers, practitioners, and policymakers seeking to harness the potential of business analytics to drive innovation and growth in the photochemical industry

3,4-Dihydroquinolin-2(1H)-ones represent a class of valuable bioactive compounds with six-membered nitrogen-containing heterocyclic structures. The development of simple, mild and efficient synthetic methods has been widely concerned by synthetic chemists. In this review, we have summarized a series of different synthetic strategies for the synthesis of dihydroquinoline-2(1H)-ones via catalytic annulation of α,β-unsaturated N-arylamides in the past decade, including covering electrophilic cyclization, radical initiated cyclization and photochemical cyclization reactions. Besides, the substrate scope and mechanistic details are also discussed. This paper will provide a useful reference for the development of diverse synthesis methodologies of 3,4-dihydroquinolin-2(1H)-ones.

Dormancy is a physiological state that confers winter hardiness to and orchestrates phenological phase progression in temperate perennial plants. Weather fluctuations caused by climate change increasingly disturb dormancy onset and release in many plant species including tree crops leading to aberrant growth, flowering, and fruiting. Currently, research in this field is impeded by the lack of affordable non-invasive methods for on-line monitoring of dormancy. We report on an automatic framework for low-cost, long-term, and scalable dormancy studies in deciduous plants. The proposed method is based on continuous near-field sensing of the photosynthetic activity of shoots via pulse-amplitude modulated chlorophyll fluorescence sensors connected remotely to a data processing system. The resulting high-resolution time series of JIP-test parameters indicative of the responsiveness of the photosynthetic apparatus to environmental stimuli are subjected to frequency-domain analysis. The proposed approach allows to overcome the variance coming from diurnal changes of insolation and to derive estimations on the depth of dormancy. Our approach was validated over three seasons in an experimental apple (Malus × domestica Borkh.) orchard by collating the non-invasive estimations with the results of traditional methods (growing of the cuttings obtained from the tress at different phases of dormancy) and the output of commonly used chilling requirement models. We discuss the advantages of the proposed monitoring framework such as prompt detection of freeze damages along with its potential limitations.

At present, the world is at the peak of production of traditional fossil fuels. Much of the resources that humanity has been consuming (oil, coal and natural gas) are coming to an end. The human being faces a future that must necessarily go through a paradigm shift, which includes a progressive movement towards increasingly less polluting and energetically viable resources. In this sense, nanotechnology has a transcendental role in this change. For decades, new materials capable of being used in energy processes have been synthesized that undoubtedly will be the cornerstone of the future development of the planet. In this review, we report on the current progress in the synthesis and use of one-dimensional (1D) nanostructured materials (specifically nanowires, nanofibers, nanotubes and nanorods), with compositions based on oxides, nitrides, or metals, for applications related to energy. Due to its extraordinary surface-volume relationship, tunable thermal and transport properties, and its high surface area, these 1D nanostructures have become fundamental elements for the development of energy processes. The most relevant 1D nanomaterials, their different synthesis procedures, and useful methods for assembling 1D nanostructures in functional devices will be presented. Applications in relevant topics such as optoelectronic and photochemical devices, hydrogen production or energy storage, among others, will be discussed. The present review concludes with a forecast on the directions towards which future research could be directed on this class of nanostructured materials.

A coupled stratospheric chemistry-meteorology model was developed by combining the Canadian operational weather prediction model Global Environmental Multiscale (GEM) with a comprehensive stratospheric photochemistry model from the Belgian Assimilation System for Chemical ObsErvations (BASCOE). The coupled model was called GEM-BACH for GEM-Belgian Atmospheric CHemistry. The coupling was made across a chemical interface that preserves time splitting while being modular, allowing GEM to run with or without chemistry. An evaluation of the coupling was performed by comparing the coupled model, refreshed by meteorological analyses every 6 hours, against the standard offline chemical transport model (CTM) approach. Results show that the dynamical meteorological consistency between meteorological analysis times far outweighs the error created by the jump resulting from the meteorological analysis increments at regular time intervals, irrespective whether a 3D-Var or 4D-Var meteorological analysis is used. GEM-BACH forecast refreshed by meteorological analyses every 6 hours were compared against independent measurements of temperature, long-lived species, ozone and water vapor. The comparison showed a relatively good agreement throughout the stratosphere except for an upper-level warm temperature bias and an ozone deficit of nearly 15%. Arguments in favor of using the same horizontal resolution for chemistry, meteorology, and meteorological analysis increments are also presented. In particular, the coupled model simulation during an ozone hole event gives better ozone concentrations than a 4D-Var chemical assimilation at a lower resolution.

Lots of efforts are made to optimize spectrum quality used for indoor farming to maximize artificial light utilization and reduce water loss. For such an improvement, green (G) light supplementation to a red-blue (RB) background was successfully employed in our previous studies to restrict both non-photochemical thermal dissipation (NPQ) and stomatal conductance (gs). At the same time, however, the downregulation of NPQ and gs influences the leaf temperature (Tleaf) in opposite ways. Thus, to elucidate which factor plays a more prominent role in Tleaf regulation and whether such response is temporal or permanent we investigated the correlation between NPQ or gs and the subsequent Tleaf. To this end, we analysed tomato plants (Solanum lycopersicum L. cv. Malinowy Ozarowski) grown solely under monochromatic LED lamps (435, 520, or 662 nm; 80 µmol m–2 s–1) or under mixed RGB spectrum (1:1:1; 180 µmol m–2 s–1), and simultaneously measured the gs and Tleaf with an infrared gas analyser and thermocouple or employed infrared thermal camera (FLIR) during thermal imaging analyses. Results documented that growth light quality significantly modified the Tleaf, and such response is not temporal. Furthermore, we found that plants' actual adaxial leaf surface temperature is more closely related to NPQ amplitude, while the temperature of the abaxial surface corresponds to gs.

Photophysics properties such as fluorescence quenching, and photoexcitation dynamics of bimolecular non-covalent systems consisting of cationic poly[(9,9-di(3,3’-N,N’-trimethyl-ammonium) propyl fluorenyl-2,7-diyl)-alt-co-(9,9-dioctyl-fluorenyl-2,7-diyl)] diiodide salt (PFN) and anionic graphene carboxylate (GC) have been discovered for the first time by the steady state and time-resolved femtosecond transient absorption (TA) spectroscopy with broadband capabilities. The steady-state fluorescence of PFN is quenched with high efficiency by GC acceptor. Fluorescence lifetime measurements revealed that the quenching mechanism of PFN by GC is static. Here, the quenching mechanisms are well proven by TA spectra of PFN/GC systems. For PFN/GC systems, the photo electron transfer (PET) and charge recombination (CR) processes are ultrafast (within few tens of ps) related to static interactions whereas for PFN/DCB systems the PET takes place in few hundreds ps (217.50 ps)1 suggesting diffusion-controlled PET process. In the latter case, the PFN+•-DCB-• radical ion pairs as the result of PET from the PFN to DCB are clearly resolved and they are long-lived. The slow CR process (in 30 ns time scales)1 suggest PFN+• and DCB-• may already form separated radical ion pairs through charge separation (CS) process, which recombined back to the initial state with a characteristic time constant of 30 ns. The advantage of the present positively charged polyfluorene used in this work is the control over the electrostatic interactions and electron transfers in non-covalent polyfluorene/quencher systems in DMSO solution.

Photophysical properties of a series of bis(arylydene)cycloalkanone dyes with various donor substituentns are studied by quantum chemistry. Their capacity for luminescence and nonradiative relaxation through trans-cis isomerization is related to their structure, in particular, to the donor capacity of the substituents and the degree of conjugation due to the central cycloalkanone moiety. It is shown that cyclohexanone central moiety introduces distortions and disrupts the conjugation, thus leading to a nonmonotonic change in their properties. The increasing donor capacity of the substituents causes increase in the HOMO energy (raise of the oxidation potential) and decrease in the HOMO-LUMO gap, which results in the red shift of the absorption spectra. The ability of the excited dye to relax through fluorescence or through trans-cis isomerization is governed by the height of the barrier between the Franck–Condon and S1-S0 conical intersection regions on the potential energy surface of the lowest π-π* excited state. This barrier also correlates with the donor capacity of the substituents and the degree of conjugation between the central and donor moieties. The calculated fluorescence and trans-cis isomerization rates are in good agreement with the observed fluorescence quantum yields.

Liquid manipulation by photoisomerization attracts recent attentions as a new active droplet control method for micro-chemical analysis. Such a non-inverse manipulation can be realized by a use of solution liquid of surfactant that exhibits the \emph{cis}-\emph{trans} isomerization triggered by light irradiation with a specific wavelength such as ultraviolet light. Since the isomerization is accompanied by changes in fluid properties, a light irradiation on one of liquid-air interfaces of a liquid column in a tube would generate differences in the wettability accompanied between the both sides of the finite liquid column. Although this technique has been demonstrated experimentally by Muto et al. (\emph{Euro.~Phys.~J.~Special Topics}, {\bf 226}, 2016, 1199--1205), its dynamics and developments of each isomer distribution are not understood. In order to reveal the liquid-column migration phenomenon, we have performed numerical simulations of air-liquid two-phase flows and its scalar transport of the isomer, using the Volume-of-Fluid method in conjunction with the Continuum-Surface-Force model and Continuous-Species-Transfer method. We validated present results by comparison with experimental result in terms of the migration distance of the liquid column. We confirmed a termination of the liquid-column migration occurs when the \emph{cis} isomer distribution reaches the non-irradiated region. The migration speed was less dependent on the liquid-column length and was proportional to the tube diameter.

A plenty of theories on the origin of genetic codes have been proposed so far, yet all ignored the energetic driving force, its relation to the biochemical system, and most importantly, the missing “matchmaker” between proteins and nucleic acids. Here, a new hypothesis is proposed, according to which ATP is at the origin of the primordial genetic code by driving the coevolution of the genetic code with the pristine biochemical system. This hypothesis aims to show how the genetic code was produced by photochemical reactions in a protocell that derived from a lipid vesicle enclosing various life’s building blocks (e.g. nucleotides and peptides). At extant cell, ATP is the only energetic product of photosynthesis, and is at the energetic heart of the biochemical systems. ATP could energetically form and elongate chains of both polynucleotides and polypeptides, thus acting a “matchmaker” between these two bio-polymers and eventually mediating precellular biochemical innovation from energy transformation to informatization. ATP was not the only one that could drive the formation of polynucleotides and polypeptides, but favored by precellular selection. The protocell innovated a photosynthesis system to produce ATP efficiently and regularly with the aids of proteins and RNA/DNA. The completion of permanently recording the genetic information by DNA marked the dawn of cellular life operated by Darwinian evolution. The ATP hypothesis supports the photochemical origin of life, shedding light on the origins of both photosynthetic and biochemical systems, which remains largely unknown thus far.

Crosslinking of proteins for their irreversible immobilization on surfaces is a proven and popular method. However, many protocols lead to random orientation and the formation of undefined or even inactive by-products. Most concepts to obtain a more targeted conjugation or immobilization requires the recombinant modification of at least one binding partner, which is often impractical or prohibitively expensive. Here a novel method is presented, which is based on the chemical preactivation of Protein A or G with selected conventional crosslinkers. In a second step, the antibody is added, which is subsequently crosslinked in the Fc part. This leads to an oriented and covalent immobilization of the immunoglobulin with a very high yield. Protocols for Protein A and Protein G with murine and human IgG are presented. This method may be useful for the preparation of columns for affinity chromatography, immunoprecipitation, antibodies conjugated to magnetic particles, permanent and oriented immobilization of antibodies in biosensor systems, microarrays, microtitration plates or any other system, where the loss of antibodies needs to be avoided, and maximum binding capacity is desired. This method is directly applicable even to antibodies in crude cell culture supernatants, raw sera or protein-stabilized antibody preparations without any purification nor enrichment of the IgG. This new method delivered much higher signals as a traditional method and, hence, seems to be preferable in many applications.