Acoustical attenuation spectra in the frequency range 12 kHz - 2 GHz and nonequilibrium time domain measurements are briefly reviewed for aqueous solutions of various mono- and disaccharides as well as alkyl glycosides. Several relaxation regimes emerge with relaxation times between 10-11 s and 103 s. In this paper relaxation terms reflecting conformational changes are discussed, particularly mutarotation (103 s), chair-chair ring inversion (1 μs), two modes of pseudorotation (100 ns, 10 ns), disaccharide ring isomerisation (10 ns), and exocyclic side group rotation (1 ns).
Antarctic krill carbohydrate content was followed during 1983—84 Eighth Polish Antarctic Expedition. The Admiralty Bay (King George Island) was th area of study. The following average values of three estimated fractions were obtained: 3.77 +- 1.51%, 0.47 +- 0.34% and 3.30 +- 1.33% for total, TCA-soluble and TCA-insoluble carbohydrates, respectively. Percentage contribution of the estimated fractions to dry weight varied seasonally (1.48—7.41%, 0.15—1.83%, and 1.28—6.28%, respectively). The carbohydrate content showed a clearcut cycle of changes over the calender year, with a minimum in autumn-winter and a maximum in spring-summer.
Results from broadband acoustical spectroscopy for aqueous solutions of mono- and disaccharides with salts added, of various alkyl glycosides, and of α-cyclodextrin with n-octyl-β-D-glucopyranoside added are briefly summarized in view of their relevance in the study of molecular association and complexation processes. Mono- and tridentate complexes of alkali earth ions with saccharides are discussed as well as the monomer exchange between micellar structures and the suspending phase in the alkyl glycoside surfactant solutions. Particular attention is given to the behaviour at solute concentrations close to the critical micelle concentration or aggregate concentration, respectively. Also described is the competition between inclusion complex formation and self-aggregation in solutions containing cyclodextrin and alkyl glycoside surfactant.
Nanotechnology has been widely applied in agriculture, and understanding of the mechanisms of plant interaction with nanoparticles (NPs) as environmental contaminants is important. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of foliar application of cobalt oxide (Co3O4) NPs on some morpho-physiological and biochemical changes of canola (Brassica napus L.) leaves. Seeds were sown in plastic pots and grown under controlled conditions. Fourteen-day-old seedlings were sprayed with different concentrations of Co3O4 NPs (0, 50, 100, 250, 500, 1000, 2000, and 4000 mg L-1) at weekly intervals for 5 weeks. Growth parameters of the shoot (length, fresh and dry weights) were stimulated by low concentrations of Co3O4 NPs (50 and 100 mg L-1) and repressed by higher concentrations. Similar trends were observed in photosynthetic pigment contents. The results indicated that high concentrations of Co3O4 NPs increased lipoxygenase (LOX) activity and the malondialdehyde (MDA), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and dehydroascorbate (DHA) contents, but reduced the membrane stability index (MSI), ascorbate (ASC), and glutathione (GSH). Despite the increase of antioxidant capacity (DPPH) and the accumulation of nonenzymatic antioxidants (total flavonoids and flavonols) and osmolytes (proline, glycine betaine (GB) and soluble sugars) at high concentrations of Co3O4 NPs, the growth and photosynthesis were reduced. The defence system activity did not seem to be sufficient to detoxify reactive oxygen species (ROS). Altogether, high concentrations of Co3O4 NPs showed a phytotoxic potential for canola as an oilseed crop.