Simge Er Zeybekler, PhD’s Post

Time to unveil my latest cover design, inspired by an article by Helen Hailes and Tom Sheppard on biocatalytic fluorination in organic synthesis! In this paper, they explore an innovative approach to creating enantio-enriched sp3 fluorides using biocatalysis. The team has developed an ingenious method that harnesses the power of ene reductases (EREDs) to perform stereoselective reduction of α-fluoroenones and α-fluoroenoates, resulting in the formation of valuable fluorine-containing compounds. Here are some of the highlights of this research: ⏣ A series of functionalised chiral fluorinated compounds were synthesised with remarkable yields and stereoselectivities. ⏣ The biocatalytic process was successfully scaled up, demonstrating its potential for industrial applications. ⏣ Computational docking studies were carried out, shedding light on the mechanism of stereoselectivity in the enzymatic reduction process. This approach represents a significant leap forward in the field of organofluorine chemistry, offering a sustainable and efficient alternative to traditional synthetic methods for the preparation of chiral fluorine-containing molecules! Co-Authors: Helen Allan, Yu Wang, Bethan Winterson, Alex King, Abil Aliev , Rachel Szpara, PhD, Victor La-serna, Charlotte Coomber, John M. Ward, Jack Jeffries #sciart ⌬ #research ⌬ #chemistry ⌬ #biochemistry

🚨 Publication Available for the next 50 days 🚨 I am excited to share that our latest research paper in the Journal of Molecular Liquids has been made available to be viewed for free by ScienceDirect 🎉 📄 Title: Experimental and computational insight in molecular interactions of imidazolium based deep eutectic solvent with selected alcohols (C1 and C2) In this study, we measure and corroborate the thermodynamic properties of deep eutectic solvents that we are developing for greener solvents to be used in separation processes. Our computational methods corroborated the thermophysical observations and highlighted that the interactions were mediated by the electrostatic ionic bonding of the co-solvent species. This work could open up new possibilities for the selection of solvents for specific applications and in the optimization of chemical processes. A big thank you to Njabulo Gumede and Bakusele Kabane, PhD for their dedication and hard work and allowing me to contribute my ideas to this paper 🙌 You can check out the full article here for Free for the next 50 days: https://lnkd.in/d7s5RXVr #research #publication #science #IntermolecularInteractions #DensityFunctionalTheory #LorentzLorenz #DeepEutecticSolvent #Thermodynamics

I am delighted to share that my latest research has been published in ACS Applied Nano Materials. (https://lnkd.in/gd-HDb3f). This study delves into the impact of morphological modifications of Bi₂WO₆ and the Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) effect for the remediation of organic pollutants. Comprehensive investigations into the toxicity and resultant byproducts were conducted, alongside in silico studies to elucidate the mechanistic pathways. Moreover, real-time applications were performed using post-treatment pollutants to validate the practical viability of the approach. #photodegradation #photocatalyst #organic_pollutants #Bi2WO6 #SPR #DFT

More publishing success in the School of Engineering! Congratulations to PhD student Yifan Feng, who has published his first article in the International Journal of Biological Macromolecules. The paper is entitled 'Unveiling the potential of cellulose, chitosan and polylactic acid as precursors for the production of green carbon nanofibers with controlled morphology and diameter'. This is a collaborative work between the Schools of Engineering and Chemistry at University of East Anglia and the Instituto de Ciencia y Tecnología (Spain). The article is co-authored by Dr Sonia Melendi-Espina and Dr Miguel Hernaez. Well done all! Read Yifan's paper on Science Direct: bit.ly/44W0wW5 #UEAEngineering #UEAScience #EngineeringResearch

📣 Exciting news! Our recent publication, in collaboration with Université de Lyon and the University of Washington, offers a detailed characterization of our Vocus Aim Reactor. This innovative device enhances chemical ionization (CI) mass spectrometry, particularly with time-of-flight instruments, for detecting volatile organic and inorganic compounds (VOCs and VICs). By minimizing humidity sensitivity, the Vocus Aim Reactor simplifies environmental sample analysis, crucial for atmospheric research and industrial monitoring. These advancements are pivotal for studying atmospheric processes and understanding the formation of essential organic molecules. Discover more below!

In our latest paper, my coauthors and I tackle an interesting design problem in the field of flow biocatalysis. We study the design of tubular flow reactors packed with porous particles. Enzymes can be immobilized in the pores of porous particles with different distributions, and the porous particles can be arranged in reactor zones with different designs. We developed a 1D plug-flow model for the system that is detailed enough to take into account the reaction-diffusion phenomena within the porous particles. We compared the most basic designs via analytical solution of the model equations. Finally, we proved that separating catalytic particles in different zones is better than mixing them in one zone for any monotonically increasing reaction rate model. Read more about our work using the following link or by getting a copy of the next Chemie Ingenieur Technik issue.

There is still tension between traditional knowledge and modern science. Traditional knowledge, often rooted in centuries of observation and cultural practices, offers a holistic view of nature and human interaction with the environment. However, modern science, with its rigorous methodologies and empirical evidence, frequently dismisses these traditional insights as unproven or anecdotal (or just non valid). Science demands evidence and peer-reviewed validation, which traditional knowledge often lacks due to its oral transmission and context-specific nature, ...and lack of investment in research. This dismissal overlooks the potential value and wisdom embedded in these practices. The challenge lies in bridging these two worlds. Integrating traditional knowledge with scientific research can lead to more comprehensive understanding and sustainable solutions. By respecting and studying traditional practices, science can expand its horizons and validate knowledge that has stood the test of time.

I am pleased to share our recent work which got published in AngewandteChemie Here is the link. https://lnkd.in/dvFtuCS4 Herein we observed the fascinating chemistry of charged water microdroplets which help capture CO2 to make useful chemical compounds. We did not use any costly catalysts, acids and bases, or toxic amines. Magic of tiny water droplets. Science demonstrated here has implications for the unusual reactivity of microdroplets in causing chemical and biological transformations. #AcceptedArticle #AirWaterInterface #GreenChemistry #AcceleratedChemistry #Microdroplets #ChargeEffect #MassSpectrometry #ElecetrosprayIonization Thanks to the entire team without whom this would have not been possible Sinchan Mukhopadhyay, @K. S. S. V. Prasad Reddy, Keerthana Nair, Spoorthi Bhat, JENIFER SHANTHA KUMAR, S. R. K. Chaitanya Sharma Yamijala, and Thalappil Pradeep. #IITMadras

🔔Open for submissions🔔 📖 Trends and Advances in Thin Films and Coatings for High-Efficiency Organic Solar Cells Submit your paper here 👉 https://t.ly/HPNcL 📆 Deadline: 10 February 2025 🎓 Edited by Guorong Ma, PhD, Zhiqiang Cao and Yunfei Wang of The University of Southern Mississippi, and Qiqi Zhang of Jackson State University This Special Issue aims to provide a platform for papers covering the following themes: 💡Theoretical and experimental research on organic thin films for photovoltaics; 💡Recent developments in high-performance photovoltaics utilizing organic, inorganic, or hybrid materials; 💡Organic photovoltaics with novel chemical structures, including new donor/acceptor molecules, polymers, metal–organic frameworks, etc.; 💡Innovative processes for organic photovoltaics, such as blade coating, thermal annealing, new additives or solvents, sidechain cleavage, etc.; 💡Development of stable performance coatings for organic photovoltaics capable of withstanding high temperatures, high stress, and extreme environmental conditions; 💡Understanding degradation mechanisms of organic photovoltaic thin films through dedicated testing; 💡Computer modelling and simulation to predict coating properties, performance, durability, and reliability in service environments. Looking forward to your contributions 🎉 #organicsolarcells #perovskitesolarcells #conjugatedpolymers #organicsmallmolecules #coating #thinfilms #morphology #stability #CallForPapers #OpenForSubmissions #ManuscriptSubmission #SpecialIssue #MDPI #MDPICoatings

A Journey Through the Scientific Characterization of Plant Extracts 🔬 For centuries, humans have been using plant extracts for medicinal purposes. Initially, this was based on traditional knowledge passed down through generations. However, the real shift came with the development of phytochemistry, where scientists began isolating and identifying active compounds like alkaloids, flavonoids, and terpenes. Thin-layer chromatography (TLC) was one of the first techniques that allowed researchers to separate these compounds effectively. This method paved the way for more advanced techniques like gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS), which not only separate but also identify the chemical structures of each component in the extract. Through Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) and Infrared Spectroscopy (IR), the molecular structures of these compounds were clarified, revealing their bioactive potential. As technology evolved, we saw the rise of metabolomics, a field that explores all metabolites within a plant extract, providing a more holistic view of its chemical profile. Today, the focus has shifted towards green chemistry, with sustainable extraction methods becoming a priority. Supercritical CO2 extraction, ultrasonic methods, and other environmentally friendly approaches ensure that we can continue exploring plant extracts without harming the environment. This story of discovery, from traditional use to cutting-edge scientific characterization, continues to shape our understanding of the powerful compounds hidden in nature. #PlantScience #GCMS #NMR #GreenChemistry #Phytochemistry #ScientificInnovation #SustainableResearch