Time-temperature indicator of hydroxyethyl cellulose ink labels for assessing pork freshness.

Pork is widely consumed worldwide, and many consumers now utilize sensory evaluation techniques to determine the freshness of pork when buying it. A color-changing ink label utilizing bromocresol purple (BCP) and N-hydroxyphthalimide (NHPI) had been created to help consumers better and more rapidly determine the freshness of pork while it is stored. The ink was easy to prepare and could be readily transferred to A4 paper using screen printing technology. This study delved deeper into the impact of hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC) on the functional properties of inks to enhance printing performance. The experiment demonstrated that a 1 % mass fraction of HEC improved thixotropy and facilitated the even distribution of ink on A4 paper, as confirmed by scanning electron microscopy. Screen-printed labels with varying concentrations displayed distinct color change rates when stored at different temperatures, indicating their capability to assess pork freshness. FT-IR, laboratory, and stability tests verified the ink's exceptional color change capabilities and printing attributes. An analysis using the Arrhenius equation revealed a substantial synergistic effect between BCP and NHPI, resulting in improved sensitivity and accuracy of the ink. This study offers a practical and feasible method to monitor the storage quality of pork effectively.

A non-extraction sequential injection method for determination of loratadine using formation of its ion-association complex with bromocresol purple in acetonitrile.

The formation of an ion-association complex (IA) between sulfonephthalein dye and basic nitrogen-containing compound in an organic solvent medium has been for the first time used to develop an automated SIA method. In highly polar aprotic solvents, the tautomeric equilibrium for such dyes is strongly shifted towards the colorless lactonic form. The addition of a basic nitrogen-containing substance leads to the formation of IA with a highly colored quinonoid form, which is accompanied by an increase in the absorbance of the dye band at approximately 400 nm. Protonation of pyridine nitrogen in loratadine, structure and binding places of IA were shown using quantum-chemical calculations. The very simple, direct and non-extraction spectrophotometric SIA method with high throughput of 43 h-1 was developed based on the formation of IA between loratadine and bromocresol purple in the medium of acetonitrile used both as solvent and carrier. The calibration graph was linear in the concentration range from 1.0 to 20 mg L-1 with correlation coefficient of 0.9992. The developed method was successfully applied to the analysis of pharmaceutical formulations.

An Adapted Protocol for Quantitative Rhizosphere Acidification Assay.

Acidification of the rhizosphere is a key process in the homeostasis of multiple essential nutrients, including iron. Under iron deficiency, the release of protons from the roots helps solubilize and increase the accessibility of iron in the soil. Rhizosphere acidification has been widely examined in many iron homeostasis studies, generally using a qualitative method based on the color change of bromocresol purple, a pH indicator dye, near the roots. In this chapter, we introduce an adapted version of a rhizosphere acidification assay protocol that allows for the quantitative assessment of small pH changes in the rhizosphere. This colorimetric method also utilizes bromocresol purple, but the ratio of its absorbance at 434 nm and 588 nm is considered to quantify protons released into the assay solution. Furthermore, the assay is compatible with small sample volumes, such as those with young Arabidopsis seedlings.

Evaluation of the two-point calibration bromocresol green method, showing reduced deviation from the bromocresol purple method in sera from patients with hypoalbuminemia.

BACKGROUND: The bromocresol green (BCG) and bromocresol purple (BCP) methods are widely used for albumin measurements in routine testing, but the BCG method is known to react with globulin fractions and to have low specificity for albumin. We evaluated a calibration method using different concentrations of human serum albumin standards (two-point calibration BCG method) with the aim of reducing the effect of globulin fractions on the BCG method in patients with hypoalbuminemia. METHOD: In the two-point calibration BCG method, two concentrations of standard solutions and their calibration values are set based on the difference in albumin concentrations measured by the BCG method (BCG-HSA method) and the modified BCP (modified BCP-HSA method) calibrated with human serum albumin standard solution (HSA). Albumin concentrations were measured in 136 patient serum samples (healthy group: 52, hypoalbuminemic group: 84) by the two-point calibrated BCG method and compared with those obtained using the modified BCP-HSA method. RESULTS: The mean albumin concentrations obtained using the two-point calibrated BCG and modified BCP-HSA methods were 39.18 ± 3.42 g/L and 39.37 ± 3.14 g/L (healthy group) and 26.20 ± 6.23 g/L and 26.23 ± 5.67 g/L (hypoalbuminemia group), respectively. The results of the two-point calibration BCG method were in a close agreement over the entire concentration range tested compared to the modified BCP-HSA method. CONCLUSIONS: Based on these results, this calibration method reduces the influence of the globulin fraction on the BCG method. In the hypoalbuminemic group, the calibration method was shown to provide results consistent with the BCP method, which is highly specific for albumin.

A Simple but Effective Combination of pH Indicators for Plant Tissue Culture.

The use of pH indicators provides a simple, semi-quantitative visual method for quickly assessing pH changes in tissue culture media; however, pH indicators are rarely used in routine plant tissue culture media. In this study, chlorophenol red, bromocresol purple, and bromocresol green were tested to assess their functionality in the growth medium for plant shoot cultures. In addition, a combination of bromocresol green and bromocresol purple was tested to determine if they would widen the observable colour change to better assess pH changes in the medium. Varying the ratio of bromocresol green to bromocresol purple alters the pH at which the colour changes from blue to green to yellow, with a 1:3 ratio providing a useful pH range of 5-6.5, while a 1:1 ratio provides a useful pH range of 4.5-6. All the pH indicators showed no toxic side effects for the plant species tested in this study and were able to be autoclaved to ensure media sterility. The addition of these pH indicators to quickly assess media pH in large tissue culture collections can aid in routine maintenance. These pH indicators can be used as a 'traffic light' system, with blue indicating a high pH, green a normal pH, and yellow a low pH in the media.

Effect of albumin measurement methods on the albumin-bilirubin grade.

BACKGROUND: Albumin-bilirubin (ALBI) grade is an index of liver function based on total bilirubin (T-BIL) and albumin levels, and its usefulness has been widely reported. This study aimed to investigate the effect of different methods of measuring T-BIL and albumin levels on the ALBI grade in patients with liver disease. METHODS: In total, 170 patients from our hospital were included in this study. Correlations between T-BIL levels measured using the vanadate oxidation and enzymatic methods were analysed. Similarly, a correlation analysis of albumin levels between the bromocresol green (BCG) and modified bromocresol purple (BCP) methods was performed. Additionally, the ALBI grade was calculated for patients with liver disease, and the differences between each method of albumin measurement were compared. RESULTS: No differences were observed in the measured T-BIL values between the two methods. Contrastingly, the albumin levels of 100 random samples and 70 liver disease patients obtained using the modified BCP method were significantly lower than those measured using the BCG method. The rate of change in the modified ALBI grade between the BCG and BCP methods was 25.7%. CONCLUSIONS: Caution should be taken when comparing ALBI grades with those measured by other facilities because the method of albumin measurement can affect the ALBI grade. Standardization of albumin measurement is needed worldwide.

Influence of halloysite nanotubes on the efficiency of Asparaginase against mice Ehrlich solid carcinoma.

Herein, the impact of the halloysite nanotubes to suppress the side effects of Asparaginase (ANase) cellular proliferation was investigated. Methods: A total of 100 adult male mice was employed. These mice were divided into four equal groups; Group 1 (control), Group 2 (ESC group) of a single dose of 0.15 ml Ehrlich cells (2 × 106) intraperitoneal infusion(IP), Group 3 (ESC + ANase group) received six doses equal treatments of Intratumoral (IT) 0.07 ml Aspragnase (7 mg/kg) over two weeks. For two weeks, Group 4 (ESC + ASNase + HNTs) received an IT administration of 0.07 ml Asparaginase stocked on Halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) (30 mg/kg) three times per week. A blood specimen was collected, and the liver was removed to be investigated histologically. Results: TEM measurements for the Halloysite nanoclay showed their tubular cylindrical shape with a mean diameter of 50 nm and an average length of 1 µm, whereas The X-ray diffraction pattern of the Halloysite nanoclay showed their characteristic peaks. ESC increases the serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and bilirubin than control and other groups, even as albumin and total protein were decreasing. After using Halloysite Nanotube, the rates of these variables were enhanced up to 75%. The hepatocytes histological studies showed protection against Ehrlich Solid carcinoma-induced degenerative, necrotic, and inflammatory changes up to 70%. In conclusion, halloysite nanotubes have demonstrated effective removal of Ehrlich solid carcinoma in mice using an ASNase delivery system. It promoted the ASNase to inhibit the adverse effect of ANase's on the liver and remove the tumour cells.

A simple colorimetric assay to determine the concentration and proportion of human mercaptalbumin.

Objectives: Human serum albumin can take on two forms, mercaptalbumin (HMA) or non-mercaptalbumin (HNA), depending on the redox status of its Cys34. The ratio of HMA and HNA is considered to be a novel biomarker of oxidative stress. While HPLC and mass spectrometry are established methods to measure HMA and HNA, a simple colorimetric assay was applied to measure this biomarker. Design and methods: Michler's Hydrol (4,4'-Bis(dimethylamino)benzhydrol) is a blue dye with a maximum absorption at 612 nm, and its absorption decreases when it reacts with a thiol group. Concentrations of HMA in serum samples from 36 healthy subjects were measured based on absorption changes of Michler's Hydrol. The proportion of HMA (HMA%) in total albumin was also obtained by dividing the HMA concentration by total albumin concentration, which was obtained by a bromocresol purple (BCP) assay. The proportion of HNA (HNA%) was obtained by subtracting HMA% from 100%. Results: HMA concentrations obtained by Michler's Hydrol assay were highly correlated (r2 = 0.97) with reference values obtained by HPLC (HMA%) and BCP assay (total albumin). The HNA% obtained by Michler's Hydrol and BCP assays combined also gave a good correlation (r2 = 0.96) and a small deviation (average 2.4%) with respect to HPLC as a reference method. Conclusions: A colorimetric assay using Michler's Hydrol was optimized for a 96-well plate format so that it can be easily performed in a standard laboratory setting. This assay gives HMA concentrations and HNA proportions comparable to HPLC.

Bromocresol purple in the processes of cation-anionic interactions in aqueous solutions: UV-Vis spectroscopy and computer simulation of dissimilar association.

The formation of associates between single- or double-charged anions of bromocresol purple (3,3'-dimethyl-5,5'-dibromophenolsulfonephthalein) and single-charged cations of cyanines (quinaldine blue, quinaldine red) has been investigated. The equilibrium constants of the association have been determined on the basis of UV-Vis spectroscopy data. The energy of the cation-anion interaction (the standard enthalpy of formation of ions and associates), as well as the probable structure of associates, were established using the PM7 semiempirical method. The presented results can be useful in the development of new spectroscopic methods for the detection of organic additives in water (e.g. acetone) due to the spectral properties of dissimilar associates.

Covalent immobilization of bromocresol purple on cellulose nanocrystals for use in pH-responsive indicator films.

This study developed pH-indicator films by combining esterified cellulose nanocrystals (e-CNCs) with activated bromocresol purple (a-BCP) via covalent bonding for pH-sensitive color-changing applications. The e-CNC/a-BCP particles were incorporated into cellulose acetate polymer to prepare pH-sensitive color changing films. Binding of a-BCP to e-CNCs was proven by attenuated total reflection infrared (ATR-IR) spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Colorimetric analysis showed that films containing 10% or 15% e-CNC/a-BCP particles had critical color changes either at pH 4-5, or pH 7-8. The films with 10% e-CNC/a-BCP particles also revealed excellent leaching resistance under acidic conditions. Color changes were reversible between pH 2 and 10. These pH-indicator films had visible color changes in response to pH variations, color reversibility, leaching resistance, and sufficient rigidity even though mechanical properties decreased as the e-CNC/a-BCP content increased from 0% to 15%.

Serum albumin and risks of hospitalization and death: Findings from the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities study.

OBJECTIVES: To determine whether lower serum albumin in community-dwelling, older adults is associated with increased risk of hospitalization and death independent of pre-existing disease. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study of participants in the fifth visit of the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study. Baseline data were collected from 2011 to 2013. Follow-up was available to December 31, 2017. Replication was performed in Geisinger, a health system in rural Pennsylvania. SETTING: For ARIC, four US communities: Washington County, Maryland; Forsyth County, North Carolina; Jackson, Mississippi; and suburbs of Minneapolis, Minnesota. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 4947 community-dwelling men and women aged 66 to 90 years. EXPOSURE: Serum albumin. MAIN OUTCOMES: Incident all-cause hospitalization and death. RESULTS: Among the 4947 participants, mean age was 75.5 years (SD: 5.12) and mean baseline serum albumin concentration was 4.05 g/dL (SD: 0.30). Over a median follow-up period of 4.42 years (interquartile interval: 4.16-5.05), 553 participants (11.2%) died and 2457 participants (49.7%) were hospitalized at least once. The total number of hospitalizations was 5725. In analyses adjusted for demographics and numerous clinical characteristics, including tobacco use, obesity, frailty, cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, diabetes C-reactive protein (CRP), cognitive status, alcohol use, medication use, respiratory disease, and systolic blood pressure, 1 g/dL lower baseline serum albumin concentration was associated with higher risk of both hospitalization (incidence rate ratio [IRR]: 1.58; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.36-1.82; p < 0.001) and death (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.67; 95% CI: 1.24-2.24; p < 0.001). Associations were weaker with older age but not different by frailty status or level of high-sensitivity CRP. Associations between serum albumin, hospitalizations, and death were also similar in a real-world cohort of primary care patients. CONCLUSIONS: Lower baseline serum albumin was significantly associated with increased risk of both all-cause hospitalization and death, independent of pre-existing disease. Older adults with low serum albumin should be considered a high-risk population and targeted for interventions to reduce the risk of adverse outcomes.

Dye-decolorization of a newly isolated strain Bacillus amyloliquefaciens W36.

Dye-decolorization is one of the most important steps in dye-polluted wastewater treatment. The dye-decolorization bacteria were isolated from active sludge collected from wastewater treating pond of a dyeing and printing plant using serial dilution method. Among the 44 bacteria isolates from the active sludge, the strain Bacillus amyloliquefaciens W36 was found to have strong ability in dye-decolorization. The effects of carbon source, nitrogen sources, C/N, metal ions, temperature, pH, and rotation speed for dye-decolorization were investigated. The optimum decolorization conditions were that the strain was grown in enriched mineral salt medium (EMSM) using maltose 1 g/L, (NH4)2SO4 1 g/L as carbon and nitrogen source respectively, supplemented with 100 mg/L different dyes (pH 6.0), at 30 °C, 200 rpm from 48 to 96 h. The bacteria could aerobically decolorize dyes, such as Coomassie brilliant blue (95.42%), Bromcresol purple (93.34%), Congo red (72.37%) and Sarranine (61.7%), within 96 h. The dyes decolorization products were analyzed by ultra-violet and visible (UV-vis) spectroscopy before and after decolorization, which indicated that the four dyes were significantly degraded by the strain. The results indicated that the bacteria Bacillus amyloliquefaciens W36 could be used in dye-polluted wastewater treatment.

Application of bromocresol purple nanofilm and laser light to detect mutton freshness.

Optical waveguide gas sensor with bromocresol purple (BCP) nano-film (70-80 nm) composited with silicone deposited on surface of K+-ion exchanged glass slide was fabricated and applied to detect amine gases released during mutton spoilage to test mutton freshness with the help of laser light (632 m). Gas sensing measurements (output light intensity vs. time) proved its high selectivity and good sensitivity (0.01 ppm) toward amines among volatile organic compounds. The optimal fabricating condition (2600 rpm, 0.10% BCP, 5.17% silicone) was selected experimentally, displaying 1 s and 12 s response-recovery time toward gases released from mutton samples stored at 5 °C and 25 °C respectively. The sensing mechanism was explained by combination and competition of diffusion-reaction, considering deprotonating reaction of bromocresol purple molecules and molecular size of analyte gases in diffusion process. UV-vis spectroscopy was used to select the specific wavelength of laser light source in optical waveguide performance and to detect the total volatile basic nitrogen contents in mutton sample to confirm the practicability of as-prepared optical waveguide sensor in detecting mutton freshness. The fabricated sensor is able to detect 7.2 mg/100 g gases released from mutton decomposition, providing a simple, fast, and cheap method to detect meat freshness.

New colorimetric method with bromocresol purple for estimating the redox state of human serum albumin.

Oxidative damage results in protein modification and is observed in many diseases, such as heart failure and renal insufficiency. Human serum albumin is an index of oxidative change and is conventionally measured using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Although this method is more sensitive than the colorimetric method, it is time-consuming for clinical practice and the sera must be stored at -80°C before analysis. To overcome these limitations, in the present study we developed a new reagent for a more rapid and convenient quantification of oxidative stress, involving determination of the ratio of human nonmercaptalbumin to total albumin using a colorimetric method with bromocresol purple. The clinical utility of the developed reagent was confirmed by demonstrating the consistently higher oxidative stress levels in dialysis patients than in healthy control subjects, matching the results of the conventional HPLC method. This novel approach could be a valuable tool for immediate estimation of the state of oxidative stress during the course of disease and treatment, and could aid clinical treatment decisions.

Spectrophotometric Methods for Determination of Sunitinib in Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms Based on Ion-pair Complex Formation.

Three rapid spectrophotometric methods were developed for the determination of sunitinib based on the formation of ion-pair complex in acidic medium with bromocresol purple, bromothymol blue, and bromophenol blue. The formed ion-pair complexes, extractable with chloroform, were measured at 422 nm for bromocresol purple, 425 nm for bromothymol blue and 427 nm for bromophenol blue. All these methods were optimized for the pH of buffer and the volume of the reagent. The methods were linear over the range of 1-200 µg/mL for bromocresol purple, 1-150 µg/mL for bromothymol blue, and 2-200 µg/mL for bromophenol blue with a very low limit of quantification and acceptable accuracy and precision. Using the proposed methods for determination of sunitinib in pharmaceutical dosage forms showed reliable results comparable to previously published method.

Is capillary zone electrophoresis a suitable method for estimating serum albumin: A comparison of four methods.

BACKGROUND: The capillary zone electrophoresis method of albumin measurement is frequently used for oncologic and haematologic patients but few data exist about the agreement between the albumin measurements performed by capillary zone electrophoresis and other methods. The aim of this study was to analyse the agreement between human serum albumin measurements by capillary zone electrophoresis and by the nephelometry, bromocresol purple and turbidimetry methods. METHOD: We prospectively measured 100 freshly collected non-frozen patient serum samples, by using four different methods: the capillary zone electrophoresis method performed with a CAPILLARYS 2 instrument, the bromocresol purple dye method performed with an Advia XPT analyser, the nephelometric method performed with a BN ProSpec analyser and the turbidimetric method with reagents from DiAgam and performed with the Advia XPT analyser. RESULTS: A bias towards higher values in the lower range of albumin concentrations was observed with capillary zone electrophoresis compared to immunonephelometry: correlation coefficient r2 = 0.925; slope of 0.86 (0.82-0.89, 95% confidence interval), which is significantly different from 1; and an intercept of 4.94 g/L (3.67-6.16, 95% confidence interval). Similar results were observed when comparing capillary zone electrophoresis to the bromocresol purple and immunoturbidimetry methods. The capillary electrophoresis method overestimated low albumin levels by up to 25% (5 g/L). CONCLUSION: Compared to the nephelometry, turbidimetry and bromocresol purple methods, the capillary zone electrophoresis method tends to overestimate human serum albumin concentrations for levels below 30 g/L. This discrepancy could lead to an overestimation of the nutritional status, an inappropriate scoring of the disease and a delay in nutritional treatment.

Sensitive detection of telomerase activity in cancer cells using portable pH meter as readout.

This study developed a portable and sensitive biosensor for the detection of telomerase activity extracted from HeLa cells by monitoring urease regulated pH change. In the presence of telomerase, the telomerase substrate (TS) primer was elongated by adding telomeric repeats (TTAGGG)n firstly. The TS primer was then immobilized onto streptavidin magnesphere paramagnetic particles (PMPs). The elongated repeat unit can hybridize with biotinylated complementary DNA (cDNA) to specifically capture biotinylated urease onto PMPs. After magnetic separation, the PMPs complex was mixed with urea solution. As urease can catalyze the hydrolysis of urea into ammonia and induce pH increasing of the solution, the activity of telomerase can be detected by pH-sensitive dyes or by a portable pH meter easily. The changed pH has a linear relationship with the logarithm of the number of HeLa cells from 50 to 10,000 and with a detection limit of ~20 HeLa cells, which indicated the proposed method have potential application in telomerase-related cancer diagnosis.

Evaluation of Root pH Change Through Gel Containing pH-sensitive Indicator Bromocresol Purple.

The Rapid Alkalinization Factor (RALF) is a plant hormone peptide that inhibits proton transport causing alkalinization of the extracellular media. To detect the alkalinization response elicited by RALF peptides in root cells, Arabidopsis seedlings are carefully transferred to a gel containing the pH-sensitive indicator bromocresol purple, treated with the peptide and photographed after 30 min. Herein the protocol is optimized for evaluation of exogenous treatment, described in detail and expected results are presented.

Binding of bromocresol green and bromocresol purple to albumin in hemodialysis patients.

BACKGROUND: Colorimetric albumin assays based on binding to bromocresol purple (BCP) and bromocresol green (BCG) yield different results in chronic kidney disease. Altered dye binding of carbamylated albumin has been suggested as a cause. In the present study, a detailed analysis was carried out in which uremic toxins, acute phase proteins and Kt/V, a parameter describing hemodialysis efficiency, were compared with colorimetrically assayed (BCP and BCG) serum albumin. METHODS: Albumin was assayed using immunonephelometry on a BN II nephelometer and colorimetrically based on, respectively, BCP and BCG on a Modular P analyzer. Uremic toxins were assessed using high-performance liquid chromatography. Acute phase proteins (C-reactive protein and α1-acid glycoprotein) and plasma protein α2-macroglobulin were assayed nephelometrically. In parallel, Kt/V was calculated. RESULTS: Sixty-two serum specimens originating from hemodialysis patients were analyzed. Among the uremic toxins investigated, total para-cresyl sulfate (PCS) showed a significant positive correlation with the BCP/BCG ratio. The serum α1-acid glycoprotein concentration correlated negatively with the BCP/BCG ratio. The BCP/BCG ratio showed also a negative correlation with Kt/V. CONCLUSIONS: In renal insufficiency, the BCP/BCG ratio of serum albumin is affected by multiple factors: next to carbamylation, uremic toxins (total PCS) and α1-acid glycoprotein also play a role.

Mild synthesis of a Zn(II) metal organic polymer and its hybrid with activated carbon: Application as antibacterial agent and in water treatment by using sonochemistry: Optimization, kinetic and isotherm study.

In this work, a room temperature and short method (30min) for synthesis of nanosized rod-like metal organic polymer (MOP) has been described. Reaction of 1,4-phenylenedioxy diacetic acid with zinc salt leads to the formation of [Zn(C10H8O6)(H2O)4]n and subsequently was loaded on activated carbon following sonication and structurally characterized by FTIR, SEM, EDX and XRD analysis. The combination of this new composite with sonication was applied for rapid and efficient adsorption of Bromocresol Purple (BCP). Effects of initial BCP concentration, mass of adsorbent and sonication time on response were investigated and optimized by central composite design (CCD). Analysis of variation (ANOVA) was adapted to experimental data to find best optimum conditions which was set at 15.22mgL-1, 2.41min, 0.02g and 0.009mg for initial BCP concentration, sonication time and adsorbent mass, respectively. Conduction of similar experiments at specified condition permit achievement of 98.69% removal percentage. 1,4-phenylenedioxy diacetic acid and Zn(NO3)2.4H2O which have applied for preparation of MOP are interesting antibacterial properties and accordingly MOP was screened in vitro for their antibacterial actively against Proteus vulgaris bacteria and experimental results reveal this MOP was able to inhibit growth of the tested bacteria. The experimental data were best fitted by pseudo-second order and Langmuir for kinetic model and the adsorption equilibrium isotherm, respectively.