Nanocomposites For Applications Research Articles

Biodegradable PLA-ZnO nanocomposite biomaterials with antibacterial properties, tissue engineering viability, and enhanced biocompatibility

Polylactic acid (PLA) is a well-known biomaterial on account of its biocompatibility and biodegradability. Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanofillers may endow PLA with advantageous antibacterial and tissue regenerative properties, but may also compromise the biocompatibility of PLA. Several strategies have been developed to improve the biomedical practicality of such composites. The importance of surface properties on amplifying the therapeutic properties and safety of a material enables two potential strategies: (i) surface modification of ZnO nanoparticles, and (ii) surface engineering of the PLA/ZnO composites. Moreover, the controllable biodegradation of PLA allows a third possible strategy: (iii) biodegradation-controlled release of ZnO. The first part of this review introduces the controllable degradation of PLA and the mechanisms of therapeutic properties and cytotoxicity of ZnO. Following this, the paper highlights current research trends regarding the biomedical application of PLA-based ZnO nanocomposites. The final section of this review discusses the potential use of ZnO in tuning the degradation rate of PLA, and the possibility of manipulating the surface properties of ZnO nanoparticles and PLA/ZnO composites in order to optimize the therapeutic properties and safe usage of PLA/ZnO composites in the biomedical field.

Recent advancements in the fabrication and photocatalytic applications of graphitic carbon nitride-tungsten oxide nanocomposites.

The present review focuses on the widely used graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4)-tungsten oxide (WO3) nanocomposite in photocatalytic applications. These catalysts are widely employed due to their easy preparation, high physicochemical stability, nontoxicity, electron-rich properties, electronic band structure, chemical stability, low cost, earth-abundance, high surface area, and strong absorption capacity in the visible range. These sustainable properties make them predominantly attractive and unique from other photocatalysts. In addition, graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) is synthesized from nitrogen-rich precursors; therefore, it is stable in strong acid solutions and has good thermal stability up to 600 °C. This review covers the historical background, crystalline phases, density-functional theory (DFT) study, synthesis method, 0-D, 1-D, 2-D, and 3-D materials, oxides/transition/nontransition metal-doped, characterization, and photocatalytic applications of WO3/g-C3N4. Enhancing the catalytic performance strategies such as composite formation, element-doping, heterojunction construction, and nanostructure design are also summarized. Finally, the future perspectives and challenges for WO3/g-C3N4 composite materials are discussed to motivate young researchers and scientists interested in developing environment-friendly and efficient catalysts.

Application of polyaniline-manganese nano-composite for water pollution control

Water resources are currently being contaminated as a result of the rapid rise of industrialization, urbanization, population growth, and climate change. The biggest risk for many nations is a lack of clean, fresh water. The focus and attention of numerous scientists and governmental organizations have recently turned to water purification techniques. For efficient and effective sanitization of water bodies, academics from all over the world are focusing on water purification technologies centered on nanotechnology. Due to their great surface area, high chemical reactivity, excellent mechanical strength, and low cost, nanoscale composite materials offer a significant potential to cleanse water in a variety of ways. Polymer nano-composites (Polyaniline-Mn) have been selected as an effective and economical solution for wastewater pollution treatment. An effectiveness of polymer nano-composites for water purification is provided in this research.

An electrochemical immunosensor for an alpha-fetoprotein cancer biomarker on a carbon black/palladium hybrid nanoparticles platform.

The early detection of cancer is a key step in cancer survival. Thus, there is a need to develop low-cost technologies, such as electrochemical immunosensor technologies, for timely screening and diagnostics. The discovery of alpha-feto protein (AFP) as a tumour-associated antigen lends AFP as a biomarker for cancer detection and monitoring. Thus, immunosensors can be developed to target AFP in cancer diagnostics. Hence, we report the application of a hybrid nanocomposite of carbon black nanoparticles (CBNPs) and palladium nanoparticles (PdNPs) as a platform for the electrochemical immunosensing of cancer biomarkers. The hybrid carbon-metal nanomaterials were immobilised by using the drop-drying and electrodeposition technique on a glassy carbon electrode, followed by the immobilisation of the anti-AFP to fabricate an immunosensor. The nanoparticles were characterised with electron microscopy, voltammetry, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Square wave voltammetry (SWV) and EIS were used to study the immunosensor signal toward the bio-recognition of the AFP cancer biomarker. The hybrid nanoparticles enhanced the immunosensor performance. A linear detection range from 0.005 to 1000 ng mL-1 with low detection limits of 0.0039 ng mL-1 and 0.0131 ng mL-1 were calculated for SWV and EIS, respectively. The immunosensor demonstrated good stability, reproducibility, and selectivity. Its real-life application potential was tested with detection in human serum matrix.

Emerging enzyme-based nanocomposites for catalytic biomedicine.

With the promising advances in nanomedicine, numerous strategies have emerged for the diagnosis and treatment of diseases. Among them, enzyme-based multifunctional nanocomposites have attracted a great deal of attention in the field of catalytic biomedicine. These nanocomposites with high catalytic activity are capable of converting low/non-toxic substances into therapeutic ones, thus realizing highly efficient, site-specific therapy with minimal side effects. Enzyme-based nanocomposites for catalytic biomedicine are mainly divided into three types: (i) natural-enzyme based nanocomposites; (ii) artificial-nanozyme based nanocomposites; and (iii) nanocomposites of natural-enzymes and nanozymes. In this review, we discuss key aspects of enzyme-based catalytic biomedicine, including the construction of enzyme-based nanocomposites, their unique properties and applications in catalytic biomedicine. We also highlight the main challenges faced in this field, and provide relevant guidelines for the rational design and extensive application of enzyme-based nanocomposites from our point of view.

Biomass-derivedmagnetic nanocomposites modified by choline chloride/citric acid based natural deep eutectic solvents for the magnetic solid phase extraction of trypsin.

A novel biomass-derivedmagnetic nanocomposite of Fe3O4-Chitin@NADES-CC composed of a natural deep eutectic solvent (NADES), biological polysaccharide (Chitin) and magnetic Fe3O4 was synthesized. After being systematically characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectrometry, thermogravimetry, vibrating sample magnetometry, X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy and dynamic light scattering, Fe3O4-Chitin@NADES-CC was used as an extractant to separate trypsin (Tryp) on the basis of magnetic solid phase extraction. Simultaneously, the extraction conditions of Fe3O4-Chitin@NADES-CC for Tryp were investigated in turn by single-factor experiments, including screening the types of extractants, the initial concentration of Tryp, the pH value of the solution, the influence of ionic strength, extraction time and temperature, etc. Under the optimal conditions, the extraction capacity of Fe3O4-Chitin@NADES-CC for Tryp could reach up to 1082.67 mg g-1. Adsorption isotherm tests certified that the Langmuir adsorption equilibrium fitted well with the extraction model in this study, which showed that the extraction of Fe3O4-Chitin@NADES-CC for Tryp was monolayer adsorption. In addition, in the sections on the regeneration-reuse, selectivity and methodological studies, all the results exhibited the superiority of the Fe3O4-Chitin@NADES-CC and Tryp separation strategy which has been established in this work. Finally, Fe3O4-Chitin@NADES-CC was ultimately applied to the separation of Tryp from a real bovine pancreas crude extract by the analysis of SDS-PAGE. All the above results highlight that the proposed Fe3O4-Chitin@NADES-CC biomass-derived magnetic nanocomposite can be applied in the field of protein purification.

Copper-based biological alloys and nanocomposites for enzymatic catalysis and sensing applications.

Copper (Cu) is an inexpensive transition metal on Earth, exhibiting high catalytic activity due to its rich d-electron configuration and variable oxidation states. Cu-based biological alloys and nanocomposites have emerged as a prominent research area. Under specific synthesis conditions, alloys or nanocomposites formed by Cu with other metals demonstrate excellent enzyme-like and sensing activities. These advanced materials offer significant advantages over artificial enzymes in enzymatic applications, including high stability, simple synthesis, flexible catalytic performance, and ease of preservation. In addition, various types of sensors have been designed based on the unique electrochemical properties exhibited by these alloys and nanocomposites as well as their specific reactions with the target substances. These sensors possess advantages such as stability, high efficiency, a broad detection range, low detection limits, and high sensitivity. In this review, we summarize the current research status of Cu-based biological alloys and nanocomposites in enzyme-like applications and sensing applications. Based on this, we introduce the diverse enzyme-like activities exhibited by Cu-based nanozymes prepared under different synthesis conditions and their applications in areas such as biosensing, cancer treatment, and antibacterial therapy. Furthermore, we provide an overview of the applications of Cu-based alloys and nanocomposites in the field of sensing based on their enzyme-like activity or chemical activities. These sensors have been widely employed in biomedical detection, environmental hazardous substance monitoring, and food safety testing. Challenges and prospects faced by Cu-based alloys and nanocomposites are also highlighted for future works.

Application of nanocomposites for conservation of materials of cultural heritage

Application of nanocomposites for conservation of materials of cultural heritage

Synthesis and enhanced photocatalytic application of porous nanocomposites of (r)GO/TiO2 embedded HCP (hyper crosslinked polymer).

Nanocomposites (r)GO/TiO2/hyper crosslinked polymer (HCP) were prepared using ultrasonic-assisted method, and identified by (SEM), (EDS), (TEM), and (XRD) techniques. This study was performed to examine the effect of various operating parameters on photocatalytic degradation of Rhodamine B (Rh.B) over (r)GO/TiO2 embedded HCP followed by an optimization study using response surface methodology (RSM) based on Box-Behnken design (BBD). The photocatalytic activity of rGO/TiO2/polycalix[4]resorcinarene ((r)GTP) was evaluated using the cationic dye Rhodamine B as a pollutant model under solar light (intensity = 850W/m2) between 10 and 12 am, June, Ahvaz, Iran. Response Surface Methodology was adopted for the optimization of degradation parameters viz pH, dye concentration, and nanocomposites dosage and contact time. The optimum values for the maximum Rhodamine B (Rh B) degradation of rGO/TiO2/polycalix (rGTP) and GTP were obtained, in which the degradation of rGTP was 100% and the degradation efficiency of GO/TiO2/polycalix (GTP) was 70%. ANOVA analysis results demonstrated that irradiation time and nanocomposite mass were the most significant parameters. It was found that rGO/TiO2/polycalix[4]resorcinarene (rGTP) nanocomposite displayed the best degradation yield for the dye. The results showed that the rGTP nanocomposite displayed good EIS and CV properties besides being eco-friendly and reusable. It could also show a high capacity for the elimination of the dye in the industrial wastewaters.

Characterization and antifungal applications of azole functional mesoporous and hollow silica nanocomposites

Bu çalışmada çok gözenekli (MSN) ve tek gözenekli (HSS) silika nanopartiküllerin yüzeyinde, viniltriazol (VTri) monomerinin polimerizasyon reaksiyonu ile amin grupları oluşturulmuştur. Hazırlanan nanokompozit yapıların karakterizasyonu ve antifungal özelliği incelenmiştir. Nanokompozitlerin karakterizasyonunda MSN ve HSS' nın viniltriazol ile etkileşimini, yüzeydeki azol gruplarının varlığını belirlemek için FTIR ve XRD analizi, termal özelliklerini incelemek için TGA analizi yapılmıştır. Nanokompozitlerin morfolojisini belirlemek için SEM analizi yapılmıştır. Nanokompozit yapıların antifungal özellikleri MİK yöntemi ile kanıtlanmıştır.

A review on fabrication and in vivo applications of piezoelectric nanocomposites for energy harvesting

BackgroundEnergy-based piezoelectric nanocomposites have received a great deal of attention due to their wide range of applications in electronics, sensors, actuators, and tissue engineering. Polymeric piezoelectric nanocomposites have good mechanical flexibility, lower manufacturing cost, suitable output voltage, and fast processing compared to ceramic based composites. MethodsIn this paper a comprehensive review is conducted on the polymer-based nanocomposites that exhibit the piezoelectric effect. The most important fabrication strategies for piezoelectric polymer nanocomposites and the in vivo applications of these materials are investigated in this paper. The challenges/limitations associated with synthesis and preparation techniques of these materials are mentioned. Finally, a road map for future studies is provided. Significant findingsIt was found that piezoelectric nanocomposites are characterized with greater functionality for harvesting energy from unwanted mechanical vibration sources and in vivo movements. In general, commercialization and market growth of piezoelectric nanocomposites are highly related to two important factors, including enhancement in energy performance of related systems to match with the need and cost decrease to compete with traditional piezo-ceramics. As a result, it can be concluded that the electrospun piezoelectric nanocomposites are appropriate candidates for in vivo applications due to their high surface-to-volume ratio, sufficient porosity, high electrical properties, and biocompatibility.

Secured Nanosynthesis–Deposition Aerosol Process for Composite Thin Films Incorporating Highly Dispersed Nanoparticles

Application of nanocomposites in daily life requires not only small nanoparticles (NPs) well dispersed in a matrix, but also a manufacturing process that is mindful of the operator and the environment. Avoiding any exposure to NPs is one such way, and direct liquid reaction-injection (DLRI) aims to fulfill this need. DLRI is based on the controlled insitu synthesis of NPs from the decomposition of suitable organometallic precursors in conditions that are compatible with a pulsed injection mode of an aerosol into a downstream process. Coupled with low-pressure plasma, DLRI produces nanocomposite with homogeneously well-dispersed small nanoparticles that in the particular case of ZnO-DLC nanocomposite exhibit unique properties. DLRI favorably compares with the direct liquid injection of exsitu formed NPs. The exothermic hydrolysis reaction of the organometallic precursor at the droplet-gas interface leads to the injection of small and highly dispersed NPs and, consequently, the deposition of fine and controlled distribution in the nanocomposite. The scope of DLRI nanosynthesis has been extended to several metal oxides such as zinc, tin, tungsten, and copper to generalize the concept. Hence, DLRI is an attractive method to synthesize, inject, and deposit nanoparticles and meets the prevention and atom economy requirements of green chemistry.

Oxide-Based Nanocomposites for Food Packaging Application: A Review

Silver nanoparticles and/or nanoclay [particularly montmorillonite] are used in the majority of nanotechnology applications for food packaging. Other nanomaterials, on the other hand, can also be integrated into packaging. Metal oxide nanoparticles have been added to petroleum-based and biopolymers to produce nanocomposites with improved mechanical, barrier, antioxidants and antimicrobial properties. Nanoparticles migration from packaging, on the other hand, is a source of concern due to their potential toxicity in the human body and the environment. The purpose of this article therefore, was to review the available literature on the utilization of metal oxide-based nanoparticles to produce nanocomposites for food packaging application. Advantages of incorporating metal oxide-based nanoparticles into polymers, as well as migration of these nanomaterials from packaging into foods are discussed. Incorporation of metal oxide nanoparticles into polymers allows for the production of nanocomposites with increased mechanical strength, water and oxygen barrier properties, and can also confer other additional functional properties, such as antioxidant, antimicrobial activity and light-blocking properties. According to migration studies, only a small quantity of nanomaterial migrates from packaging into food simulants or foods, implying that consumer exposure to these nanomaterials and the health concerns associated with them are low. Nonetheless, there is a scarcity of information on the migration of nanomaterials from packaging into actual foods, and more research is desperately needed in this area. This manuscript is useful in the food industries as it indicate the applicability and potential of the oxide-based nanocomposites as a promising approach for use in food packaging applications.

Preparation and Applications of Green Thermoplastic and Thermosetting Nanocomposites Based on Nanolignin.

The development of bio-based materials is of great importance in the present environmental circumstances; hence, research has greatly advanced in the valorization of lignin from lignocellulosic wastes. Lignin is a natural polymer with a crosslinked structure, valuable antiradical activity, unique thermal- and UV-absorption properties, and biodegradability, which justify its use in several prospective and useful application sectors. The active functionalities of lignin promote its use as a valuable material to be adopted in the composite and nanocomposites arenas, being useful and suitable for consideration both for the synthesis of matrices and as a nanofiller. The aim of this review is to summarize, after a brief introduction on the need for alternative green solutions to petroleum-based plastics, the synthesis methods for bio-based and/or biodegradable thermoplastic and thermosetting nanocomposites, along with the application of lignin nanoparticles in all green polymeric matrices, thus generating responsiveness towards the sustainable use of this valuable product in the environment.

CuxPd1-xO nanoparticle-reduced graphene oxide nanocomposite catalyzed direct ortho-C–H acylation of 2-aryl pyridines

We report the application of CuxPd1-xO nanoparticle-reduced graphene oxide nanocomposites as efficient catalysts for direct CH bond activation using alcohols as carbonyl sources. The composition of the CuxPd1-xO nanoparticles plays a vital role in determining their catalytic activity because of a composition-dependent synergistic effect. We show that the catalysts can be reused for successive 5 cycles without obviously losing their catalytic activity. Our catalysts offer considerable advantages over previous metallic alloy nanoparticles not only due to their catalytic performance but also for the ease of their synthesis and catalytic robustness.

Study on relaxor polymer interface matrix for piezoelectric nanocomposite generators

Piezoelectric nanocomposites consisting of a polymer matrix and ceramic fillers are candidate components of flexible, wearable, and self-powered electronic devices. The physical discrepancy between ferroelectric polymers and ceramics in a piezoelectric interface makes it difficult to assemble efficient hybrid piezoelectric nanocomposites without polarization and extraneous artifacts. Here, we describe the effect of a relaxor ferroelectric terpolymer matrix on the piezoelectric output, which can enhance the energy harvesting or sensor performance of piezoelectric composite device of nanocomposite generators with filler nanoparticles of lead zirconium titanate. The dielectric property and reduced ferroelectric hindrance of the proposed terpolymer matrix provides more poling to align the polarization of piezoelectric ceramic fillers compared with a normal ferroelectric copolymer matrix. Therefore, relaxor ferroelectric polymers can be better than normal ferroelectric polymers as the matrix of hybrid polymer-ceramic piezoelectric nanocomposite. This research provides important physical information about the interface between a polymer matrix and ceramic fillers in flexible piezoelectric nanocomposite applications.

Approaches, attributes and applications of matrix nanocomposites – a review

Nanocomposites, a high-performance material, showcase uncommon asset combos and precise layout possibilities. Their versatility is so compelling that they can be of use in many countries, spanning from packaging to medical purposes. In this comprehensive evaluation, the three varieties of matrix nanocomposites are presented, demonstrating the use of such compounds, their optimization techniques, and a few latest consequences on structure, parameters, and potential programs. The parameters of nanoparticles are rapidly changing in accordance with their grain size equivalents. Furthermore, it modifies the manner in which molecules are hooked up to grain materials. As a consequence, the materials are often changed repeatedly with respect to the elements. A few other nanocomposite products have been shown to be 1,000 times tougher than most of the elements. This is necessary to understand the existence and usage of nanocomposite substances and examine components, functions, and innovative attributes in polymer, ceramic, and metallic nanocomposites. It is deduced by taking a quick glance at technological and biochemical applications. It can be seen that polymer nanocomposites and eventually the chemicals are used mostly in their processing and find applications in various industries, including aviation, the defense industry, food, and electronic components, attributable to their heavier mechanical, electrical, and thermal properties. This chapter forms the basis for and takes an approach to the emerging field of nanocomposite technology as it relates to biofuel production and its implementation.

Wet Synthesis of Graphene-Polypyrrole Nanocomposites via Graphite Intercalation Compounds

Graphene-polypyrrole (GP) nanocomposites were synthesized by a wet-way protocol using a graphite bisulfate (GBS) precursor. Consequently, GBS, a type of graphite intercalation compound, was prepared in the presence of concentrated sulfuric acid in the presence of a potassium periodate oxidizer. Three different types of graphite precursor with particle sizes of <50 μm, ≥150, ≤830 μm, and ≤2000 μm were used for this purpose. It was found that in the Raman spectra of GBS samples, the characteristic D band, which is caused by defects in the graphene layer, disappears. Therefore, the proposed synthesis protocol of GBS could be considered as a prospective intermediate stage in the preparation of graphene with low defect concentration. In contrast to alkali metal intercalation, the intercalation process involving anions with a relatively complex structure (e.g., HSO4−), which has been much less studied and requires further research. On the basis of the results obtained, structural models of graphite intercalation compounds as well as GP nanocomposites were discussed. The most relevant areas of application for GP nanocomposites, including energy storage and (bio)sensing, were considered. This work contributes to the development of cost-effective, scalable, and highly efficient intercalation methods, which still remain a significant challenge.

FeCo/Graphene Nanocomposites for Applications as Electromagnetic Wave-Absorbing Materials

Simple and efficient preparation high-performance magnetic carbon-based nanocomposites as electromagnetic wave-absorbing materials is a research hotspot. Here, employing a straightforward, ecologically friendly, and effective solid-state technique, FeCo/graphene nanocomposites with good electromagnetic wave absorption capabilities were successfully fabricated without the use of any external carbon sources. m-NaCl powder is combined with Co(acac)2 and Fe(acac)3 and then annealed at a particular temperature. During the annealing process, FeCo nanoparticles were synthesized and supported on graphene nanocomposites. Following annealing at 700 °C, the material showed an ideal reflection loss of −71.63 dB at 10.8 GHz, an effective bandwidth of 4.24 GHz, and a thickness of 2.68 mm. The radar cross section (RCS) of FeCo/C-700 is less than −10 dB m2, which provides evidence that the samples have good radar wave attenuation capabilities when the scattering angle is between 0 and 60°. The approach for creating graphene composites with FeCo nanoparticles suggested in this study serves as a crucial source of inspiration for the later development of new magnetic carbon nanocomposite systems.

Regulating the Mechanical and Optical Properties of Polymer‐based Nanocomposites by Sub‐Nanowires

AbstractSub‐nanowires (SNWs) exhibit great potential applications in nanocomposites owing to their high specific surface area, high flexibility, and similarity to polymer chains in dimension, which are a good entry point to bridge inorganic materials and polymer materials. Herein, we synthesized hydroxyapatite sub‐nanowires (HAP SNWs) and engineered hydroxyapatite sub‐nanowires/polyimide (HSP) gels and films by simple mixing of HAP SNWs and polyimide (PI). Benefiting from the interactions between HAP SNWs and PI, these nanocomposites were a continuous hybrid network. As the increase of HAP SNWs contents, the viscosity and modulus of HSP gels were greatly improved by one or two orders of magnitude compared with PI gel. HSP films not only maintained high transparency but also gained high haze, as well as exhibited enhanced Young's modulus. Thus, both HSP gels and films developed in this work are promising for various applications in coatings and high‐performance films.