Characteristic Diffraction Peaks Research Articles

Banana fruit (Musa sp.) DNA-magnetite nanoparticles: Synthesis, characterization, and biocompatibility assays on normal and cancerous cells.

Magnet-mediated gene therapy has gained considerable interest from researchers as a novel alternative for treating genetic disorders, particularly through the use of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (NPs)-such as magnetite NPs (Fe3O4NPs)-as non-viral genetic vectors. Despite their commercial availability for specific genetic transfection, such as in microglia cell lines, many potential uses remain unexplored. Still, ethical concerns surrounding the use of human DNA often impede genetic research. Hence, this study examined DNA-coated Fe3O4NPs (DNA-Fe₃O₄NPs) as potential transfection vectors for human foreskin fibroblasts (HFFs) and A549 (lung cancer) cell lines, using banana (Musa sp.) as a low-cost, and bioethically unproblematic DNA source. Following coprecipitation synthesis, DNA-Fe₃O₄NP characterization revealed a ζ-potential of 40.65 ± 4.10 mV, indicating good colloidal stability in aqueous media, as well as a superparamagnetic regime, evidenced by the absence of hysteresis in their magnetization curves. Successful DNA coating on the NPs was confirmed through infrared spectra and surface analysis results, while magnetite content was verified via characteristic X-ray diffraction peaks. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) determined the average size of the DNA-Fe3O4NPs to be 14.69 ± 5.22 nm. TEM micrographs also showed no morphological changes in the DNA-Fe3O4NPs over a 30-day period. Confocal microscopy of HFF and A549 lung cancer cell lines incubated with fluoresceinamine-labeled DNA-Fe3O4NPs demonstrated their internalization into both the cytoplasm and nucleus. Neither uncoated Fe3O4NPs nor DNA-Fe3O4NPs showed cytotoxicity to A549 lung cancer cells at 1-50 μg/mL and 25-100 μg/mL, respectively, after 24 h. HFFs also maintained viability at 1-10 μg/mL for both NP types. In conclusion, DNA-Fe3O4NPs were successfully internalized into cells and exhibited no cytotoxicity in both healthy and cancerous cells across a range of concentrations. These NPs, capable of binding to various types of DNA and RNA, hold promise for applications in gene therapy.

Mechanisms of Degradation of Insoluble Dietary Fiber from Coconut Chips by Ultra-High Pressure

Coconut chips are a popular leisure food, but the residual crumbly feeling after chewing affects the eating experience. To address this problem, we investigated the mechanism of degradation of insoluble dietary fiber (IDF) from coconut chips by ultra-high pressure (UHP). The optimal conditions for UHP treatment were 100 MPa and 40 min. After UHP treatment, the hardness decreased by 60%, and the content of soluble dietary fiber (SDF) increased by 55%. So far, the meaning of SDF has not been defined. The microstructure of IDF was damaged and the surface was rough. There was no obvious change in the chemical structure. The position of the characteristic diffraction peaks was basically unchanged, but the crystallinity dropped by almost three times. The thermal stability decreased, and the composition of the monosaccharides changed. Together, UHP treatment can improve the problem of the residual crumbly feeling after chewing coconut chips and improve the quality of the product.

Polysaccharides as Quality Marker to Rapid Profile for Ophiocordyceps sinensis by PXRD.

Ophiocordyceps sinensis has long been recognized as a mysterious and valuable traditional Chinese medicine but there has been little research on quality markers for O. sinensis. This study looked into the potential of using powder X-ray diffractometry (PXRD) to analyze polysaccharides as a quality marker for O. sinensis. There were 16 different habitats of O. sinensis collected in Qinghai, Gansu, Sichuan, Yunnan, and Tibet. In addition, five different types of Cordyceps species were collected. The characteristic diffraction peaks of O. sinensis were determined and then matched with the characteristic diffraction peaks of intracellular polysaccharides obtained from O. sinensis to determine the attribution relationship of the characteristic diffraction peaks. O. sinensis powder's X-ray diffraction pattern is determined by its composition, microcrystalline crystal structure, intramolecular bonding mechanism, and molecular configuration. After fractionation and alcohol precipitation of crude intracellular polysaccharide, mycelium crude intracellular polysaccharide (MCP) and fruiting body crude intracellular polysaccharide (FCP) were obtained and the fingerprint of O. sinensis was identified by the specific characteristic peaks of the X-ray diffraction pattern from intracellular polysaccharide. The results indicated that the PXRD patterns of different populations of O. sinensis were overlaid well with 18 characteristic diffraction peaks obtained by microcrystalline diffraction. Moreover, the powder diffractograms as a fingerprint provided a practical identification of O. sinensis from other Cordyceps species. In addition, we detected that the powder diffractograms of intracellular polysaccharide MCP and MCP75 could be coupled with the PXRD of O. sinensis. Specifically, 18 characteristic diffraction peaks were identified as coming from MCP and MCP75 according to those interplanar crystal spacing, which matched well with those of PXRD of O. sinensis. PXRD spectra combined with an updated multivariable discriminant model were found to be an efficient and sensitive method for O. sinensis quality control. According to the findings of this study, PXRD should be further investigated for quality control assessments and plant extract selection trials.

Potential of polyphenols from Ligustrum robustum (Rxob.) Blume on enhancing the quality of starchy food during frying.

The increasing concerns about health have led to a growing demand for high-quality fried foods. The potential uses of Ligustrum robustum (Rxob.) Blume, a traditional tea in China, as natural additives to enhance the quality of starchy food during frying was studied. Results indicated that L. robustum polyphenols extract (LREs) could improve the quality of fried starchy food, according to the tests of color, moisture content, oil content, texture property, and volatile flavor. The in vitro digestion results demonstrated that LRE reduced the final glucose content from 11.35±0.17 to 10.80±0.70mmol/L and increased the phenolic content of fried starch foods from 1.23±0.04 to 3.76±0.14mg/g. The appearance and polarizing microscopy results showed that LRE promoted large starch bulges on the surface of fried starchy foods. Meanwhile, X-ray diffraction results showed that LRE increased the intensity of characteristic diffraction peak of fried starch with a range of 21.8%-28%, and Fourier transform infrared results showed that LRE reduced the damage to short-range order structure of starch caused by the frying process. In addition, LRE increased the aggregation of starch granules according to the SEM observation and decreased the enthalpy of starch gelatinization based on the differential scanning calorimetry results. The present results suggest that LREs have the potential to be utilized as a natural additive for regulating the quality of fried starchy food in food industries. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: The enhancement of L. robustum polyphenols on the quality of starchy food during frying was found, and its mechanisms were also explored. This work indicated that L. robustum might be used as a novel economic natural additive for producing high-quality fried foods.

Effect of Polyethylene Pyrolysis Oil Hydrotreatment on the Pt/Al2O3 Catalyst: Experimental Characterization.

The dramatic increase in plastics production, coupled with a low recycling and recovery rate, has been a major challenge for sustainable practices and combating climate change. Hydrotreatment processing to upgrade fuel oils is a well-known process in the petroleum industry. In this work, we aim to investigate the catalyst properties before and after the hydrotreatment of pyrolysis oil derived from plastics, namely, linear low-density polyethylene, as no such report is available in the literature. Granular and powder forms of the Pt/Al2O3 catalyst were used in this study with characterization methods executed as such: transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and IR-RIS. XRD data show that the crystallinity of the catalyst support was unaffected by the hydrotreatment without any residues left, as the characteristic diffraction peaks were indicated for the crystalline phase of the support as 37.4, 39.8, 46.3, and 67.3°. In addition, the TGA experiments revealed that the carbon deposition on the spent catalyst was higher, as indicated by the higher weight loss (15.359%) compared to the fresh catalyst sample (11.43%). XPS analysis showed that the carbon deposition is more intense on the granular spent catalyst, as the intensity of the peaks is some 15 times greater than the peaks from the fresh catalyst. Also, compared to the observed peaks of the powder catalyst, less coke is formed. The band at 1624.05 cm-1 from the IR-RIS spectra was attributed to a shifted C=O band from the coke formation. The extension of these investigations using different catalysts to improve their characteristics and performance and to inhibit coke deposition will contribute to the incorporation of such processes in industry as well as the cost of fuels.

Utilization of Lipophilic Salt and Phospholipid Complex in Lipid-Based Formulations to Modulate Drug Loading and Oral Bioavailability of Pazopanib.

Pazopanib hydrochloride (PAZ) displays strong intermolecular interaction in its crystal lattice structure, limiting its solubility and dissolution. The development of lipid-based formulations (LbFs) resulted in reduced PAZ loading due to solid-state mediated low liposolubility. This study aims to enhance our understanding of PAZ crystallinity by synthesizing a lipophilic salt and phospholipid complex and investigating its impact on the drug loading in LbFs. The synthesized pazopanib lipophilic salt and phospholipid complex were extensively characterized. The solid form of pazopanib docusate (PAZ-DOC) and pazopanib phospholipid complex (PAZ-PLC) indicates a reduction in characteristic diffraction peaks of crystalline PAZ. The lipid formulations were prepared using synthesized PAZ-DOC and PAZ-PLC, where PAZ-DOC demonstrated sixfold higher drug solubility than the commercial salt form and twice that of the PAZ-PLC due to differences in the crystallinity. Further, the impact of salt and complex formation was assessed on the aqueous drug solubilization using lipolysis and multimedia dissolution experiments. Moreover, the LbFs showed notably faster dissolution compared to the crystalline PAZ and marketed tablet. In terms of in vivo pharmacokinetics, the PAZ-DOC LbF exhibited a remarkable 11-fold increase in AUC value compared to the crystalline PAZ and a 2.5-fold increase compared to Votrient®. Similarly, PAZ-PLC LbF showed an approximately ninefold increase in drug exposure compared to the crystalline PAZ, and a 2.2-fold increase compared to Votrient®. These findings suggest that disrupting the crystallinity of drugs and incorporating them into LbF could be advantageous for enhancing drug loading and overcoming limitations related to drug absorption.

Studying the effect of addition of lithium titanate on crystallinity and electrical properties of PPY-C /PVA nanocomposite for optoelectronic applications

This study involved the preparation of novel samples of polypyrrole-doped carbon/polyvinyl alcohol/lithium titanate nanocomposites, PPY-C/PVA/LiO, with a tuning of LiO concentration using the casting technique to be applicable in different applications. Various analytical procedures were employed to examine their optical, morphological, structural, and electrical properties. It was decided that the PPY-C/PVA is an amorphous structure that became crystalline when LiO NPs were added. This happened because the functional groups of the PPY-C/PVA and LiO NPs interacted with each other. It confirmed that by appearing the new characteristic diffraction peaks of LiO and the new vibrational stretching peak at 588 cm−1 of the metal-O bond and deducing the uniform distribution of the blend matrix with an increase in the number of white dots, it served as evidence of the impact of surface roughness on tuning the electrical properties of the nanocomposite. Also, studies on conductivity showed that as the concentration of LiO goes up, AC conductivity, dielectric constant, and dielectric loss all go down. This is because more nanofiller is added, more immobile ions form in clumped areas, and dipole polarization goes down. Also, adding LiO NPs to the polymeric matrix makes the matrix's chains less flexible, which raises the crystallinity ratio. The obtained results suggest that the prepared PPY-C/PVA/LiO nanocomposite is promising candidates in the fabrication of nano-electronic devices.

An in-Operando XRD Study of TiO2 Based Anode Materials for Secondary Li Ion Batteries Application

In recent years, lithium-ion batteries (LIB) have emerged as one of the most representative rechargeable energy-storage systems. Among the various anode materials used, titanium dioxide stands out for its excellent stability, superior safety, and high cycling performance. Moreover, its remarkable stability in high-capacity charge–discharge cycles is useful for developing fast-charging batteries. Therefore, this material has attracted significant attention from researchers. In this study, we investigate aluminum-doped and carbon-coated non-stoichiometric titanium dioxide for in operando X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis using synchrotron radiation to explore the behavior of lithium ions intercalating into and deintercalating from the titanium dioxide lattice and draw insights from the variations in the characteristic lattice diffraction peaks.In Al-TiOx part, the lithium-ion intercalation and deintercalation behaviors within the mixed-phase titanium dioxide used herein (anatase and rutile). During discharge, a new reversible intermediate phase, LiTiO2, as well as a partially irreversible intermediate phase, Li0.55TiO2, are generated in the anatase phase. This is the first reported experimental observation of the coexistence of these three phases. The irreversible reaction kinetics of these phases contribute to capacity decay. In the rutile phase, the diffraction peaks exhibit a trend of broadening and narrowing during charge–discharge, resembling an hourglass-like structure. This phenomenon implies non-uniform stress within the material due to lithium-ion diffusion through a relatively faster channel. By using in situ XRD, we propose an interaction mechanism between lithium ions and the lattice of mixed-phase (anatase, rutile) titanium dioxide. In C@TiOx part, the rutile TiO2 undergoes a non-uniform strain at a rate of 0.5 C, causing the peak to broaden and shift left after lithiation. The capacities of C@TiO 𝑥 batteries were lowered from 109.0 to only 79.2 mAh/g at 5 C. It is believed that the carbon coating protect the inner TiO 𝑥 core from phase transition so that nanosized rutile TiO2 was retained after lithiation at 0.5 C, which means lithiated rutile is not equivalent to lithium titanate. Instead, the lattice distortion occurs when Li ions are intercalated in the rutile TiO2 matrix. This means that the fast lithium-ion diffusion channel in the c axis of rutile is blocked by the carbon coating and phase transition was prohibited. Furthermore, high reversibility is observed in by the overlap of initial and final curves, which can be taken as an extra evidence for the high Coulombic efficiency.In this study, we propose the concept of aluminum and carbon co-doped non-stoichiometric titanium dioxide for in operando XRD study. Our aim is to further enhance the conductivity of titanium dioxide and its battery performance in lithium-ion batteries through the synergistic effects of heteroatom doping and non-stoichiometric treatment. This includes improvements in the capacity, impedance, cycling lifespan, and high-rate performance of the titanium dioxide material within the battery system.Keyword: Al-doped TiO2, C coated TiOx, in operando XRD, Anode materials, Li-ion batteries

Salvia officinalis-Hydroxyapatite Nanocomposites with Antibacterial Properties.

In the present study, sage-coated zinc-doped hydroxyapatite was incorporated into a dextran matrix (7ZnHAp-SD), and its physico-chemical and antimicrobial activities were investigated. A 7ZnHAp-SD nanocomposite suspension was obtained using the co-precipitation method. The stability of the nanocomposite suspension was evaluated using ultrasound measurements. The stability parameter calculated relative to double-distilled water as a reference fluid highlights the very good stability of the 7ZnHAp-SD suspension. X-ray diffraction (XRD) experiments were performed to evaluate the characteristic diffraction peak of the hydroxyapatite phase. Valuable information regarding the morphology and chemical composition of 7ZnHAp-SD was obtained via scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) studies. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) measurements were performed on the 7ZnHAp-SD suspensions in order to evaluate the functional groups present in the sample. Preliminary studies on the antimicrobial activity of 7ZnHAp-SD suspensions against the standard strains of Staphylococcus aureus 25923 ATCC, Enterococcus faecalis 29212 ATCC, Escherichia coli 25922 ATCC, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa 27853 ATCC were conducted. More than that, preliminary studies on the biocompatibility of 7ZnHAp-SD were conducted using human cervical adenocarcinoma (HeLa) cells, and their results emphasized that the 7ZnHAp-SD sample did not exhibit a toxic effect and did not induce any noticeable changes in the morphological characteristics of HeLa cells. These preliminary results showed that these nanoparticles could be possible candidates for biomedical/antimicrobial applications.

Hydrothermal synthesis of graphene oxide interspersed in non-uniform tungsten oxide nanorod and its performance towards highly efficient hybrid supercapacitor

In this study, hybrid graphene oxide/tungsten oxide nanostructures (GO/WO3 NSs) are synthesized using an eco-friendly and efficient hydrothermal method. Physicochemical analysis reveals the presence of a monoclinic phase with characteristic diffraction peaks, as indicated by the crystallinity degree. Using a field emission scanning electron microscope, heterogeneous non-uniform agglomerated nanosheets with non-uniform nanorods are observed in the GO/WO3 hybrid NSs. Results of transmission electron microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy provide comprehensive details regarding the morphological, structural, and electronic state characteristics of the GO/WO3 hybrid NSs. Electrochemical data for GO/WO3 are obtained using an aqueous 2 M KOH electrolyte. The maximum specific capacity (Csp) and gravimetric capacitance (Cg) of the GO/WO3 are observed under 10% GO. The values of Csp and Cg are 123 mAh/g and 738 F/g, respectively, whereas the maximum energy (Ed) and power densities (Pd) are 37 Wh/kg and 500 W/kg at 5 mA/cm2, respectively. Furthermore, the optimized sample (GO-W2) shows superior capacitive retention of 88% over 7000 cyclic voltammetry cycles at a scan rate of 100 mV/s. A GO-W2-NF//GO-NF (where NF represents Ni-foam) asymmetrical hybrid liquid state device is fabricated using a two-electrode system, which demonstrates favorable electrochemical properties, i.e., Csp and Cg values of 94 mAh/g and 213 F/g at 5 mV/s respectively, and Ed and Pd values of 25 Wh/kg and 1000 W/kg at 4 mA/cm2, respectively. These findings indicate that GO/WO3 hybrid NSs are effective electrode materials for future research pertaining to energy storage systems.

Preparation and Application of Amino-Terminated Hyperbranched Magnetic Composites in High-Turbidity Water Treatment.

In order to separate the colloidal in high-turbidity water, a kind of magnetic composite (Fe3O4/HBPN) was prepared via the functional assembly of Fe3O4 and an amino-terminal hyperbranched polymer (HBPN). The physical and chemical characteristics of Fe3O4@HBPN were investigated by different means. The Fourier Transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) spectra showed that the characteristic absorption peaks positioned at 1110 cm-1, 1468 cm-1, 1570 cm-1 and 1641 cm-1 were ascribed to C-N, H-N-C, N-H and C=O bonds, respectively. The shape and size of Fe3O4/HBPN showed a different and uneven distribution; the particles clumped together and were coated with an oil-like film. Energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) displayed that the main elements of Fe3O4/HBPN were C, N, O, and Fe. The superparamagnetic properties and good magnetic response were revealed by vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) analysis. The characteristic diffraction peaks of Fe3O4/HBPN were observed at 2θ = 30.01 (220), 35.70 (311), 43.01 (400), 56.82 (511), and 62.32 (440), which indicated that the intrinsic phase of magnetite remained. The zeta potential measurement indicated that the surface charge of Fe3O4/HBPN was positive in the pH range 4-10. The mass loss of Fe3O4/HBPN in thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) proved thermal decomposition. The -C-NH2 or -C-NH perssad of HBPN were linked and loaded with Fe3O4 particles by the N-O bonds. When the Fe3O4/HBPN dosage was 2.5 mg/L, pH = 4-5, the kaolin concentration of 1.0 g/L and the magnetic field of 3800 G were the preferred reaction conditions. In addition, a removal efficiency of at least 86% was reached for the actual water treatment. Fe3O4/HBPN was recycled after the first application and reused five times. The recycling efficiency and removal efficiency both showed no significant difference five times (p > 0.05), and the values were between 84.8% and 86.9%.

Effect of nano admixtures on the engineering properties and microstructure of sulphoaluminate cement mortar at −10 °C

The traditional cement-based cementitious materials cannot hydrate at −10 °C, and the sulfoaluminate cement can hydrate, but the cement slurry has poor properties and low strength. Three kinds of nano admixtures (silica fume, nano-SiO2, nano-CaCO3) were selected as modified materials, and the effect of nano admixtures on the fluidity, strength, internal temperature, micro-morphology, mineral composition and pore structure of sulphoaluminate cement mortar were studied under the condition of mixing and curing of cooled materials at −10 °C. The results show that the fluidity, compressive strength and flexural strength of mortar increase first and then decrease with admixture content. When the content of silica fume, nano-SiO2 and nano-CaCO3 is 3 %, 0.5 % and 0.5 % respectively, the fluidity and strength of mortar are the maximum. With the optimum content of three kinds of nano admixtures, nano-SiO2 has the best improvement on the strength and internal temperature of mortar. The hydration of sulphoaluminate cement can continue at −10 °C. At the age of 1 d, ettringite is yielded in the mortar. After the addition of nano admixtures, the amount, characteristic diffraction peak and diffraction intensity of ettringite in mortar increase. The nano admixtures can optimize the pore structure of mortar with the age of 1 d. The fractal dimension of pore structure of mortar with 0.5% nano-SiO2 is the minimum.

Multi-Functional Electrospun AgNO3/PVB and Its Ag NP/PVB Nanofiber Membrane.

This study focuses on the fabrication of fiber membranes containing different concentrations of AgNO3 via the electrospinning technique. The AgNO3 present in the fibers is subsequently reduced to silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) through UV irradiation. The resulting nanofiber film is characterized using scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and evaluations of its anti-UV and anti-electromagnetic radiation properties. Experimental results demonstrate that increasing the AgNO3 content initially decreases and then increases the fiber diameter and fiber diameter deviation. Under UV light, the nanofibers fuse and bond, leading to an increase in the fiber diameter. AgNO3 is effectively reduced to Ag NPs after UV irradiation for more than 60 min, as confirmed by the characteristic diffraction peaks of Ag NPs in the XRD spectrum of the irradiated AgNO3/PVB fibers. The nanofiber film containing AgNO3 exhibits superior anti-UV performance compared to the film containing AgNO3-derived Ag NPs. The anti-electromagnetic radiation performances of the nanofiber films containing AgNO3 and AgNO3-derived Ag NPs are similar, but the nanofiber film containing AgNO3-derived Ag NPs exhibits higher performance at approximately 2.5 GHZ frequency. Additionally, at an AgNO3 concentration of less than 0.5 wt%, the anti-electromagnetic radiation performance is poor, and the shielding effect of the nanofiber film on medium- and low-frequency electromagnetic waves surpasses that on high-frequency waves. This study provides guidance for the preparation of polyvinyl butyral nanofibers, Ag NPs, and functional materials with anti-ultraviolet and anti-electromagnetic radiation properties.

MnPc Films Deposited by Ultrasonic Spray Pyrolysis at Low Temperatures: Optical, Morphological and Structural Properties.

In this work, we report how manganese phthalocyanine (MnPc) films obtained using the ultrasonic spray-pyrolysis technique at 40 °C deposited on glass substrate subjected to thermal annealing at 100 °C and 120 °C. The MnPc films were characterized using UV/Vis spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The absorption spectra of the MnPc films were studied in a wavelength range from 200 to 850 nm, where the characteristic bands of a metallic phthalocyanine known as B and Q bands were observed in this range of the spectrum. The optical energy band (Eg) was calculated using the Tauc equation. It was found that, for these MnPc films, the Eg has the values of 4.41, 4.46, and 3.58 eV corresponded to when they were deposited, annealing at 100 °C and 120 °C, respectively. The Raman spectra of the films showed the characteristic vibrational modes of the MnPc films. In the X-Ray diffractograms of these films, the characteristic diffraction peaks of a metallic phthalocyanine are observed, presenting a monoclinic phase. The SEM images of these films were studied in a cross-section obtaining thicknesses of 2 μm for the deposited film and 1.2 μm and 0.3 μm for the annealed films at 100 °C and 120 °C. Additionally, in the SEM images of these films, average particle sizes ranging from 4 to 0.041 µm were obtained. The results agree with those reported in the literature for MnPc films deposited by performing other techniques.

Room-temperature synthesis of 2D-Ti3C2Tx nano-sheets by organic base treatment.

The growing demand for improved electrochemical performance in energy storage systems has stimulated research into advanced two-dimensional (2D) materials for electrodes. In this work, we obtain a layered MXene compound by exfoliating a titanium aluminum carbide precursor using tetramethylammonium hydroxide (TMAOH) ions in a full room temperature process followed by manual shaking. The hexagonal crystal structure and composition of the layered materials are characterized using different techniques. X-Ray diffraction shows the formation of 2D nano-sheets before and after the TMAOH treatment via its characteristic (002) diffraction peak, bringing to light an increase in the interlayer spacing after treatment. Scanning electron microscopy images confirm the layered morphology, whose composition is determined by energy dispersive x-ray analysis for the bulk material and by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy for the surface of the obtained compounds. This study demonstrates a promising route to enhance delamination of this MXene 2D material in a low-cost room-temperature approach.

Cytotoxic Activity of CuO NPs Prepared by PLAL Against Liver Cancer (Hep-G2) Cell Line and HdFn Cell Lines

A simple physical technique was used in this study to create stable and cost-effective copper oxide (CuO) nanoparticles from pure copper metal using the pulsed laser ablation technique. The synthesis of crystalline CuO nanoparticles was confirmed by various analytical techniques such as particle concentration measurement using atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), the energy dispersive X-ray (EDX), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) to determine the crystal size and identify of the crystal structure of the prepared particles. The main characteristic diffraction peaks of the three samples were consistent. The corresponding 2θ is also consistent, and the cytotoxicity of the nanoparticles was also investigated. After 24 hours of exposure, the percentage of cytotoxicity was calculated. The maximum toxicity of Hep-G2 was 37.81% at the maximum concentration of (500) µg mL-1 after 24 hours of exposure. Also, the maximum toxicity of the normal cell line was 27.85% at a maximum concentration of (500) µg mL-1.

Multi-Scale Structural Insights into Enzymatically Hydrolyzed Lentil Starch Concentrates Prepared by In Vitro Method Using Different Types of Enzymes.

This study was undertaken to investigate the enzymatic hydrolysis of lentil starch concentrates from conventional cooked seeds (CCLSC) by the action of different types of enzymes, including pancreatin (PC-EHSC), heat-stable α-amylase (HS-EHSC), β-amylase (βA-EHSC), amyloglucosidase (AMG-EHSC), and multi-enzymes (βA-HS-AMG-EHSC); their multi-scale structural characteristics of the enzymatic hydrolysis products of lentil starch concentrates were compared. The morphological features distinguished among different samples. The Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and solid-state 13C CP/MAS NMR spectral features indicated the possible formation of a binary and ternary complex among amylose, protein and lipids. The X-ray diffraction results revealed that the V-type characteristic diffraction peaks were more obvious for samples including PC-EHSC and βA-EHSC, which was in line with their lowest polydispersity index (DPn). PC-EHSC and βA-EHSC also showed an increased peak intensity of the scattering maximum on the small-angle X-ray scattering spectra, whereas CCLSC exhibited an overall lower peak intensity within the studied q range of scattering. The highest XRD crystallinity and the lowest DPn value obtained for PC-EHSC indicated that the starch polymers modified by pancreatin could produce glucan chains with a comparatively homogenous Mw distribution that are readily recrystallized by hydrogen bonding through chain aggregation. Comparatively, the lowest relative crystallinity for HS-EHSC obtained from XRD suggested that thermostable α-amylolysis was unfavorable for the formation of starch structure with a higher degree of molecular order. This study could provide useful information for the needed research to obtain a deeper understanding of the impact of different amylolysis actions on the structural organization of starch hydrolysates and to provide a theoretical foundation for the development of fermentable enzymatically hydrolyzed starch with well-tailored physiological properties.

Europium Molybdate/Molybdenum Disulfide Nanostructures with Efficient Electrocatalytic Activity for the Hydrogen Evolution Reaction

The design of hybrid nanostructures of molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) has been extensively explored as potent electrocatalysts for hydrogen generation reactions. Here, we report the in situ synthesis of a nanocomposite containing europium molybdate [Eu2(MoO4)3] and molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) for an enhanced electrochemical hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). The characteristic X-ray diffraction (XRD) peaks of both 2H–MoS2 and α-Eu2(MoO4)3 confirm the formation of the nanocomposite. The nanoflower (NF) architecture of MoS2 coupled with flakes of europium molybdate is observed in the transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images, which lead to an enhanced surface area of the nanocomposite. Raman and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) studies reveal a variation in the layer thickness of MoS2 and a significant interfacial electronic interaction between Eu2(MoO4)3 and MoS2. As evident from the small onset potential of −0.05 V vs reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE) and a lower overpotential value of 186 mV (at a current density of 10 mA/cm2), the nanocomposite outperforms pristine MoS2 nanoflowers in terms of electrocatalytic HER. The charge-transfer resistance of the nanocomposite (80.02 Ω) is significantly low compared to pristine MoS2 (158.37 Ω), thus confirming the enhanced interfacial charge transfer. The Tafel slope value of the nanocomposite (189 mV/dec) is notably less than that of pristine MoS2 (313 mV/dec), indicating the enhanced HER activity of the nanocomposite. The fabrication of lanthanide-containing MoS2 nanocomposites appears to be promising for an efficient electrocatalytic activity for the hydrogen evolution reaction.

Effect of the Amylose Nanoscale Polymerization Index on the Digestion Kinetics and Mechanism of Recombinant Chinese Seedless Breadfruit Starch Triadic Complexes.

The demand for multicomponent foods to meet human energy and nutritional needs has been increasing; however, few studies have addressed the theoretical basis for their preparation. We investigated the effect of the nanoscale polymerization index (DPw) of amylose on the logarithm of slope plot-based kinetics and the mechanism of digestion of starch-lauric acid-β-lactoglobulin protein complexes. Amylose from each of the five Chinese seedless breadfruit species was mixed with breadfruit amylopectin with the highest resistant starch (RS) content to form starch ternary complexes with various amylose DPws. All five complexes exhibited V-type crystalline diffraction and rod-like molecular configuration. Characteristic X-ray diffraction peaks and Fourier transform-infrared spectra of the ternary complexes revealed similar molecular configurations. As the amylose DPw increased, the complexing index, relative crystallinity, short-range order, weight-average molar mass, molecular density index, gelatinization temperature, decomposition temperature, RS, slowly digestible starch (SDS), and speed rate constants at the second hydrolysis stage (k2) increased, whereas the semicrystalline lamellae thickness, mass fractal structure parameter, average characteristic crystallite unit length, radius of gyration, fractal dimension and cavities of granule surface microstructure, final viscosity, interval speed rate from SDS to RS, equilibrium concentration, and glycemic index decreased. The digestion kinetics exhibited highly significant variation according to the physiochemical properties and multiscale supramolecular structure (r > 0.99 or r < -0.99, p < 0.01). Together, these results identify amylose DPw as an important structural factor that markedly affects the kinetics and mechanism of ternary complex digestion and provide a new theoretical direction for the production of starch-based multicomponent foods.

Biomimetic targeting magnetite hollow nanostructures based on pH-responsive benzoic-imine bonds for antitumor activity

In this study, versatile homotypic-targeting and PEGylated magnetite hollow nanostructures (MHNs) that are pH-responsive used as doxorubicin (DOX) nanocarriers are demonstrated. Cancer cell membrane (CM) and polyethylene glycol (PEG) functionalization through benzoic imine bonds endows DOX-conjugated nanocarriers with enhanced tumor accumulation and penetration, biomimetic-targeting specificity, as well as on-demand drug release, which improves their antitumor efficacy. The characteristic diffraction peaks of magnetite nanocarriers at 35° indexed as (311) plane of magnetite can be observed. Hierarchical mesoporous nanostructures with specific pore size distributions of approximately 99.9, 97.2, and 95.6%, were developed. In vitro studies revealed that drug-free nanostructures exhibited excellent biocompatibility with more than 95% cell viability. In contrast, drug-conjugated nanostructures demonstrated high therapeutic effect, pH-responsive drug release, and enhanced intracellular uptake in HepG2 cells. In vivostudies showed that the MHNC–DOX–PEG/CM formulations displayed the best antitumor efficacy, with the lowest tumor volume and weight. Furthermore, significantly large apoptotic and necrotic areas were identified in the tumor tissues from the DOX-conjugated groups, but no noticeable inflammation or hemorrhage was observed in the main organs. Therefore, these results suggest that the formulated nanostructures have great potential for cancer therapies.