Bromophenol Blue Research Articles

Development of the Spectrophotometric Method for the Determination of Atorvastatin Calcium in Tablets by using Bromophenol Blue

A simple, rapid, and inexpensive spectrophotometric method for the determination of atorvastatin calcium in tablets has been developed. It requires only one reagent (BPB) and suitable for routine pharmaceutical analysis with less sophisticated equipment. The procedure for atorvastatin determination is based on its interaction with bromophenol blue (BPB) in medium of organic solvent. As a result of the reaction, the intensity of the band of the doubly ionized form of the BPB with a maximum at 595 nm increases. The maximum analytical signal is observed in a solution of methanol, chloroform, or acetonitrile, while ethanol and ethyl acetate turned out to be unsuitable. The optimal concentration of BPB is 4.12·10-4 M. To study the stability, the absorbance of the obtained solution was measured under optimal conditions for 45 min. The stoichiometric ratio of components in the resulting associate, determined by the method of continuous variations, is 1:1. The calibration graph is linear in the range from 4.1 to 33 μmol/L. The calculated LOD and LOQ values were 1.36 μmol/L and 4.13 μmol/L, respectively. The systematic error of the method is statistically insignificant in the whole range of calibration graph. The developed method was successfully applied for the determination of atorvastatin in tablets.

Photocatalytic activity of layered MoS2 in the reductive degradation of bromophenol blue.

Molybdenum disulphide (MoS2) is a layered material with interesting photocatalytic properties. In this study, a layered MoS2 was produced using a hydrothermal method. The obtained material was characterised by XRD (X-ray diffraction), XPS (X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy), SEM (scanning electron microscopy), UV-Vis spectroscopy, DLS (dynamic light scattering), and zeta potential analysis. For the evaluation of the photocatalytic properties of layered MoS2, a solution of bromophenol blue (BPB) and the catalyst was illuminated for 120 minutes. According to the experimental results, MoS2 exhibited excellent catalytic activity in BPB degradation. The MoS2 preparation method enabled improved light harvesting, avoided fast charge recombination (related to bulk MoS2), and created a large number of suitable electron transfer sites for photocatalytic reactions. Simulation of BPB decay and bromide production was carried out for a further understanding of MoS2 photocatalytic action. The simulation results proved the reduction mechanism of BPB photodegradation.

Synthesis of Visible Light Response S-SnO2 Catalyst for Optimized Photodegradation of Bromophenol Blue.

In the presence study, sulfur doped tin dioxide (S-SnO2) catalysts have been synthesized by precipitation of aqueous SnCl4 in the present of NH3. The synthesized catalysts have been characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FTIR) energy dispersive x-ray (EDX) and x-ray diffraction (XRD). The photocatalytic performance of the synthesized S-SnO2 catalysts was optimized for bromophenol blue (BPB) degradation under visible light irradiation based on central composite design (CCD). Input variables adopted for the optimization are catalysts dosage, initial concentration of bromophenol blue and pH. Optimal conditions for the efficient BPB photodegradation were found to involve catalyst dosage of 0.4 g/L, initial BPB concentration of 5 mg/L and pH 8 under which maximum percentage degradation of 92.33% BPB degradation over 0.4g S-SnO2 was attained for 120 min visible light irradiation. sonication time of 60 min. Thus, the 0.4g S-SnO2 sample prepared under the founded optimal dopant amount yielded the maximal removal efficiencies.

Local Constraints on Junctions to Strengthen Near-Infrared Phosphorescence of Organic Dyes.

A strategy involving the effect of the local constraint on junctions for doping-induced phosphorescence was proposed to increase the rigidity of hydrogen-bonded polymer to inhibit the nonradiative decay of the organic phosphorescent dyes and was verified by bromophenol blue (BPB) derivatives as the near-infrared (NIR) phosphorescent dye. It is shown that the effect of local constraints on junctions of β-cyclodextrin in the poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA-LCPN) matrix can effectively improve the quantum yields of NIR phosphorescence of BPB derivatives. On the basis of the verification and optimization of the system through response surface analysis, the quantum yield of TBPB@PVA-LCPN film based on NIR emission could be increased up to 77% compared with that of TBPB@PVA, reaching 5.3%, and the quantum yield in the NIR region could be improved to 3.6%. The results of response surface analysis are consistent with the phenomenon of our proposed strategy, which can inspire the production of organic materials with NIR RTP emission. Together, this could inform efficient and cheap strategies for increasing the quantum yield of the doping RTP materials.

Fabrication of a novel hybrid poly(amide-co-arylate)/MOF thin film membranes for organic solvent nanofiltration: optimization of membrane separation performance

Introducing a high separation performance membrane is one of the most essential requirements of an efficient polymeric membrane-based technology. In this regard, we employed different weight ratio of cardo-structured 9,9-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)fluorene monomer (BHPF) to fabricate the novel polyacrylonitrile (PAN)-based poly(amide- co -arylate) thin film composite membranes through interfacial polymerization for use in organic solvent nanofiltration (OSN) field. In addition, the prepared poly(amide- co -arylate) thin films were filled with different content of porous metal organic framework (MOF) nanoparticles in order to attain high permeable polymeric membranes. Besides, the organically modified MOF nanoparticles and poly[2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyl]dimethyl-(3-sulfopropyl)ammonium hydroxide-co-poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (PMSA- co -PHEMA) copolymer nanoparticles containing zwitterionic groups were synthesized for further investigation. It was found that the designed poly(amide- co -arylate) thin film composite membrane fabricated by equal ratios of m -phenylenediamine (MPD) and BHPF monomers showed the highest tetrahydrofuran (THF) flux value compared with other thin film composite (TFC) membranes. Moreover, incorporating 0.003 wt% of MOF nanoparticles within this poly(amide- co -acrylate) thin film led to a good retention up to 90, 88 and 98% for bromophenol blue (BPB), acid blue 7 (ACB) and methyl green (MG) dyes, respectively. Furthermore, this thin film nanocomposite (TFN) membrane displayed an acceptable pure THF flux as high as 2 Lm-2h-1bar-1 at 10 bar. Also, evaluating long-term stability application of this TFN membranes demonstrated a slight reduction in THF flux, indicating that this membrane is highly efficient for use in the OSN field. • The novel hybrid PAN-based poly(amide- co -arylate)/MOF thin film membranes were fabricated. • The modified MOF nanoparticles and PMSA- co -PHEMA copolymer nanoparticles comprising zwitterionic groups were synthesized. • The TFN membrane containing 0.003 wt% MOF exhibited the pure THF flux around 2 Lm-2h-1bar-1. • The high rejection value around 90, 88 and 98% was observed for BPB, ACB and MG dyes, respectively.

Performance analysis of hybrid Quantum Dots Sensitized Solar Cells consisting of CdS/CdX (X = Se, Te, SeTe) QD and Bromophenol Blue dye

In this study, the effects of hybrid associate consisting of CdX (X = Te, Se, SeTe) Quantum Dots (QD) and Bromophenol Blue (BPB) organic dye on hybrid Quantum Dots Sensitized Solar Cells (QDSSCs) design were investigated. In the study QDs were synthesized in the 604–623 nm emission range in order to be compatible with the absorbance range of the BPB, and mercaptopropionic acid (MPA) was used as the surface ligand in every QDs. Fluorescence measurements were made to detect the acceptor-donor and understand the energy transfer mechanism in the QD:BPB associate. It was observed that the quenching amount of QDs in the QD: BPB hybrid associate varied according to the QD type used, and the highest emission quenching was observed in the CdSeTe: BPB associate. In order to suppress charge recombination in designed QD:BPB hybrid QDSSCs, CdS QDs were coated on TiO2 surface with SILAR method and ZnS layer was coated to passivize the photoactive surface. In the study, it was determined that the QD:BPB hybrid associate increased the power conversation efficiency (PCE) of QDSCC among all three QDs tested, and this increase was found to be in the range of 9–12.5%. As a result, Jsc for TiO2/CdS/CdSeTe/BPB/ZnS QDSSCs was measured as 10.3 mA/cm2, Voc was 0.791 V, and it was calculated that PCE increased to 4.78 ± 0.1%.

Non-extractive spectrophotometric determination of valsartan in pure form and in pharmaceutical products by ion-pair complex formation with bromophenol blue and methyl red

Two simple, rapid, green non extractive spectrophotometric methods are described for the estimation of valsartan in tablet dosage form. The determination is based on the ion-pair formation using the dyes, bromophenol blue (BPB) and methyl red (MR). Valsartan forms ion-pair complex selectively with the dyes, as indicated by the formation of a coloured complex with BPB at pH 5.5 with λmax at 424 nm and MR at pH 4.3 with λmax at 494 nm. For both methods, optimal spectrophotometric conditions were established. The linear relationship was found between absorbance at λmax and concentration of drug in the range 8–24 µg/mL for BPB and 4–20 µg/mL for MR. Regression analysis of Beer’s law plot at 424 nm yielded the regression equation, y = 0.0102x + 01636 (BPB) and at 494 nm y = 0.0222x – 0.0063 (MR). High values of correlations coefficient (R2 = 0.9988 (BPB) and R2 = 0.9991 (MR)) and small values of intercept validated the linearity of calibration curve and obedience to Beer’s law. The LOD and LOQ values were calculated to be 1.03 µg/mL and 3.43 µg/mL respectively (BPB) and 0.68 µg/mL and 2.26 µg/mL respectively (MR). Intra-day and inter-day accuracy and precision, robustness were in acceptable limits. The proposed methods were applied for the quantification of valsartan in tablets pertaining to three commercial formulations. Analytical eco-scale for greenness assessment of the proposed spectrophotometric methods showed that both methods corresponds to excellent green analysis with a score of 89.

In Situ Synthesis of Magnetic Poly(DMAEAB-co-NIPAm)@Fe3O4 Composite Hydrogel for Removal of Dye from Water.

Water pollution by toxic substances, such as dye molecules, remains a major environmental problem that needs to be solved. In the present work, the magnetic composite hydrogel based on the poly(2-(methacryloyloxy)-N-(2-hydroxyethyl)-N,N-dimethylethan-1-aminium bromide-co-N-isopropylacrylamide) copolymer with incorporated Fe3O4 particles ((poly(DMAEAB-co-NIPAm)@Fe3O4)) was prepared by an in situ synthesis technique for the efficient removal of dye molecules from water. The successfully synthesized magnetic hydrogel was characterized by FTIR, XRD, TGA, and TEM. The removal efficiency of the anionic dye bromophenol blue (BPB) and the cationic dye rhodamine B (RDM) by the prepared hydrogel adsorbents was evaluated. Various adsorption parameters, including the concentration of adsorbents and adsorption time, were also investigated. The results showed that the synthesized magnetic hydrogel had excellent BPB removal performance compared to the removal of RDM. The optimum adsorbent concentration for 0.5 mM BPB solution was approximately 0.5 g/L, and the removal efficiency was more than 99%. The kinetics data of BPB removal fitted well into the pseudo-2nd-order model, indicating that BPB dye adsorption involves chemical adsorption and physical adsorption. In addition, recycling studies were conducted to examine the reusability of the magnetic hydrogel for BPB removal for up to five cycles and the hydrogel could be reused without losing its high removal efficiency. The magnetic hydrogel poly(DMAEAB-co-NIPAm)@Fe3O4 with high removal efficiency, good selectivity, and reusability shows great potential for the removal of anionic dyes in wastewater treatment.

A composite of 2-aminoterephthalic acid coupled with TiF3@TiO2/polyvinyl alcohol with enhanced visible-light photocatalytic reactivity; investigation of the photocatalytic mechanism

In this study, a composite (A_TiF3@TiO2/P), containing an organic linker (2-aminoterephthalic acid), polymer (polyvinyl alcohol) and nanoparticle (TiF3@TiO2), as a highly efficient photocatalysis for removing organic harmful substances under visible light, was synthesized and studied. Different characterization techniques, including X-ray Powder Diffraction (XRD), synchronous thermal, BET, Barrett–Joyner–Halenda (BJH), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), FT-IR spectroscopy, Diffuse Reflection/transmittance Spectroscopy (DRS/DTS), and UV–Vis spectroscopy were carried out.TiF3 was heat-treated at 350 °C for six different times (30 (TiFa), 60 (TiFb), 90 (TiFc), 120 (TiFd), and 180 (TiFe) min) to obtain the phase of TiO2 beside TiF3. According to the XRD pattern, TiFb was chosen as the best compound and chosen for the next steps. The next steps involved modifying the surface activity of TiFb by polyvinyl alcohol (TiF3@TiO2/p), while the final step was the couple of 2-aminoterephthalic acid to TiF3@TiO2/p.TiF3, TiFa, TiFb, TiFe, TiF3@TiO2/p, and A_TiF3@TiO2/P were used and compared as photocatalysts, under the visible light, to reduce bromophenol blue (BPB). The results revealed that M_ TiF3@TiO2/P was very powerful in decreasing the concentration of BPB (78.62%) as compared with TiF3 (2%), TiFa (4.2%), TiFb (18.96%), TiFe (10.6%), and TiF@TiO2/p (20.04%). Besides, the photocatalytic mechanism of the composite in different states was investigated in detail, which was divided into four categories of (I) TiF, (II) TiF3, TiFa, TiFb, and TiFe; (III) TiF3@TiO2/P; and (IV) A_TiF3@TiO2/P.

Fabrication of a “progress bar” colorimetric strip sensor array by dye-mixing method as a potential food freshness indicator

Colorimetric sensing is a low-cost, intuitive method for monitoring the freshness of food. We prepared a colorimetric strip sensor array by mixing different amounts of bromophenol blue (BPB) and bromocresol green (BCG). As results of NH3 simulation, the array strip turned from yellow to blue, and the number of blue spots increased with the increasing NH3, like a progress bar. Although the actual color is quite different, the color-changing trend was consistent with the simulated model calculated by a computer. The progress bar results remained stable under three lighting conditions. Furthermore, in the Cod preservation experiment, the color-changing progress of the strip sensor array is consistent with the simulation and can indicate Cod freshness while providing more distinguish levels. Therefore, a “progress bar” indicator built by this strategy possess the potential of realizing nondestructive, more accurate, and commercially available food quality monitoring through the naked eye and smart equipment recognition.

MYCELIAL INCOMPATIBILITY OF SCLEROTINIA SCLEROTIORUM ISOLATES FROM A SINGLE RAPESEED FIELD IN SLOVAKIA

Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (Lib.) de Bary (1884) is economically important pathogen of rapeseeds damaging up to 20% of plants in Slovakia. There is a suggestion that S. sclerotiorum reproduces predominantly asexually, thus genetically identical clonal populations are dominating in fields. Genetically distinct isolates can be distinguished by mycelial compatibility-incompatibility grouping system. The aim of the study was to determine genetic variability of S. sclerotiorum based on mycelial interaction within a single oilseed rape field in Slovakia. S. sclerotiorum isolates were obtained from flower petals of commercial rapeseeds field in Hul, Slovakia (2018) by transferring a single hyphal tip to the plates with potato dextrose agar (PDA). Two sets of 20 isolates were paired in all possible combination and cultivated on PDA amended by bromophenol blue. Mycelial interactions were scored after 7 days.Each of the 20 isolates in 1st set was unique and belonged to the different mycelial compatibility groups (MCGs). In the 2nd set, 18 MCGs was determined with one isolate and only 1 MCGs consisted of 2 isolates. No prevalent MCG was found in this study, suggesting that S. sclerotiorum population affecting the target rapeseed field consisted of a very diverse group of isolates. The high level of incompatible reactions found in this first study from Slovakia may indicate that S. sclerotiorum undergoes frequent outcrossing in rapeseed stands.

Influence of structurally and morphologically different nanofillers on the performance of polysulfone membranes modified by the assembled PDDA/PAMPS-based hybrid multilayer thin film

A highly efficient nanofiltration membrane should exhibit high separation performance in removing divalent salts and organic solutes, as well as high permeation to meet practical separation and purification applications in aqueous media. Here, we designed a series of hybrid multilayer thin film membranes filled with the structurally and morphologically different nanofillers such as hexagonal boron nitride (HBN) nanosheets and metal-organic framework (MOF) nanoparticles, consisting of 3 and 6 layer pairs of polyelectrolyte through the layer-by-layer self-assembly technique (LBL) and characterized them in terms of dye and salt separation, as well as permeation. The rejection performance and permeability of the designed membranes manifested that HBN nanosheets were more effective than MOF nanoparticles in achieving a high-performance membrane. As compared to the bare multilayer thin film membrane, the addition of HBN nanosheets within the negatively-charged layers of the multilayer thin film membrane consisting of 6 bilayers resulted in good retention of up to 93% and 92% for acid blue (ACB) and bromophenol blue (BPB) dye molecules, respectively. Besides, this membrane exhibited 60% and 45% improvement in the water flux for ACB and BPB solutions, respectively, while the rejection of the sulfate ions maintained an acceptable value around 78%. Furthermore, it was found that this HBN-embedded hybrid multilayer membrane had superior potential for the removal of coherent foulant compared to all samples.

A supramolecular H12SubPcB-OPhCOPh/TiO2Z-scheme hybrid assembled via dimeric concave-ligand π-interaction for visible photocatalytic oxidation of tetracycline

The development of stable, efficient molecular-inorganic photocatalysts for organic pollutants degradation in wastewater remains a major challenge. Herein, a novel axially substituted supramolecular nanocrystalline subphthalocyanine H12SubPcB–OPhCOPh (SubPc-4) was successfully synthesized. By self-assembling supramolecular SubPc-4 on TiO2 via dimeric concave-ligand π-interaction, an molecular-inorganic Z-scheme photocatalytic system (SubPc-4/TiO2) was prepared exhibiting high photoactivity and stability towards the degradation of tetracycline (TC), methyl orange (MO) and bromophenol blue (BB). The photocatalytic degradation efficiency of TC, MO and BB with SubPc-4/TiO2 was 96.2 %, 98.0 % and 100 % within 180 min, approximately 3.2, 19.7 and 6.6 times larger than pristine TiO2, respectively. The constructed SubPc-4/TiO2 hybrid kept 88.5 % of its original photocatalytic activity toward TC after five photocatalytic cycles with respect to the first cycle, while bare TiO2 only kept 23.2 %. We reveal that this high photoactivity and photostability arises from the formation of an effective charge separation Z-scheme. This work demonstrates the potential of the SubPc-4/TiO2 molecular-inorganic Z-scheme photocatalyst in wastewater treatment.

High selectivity and adsorption proficiency of surfactant-coated selenium nanoparticles for dye removal application.

The rate of environmental pollution augmenting at an alarming rate due to the continuous disposal of toxic dyes directly into the environment and water streams. The direct contact of dyes with water resources directly affects the living beings. The identification of superior methods for the treatment of water pollution caused due to effluent dyes needs higher consideration among researchers for the well-being of living flora and fauna. The available methods for controlling the decontamination of water through toxic dyes have various drawbacks. So, it is highly significant to develop such materials which can easily adsorb the dyes without causing any toxic effect on the environment and living beings. While keeping all the facts in mind, the current work highlights the comparative enhancement in adsorption capacity and selectivity of Brij-58-coated selenium nanoparticles (Brij-58@Se NPs) towards the removal of bromophenol blue (BB) dye from series of chosen dyes in aqueous media. The fabricated Se NPs were methodically characterized and the adsorption behaviour displayed fast adsorption efficiency (98% within 6 min) for BB dye out of series of chosen dyes. The optimization studies were carried out to verify the influence of working variables such as pH (2.0-12.0), response time (1-10 min), dosage amount (0.1-80 mg/l) and concentration of BB dye (1-70 ppm). The adsorption process found to be best fitted for Freundlich adsorption isotherm and pseudo first-order kinetic model. The interference studies of different cationic, anionic species including dyes or metal ions suggested the higher efficiency of Brij-58@Se NPs for adsorptive removal of BB dye from aqueous media. The efficacy of the adsorbent was further tested in six different water resources and displayed 95% adsorption efficiency for BB dye in different wastewater samples. Therefore, Brij-58@Se NP is expected as a potential adsorbent for the adsorption of organic dyes from wastewater samples.

Sustainable fabrication of hematite (α-Fe2O3) nanoparticles using biomolecules of Punica granatum seed extract for unconventional solar-light-driven photocatalytic remediation of organic dyes

Seeking an effective strategy to develop inexpensive and highly stable photocatalyst materials for dye degradation is of great significance to resolve the global environmental problems caused by dye abuse. Herein, we have reported the environmental-friendly synthesis of exceptionally efficient and highly sustainable hematite nanoparticles (α-Fe2O3 NPs) using Punica granatum seed extract biomolecules. The morphology and phase purity of the synthesized α-Fe2O3 NPs were executed through a series of characterization techniques. FESEM and TEM analysis exhibited that the synthesized α-Fe2O3 NPs were irregular-shaped with an average size of 26.53 nm, while the BET surface area of nanoparticles was estimated to be 31.52 m2/g with an average pore diameter of 5.54 nm. α-Fe2O3 NPs exhibited typical ferromagnetic behavior at room temperature. The oxidation states of elements in α-Fe2O3 NPs were confirmed through X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis, while the charge on α-Fe2O3 NPs was found to be −10.6 mV. The as-prepared α-Fe2O3 NPs were utilized in solar-light driven photocatalytic degradation of anionic Congo red (CR) and Bromophenol blue (BPB) dye. Experimental results indicated the remarkable photocatalytic activity of α-Fe2O3 NPs, and approximately 89.42% of CR and 87.96% of BPB was degraded in 240 min under sunlight irradiation at ambient conditions. The photocatalytic degradation experiments were also performed under different reaction conditions which followed the pseudo-first-order kinetics. The presence of reactive species generated in the reaction system liable for the CR and BPB degradation were corroborated through radical quenching experiments and further confirmed by EPR analysis. The excellent photocatalytic potential of α-Fe2O3 NPs suggested that the synthesized nanoparticles could effectually be applied to remove organic dyes from the wastewater.

In-Situ Measurement of Ammonium in Wastewater Using a Tilted Fiber Grating Sensor

Ammonia nitrogen, which consists of ammonium and free ammonia, is one of the key parameters to evaluate the water quality and it is an important analyte in the biotechnology and agriculture. However, ammonia nitrogen exists mainly as ammonium in most waters as the pH is below 9. In this work, we propose a tilted fiber Bragg grating (TFBG) sensor that is surface-functionalized with a thin film of polyvinylidene fluoride bromophenol blue (PVDF-BPB) for ammonium detection in wastewater. The surface structure of the PVDF-BPB film was modified by reacting with ammonium, resulting in a correlative modification of extinction ratio of TFBG cladding modes. The reaction strength between the ammonium and the bromophenol blue was proportional to the concentration of ammonium. By calculating the integral area of all cladding modes versus reaction time, the concentration of ammonium can be precisely quantified. Experimental results showed that the proposed sensor could provide a linear response of ammonium detection over a concentration range of 0.1 – 10 mg/L within 5 minutes. Finally, we demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed sensor for measurement of ammonium in wastewater, using our probe gave results comparable to a commercial ammonium probe.

Photocatalytic and Antibacterial Potency of Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles: A Cost-Effective and Environmentally Friendly Media for Treatment of Air and Wastewater

Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2-NPs) were synthesized via a facile hydrothermal method. X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR), and Raman spectroscopy were used to study the structure, morphology, chemical composition, and functional group attached to the as-synthesized TiO2-NPs. These NPs were then used to test their efficacy against various microbes and their potency as effective catalysts. TiO2-NPs are found to have the maximum antibacterial activity against Gram-negative bacterial strains rather than Gram-positive bacteria. The photocatalytic activity of the TiO2-NPs was investigated for the photodegradation of 10 ppm bromophenol blue (BPB) dye by using 0.01 g–0.05 g of catalyst. TiO2-NPs exhibited the removal of 95% BPB, respectively, within 180 min. The TiO2-NPs’ antibacterial and catalytic properties suggest that these may be used in environmental remediation as a cost-effective and environmentally friendly wastewater and air treatment material.

Synthesis of graphene nanoplatelets/polythiophene nanocomposites With Enhanced Photocatalytic Degradation of Bromophenol Blue and Antibacterial Properties

Polythiophene (PTh) and graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) nanocomposites with different ratio of GNPs (10–50 wt.%) were prepared by oxidative chemical polymerization technique and applied for the photocatalytic degradation of bromo phenol blue (BPB) and pathogen control. The as-prepared nanomaterials were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-Ray analysis (EDX), UV–Vis spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. The PTh-GNPs(50) achieved the highest photocatalytic degradation efficiency for BPB (94.1%) which was more than three times higher than that of the pristine PTh (31.3%). The enhanced photocatalytic activity of PTh-GNPs was attributed to the improved charge-transport and longer recombination time of e−/h+ pairs from PTh NPs to GNPs. Interestingly, PTh-GNPs(50) proved as a potent inhibitor against E.coli and S.aureus reported 18 mm zone of inhibition as compared to that of the control PTh (showing 9 mm and 5 mm zones of inhibition for the two strains, respectively) at 2000 µg/mL. These results make PTh-GNPs(50) nanocomposites a potential candidate for BPB removal and bacterial growth inhibition.

The Ovariol Morphology and Ultrastructure of Poecilimon ataturki Ünal, 1999 (Orthoptera, Tettigoniidae) and the Histochemical Features of the Yolk Granules.

This study presents the oocyte development of Poecilimon ataturki Ünal, 1999 (Orthoptera, Tettigoniidae) with histology, morphology, and histochemistry by using a stereomicroscope, a light microscope, a scanning electron microscope, and a transmission electron microscope. The ovary in this species is a panoistic type which contains many ovarioles which consist of terminal filament, germarium, and vitellarium. Germarium is the region that has undifferentiated cells which generate the oocytes and follicular cells. In the vitellarium region, yolk granules start to cover the whole oocyte. In histochemical studies, to determine the content of the yolk granules, proteins, and carbohydrates in oocytes were treated with a bromophenol blue (BPB) method, a mercury bromophenol blue (mBPB) method, and a periodic acid Schiff (PAS) method, respectively. As a result of these methods, the yolk granules gave positive results in ovariole sections treated with the PAS and the BPB, while the mBPB staining was negative.

Grape Seed Extract Assisted Synthesis of Dual-Functional Anatase TiO2 Decorated Reduced Graphene Oxide Composite for Supercapacitor Electrode Material and Visible Light Photocatalytic Degradation of Bromophenol Blue Dye.

The grape extract is a potential natural reducing agent because of its high phenolic content. The extracts of seeds, skin, and pulp of grape were prepared by digestion, grinding, and soxhlet methods and used for reducing graphene oxide (GO). The reduced GO made using the soxhlet extract of grape seed (GRGO) was hydrothermally treated with titanium dioxide (TiO2) for the synthesis of GRGO–TiO2 nanocomposite. The X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), UV–vis, photoluminescence, and Raman spectra studies further confirmed the formation of GRGO and the GRGO–TiO2 hybrid. Scanning electron microscope and transmission electron microscope studies showed the decoration of spherical TiO2 particles (<100 nm) on the few-layered GRGO sheets. The GRGO–TiO2 hybrid was explored as a working electrode for supercapacitors and visible light photocatalyst for water decontamination. GRGO–TiO2 showed higher specific capacitance (175 F g–1) than GRGO (150 F g–1) and TiO2 (125 F g–1) in an aqueous electrolyte. GRGO–TiO2 exhibited 83.6% capacitance retention even after 2000 cycles, indicating the good stability of the material. Further, under visible light irradiation (λ > 400 nm), GRGO–TiO2 showed ∼30% higher photo-oxidation of the bromophenol blue (BPB) dye than TiO2. Also, GRGO–TiO2 decreased the total organic carbon content of BPB from 92 to 18 ppm. Overall, the soxhlet extract of grape seed was found to be a cost-effective reducing agent for the preparation of GRGO, which is a suitable material to be used in supercapacitors and photocatalysis.