Transmission Electron Microscopy Analysis Research Articles

Microwave‐assisted control of PtNi nanoalloy clusters on the nitrogen‐doped graphene oxide for energy conversion with oxygen reduction reaction and hydrogen evolution reaction

AbstractResearch on the production and utilization of hydrogen energy is essential to overcome the environmental issues caused by fossil fuels. Herein, we anchor PtNi nanoalloy clusters (Pt‐Ni NACs) on nitrogen‐doped graphene oxide (NrGO) by a facile microwave‐assisted synthesis and analyze the variations of catalyst properties based on the PtNi composition and the presence of nitrogen. Ni inclusion in the Pt matrix can induce lattice strain and change the electronic structure, while the doped nitrogen into the graphene can enhance electron transfer and improve the durability of the catalyst through strong chemical bonding with the alloy clusters. TEM analysis discovers that the NACs are uniformly decorated in a few‐nanometer‐size on the graphene surface, and the formation of the PtNi NACs and structural changes according to composition are confirmed through XRD and XPS. In addition, the structural changes due to N‐doping and its bonding with the NACs are observed through Raman spectroscopy and XPS. Electrochemical measurements reveal that Pt2.6Ni NACs/NrGO exhibits the highest ORR onset potential (0.893 V) and the lowest HER overpotential at 10 mA cm−2 (22 mV) among other catalysts, and those activities are almost unchanged under long‐term durability tests. From these results, Pt2.6Ni NACs/NrGO is utilized in a zinc‐air battery (ZAB) system, demonstrating better battery performance than commercial Pt and Ir‐based catalysts. Moreover, it is applied to hydrogen collection, showing linear trend in hydrogen production over time, confirming the catalyst's availability in hydrogen production and utilization.image

The Antifungal Effects of Berberine and Its Proposed Mechanism of Action Through CYP51 Inhibition, as Predicted by Molecular Docking and Binding Analysis

Fungal infections present a significant health risk, particularly in immunocompromised individuals. Berberine, a natural isoquinoline alkaloid, has demonstrated broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, though its antifungal potential and underlying mechanisms against both yeast-like and filamentous fungi are not fully understood. This study investigates the antifungal efficacy of berberine against Candida albicans, Cryptococcus neoformans, Trichophyton rubrum, and Trichophyton mentagrophytes in vitro, as well as its therapeutic potential in a murine model of cryptococcal infection. Berberine showed strong antifungal activity, with MIC values ranging from 64 to 128 µg/mL. SEM and TEM analyses revealed that berberine induced notable disruptions to the cell wall and membrane in C. neoformans. No signs of cell necrosis or apoptosis were observed in fungal cells treated with 2 × MIC berberine, and it did not increase intracellular ROS levels or affect mitochondrial membrane potential. Molecular docking and binding affinity assays demonstrated a strong interaction between berberine and the fungal enzyme CYP51, with a dissociation constant (KD) of less than 1 × 10−12 M, suggesting potent inhibition of ergosterol biosynthesis. In vivo studies further showed that berberine promoted healing in guinea pigs infected with T. mentagrophytes, and in a murine cryptococcal infection model, it prolonged survival and reduced lung inflammation, showing comparable efficacy to fluconazole. These findings indicate that berberine exerts broad-spectrum antifungal effects through membrane disruption and CYP51 inhibition, highlighting its potential as a promising therapeutic option for fungal infections.

Enhancing Vanadium Redox Flow Battery Performance with ZIF-67-Derived Cobalt-Based Electrode Materials

Vanadium redox flow batteries (VRFBs) have emerged as a promising energy storage solution for stabilizing power grids integrated with renewable energy sources. In this study, we synthesized and evaluated a series of zeolitic imidazolate framework-67 (ZIF-67) derivatives as electrode materials for VRFBs, aiming to enhance electrochemical performance. Four materials—Co/NC-700, Co/NC-800, Co3O4-350, and Co3O4-450—were prepared through thermal decomposition under different conditions and coated onto graphite felt (GF) electrodes. X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analyses confirmed the structural integrity and distribution of the active materials. Electrochemical evaluations revealed that electrodes with ZIF-67-derived coatings exhibited significantly lower charge transfer resistance (Rct) and higher energy efficiency (EE) compared to uncoated GF electrodes. Co/NC-800//GF delivered the highest energy efficiency and discharge capacity among the tested configurations, maintaining stable performance over 100 charge–discharge cycles. These results indicate that Co/NC-800 holds great potential for use in VRFBs due to its superior electrochemical activity, stability, and scalability.

Influence of pH on the Self‐Assembly Properties of Heterofunctional POEGMA‐Based Block Copolymers During RAFT‐PISA

ABSTRACTPOEGMA‐based block copolymers self‐assemblies with surface‐functionalized carboxylic acid or propargyl groups were synthesized by successive reversible addition‐fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization of oligo(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate (OEGMA) and RAFT‐mediated polymerization‐induced self‐assembly (RAFT‐PISA) in dispersion of 2‐(methacryloyloxy)‐N,N,N‐trimethylethanaminium hexafluorophosphate (METAPF6). The temperature responsive properties of the carboxylic acid–terminated POEGMA (POEGMACDP) and propargyl‐terminated POEGMA (POEGMACDPy) were studied in aqueous buffer solutions at pH 2.3 and 9.2. At pH 2.3, POEGMACDP aqueous solution exhibits a cloud point while no cloud point was observed at pH 9.2. POEGMACDPy shows a cloud point at both pH levels. The RAFT‐PISA in dispersion of METAPF6 at 75°C in either pH 2.3 or 9.2 buffer solution using POEGMACDP or POEGMACDPy as macro‐RAFT agents led to block copolymers, as confirmed by DOSY analysis. For POEGMACDP (DPn = 9), DPn,NMR,PMETAPF6 was 47 at pH 2.3 and 27 at pH 9.2 and for POEGMACDPy (DPn = 10), DPn,NMR,PMETAPF6 was 36 at pH 2.3 and 22 at pH 9.2, as shown by 1H NMR spectroscopy. Both in situ POEGMACDP‐b‐PMETAPF6 and POEGMACDPy‐b‐PMETAPF6 self‐assemblies in aqueous solutions exhibited an increase in Dh and PDI when the pH increased from 2.3 to 9.2, as measured by DLS at 20°C. TEM analyses revealed almost spherical self‐assemblies, unaffected by pH or chain‐end functionality.

The Fabrication of Polyimide-Based Tunable Charge Traps Ternary Memristors Doped with Ni-Co Coated Carbon Composite Nanofibers

In the dynamic fields of information science and electronic technology, there is a notable trend towards leveraging carbon materials, favored for their ease of synthesis, biocompatibility, and abundance. This trend is particularly evident in the development of memristors, benefiting from the unique electronic properties of carbon to enhance device performance. This study utilizes sensitized chemical evaporation and spin-coating carbonization techniques to fabricate nickel-cobalt coated carbon composite nanofibers (SC-NCMNTs). Novel polyimide (PI) matrix composite memory devices were fabricated using in situ polymerization technology. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and micro-Raman spectroscopy analyses validated the presence of dual interface structures located between the Ni-Co-MWNTs, carbon composite nanofibers, and PI matrix, revealing a significant number of defects within the SC-NCMNTs/PI composite films. Consequently, this results in a tunable charge trap-based ternary resistive switching behavior of the composite memory devices, exhibiting a high ON/OFF current ratio of 104 and a retention time of 2500 s at an operating voltage of less than 3 V. The mechanism of resistive switching is thoroughly elucidated through a comprehensive charge transport model, incorporating molecular orbital energy levels. This study provides valuable insights for the rational design and fabrication of efficient memristors characterized by multilevel resistive switching states.

First report of cucurbit yellow stunting disorder virus causing yellowing disease on major gourds in India

Cucurbitaceous crops are a key group of vegetables widely cultivated in India. Characterized yellowing symptoms along with interveinal chlorosis, mottling and downward curling were observed in ridge gourd, snake gourd, and bottle gourd along with the presence of whiteflies (Bemisia tabaci). To investigate the infecting virus, RT-PCR assays followed by sequencing and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) analysis were performed. Sanger sequencing, nucleotide sequence analysis, and TEM imaging confirmed the association of cucurbit yellow stunting disorder virus (CYSDV), genus Crinivirus within the family Closteroviridae. This study reports the natural occurrence of CYSDV in ridge gourd, snake gourd, and bottle gourd for the first time in India.

Arsenic sequestration by granular coal gangue functionalized with magnesium: Effects of magnesium and insight of arsenic sorption mechanisms

Leveraging natural waste materials for inorganic contaminant removal in solution offers a novel approach to boost resource recycling and foster sustainable development by enhancing waste use. This research advanced the modest arsenite (As[III]) removal capacity of raw coal gangue through a magnesium-soaking and calcination-based surface modification. Batch experiments showed As(III) removal efficiency improved from 39.8% to 89.9% after modification, independent of initial pH levels. The Langmuir model estimated the maximum sorption capacity of 0.979 mg/g for the modified coal gangue. Physicochemical analyses confirmed that the modification increased the surface area, pore volume and size of the coal gangue. Furthermore, SEM, and subsequent TEM and SAED analyses identified acicular arsenic trioxide (As2O3) on the modified gangue, enhancing As(III) removal. Variations in sorption kinetics hinted at precipitation, likely due to AsO3 polymer chains formed by As(III)’s sorption onto Mg(OH)2, created from MgO hydration in aqueous conditions. Our findings show that coal gangue has potential applications in the development of sustainable methods for waste recycling.

An investigation on the structural, morphological, optical, and antibacterial activity of Sr:CuS nanostructures

The aim of the present study is to synthesize Cu1−xSrxS (x = 0.00, 0.025, 0.05, 0.075, and 0.1) nanoparticles (NPs) using an easy chemical co-precipitation method in an efficient, inexpensive, and simple technique. The structural, morphological, and optical properties of the prepared samples were investigated using XRD, TEM, XRF, UV–Vis DRS, and PL characterization techniques. XRD spectra confirmed the Sr-doped copper sulfide nanoparticles have a hexagonal structure with crystallite sizes ranging from 15.15 to 16.04 nm, and, by XRF, the presence of the dopant was detected. TEM analysis confirmed that strontium ions had an effect on the shape of the CuS nanostructure, and the particle size increased from 16.27 to 17.32 nm after doping. A study using UV-Vis showed the presence of Sr doping increased the optical energy band gap (1.38 eV to 1.59 eV). At room temperature, one photoluminescence (PL) band was found at 826 nm. The antibacterial activity of CuS nanostructures against E. coli, P. aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumonia, and S. aureus was evaluated by zone of inhibition. Sr doped CuS NPs exhibited the highest antibacterial activity against S. aureus (17 to 29 mm). Also, the results demonstrated that samples doped with 5, 7.5, and 10% Sr exhibited inhibitory effects against all the tested microbial strains higher than the antibiotic.

Photothermally enhanced antibacterial wound healing using albumin-loaded tanshinone IIA and IR780 nanoparticles.

Chronic and infected wounds, particularly those caused by bacterial infections, present significant challenges in medical treatment. This study aimed to develop a novel nanoparticle formulation to enhance wound healing by combining antimicrobial and photothermal therapy using albumin as a carrier for Tanshinone IIA and the near-infrared photothermal agent IR780. The nanoparticles were synthesized to exploit the antimicrobial effects of Tanshinone IIA and the photothermal properties of IR780 when exposed to near-infrared laser irradiation. Characterization of the nanoparticles was performed using Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and spectroscopic analysis to confirm their successful synthesis. In vitro antibacterial activity was evaluated using cultures of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), and in vivo efficacy was tested in a mouse model of MRSA-infected wounds. Wound healing progression was assessed over 16days, with statistical analysis performed using two-way ANOVA followed by Tukey's post-hoc test. The nanoparticles demonstrated significant photothermal properties, enhancing bacterial eradication and promoting the controlled release of Tanshinone IIA. In vitro studies showed superior antibacterial activity, especially under photothermal activation, leading to a substantial reduction in bacterial viability in MRSA cultures. In vivo, nanoparticle treatment combined with near-infrared laser irradiation significantly improved wound closure rates compared to controls and treatments without photothermal activation. By the 16th day post-treatment, significant improvements in wound healing were observed, highlighting the potential of the combined photothermal and pharmacological approach. These findings suggest that albumin-loaded nanoparticles containing Tanshinone IIA and IR780, activated by near-infrared light, could offer an effective therapeutic strategy for managing chronic and infected wounds, promoting both infection control and tissue repair.

Characterization and 3D Reconstruction of the Crushing Behavior of SiO2–CaO–Al2O3–MgO Complex Inclusions in Spring Steel with High Basicity Slag Treatment

This article mainly studies the element content, phase composition, and fragmentation mechanism of SiO2–CaO–Al2O3–MgO composite inclusions that cause fatigue fracture of spring steel. The study found that the SiO2–CaO–Al2O3–MgO composite inclusions in the wire rod are not a homogeneous phase. According to the electron microscopy energy spectrum analysis results, although the SiO2–CaO–Al2O3–MgO composite inclusion is in the low‐melting‐point area of the phase diagram according to the component content ratio. However, field‐emission transmission electron microscopy analysis reveals that this type of composite inclusions includes MgAl2O4, CaAl2Si2O8, CaSiO3, MgSiO3, and a small amount of CaS. The Zeiss Crossbeam 550 electron microscope is used to conduct a three‐dimensional reconstruction analysis of this type of composite inclusions, which once again verified that the composition of this type of inclusions includes calcium silicate, MgAl2O4, MgO, and other phases. It is also found that there is a certain gap between the inclusions and the matrix, and the gap between the inclusions with high‐melting‐points such as MgAl2O4 and MgO and the matrix is more obvious. During the rolling process of SiO2–CaO–Al2O3–MgO composite inclusions, due to differences in hardness and deformation rate between different phases, the rolling process is deformed and fragmented for extended periods.

Elucidating proper framework for determination of threading dislocation densities in semiconductor films: a comprehensive study based on Ge/Si(001)

Abstract Method of deducing threading dislocation densities (TDDs) from X-ray diffraction (XRD) peak widths has been reevaluated based on crystallography theories, and Ge/Si heteroepitaxial structures were taken as model materials for investigation. The procedure was tailored in accordance with the specific designs of modern XRD systems to minimize instrumental interference, while practical characteristics of heteroepitaxial films was also considered to avoid intrinsic errors. TDDs of samples grown with different epitaxy methods were investigated by using the newly implemented XRD method as well as etch pit density (EPD) method, and satisfactory agreement has been achieved among 3 independently calculated sets of TDD results: two from XRD and one from EPD. Those values were further corroborated by cross-sectional TEM analysis. Key considerations that are of scientific and technical importance in TDD studies were also discussed in detail. The current work has provided not only the most up-to-date elucidation on obtaining TDD values in semiconductor epitaxial films, but also insight into the long-existing ambiguity in TDD calculation methods, which will be helpful for future studies of defect density characterizations on various material systems.

STRUCTURAL, MORPHOLOGICAL AND MAGNETIC PROPERTIES OF FUNCTIONALIZED MANGANESE IRON OXIDE NANOPARTICLES FOR BIOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS

The chitosan functionalized MnFe2O4 nanoparticles were synthesized using thermal decomposition method. The morphological, structural and magnetic properties of obtained chitosan functionalized magnetic nanoparticles were studied to assess the feasibility for biomedical applications. The crystallite size of nanoparticles observed using XRD was 15nm. Functional group attachment to surface of nanoparticles was analyzed using FTIR. Particle size of nanoparticles was studied by TEM analysis and it showed that particles were roughly spherical. Thermal stability and bonding strength of ligands to the surface of material was determined using TGA. The magnetization of chitosan functionalized nanoparticles observed by VSM is 56emu/g and VSM showed no coercivity and remanence existence, stipulating the super-paramagnetic behavior. The cell viability of chitosan functionalized nanoparticles was above 85% at concentration up to the 1.0mg mL-1 on mouse fibroblast cell line i.e. L929 cell line. These studies revealed that, MnFe2O4 nanoparticles are potential materials for biomedical applications.

Recent Advances in Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles: Synthesis Methods, Characterization Techniques, and Emerging Applications

Abstract: Zinc oxide (ZnO) is an inorganic compound with unique physicochemical characteris-tics that make it versatile and suitable for various applications, especially in the form of nanoparti-cles (NPs). ZnO nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) exhibit distinct properties and are produced through diverse techniques, making them valuable for applications ranging from consumer goods to medi-cal and catalytic uses. The increasing popularity of ZnO NPs is driven by novel synthesis methods that allow for modification of chemical composition and control over size and shape, thereby en-hancing their properties and expanding their applications. The catalytic activity of ZnO NPs is influenced by parameters such as oxophilicity, large surface area, amphoteric nature, and the zinc cation's ability to approach activated starting material supports, making them viable heterogeneous catalysts for a variety of applications. Various analytical techniques, including X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis, atomic force microscopy (AFM), and many more, are used to characterize the nanoparticles. This article explores various synthesis methods and characterization techniques and focuses on the catalytic activities of ZnO NPs

Pea Pod–Derived Biochar–Zeolitic Imidazolate Framework Composite for the Photocatalytic Degradation of Two Organic Dyes Crystal Violet and Victoria Blue

ABSTRACTThe rapid increase of water pollution globally is a vital environmental concern that requires the immediate attention of researchers to find new innovative ways to remove unwanted environmental pollutants from our water sources. With the advances in the field of sustainable engineering, there is a high demand for the effective utilization of biomass resources for the removal of aqueous environmental contaminants. Biochar is carbon carbon‐enriched substance obtained by biomass pyrolysis; it is inexpensive and has received wide attention in the field of wastewater treatment. Herein, we describe the synthesis of pea pod (PO) biochar‐reinforced zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF‐8) nanocomposite (PO@ZIF‐8) through the in situ precipitation of ZIF‐8 onto the biochar surface. The crystal growth, morphology, chemical composition, and optical characteristics of fabricated PO@ZIF‐8 nanocomposite were scrutinized through PXRD, SEM, TEM, UV‐DRS, PL, and XPS analysis. The dodecahedral‐shaped PO@ZIF‐8 particles have an average size between 140 and 160 nm. The biochar‐reinforced ZIF‐8 nanocomposite showed significantly higher photocatalytic activity than the pure ZIF‐8 for the degradation of two commonly found organic dyes crystal violet (CV) and Victoria Blue (VB) in the presence of direct sunlight irradiation. The PO@ZIF‐8 nanocomposite showed the highest degradation efficiency of ~87% and ~80% within 50 min of irradiation time at a catalyst dosage of 20 mg for 30 ppm CV and VB dye solutions at pH 8. First‐order kinetics were obeyed during the photodegradation with 0.041 and 0.030 min−1 as the constant of degradation for the removal of CV and VB. The radical scavenger experiment and the photoluminescence analysis confirm the active participation of ·OH radical in the degradation of both dyes. LC–MS and TOC analysis was also performed to determine the degradation products and for evaluation of the degradation progress. Moreover, the synthesized PO@ZIF‐8 composite also exhibit good stability till the fourth cycle with high degradation efficiency thus making it a good choice of catalyst in the field of environmental decontamination.

Green synthesis of anethole-loaded zinc oxide nanoparticles enhances antibacterial strategies against pathogenic bacteria.

The threat of antibiotic resistance is escalating, diminishing the effectiveness of numerous antibiotics due to the rapid development of resistant bacteria. In response, the use of green-synthesized nanoparticle, alone or combined with antimicrobial agents, appears promising. This study explores the effectiveness of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) synthesized using Loranthus cordifolius leaf extracts and subsequently coated with anethole. The fabrication of these nanoparticles was confirmed via UV-Vis, FTIR and TEM analyses, ensuring the nanoparticles were produced as intended. Utilizing a nanoprecipitation process that excludes evaporation and drying, a high drug loading capacity of 16.59% was accomplished. The encapsulation efficiency for anethole was recorded at 88.23 ± 4.98%. Antibacterial efficacy was assessed by com paring the green-synthesized ZnONPs (average size: 14.47nm), anethole-loaded ZnONPs (average size: 14,75nm), and commercially sourced ZnONPs. The ZnONPs with anethole demonstrated superior inhibition against all tested bacterial strains, including Gram-negative species like Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli, and Gram-positive species like Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus, outperforming the commercially available ZnONPs. Additionally, anethole-coated ZnONPs showed the greatest inhibition of Gyr-B activity (IC50 = 0.78 ± 0.2M), better than both green-synthesized and commercially available ZnONPs. These findings emphasize the enhanced antimicrobial properties of ZnONPs, particularly when combined with green synthesis and anethole loading, highlighting their potential in various biomedical applications.

Stacking fault energy during DRV-DRX competition in high-nitrogen austenitic stainless steel used in orthopedic implants

High-nitrogen (high-N) austenitic stainless steels (ASS) are used in orthopedic implants due to their mechanical properties, human biocompatibility, and affordable cost. However, the high content of (Ni–Nb–N)-rich precipitates can cause allergic reactions and significant challenges in the manufacturing of prostheses. This study investigates the competition between work hardening (WH), dynamic recovery (DRV), and dynamic recrystallization (DRX) during the physical simulation of an ASTM F-1586 steel by thermomechanical processing, using the Kocks-Mecking and Avrami constitutive models. The parameters were obtained through continuous isothermal torsion tests at the temperature range of 900–1200 °C, strain rates between 0.01 and 10 s−1 and a total deformation of 4.0. Determined by compositional-analytical methods, the stacking fault energy (γsfe) was correlated with the stress level (σi) according to the Uesugi and Dai models. Results indicated a high activation energy for hot deformation (Qdef = 587 kJ/mol), affecting the shape of the curves. The γsfe value varied along the curves, delaying the onset of the DRX (σc = 0.928σp). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analyses revealed a direct competition between work-hardened and recrystallized grains in the early part of the curves, due to WH-DRV synergy. After the peak stress (σp), the progress of DRX was slow, with the Avrami exponent (n) between 1.1 and 1.9, completing only after large deformations (σss = 0.714σp). The moderate γsfe value (69 mJ/m2) and fine precipitates of the Z-phase (CrNbN) (<20 nm) influence the grain boundary mobility during the DRV-DRX competition, delineating the stress-strain curve shape.

Synthesis, characterization, and novel reactivity of nano CeO2 catalyst for solvent-free Knoevenagel condensation

We synthesized the nano CeO2 using the sol-gel method and characterized the material using different techniques, including XRD, FT-IR, BET surface area, SEM, and TEM analysis. We tested the catalytic functionalities of nano CeO2 catalyst for Knoevengel condensation of different substituted benzaldehydes with malononitrile, which offered exceptional 95 % conversion and yield. The results support that nano CeO2 material significantly boosted the yield of the desired product compared to the bulk material. The low-angle XRD profile showed that the regenerated nanomaterial fully retained the porous nature and cubic structure of ceria. FT-IR results reveal that the characteristic vibrational IR band is at 720 cm−1, which is attributed to Ce–O–Ce stretching. The BET surface area result indicates that nano-ceria possesses a higher surface area than bulk CeO2 material. The SEM analysis illustrates cube-like morphology and TEM data show the nanorod-like appearance of ceria. The nanocatalyst exhibited stable and sustainable activity during regeneration up to 5 cycles.

Modelling and optimization of amoxicillin degradation over ZnO and glucose oxidase modified TiO2 nanowire

AbstractRecently, antibiotics posing threats to health and the environment have been highlighted. According to previous reports, amoxicillin is the most hazardous antibiotic in Tehran. In order to overcome the risks associated with the storage and contamination of oxidizing agents, a Janus structure of Ti/TiO2/FA/GOx/ZnO is introduced for in situ steady generation and consumption of H2O2. The most efficient nanowire structure of TiO2 is achieved at 140°C and 4.5 h. The footprints of GOx as the bioactive site to produce H2O2 and ZnO as the photoactive site to dope TiO2 have been proved by Raman, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analyses. For the first time, a Minimum Run Resolution V screening has been implemented for seven factors in an amoxicillin degradation process by the so‐called bio‐photo‐catalyst. According to analysis of variance (ANOVA), the significance of the three most important variables is as follows: amoxicillin concentration (C) &gt; the area covered by TiO2 nanowires (E) &gt; ZnO/GOx (F) ratio. The significance of the model over the 95% confidence interval is confirmed by R2 of 0.9970, F‐value of 108.10.

Enhanced magnetocaloric effect in nano-sized Dy3Ga5O12 garnet: A comparative study on the effect of solid-state and wet-chemical synthesis

This study investigates the magnetic and structural properties of bulk and nanosized Dy3Ga5O12 (DGG) synthesized through solid-state and wet chemical methods to assess the impact of particle size. The single-phase composition of the synthesized materials was determined by X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD). XRD and TEM analysis revealed the formation of nanosized DGG via the wet chemical route at 750 °C/2h. The nano DGG exhibits enhanced magnetocaloric effect compared to its bulk counterpart, suggesting its potential as a promising material for low-temperature magnetic refrigeration applications.

NLRP3 inflammasome-mitochondrion loop in autism spectrum disorder

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by deficits in social communication and the presence of restricted interests and repetitive behavior. To date, no single cause has been demonstrated but both genetic and environmental factors are believed to be involved in abnormal brain development. In recent years, immunological and mitochondrial dysfunctions acquired particular interest in the study of the molecular mechanisms underlying the pathophysiology of ASD. For this reason, our study focused on evaluating the mitochondrial component and activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome, a critical player of the innate immune system. The assembly of NLRP3 with ASC mediates activation of Caspase-1, which in turn, by proteolytic cleavage, activates Gasdermin D and the proinflammatory cytokines IL-1β/IL-18 with their subsequent secretion. Using primary fibroblasts of autistic and control patients we studied basal and stimulated conditions. Specifically, LPS and ATP were used to activate the NLRP3 inflammasome and MCC950 for its inhibition. In addition, FCCP was used as a mitochondrial stressor and MitoTEMPO as a scavenger of mitochondrial ROS. Our results showed a hyperactivation of NLRP3 inflammasome in ASDs, as evidenced by the co-localization of the two main components, NLRP3 and ASC, by the higher levels of ASC specks, oligomers and dimers and by the increased amounts of active Caspase-1 and IL-1β. In addition, increased mitochondrial superoxide anion and reduced mitochondrial membrane potential were detected in ASD cells. These data are in accordance with the abnormal mitochondrial morphology evidenced by transmission electron microscopy analysis. Interestingly, NLRP3 inflammasome inhibition with MCC950 improved mitochondrial parameters, while the use of MitoTEMPO, in addition to decrease mitochondrial ROS production, was able to prevent NLRP3 inflammasome activation suggesting for the first time an abnormal bidirectional crosstalk between mitochondria and NLRP3 inflammasome in ASD.