Attenuated Total Reflectance Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy Research Articles

A new paradigm in cigarette smoke detection: Rapid identification technique based on ATR-FTIR spectroscopy and GhostNet-[formula omitted]

In the tobacco field, the analysis and classification of cigarette smoke are crucial for ensuring product quality, protecting consumer health, and driving industry innovation. These analyses provide a comprehensive understanding of tobacco products and serve as a scientific basis for production standards and regulatory policies. Traditional infrared spectroscopy techniques for tobacco quality analysis often suffer from limitations such as time consumption, high costs, and complexity. To achieve efficient detection of cigarette smoke and quality control of cigarettes, this study developed a cigarette mainstream smoke detection system based on Attenuated Total Reflectance Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy technology, aimed at rapidly acquiring the mid-infrared (MIR) spectral characteristics of cigarette smoke and combining deep learning for rapid cigarette type identification. Five different brands of cigarettes were selected for this study, and a total of 400 MIR spectra of cigarette smoke aerosols were collected. Using three spectral preprocessing methods and two-dimensional correlation spectroscopy (2DCOS), we extracted the fingerprint region (1850–650 cm-1) to generate 4800 2DCOS images. We then optimized the GhostNet network architecture and constructed a more compact and efficient deep learning model, GhostNet-α. A mixed-precision training strategy further enhanced model training speed and computational efficiency. Results show that Multiple Scatter Correction (MSC)-preprocessed synchronous 2DCOS images achieved 100 % classification accuracy. This study validates GhostNet-α’s efficiency and accuracy in cigarette smoke recognition, offering a new technical approach for quality control and rapid detection in the tobacco industry, significantly enhancing its competitiveness and consumer health protection.

Cysteamine Nanoemulsion Delivery by Inhalation to Attenuate Adverse Effects of Exposure to Cigarette Smoke: A Metabolomics Study in Wistar Rats.

There is a pressing need for novel pharmacological interventions and drug delivery innovations to attenuate the cigarette smoke-associated oxidative stress and lung disease. We report here on the attenuated total reflection-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) and metabolomics of Wistar rats exposed to cigarette smoke for 28 days. The animals were treated for 15 days with plain cysteamine given orally or cysteamine as nanoemulsion given orally or via inhalation. The study design also included two control groups as follows: rats exposed to cigarette smoke but did not receive a treatment (diseased control group) and rats neither exposed to cigarette smoke nor a treatment (normal control group). The targeted metabolomics using Parallel Reaction Monitoring showed that in the diseased control group, ornithine, nicotinamide, xanthine, hypoxanthine, and caprolactam were increased compared with the normal control group. In addition, (±)8(9)-DiHET, which was initially downregulated in the diseased control group, exhibited a reversal of this trend with cysteamine nanoemulsion given via inhalation. The cysteamine nanoemulsion delivered by inhalation highlighted the importance of the route of drug administration for targeting the lungs. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first work to use ATR-FTIR and metabolomics in Wistar rat lung tissues, suggesting how cysteamine nanoemulsion can potentially reduce cigarette smoke-induced oxidative damage. The metabolites reported herein have potential implications for discovery of novel theranostics and, thus, to cultivate diagnostic and therapeutic innovation for early prevention and treatment of cigarette smoke-associated lung diseases.

Design Characteristics of a Neoteric, Superhydrophilic, Mechanically Robust Hydrogel Engineered To Limit Fouling in the Ocular Environment.

Current challenges with ocular drug delivery and the chronic nature of many ocular ailments render the use of traditional ocular devices for additional drug delivery purposes very attractive. To achieve this feat, there is the need to develop biomaterials that are biocompatible, mechanically robust for ocular applications, highly transparent (depending on the targeted ocular device), and with ultralow protein adhesion potential (the primary step in processes that lead to fouling and potential device failure). Herein is reported the facile synthesis of a novel, highly transparent, mechanically robust, nontoxic, bulk functionalized hydrogel with characteristics suited to scalable fabrication of ocular implantable and nonimplantable devices. Synergistic superhydrophilicity between methacrylated poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVAGMA) and zwitterionic sulfobetaine methacrylate was exploited to obtain a superhydrophilic polymer conjugate through facile photoinitiated cross-linking polymerization. Proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR), attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATF-FTIR), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) were used to confirm the synthesis and establish the physicochemical parameters for both the starting materials, the conjugated polymer, and the hydrogels. Cytotoxicity and cell adhesion potential evaluated in primary human retinal epithelial cells showed no toxicity or adhesion of the ocular cells. Biofilm adhesion studies in Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus showed over 85% reduction in biofilm adhesion for the best-modified polymer compared to the unconjugated PVAGMA, highlighting its antifouling potential.

Anthocyanin‐Enhanced Bacterial Cellulose Nanofibers for Sustainable Hg(II) Ion Sensing

AbstractHg(II), poses a significant threat to both the environment and overall well‐being. The present indicator utilizes anthocyanin extract from roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa), RSE, and incorporates it into bacterial cellulose nanofibers (BCNF) to detect Hg(II) ions. Through examination of the CIE Lab color variables, it is determined that the binding of Hg(II) leads to a discernible alteration in the color. The visible color changes as the Hg(II) concentration increases. ATR‐FTIR(Attenuated Total Reflectance‐Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy) and SEM(scanning electron microscopy) are utilized to analyze the bacterial cellulose nanofibers containing anthocyanin. The selectivity of the proposed sensor is assessed by conducting experiments with different types of metal ions including Co2+, Al3+, Na+, Ba2+, Ni2+, Mg2+, Cd2+, Pb2+, Fe2+, Fe3+, and Cu2+. The outcomes indicate that the sensor exhibits a remarkable ability to distinguish and respond specifically to Hg(II) ions. This particular sensing technique allows for the precise and reliable detection of Hg(II), with a detection limit of 0.72 ppm, by simply observing with the naked eye. For the effective treatment of a tap water sample, the BCNF‐RSE film provides successful results in the detection of Hg(II) ions. This innovative metallochromic sensor offers a promising solution for the on‐site, cost‐effective, portable, easy to use, and real‐time detection of Hg(II) ions.

Ionic liquid based surfactant-free microemulsion as a new protocol for preparation of visible light active poly(methyl methacrylate)/TiO2 nanocomposite

The practical application of sensitized TiO2 nanocomposites is very satisfying due to their high photon utilization in visible light, simple recovery without affecting the photocatalytic performance, high energy efficiency, low potential environmental risk, and low operational costs. The objective of this study is developing the ionic liquid (IL)-based surfactant-free microemulsion, as a soft template, for preparation of a novel type of sensitized poly(methyl methacrylate)/TiO2 nanocomposite (PMMA/TiO2/IL). For this purpose, a series of visible light-responsive PMMA/TiO2/IL transparent nanocomposites were prepared in microemulsion composed of methyl methacrylate monomer, 1-buthyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate ([bmim][BF4]), and 1-buthanol as amphi-solvent. Techniques such as diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS)), attenuated total reflectance-fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy (AFM), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), and energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX) were used to characterize prepared nanocomposites. Photocatalytic degradation of methyl orange dye under visible light illumination, as an application in wastewater treatment, with the investigation of the influence of TiO2 content in the nanocomposite, pH, and nanocomposite reusability on photodegradation efficiency was studied and maximum value of 93.9% obtained at optimum conditions. The FESEM analysis indicated that the utilization of a relatively low amount of ionic liquid and also in absence of the surfactant ensures the monodispersity of the visible light sensitized TiO2 nanoparticles in the polymer matrix.

Cardiac Troponin I-Responsive Nanocomposite Materials for Voltammetric Monitoring of Acute Myocardial Infarction.

Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is a severe cardiovascular disease characterized by heart muscle damage due to inadequate blood supply, leading to a life-threatening risk of heart attack. Herein, we report on the design of polyaminophenol-based thin film functional polymers and their thorough optimization by electrochemical, spectroscopic, and microscopic techniques to develop a high-performance point-of-care voltammetric monitoring system. Molecularly imprinted polymer-based cTnI-responsive nanocomposite materials were prepared on an electrode surface by imprinting a specific cTnI epitope, integrating polyaminophenol electrodeposition, along with gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and graphene quantum dots (GQDs). The characterization techniques, including cyclic and square wave voltammetries, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy, fluorescence microscopy, attenuated total reflection-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), and contact angle measurements proved the efficient fabrication of the voltammetric monitoring system relying on cTnI-responsive functional thin films. The sensing platform prepared with the optimized nanocomposite composition of AuNPs, GQDs, and molecularly imprinted polymers exhibited very high sensitivity, reproducibility, specificity, and affinity toward cTnI. The sensor showed a storage stability of 30 days, demonstrating great potential for use in early and point-of-care diagnosis of AMI with its 18 min detection time.

ATR‐FTIR Spectroscopy Preprocessing Technique Selection for Identification of Geographical Origins of Gastrodia elata Blume

ABSTRACTGastrodia elata Blume from different regions varies in growth conditions, soil types, and climate, which directly affects the content and quality of its medicinal components. Accurately identifying the origin can effectively ensure the medicinal value of G. elata Bl., prevent the circulation of counterfeit products, and thus protect the interests and health of consumers. Attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared (ATR‐FTIR) spectroscopy is a rapid and effective method for verifying the authenticity of traditional Chinese medicines. However, the presence of scattering effects in the spectra poses challenges in establishing reliable discrimination models. Therefore, employing appropriate scattering correction techniques is crucial for improving the quality of spectral data and the accuracy of discrimination models. This study uses two ensemble preprocessing approaches; the first type is series fusion of scatter correction technologies (SCSF), and another method is sequential preprocessing through orthogonalization (SPORT). Four discriminant models were established using a single scattering correction technique and two ensemble preprocessing approaches. The results show that the data‐driven version of the soft independent modeling of class analogy (DD‐SIMCA) model built based on multiplicative scatter correction (MSC) preprocessing has a sensitivity of 0.98 and a specificity of 0.91, able to effectively distinguish whether a sample of G. elata Bl. originates from Zhaotong. In addition, three discriminant models including support vector machine (SVM), partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS‐DA), and three gradient boosting machine (GBM) algorithms built using the ensemble preprocessing approach have good classification and generalization capabilities. Among them, the SCSF‐PLS‐DA model has the best performance with 99.68% and 98.08% accuracy for the training and test sets, respectively, and F1 of 0.97; the SPORT‐SVM model achieved the second‐best classification ability. The results show that the ensemble preprocessing approach used can improve the success rate of G. elata Bl. geographical origin classification.

The antimicrobial potential of essential oils and their nanoparticulate formulations as effective antifungals

Fungal infections present a challenge when it comes to topical treatment failure thereby necessitating the need for more effective topical delivery systems. Essential oils have demonstrated noteworthy antifungal activity; however, their volatility limits therapeutic use for skin conditions. This study aimed to investigate the antifungal activity of essential oils alone and in combination. Thereafter, antifungal nanoparticulate formulations were designed using three essential oil combinations against Microsporum canis, Trichophyton mentagrophytes and Candida albicans. The antifungal activity was investigated using the broth microdilution assay to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). The formulations were prepared by forming nanoparticles (polymer-based and composite lipid-polymer-based systems), with the preferred formulation encapsulating the essential oil combinations. Characterisation of the formulations was performed with a Zeta-sizer and using attenuated total reflectance-fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR). The in vitro antifungal activity of the three nanoparticulate formulations was then determined, where a significant (p = 0.002) increase in the average antidermatophyte activity could be observed for all three formulations. The combination of A. sativum and C. martinii displayed the lowest MIC value across all three reference strains (MIC values 0.06-0.38 mg mL-1) and the formulation maintained the antifungal activity with MIC values ranging 0.08-0.36 mg mL-1. A successful combination of essential oils with antifungal activity was achieved thereby emphasising an effective nanoparticulate formulation.

Efficient Bioactive Surface Coatings with Calcium Minerals: Step-Wise Biomimetic Transformation of Vaterite to Carbonated Apatite.

Carbonated apatite (CAp), known as the main mineral that makes up human bone, can be utilized in conjunction with scaffolds to increase their bioactivity. Various methods (e.g., co-precipitation, hydrothermal, and biomimetic coatings) have been used to provide bioactivity by forming CAp on surfaces similar to bone minerals. Among them, the use of simulated body fluids (SBF) is the most popular biomimetic method for generating CAp, as it can provide a mimetic environment. However, coating methods using SBF require at least a week for CAp formation. The long time it takes to coat biomimetic scaffolds is a point of improvement in a field that requires rapid regeneration. Here, we report a step-wise biomimetic coating method to form CAp using calcium carbonate vaterite (CCV) as a precursor. We can manufacture CCV-transformed CAp (V-CAp) on the surface in 4 h at least by immersing CCV in a phosphate solution. The V-CAp deposited surface was analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images according to the type of phosphate solutions to optimize the reaction conditions. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and attenuated total reflection-Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) analysis validated the conversion of CCV to V-CAp on surfaces. In addition, the bioactivity of V-CAp coating was analyzed by the proliferation and differentiation of osteoblasts in vitro. V-CAp showed 2.3-folded higher cell proliferation and 1.4-fold higher ALP activity than the glass surface. The step-wise method of CCV-transformed CAp is a biocompatible method that allows the environment of bone regeneration and has the potential to confer bioactivity to biomaterial surfaces, such as imparting bioactivity to non-bioactive metal or scaffold surfaces within one day. It can rapidly form carbonated apatite, which can greatly improve time efficiency in research and industrial applications.

Bio-Based Polyurethane Networks Containing Sunflower Oil Based Polyols.

This work focused on the preparation and investigation of polyurethane (SO-PU)-containing sunflower oil glycerides. By transesterification of sunflower oil with glycerol, we synthesized a glyceride mixture with an equilibrium composition, which was used as a new diol component in polyurethanes in addition to poly(ε-caprolactone)diol (PCLD2000). The structure of the glyceride mixture was characterized by physicochemical methods, matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS), nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR), and size exclusion chromatography (SEC) measurements. The synthesis of polyurethanes was performed in two steps: first the prepolymer with the isocyanate end was synthesized, followed by crosslinking with an additional amount of diisocyanate. For the synthesis of the prepolymer, 4,4'-methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI) or 1,6-hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI) were used as isocyanate components, while the crosslinking was carried out using an additional amount of MDI or HDI. The obtained SO-PU flexible polymer films were characterized by attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The so-obtained flexible SO-PU films were proved to be suitable for the preparation of potentially biocompatible and/or biodegradable scaffolds. In addition, the stress versus strain curves for the SO-PU polymers were interpreted in terms of a mechanical model, taking into account the yield and the strain hardening.

Phosphorus-Doped Silicon for Li-ion Battery Applications: Studied with Electrochemical Isothermal Microcalorimetry, ATR-FTIR and XPS

Silicon (Si) has garnered significant attention as a potential anode material for lithium-ion batteries due to its high theoretical specific capacity. However, there are considerable challenges to address before practical implementation, primarily stemming from issues such as very large volume changes upon Li insertion/extraction, poor electrical conductivity, and an unstable solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI). We report here investigations on P-doped Si (SiPx) using electrochemical isothermal micro-calorimetry (EIMC), attenuated total reflectance Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) techniques. The EIMC measurements on SiPx revealed decreased parasitic reaction heat flows during the lithiation/de-lithiation cycles. The first cycle cell voltage profiles show decreased electrochemical reactivity for the SiPx. Analyses using ATR-FTIR and XPS on cycled electrodes suggest that the parasitic reaction products originate from solvent and electrolyte salt decomposition, with significantly lower amounts observed on the SiPx. Collectively, these findings endorse P-doping of Si as a promising strategy for Li-ion battery applications and demonstrate the unique advantages of performing EIMC measurements by focusing on the intrinsic losses from parasitic reactions, regardless of the electrode and cell configurations being optimized. In contrast, fully optimized configurations are necessary when using coulombic efficiency as the metric for cycle stability of the battery chemistry.

Assessment of synthetic food dye erythrosine induced cytotoxicity, genotoxicity, biochemical and molecular alterations in Allium cepa root meristematic cells: insights from in silico study.

Synthetic food dyes are being exponentially used in food products and scarce studies regarding their toxicities and safety raise concern. Erythrosine is one of the synthetic food dyes being used in jams, fig, pineapple marmalades, dairy products, soft drinks, pickles, relishes, smoked fish, cheese, ketchup, maraschino cherries and a variety of other foods. In this study the cyto-genotoxic effect of erythrosine was evaluated, using root meristematic cells of Allium cepa for the cellular and molecular alternations at concentrations 0.1, 0.25, 0.5 and 1mg/mL. The results revealed a significant decrease of 57.81% in the mitotic index after 96h at the 0.1mg/mL concentration. In biochemical analysis, the malondialdehyde content increased significantly (5.47-fold), while proline content, catalase activity and superoxide dismutase activity decreased gradually in a concentration-dependent manner showing a maximum decrease of 78.11%, 64.68% and 61.73% respectively at the highest concentration after 96h duration. The comet assay revealed increased DNA damage with increasing concentration and attenuated total reflectance- Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) analysis showed significant alterations in biomolecules as indicated by multivariate analysis, i.e. Principal Component Analysis (PCA). Furthermore, molecular docking demonstrated a strong binding energy (Gbest=-11.46kcal/mol) and an inhibition constant (Ki) of 3.96nM between erythrosine and the DNA minor groove. The present study's findings revealed the cytotoxic and genotoxic potential of erythrosine on A. cepa root cells. Further, the study also proposed the usefulness of A. cepa as a model system for studying the toxicity of food additives.

Electrodeposition of myristate based superhydrophobic coatings on steel with enhanced corrosion resistance and self-cleaning property

In recent decades, superhydrophobic (SHP) coatings have gained significant attention because of their versatile applications. Superhydrophobic coating is considered as a promising solution to combat corrosion and biofouling issues encountered by steel components in various industries. Using a one-step electrodeposition technique, a superhydrophobic coating with strong corrosion resistance and anti-biofouling property was fabricated on carbon steel in this work. With a water contact angle (WCA) of 170.3 ± 4.2° and a sliding angle (SA) of ∼1°, the wettability of the surface was optimized by varying the electrodeposition potential and deposition time. The as-developed superhydrophobic carbon steel surfaces were characterized by attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), laser Raman spectroscopy (LRS), Energy dispersive X-ray (EDS) spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Employing field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), the morphology of the superhydrophobic coatings was examined. Potentiodynamic polarization (PDP) technique was used to study the anti-corrosion property of SHP coating and bare sample in 3.5 wt% NaCl solution. The superhydrophobic coating was found to exhibit 99 % corrosion inhibition efficiency. In addition, the biofouling resistance of the coating was evaluated in both gram-negative and gram-positive bacterial cultures and compared with the uncoated sample. Total viability count (TVC) for the SHP coated samples was 5 orders less as compared to the uncoated sample exposed to gram-negative bacterial culture. Similarly, 4 orders reduction in TVC was estimated for the SHP coated sample as compared to the uncoated sample in gram-positive bacterial culture. The impact of superhydrophobic coating on the corrosion performance and biofouling properties of carbon steel was investigated along with the self-cleaning property and robustness of the coating.

Design of colon-targeted drug delivery of dexamethasone: Formulation and in vitro characterization of solid dispersions

Colon-targeted drug delivery continues to generate increasing attention for its prospects in treating inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). This study aimed to develop and evaluate colon-targeted solid dispersions of dexamethasone (DEX-SDs) in vitro to reduce its systemic exposure. This would ultimately improve the therapeutic efficacy of DEX while minimizing its adverse effects. Different DEX-SDs formulations were prepared utilizing Eudragit S100 (EU S100) and a combination of hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose (HPMC) and EU S100 to tune its drug release profile suitable for colonic delivery. The fabricated formulations were extensively characterized via Attenuated Total Reflectance – Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), and polarized light microscopy (PLM). The different characterization techniques strongly suggest preparing solid solution-type solid dispersions of DEX with the other polymers (DEX-SDs). In addition, the in vitro dissolution of DEX-SDs was evaluated using two dissolution media (pH 1.2 and 7.4). The in vitro release of DEX-SDs was low in the acidic media and higher and sustained in the basic medium, leading to the conclusion that the developed DEX-SDs may represent an effective technology can overcome challenges related to poor drug solubility and bioavailability.

Assembly of functional carboxymethyl cellulose/polyethylene oxide/anatase TiO2 nanocomposites and tuning the dielectric relaxation, optical, and photoluminescence performances

Nanocomposite films consisting of carboxymethyl cellulose, polyethylene oxide (CMC/PEO), and anatase titanium dioxide (TO) were produced by the use of sol-gel and solution casting techniques. TiO2 nanocrystals were effectively incorporated into CMC/PEO polymers, as shown by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and attenuated total reflectance fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) analysis. The roughness growth is at high levels of TO nanocrystals (TO NCs), which means increasing active sites and defects in CMC/PEO. In differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) thermograms, the change in glass transition temperature (T g) values verifies that the polymer blend interacts with TO NCs. The increment proportions of TO NCs have a notable impact on the dielectric performances of the nanocomposites, as observed. The electrical properties of the CMC/PEO/TO nanocomposite undergo significant changes. The nanocomposite films exhibit a red alteration in the absorption edge as the concentration of TO NCs increases in the polymer blend. The decline in the energy gap is readily apparent as the weight percentage of TO NCs increases. The photoluminescence (PL) emission spectra indicate that the sites of the luminescence peak maximums show slight variation; peaks get wider, while their intensities decrease dramatically as the concentration of TO increases. These nanocomposite materials show potential for multifunctional applications including optoelectronics, antireflection coatings, photocatalysis, light emitting diodes, and solid polymer electrolytes.

Surface crystallized supramolecular to achieve highly dispersed ultrafine nano-palladium in-situ deposition to promote thermal/electrocatalytic reduction

To promote the greening and economization of industrial production, the development of advanced catalyst manufacturing technology with high activity and low cost is an indispensable part. In this study, nitrogen-doped hollow carbon spheres (NHCSs) were used as anchors to construct a supramolecular coating formed by the self-assembly of boron clusters and β-cyclodextrin by surface crystallization strategy, with the help of the weak reducing agent characteristics of boron clusters, highly dispersed ultra-small nano-palladium particles were in-situ embedded on the surface of NHCSs. The deoxygenation hydrogenation of nitroaromatics and the reduction of nitrate to ammonia were used as the representatives of thermal catalytic reduction and electrocatalytic reduction respectively. The excellent properties of the constructed Pd/NHCSs were proved by the probe reaction. In the catalytic hydrogenation of nitroaromatics to aminoaromatics, the reaction kinetic rate and activation energy are at the leading level. At the same time, the constructed Pd/NHCSs can also electrocatalytically reduce nitrate to high value-added ammonia with high activity and selectivity, and the behavior of Pd/NHCSs high selectivity driving nitrate conversion was revealed by density functional theory and in situ attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared (ATRFTIR) technique. These results all reflect the feasibility and superiority of in-situ anchoring ultra-small nano-metals as catalysts by surface crystallization to build a supramolecular cladding with reducing properties, which is an effective way to construct high-activity and low-cost advanced catalysts.

Role of heads and tails on tetrahydrofuran- and dimethyl sulfoxide-water separation by glycerol and sucrose esters

Tetrahydrofuran (THF) and dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) are miscible in water due to hydrogen (H) bonding. Amphiphilic glycerol and sucrose esters with a different number of tails and heads separate them, depending on the organic solvent concentration. Separation is worse in solutions where amphiphiles are most soluble. Separation occurs due to interactions between the amphiphiles and either organic solvents or water, as shown by attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR). Separation is best with glycerol esters with more heads and tails. Multiple tails hamper interactions between glycerol ester heads, thereby facilitating interactions with organic solvents or water to promote solvent–water separation. THF interacts with the glycerol ester tails, while water H bonds with the glycerol ester heads, as indicated by activity coefficients estimated with conductor-like screening model for real solvents. In THF, amphiphiles self-assemble into micelles, as shown by small angle x ray scattering (SAXS). Without water, THF is likely both inside and outside the micelles. SAXS shows that micelles shrink with 4% water in THF because water molecules partition inside them and are smaller than THF. With additional water, micelles swell into emulsions. Dissimilar to THF, DMSO preferentially interacts with the glycerol ester heads rather than their tails. ATR-FTIR shows that the proportion of free vs bonded S=O groups of DMSO decreases upon mixing with glycerol esters. DMSO and glycerol esters primarily accept H bonds, as indicated by their sigma profile. This leads to competition for interactions with water, displacing DMSO.

Performance of Chitosan/Carbon Nanotube-Coated Ultrafiltration Membranes for Natural Organic Matter Removal from Drinking Water

The objective of this study is to improve the filtration efficiency of commercially available polyethersulfone (PES) ultrafiltration (UF) membranes, with a specific focus on removing natural organic matter (NOM) and preventing membrane fouling. The modification of UF membranes was accomplished by utilizing chitosan/multi-walled carbon nanotubes (CS/MWCNT-OH) and employing both dip and spin coating techniques. The membrane surface morphologies were evaluated using the Attenuated Total Reflectance Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), and Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX) techniques. Tests were carried out to assess the effectiveness of the membranes in a laboratory-scale system using two primary water sources from Istanbul, specifically the Melen River and Terkos Lake. Total organic carbon (TOC), UV254 absorbance, turbidity, and trihalomethane formation potential (THMFP) were all measured as part of a thorough analysis. The surface morphology investigations verified the effective deposition of MWCNT-OH nanoparticles onto the membrane surface. This was corroborated by the reduction in the water contact angle, showing an improvement in the hydrophilicity of the membrane. The modified membranes demonstrated much higher TOC removal rates compared to the original membranes. Specifically, the removal efficiencies for Melen River and Terkos Lake were 37.14% and 56.86%, respectively. Nevertheless, the alteration of the surface led to a decline in membrane flux as a result of the concurrent drop in pore size. To summarize, the results of this work highlights the considerable capability of surface modification using CS/MWCNT-OH to improve the performance and antifouling characteristics of commercial PES UF membranes.

Eco friendly functional finishes of polyester fabric using keratin from wool and feather wastes

This research showcases the use of hydrothermally extracted solutions from poultry feathers and wool as eco-friendly and versatile textile finishes. These solutions, derived from waste biomass containing the keratin biopolymer, were obtained through environmentally conscious hydrothermal degradation processes. Initially, the study focused on analysing the chemical parameters and properties of both dialysed and non-dialysed solutions extracted from feathers and wool. The investigation tracked primarily the presence of keratin within these solutions. Upon application to polyester textiles as the reference material, the presence of these solutions on the fabric surface was confirmed successfully. A thorough physicochemical analysis of the treated textiles involved various analytical techniques. These encompassed surface composition analysis via X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) and Attenuated Total Reflectance Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), assessment of wettability through Contact Angle measurements, determination of surface charge using surface zeta potential, and examination of the thermal and flame-retardant properties via Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), and calorimetric tests. In addition, the colour, UV radiation transmission and antioxidant activity were evaluated using standard tests.The remarkable effects of the treatment have been observed in the exceptional antioxidative action, fire resistance, UV protection and enhanced hydrophilicity of these innovative multifunctional textiles. This approach holds significant implications across research, economics and society, enriching Material Science by deepening the understanding of materials and their multifaceted properties. Moreover, it promotes resource efficiency, opens new sustainable textile market prospects, and contributes to social impact by supporting environmental sustainability, engaging communities and ensuring health and safety benefits.

Assessment of green biocomposites based on polyvinyl alcohol and grafted biopolymer tamarind kernel powder with polyacrylic acid

This investigation focuses on the development and assessment of biopolymer-based green biocomposite materials that contain tamarind seed kernel powder (TKP) either in its raw or polyacrylic acid (PAA) grafted form as the reinforcing component, combined with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) as the matrix material. The goal is to develop biopolymer TKP based green biocomposites with a biodegradable PVA matrix for food grade packaging and biomedical applications. Both raw TKP reinforced PVA and PAA grafted TKP reinforced PVA, two forms of sustainable green biocomposites, were developed. Compression molding was used to combine various raw or PAA grafted TKP loadings with PVA to produce various biocomposites. The loadings were 0 %, 0.25 %, 0.5 %, 1 %, 5 %, and 10 % in weight. To confirm the PAA grafted TKP, attenuated total reflection-fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectrum analysis was employed. The mechanical properties of the biocomposites were examined, and it was discovered that the grafted biocomposites exhibited 4 % higher tensile strength and elongation at break (%) on average than the raw TKP reinforced PVA biocomposites. The Charpy impact strength of the biocomposites exhibited an average 28 % improvement in impact resistance with modified TKP and an 8 % increase with raw TKP when compared to pure PVA sheets. Additionally, the PAA-grafted TKP reinforced PVA biocomposites outperformed the raw TKP reinforced PVA biocomposites in water absorption tests, exhibiting an average improvement in moisture resistance of nearly 13 %. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) tests revealed that the PAA-grafted biocomposites had a more uniform dispersion of fillers inside the PVA matrix as compared to the raw TKP/PVA biocomposites. These findings enable in the development of high-performance, environmentally friendly and green biocomposite materials for a variety of uses.