The ternary phase diagram of the amphiphilic triblock copolymer PEO-PPO-PEO ((EO)(20)(PO)(70)(EO)(20) commercialized under the generic name P123), water, and ethanol has been investigated at constant temperature (T = 23 degrees C) by small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS). The microstructure resulting from the self-assembly of the PEO-PPO-PEO block copolymer varies from micelles in solution to various types of liquid crystalline phases such as cubic, 3D hexagonal close packed spheres (HCPS), 2D hexagonal, and lamellar when the concentration of the polymer is increased. In the isotropic liquid phase, the micellar structural parameters are obtained as a function of the water-ethanol ratio and block copolymer concentration by fitting the scattering data to a model involving core-shell form factor and a hard sphere structure factor of interaction. The micellar core, the aggregation number, and the hard sphere interaction radius decrease when increasing the ethanol/water ratio in the mixed solvent. We show that the fraction of ethanol present in the core is responsible for the swelling of the PPO blocks. In the different liquid crystalline phases, structural parameters such as lattice spacing, interfacial area of PEO block, and aggregation number are also evaluated. In addition to classical phases such as lamellar, 2D hexagonal, and liquid isotropic phases, we have observed a two-phase region in which cubic Fm3m and P6(3)mmc (hexagonally close packing of spheres (HCPS)) phases coexist. This appears at 30% (w/w) of P123 in pure water and with 5% (w/w) of ethanol. At 10% (w/w) ethanol, only the HCPS phase remains present.

The agent responsible for the recent severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) outbreak is a previously unidentified coronavirus. While there is a wealth of epidemiological studies, little if any molecular characterization of SARS coronavirus (SCoV) proteins has been carried out. Here we describe the molecular characterization of SCoV E protein, a critical component of the virus responsible for virion envelope morphogenesis. We conclusively show that SCoV E protein contains an unusually short, palindromic transmembrane helical hairpin around a previously unidentified pseudo-center of symmetry, a structural feature which seems to be unique to SCoV. The hairpin deforms lipid bilayers by way of increasing their curvature, providing for the first time a molecular explanation of E protein's pivotal role in viral budding. The molecular understanding of this critical component of SCoV may represent the beginning of a concerted effort aimed at inhibiting its function, and consequently, viral infectivity.

Marine plastic pollution is a major environmental issue. Given their ubiquitous nature and small dimensions, ingestion of microplastic (MP) and nanoplastic (NP) particles and their subsequent impact on marine life are a growing concern worldwide. Transfers along the trophic chain, including possible translocation, for which the hazards are less understood, are also a major preoccupation. Effects of MP ingestion have been studied on animals through laboratory exposure, showing impacts on feeding activity, reserve depletion and inflammatory responses, with consequences for fitness, notably reproduction. However, most experimental studies have used doses of manufactured virgin microspheres that may not be environmentally realistic. As for most ecotoxicological issues, the environmental relevance of laboratory exposure experiments has recently been debated. Here we review constraints and priorities for conducting experimental exposures of marine wildlife to microplastics based on the literature, feedback from peer reviewers and knowledge gained from our experience. Priorities are suggested taking into account the complexity of microplastics in terms of (i) aggregation status, surface properties and interactions with organic and inorganic materials, (ii) diversity of encountered particles types and concentrations, (iii) particle bioavailability and distribution in experimental tanks to achieve reproducibility and repeatability in estimating effects, and (iv) strict experimental procedures to verify the existence of genuine translocation. Relevant integrative approaches encompass a wide spectrum of methods from-omics to ecophysiological approaches, including modeling, are discussed to provide novel insights on the impacts of MP/NP on marine ecosystems from a long-term perspective. Knowledge obtained in this way would inform stakeholders in such a way as to help them mitigate impacts of the micro-and nano-plastic legacy.