Chemical Characterization Research Articles

Dual-Targeting Gold Nanoparticles: Simultaneous Decoration with Ligands for Co-Transporters SGLT-1 and B0AT1

Sodium–glucose co-transporter 1 (SGLT1) and sodium-dependent neutral amino acid transporter (B0AT1) are mainly expressed on the membrane of enterocytes, a type of epithelial cell found in the intestines. In addition to their physiological role in the absorption of nutrients, a protective role in the integrity of the intestinal barrier has been established. The natural ligands of SGLT1 (d-glucose) and of B0AT1 (l-glutamine) can trigger a protective anti-inflammatory effect on the intestinal epithelium. The literature suggests the activation of common intracellular pathways upon engagement of the two transporters, whose functional forms are composed of oligomers or clusters. Simultaneous activation of these two co-transporters could lead to a potential multitarget and synergistic anti-inflammatory effect. Therefore, nanoplatforms containing multiple copies of the ligands could represent chemical tools to study the potential simultaneous activation of the two co-transporters. For these reasons, in this study, a set of different gold nanoparticles decorated with derivatives of d-glucose and of l-glutamine were designed and prepared. In particular, the synthesis of suitable sulfur-ending functionalized ligand derivatives, including a C-glucoside derivative, their anchoring to gold nanoparticles and their physical–chemical characterization have been carried out. The obtained nanostructures could represent promising multifunctional platforms for further investigation of the existence of possible multitarget and synergistic effects toward the two co-transporters SGLT1 and B0AT1.

Chemical characterisation of essential oil from Sambucus williamsii Hance leaves and its hepatoprotective effects

This study is the first to examine the effect of leaves of Sambucus williamsii Hance essential oil on acute liver injury. According to gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis, the major constituents of S. williamsii essential oil (SEO)were (S)-falcarinol (62.66%), 17-pentatriacontene (7.78%) and tetrapentacontane (8.64%). Mice were pre-treated with SEO for 6 days followed by inducing liver injury with CCl4. The results indicated that SEO protected the liver against CCl4-induced injuries. Elevated levels of alanine-aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate amino-transferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) in serum were significantly reduced on SEO pre-treatment. SEO pre-treatment significantly inhibited the oxidative stress and inflammation. Furthermore, toll-like receptor-4 (TLR4)/nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) signalling pathways were significantly modulated by SEO in the liver tissue. The findings demonstrate that the essential oil of S. williamsii has enhancing the resistance to CCl4-induced liver injury.

Effect of tabebuia heterophylla plant leaves extract on corrosion protection of low carbon steel in 1M HCl medium: Electrochemical, quantum chemical and surface characterization studies.

In the current study the chemical constituents of Tabebuia heterophylla plant leaves extract (THLE) evaluated as corrosion inhibitor for low carbon steel (LCS) in 1 M HCl. The major component present in plant extract was Hexadecanoic acid 2-hydroxy-1-(hydroxymethyl) ethyl ester confirmed by Gas Chromatography with Mass spectroscopic (GC-MS) analysis. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), potentiodynamic polarisation (PDP) and weight loss measurements were used to evaluate the THLE ability to protect low-carbon steel surface against corrosion in 1M HCl medium. The maximum inhibition efficiency reported as 95.45%, 93.99% and 94.79% by weight loss measurements, EIS and PDP methods respectively. In the prolongation of the work, the entropy of adsorption (Δ Sa*), enthalpy of adsorption (Δ Ha*), Gibbs free energy of adsorption (Δ Ga*), and activation energy (Ea) of the reaction were calculated. In absence of inhibitor, the Ea value was found to be minimum 49.38 kJ/mol whereas for optimum concentration of THLE it was found to be 77.2 kJ/mol implies more energy is required to undergo corrosion. The surface morphological observation from Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), Atomic Force Microscopic (AFM) and Contact angle explored the effective adsorption of THLE. AFM values revealed that average surface roughness (Ra) value of LCS is high (188.08), where as in the presence of THLE, Ra values significantly reduced to minimum value of 37.226. Further chemical interactions between THLE and the low-carbon steel surface as well as inhibitory mechanism were further elucidated by theoretical simulations such as Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations and Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations.

Synchronous Front-Face Fluorescence Spectra: A Review of Milk Fluorophores.

Milk is subjected to different industrial processes, provoking significant physicochemical modifications that impact milk's functional properties. As a rapid and in-line method, front-face fluorescence can be used to characterize milk instead of conventional analytical tests. However, when applying fluorescence spectroscopy for any application, it is not always necessary to determine which compound is responsible for each fluorescent response. In complex matrixes such as milk where several variables are interdependent, the unique identification of compounds can be challenging. Thus, few efforts have been made on the chemical characterization of milk' fluorescent spectrum and the current information is dispersed. This review aims to organize research findings by dividing the milk spectra into areas and concatenating each area with at least one fluorophore. Designations are discussed by providing specific information on the fluorescent properties of each compound. In addition, a summary table of all fluorophores and references cited in this work by area is provided. This review provides a solid foundation for further research and could serve as a central reference.

Microfluidic Detection and Analysis of Microplastics Using Surface Nanodroplets.

Detection of microplastics from water is crucial for various reasons, such as food safety monitoring, monitoring of the fate and transport of microplastics, and development of preventive measures for their occurrence. Currently, microplastics are detected by isolating them using filtration, separation by centrifugation, or membrane filtration, subsequently followed by analysis using well-established analytical methods, such as Raman spectroscopy. However, due to their variability in shape, color, size, and density, isolation using the conventional methods mentioned above is cumbersome and time-consuming. In this work, we show a surface-nanodroplet-decorated microfluidic device for isolation and analysis of small microplastics (diameter of 10 μm) from water. Surface nanodroplets are able to capture nearby microplastics as water flows through the microfluidic device. Using a model microplastic solution, we show that microplastics of various sizes and types can be captured and visualized by using optical and fluorescence microscopy. More importantly, as the surface nanodroplets are pinned on the microfluidic channel, the captured microplastics can also be analyzed using a Raman spectroscope, which enables both physical (i.e., size and shape) and chemical (i.e., type) characterization of microplastics at a single-particle level. The technique shown here can be used as a simple, fast, and economical detection method for small microplastics.

Assessments of groundwater recharge process and residence time using hydrochemical and isotopic tracers under arid climate: Insights from Errachidia basin (Central-East Morocco)

The aquifer systems in the Errachidia basin, located to the south of the High Atlas limestone, are constituted by three superimposed and exploitable aquifers (Senonian, Turonian, and Infracenomanian). These aquifers hold economic significance for the central-east region of Morocco. This area experiences an arid to Saharan climate characterized by low precipitation, high temperatures, and very high evaporation. It is one of the most exposed and vulnerable regions to climate change in Morocco. The low local rainfall cannot explain the recharge of the deep aquifers. However, the significant spring discharges from these aquifers indicate the existence of other recharge contributions.The aim of this study is to elucidate the recharge processes of the Cretaceous aquifers in the investigated basin, clarify hydraulic relationships between them and the Jurassic aquifers of the High Atlas Mountains and estimate the residence time of groundwaters. Water samples from aquifers are collected and analyzed for chemical and isotopic elements. Several statistical methods (SOM, discriminant factorial analysis, CPA) are employed. The results reveal that many samples from different aquifers exhibit clear similarities in chemical characteristics, providing evidence of water transfer between aquifers. Isotopic findings are consistent with chemical characterization and mineralization anomalies.Recharge of the investigated aquifers originates from the Jurassic limestone of the High Atlas Mountains, facilitated by the karstic nature of the Jurassic in contact with the permeable formations of the Cretaceous basin. Age dating results, using 3H and 14C values, confirm that most of the investigated groundwater results from a mixing of old and recent recharges. This process of groundwater renewability is relevant. All the findings are valuable for decision-makers to enhance their understanding of the aquifer system's functioning and inform sustainable management strategies for future sustainability.

Effects of primary leachates of conventional and alternative plastics in Cyprinodon variegatus fish larvae: Endocrine disruption and toxicological responses

The inclusion of hazardous substances in the formulation of plastics raises significant concerns, particularly, if those substances are released as primary leachates during plastic degradation and/or fragmentation. In this sense, the production of degradable plastics holding deleterious additives can increase the release of harmful substances into the environment. Additionally, the effects of primary leachates of “eco-friendly” materials remain unexplored. To address this, we performed exposures to primary leachates of alternative polymers, and commercial bags to verify possible responses associated with endocrine disruption and/or activation of the detoxification pathway in larvae of the marine fish model Cyprinodon variegatus.The chemical characterization evidenced a great number of additives in the formulation of the materials analyzed in this study. Those include, except for the PLA sample, relevant levels of the hazardous phthalates DEHP and DiBP.Regarding the effects on marine fish larvae, exposure to leachates from alternative polymers (10 g/L) PHB and PHBV produced remarkable mortality (100%). While the exposure to bag leachates of all tested materials (1 and 10 g/L) produced alterations in biomarkers for steroidogenic and detoxification pathways. To a lesser extent (10 g/L), three materials produced significant alterations in estrogenic biomarkers (Home-compostable bag 1, LDPE and Recycled PE bags). Although the alterations in gene expression were not directly correlated to the amount of DEHP or DiBP, we can conclude that primary leachates of “eco-friendly” bags are harmful to marine vertebrates.

Chemical characterization of atmospheric aerosols at a high-altitude mountain site: a study of source apportionment

Abstract. The study of aerosols in high mountain regions is essential because particulate matter can play a role in altering the energy balance of high mountain regions, and aerosols can accelerate glacier melting in high mountain areas by darkening the ice surface, reducing its reflectivity (albedo). Studying aerosols in high mountain areas provides insights into long-range transport of pollutants, atmospheric dynamics, and climate change impacts. These regions can serve as valuable observatories for studying atmospheric processes. The main aim of this paper is to define the main sources of aerosols over an entire year of sampling at the Col Margherita Atmospheric Observatory (MRG; 46°22′0.059′′ N, 11°47′30.911′′ E; 2543 m a.s.l.), a high-altitude background site in the eastern Italian Alps. Here, we discuss the potential origins of more than 100 chemical markers (major ions, water-soluble organic compounds, trace elements, and rare earth elements) using different approaches. Some diagnostic ratios were applied, but source apportionment using positive matrix factorization (PMF) was used to define the main inputs of PM10 collected at this high-altitude site, resulting in the identification of four factors: (1) Saharan dust events, (2) long-range marine/anthropogenic influence, (3) biogenic sources, and (4) biomass-burning and anthropogenic emissions. It can be inferred that, despite the distant location of the Col Margherita site, both regional pollution and long-range anthropogenic pollution have discernible effects on this area.

Risk-based imprecise post-remediation soil quality objectives

While risk-based contaminated land management is an essential component of sustainable remediation, uncertainty is an unavoidable aspect of risk assessment, since most of the parameters that influence risk are typically affected by uncertainty. Uncertainty may be of different origins; i.e., stochastic or epistemic. Stochastic (or aleatoric) uncertainty arises from random variability related to natural processes, while epistemic uncertainty arises from the incomplete/imprecise nature of available information. But the latter is rarely considered in risk assessments, with the result that risk-based soil quality objectives are almost invariably presented as precise (unique) threshold values. In this paper it is shown: (i) how the joint treatment of stochastic and epistemic uncertainty in risk assessment can lead to soil quality objectives presented as intervals rather than precise values and (ii) how this provides an upper risk-based safeguard for post-remediation monitoring values. The proposed method is illustrated by a real case of soils contaminated by arsenic located in the North-East of France. At this site steel manufacturers have gradually filled up a small valley with slag and dust, over more than a century. These materials are enriched in various metal(loid)s, including arsenic and lead. As the environmental authority has asked for a conversion of the site to other uses that may involve access by the general public, an investigation of human health risk was performed based on a sampling campaign and chemical characterizations including various types of extractions and an analysis of bioaccessibility. While further investigations are required to improve the bioaccessibility model, the human health risk presented herein shows how partial or imprecise information can be incorporated in the analysis while taking into account underlying uncertainties.

Chemical characterization and sources of background aerosols in the eastern Mediterranean

Measurements of the composition of the gas and particulate phases were conducted from May 9 to June 4 of 2016 at the Finokalia (Greece) remote coastal site in the eastern Mediterranean, continuing the effort to track long term changes of the atmospheric chemical composition in the area. Finokalia is influenced by air masses arriving in the site from regional sources in Europe, Africa, and other locations. In this study, a series of instruments and analysis techniques were used for the first time at the Finokalia site to characterize the composition of the organic aerosol (OA). The PM1 was composed of ammonium sulfate/bisulfate (60%), followed by organics (35%) and black carbon (BC) (4%). The OA was highly oxidized with an average oxygen-to-carbon (O:C) ratio of 0.81. Source apportionment of high-resolution organic aerosol mass spectra via positive matrix factorization (PMF) identified four factors: less oxidized oxygenated organic aerosol (LO-OOA), more oxidized oxygenated organic aerosol (MO-OOA), marine-related oxygenated organic aerosol (marine-OOA) and hydrocarbon-like organic aerosol (HOA). The LO-OOA (O:C = 0.92) was the dominant factor for most of the campaign (51% of the PM1 OA), while the MO-OOA (O:C = 1.1) was responsible for 11% of the OA. The marine-OOA factor was also highly oxidized (O:C = 1.03), contributing on average 24% to the total OA and was found to be well correlated with sulfate (R2 = 0.83). The anthropogenic HOA factor (O:C = 0.36) was related to activities in the island of Crete. Its mass spectrum was quite similar (R2 = 0.86–0.95) to those of other HOA factors in the literature and its average concentration was 0.2 μg m−3 (14% of OA). High molecular weight compounds were found, suggesting the presence of oligomers in agreement with the presence of a highly oxidized quenching agent. Aromatic VOCs, like benzene, toluene, and xylenes were on average 0.17, 0.66 and 0.36 ppb, respectively with toluene concentrations indicating the presence of a local source despite the remote nature of the site. New particle formation (NPF) was observed during 26% of the days. The air masses during NPF events passed over the island of Crete and the Balkans and were characterized by a low condensation sink (5.9 ± 2.2 10−3 s−1). Nucleation mode particle concentrations during NPF days had an additional evening peak between 17:00 and 22:00, which was accompanied by an HOA peak implying the influence of a source of sub-25 nm particles in the extended area. These findings show that even a relatively remote site like Finokalia is occasionally affected by sources located tens of kilometers away, something that should be taken into account in the interpretation of past and future measurements in this location.

Electrodeposition of Zn[sbnd]Co alloy coatings on carbon steel and their corrosion resistance

The development of ZnCo alloys appeared as alternative for obtaining layers more resistant than the conventional zinc with a minimum increment of cost. The aim of this work is to study the electrodeposition mechanism of the ZnCo alloy on SAE 1020 carbon steel by cyclic voltammetry using two baths with different [Zn2+]/[Co2+] concentration ratios and also to evaluate the corrosion resistance in 0.1 mol L−1 NaCl of electrodeposits obtained potentiostatically using electrochemical techniques as electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, linear polarization resistance and potentiodynamic polarization curves. The voltammograms showed two anodic peaks attributed to dissolution of zinc rich ƞ-phases and cobalt, and a cathodic peak related to ZnCo alloy deposition. The nucleation mechanisms were examined by fitting the experimental data (chronoamperometry) into the Scharifker and Hills nucleation models. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed that the electrodeposits obtained for the [Zn2+]/[Co2+] 9:1 ratio presented a structure in the form of hexagonal platelets in comparison to the electrodeposits with [Zn2+]/[Co2+] 12:1 ratio, which presented cauliflower-shaped structures. On the other hand, the electrochemical techniques proved that the electrodeposits obtained for the [Zn2+]/[Co2+] 9:1 ratio at potential of −1450 mV presented the best anticorrosive properties. Structural and chemical characterization of coatings was accomplished by XRD and XRF.

Characterization and Biological Activities of the Ulvan Polysaccharide-Rich Fraction Obtained from Ulva rigida and Ulva pseudorotundata and Their Potential for Pharmaceutical Application.

Seaweed from the genus Ulva (Ulvales, Chlorophyta) has a worldwide distribution and represents a potential biomass source for biotechnological applications. In the present study, we investigated the ulvan polysaccharide-rich fraction (UPRF) isolated from two Ulva species (U. rigida and U. pseudorotundata), naturally occurring on the Spanish Mediterranean coast. Chemical characterization of UPRFs was performed in order to explore the polysaccharides' composition. Biological assessments of UPRFs were compared by antioxidant activity and in vitro toxicity tests in the human cell lines: HCT-116 (colon cancer), G-361 (malignant melanoma), U-937 (leukemia), and HaCaT cells (immortalized keratinocytes). Chemical analysis revealed that both UPRFs presented rhamnose as the major relative sugar constituent, followed by glucose in U. rigida and xylose in U. pseudorotundata. Both also presented glucuronic acid, galactose, ribose, and mannose as the remaining monosaccharides. Similar antioxidant activity was obtained, where we observed increased activity in response to increased polysaccharide concentrations. Both UPRFs presented moderate toxicity against HCT-116 cell lines and a selectivity index ≥ 3, suggesting a good potential for use in pharmaceutical products.

Preparation and characterization of SiO2–Al2O3–MgO–CaO–based ceramic foams mainly from Ca–Mg–rich molybdenum tailings

Molybdenum tailings (MTs) and kaolinite were used as the main materials in the fabrication ceramic foams (CFs) via the high-temperature sintering method, with the addition of SiC as a foaming agent. The effects of MT content on the basic physical properties, pore structure, and chemical characterization were investigated. Results showed that MT enhanced the foaming capability. When the MT content was 60% and the sintering temperature was 1170 °C, the optimum CFs obtained demonstrated bulk density, porosity, water absorption, and compressive strength of 0.55 g/cm3, 77.3%, 6.94%, and 6.74 MPa, respectively, and the pore structure was relatively homogeneous with an average pore diameter of 0.67 mm. The results revealed that SiO2–-Al2O3–-MgO–-CaO system CFs can be prepared from Ca–Mg-rich MT, which provided a feasible strategy for value-added utilization of Ca–Mg-rich MT.

Influence of faults on mineralogy and geotechnical characteristics of Tropical Volcanic Residual Soils (TVRS) concerning environmental issues and regional development, Case Study: West Lampung Transect Road, Sumatra, Indonesia

Hydrothermal alteration occurs in andesitic rocks in the study area due to the presence of the Great Sumatran Fault. This study shows the consequences of this phenomenon on the characteristics of volcanic residual soils. This study comprises volcanic residual soils formed from the same andesitic rocks in a site located in West Lampung, Sumatra, Indonesia which has a tropical climate. Chemical, physical, and mineralogical characterizations were carried out to describe the materials and the changes imposed by their alteration. Effects of alteration on the soil’s behavior were assessed in terms of plasticity.

Study on material basis and anti-hypertensive metabolomics of Zhengan-Xifeng-Tang(ZXT): A comparison between ZXT decoction and granules

High blood pressure is a serious human health problem and one of the leading risk factors for fatal complications in cardiovascular disease. The ZXT granules were prepared based on the Zhengan-Xifeng-Tang (ZXT) decoction. However, the therapeutic effects of ZXT granules on spontaneous hypertension and the metabolic pathways in which they may intervene are unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the antihypertensive effect of ZXT granules on spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and to analyze the metabolic pathway of intervention through chemical composition characterization, pharmacodynamics, and serum metabolomics analysis. After eight weeks of administration, serum and aortic arch samples were collected for biochemical, histopathology and serum metabolomics analysis to assess the effect of ZXT granules on SHR. The results showed that ZXT granules reduced aortic arch injury and blood pressure in SHR rats. Serum data from rats in each group was collected using LC-MS and 74 potential biomarkers were identified that showed significant differences between the model and control groups. Of these, 18 potential biomarkers were found to be deregulated after intervention with ZXT granules. These 18 potential differential metabolic markers are primarily involved in bile acid biosynthesis, arachidonic acid metabolism pathway, and fatty acid degradation. The results demonstrated that ZXT granules significantly affected blood lipids, aortic arch, and metabolic disorders in SHR rats. ZXT granules offer a new possibility for effective and convenient treatment of hypertensive patients.

Novel electrochemical sensing platform for accurate detection of benzylpenicillin based on a graphene oxide-manganese ferrite modified carbon paste electrode

Antibiotic overuse and environmental disregard result in water supply contamination, caused antibiotic resistance. Given the global health concern, developing a sensitive, simple, and low-cost antibiotic sensor is critical. In this study, graphene oxide was incorporated with MnFe2O4 to modify the carbon paste electrode (CPE) as a new electrochemical platform for detecting benzylpenicillin, the widely used antibiotic. A comparative chemical and structural characterization of the synthesized MnFe2O4 nanoparticles (NPs) and GO/MnFe2O4 nanocomposites (NCs) verified that the successful integration of spherical particles of MnFe2O4 NPs onto GO nanosheets produces a rough surface. Furthermore, the structure and electrochemical characterization of the developed GO/MnFe2O4/CPE were conducted via field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), cyclic voltammetry (CV), and impedance spectroscopy (EIS) techniques. The proposed electrode presented enhanced active surface area and electrocatalytic performed due to the superior features of the used modifiers, which work synergistically. The GO/MnFe2O4/CPE demonstrated a high-performance benzylpenicillin sensing platform, giving a detection limit of 145 nM and sensitivity of 15.16 μAμM-1cm−1 as measured by differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) within two dynamic ranges of 1–100 μM and 100–1000 μM. The created sensor was applied as a practical apparatus for the electrochemical determination of benzylpenicillin in water samples.

Chemical, Thermogravimetric and Elemental Characterization of Nigerian Groundnut and Cowpea Shells for Sustainable Valorization

In this study, the chemical, thermogravimetric, and elemental composition of Nigerian groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) and cowpea shells (Vigna unguiculata) were investigated to understand their potential as valuable waste resources. Analysis of the carbohydrates and lignin content was performed using the National Renewable Energy Laboratory method. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy was used to determine the chemical structure of the substrates. Elemental analysis was performed using X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and an elemental analyzer to determine the carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, and sulphur. In addition, thermogravimetric analysis was used to assess the thermal stability of the substrates. The chemical composition analysis revealed that the cowpea shells contain 21.32% cellulose, 21.46% hemicellulose, and 28.37% lignin. On the other hand, groundnut shells comprise 26.31% cellulose, 19.5% hemicellulose, and 38.33% lignin. The XRF results indicated the presence of significant elemental compositions in both substrates, including Si, Al, Mg, Na, P, Fe, K, Ca, and S. The carbon content of both substrates was found to be 43%. Thermogravimetric analysis revealed that groundnut shells exhibit a higher cellulose decomposition temperature at 350 °C, whereas cowpea shells manifest this phenomenon at 322 °C. The results show that the cowpea shells had a higher heating value as they exceeded that of the groundnut shell by 0.89 per cent. These comprehensive findings show the substantial potential of Nigerian groundnut and cowpea shells as valuable waste materials, which can be effectively used to produce valuable products such as bioethanol, biochemicals, biochar, and bio-composite materials. This research contributes to understanding the composition and properties of these agricultural by-products, thus paving the way for their sustainable use in various industrial applications.

Potential Exploration of Biocompatible Carbon-Coated MoSe2 Nanoparticles for Exploration of the Photothermal Potential in the Treatment of Human Choriocarcinoma.

Molybdenum diselenide (MoSe2), as a nano near-infrared absorber, has been widely studied in the field of photothermal therapy of cancer. However, there is little research on its application in the treatment of human choriocarcinoma. In this paper, a new type of carbon-coated MoSe2 (MEC) nanoparticles was prepared by a one-step hydrothermal method. The chemical characterization including SEM, TEM, EDS, XRD, FT-IR, TGA, Roman, and XPS showed that MEC was successfully synthesized. MEC exhibited a high photothermal conversion efficiency (50.97%) and extraordinary photothermal stability under laser irradiation. The cell experiment results showed that MEC had good biocompatibility on normal cells while significant photothermal effect on human choriocarcinoma (JEG-3) cells, achieving a good anticancer effect. The level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in JEG-3 cells was significantly increased under the combination of MEC nanoparticles and near-infrared radiation. MEC nanoparticles could induce apoptosis of JEG-3 cells in combination with near-infrared radiation. Finally, transcriptomic analysis verified that MEC combined with laser radiation could inhibit DNA replication and induce apoptosis, thus improving its therapeutic effect on human choriocarcinoma. MEC nanoparticles exert an excellent photothermal effect and may become an important candidate drug for the treatment of human choriocarcinoma.

Comparison study between two different precursors of RGO/AuNPs one pot synthesis

One pot synthesis of graphene nanocomposites is low-cost and time-efficient methodology to be considered for large scale device fabrication. Graphene precursors made of renewable and waste materials such as rice husk, oil palm kernel and sugar are explored upon rising concern of expensiveness and hazard in conventional approaches. This paper presents chemical characterisation study of one pot reduced graphene oxide/gold nanoparticles (RGO/AuNPs) synthesised from low-cost sucrose as precursor and dehydroascorbic acid as green reducing agent at ambient condition which was originally used by Hurtado et al in 2020. Raman spectrum of RGO/AuNPs was compared to composite of commercial GO precursor to evaluate quality of reduction products. Result from UV–vis spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) showed that both techniques successfully eliminated oxygen-containing functional groups to form graphene constitution. Asides from lower stability, AuNPs in sucrose-derived RGO possessed larger size and was more dispersed than those of GO-derived RGO, implying the need to optimise the current recipe. Reduction mechanism of both precursors was proposed for better understanding. The aim of this work is to show feasibility of green graphene nanocomposite synthesis that could empower productivity of electronic, optical and optoelectronics applications.

Physical and Chemical Characterization of Commercial Kappa-Carrageenan with Ammonium Chloride as Electrolyte in Organic Battery Application

In this research, we attempt to investigate the difference in physical and chemical characteristics of commercial kappa-carrageenan and purified kappa-carrageenan as electrolytes in organic battery applications. Kappa-carrageenan was used as a host polymer to prepare biopolymer electrolyte films and ammonium chloride was used to enhance the charge transport process in the electrolyte layer of the organic battery. We characterized the physical and chemical properties of commercial kappa-carrageenan and purified kappa-carrageenan by use of UV-Vis spectroscopy, tensile-test measurement, Fourier Transform infrared spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy in the form of solution and thin film samples. The results show that commercial kappa-carrageenan shows the absorbance area in Ultraviolet range with a maximum peak at 286 nm, while the maximum absorbance peak of purified kappa-carrageenan is slightly shifted at 288 nm. The chemical characterization of both kappa-carrageenan based on FTIR and Raman spectra show no significant structural change between kappa-carrageenan with or without the addition of ammonium chloride. XRD diffraction confirms that commercial kappa-carrageenan is amorphous and kappa-carrageenan with ammonium chloride has high intensity with sharp peaks around 2θ = 32º. The morphology of the thin film of purified kappa-carrageenan seem has a rougher surface in comparison to the commercial kappa-carrageenan. We found commercial kappa-carrageenan with ammonium chloride has high conducting about 1.55 x 10-5 Scm-1. Tensile test measurements indicate that commercial kappa-carrageenan is more flexible for use as an organic battery than the purified kappa-carrageenan.