FESEM Analysis Research Articles

ZnFe(PBA)@Ti3C2Tx nanohybrid-based highly sensitive non-enzymatic electrochemical sensor for the detection of glucose in human sweat

The ZnFe prussian blue analogue [ZnFe(PBA)] was infused with Ti3C2Tx (MXene) denoted as ZnFe(PBA)@Ti3C2Tx and was prepared by an in-situ sonication method to use as a non-enzymatic screen printed electrode sensor. The advantage of non-enzymatic sensors is their excellent sensitivity, rapid detection, low cost and simple design. The synthesized ZnFe(PBA)@Ti3C2Tx was characterized for its physical and chemical characterization by XRD, Raman, XPS, EDAX, and FESEM analysis. It possessed multiple functionalized layers and a cubic structure in the nanohybrid. Further, the sensor was investigated by using electroanalytical studies such as cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry analysis. The enhanced surface area with a cubic structure of ZnFe(PBA) and the excellent electrical response of Ti3C2 nanosheet support the advancement of a non-enzymatic electrochemical glucose sensor with improved sensitivity of 973.42 µA mM−1 cm−2 with the limit of detection (LOD) of 3.036 µM (S/N = 3) and linear detection range (LDR) from 0.01 to 1 mM.

Novel tempo oxidized polyvinyl alcohol/ cellulose nanocrystal-based nanocomposite membrane for malachite green dye removal.

In this study, in-situ modification by TEMPO oxidation was performed after nanocomposite synthesis to improve its properties toward dye molecule removal. The unoxidized and oxidized polymeric-based nanocomposite was denoted as PNC6 and PNC6O respectively. The nanocomposites were characterized using FESEM, FTIR, contact angle, XRD and BET analysis. Measurements of swelling ratio and chemical stability were also performed to provide insight into the durability of the nanocomposites. The effects of changing variables included contact duration, pH of aqueous solution, initial pollutant concentration, and temperature were observed. The kinetic study showed that the experimental data is best fitted with pseudo-second-order kinetics (R2 = 0.988 and 0.997 respectively), whereas on observing isotherm data, in both unoxidized and oxidized nanocomposite it fits well with Langmuir isotherm (R2 = 0.951 and 0.993 respectively). In addition, the effects on Gibb's free energy, Enthalpy, and Entropy were measured in terms of thermodynamic characteristics, it was established that dye molecules adsorption mechanism is endothermic and spontaneous in behaviour. To check regeneration tendency of the nanocomposite seven consecutive adsorption desorption cycles were run and about 90% and 80%, regeneration ability could be seen in an unoxidized state (PNC6) and an oxidized state (PNC6O) respectively upto 5th cycle after that the tendency get reduced. This study suggests that this novel polymeric nanocomposite can be employed as an efficient and relatively inexpensive adsorbent for dye removal from aqueous solutions.

Enhanced adsorption of malachite green (MG) dye using RF glow oxygen plasma-modified coconut carbon shell: A sustainable approach for effluent treatment

The textile industry produces dye pollutants that are both harmful and difficult to degrade. This study explores the enhanced adsorption of Malachite Green (MG) dye using coconut carbon shells treated with RF glow oxygen plasma discharge. Plasma treatment improved the surface properties of the adsorbent by introducing oxygen-containing functional groups and increasing surface polarity, which boosted dye adsorption through hydrogen bonding, electrostatic interactions, and π-π stacking. Experimental results revealed that a 10-minute plasma treatment optimally enhanced adsorption capacity by 39 % compared to untreated samples. The Langmuir isotherm model demonstrated a maximum adsorption capacity (qm) of 161 mg/g, surpassing the Freundlich model. At pH 8, using 0.2 g of adsorbent in 50 mL solutions with initial dye concentrations of 25 mg/L and 100 mg/L, the 10-minute plasma-treated samples achieved adsorption capacities of 6.01 mg/g and 23.95 mg/g, respectively, compared to 4.72 mg/g and 17.2 mg/g for the untreated samples. This corresponded to removal efficiencies of 96.12 % and 95.8 % for the treated samples, and 75.6 % and 68.8 % for the untreated samples, after 80 min of contact at 200 rpm. UV–vis spectrophotometry confirmed the reduction in dye concentration after adsorption. FE-SEM analysis revealed that plasma treatment created micro-pores on the coconut carbon shell, enhancing adsorption capacity, while SEM-EDX analysis showed increased oxygen content after 10 min of treatment. FTIR analysis identified additional carbonyl (-C=O) and hydroxyl (-OH) groups, indicating the incorporation of oxygen-containing functional groups due to plasma treatment. Confocal Raman microscopy was also used to analyze the microstructural changes in the samples.

Improving thermoelectric performance of Nickel substituted ZnSb alloy through carrier engineering and nanostructuring

Zn1-xNixSb (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.08) nanostructures were prepared by the planetary Ball milling technique. XRD analysis confirms the phase purity and orthorhombic crystal structure of the samples. FESEM analysis shows the spherical morphology of the Zn1-xNixSb samples. The EDX and elemental mapping analysis confirms the composition and elemental distribution of Zn1-xNixSb (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.08) alloys. HRTEM images clearly show the interfaced grains with grain boundaries. DRS-UV analysis revealed the narrowing of bandgap while increasing the Ni content in Zn site due to alloying effect. The synthesized Zn1-xNixSb alloys show low resistivity compared to pure samples due to high carrier concentrations. Seebeck coefficient of Zn1-xNixSb alloys were measured from room temperature to 635 K. A high-power factor of 1344 µW/m K2 was obtained for the Zn0.98Ni0.02Sb sample at 533 K compared to pristine ZnSb (574 µW/m K2 at 533 K). High thermoelectric figure of merit (zT) of 0.69 was achieved for Zn0.98Ni0.02Sb sample at 533 K compared to pristine ZnSb (zT of 0.34 at 533 K). The experimental results illustrated that Nickel substitution is a one of the possible ways to improve the thermoelectric figure of merit of ZnSb alloys.

Self-powered γ-In2Se3/p-Si heterojunction for photodetection: exploring humidity and light intensity dependent photoresponse

In this study, high-quality γ-In2Se3 thin films were successfully deposited on p-Si substrates via the RF sputtering technique. Structural characterization using XRD and Raman spectroscopy confirmed the formation of the hexagonal γ-phase of In2Se3 film. FESEM analysis revealed the presence of small, homogeneous, and well-defined grains in the prepared γ-In2Se3 film. EDS analysis confirmed the stoichiometric composition (∼ 2:3) of the In2Se3 films. XPS further validated the presence of In, Se, and Si elements in the deposited films. Band gap analysis using UV-visible spectroscopy yielded a value of 1.96 eV for the γ-In2Se3 film. Integration of γ-In2Se3 with p-type Si enhanced photoresponsivity of 47.9 mA/W, photosensitivity of 282, and photo detectivity of 8.45 × 1010 Jones. The self-powered γ-In2Se3/p-Si heterojunction-based photodetector exhibited rapid rise time attributed to the type II band alignment structure, facilitating efficient electron-hole pair separation and minimizing recombination. Furthermore, humidity and light intensity-dependent photodetector properties of γ-In2Se3/p-Si heterojunction photodetector were also investigated. An increase in photocurrent from 271 to 291 µA was observed with rising humidity levels, indicating the device’s sensitivity to humidity variations. Furthermore, light intensity dependence studies revealed a linear relationship between photocurrent and incident light intensity, demonstrating the device’s reliable response across various illumination levels.

Reaction-assisted MOF manipulation for synthesis of UIO-66-NHCHO topology for prodrug fabrication: pH-responsive targeted drug delivery

A pH-responsive metal-organic framework (MOF)-based prodrug was synthesized via a premeditated formic acid-assisted amide reaction to form the UiO-66-NHCHO topology from UiO-66-NH2. This topology can be covalently attached to the methotrexate drug (MTX) to form theUiO-66-NH-HCN-MTX prodrug. The pristine MOF, UiO-66-NHCHO, and prodrug were characterized using PXRD, FT-IR, FE-SEM, BET, TGA, and NMR analyses. The solid-state NMR and FT-IR confirmed UiO-66-NHCHO topology.The loading efficiency and capacity of the prodrug were 88.96 % and 100.07 mg/g, respectively. These values were 12.90 % and 13.25 mg/g higher than those of the MTX-loaded MOF. This confirms the role of bonding in prodrug synthesis, beyond merely loading MTX through drug adsorption. At low pH the applied prodrug was activated due to CN cleavage. By decreasing pH from 7.4 to 5.5, imitating a tumor environment, the cumulative release of MTX increased by 64.94 %. This release rate was reached by 550 min, which was 230 min longer than the maximum MTX release from the loaded MOF. Such a premeditated delay can effectively suppress the burst release of MTX. At both pH levels, the Higuchi release kinetic model fit the release data better than other models, demonstrating that diffusion through the MOF pores controls drug delivery.

One-pot biocatalysis of potato rhamnogalacturonan and the role of its deacetylation in efficient inhibition of colon cancer cells and hydrogel mediated colon-targeted drug delivery

Deacetylation of potato rhamnogalacturonan (PRG) by rhamnogalacturonan acetyl esterase (CtPae12B) was explored for enhanced hydrolysis of PRG by rhamnogalacturonan lyase (CtRGLf) and the effects of deacetylated PRG were studied in enhancing inhibition of colon-cancer cells and formation of colon-targeting drug delivery material. Pre-treatment of PRG with CtPae12B resulted in increased relative activity of CtRGLf. CtPae12B removed acetyl groups from both O-2 and O-3 positions of D-galactopyranosyluronic acid residues of PRG, resulting in 98 % deacetylation. PRG displayed 21.9 % degree of acetylation and 7.7 % degree of methylation. TLC and ESI-MS analysis of CtRGLf hydrolysed PRG showed unsaturated RG di-saccharide as the smallest product, with m/z 322. Deacetylated PRG-oligosaccharides displayed higher, 50 % inhibition of colon-cancer HCT-116 cells (with shrunken and globular morphology) than 35 % inhibition by acetylated PRG-oligosaccharides. FESEM and BET analysis of CtPae12B-treated PRG showed porous structure and significantly higher total surface area and pore volume than non-enzyme treated PRG. Higher drug entrapment efficiency and lower drug release rate of CtPae12B-treated PRG hydrogel (0.0033 min−1 at pH 1.2 and 0.009 min−1 at pH 7.4), than non-enzyme treated PRG hydrogel, (0.0057 min−1 at pH 1.2 and 0.02 min−1 at pH 7.4), showed it to be a potential biomaterial for sustainable colon-targeted drug delivery.

Designing of a proficient macro porous metallo-polymer of iron with anion functionality: A sustainable approach for arsenic remediation from water

In this study, a novel porous metallo-polymeric network named poly(Ferric trimethacrylate-co-4-Vinyl benzyl chloride), incorporating an iron moiety, was developed for arsenic remediation from water. The synthesis of crosslinked q(pFeVBC) was carried out via suspension polymerization and functionalizing it with hexamethylenetetramine, resulting in a porous three-dimensional structure. Characterization using FTIR, FESEM, XPS, XRD, and BET-SA analysis confirmed its properties. Various monomer ratios were tested to optimize q(pFeVBC) for arsenic removal. The q(pFeVBC) exhibited significant adsorption capacities (qe max exp) of 8.33 mg g−1 for As(V) and 7.9 mg g−1 for As (III), owe to its unique architecture (integrated iron moiety and anion functionality) and porous texture (SA: 112 m2 g−1, pore size: 1.27–2.07 µm), which is close to the capacity calculated by Langmuir model (qe max theo) 8.719 mg g−1 for As (V) and 8.463 mg g−1 for As (III). The PSO kinetic model showed excellent fitting for both arsenic forms. Thermodynamic studies indicated a spontaneous and endothermic adsorption process. Additionally, a 4:10:1 ANN model accurately predicted adsorption behavior.

Mechanical Properties and Tribological Study of Bottom Pouring Stir-Cast A356 Alloy Reinforced with Graphite Solid Lubricant Extracted from Corn Stover

The present work epitomises extracting the graphite (Gr) solid lubricant from the corn stover. The extracted Gr was incorporated as reinforcement in the A356 alloy (Al-7Si), and the effect of the Gr particles on the mechanical and tribological properties was investigated. In spite of this, the input process parameters for the dry sliding wear test at room temperature against the EN31 steel disc were optimised through ANOVA analysis. The fabricated A359—X wt% (X = 0, 2.5, 5, 7.5) composite through bottom pouring stir casting techniques was analysed microstructurally by using XRD and FESEM analysis. The micro Brinell hardness and tensile strength were investigated per ASTME10 and ASTME8M standards. A wear test was performed for the composite pins against the EN31 steel disc according to ASTM G99 specifications. The XRD analysis results depict the presence of carbon (C), aluminium (Al), and silicon (Si) in all the wt% of the Gr reinforcement. However, along with the elements, the Al2Mg peak was confirmed for the A356—7.5 wt% Gr composite and the corresponding cluster element was confirmed in FESEM analysis. The maximum micro Brinell hardness of 92 BHN and U.T.S of 123 MPa and % elongation of 7.11 was attained at 5 wt% Gr reinforcement due to uniform Gr dispersion in the A356 alloy. Based on the ANOVA analysis, the optimal process parameters were obtained at 20 N applied load, 1 m/s sliding velocity, and 1000 m sliding distance for the optimal wear rate of 0.0052386 g/km and 0.364 COF.

Tuning of Particle Size of Zeolitic Imidazolate Framework-7 via Rapid Synthesis Duration for CH4 Adsorption

In this work, zeolite imidazolate framework-7 (ZIF-7) nanoparticles are synthesized via a solvothermal method and rapid synthesis durations of 1 h and 3 h. The effect of the synthesis duration on the structural properties of ZIF-7 was characterized by XRD and FESEM analyses. Subsequently, CH4 single gas adsorption over ZIF-7 nanoparticles was examined using the volumetric method at room temperature and pressure ranging from 2 to 9 bar. The results showed that the synthesized ZIF-7 adsorbents were highly crystalline with a well-defined and homogeneous particle size distribution of 50–60 nm. It was found that increasing the synthesis duration from 1 h to 3 h did not amend the structure and morphology of the resultant samples significantly, mainly due to the short synthesis duration. Meanwhile, the CH4 adsorbed by ZIF-7 nanoparticles increased with rising pressure for both samples, and the ZIF-7 nanoparticles synthesized at 3 h showed a greater adsorption capacity than that of 1 h, mainly due to its higher crystallinity and well-developed pore structure. The ZIF-7 synthesized at 3 h demonstrated an adsorption capacity up to 2.2 mol/kg, which was higher than those values reported in the literature for micron-sized ZIF-7 samples. The CH4 gas adsorption behavior of ZIF-7 nanoparticles synthesized at 1 h and 3 h were well predicted by the Langmuir isotherm model, with coefficients of determination, R2, of 0.9994 and 0.9982, respectively.

Investigation of functionalized graphene oxide incorporated superabsorbent polymers for enhanced durability, hydration, microstructure and mechanical strength of modified concrete

ABSTRACT This study focuses on enhancing cementitious materials by incorporating silanized graphene oxide (SGO) and superabsorbent polymers (SAPs), aiming to improve their mechanical and durability properties. The primary goal is to evaluate the effects of SGO/SAP composites on the hydration, absorption, shrinkage, and overall performance of concrete. The composites were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to understand their microstructure. Mechanical and durability tests revealed that adding SGO/SAP composites significantly increased the mechanical strength and water absorption capabilities of the concrete. The compressive strength, split tensile strength, and flexural strength of the SGO/SAP-modified concrete were measured at 57 MPa, 4.90 MPa, and 8.25 MPa, respectively. Shrinkage tests demonstrated the composite hydrogel’s excellent water-holding capacity at 0.3 wt.% SGO/SAP, facilitating internal curing in concrete structures. FE-SEM analysis indicated a reduction in microcracks due to the presence of SGO/SAP. The improvements are attributed to the synergistic effects of SGO and SAP, which enhance water retention, dispersion, and interfacial bonding within the cementitious matrix. The microstructural studies confirmed the exceptional stability of the SGO/SAP-modified mix, emphasizing its potential as an additive to improve concrete properties. This research underscores the significant potential of SGO and SAP in advancing the performance of cement-based materials, highlighting their applicability in infrastructure development and construction for creating more durable and high-performing concrete structures.

Hydroxyapatite layer evolution on silica-based (45S10P) bioactive glass-ceramic nanoparticles doped with Zn2+ ions: Augmentation of in vitro bioactivity, antibacterial activity and textural modification for bone regeneration

Zinc-incorporated bioactive glasses (BG) and bioactive glass-ceramic (BGC) nanoparticles (BGC-NPs) represent highly adaptable, biodegradable, and bioactive materials in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. This study delves into the synthesis, characterization and biomedical implications of Zn2+ ions-doped 45S10P spherical BGC-NPs, employing analytical techniques and in vitro assays. The resulting (Zn2++ 45S10P) BGC-NPs, prepared using a modified Strober's method, exhibited spherical morphology with excellent dispersion, as verified by TEM, FE-SEM, and DLS analyses. XRD, FTIR, and FESEM analysis revealed an augmented hydroxyapatite (HAp) layer formation with increasing zinc content. Zeta potential analysis showcased a shift from negative to positive values after immersion in simulated body fluid (SBF), indicating the bioactive potential of the developed BGC-NPs. Hemocompatibility assays indicated the biocompatibility of all BGC-NPs, demonstrating minimal hemolytic effects with incorporating Zn2+ ions below a standard threshold (<5 % lysis). Further, the migration assay revealed the potentiality of the BGC-NPs to stimulate the migration of HeLa cells. Cell viability assays employing MG-63 osteoblast-like cells highlighted enhanced cell viability over time, underscoring their non-toxic nature and potential for tissue regeneration. Antibacterial assays displayed significant inhibitory effects against Gram-negative compared to Gram-positive bacteria, underscoring their potential for anti-infection applications. Overall, the results affirm the promising prospects of Zinc incorporation into 45S10P BGC-NPs for bone tissue regeneration applications.

Quercus ballot as an innovative feedstock for biodiesel production using ZnO nanocatalyst

Selecting non-edible plant seed oil remains the best choice for biodiesel production using an effective nanocatalyst. In this study, the ZnO was prepared as a nanocatalyst using an aqueous extract from the Alhaji marorum plant. Nano ZnO has shown high catalytic activity, is cost-effective, environmentally friendly and converts triglycerides into fatty acid methyl esters. The results indicate that ZnO nanocatalyst exhibit a high specific surface area (146.82 m2 g-1), large pore volume (0.35 cm3 g-1), and an average crystallite size of 42.3 nm. The FESEM analysis shows that the particle size of ZnO lies in the range of 30–50 nm with a rod shape and densely packed morphology. The biodiesel is produced using a transesterification process from novel non-edible Quercus ballot plant seeds. The resulting biodiesel has a 98.06 % yield under a methanol/oil ratio of 6:1 with 0.5 wt% ZnO nanocatalyst at 65 °C for 80 min. It is established that the methanol-to-oil ratio and the catalyst concentration significantly affect the transesterification reaction. The biodiesel produced is characterized by GC–MS to determine its exact composition and FTIR is used to confirm functional groups and is evaluated according to ASTM D6751.

Optimization of carrier mobility in Pr-doped SrTiO3 thin films through controlled Sr-segregation for optoelectronic applications

Functional oxides employed in electronic components hold significant promise for future electronic devices. Strontium titanate based thin films have several emergent features due to unsaturated bonds, dimension restriction, production of oxygen vacancies and point defects that make them attractive for optoelectronic applications. Here we prepared Pr-doped strontium titanate thin films via RF magnetron sputtering in a pure Argon environment at various gas pressures followed by heat treatment. The structural parameters, analyzed via XRD and Raman spectroscopy, were correlated with the electrical transport properties. Intriguing morphological features such as Stranski–Krastanov (SK) growth and cation segregation observed by FESEM and AFM analysis were further examined to elucidate the conduction mechanism in the films. The optical studies unveiled significant transparency in the visible spectrum. Photoluminescence emission studies at specific wavelengths shed light on the involvement of oxygen vacancies. By carefully controlling annealing conditions and optimizing sputtering parameters, thin films devoid of Sr segregation with highest reported carrier mobility of 33.9 cm2/V s were prepared. The high mobility leading to enhanced conductivity render the films suitable for a wide range of optoelectronic applications.

Self-generated B-MAX phase composites: The effect of sintering temperature on surface morphology and phase composition

The use of metal-based MAX phase composites is widespread in the production of high-temperature structural materials, anticorrosive materials and electrode materials. Herein, novel B-Ti3AlC2 and B-Ti4AlN3 composites were prepared using the hot-pressing method at varying sintering temperatures ranging from 950 °C to 1325 °C. This study also explores the effect of sintering temperature on the surface morphology and phase composition of both B-MAX phase composites. The morphological and crystal phase composition of MAX phase composites were investigated through SEM coupled with EDS, FE-SEM, AFM, and XRD test analysis. The results revealed that higher sintering temperatures increase the clear formation of MAX phases and composites as compared to lower temperatures. The findings also expose that the in-situ formation of B-MAX composites significantly changes the structure, contributing to transforming the overall performance and making it suitable for high-stress applications like electronics, aerospace, and cutting tools.

Green synthesis and characterization of TiO2 and Ag-doped TiO2 nanoparticles for photocatalytic and antimicrobial applications

TiO2 and Ag-doped TiO2 nanoparticles were synthesized using lemon grass plant leaf extract via a greener co-precipitation method. Plant biomolecules facilitated nanoparticle production, ensuring stability. Characterization involved XRD, FE-SEM, XPS, FT-IR, EDX, UV-DRS, HR-TEM and UV–Vis spectroscopy analyses, revealing tetragonal and cubic structures for TiO2 and Ag-TiO2, with average sizes of 11.96 and 41.8 nm, respectively. FT-IR confirmed characteristic bands, FE-SEM and HR-TEM analysis reveal that Ag-doped TiO2 nanoparticles primarily form irregular agglomerations, with interplanar spacings of 0.362 nm for the anatase (220) plane and 0.235 nm for the silver (111) plane and EDX determined elemental composition. UV–DRS calculated band gap values (3.3 eV for TiO2, 0.9 eV for Ag-TiO2). Photocatalytic performance against methylene blue dye under sunlight indicated higher degradation by Ag-TiO2 (96.96 %) than TiO2 (77.77 %). Antimicrobial testing showed superior activity of Ag-TiO2 over TiO2.

Tailoring porosity: Unveiling the ideal alumina support (aerogel, xerogel, cryogel) for high-performance CO2 capture with polyethylene glycol

This study investigates enhancing CO2 capture through high polyethylene glycol (PEG) loading on alumina aerogel (Al2O3-A), comparing it with alumina cryogel (Al2O3-C) and xerogel (Al2O3-X). Focusing on sustainable carbon capture and storage (CCS), the research optimizes PEG’s CO2 adsorption by adjusting the porosity of these alumina supports. Key characterization techniques, including XRD, FESEM, FTIR, and N2 adsorption-desorption analysis, were utilized. The study evaluated the effects of pressure, temperature, and PEG loading on CO2 capture capacity using response surface methodology (RSM). Optimal conditions (25 °C, 9.0 bar, 61.0 % PEG) achieved a CO2 adsorption capacity of 443 mg/g. The Hill model was most effective in describing the CO2 adsorption, while the fractional order model accurately depicted the kinetics. Thermodynamic analysis confirmed that the adsorption process is spontaneous, exothermic, and physical. The results underscore the potential of PEG/Al2O3-A for effective CO2 capture, highlighting its high stability, capacity, and reusability, and advancing sustainable carbon capture technologies.

Coloring properties of blue inorganic pigments based on cobalt/nickel doped strontium magnesium β-alumina structure in 3YSZ ceramics

Blue inorganic pigments based on cobalt or nickel doped strontium magnesium β-alumina structure (β-SAM) solid solutions were successfully fabricated using the solid state method for the first time. Compared with commercial cobalt blue (CoAl2O4, 33.32 wt% Co, −b∗ = 18.5), Sr0.857Mg0.714Al9.986Co0.3O17-δ with significantly lower Co content (2.71 wt%) achieved a more vibrant blue color (−b∗ = 57.5). The ocean blue color of Sr0.857Mg0.714Al10.286-xCoxO17-δ (0.05 ≤ x ≤ 0.3) originates from the A24(F4)→T14(P4) transition of the tetrahedral Co2+, while the sky blue color of Sr0.857Mg0.714Al10.286-xNixO17-δ (0.05 ≤ x ≤ 0.3) is due to the T13(F3)→T13(P3) transition in tetrahedral Ni2+. Chemical stability tests demonstrated good acid and alkali resistance of as-prepared pigments. Additionally, blue 3YSZ ceramic composites incorporating 5–10 wt% Sr0.857Mg0.714Al9.986Co0.3O17-δ or Sr0.857Mg0.714Al9.986Ni0.3O17-δ pigments as chromophores were obtained after high temperature sintering. Ocean blue ceramics composed of 10 wt% Sr0.857Mg0.714Al9.986Co0.3O17-δ and 90 wt% 3YSZ with 0.27 wt% Co exhibited a larger −b∗ value (−b∗ = 43.3) compared to 10 wt% CoAl2O4-3YSZ blue ceramic composite (−b∗ = 34.0, 3.33 wt% Co). FE-SEM analysis showed that the pigment phase remained stable after high temperature sintering with 3YSZ, with clear grain boundaries observed. The mechanical properties of the fabricated blue ceramics were comparable to those of pure 3YSZ ceramic, which highlights the potential of Co/Ni doped Sr0.857Mg0.714Al10.286O17 pigments in ceramic applications.

Influence of copper ion cross-linked CMC-PVA film on cell viability and cell proliferation study

In this study, films composed of carboxymethyl cellulose and polyvinyl alcohol were fabricated using the solution casting method. Citric acid (4 %) was employed as a cross-linking agent, while glycerol (3 %) as a plasticizer. Cupric chloride (CuCl2·2H2O) was used for cross-linking at concentrations 0.5 %, 1 %, and 3 % over different times. The cross-linking with copper ions led to a noticeable reduction in elasticity, with the breaking strain ranging from 17.9 %–52.9 %. The ion hydration phenomenon increased the contact angle and swelling ratio. Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy confirmed esterification reactions and copper ion cross-linking with sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (Na-CMC). The films showed antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. The ion-released mechanism followed was the non-Fickian super case-II type. The concentration and duration of cross-linking significantly influenced cell viability and proliferation. FE-SEM analysis revealed that effective concentrations of CuCl2.2H2O were 0.5 % and 1 %, and cross-linking times were 5–15 min, facilitating cell attachment and proliferation. Films are non-adhesive with water vapor permeation 800–900 g/m2/day. These results indicate the potential use of the films in treating second-degree burn wounds with low to medium exudate levels. This study provides valuable insights into the development of copper-infused materials for advanced wound healing applications.

Locust bean gum glutarate nanocomposite hydrogel microspheres of gliclazide: Optimization by box-Behnken design and preclinical evaluation of anti-diabetic efficacy

In this study, carboxymethyl locust bean gum was synthesized and nanocomposite hydrogel microspheres (GHMs) of gliclazide were produced based on nanosilicate reinforcement and aluminium-ion driven gelation process, followed by covalent crosslinking with glutaric anhydride (GA). The effect of three independent variables (polymer and GA concentration, incubation time) on the drug entrapment efficiency (DEE%) and percent drug release at 8 h, was optimized using Box-Behnken design. The highest DEE (%) and lowest drug release was achieved at the following optimized conditions: polymer (2.43 %), GA (0.34 %), and incubation (27 min). The nanoscilicate-enriched matrix provided a maximum of 75.13 % DEE, 92.33 % gel fraction, and excellent flowability. The optimized microspheres had virtually spherical morphology, according to FE-SEM analysis. FTIR study indicated a hydrogen bonding interaction between the drug and other formulation components. X-ray and DSC measurements suggested that the crystallinity of the drug decreased following integration into the matrix. The optimized GHM demonstrated anomalous diffusion of gliclazide in simulated gastrointestinal fluids for 12 h without disintegration. In streptozotocin (50 mg/kg BW)-induced diabetic rats, the optimized formulation diminished blood glucose level by about 72 % in 12 h. Thus, the nanocomposite GHMs created by combining nanosilicate with GA had an outstanding potential for long-term control of diabetes.