Concentration Of Nanoparticles Research Articles

Enhanced anticancer effect of lysozyme-functionalized metformin-loaded shellac nanoparticles on a 3D cell model: role of the nanoparticle and payload concentrations.

Here we used a 3D human hepatic tumour cell culture model to assess the in vitro efficacy of "active" metformin-loaded nanoparticles (NPs) as anticancer therapeutics. The metformin nanocarrier design was repurposed from previous studies targeting bacterial and fungal biofilms with antimicrobials loaded in protease-coated nanoparticles. These active nanocarriers were constructed with shellac cores loaded with metformin as the anticancer agent and featured a surface coating of the cationic protease lysozyme. The lysozyme's role as a nanocarrier surface coating is to partially digest the extracellular matrix (ECM) of the 3D tumour cell culture which increases its porosity and the nanocarrier penetration. Hep-G2 hepatic 3D clusteroids were formed using a water-in-water (w/w) Pickering emulsion based on an aqueous two-phase system (ATPS). Our specific metformin nano-formulation, comprising 0.25 wt% lysozyme-coated, 0.4 wt% metformin-loaded, 0.2 wt% shellac NPs sterically stabilized with 0.25 wt% Poloxamer 407, demonstrated significantly enhanced anticancer efficiency on 3D hepatic tumour cell clusteroids. We examined the role of the lysozyme surface functionality of the metformin nanocarriers in their ability to kill both 2D and 3D hepatic tumour cell cultures. The anticancer efficiency at high metformin payloads was compared with that at a high concentration of nanocarriers with a lower metformin payload. It was discovered that the high metformin payload NPs were more efficient than the lower metformin payload NPs with a higher nanocarrier concentration. This study introduces a reliable in vitro model for potential targeting of solid tumours with smart nano-therapeutics, presenting a viable alternative to animal testing for evaluating anticancer nanotechnologies.

Flexible Scaffold Modulation of Spatial Structure and Function of Hierarchically Porous Nanoparticle@ZIF-8 Composites to Enhance Field Deployable Disease Diagnostics.

Catalytic nanoparticle@metal-organic framework (MOF) composites have attracted significant interest in point-of-care testing (POCT) owing to their prominent catalytic activity. However, the trade-off between high loading efficiency and high catalytic activity remains challenging because high concentrations of nanoparticles tend to cause the misjoining and collapse of the MOFs. Herein, a facile strategy is reported to encapsulate high concentrations of platinum (Pt) nanoparticles into zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) using polydopamine (PDA) as a support for Pt@ZIF-8 and as a flexible scaffold for further immobilization of Pt nanoparticles. The resulting composite (Pt@ZIF-8@PDA@Pt) exhibits ultrahigh Pt nanoparticle loading efficiency, exceptional catalytic activity, stability, and a bright colorimetric signal. Following integration with lateral flow immunoassay (LFIA), the detection limits for pre- and post-catalysis detection of B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) are 0.18 and 0.015ng mL-1, respectively, representing a 6-fold and 70-fold improvement compared to gold nanoparticle-based LFIA. Moreover, Pt@ZIF-8@PDA@Pt-based LFIA achieves 100% diagnostic sensitivity for NT-proBNP in a cohort of 184 clinical samples.

DLS homemade setup: reviewing first and second-order coherence and autocorrelation concepts of a light source in the context of nanoparticle sizes synthesized by PLAL

The size of the nanoparticles (NP) is one of the most important and essential characteristics to know the properties of the synthesized nanostructures. The most common characterization procedures are related to Scanning Electronic Microscopy (SEM), Transmission Electronic Microscopy (TEM), and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM). Unfortunately, from a practical point of view, they represent a time-consuming procedure and require expensive equipment, which limits its application to specialized research groups. Significant attention has been paid to Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) as a simple, fast, and reproducible method for sizing nanoparticles. However, inadequate representation of the fundamental principles of DLS and data interpretation represents two of the most important challenges related to this technique. In this work we try to provide the fundamental principles of the DLS technique, the fundamental mathematical treatment of data obtained during the optical scattering studies and provide the MATLAB code to configure non-commercial DLS equipment. Additionally, analyzes of nanoparticles obtained by pulsed laser ablation of Ag, Au, Si and W and commercial Au nanoparticles were carried out. The particle size results are compared with SEM images to calculate the percentage error of the DLS measurements. The results show an error of 5%, 3.8%, 2.1% for the Ag, Au and Si nanoparticles respectively, which proves to be an excellent approximation to the real values of nanoparticle diameter. Meanwhile, the error in size for W nanoparticles by the same technique and commercial Au nanoparticle is 29% and 12%, which shows the effect of the hydrodynamic diameter of the nanoparticles. This work ends with the analysis of the concentration of nanoparticles and its importance in reliable results of DLS measurements.

Investigating the morphological, mechanical, barrier, and antibacterial properties of the polycaprolactone nanocomposite films reinforced with hybrid zinc oxide/polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane nanoparticles

ABSTRACT The importance of biopolymer-based nanocomposites in food packaging is growing significantly. Therefore, in the present study, we aim to examine the impact of zinc oxide (ZnO), polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes (POSS), and, for the first time, their hybrid on polycaprolactone (PCL) nanocomposites. For this matter, different concentrations of 1, 3, and 5 wt% of each nanoparticle and the hybrid were incorporated into the PCL nanocomposites via the solution casting method. Their chemical structures and interactions, crystalline structures, and morphology were investigated by FT-IR, WAXD, and SEM. Moreover, it was observed through contact angle and surface free energy experiments that an increase in the nanoparticle concentration corresponded to an increase in the contact angle values. The incorporation of hybrid POSS and ZnO equilibrated well between Young’s modulus, tensile strength, and elongation of the samples in their single status. Accordingly, the addition of the hybrid nanoparticles up to 3 wt% significantly increased the modulus and yield strength of PCL nanocomposites without any significant sacrifice in toughness. Also, PPZ3 (containing an optimal 3%wt. of hybrid nanoparticles) demonstrated the lowest permeability against both water vapor and O2 gas, exhibiting reductions of approximately 30 and 55% when compared to pristine PCL. Finally, the antibacterial properties of the nanocomposite films were investigated for S. aureus and E. coli bacteria and revealed. In addition to the antibacterial properties of ZnO and POSS nanoparticles, increasing the concentration of hybrid nanoparticles up to 5 wt% expanded S. aureus’s inhibitory zone. The balanced mechanical, and barrier characteristics, enhanced morphologies, and antibacterial effects of the novel hybrid nanocomposites present novel opportunities in the field of food packaging.

Novel application for graphene oxide-based ionanofluids in flat plate solar thermal collectors

This study presents new ionanofluids (INF) composed of 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate ionic liquid (IL) and graphene oxide (GO) nanoparticles which have been assessed for the first time in an experimental flat plate solar thermal collector (FPSC). For this purpose, four types of INFs were synthesized, maintaining a constant concentration of GO nanoparticles dispersed in different base fluids: ionic liquid (IL/GO), a mixture of ionic liquid and water in varying concentrations (IL-water (75–25)%/GO and IL-water (50–50)%/GO), and water (Water/GO). These four INFs were characterized and their thermophysical and physicochemical properties were determined. The results indicated a 37.4% improvement in efficiency and up to a 2.5-fold increase in temperature within the collector when the IL was applied exclusively as the base fluid, compared to water. Furthermore, IL/GO demonstrated excellent stability, showing no signs of deterioration or nanoparticle precipitation two years after preparation and testing. These findings suggest that INFs based on IL and GO nanoparticles significantly enhance the efficiency of FPSC, presenting a promising option for solar energy applications and opening a new research avenue for INFs in the production of domestic hot water.

Analysis of Breakdown Characteristics in Nanofluid Insulation Materials with Metal Particle Contamination

Optimal insulation in transformers is essential to maintain their performance and reliability. However, insulation-related problems, particularly transformer oil contamination, often result in premature transformer failure. To address this issue, a solution has been proposed in the form of a nanofluid, a mixture of transformer oil, and nanoparticles. This study aims to investigate the impact of metal particle contamination on the breakdown and levitation voltage characteristics of nanofluids as liquid insulating materials. The nanofluids were prepared by mixing mineral oil with Fe3O4 nanoparticles at three different concentrations. Tests were conducted to evaluate the AC breakdown and levitation voltages for various contaminant metal particle sizes. The experimental results demonstrate that contaminant particle size has a significant impact on the breakdown voltage. The nanofluid with a concentration of 0.008% Fe3O4 exhibited superior breakdown voltage performance compared to mineral oil and 0.016% Fe3O4 nanofluid. Furthermore, an increase in the levitation stress was observed as the contaminant particle size increased. The findings of this study emphasize the importance of controlling contamination and selecting the appropriate concentration of nanoparticles to enhance transformer insulation performance. This study also highlights the necessity of monitoring the size of contaminant particles to prevent potential damage. Consequently, this study makes a significant contribution to the advancement of more reliable and efficient transformer insulation technology.

Diversified role of nanoparticle concentration and radiating heat on the natural convection Couette flow through a vertical channel

Diversified role of nanoparticle concentration and radiating heat on the natural convection Couette flow through a vertical channel

Influence of graphene nanoplatelets dispersion in food graded heat transfer fluid on the performance of Non-Centrifugal cane sugar unit- a CFD approach

Non-centrifugal cane sugar unitusing food-grade heat transfer oils to make excellent jaggery is an emerging technology. Thermophysical characteristics of such fluids are crucial for improving the system’s efficiency. Graphene nanoplatelets with low weight concentrations are dispersed into Sigma-thermic fluid (STF) to prepare nanofluids which is utilized as heat transfer oils in the NCCS unit. To envisage the potential of these fluids a numerical model is developed by validating the experimental results of STF. Firstly, experiments with STF at 20 lpm, 433 K, were conducted in the NCCS unit, which was fabricated in the laboratory. The results are agreed with the error of 1.14 %; further, the developed numerical model is employed to envisage the potential of STF based graphene nanofluids. Morphological graphene studies are conducted, and nanofluids with different weight concentrations are subsequently prepared. Experimentally measured nanofluid thermophysical characteristics are employed in the numerical model. Simulations are run until the bowl inner surface achieves concentrated sugar cane juice temperature. The effect of inlet temperature and concentration of nanoparticles on the sugar cane juice boiling time, bowl inner surface temperature, heat transfer rate, performance index ratio, thermohydraulic performance, and entropy generation is investigated. The results show that the Nusselt number increases with temperature, and the Nusselt number enhanced by 13.48 %, 22.18 %, and 30.09 % at temperatures of 413 K, 423 K, and 433 K, respectively compared to 403 K temperature for GrS0.3 %. Moreover, heat transfer is enhanced by 22.17 % with GrS0.3 % nanofluid compared to base fluid (STF) in the shortest duration, i.e., 7767 s. As the intake fluid temperature rises from 403 K to 413 K, 423 K, and 433 K, fluid friction irreversibilities are 13 %, 20 %, and 25 %.

Optimised stress – intensification of pyocyanin production with zinc oxide nanoparticles

BackgroundPyocyanin is a blue pigment produced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Due to its unique redox properties over the last decade, it has gained more and more interest as a utile chemical. Nevertheless, it remains a rather costly reagent. It was previously shown that the production of pyocyanin can be enhanced by employing various methods. Among them are using statistical methods for planning the experiments or exposing bacterial cultures to stressors such as nanoparticles dosed in sublethal concentrations, e.g. zinc oxide nanoparticles.ResultsThe Design of Experiment (DoE) methodology allowed for calculating the optimal process temperature and nanoparticle concentration to intensify pyocyanin production. Low concentrations of the nanoparticles (6.06 µg/mL) and a temperature of 32℃ enhanced pyocyanin production, whereas higher concentrations of nanoparticles (275.75 µg/mL) and higher temperature stimulated biomass production and caused the abolishment of pyocyanin production. Elevated pigment production in zinc oxide nanoparticles-supplemented media was sustained in the scaled-up culture. Conducted analyses confirmed that observed stimulation of pyocyanin production is followed by higher membrane potential, altered gene expression, generation of reactive oxygen species, and accumulation of zinc in the cell’s biomass.ConclusionsPyocyanin production can be steered using ZnO nanoparticles. Elevated production of pyocyanin due to exposure to nanoparticles is followed by the number of changes in physiology of bacteria and is a result of the cellular stress. We showed that the stress response of bacteria can be optimised using statistical methods and result in producing the desired metabolite more effectively.

Green stabilization of silver nanoparticles over the surface of biocompatible Fe3O4@CMC for bactericidal applications

The emergence of antimicrobial resistance in bacteria, especially in agents associated with urinary tract infections (UTIs), has initiated an exciting effort to develop biocompatible nanoparticles to confront their threat. Designing simple, cheap, biocompatible, and efficient nanomaterials as bactericidal agents seems to be a judicious response to this problem. Here, a solvothermal method was hired for the one-pot preparation of the cellulose gum (carboxymethyl cellulose, CMC) magnetic composite to prepare a cost-effective, efficient, and biocompatible support for the plant-based stabilization of the silver NPs. The green stabilization of the Ag NPs is performed using Euphorbia plant extract with high efficiency. Various characterization methods, including FT-IR, XRD, SEM, EDS, TEM, and VSM were used to study the composition and properties of Fe3O4@CMC/AgNPs. The composite shows well integrity and monodispersity with a mean diameter of <300 nm, indicating its potential for bio-related application. The CMC functionalities of the proposed material facilitated the stabilization of the Ag NPs, resulting in their monodispersity and enhanced performance. The manufactured composite was used as an antibacterial agent for the removal of UTIs agents, collected from 200 hospitalized patients with acute coronary syndrome, which showed promising results. This study showed that the concentration of the Ag NPs has a direct relationship with the antibacterial properties of the composite.

Improved UV-Vis Detector Performance Prepared via the Electrospinning Technique by Doping Polymer Solutions with Iron Oxide

The iron (III) oxide nanoparticles (NPs) were prepared by a solvent-controlled method when preparing the electrospinning solution. Nanofibers (NFs) were prepared from pure PVP and PVP doped with ratios 1 %wt., 2 %wt. and 3 %wt. of Fe2O3 NPs at room temperature by the electrospinning technique. Optical properties like absorbance and the band energy gap ([Formula: see text]g) were studied, and the direct band gap of pure PVP NFs is 4.07 eV and decreases slightly with increasing concentration of Fe2O3 NPs. The PVP NFs with Fe2O3 NPs were used as a UV-Vis light detector with good responsivity and specific detectives at a mixing rate of 3% Fe2O3 NPs, which was 12 A/W and 27.76 ×10[Formula: see text] Jones at wavelength 458.3 nm, and also had the lowest values for the rise-time and fall-time.

Experimental Investigation of Tailoring Functionalized Carbon-Based Nano Additives Infused Phase Change Material for Enhanced Thermal Energy Storage

The advancement of phase change materials (PCMs) as potential thermal energy storage (TES) materials for building envelopes holds promise for efficient energy utilization. However, the PCMs have a major drawback during energy storage, which is lower thermal conductivity, leading to inadequate heat transfer performance and energy storage density. The foremost objective is to formulate a nanocomposite by dispersing functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes in salt hydrate PCM with the presence of surfactant. A two-step technique is employed to formulate the nanocomposites with different weight concentrations (0.2, 0.4, 0.6 and 0.8%) of carbon-based nanoparticles and these nanocomposites are thoroughly characterized to explore the thermophysical properties. Resulting the nanocomposite demonstrates a significant improvement in thermal conductivity, increasing by 91.45%, which can be attributed to the well-developed thermal networks with the PCM matrix. The nanocomposite samples exhibit extreme thermal stability up to 477 °C with a slight enhancement of 4.6%. Optical investigations further confirmed that the transmissibility of PCM decreased to 8.3% from 62.8%, indicating an enhanced absorption capability due to the dark color nature of the nanoparticles. Moreover, the formulated nanocomposite demonstrated both chemical and thermal stability, with negligible changes in melting enthalpy even after 300 cycles of heating and cooling operations. Additionally, a numerical simulation analysis of 2D heat transfer was performed using Energy 2D software to demonstrate the efficacy of thermal conductivity in heat transfer. The thermally energized nanocomposite is suitable for medium-temperature TES applications such as photovoltaic thermal systems, building applications, textiles, electronic cooling, and desalination systems.

Evaluation of Aluminum Oxide Nanoparticle Blended with Alcohol Based Biodiesel at Variable Compression Ratios

This paper highlights the use of aluminum oxide nanoparticles as an additive in diesel-butanol blends to show its effect on fuel consumption, emissions and performance. In the present experiment, different concentrations of aluminium oxide nanoadditives (30, 50, and 70 ppm) are used in alcohol-based biodiesel. Butanol has been used in concentrations of 5 and 10 % in diesel and therefore all blends are termed as B5 and B10 in addition to nanoparticle concentration to avoid complexity. These different blends (B5+30, B5+50, B5+70, B10+30, B10+50, B10+70) are tested for various engine loads at a constant speed of 1500 rpm. The experiment was performed on a Variable compression ratio (VCR) engine at varying compression ratios of 16, 17, and 18. Engine characteristics at different compositions of the blend at different compression ratios were provided by the interfaced computer through the software. The enhanced performance effects can be easily seen from the outcomes in the increment in brake thermal efficiency of the blends as compared to neat diesel. Considerable decrement can be observed in carbon monoxide (CO) and unburnt hydrocarbon (HC) values with an increase in compression ratio. Moderate reduction can be observed in NOx at higher loads in contrast to neat diesel.

Maximizing Dental Composite Performance: Strength and Hardness Enhanced by Innovative Polymer-Coated MgO Nanoparticles

IntroductionZein-incorporated magnesium oxide nanoparticles (zMgO NPs) can influence the mechanical properties of dental materials. However, the effect of this addition on the mechanical properties of resin composite has yet to be investigated. The objective of this study was to add various concentrations of zMgO NPs to conventional, flowable, and bulk-fill composite and assess the effect on the compressive strength, flexural strength, and microhardness. Methodology150 samples each of conventional composite, flowable composite, and bulk-fill composite (n=450) were enhanced with concentrations of zMgO NPs at 0%, 0.3%, 0.5%, 1%, and 2% (n=30). 10 samples of each group were randomly allotted to the compressive strength, flexural strength, or hardness test. Characterization of the specimens was performed by X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. Two-way ANOVA test was used to compare between groups, and one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey's test was done at p=0.05 to determine significance. ResultsCharacterization yielded a uniform distribution of nanoparticles in the matrix and the formation of a new hybrid composite that maintained its properties. Composite of all types enhanced with 0.3% and 0.5% zMgO NPs demonstrated a statistically significant increase in compressive strength, flexural strength, and hardness when compared to the control (p<0.05). The bulk-fill composite with zMgO NPs concentrations of all groups demonstrated a statistically significant increase (p<0.05) in hardness when compared to the control. ConclusionThe modified composites’ compressive strength, flexural strength, and hardness improved or remained consistent. Clinical SignificanceAn improved dental resin composite will enhance the quality of care and patient experience. The augmented strength and hardness of resin composite is desirable in prolonging the durability of the restoration.

Thermal characteristics of nanofluid ice slurry flowing through a spiral tube: A computational study

Nanofluid ice slurry (NICS) has recently attracted significant attention in the field of thermal engineering as an alternative refrigerant, offering a cost-effective, stable, and environmentally friendly cold storage solution. To maximize its potential, a thorough understanding of its heat transfer characteristics is crucial. Unfortunately, this information is not available for spiral tubes which are commonly used in thermal systems due to their superior heat transfer performance. This may hinder further development and implementation of this technology. Hence, the present investigation aims to analyze the flow characteristics and heat transfer mechanisms of a graphene oxide hybrid NICS within a spiral tube employing a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) methodology. More specifically, an interphase heat and mass transfer model, derived from the Euler–Euler model, is formulated to accurately represent the phase transition phenomena occurring within the nanofluid. The results indicate that the spiral tube structure enhances ice crystal accumulation inside the tube, leading to lower outlet temperatures and improved heat transfer without causing ice blockage. The NICS shows a 3% higher pressure drop compared to pure water ice slurry. Increased nanoparticle concentrations enhance thermal conductivity, benefiting heat transfer, but also raise viscosity, resulting in greater internal friction. A Nusselt correlation based on Prandtl and Dean numbers is formulated to aid future studies and the design of NICS systems. When the Reynolds number increases from 3600 to 6600, the Nusselt number rises by approximately 21% for pure water ice slurry and 22% for nanofluid ice slurry.

Structural, optical, and morphological evaluation of PVA/Bi-Ni oxide-rGO nanocomposite casted films for optical devices applications

Herein, the polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) films doped with various concentrations of Bi2O3-NiO-rGO (BNG) nanoparticles were prepared through casting method. BNG nanoparticles were synthesized first using the co-precipitation method and then loaded into the polymer matrix. Various techniques like X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, and optical microscopes were used to determine the PVA’s structure after BNG nanoparticle additives. The thermal stability of the PVA’s film after the additive BNG nanoparticles was examined using the DSC technique. Furthermore, the optical parameters including bandgap energy (Eg), Urbach energy (EU), refractive index (n), optical conductivity, and optical dielectric constants were investigated via the absorbance and transmission data recorded using UV-visible spectroscopy. In addition, the photoemission spectra of the PVA matrix were determined after the inclusion of BNG nanoparticles. The Eg value decreases from 5.57 eV to 3.94 eV and from 4.8 eV to about 1.98 eV for direct and indirect transitions, respectively. While the EU value increases from 0.39 eV for pure PVA to about 3.23 eV for PVA: 4%BNG. The refractive index grows with the insertion of BNG to the PVA from 1.387 for pure PVA to about 5.157 for PVA: 4%BNG, which is a good suggestion for optical glasses applications. In addition, the increase in optical dielectric constants and optical conductivity with rising the BNG nanoparticle concentrations in the PVA matrix was confirmed. Such enhancement suggests the use of prepared samples in optical device applications.

Ongoing International Interlaboratory Comparisons on Size, Shape and (Relative) Concentration of Complex Nanoparticles under the Pre-Standardization Platform of VAMAS

Ongoing International Interlaboratory Comparisons on Size, Shape and (Relative) Concentration of Complex Nanoparticles under the Pre-Standardization Platform of VAMAS

Comparison of fruit and quality parameters of tomato and capsicum by using different amount of nano ZnO through foliar and seed application

Selecting the appropriate dosage of nano zinc oxide for tomato and capsicum plants is crucial since higher concentration may negatively impact crop productivity and quality. Maintaining soil health helps in increasing crop output and quality without degrading the soil from overfertilization. The main objective of the study was to determine the physiological responses of both crops and ideal dose of nano zinc oxide (ZnO) for yield maximization and quality enhancement under controlled conditions. In present study, nano ZnO had noticeable effect on the fruit and quality parameters of both Solanaceous crops. Plants were treated with seed treatment and foliar applications of nano ZnO @ 50, 100, and 150 parts per million (ppm) along with 100% recommended dose of nutrients (RDN) through vermicompost; and 100% RDN through integration of vermicompost and fertilizers. In addition, nano zinc oxide was not supplied to the control treatment plants (T1). The results of the study revealed that 50 ppm of nano ZnO as foliar spray increased fruit and quality parameters in tomato and capsicum. In case of protein content, treatment comprised of 50 ppm of nano ZnO as seed treatment + 100% RDN through vermicompost and fertilizers, produced higher protein content over control. Furthermore, the application of nano ZnO lowered ascorbic acid levels in tomato and capsicum, while the control had the greatest levels. These results suggested that lower concentration of ZnO nanoparticles (50 ppm) is an ideal dosage and could be used in tomato and capsicum cultivation to improve yield and quality indices.

Evaluation of Statistical and Machine Learning Analysis on CRDI Engine using Ternary Fuel doped with Cerium Oxide Nanoadditives

At present, diesel engines are confronted with the formidable task of reconciling aggressive emission regulations with the preservation of intended engine performance. In order to tackle this concern, India can implement a comprehensive strategy that includes waste reduction, recycling programs, and the innovative use of waste-to-energy technologies. The potential synergistic effects of combining fuel mixtures with cerium oxide nanoparticles in CRDI diesel engines remain unexplored. This study employs response surface methodology and MLP regression to investigate these effects. This study explores the experimental design includes variation in blend ratios of karanja biodiesel (upto 20 %), compression ratios (18–22), and injection pressure (400–1200 bar), as well as CeO2 nanoparticle concentrations (50–150 ppm) using 10 % biobutanol. A combination of response surface methodology (RSM) and artificial neural network (ANN) techniques is used to assess and optimise the influence of diverse process parameters on engine responses. The machine learning processor (MLP) regressor model is more capable of forecasting engine responses than RSM modelling, as it has lower MAE, RMSE, and higher R2 values. According to the study, the best blend ratio, CR, Injection Pressure, and CeO2 concentration for the best performance and lowest emissions are 9.97 % biodiesel blend, CR of 20, an injection pressure of 797.4 bar, and CeO2 nanoparticle concentration of 100.1 ppm. The MAE value of the MLP regressor-based model ranged from 0.0011 to 0.0119. In terms of RMSE, MLP regressor-based model outputs are within reasonable boundaries. This study highlights the optimization of engine operating parameters and the application of nanotechnology in biodiesel blends. These findings can lead to the development of durable and eco-friendly fuel alternatives for internal combustion engines, promoting sustainable transportation.

Programmable Crowding and Tunable Phases in a Binary Mixture of Colloidal Particles under Light-Driven Thermal Convection.

We employ photothermally driven self-assembly of colloidal particles to design microscopic structures with programmable size and tunable order. The experimental system is based on a binary mixture of "plasmonic heater" gold nanoparticles and "assembly building block" microparticles. Photothermal heating of the gold nanoparticles under visible light causes a natural convection flow that efficiently assembles the microscale building block particles (diameter 1-10 μm) into a monolayer. We identify the onset of active Brownian motion of colloidal particles under this convective flow by varying the conditions of light intensity, gold nanoparticle concentration, and sample height. We realize a crowded assembly of microparticles around the center of illumination and show that the size of the particle crowd can be programmed using patterned light illumination. In a binary mixture of gold nanoparticles and polystyrene microparticles, we demonstrate the formation of rapid and large-scale crystalline monolayers, covering an area of 0.88 mm2 within 10 min. We find that the structural order of the assembly can be tuned by varying the surface charge of the nanoparticles and the size of the microparticles, giving rise to the formation of different phases-colloidal crystals, crowds, and gels. Using Monte Carlo simulations, we explain how the phases emerge from the interplay between hydrodynamic and electrostatic interactions, as well as the assembly kinetics. Our study demonstrates the promise of self-assembly with programmable shapes and structural order under nonequilibrium conditions using an accessible setup comprising only binary mixtures and LED light.