Concentration Of Nanoparticles Research Articles

Preparation and properties of Ni-SiO2 superhydrophobic coating by brush plating on inner wall of pipeline

Coal is easy to stay on the inner wall of the pipeline during transportation. In order to solve this problem, it is usually necessary to improve the hydrophobicity of the inner wall of the pipeline. In this study, 45 # steel, which is wear-resistant and has good machinability, is used as the matrix for coal pipeline. Ni-SiO2 composite coatings were prepared on the inner surface of 45 # steel pipelines using a novel brush plating tool, and the hydrophobicity of the coatings were evaluated. Firstly, a series of four-factor and three-level orthogonal tests were conducted to investigate the impact of brush plating working voltage (12V, 14V, 16V), nanoparticle concentration (1g/L, 2g/L, 3g/L), brush plating duration (2min, 3.5min, 5min), and bath temperature (25 ℃, 35 ℃, 45 ℃) on the hydrophobicity of the composite coating. Subsequently, optimum process parameters were determined. Then 1H, 1H, 2H, 2H- perfluorodecyltrimethoxysilane was used to modify the coating surface in order to further improve its hydrophobicity. Scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy spectrum analyzer (EDS), optical contact angle measuring instrument, white light interferometer, Vickers hardness tester, scratch tester, friction and wear meter and electrochemical workstation were used to evaluate the coating's related properties. The experimental results show that the Ni-SiO2 nano-composite coating has a higher angle (135°) when the operational voltage of brush plating is 14V, the amount of nanoparticles is 3g/L, the brush plating time is 2min, and the bath temperature is 35 ℃. The concentration of nanoparticles is the biggest factor affecting the hydrophobicity through orthogonal test analysis, so the control variable method is used to further study the influence of the concentration of nanoparticles on the comprehensive performance of the coating. It was found that with the increase of nanoparticle concentration, surface quality and comprehensive performance of the coating showed a trend of increasing first and then decreasing, and the surface of the coating was rougher when the nanoparticles were added at 4g/L, and the maximum porosity was 31.34%. At this time, the contact angle of the super hydrophobic coating has reached 150.1°, which has reached the super hydrophobicity, and the coating has good hardness, wear resistance and corrosion resistance.

Analysis of thermal significances of nanofluids in inclined magnetized flow with Joule heating source and slip effects

The growing need for effective thermal management systems in engineering applications will improve performance by using nanofluids. Nanofluids, which show enhanced thermal characteristics compared to typical fluids, offer an effective way for heat transmission processes in industries. This study is particularly useful for systems where traditional fluids are insufficient for improving thermal performance. Understanding the overall impacts of Joule heating, magnetic fields, and slip conditions would be beneficial in fields such as aircraft, microelectronics, and biomedical engineering.The thermal significances of nanofluids in an inclined magnetized flow are analyzed in this work, taking slip effects and the Joule heating source into account. The motivation behind the current research is to investigate the flow and heat transfer behavior of magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) nanofluid under the influence of Joule heating in the presence of slip conditions.Based on conservation laws and suitable boundary conditions, the governing formulas for mass, momentum, energy, and nanoparticle concentration are developed. In this thermal investigation, unsteady nanofluid flow in two dimensions via a nonlinear stretched configuration is studied numerically together with an example of a non-uniform heat source. Using similarity transformation, the governing partial differential equation for chemical radiation and slip effects parameters for hydromagnetic flow is transformed into a set of ordinary differential equation (ODE). To solve these equations, a numerical method is applied. This study found that the velocity, mass transfer, temperature, concentration, heat transfer, and skin friction coefficient are significantly influenced by the chemical reaction, radiation parameter, and velocity slip. A graphical representation of the parameters influencing the heat transfer and the velocity changes in calculation is observed.

A hybrid gripper with electro-adhesive film for variable friction

In recent years, gripper technology has gained attention in robotics for reliably handling objects with delicate and complex shapes. Electro-adhesive grippers, in particular, have received significant attention due to their role in enhancing object grasping and manipulation capabilities. While much of the existing research has focused on improving electro-adhesion through advancements in EA film and nanoparticle modifications, this study takes a different approach by integrating electro-adhesion as an auxiliary function within a mechanical gripper. This integration allows for a novel hybrid gripper that uses electro-adhesive force to reduce the required normal force during gripping, thereby improving the handling of challenging objects. We thoroughly analyzed the gripper’s geometric design, along with its kinematic and mechanical properties. Our study also examined crucial performance parameters, such as nanoparticle content, composition, and electrode design, to optimize the generation and maintenance of electro-adhesion. To confirm performance, the developed gripper was affixed to a UR3 robotic manipulator from Universal Robotics, and gripping experiments on assorted objects, as well as anti-slip control experiments, were carried out. The results demonstrated that the integration of electro-adhesive force with a mechanical gripper significantly enhances gripping capability, particularly in terms of slip control and friction variation. This indicates that the Electro-Adhesive (EA) film hybrid gripper presents a novel and effective approach to advancing gripping and manipulation technologies.

Assessing the physico-mechanical, anti-bacterial, and anti-demineralization properties of orthodontic resin composite containing different concentrations of photoactivated zinc oxide nanoparticles on Streptococcus mutans biofilm around ceramic and metal orthodontic brackets: An ex vivo study

The aim of this study was to evaluate the physico-mechanical, anti-bacterial, and anti-demineralization properties of orthodontic resin composite containing photoactivated zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) on Streptococcus mutans biofilm around ceramic and metal brackets. Following the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) determination for ZnONPs, shear bond strength (SBS) was tested for composites containing different concentrations of ZnONPs. The chosen concentration was used to evaluate the microleakage, anti-bacterial, and anti-demineralization properties. Adding 50μg/mL of ZnONPs to the orthodontic composite did not negatively affect its physico-mechanical properties. ZnONPs (50μg/mL)-mediated aPDT and 0.2% chlorhexidine significantly (P=0.000) reduced S.mutans biofilms compared to the phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) groups (metal/PBS=7.47±0.7×106, and ceramic/PBS=7.47±0.7×106), with the lowest colony count observed in these groups (metal/chlorhexidine=1.06±0.4×105, ceramic/chlorhexidine=1±0.2×105, metal/ZnONPs-mediated aPDT=1.33±0.3×105, and ceramic/ZnONPs-mediated aPDT=1.2±0.3×105). Sodium fluoride varnish and ZnONPs-mediated aPDT showed the highest efficacy in anti-demineralization and significantly improving the enamel surface microhardness compared to the artificial saliva, especially in ceramic bracket groups (524.17±42.78N and 441.00±29.48N, 394.17±46.83N, P=0.000, and P=0.003, respectively). ZnONPs (50μg/mL)-mediated aPDT effectively inhibited S.mutans biofilm and promoted anti-demineralization without adverse effects on the physico-mechanical properties of the composite resin. These results suggest the potential of this method in preventing white spot lesions during orthodontic treatment.

Correlation and application of thermal expansion coefficient/elastic modulus for co-sintered composite cermet/ceramic materials

Deformation and stress concentration appearing during high-temperature sintering process significantly affect production quality of solid oxide cell (SOC), due to mismatched mechanical and thermophysical properties of the sintered electrode and electrolyte. In this study, a coarse-grained molecular dynamics (CG-MD) method is developed to evaluate and correlate coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) and elastic modulus during the entire co-sintering process (including temperature-increasing, −insulation, and -decreasing stages). It is revealed that, in the sintered porous cermet electrode, CTE primarily exhibits an increasing trend until temperature-decreasing stage. Compared to the constant values commonly applied in the literature, the elastic modulus experiences a decay trend with a reduction of 32.14 % in the porous electrode and 9.68 % reduction in the dense electrolyte. The obtained CTE and elastic modulus are correlated with the sintering parameters and further applied to a macroscopical model for predicting overall sintering warpage and stress in a co-sintered SOC half-cell composed of a thick porous electrode and a thin dense layer. The varied CTE is identified as the main factor influencing warpage deformation, while the elastic modulus as a more significant impact on the von Mises stress during the co-sintering of the half-cell. Analysis is further conducted by orthogonal testing method for sintering temperature, sintering time, material content and diameter ratio of the porous cermet nanoparticles, aiming to optimize the varied CTE and elastic modulus, particularly during the temperature-insulation process. Subsequently, the optimized properties are implemented, and it is found that, after sintering insulation for 120 min, the maximum warpage displacement is about 7.34 mm, which represents a decrease of approximately 14.11 %; while the von Mises stress is observed to be 379.24 MPa, which indicates a reduction of around 37.33 % compared with the predictions by the constant properties.

Are Nanostructured Lipid Carriers (NLC) better than Solid Lipid Nanoparticles (SLN) for delivering abiraterone acetate through the gastrointestinal tract?

Abiraterone acetate (AbA) is a progesterone derivative indicated for the treatment of metastatic prostate cancer. This BCS (Biopharmaceutics Classification System) Class IV molecule has an extremely poor oral bioavailability (<10 %), notably due to its very low water solubility and intestinal permeability. Among the few existing galenic strategies to improve AbA’s oral bioavailability, lipid nanoparticles such as Solid Lipid Nanoparticles (SLN) and Nanostructured Lipid Carriers (NLC) are relevant nanovectors. The objective of this study is to develop and compare SLN and NLC for oral delivery of abiraterone acetate. Both SLN and NLC are biocompatible, biodegradable and produced by high pressure homogenization (HPH), an ecological-friendly manufacturing process, organic solvent-free and easily scalable. The HPH process allowed the formation of AbA-loaded SLN and NLC with particle size lower than 160 nm and high encapsulation efficiencies. The addition of a liquid lipid significantly reduced the mean diameter of the nanoparticles, reflecting the greater benefit of the NLC formulation compared to SLN. Both SLN and NLC formulations offered an important protection of AbA in intestinal media, with a better stability for NLC. When encapsulated in SLN or NLC, the AbA is strongly retained by the nanoparticles, whatever the dissolution medium, which means that both formulas are able to protect and retain the drug in the intestinal tract, right up to its delivery to the enterocytes surface. High concentrations of nanoparticles were administered without cytotoxicity, especially for the NLC, which provides a real added value in terms of biocompatibility with Caco-2 cells. Finally, the nanoparticles were able to penetrate into enterocytes by the transcellular route, demonstrating an intense cellular internalization.

Effect of Particle Size and Concentration of ZnO Nanoparticles on Growth, Yield and Seedling Parameters in Buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum L.)

The experiment was conducted in both field and lab conditions to study the Effect of Particle Size and Concentration of ZnO Nanoparticles on Growth, Yield and Seedling Parameters in Buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum L.) Under Late Sowing Conditions in Eastern Uttar Pradesh Region the lab experiment was performed in CRD with four different size ranges of zinc oxide Nanoparticles (20-30nm, 40-50nm, 60-80nm, 80-100nm) each of three concentrations (30PPM, 60PPM, 80PPM). The field experiment was performed during Rabi season of 2022-2023 in Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj Uttar Pradesh with a control was laid out in factorial RBD with 3 Replications. The results revealed that T1(20-30nm, 30PPM for 8hrs) shows greater Performance among parameters viz Plant height 30 DAS (23.45), Plant height 80 DAS (91.36), Days to first flowering (26.11), Number of Branches (4.43), Seeds per Plant (142.39), Seed yield per plot (11.87), Seed yield per hectare (1.19), Economic Yield (11.87), Biological Yield (32.76). and Harvest Index (36.23) and T3(20-30nm, 80PPM for 8hrs) exhibit greater in Leaf surface area (22.37), Test Weight (27.34). The lab results revealed the treatment T1(20-30nm, 30PPM for 8hrs) showing greater performance in Germination Percentage (95.63), Root Length (14.57), Seedling Length (24.76), Vigor Index-1 (2369.25), Electric conductivity (0.327), Protein content (13.59), Seed metabolic efficiency and T3 (20-30nm, 80PPM for 8hrs) shows greater Performance in Shoot length (11.57), Fresh Weight (2.19), Dry Weight (0.80), Vigor Index-2 (72.67), Seed Density (0.8), Chlorophyll Content (2.84), Dehydrogenize Activity (0.996).

Pickering Emulsion Stabilized by Different Concentrations of Whey Protein–Cress Seed Gum Nanoparticles

Nanoparticles based on food-grade materials are promising materials to develop Pickering emulsions for food applications. Initially, this study focuses on the development of nanoparticles through the utilization of a soluble complex of whey protein concentrate (WPC) and cress seed gum (CSG), which were modified by calcium chloride (CaCl2) as a cross-linker. The response surface methodology was used to investigate the impact of different concentrations of WPC (1–4% w/v), CSG (0–1% w/v), and CaCl2 (1–3 mM) on particle size, polydispersity index (PDI), and Zeta potential. The optimum conditions for the production of CSG–WPC nanoparticles (WPC–CSG NPs) were 0.31% (w/v) CSG, 1.75% (w/v) WPC, and 1.69 mM CaCl2, resulting in nanoparticles with average size of 236 nm and Zeta potential of −22 mV. Subsequently, oil-in-water (O/W) Pickering emulsions were produced with different concentrations of WPC–CSG NPs in optimum conditions. The contact angles of the WPC–CSG NPs were 41.44° and 61.13° at concentrations of 0.5% and 1%, respectively, showing that NPs are suitable for stabilizing O/W Pickering emulsions. Pickering emulsion viscosity rose from 80 to 500 mPa when nanoparticle concentration increased from 0.5% to 1%. Results also showed that WPC–CSG NPs enable stable O/W Pickering emulsions during storage and thermal treatment, confirming that protein–polysaccharide NPs can provide a sufficient steric hindrance.

CFD Study and Regression Analysis of the MHD Mixed Convection of CNT-Water Nanofluid in a Vented Rounded Edge Rectangular Cavity Having Inner Vertical Rod Bundle

Abstract: This current work provides a comprehensive Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) investigation of three-dimensional magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) mixed convection of carbon nanotube (CNT)-water nanofluid within a vented rectangular cavity featuring an internal vertical rod bundle with circular, square, and triangular cross-sections. The finite element method (FEM) was used to investigate the effects of key parameters, including the Richardson number (0.01 ≤ Ri ≤ 10), Hartmann number (0 ≤ Ha ≤ 100), and CNT nanoparticle concentration (0 ≤ ф ≤ 0.045), in relation to fluid flow and heat transfer performance. The CNT nanoparticle incorporation increases the nanofluid’s heat transfer capacity by up to 22%, with the highest average Nusselt number (Nuav) achieved with circular rods at ф = 0.045, which corresponds to the higher convective heat transfer efficiency. The magnetic field further stabilizes the flow by reducing thermal convection irregularities, with a 15% improvement in temperature distribution uniformity when Ha = 100. The investigation’s outcomes reveal that due to their smoother geometries, the circular rods exhibit better thermal exchange rates compared to square and triangular rods. Moreover, a polynomial regression model is used to correlate the governing parameters and heat transfer rates, and it achieves a high R2 of 0.964. These findings highlight the potential of CNT-water nanofluid and magnetic field applications for thermal management optimization in various engineering systems.

Environmental toxicity assessment of engineered nanoparticles manifest histo-hemato alterations to fresh water fish

The present study rigorously examined the toxicological effects of nanoparticles (NPs), specifically nickel (Ni) and chromium oxide (Cr3O4) NPs, synthesized under controlled conditions and characterized. To evaluate their potential environmental impact exposed the freshwater fish Labeo rohita (L. rohita) to environmentally relevant concentrations of both NPs within a controlled laboratory conditions. Vital organs, including gills and liver were subjected to histopathological analysis, revealing profound alterations in tissue architecture that were distinctly correlated with pathological damage. The lesions exhibited moderate to severe changes that are further correlated with the semi-quantitative mean alteration value (MAV). Furthermore, conducted a quantitative assessment of tissue-specific morphological changes. Notably, there was a significant reduction in critical hematological changes, including red blood cell (RBC) and white blood cell (WBC) counts, hemoglobin concentrations and other parameters. All of which exhibited significant fluctuations in relation to increasing NPs concentrations. These findings underscore the critical necessity for continued investigation into the ecological risks associated with these nanoparticles.

Impact of Biosynthesized CeO2 Nanoparticle Concentration on the Tribological, Rheological, and Thermal Performance of Lubricating Oil

This study presents an approach to enhance the performance of lubricating oils through the environmentally friendly synthesis of cerium oxide (CeO2) nanoparticles using Moringa oleifera leaf extract. These biosynthesized nanoparticles were thoroughly characterized for their structural and thermal stability by utilizing X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. The CeO2 nanolubricants, prepared at various concentrations, displayed significant improvements in viscosity, stability, and thermal conductivity. Specifically, the 0.15 wt% concentration achieved the best performance, reducing viscosity to 9.79 pascal-second (Pa·s) at 80 °C while exhibiting excellent dispersion and minimal sedimentation over time. The thermal conductivity tests revealed a notable 43% increase in heat transfer efficiency at higher nanoparticle concentrations. Tribological tests conducted using a tribometer demonstrated significant improvements in the lubrication properties. The nanolubricant with a 0.15 wt% concentration of CeO2 nanoparticles achieved the lowest friction coefficient, showing an approximate 26% reduction compared to the base oil, along with a notable decrease in wear rate. This study demonstrates the potential of biosynthesized CeO2 nanoparticles as effective, sustainable additives in lubricating oils, providing improved thermal, rheological, and tribological properties and marking a significant step toward eco-friendly lubrication solutions.

Thermal Performance Analysis of a Nonlinear Couple Stress Ternary Hybrid Nanofluid in a Channel: A Fractal-Fractional Approach.

Nanofluids have improved thermophysical properties compared to conventional fluids, which makes them promising successors in fluid technology. The use of nanofluids enables optimal thermal efficiency to be achieved by introducing a minimal concentration of nanoparticles that are stably suspended in conventional fluids. The use of nanofluids in technology and industry is steadily increasing due to their effective implementation. The improved thermophysical properties of nanofluids have a significant impact on their effectiveness in convection phenomena. The technology is not yet complete at this point; binary and ternary nanofluids are currently being used to improve the performance of conventional fluids. Therefore, this work aims to theoretically investigate the ternary nanofluid flow of a couple stress fluid in a vertical channel. A homogeneous suspension of alumina, cuprous oxide, and titania nanoparticles is formed by dispersing trihybridized nanoparticles in a base fluid (water). The effects of pressure gradient and viscous dissipation are also considered in the analysis. The classical ternary nanofluid model with couple stress was generalized using the fractal-fractional derivative (FFD) operator. The Crank-Nicolson technique helped to discretize the generalized model, which was then solved using computer tools. To investigate the properties of the fluid flow and the distribution of thermal energy in the fluid, numerical methods were used to calculate the solution, which was then plotted as a function of various physical factors. The graphical results show that at a volume fraction of 0.04 (corresponding to 4% of the base fluid), the heat transfer rate of the ternary nanofluid flow increases significantly compared to the binary and unary nanofluid flows.

A comparative study on the chronic responses of titanium dioxide nanoparticles on aerobic granular sludge and algal-bacterial granular sludge processes.

The chronic effects of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs) on aerobic granular sludge (AGS) and algal-bacterial granular sludge (ABGS) was examined in this study. Sequencing batch bioreactors (SBRs) and photo sequencing batch bioreactors (PSBRs) were operated with synthetic wastewater containing 0, 1, 5, 10, 20, 30, and 50mg L-1 TiO2 NPs for 10days. Nanoparticles at concentrations of 1 and 5mg L-1 did not impact nutrient removal but led to an increase in extracellular polymeric substances (EPSs), primarily in protein (PN). With increasing nanoparticle concentration, the negative effect became more pronounced, mainly in the AGS SBRs. At 50mg L-1 TiO2, chemical oxygen demand (COD), ammonia-nitrogen (NH3-N), and phosphorus (PO43-) removal decreased by 20.9%, 12.2%, and 35.1% in AGS, respectively, while in ABGS, they reached only 13.4%, 5.7%, and 14.2%. ABGS exhibited steady-state nutrient removal at 30 and 50mg L-1 TiO2 NPs after around 5days. The higher microbial activity and EPS content in the sludge, coupled with the symbiotic relationship between algae and bacteria, contributed to the higher tolerance of ABGS to nanoparticles. Finally, although nanoparticles reduced biomass in both types of bioreactors, the accumulation of TiO2 NPs in the sludge, confirmed by Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analysis, and the absence of detectable titanium concentrations in the effluent wastewater, measured by Inductively-coupled plasma mass spectrometry, may be attributed to the specific operational conditions of this study, including the relatively short operation period (10days) and high initial MLSS concentration (6g L-1).

Novel HPMC/PEDOT:PSS nanocomposite for optoelectronic and energy storage applications.

This study investigates a class of materials known as polymer nanodielectrics, which are formed by incorporating ceramic fillers into polymers. These materials offer the unique advantage of tunable electrical and optical properties. The research focuses on the incorporation of high-purity stannic oxide nanoparticles (SnO2 NPs) into a ternary blend matrix of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) and poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) using a solution casting method. Characterization techniques like X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) revealed alterations in the amorphous nature of the HPMC/PEDOT:PSS blend upon the introduction of SnO2 NPs. These analyses also suggest the formation of interactions between the polymer and nanoparticles. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images confirmed the successful dispersion of SnO2 NPs on the surface of the polymer blend, particularly at lower concentrations. The optical properties of the nanocomposite films were investigated using UV-vis spectrophotometry. This analysis allowed for the calculation of optical constants like the bandgap and refractive index. The results showed a dual-bandgap structure, with the direct and indirect bandgaps ranging from 4.92 eV to 4.26 eV and 3.52 eV to 1.68 eV, respectively. Electrical characterization using AC conductivity and dielectric permittivity measurements revealed a dependence on the SnO2 NPs concentration within the frequency range of 0.1 Hz to 10 MHz. The relaxation processes and interfacial polarization effects within these nanocomposites are further discussed in the study. At a frequency of 10 Hz, the AC conductivity exhibited a significant increase, rising from 1.85 × 10-12 S m-1 to 1.04 × 10-9 S m-1 upon the addition of 0.7 wt% SnO2 NPs. These findings highlight the multifunctional nature of the developed nanocomposites. They hold promise for various applications, including UV blockers, optical bandgap tuners, and optical coatings in advanced optoelectronic devices. Additionally, their tunable high permittivity suggests potential use as dielectric substrates for next-generation, high-performance energy storage devices.

Determination of Size, Size Distribution, and Concentration of Nanoparticles Using ICP‐MS in the Context of SERS Substrates

ABSTRACTSurface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) is a widely used vibrational spectroscopic technique employing metallic nanostructures to enhance an inherent Raman signal. This study aimed to develop a method for the characterization of SERS substrates in a single analysis by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP‐MS) equipped with the single particle module (spICP‐MS). For this development, the well‐known Lee‐Meisel protocol was selected as starting point to synthesize gold nanoparticles (AuNps) and silver nanoparticles (AgNps). A spICP‐MS method was successfully developed and gave the mean size, size distribution, and concentration of nanoparticles in only one single analysis. Reference techniques were used to confirm these results namely dynamic light scattering, transmission electron microscopy, and UV–Visible spectroscopy. Thanks to the ICP‐MS characterization, it was observed that AgNps synthesized by chemical reduction presented more variability than the AuNps. The dissolved elements concentration in the suspension was investigated. It appeared that reaction yields were close to 100% for the six syntheses. This analysis may be repeated over time to evaluate the suspension stability and monitor any potential degradation of Nps. To conclude, ICP‐MS is a powerful technique to characterize SERS substrates and could be an interesting alternative to other characterization techniques.

Antifungal Efficacy of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles against Anthracnose and Southern Blight Disease in Green Gram

Nanotechnology has rapidly advanced in the 21st century, with significant developments in the synthesis and application of nanoparticles. ZnNps (Zinc nanoparticles) were synthesized using extracts from mehandi (Lawsonia inermis), neem (Azadirachta indica), marigold (Tagetus erecta) and ginger (Zingiber officinalis). ZnNps were synthesized after analyzing the compatability of the plant extracts with the test pathogens. This study investigates the antifungal activity of green synthesized zinc nanoparticles (ZnNps) in the laboratory against Colletotrichum lindemuthianum, the causative agent of anthracnose in mung beans and Sclerotium rolfsii causing southern blight in mung bean using the poisoned food technique. Various concentrations (100ppm, 250ppm and 500ppm) of zinc nanoparticles derived from neem, mehandi, marigold and ginger were evaluated alongside corresponding plant extracts and Zinc nitrate hexahydrate at 250ppm. Results indicated significant fungistatic activity, with Mehandi ZnNps at 500ppm exhibiting the highest efficacy, demonstrating minimal mycelial growth (28.00mm) and a growth inhibition rate of 68.88% followed by Marigold and Neem ZnNps against Colletotrichum. As for Sclerotium, Neem ZnNps at 500 ppm exhibiting the highest efficacy, demonstrating minimal mycelial growth (15.00 mm) and a growth inhibition rate of 83.33% followed by ginger and Mehandi. All tested ZnNps concentrations outperformed their respective plant extracts and Zinc nitrate hexahydrate, confirming the potential of green synthesized ZnNps as effective agents. This study provides an eco-friendly alternative to chemical fungicides, addressing the increasing need for sustainable agricultural practices to combat fungal diseases in mung beans. These findings underscore the potential of green synthesized ZnNps as effective ecofriendly fungicides.

Investigating Extracellular Vesicles in Viscous Formulations: Interplay of Nanoparticle Tracking and Nanorheology via Interferometric Light Microscopy

While extracellular vesicles (EVs) demonstrate growing potential as innovative cell‐derived nanobiotherapies in diverse medical contexts, their physical properties (size, integrity, transport, etc.) in drug product formulation remain a critical concern poorly addressed so far. Herein, a methodology that relies on nanoparticle tracking analysis by interferometric light microscopy (ILM) for analyzing the concentration and size distribution of nanoparticles as well as their interactions with their local environment through a nanorheological approach is introduced. The analysis of interference patterns enables nanoparticles tracking not only in aqueous solutions but also in complex media with high‐viscosity or non‐Newtonian behavior, particularly pertinent for characterizing EV formulations. A proof of concept for in situ tracking of EVs suspended in Poloxamer‐407 as drug delivery system is presented. The ILM‐based analysis enables to 1) measure the viscosity at the nanoscale for Newtonian and non‐Newtonian fluids via calibration beads; 2) analyze data to determine the size distribution of EVs in non‐Newtonian complex fluid such as poloxamer formulation, and 3) analyze the interactions of EVs with poloxamer‐407. The proposed approach represents a valuable tool to understand the nanorheological behavior of EVs in viscoelastic media in situ as well as a quality control test for EV formulations intended to clinical use.

Nanoparticle enhanced biolubricants: a study on thermophysical properties

This paper addresses the effect of CuO nanoparticle suspension on the physical and thermal properties of Pongamia pinnata oil and 20W50 motor oil. The obtained nanolubricants with CuO nanoparticles at concentrations of 0.01%, 0.02%, and 0.05% w/v were comprehensively tested for stability, viscosity, density, thermal conductivity, and specific heat capacity. The detailed studies on zeta potential reported that the nanolubricants of 20W50 motor oil were stable at 0.02%, whereas Pongamia pinnata oil established maximum stability at 0.01%. Viscosity studies at different temperatures revealed that viscosity decreases with an increase in temperature for both oils. However, it was noted that 20W50 motor oil was more viscous compared to Pongamia pinnata oil at all temperatures. From the results, it was witnessed that the incorporation of CuO nanoparticles showed an enhancement in thermal conductivity that was marked for Pongamia oil at higher temperatures but reduced specific heat capacity in both oils. The comparative study of the thermal and physical properties of a bio-based oil, Pongamia pinnata, with that of 20W50 commercial motor oil, infused with CuO nanoparticles, has not been reported so far. The detailed properties of nanolubricants regarding the different nanoparticle concentrations studied, along with the examination of Pongamia pinnata oil as an eco-friendly alternative to conventionally used motor oil, open new possibilities for bio-based nanolubricants. Besides, the performance for specific industrial applications, especially high-load machinery and systems under moderate temperatures, brings this work under a highly relevant framework for green lubrication technologies.

Analysis of Entropy Generation for Mass and Thermal Mixing Behaviors in Non-Newtonian Nano-Fluids of a Crossing Micromixer.

This work's objective is to investigate the laminar steady flow characteristics of non-Newtonian nano-fluids in a developed chaotic microdevice known as a two-layer crossing channels micromixer (TLCCM). The continuity equation, the 3D momentum equations, and the species transport equations have been solved numerically at low Reynolds numbers with the commercial CFD software Fluent. A procedure has been verified for non-Newtonian flow in studied geometry that is continuously heated. Secondary flows and thermal mixing performance with two distinct intake temperatures of nano-shear thinning fluids is involved. For an extensive range of Reynolds numbers (0.1 to 25), the impact of fluid characteristics and various concentrations of Al2O3 nanoparticles on thermal mixing capabilities and pressure drop were investigated. The simulation for performance enhancement was run using a power-law index (n) at intervals of different nanoparticle concentrations (0.5 to 5%). At high nano-fluid concentrations, our research findings indicate that hydrodynamic and thermal performances are considerably improved for all Reynolds numbers because of the strong chaotic flow. The mass fraction visualization shows that the suggested design has a fast thermal mixing rate that approaches 0.99%. As a consequence of the thermal and hydrodynamic processes, under the effect of chaotic advection, the creation of entropy governs the second law of thermodynamics. Thus, with the least amount of friction and thermal irreversibilities compared to other studied geometries, the TLCCM arrangement confirmed a significant enhancement in the mixing performance.

Sustainable Practices for Arid Climates: Evaluating Combined Mulches with Biostimulant in Combating Soil Salinity and Cowpea Cultivation

Salinity and water security are significant challenges in arid climates, necessitating effective practices to enhance crop productivity in these stressful environments. To address this, a study was conducted during the summer seasons of 2022 and 2023 using a randomized, completely block setup with three replications. The research assessed the effects of different mulch materials, unmulched (bare soil), white plastic, rice straw, and sawdust, combined with biostimulant foliar applications (control, bulk chitosan at 250 mg/L, and two concentrations of chitosan nanoparticles at 125 mg/L and 62.5 mg/L) on physiochemical and biological properties of salt-affected soil, as well as on the growth and yield of cowpeas. The findings of this study indicate that different mulch materials exert distinct effects based on their type. For instance, white plastic mulch with chitosan nanoparticles at a concentration of 62.5 mg/L markedly decreased soil salinity (by 10.80% and 14.64%) and ESP (by 6.93% and 6.80%). In contrast, white plastic mulch paired with a control foliar application significantly increased the soil moisture content (by 23.93% and 27.63%) compared to un-mulched soil. The combination of organic mulches and biostimulant foliar treatments significantly enhanced soil health by increasing the pH, organic carbon, nutrient content, and beneficial bacteria while reducing the bulk density and suppressing harmful fungi. Biostimulant foliar treatments have a modest affected soil property. Additionally, this study highlights that integrating specific mulching materials with biostimulant foliar treatments can significantly improve cowpea’s vegetative growth, yield, and nutrient content. This suggests that combining mulches and biostimulants may provide a sustainable solution for enhancing cowpea production in saline environments.