Exfoliated Mg-Al-Fe layered double hydroxides/polyether sulfone mixed matrix membranes for adsorption of phosphate and fluoride from aqueous solutions.

Mg-Al-Fe layered double hydroxides (LDHs) were exfoliated and incorporated in polyether sulfone membranes for the removal of phosphate and fluoride for the first time. The exfoliation methods, coagulation bath, LDH amount, interfering ions, adsorption isotherm, desorption and reuse of the membranes were investigated. It was found that LDHs could be quickly exfoliated in formamide/N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) solvent mixtures with sodium carboxymethyl cellulose as a stabilizer. The membranes displayed much higher adsorption capacity for phosphate (5.61mg/g) and faster adsorption rate than the un-exfoliated materials. With increased DMF content in the coagulation bath, the static and dynamic adsorption capacity rose. Interference from Cl- and SO42- (50mg/L) on adsorption of phosphates was not apparent. The membranes displayed excellent reusability in dynamic adsorption/desorption. The membranes also showed high adsorption capacity for fluorides (1.61mg/g).

Pectin methyltransferase QUASIMODO2 functions in the formation of seed coat mucilage in Arabidopsis.

Pectin, cellulose, and hemicelluloses are major components of primary cell walls in plants. In addition to cell adhesion and expansion, pectin plays a central role in seed mucilage. Seed mucilage contains abundant pectic rhamnogalacturonan-I (RG-I) and lower amounts of homogalacturonan (HG), cellulose, and hemicelluloses. Previously, accumulated evidence has addressed the role of pectin RG-I in mucilage production and adherence. However, less is known about the function of pectin HG in seed coat mucilage formation. In this study, we analyzed a novel mutant, designated things fall apart2 (tfa2), which contains a mutation in HG methyltransferase QUASIMODO2 (QUA2). Etiolated tfa2 seedlings display short hypocotyls and adhesion defects similar to qua2 and tumorous shoot development2 (tsd2) alleles, and show seed mucilage defects. The diminished uronic acid content and methylesterification degree of HG in mutant seed mucilage indicate the role of HG in the formation of seed mucilage. Cellulosic rays in mutant mucilage are collapsed. The epidermal cells of seed coat in tfa2 and tsd2 display deformed columellae and reduced radial wall thickness. Under polyethylene glycol treatment, seeds from these three mutant alleles exhibit reduced germination rates. Together, these data emphasize the requirement of pectic HG biosynthesis for the synthesis of seed mucilage, and the functions of different pectin domains together with cellulose in regulating its formation, expansion, and release.