Achieving Rapid Ultralow-Temperature Ion Transfer via Constructing Lithium-Anion Nanometric Aggregates to Eliminate Li+-Dipole Interactions.

Sluggish desolvation in extremely cold environments caused by strong Li+-dipole interactions is a key inducement for the capacity decline of a battery. Although the Li+-dipole interaction is reduced by increasing the electrolyte concentration, its high viscosity inevitably limits ion transfer at low temperatures. Herein, Li+-dipole interactions were eliminated to accelerate the migration rate of ions in electrolytes and at the electrode interface via designing Li+-anion nanometric aggregates (LA-nAGGs) in low-concentration electrolytes. Li+ coordinated by TFSI- and FSI- anions instead of a donor solvent promotes the formation of an inorganic-rich interfacial layer and facilitates Li+ transfer. Consequently, the LA-nAGG-type electrolyte demonstrated a high ionic conductivity (0.6 mS cm-1) at -70 °C and a low activation energy of charge transfer (38.24 kJ mol-1), enabling Li||NiFe-Prussian blue derivative cells to deliver ∼83.1% of their room-temperature capacity at -60 °C. This work provides an advanced strategy for the development of low-temperature electrolytes.

Full Characterisation of Heroin Samples Using Infrared Spectroscopy and Multivariate Calibration.

The analysis of heroin samples, before use in the protected environment of user centra, could be a supplementary service in the context of harm reduction. Infrared spectroscopy hyphenated with multivariate calibration could be a valuable asset in this context, and therefore 125 heroin samples were collected directly from users and analysed with classical chromatographic techniques. Further, Mid-Infrared spectra were collected for all samples, to be used in Partial Least Squares (PLS) modelling, in order to obtain qualitative and quantitative models based on real live samples. The approach showed that it was possible to identify and quantify heroin in the samples based on the collected spectral data and PLS modelling. These models were able to identify heroin correctly for 96% of the samples of the external test set with precision, specificity and sensitivity values of 100.0, 75.0 and 95.5%, respectively. For regression, a root mean squared error of prediction (RMSEP) of 0.04 was obtained, pointing at good predictive properties. Furthermore, during mass spectrometric screening, 10 different adulterants and impurities were encountered. Using the spectral data to model the presence of each of these resulted in performant models for seven of them. All models showed promising correct-classification rates (between 92 and 96%) and good values for sensitivity, specificity and precision. For codeine and morphine, the models were not satisfactory, probably due to the low concentration of these impurities as a consequence of acetylation. For methacetin, the approach failed.

Aliquat 336 in Solvent Extraction Chemistry of Metallic ReO4- Anions.

A study of the liquid-liquid extraction of ReO4- anions from hydrochloric acid solutions using the ionic liquid Aliquat 336 (QCl: trialkyl(C8-C10)methylammonium chloride) via the well-known method of slope analysis along with the determination of the process parameters is presented. This study employs CCl4, CHCl3 and C6H12 as diluents. This study was carried out at room temperature (22 ± 2) °C and an aqueous/organic volumetric ratio of unity. The ligand effect on the complexation properties of ReO4- is quantitatively assessed in different organic media. The organic extract in chloroform media is examined through 1H, 13C and 15N NMR analysis as well as the HRMS technique and UV-Vis spectroscopy in order to view the anion exchange and ligand coordination in the organic phase solution. Final conclusions are given highlighting the role of the molecular diluent in complexation processes and selectivity involving ionic liquid ligands and various metal s-, p-, d- and f-cations. ReO4- ions have shown one of the best solvent extraction behaviors compared to other ions. For instance, the Aliquat 336 derivative bearing Cl- functions shows strongly enhanced extraction as well as pronounced separation abilities towards ReO4-.

Localized High-Concentration Electrolytes with Low-Cost Diluents Compatible with Both Cobalt-Free LiNiO2 Cathode and Lithium-Metal Anode.

High-nickel layered oxide cathodes and lithium-metal anode are promising candidates for next-generation battery systems due to their high energy density. Nevertheless, the instability of the electrode-electrolyte interphase is hindering their practical application. Localized high-concentration electrolytes (LHCEs) present a promising solution for achieving uniform lithium deposition and a stable cathode-electrolyte interphase. However, the limited choice of diluents and their high cost are restricting their implementation. Four novel cost-effective diluents and their performance with highly reactive LiNiO2 cathode and Li-metal anode are reported here. The results show that all the LHCE cells exhibit a Coulombic efficiency of >99.38% in Li | Cu cells and a capacity retention of >85% in Li | LiNiO2 cells after 250 cycles. Advanced characterizations unveil that the stable cell operation is due to well-tuned electrode-electrolyte interphases and Li deposition morphology. In addition, online electrochemical mass spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry reveal that the gas generation and heat-release are greatly reduced with the LHCEs presented. Overall, the study provides new insights into the role of diluents in LHCEs and offers valuable guidance for further optimization of LHCEs for high energy density lithium-metal batteries.

Mutual Solubilities between Ethylene Glycol and Organic Diluents: Gas Chromatography and NMR.

In this work, the mutual solubilities of sets of organic diluents (CHCl3, C6H6, C2H4Cl2, CCl4, C6H12, and n-hexane) with the organic compound ethylene glycol are investigated via gas chromatography (GC). The experimental data measured for these binary organic systems are used to adjust the future nonaqueous systems for the solvent extraction of various metals with ligands. The obtained results showed that the solubility of ethylene glycol decreased in the order CHCl3 > C6H6 > C2H4Cl2 > CCl4(0%) ≈ C6H12 ≈ n-hexane. On the other hand, the solubility of the tested traditional organic diluents in ethylene glycol decreased in the following order: C6H6 > CHCl3 > C2H4Cl2 > n-hexane > C6H12 > CCl4. 1H NMR was also used as an analytic method in order to compare the obtained results for the samples showing significant solubility only, including an additional study with 1,2- or 1,3-propanediol. The enhanced solubility of the C6H6 compound in ethylene glycol was identified here as critical due to the GC technique, which will be without future consequences in chemical technology. Therefore, it was found that the best molecular diluent for the recovery of metals among the tested ones is C6H12, with a green protocol as the new paradigm, replacing the aqueous phase with another nonaqueous phase, i.e., a second organic diluent.

Comparative efficacy of chemical stabilizers on the thermostabilization of a novel live attenuated buffalopox vaccine.

In the present investigation, the thermostability of a live attenuated buffalopox vaccine prepared with an indigenous baffalopox virus isolate (BPXV Vij/96) and freeze-dried under conventional lyophilizing conditions is described. Three different stabilizer combinations like LS (lactalbumin hydralysate + sucrose), LHT (lactalbumin hydralysate + Trehalose dihydrate) and TAA (Trehalose dihydrate + l- Alanine + l-Histidine) were used to prepare the vaccine. The study indicated that the LS stabilizer was found to be the stabilizer of choice followed by LHT and TAA for buffalopox vaccine at all temperatures studied. The presence of stabilizers has beneficial influence in preserving the keeping quality of the vaccine. Further, among the diluents used to reconstitute the freeze-dried buffalopox vaccine, double distilled water, 0.85% normal saline solution and phosphate buffer saline were the choice of diluents in that order. However, 1M MgSO4 did not perform well at higher temperatures. Investigation suggests for using LS as a stabilizer for freeze-drying and any of the three diluents except 1MgSO4 for reconstitution of buffalopox vaccine.

Sensitization to reactive diluents and hardeners in epoxy resin systems. IVDK data 2002-2011. Part I: reaction frequencies.

BACKGROUND: Epoxy resin systems (ERSs), consisting of resins, reactive diluents, and hardeners, are indispensable in many branches of industry. In order to develop less sensitizing ERS formulations, knowledge of the sensitizing properties of single components is mandatory. OBJECTIVES: To analyse the frequency of sensitization in the patients concerned, as one integral part of a research project on the sensitizing potency of epoxy resin compounds (FP-0324). METHODS: A retrospective analysis of data from the Information Network of Departments of Dermatology (IVDK), 2002-2011, and a comparison of reaction frequencies with (surrogate) exposure data, were performed. RESULTS: Almost half of the patients sensitized to epoxy resin were additionally sensitized to reactive diluents or hardeners. Among the reactive diluents, 1,6-hexanediol diglycidyl ether was the most frequent allergen, followed by 1,4-butanediol diglycidyl ether, phenyl glycidyl ether, and p-tert-butylphenyl glycidyl ether. Among the hardeners, m-xylylene diamine (MXDA) and isophorone diamine (IPDA) were the most frequent allergens. According to the calculated exposure-related frequency of sensitization, MXDA seems to be a far more important sensitizer than IPDA. Up to 60% of the patients sensitized to hardeners and 15-20% of those sensitized to reactive diluents do not react to epoxy resin. CONCLUSIONS: In cases of suspected contact allergy to an ERS, a complete epoxy resin series must be patch tested from the start.

Sensitization to reactive diluents and hardeners in epoxy resin systems. IVDK data 2002-2011. Part II: concomitant reactions.

BACKGROUND: Beside the basic resins, reactive diluents and hardeners are important sensitizers in epoxy resin systems (ERSs). Because of chemical similarities, immunological cross-reactivity may occur. OBJECTIVES: To analyse concomitant reactivity among reactive diluents and hardeners in the patients concerned, as one integral part of a research project on the sensitizing capacity of ERSs (FP-0324). METHODS: A retrospective analysis of data from the Information Network of Departments of Dermatology (IVDK), 2002-2011, was performed. RESULTS: There was close concomitant reactivity to 1,6-hexanediol diglycidyl ether and 1,4-butanediol diglycidyl ether (1,4-BDDGE), and to phenyl glycidyl ether (PGE) and cresyl glycidyl ether (CGE), whereas reactions to p-tert-butylphenyl glycidyl ether occurred more independently from those to PGE and CGE. Concomitant reactions to butyl glycidyl ether and 1,4-BDDGE may point to a common allergenic compound derived from the metabolism of 1,4-BDDGE. Among the structurally more diverse group of hardeners, there was no evidence of immunological cross-reactions. CONCLUSIONS: More detailed knowledge of cross-reactivity among ERS components facilitates the interpretation of patch test results and will allow safer ERSs to be composed in the future.

Screening diluents to optimize cesium contaminant separation using t-BAMBP extractant.

The widespread use of nuclear energy has raised concerns about nuclear safety and radioactive waste management, particularly due to the release of radioactive cesium. This study investigates the use of t-BAMBP (4-tert-butyl-2-(α-methylbenzyl) phenol) for the extraction and separation of cesium from simulate high concentration cesium containing wastewater, focusing on the selection of suitable diluents to enhance the efficiency of the process. We performed a systematic study using density functional theory (DFT) calculations to evaluate the intrinsic properties and interactions of various common diluents with t-BAMBP. The diluents studied include aromatic hydrocarbons (benzene, toluene, xylene), alkanes (cyclohexane, hexane, heptane), and alcohols (hexanol, octanol). Our computational results revealed that cyclohexane is the most suitable diluent due to its moderate solvation-free energy, high nonpolarity, and optimal balance between solubility and reactivity. Experimental validation confirmed the computational findings. The cyclohexane-diluted t-BAMBP system achieved the highest cesium extraction efficiency of over 94 %, with a separation factor (ßCs/K) of 767.67. Cyclohexane demonstrated the lowest toxicity and cost among the diluents evaluated, making it a safer and more economical choice for practical applications. The results of this study provide a comprehensive theoretical and experimental basis for the selection of diluents in the t-BAMBP extraction system, offering insights for the sustainable utilization of cesium resources and effective management of radioactive waste.

Comparing the Impact of Diluents and Injection Techniques on Patient Comfort During Indocyanine Green Lymphangiography: A Prospective Study.

Background: Indocyanine green (ICG) lymphography, a key diagnostic tool for lymphedema, is influenced by the dilution process of ICG dye, impacting patient experience. Methods and Results: In our study, we assessed three different ICG diluents-water for injection (WFI), normal saline (NS), and Dextrose® plus human albumin-in five healthy volunteer individuals undergoing superficial lymphography of the upper limb over 3 weeks. Results indicated that NS, as a diluent for ICG, caused the least discomfort during injection, in contrast to WFI, which led to the highest levels of discomfort. Transport time of ICG from the injection site to the axillary lymph nodes was notably shorter in intradermal injections than in subdermal injections. Conclusion: Our findings advocate for using NS as the optimal and cost-effective diluent for ICG, enhancing patient experience.

Improving the 3D Printability and Mechanical Performance of Biorenewable Soybean Oil-Based Photocurable Resins.

The general requirement of replacing petroleum-derived plastics with renewable resources is particularly challenging for new technologies such as the additive manufacturing of photocurable resins. In this work, the influence of mono- and bifunctional reactive diluents on the printability and performance of resins based on acrylated epoxidized soybean oil (AESO) was explored. Polyethylene glycol di(meth)acrylates of different molecular weights were selected as diluents based on the viscosity and mechanical properties of their binary mixtures with AESO. Ternary mixtures containing 60% AESO, polyethylene glycol diacrylate (PEGDA) and polyethyleneglycol dimethacrylate (PEG200DMA) further improved the mechanical properties, water resistance and printability of the resin. Specifically, the terpolymer AESO/PEG575/PEG200DMA 60/20/20 (wt.%) improved the modulus (16% increase), tensile strength (63% increase) and %deformation at the break (21% increase), with respect to pure AESO. The enhancement of the printability provided by the reactive diluents was proven by Jacobs working curves and the improved accuracy of printed patterns. The proposed formulation, with a biorenewable carbon content of 67%, can be used as the matrix of innovative resins with unrestricted applicability in the electronics and biomedical fields. However, much effort must be done to increase the array of bio-based raw materials.

Sperm Cooling as an Assisted Reproduction Tool for Wildlife: An Underrated Technology.

The search for assisted reproduction techniques applied to the conservation and even the genetic improvement of wild species is becoming increasingly common. Regarding conservation of male gametes from wild animals, although current advances are focused on cryopreservation, the development of protocols for sperm refrigeration seems to be underrated, despite its various advantages and applications. Therefore, this review aims to highlight the importance of short-term conservation of sperm from wild mammals, report the development of state-of-the-art refrigeration protocols for both ejaculated and epididymal sperm, and evaluate the challenges and prospects of their application.

Study on Press Formability and Properties of UV-Curable Polyurethane Acrylate Coatings with Different Reactive Diluents.

UV-curable coatings have numerous advantages, including environmental sustainability due to 100% solid content, economic feasibility attributable to relatively fast curing time, decent appearance, mechanical properties, chemical resistance, and abrasion resistance. However, UV-curable polyurethane acrylate coatings on metals apparently restrict their engineering applications owing to low mechanical properties and poor thermal stability, giving UV-curable coatings less flexibility and formability. In this study, we evaluated the property change of films according to the type of reactive diluents that lowers the viscosity of UV-curing coatings for pre-coated metal and has a substantial effect on the curing rate, viscoelastic properties, adhesive properties, and flexibility of the film. Moreover, there are many changes in the properties of coatings according to varied curing conditions in order to evaluate the oxygen inhibition phenomenon during the curing process in the atmosphere. In particular, to evaluate the effect of reactive diluents on forming formability, which is the most crucial property for the pre-coated metal, this study used conventional formability tests, such as t-bending or the Erichsen test. Moreover, a cross-die cup drawing mold with a similar form as failure and Safety Zone was utilized in order to obtain clearer information on its actual formability. The analysis on the effect of failure and safety zone on the material used in press forming was conducted by assessing limit punch height and forming a limit diagram of the manufactured film according to varied reactive diluents.

Fully bio-based and intrinsically flame retardant unsaturated polyester cross-linked with isosorbide-based diluents.

Unsaturated polyester resins (UPR) are composed of prepolymers and styrene diluents, while the former are produced by co-polycondensation between diol, unsaturated diacid and saturated diacid. In this work, bio-based UPR prepolymers were synthesized from bio-based oxalic acid, itaconic acid, and ethylene glycol, which were then diluted with bio-based isosorbide methacrylate (MI). Meanwhile, the phenylphosphonate were introduced into the molecular chains of prepolymers to achieve intrinsic flame retardancy of bio-based UPR. The potential of the reactive MI diluents as substitutes of volatile styrene, was also assessed through the volatility test, curing kinetics and gel contents analysis. For UPR materials with styrene diluents, the UPR materials can achieve UL-94 V0 level and the 28% of limiting oxygen index (LOI) with 2.63 wt% of phosphorus contents. By contrast, the UPR materials with MI diluents can reach UL-94 V0 level with only 2.14 wt% of phosphorus contents. As the phosphorus contents were further increased to 2.63 wt%, UPR materials can achieve highest 29%, while the peak of heat release rate (PHRR) and total heat release (THR) were decreased by 68.01% and 48.62%, respectively. The Flame Retardancy Index (FRI) was also used to comprehensively evaluate the flame retardant performance of UPR composites. Compared with neat UPR, the composites with MI diluents and phosphorus containing structures increased from 1.00 to 6.46. The mechanism for improved flame retardancy was analyzed from gaseous and condensed phase. Additionally, the tensile strengths of bio-based UPR materials with styrene and MI diluents were studied. This work provides an effective method to prepared high-performance and fully bio-based UPR materials with improved flame retardant properties and safety application of reactive diluents.

Microbeam X-ray Reanalysis on Periodically Assembled Poly(ß-Hydroxybutyric acid-Co-ß-hydroxyvaleric acid) Tailored with Diluents.

Self-assembly of 3D interiors and iridescence properties of poly(ß-hydroxybutyric acid-co-ß-hydroxyvaleric acid) (PHBV) periodic crystals are examined using microcopy techniques and microbeam X-ray diffraction. Morphology of PHBV can be tailored by crystallizing in presence of poly(vinyl acetate) (PVAc) or poly(trimethylene adipate) (PTA) for displaying desired periodicity patterns. The regular alternate-layered lamellae of banded PHBV crystal aggregates, resembling the structures the natural mineral moonstone or nacre, are examined to elaborate the origin of light interference and formation mechanisms of periodic lamellar aggregation of PHBV spherulites. By using PHBV as a convenient model and the crystal diffraction data, this continuing work demonstrates unique methodology for effectively studying the periodic assembly in widely varying polymers with similar aggregates. Grating structures in periodically assembled polymer crystals can be tailored for microstructure with orderly periodicity.

ECTFE Membrane Fabrication Using Green Binary Diluents TEGDA/TOTM and Its Performance in Membrane Condenser.

Poly(ethylene-chlorotrifluoroethylene) (ECTFE) membrane is a hydrophobic membrane material that can be used to recover water from high-humidity gases in the membrane condenser (MC) process. In this study, ECTFE membranes were prepared by the thermally induced phase separation (TIPS) method using the green binary diluents triglyceride diacetate (TEGDA) and trioctyl trimellitate (TOTM). Thermodynamic phase diagrams of the ECTFE/TEGDA: TOTM system were made. The effects of the diluent composition and cooling rate on the structure and properties of the ECTFE membranes were investigated by characterizing the SEM, contact angle, mechanical properties, pore size and porosity. The results showed that ECTFE membranes with cellular structure were successfully prepared and exhibit good mechanical properties. Moreover, increasing the TOTM content in the binary diluents and decreasing the cooling rate could effectively improve the mean pore size of the ECTFE membranes, but the increase in TOTM content reduced the mechanical properties. During the MC process, the water recovery performance of ECTFE membranes increased with the increase in the mean pore size of the membranes, and the condensation flow and water recovery of membrane prepared at 20% TOTM were 1.71 kg·m-2·h-1 and 54.84%, respectively, which were better than the performance of commercial hydrophobic PVDF membranes in the MC. These results indicated that there is good potential for the application of ECTFE membranes during the MC process.

Evaluation of diagnostic accuracy of developed rapid SARS-COV-2 IgG antibody test kit using novel diluent system.

Immunochromatographic assay kits are used in primary diagnostics which is based on the principle of antigen and antibody interaction. These kits play pivotal role in rapid surveillance of infectious diseases at early stages as well as for the surveillance of the contagious diseases. The immunochromatographic test kits lacks sensitivity and specificity with certain diseases. In this study, our intention was to develop a rapid test kit for SARS-COV-2 with a novel diluent system to enhance the efficacy of antigen-antibody binding and thereby the improvement in the sensitivity outlined. Finally, IgG antibodies against SARS-COV-2 virus peptides were analyzed using 25 positive and 25 negative confirmed clinical samples. The sensitivity of the clinical studies showed 91% sensitivity and 100% specificity. Therefore, the authors propose that this assay will be a potential tool for efficient community or sentinel surveillance of SARS-COV-2 infection and additionally, for effective monitoring of convalescent sera therapy.

EVALI Vaping Liquids Part 2: Mass Spectrometric Identification of Diluents and Additives.

The vaping liquid additive vitamin E acetate (VEA) was strongly linked to the 2019 United States nationwide outbreak of pulmonary lung illness (EVALI) associated with e-cigarettes or vaping liquids. Our laboratory received over 1,000 vaping liquid products for identification of the vaping liquid additives, including hundreds of vaping products from EVALI patients. In this work, we present results obtained for the GC-MS identification of numerous vaping liquid additives in a large subset of ca. 300 Cannabis vaping liquids, including vitamin E acetate, medium chain triglycerides oil (MCT oil), polyethylene glycols, squalane, triethyl citrate, dipropylene glycol dibenzoate (DPG dibenzoate), pine rosin acids, pine rosin methyl esters, and sucrose acetate isobutyrate (SAIB). Confirmation of DPG dibenzoate and SAIB using LC-HRMS is also presented. GC-MS analysis for additives identified as the parent compounds was conducted after separation on a commercial 5% phenyl phase. GC-MS analysis for additives identified as the trimethylsilyl derivatives was conducted after separation on a commercial 35% silphenylene phase. LC-HRMS analysis was conducted using gradient elution with either C18 or phenyl-hexyl phases and determination of exact masses for the target compounds. In addition to providing rapid methods for the identification of vaping liquid additives, this work highlights the variety of Cannabis vaping liquid additives in current use.

Investigation of Vaping Fluids Recovered From New York State E-Cigarette or Vaping Product Use-Associated Lung Injury Patients.

E-cigarette or vaping product use-associated lung injury (EVALI) is a serious pulmonary condition that is associated with the extended use of certain vaping products. EVALI was first characterized in the summer of 2019 and has since been reported in all 50 U.S. states. From August 2019 through June 2021, the New York State Department of Health has reported more than 197 confirmed cases emanating from all regions of the state. The Wadsworth Center at the New York State Department of Heath received vaping cartridges recovered from EVALI patients for chemical analysis of their contents. Untargeted analytical methods using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography-high-resolution mass spectrometry as well as targeted analyses for a variety of analytes including cannabinoids, pesticides, vitamin E acetate (VEA) and mycotoxins were used to characterize the composition of the vaping fluids and several commercial vaping fluid additives. From the analyses of the 284 e-cigarette devices recovered from patients, 82 were found to be nicotine-containing pods, and 202 devices containing cannabis oil, apparently from unauthorized or black-market dealers. The fluids from the cannabis-oil cartridges tended to have lower levels of THCs (Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol + Δ8-tetrahydrocannabinol) and total cannabinoids compared with those of commercially produced formulations and contained significant levels of diluents including VEA, medium-chain triglycerides, polyethylene glycol, and castor oil. VEA was the diluent most frequently detected, which was present in 132 (65.3%) of the vaping fluids that contained cannabis oil. When present, VEA ranged from 2.0 to 67.8% of the total mass of the oil with a mean content of 37.0%. In some cases, two or three diluents were detected in the same sample. The ratio of VEA to THCs varied widely, from 0.07 to 5.34. VEA and specifically the high ratios of VEA to THCs in black-market vaping fluids may be causative in EVALI. The safety of additional components and additives that are present in vaping fluids are likewise of concern.

Comparison of plant- and egg yolk-based semen diluents on in vitro sperm kinematics and in vivo fertility of frozen-thawed bull semen.

Diluents using components of plant origin have been developed as an alternative to animal based extenders for the dilution of bull semen, however, it is unclear if use of these diluents results in in vivo fertility rates similar to those that occur with use of traditional egg yolk-based diluents. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of semen diluent on 60-day non-return rate (NRR) following artificial insemination (AI) with frozen-thawed bull semen. The effect of semen dilution in one of three different commercial diluents (BullXcell - egg yolk-based, OptiXcell - plant-based or AndroMed - plant-based) on post-thaw total and progressive motility as well as kinematic parameters (Experiment 1) and field fertility (Experiment 2, n = 1,480 inseminations) was assessed. Semen stored in OptiXcell had greater post-thaw total and progressive motility than AndroMed (P < 0.05) but did not differ from BullXcell. Semen stored in BullXcell had a greater beat cross frequency and straight line velocity compared to semen stored in AndroMed (P < 0.05) but did not differ when compared with use of OptiXcell; while values for these variables when using OptiXcell and AndroMed did not differ from each other (P > 0.05). There was no difference in any other sperm kinematic parameters (P > 0.05). There was no effect of diluent on 60-day NRR (71.5%, 67.8% and 70.6% for BullXcell, OptiXcell and AndroMed, respectively). In conclusion, while diluent significantly affected post-thaw sperm motility and kinematics, no effect on 60-day NRR was observed. Given that OptiXcell and AndroMed are animal protein-free media these diluents may be a suitable alternative to BullXcell for the storage of frozen-thawed bull semen.