Average Size Distribution Research Articles

Role of Structural Decisive via Ultra‐Sonication on Photocatalytic Response of MWCNTs Intercalated ZnO Composites

AbstractIn this manuscript role of MWCNTs on the photocatalytic response of zinc oxide (ZnO) semiconductor photocatalyst is reported. Developing a cheap, stable, and effective photo catalyst is necessary for remediation of persistent organic pollutants. To address this challenge, ZnO/MWCNT composites are fabricated via sonication technique with interfacial engineering for effective photocatalytic response. X‐ray diffraction spectra confirms hexagonal structure of ZnO/MWCNT composites with the average particle size distribution of 73–80 nm. FT‐IR spectra confirms bonding structure, however SEM images confirm the homogeneous distribution of MWCNTs in the ZnO system which acts as an effective adsorbent sites. The highest degradation (90%) of methylene blue (MB) dye on ZnO95MWCNT5 composite has been observed. It is expected that MWCNTs taking part to electron transfer facilitation in spatial separation and electron–hole pairs of ZnO during photo catalysis mechanism.

Historical specimens and photographs reveal long‐term changes in Smalltooth Sawfish (Pristis pectinata) age class distribution and average size during U.S. population decline

Abstract Population‐level, historical studies can provide insights on the distribution, abundance and demographic characteristics of imperiled species prior to human exploitation, habitat modification or climate change. These studies provide a baseline for contemporary data, which often shape successful management and recovery. The smalltooth sawfish (Pristis pectinata) occupies ~20% of its historical range due to declines driven primarily by mortalities in fisheries and coastal habitat loss over the last century. As a result, they are listed as Critically Endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species and as Endangered federally in the United States (U.S.). Because P. pectinata grow to a large size and have a toothed rostrum, many historical photographs and specimens are archived in natural history collections. Metadata and morphometric data were collected and analysed from P. pectinata photographs (n = 84) and specimens (n = 429) to evaluate temporal changes in average size and historical distribution of five age classes in U.S. waters. Historically, smaller age classes were well‐distributed throughout the northern Gulf of Mexico, while only larger age classes were recorded on the U.S. east coast, north of Florida. All age classes were found in both Florida and Texas historically, but records from Texas decline after the 1980s and remain persistent in Florida, indicative of a strong‐hold for the U.S. population. Regardless of origin, individuals in three of the five age classes were larger on average historically than those observed today. Understanding which age classes used previously occupied areas will help direct habitat restoration efforts and support recovery, especially in the face of climate change. Non‐traditional data sources, such as those used here, may often be the only means of providing historical context to modern research on imperiled species, ultimately guiding restoration and conservation efforts.

Nanoparticles of Push-Pull Triphenylamine-Based Molecules for Light-Controlled Stimulation of Neuronal Activity.

Organic semiconductor materials with a unique set of properties are very attractive for interfacing biological objects and can be used for noninvasive therapy or detection of biological signals. Here, we describe the synthesis and investigation of a novel series of organic push-pull conjugated molecules with the star-shaped architecture, consisting of triphenylamine as a branching electron donor core linked through the thiophene π-spacer to electron-withdrawing alkyl-dicyanovinyl groups. The molecules could form stable aqueous dispersions of nanoparticles (NPs) without the addition of any surfactants or amphiphilic polymer matrixes with the average size distribution varying from 40 to 120 nm and absorption spectra very similar to those of human eye retina pigments such as rods and green cones. Variation of the terminal alkyl chain length of the molecules forming NPs from 1 to 12 carbon atoms was found to be an efficient tool to modulate their lipophilic and biological properties. Possibilities of using the NPs as light nanoactuators in biological systems or as artificial pigments for therapy of degenerative retinal diseases were studied both on the model planar bilayer lipid membranes and on the rat cortical neurons. In the planar bilayer system, the photodynamic activity of these NPs led to photoinactivation of ion channels formed by pentadecapeptide gramicidin A. Treatment of rat cortical neurons with the NPs caused depolarization of cell membranes upon light irradiation, which could also be due to the photodynamic activity of the NPs. The results of the work gave more insight into the mechanisms of light-controlled stimulation of neuronal activity and for the first time showed that fine-tuning of the lipophilic affinity of NPs based on organic conjugated molecules is of high importance for creating a bioelectronic interface for biomedical applications.

Investigation of Roughness, Morphology, and Wettability Characteristics of Biopolymer Composite Coating on SS 316L for Biomedical Applications.

This project aims to create a 316L stainless steel coated with a biocomposite based on chitosan for use in the biomedical industry. To completely coat the material, the dip-coating technique was used to apply plain chitosan, chitosan nanosilver, chitosan biotin, and chitosan-nanosilver-biotin in that order. This coating's surface morphology was investigated with field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). Surface roughness, average size distribution, and 2D and 3D surface tomography were all investigated using scanning probe microscopy and atomic force microscopy (SPM and AFM). The Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy technique was used to quantify changes in functional groups. To evaluate the coated samples' wettability, contact angle measurements were also performed. The chitosan (CS) + nanosilver, CS + biotin, and CS + biotin + nanosilver-coated 316L stainless steel showed roughness values of about 8.68, 4.21, and 3.3 nm, respectively, compared with the neat chitosan coating, which exhibits 12 nm roughness, indicating a strong effect of biotin and nanosilver on surface topography whereas the coating layers were homogenous, measuring around 33 nm in thickness. For CS + nanosilver and CS + biotin, the average size of agglomerates was approximately 444 nm and 355 nm, respectively. The coatings showed adequate wettability for biomedical applications, were homogeneous, and had no cracks. Their contact angles were around 51-75 degrees. All of these results point to the composite coating's intriguing potential for use in biological applications.

Role of annealing on the structural, optoelectronic and antibacterial properties of Sm-doped TiO2 quantum dots

In this study, the sol-gel method was adopted to create the Sm-doped TiO2 quantum dots (QDs), which were then annealed at different temperatures of 300, 400, and 500 °C. The XRD data show that all samples' crystal structures correspond to the tetragonal anatase phase, with the annealed sample at 500 °C exhibiting improved crystallinity. According to the TEM investigations, the particles are almost homogeneous, ultra-fine, and exhibit the quantum size effect. The presence of elements such as Ti, Sm, and O in the sample was confirmed by EDS, while the average particle size distribution of the Sm-doped TiO2 QDs, which were annealed at 500 °C, was 1.82 ± 0.06 nm, as confirmed by TEM. UV–visible spectra reveal that the bandgap increases from 3.12 to 3.27 eV because of the increasing temperature. Studies carried out on photoluminescence demonstrate that as the annealing temperature is raised, the PL emission intensity also increases over the entire UV–visible region. These findings suggest that TiO2 QDs characteristics can be modified for optoelectronic applications by adjusting the annealing temperature. In addition to these intriguing results, Sm-doped TiO2 QDs that underwent 500 °C annealing demonstrate a larger zone of inhibition (11 mm for 300 μg/mL) against E. coli in comparison to other annealed samples, while S. aureus does not exhibit a discernible enhancement.

Callistemon viminalis leaf extract phytochemicals modified silver-ruthenium bimetallic zinc oxide nanocomposite biosynthesis: application on nanocoating photocatalytic Escherichia coli disinfection.

Antibiotics are of great interest due to antibiotic-resistant problems around the globe due to bacterial resistance to conventional antibiotics. In this study, a novel green biosynthesis of silver-ruthenium bimetallic zinc oxide nanocomposite using Callistemon viminalis leaf extract as a reducing agent using zinc nitrate hexahydrate, silver nitrate, and ruthenium(iii) chloride as capping agents was reported. The results demonstrated that the surface morphology of the prepared bimetallic nanocomposite by scanning electron microscopy was hexagonal in shape for zinc nanoparticle, rectangular in shape for silver nanoparticle, and tetragonal in shape for ruthenium nanoparticle, having an average surface size 25, 35, and 55 nm, respectively. Fourier transform infrared analysis confirmed the presence of compounds containing alkene, halo-, sulfoxide, phenol, nitro-, phenyl-ester, carboxylic acid, amines, and alcohols which act as functional groups attached to the surface of nanocomposites. Results from X-ray diffraction analysis found 81.12% crystallinity and hexagonal structure of zinc nanoparticles, rectangular structure of silver nanoparticles, and tetragonal structure of ruthenium nanoparticles, which are also similar to the results from transmission electron microscopy analysis. The average size distribution by dynamic light scattering of silver-ruthenium bimetallic zinc oxide nanocomposite was 255 nm, which confirms the biosynthesis of non-uniform size. Photo-disinfection activity of a silver-ruthenium bimetallic zinc oxide nanocomposite against Escherichia coli bacteria isolated from hospital wastewater under dark and ultraviolet-A irradiation conditions was observed. The antibacterial activity was calculated at 2.42704239, ensuring the silver-ruthenium bimetallic zinc oxide nanomaterials have photo-disinfection properties. The results from this study revealed that the developed novel antibacterial nanocomposite of silver-ruthenium bimetallic zinc oxide is useful in nanocoating photocatalytic Escherichia coli disinfection and can be applied to disinfect surfaces.

Influence of micro-addition of lanthanum on grain characteristics, mechanical properties, and corrosion behavior of CuAlNiMnLa shape memory alloy

The study investigated the grain size criteria, mechanical characteristics, and corrosion behavior of Cu-14Al-4.5Ni-0.7Mn shape memory alloy (SMA) with the micro-addition of 0.06 wt% Lanthanum (La). Using standard melting and casting procedures, the alloy compositions were melted at 1300 ℃ in an arc furnace with an argon atmosphere. The cast compositions without thermal treatment were machined and tested for physical properties including density and percentage porosity, corrosion behavior, and mechanical properties like hardness, ultimate tensile strength, yield strength, fracture strain, percentage elongation, specific strength, and fracture toughness. The average grain size, profile plot, and grain size distribution were all determined using ImageJ software. The microstructural observations revealed the presence of α-phase, β-phase, and intermetallic phases, including the coarse α+γ2 phase, which contributed to the improved characteristics. The inclusion of lanthanum resulted in a drop in the average grain size of the parent alloy from 9.25 μm to 6.08 μm, indicating a clear correlation between property improvement and microstructure refinement. The composition's tensile strength and yield strength increased with the La micro-addition by 22.14% and 20.31% respectively while the hardness value increased by 17.3%. The fracture strain of the modified composition increased by 20% compared to the unmodified composition while the percentage elongation increased by 7.7% and a 22.5% increase in fracture toughness was achieved. The modified CuAlNiMn SMA also showed a significant improvement in corrosion resistance to NaCl solutions which was so evident at 144 hours of the study for 0.5 M of NaCl solution and at 96 hours for 1.0 M of NaCl solution. The results showed that CuAlNiMn SMA with micro-addition of La had better physical, corrosion, and mechanical characteristics than unmodified CuAlNiMn alloys

A Brief Study of the Carbon Counter Electrode for Photosensor based on DSSC

We investigate the fabrication of photosensor devices based on dye sensitized solar cells (DSSC). DSSC photovoltaic cells use solar light energy to trigger chemical reactions as a source of electrical energy. DSSC has several advantages, namely low production costs, environmental friendliness, easy fabrication, and high-power conversion efficiency. Therefore, DSSC is ideal for use as a photosensor. Most DSSCs use a wet electrolyte to provide ionic conductivity to the photoanode. However, long-term use of liquid electrolyte causes corrosion which can reduce the stability of the resulting current. In this research, yttria stabilized zirconia (YSZ) solid electrolyte was used to prevent corrosion of the photoanode. Samples were characterized using XRD, SEM, UV-Vis and photoresponse. The XRD results show the crystallinity of nanoporous TiO2 and YSZ. SEM results show that the average particle size distribution of TiO2 /YSZ DSSC cells is 315 nm. The sensitivity, rise and fall times of the photosensor have been calculated by varying the counter electrode when testing the photoresponse. Finally, Graphene as a counter showed higher voltage and current compared to AC which is 0.2 V and 0.05 µA.

Characterisation of biochar from various carbon sources

The purpose of this study was to characterise biochar produced from various carbon sources. This study was conducted using a Nested De sign with three replications. Three carbon sources, rice husk (RH), corn co bs (CC), and bagasse sugarcane (BS) were pyrolysed for 2 hours at temper atures of 400, 500 and 600°C. The three types of biochar were then analyse d on their moisture content, ash content, fixed carbon content, volatile matt er, calorific value, particle size and elemental analysis results. The results of this study were that the temperature of pyrolysis at 600 °C can optimally produce biochar with the lowest moisture content, ash content and volatile matter value, and highest fixed carbon and calorific values. The particle siz e analysis shows that biochar produced using this optimum condition has the smallest average particle size distribution. The elemental analysis condu cted through Scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray s pectroscopy (SEM-EDX) shows various elements in each biochar produce d from the three different carbon sources.

A kinetic study on the blending behavior of sustainable and conventional aviation fuels: Soot formation processes

Together with electrification, the introduction of short-term carbon cycle alternatives to fossil fuels represents one of the most promising strategies towards a significative reduction in GHG emissions. For sectors such as air transport this option is particularly appealing, as aviation strongly depends on the availability of high energy-density carriers. These needs justify the current interest in sustainable aviation fuels (SAF). In particular, paraffinic kerosenes from Fischer-Tropsch (FT) processes, hydro-processed esters and fatty acids (HEFA) and alcohol-to-jet (ATJ) are within the SAF that are attracting major interests. Their introduction as drop-in fuels, pure or in blends with conventional jet-fuels from fossils, may also have a positive impact on non-CO2 emissions such as soot, whose formation is known to strongly correlate with fuel composition. This study addresses a set of three standard (Jet-A, JP5 and JP8) and three sustainable jet fuels (HEFA-Camelina, FT-SPK, ATJ) unraveling the mechanisms behind their soot emission tendency and that of their blends. Suitable surrogate fuels are formulated from a palette of 11 components using an in-house code targeting physical and chemical properties of the real fuels. The sooting behavior of selected jet-fuels and blends (HEFA/Jet-A, FT-SPK/Jet-A, ATJ/Jet-A) is then calculated and compared with soot volume fraction data in laminar counterflow diffusion flames. A targeted kinetic analysis highlights kinetic pathways governing soot inception in standard jet-fuels in comparison to their sustainable alternatives supporting explanation of the observed trends. Morphological aspects such as the average particle diameters and particles size distribution from HEFA, Jet-A and HEFA/Jet-A flames are also discussed, identifying characteristic behaviors informing effective blending strategies and motivating targeted experimental studies.

Microneedle-Assisted Transfersomes as a Transdermal Delivery System for Aspirin.

Transdermal drug delivery systems offer several advantages over conventional oral or hypodermic administration due to the avoidance of first-pass drug metabolism and gastrointestinal degradation as well as patients' convenience due to a minimally invasive and painless approach. A novel transdermal drug delivery system, comprising a combination of transfersomes with either solid silicon or solid polycarbonate microneedles has been developed for the transdermal delivery of aspirin. Aspirin was encapsulated inside transfersomes using a "thin-film hydration sonication" technique, yielding an encapsulation efficiency of approximately 67.5%. The fabricated transfersomes have been optimised and fully characterised in terms of average size distribution and uniformity, surface charge and stability (shelf-life). Transdermal delivery, enhanced by microneedle penetration, allows the superior permeation of transfersomes into perforated porcine skin and has been extensively characterised using optical coherence tomography (OCT) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). In vitro permeation studies revealed that transfersomes enhanced the permeability of aspirin by more than four times in comparison to the delivery of unencapsulated "free" aspirin. The microneedle-assisted delivery of transfersomes encapsulating aspirin yielded 13-fold and 10-fold increases in permeation using silicon and polycarbonate microneedles, respectively, in comparison with delivery using only transfersomes. The cytotoxicity of different dose regimens of transfersomes encapsulating aspirin showed that encapsulated aspirin became cytotoxic at concentrations of ≥100 μg/mL. The results presented demonstrate that the transfersomes could resolve the solubility issues of low-water-soluble drugs and enable their slow and controlled release. Microneedles enhance the delivery of transfersomes into deeper skin layers, providing a very effective system for the systemic delivery of drugs. This combined drug delivery system can potentially be utilised for numerous drug treatments.

A Comparative Analysis of Hydrogen Storage Characteristics in AZ31 Magnesium Alloy with the Addition of Graphene and Carbon Nanotubes via Ball Milling Process

In the present investigation, an examination was conducted on the hydrogen storage performance of industrial waste grade AZ31 magnesium alloy when combined with either Carbon Nanotubes or Graphene. This study aims to understand the enhancement of hydrogen storage properties reinforced with polymer materials, such as Graphene or Carbon Nanotubes. The experimental samples, composed of AZ31 Magnesium Alloy combined with either Carbon Nanotubes or Graphene, were crafted through gravity casting. Thereafter, a high-energy ball milling process was employed to further refine the hydrogen storage material powders. The micrographic structures of all the sample powders were analyzed by x-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) coupled with energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). Additionally, the average particle size distributions of the sample powders were quantified for comprehensive characterization. The absorbed and desorbed hydrogen capacity and kinetics was calculated by a Sievert's type apparatus. Overall, the performance of the sample powder AZ31-0.1G showed the highest absorption and desorption at a rate of 0.0036 wt%/s and 0.0084 wt%/s. Moreover, the hydrogen capacity of AZ31-0.1G reached the highest value at 5.32 wt%. The acquired data unveils that with the adding of either Graphene or Carbon Nanotubes as additives significantly improved the hydrogen storage capacity of AZ31 magnesium alloy.

Effect of excess Bi2O3/PbO on the structural and electrical properties of ternary 0.39Bi(Ni1/2Ti1/2)O3–0.20PbZrO3–0.41PbTiO3 ceramics

The ternary 0.39Bi(Ni1/2Ti1/2)O3–0.20PbZrO3–0.41PbTiO3:x(Bi2O3/PbO) [x = 0, 1, and 2 wt%] ceramics were synthesized via solid-state sintering technique. The impact of excess addition on structural and electrical properties was investigated. PXRD results confirmed the diffusion of excess addition in the 0.39Bi(Ni1/2Ti1/2)O3–0.20PbZrO3–0.41PbTiO3 (BNPZT) lattice, exhibiting the perovskite structure with major rhombohedral (R3c) and minor tetragonal (P4mm) phases. The microstructure of the samples exhibits average grain size distribution (<8 μm). The temperature and frequency-dependent dielectric measurement revealed the relaxor-like ferroelectric behaviour and curie temperature (Tc∼290 °C) observed in BNPZT:1 Pb ceramics. The improved remnant polarization (Pr∼23.47 μC/cm2) and coercive field (Ec∼16.13 kV/cm) were obtained in BNPZT:2 Pb ceramics. The enhanced piezoelectric charge coefficient (d33∼ 496 pC/N) and maximum strain (Smax∼0.12 %) were obtained for BNPZT. The least asymmetric factor (γs) illustrates the lower concentration of inherent defects in BNPZT:1(Bi/Pb) ceramics. This study provides insight into microstructural and electrical properties tuning and paves the way for designing piezoelectric materials.

Droplet Size Distribution in Emulsions.

The droplet size in emulsions is known to affect the rheological properties and plays a crucial role in many applications of emulsions. Despite its importance, the underlying mechanisms governing droplet size in emulsification remain poorly understood. We investigate the average drop size and size distribution upon emulsification with a high-shear mixer for model oil-in-water emulsions stabilized by a surfactant. The size distribution is found to be a log-normal distribution resulting from the repetitive random breakup of drops. High-shear emulsification, the usual way of making emulsions, is therefore found to be very different from turbulent emulsification given by the Kolmogorov-Hinze theory, for which power-law distributions of the drop size are expected. In agreement with this, the mean droplet size does not follow a scaling with the Reynolds number of the emulsification flow but rather a capillary number scaling based on the viscosity of the continuous phase.

Preparation of Bifunctional Nanoparticles and Evaluation of Therapeutic Function in Glioma Cells

Small interfering RNA (siRNA)drugs have great potential in the field of anti-tumor, but they have poor biological stability and are easily degraded by nucleases in vivo, resulting in poor bioavailability. In this study, a novel albumin Poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) nanocarrier was prepared to efficiently deliver siRNA to glioma cells to achieve tumor-targeted therapy. Recombinant VAR2CSA protein (RVP) targeting albumin PLGA nanocarriers (RVP–APN–siRNA) loaded with EGFR-siRNA were prepared by a double emulsion method. Determine its characterization performance, loading rate, in vitro release and cell uptake, and investigate the effects of nanoparticles on the cytotoxicity, proliferation and apoptosis of brain glioma cells. The prepared nanoparticles are spherical with uniform particle size, the average particle size distribution is 120–180 nm, the average potential distribution is 20–30 mv, and the loading rate is 82.36 ± 1.84%. The release rate of siRNA within 24 h is 93%, with low cytotoxicity and targeting performance, effectively inhibiting the activity of glioma cells. The prepared albumin nanoparticles have good physical and chemical properties, and have dual functions of targeted recognition of glioma cells and tumor treatment. They are efficient and safe nano-carriers for tumor-targeted treatment, and have good potential in the application of siRNA-targeted drug delivery.

Advancing Energy Storage and Conversion with Ti3C2Tx MXene-Based Flexible Two-Dimensional Hybrid Nanomaterials

Enhancing efficiency in current energy systems necessitates the development of novel materials for energy storage and conversion. The MXene, known as Ti3C2Tx, has gained recognition for its exceptional characteristics, which include elevated conductivity, flexibility, and a substantial surface area. It has garnered considerable attention as a prospective contender for various energy-related applications, including supercapacitors, lithium-ion batteries, photocatalysis, and sensors. The synthesis, scalability, and process integration of Ti3C2Tx MXene present notable obstacles within conventional approaches. This study shows a Ti3C2Tx MXene-based flexible Two-Dimensional Hybrid Nanomaterials (TMF2DHNM) as a solution to address the challenges. This innovative technique aims to enhance energy storage and conversion applications significantly. The TMF2DHNM has remarkable characteristics, such as a specific capacitance of 62.51 F/g, a capacity of 268.53 mAh/g, lithium (Li) element concentration of 216.65 parts per million (ppm), and an average particle size distribution of 15.30 μm. The results demonstrate the exceptional performance of TMF2DHNM compared to currently available techniques, hence establishing a new standard for energy materials. The TMF2DHNM shows a progression within the discipline, establishing a foundation for developing future energy technologies that exhibit enhanced efficiency and sustainability.

Cationic Disorder and Surface Effects on the Magnetic Properties of Co3O4$\left(\text{Co}\right)_{3} \left(\text{O}\right)_{4}$ Nanoparticles Synthesized by Co‐Precipitation with Addition of Sucrose

Herein, the effect of adding sucrose chelating agent on the structural and magnetic properties of single‐phase Co3O4 nanoparticles is examined. The samples are obtained using coprecipitation with varying concentrations of sucrose. The X‐ray diffraction data and the scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy images indicate that the average particle size, their shape, and size distribution depend on the sucrose concentration. The smallest size obtained is around 6 nm for the sample grown with 0.32 mol L−1 of sucrose. Magnetic measurements as a function of magnetic field and temperature indicate that the samples exhibit superparamagnetic behavior below 10 K, and the peak in susceptibility decreases with increasing sucrose concentration, reaching a minimum value of 4.5 K for the sample grown with 0.32 mol L−1 of sucrose. After subtracting the high‐field linear contribution, likely attributed to superparamagnetism, saturation in the M vs. H curves measured at T = 2 K is observed. The saturation is approximately 1.2 emu g−1 for all samples. Since bulk Co3O4 is expected to be antiferromagnetic at T = 40 K, this value of magnetization may be linked to the degree of cationic disorder in the occupation of and ions between A and B sites.

A green approach for preparation of chitosan/hydroxyapatite/graphitic carbon nitride hydrogel nanocomposite for improved 5-FU delivery

Reducing the side effects of cancer treatment methods is an important issue. The loading efficiency and sustained release of 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) have been significantly improved by creating a new method. A nanocarrier with pH sensitivity has been developed through the w/o/w emulsification method. It is loaded with 5-FU and comprises of chitosan (CS), hydroxyapatite (HAp), and graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4). g-C3N4 nanosheets were incorporated in CS/HAp hydrogel to improve the entrapment and loading efficiency. Drug loading efficiency and entrapment efficiency reached 48 % and 87 %, respectively, and the FTIR and XRD tests verified evidence of the formation of chemical bonds among the drug and nanocarrier. Structural analysis was done using FE-SEM. DLS and zeta potential were employed to obtain average size distribution and surface charge. The release profile of 5-FU in various conditions shows the nanoparticles' pH dependence, and the nanocomposite's controlled release is consistent with the Korsmeyer-Peppas kinetic model. Cell apoptosis and cytotoxicity were evaluated in vitro using flow cytometry and MTT analysis. The biocompatibility of CS/HAp/g-C3N4 against MCF-7 cells was shown by the MTT method and confirmed by flow cytometry. CS/HAp/g-C3N4@5-FU led to the highest apoptosis rate in MCF-7 cells, indicating the nanocarrier's efficiency in killing cancer cells. These data indicate that the designed CS/HAp/g-C3N4@5-FU can be a potential drug for treating cancer cells.

Synthesis and Characterization of Bi4Ti3O12 Nanoparticles Obtained via Pulsed Laser Ablation in Liquids

Bismuth titanate (BTO) nanoparticles were obtained by pulsed laser ablation in liquid media (PLAL). Distilled water, ethanol, isopropanol, and acetone were used as media for laser ablation experiments, in which the colloidal solutions were obtained. Laser ablation was carried out using the second harmonic and fundamental wavelength of a pulsed Nd:YAG laser (532 nm and 1064 nm, respectively) with laser fluences of 25 and 12 mJ/cm2, respectively. Transmission electron microscopy was utilized for morphological characterization. BTO nanoparticles obtained have spherical shapes with orthorhombic structure and the average size distribution depended on the liquid media nature. In alcohols, BTO NPs were spherical with a carbon layer around them. X-ray diffraction, UV-Vis absorption spectra, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy were used to confirm the structural, optical, and elemental properties of the ablated products. The presented results show that PLAL is a viable technique for the synthesis of high-quality BTO nanoparticles with enhanced optical properties for possible applications in photocatalysis.

Encapsulation of caffeine in chitosan-coated nanoliposomes and its application in drink formulation

In this study, chitosan-coated nanoliposomes in ratios of 9:1, 8:2, 7:3 and 6:4 lecithin-cholesterol were created via the thin-film hydration method, as a practical vehicle for encapsulation of caffeine. Then, the effect of lecithin -cholesterol concentrations on particle size, particle size distribution, zeta potential and encapsulation efficiency (EE) were evaluated. FTIR was performed to investigate possible reactions between caffeine and nano-chitosomes wall materials. Subsequently, the morphology of nano-chitosome with 9:1 ratio of lecithin-cholesterol loaded with caffeine, was shown by Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM). Nano-chitosomes with a ratio of 9:1 lecithin-cholesterol were used in the formulation of drinks. The sensory properties, as well as physical and chemical characteristics such as acidity, pH, and Brix degree, were evaluated for the prepared drinks. Average particle size and particle size distribution for different lecithin-cholesterol ratios were in the range of 135.5–533.5 nm and 0.31–0.41, respectively. Zeta potential values were also obtained in the range of +40.96 to +50.5. The values of encapsulation efficiency for different lecithin -cholesterol ratios were measured in the range of 70.71–91.20%. The results of FTIR confirmed the successful loading of caffeine in nano-chitosomes. The sensory evaluation of the beverages indicated that the taste of the samples contained caffeine nano-chitosome was more acceptable than those that contained free caffeine. The findings of this study demonstrate that nano-chitosome is an effective system for masking the bitter taste of caffeine.