Ethylcellulose Matrix Research Articles

ENHANCEMENT OF OPTICAL OXYGEN SENSING PROPERTIES OF [RU(BPY)3]2+- BASED COMPOSITES ALONG WITH MAGHEMITE AND IONIC LIQUID

In this study, we measured oxygen-induced emission and decay-time data of tris( 2,2′ -bipyridyl)ruthenium(II) chloride dye in the presence of additives, maghemite and ionic liquid, 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate. The fluorescent dye along with the additives was embedded in ethylcellulose matrix that was used as supporting material in form of thin-film and electrospun mat. The synthesized maghemite was used to enhance the oxygen sensitivity and linear working range of the dye. Ionic liquid (IL) was used to increase the stability and sensitivity of the sensing fluorophore. Together with the additives ruthenium dye-based composites exhibited higher Stern-Volmer constant ( K SV) , relative signal change and larger linear response. High relative signal change and KSV values mean that fluorophore has a better oxygen gas sensitivity.Stern-Volmer values of thin-film and microporous mats were found 1.64×10 −2 and 2.21×10 −2 , the relative signal changes (I 0 /I) were calculated as 2.64 and 3.21, respectively. There is no previous work about the utilization of both maghemite and ionic liquid additives together for the enhancement of oxygen sensitivity of the ruthenium.

The 2D platelet confinement effect on the membrane hole structure probed by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy

In this paper, ethyl cellulose (EC)/montmorillonite (MMT) composite membranes were prepared. As a potential candidate for drug delivery, the hole structures during acid treatment were characterized by XRD, SEM and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). SEM pictures showed the formation of micrometer-size holes after adding MMT in the EC matrix. A new time constant appeared in the impedance spectrum of the composite membrane, implying structure variation by MMT. These rigid platelets would confine the relaxation of EC chain segments around MMT in the phase inversion process. During the acid treatment, EIS results indicated these micrometer-size holes would tend to shrink while the small holes in the EC matrix enlarged. The shrinkage of the micrometer-size holes could be attributed to the chain disentanglement due to the acid treatment. The above results suggest that it is easier to distinguish the hole variation by EIS, which is beneficial for analyzing the mechanism of the drug-releasing process.

Usage of thiocyanate-based ionic liquid as new optical sensor reagent: Absorption and emission based selective determination of Fe (III) ions.

In this work, the ionic liquid 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium thiocyanate ([BMIM][SCN]) was evaluated for the first time for its probable usage as new optical sensor reagent for the determination of several metal ions. The ionic liquid exhibited a selective and sensitive response to iron ions in acidic aqueous solutions among all of the tested metal ions. The ([BMIM][SCN]) was encapsulated in ethyl cellulose (EC) matrix in the form of continuous thin films. The effect of [BMIM][SCN] concentration and pH to iron response, the fluorescence quantum yield, the absorption, emission and excitation based characteristics of the ionic liquid in presence of Fe3+ and Fe2+ ions were investigated in both EC and [BMIM][SCN]/aqueous buffer solution mixtures. As a result, the highly sensitive, selective and rapid responding optical sensor reagent which does not need any time-consuming extraction, oxidation and reduction procedures was presented for the distinguishing determination of Fe3+ and Fe2+ in both aqueous solutions and solid thin film matrix. The ionic liquid exhibited a better emission and absorption based response for Fe3+ ions when compared with the Fe2+ ions. The molar absorptivity constant in presence of ionic liquid-based SCN- was enhanced 10 times to 1.21 × 104 L mol-1 cm-1 for Fe3+ ions in the solution phase. Linear absorption and emission-based calibration graphs were obtained for a wide concentration range of 8.0 × 10-8-6.2 × 10-4 M and 8.0 × 10-8-6.2 × 10-5 M for Fe3+, respectively. Limit of detection (LOD) values for absorption and emission-based methods were 2.48 × 10-5 and 2.4 × 10-8, respectively. The reaction is instantaneous and absorbance remains stable for over 4 months.

Release Adjustment of Two Drugs with Different Solubility Combined in a Matrix Tablet

The objective of this study was to modify the release of two drugs having different solubility in a combined matrix tablet as a fixed-dose combination for extended release. Propranolol HCl (freely soluble) and carbamazepine (very slightly soluble) were used as model drugs, water-soluble hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) and water-insoluble ethylcellulose (EC) were used as matrix-forming polymers. Tablets were prepared by direct compression of powder blends, or propranolol HCl was first granulated with one of the matrix-forming polymers (1:1) followed by compression with carbamazepine and matrix former. Propranolol HCl release from directly compressed tablets was faster than carbamazepine because of its higher solubility. The release of both drugs was fast when HPMC-propranolol HCl granules were compressed with carbamazepine into EC matrix tablet. Conversely, the release of both drugs was decreased when HPMC-propranolol HCl granules and carbamazepine were compressed into HPMC matrices. The desired release of both drugs was approached when EC-propranolol HCl granules were compressed with carbamazepine into HPMC matrix. Erosion of the HPMC matrix and, therefore, drug release were adjusted by varying the molecular weight of HPMC. A burst release of propranolol HCl decreased when it was granulated with EC in a fluidized bed coater followed by compression with carbamazepine into HPMC matrix.

Screen-Printed Sensors for Colorimetric Detection of Hydrogen Sulfide in Ambient Air.

A fast and sensitive method to monitor hydrogen sulfide (H2S) in ambient air based on a visible color change of a printed disposable sensor has been developed. As gas-sensitive material, an immobilized copper(II) complex of the azo dye 1-(2-pyridylazo)-2-naphtol (H-PAN) was synthesized and prepared in an ethyl cellulose matrix for screen printing. If H2S is present in ambient air, the gas sensitive layer changes its color from purple to yellow. A pre-primed polyethylene (PE) foil and a coated offset paper served as the printing substrate. The colorimetric response to the target gas was measured by UV/Vis spectroscopy in reflection at H2S concentrations between 1 to 20 ppm. Possible cross-sensitivities of the printed sensors towards methane (CH4), formaldehyde (CH2O), carbon monoxide (CO), ammonia (NH3), and nitrogen dioxide (NO2), as well as the long-term stability was investigated. Furthermore, reflection measurements of the Cu-PAN complex on an amorphous silica powder under gas admission served as preliminary test for the subsequent paste development.

Cesium lead halide perovskite nanocrystals for ultraviolet and blue light blocking

Using cesium lead halide perovskite nanocrystals, CsPb(Cl/Br)3, as a light absorber, we report a highly effective UV and blue light blocking film. The CsPb(Cl/Br)3 nanocrystals are well dispersed in the ethyl cellulose (EC) matrix to compose a UV and blue light shielding film, and the absorption edge of the film is tunable by adjusting Cl to Br ratio using anion exchange. The CsPbCl2Br-EC film exhibits a transmittance of 5% at 459 nm, 90% at 478 nm and 95% in the range of 500–800 nm, which makes it excellent for UV and blue light shielding. In addition, the as-prepared EC-CsPb(Cl/Br)3 film shows excellent photostability under UV irradiation. Results demonstrate that this EC-CsPb(Cl/Br)3 based materials with sharp absorbance edges, tunable blocking wavelength, and high photostability can be useful for the applications in UV and blue light blocking and optical filters

Influence of Implants Composition on Melatonin Release from Ethylcellulose Matrix.

Melatonin release from Ethylcellulose matrix has never been studied on the whole range of compositions. To perform a comprehensive study about the influence of the melatonin loading on its release from solid ethylcellulose implants, from both a kinetic and structural point of view. Cylindrical implants differing in their Melatonin:Ethylcellulose ratio were fabricated to cover a large range of compositions. Drug release was assayed by in vitro dissolution tests in CTAB micellar solutions. The 2D imaging of implant chemical composition during Melatonin release was performed by confocal Raman spectroscopy. FT-IR spectroscopy and Karl-Fisher technique were employed to study implants hydration. A drug radial leakage, whatever the implant composition, is imaged. The apparent diffusion coefficient, D of melatonin was evaluated considering Fickian radial diffusion: its value ranges from 2 to 6 10-12 cm2/s depending on the EC content. The variation of the characteristic drug delivery time with composition was non-monotonous and two different regimes were identified. A micellar transport of Melatonin was found. The two regimes in drug release were interpreted considering the polymer barrier effect, the initial porosity and M domains connectivity.

Development of Ratiometric Fluorescent Biosensors for the Determination of Creatine and Creatinine in Urine.

In this study, the oxazine 170 perchlorate (O17)-ethylcellulose (EC) membrane was successfully exploited for the fabrication of creatine- and creatinine-sensing membranes. The sensing membrane exhibited a double layer of O17-EC membrane and a layer of enzyme(s) entrapped in the EC and polyurethane hydrogel (PU) matrix. The sensing principle of the membranes was based on the hydrolytic catalysis of urea, creatine, and creatinine by the enzymes. The reaction end product, ammonia, reacted with O17-EC membrane, resulting in the change in fluorescence intensities at two emission wavelengths (λem = 565 and 625 nm). Data collected from the ratio of fluorescence intensities at λem = 565 and 625 nm were proportional to the concentrations of creatine or creatinine. Creatine- and creatinine-sensing membranes were very sensitive to creatine and creatinine at the concentration range of 0.1–1.0 mM, with a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.015 and 0.0325 mM, respectively. Furthermore, these sensing membranes showed good features in terms of response time, reversibility, and long-term stability. The interference study demonstrated that some components such as amino acids and salts had some negative effects on the analytical performance of the membranes. Thus, the simple and sensitive ratiometric fluorescent sensors provide a simple and comprehensive method for the determination of creatine and creatinine concentrations in urine.

Optical fiber sensor for dual sensing of H2O2 and DO based on CdSe/ZnS QDs and Ru(dpp)32+ embedded in EC matrix

In this study, a simple and cost-effective technique to fabricate a plastic optical fiber sensor for the dual sensing of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and dissolved oxygen (DO) was described. The optical fiber dual sensor consisted of CdSe/ZnS core–shell quantum dots (QDs), with oxygen indicators coated on the fiber end of the sensor. An ethyl cellulose (EC) matrix doped with CdSe/ZnS QDs and tris(4,7-diphenyl-1,10-phenanthroline)ruthenium(II) (Ru(dpp)32+) served as the sensing materials for H2O2 and DO. The sensing materials for H2O2 and DO were excited with an light emitting diode (LED) of 405nm, and the two emission wavelengths were separately detected. The optical fiber dual sensor was applied for the monitoring of different H2O2 and DO concentrations. The typical Stern–Volmer plot of an optical fiber dual sensor for the sensing of DO demonstrated linearity, and the attenuation of the relative phosphorescence intensity for the sensing of H2O2 concentrations also demonstrated linearity with the H2O2 concentrations in the tested range. In addition, the results indicated that the phosphorescence properties of the H2O2 sensor are independent of the presence of the DO sensor, with a unique linear response in the range of 0–132mM. Finally, the DO sensing scheme described herein was intended to compensate for the H2O2 concentration, and the fabricated optical fiber dual sensor may be used for the sensing of H2O2 concentration and DO in the aquaculture applications.

Fluorescence Ratiometric Optical Broad Range pH Sensor Based on CdSe/ZnS Quantum Dots and O170 Embedded in Ethyl Cellulose Matrix

This paper presents a ratiometric optical broad range pH sensor that comprises an optical fiber coated at one end with CdSe/ZnS quantum dots (QDs) and Oxazine 170 perchlorate (O170) embedded in ethyl cellulose (EC) matrix. The feasibility of coating an optical fiber with the sensing film to fabricate a ratiometric fiber optic broad range pH sensor is investigated. Using an LED with a central wavelength 405 nm as an excitation light source, the CdSe/ZnS QDs shows that the fluorescence intensity at 575 nm decreases with increasing pH and O170 shows the fluorescence intensity at 655 nm increases with increasing pH. The ratio of fluorescence intensities at 575 and 655 nm has a linear relationship with pH value in the 1.6–13.2 range. The ratiometric sensing approach presented in this study has the advantage of suppressing spurious fluctuations in the intensity of the excitation source and optical transmission properties of the optical fiber.

Supercritical antisolvent co-precipitation of rifampicin and ethyl cellulose

Rifampicin-loaded submicron-sized particles were prepared through supercritical anti-solvent process using ethyl cellulose as polymeric encapsulating excipient. Ethyl acetate and a mixture of ethyl acetate/dimethyl sulfoxide (70/30 and 85/15) were used as solvents for both drug and polymeric excipient. When ethyl acetate was used, rifampicin was crystallized separately without being embedded within the ethyl cellulose matrix while by using the ethyl acetate/dimethyl sulfoxide mixture, reduced crystallinity of the active ingredient was observed and a simultaneous precipitation of ethyl cellulose and drug was achieved. The effect of solvent/CO2 molar ratio and polymer/drug mass ratio on the co-precipitates morphology and drug loading was investigated. Using the solvent mixture, co-precipitates with particle sizes ranging between 190 and 230nm were obtained with drug loading and drug precipitation yield from respectively 8.5 to 38.5 and 42.4 to 77.2% when decreasing the ethyl cellulose/rifampicin ratio. Results show that the solvent nature and the initial drug concentrations affect morphology and drug precipitation yield of the formulations. In vitro dissolution studies revealed that the release profile of rifampicin was sustained when co-precipitation was carried out with the solvent mixture. It was demonstrated that the drug to polymer ratio influenced amorphous content of the SAS co-precipitates. Differential scanning calorimetry thermograms and infrared spectra revealed that there is neither interaction between rifampicin and the polymer nor degradation of rifampicin during co-precipitation. In addition, stability stress tests on SAS co-precipitates were carried out at 75% relative humidity and room temperature in order to evaluate their physical stability. SAS co-precipitates were X-ray amorphous and remained stable after 6months of storage. The SAS co-precipitation process using a mixture of ethyl acetate/dimethyl sulfoxide demonstrates that this strategy can be successful for controlling rifampicin delivery.

Red-emitting CO2 sensors with tunable dynamic range based on pH-sensitive azaphthalocyanine indicators

A new group of optical CO2 sensors based on red-emitting pH-sensitive zinc azaphthalocyanine (Zn-AzaPc) indicators embedded into polyurethane polymeric matrices is presented. The effects of particular Zn-AzaPc indicator, type of a polymeric matrix and a base on sensing properties are investigated. All the indicators are virtually non-fluorescent in the deprotonated form (in the absence of CO2) and are “switched on” in presence of the analyte. Zn-AzaPc without any phenolate moiety is used as a positive control (always-ON state). Among the indicators with one, two and four phenolate receptors, the dye with one receptor is the most suitable due to brightest emission in ON state. Sufficient water content is found to be particularly important in case of the hydrophobic Zn-AzaPc indicators and leads to the necessity of employing hydrophilic HydroThane™ matrices instead of conventional ethylcellulose matrix. Among them HydroThane™ 25 showed the most promising results with the highest increase in fluorescence intensity between OFF/ON states (12×), reasonably high fluorescence quantum yields in ON state (0.071) and the most reliable and reproducible response to CO2 in sensing range 0–95kPa pCO2 with the limited temperature-dependency in the range 15–35°C. Importantly, sensitivity significantly increased with shortening of the alkyl chains of a base, i.e. in order TOAOH< TBAOH<TEAOH that gives us a nice tool for tuning the dynamic range of CO2 sensors for different applications. Finally, fiber-optic sensors compatible with a commercially available compact phase fluorometer as well as materials for 2-wavelength sensing and imaging are prepared and possibility of a referenced read-out is demonstrated.

Capsules with evolving brittleness to resist the preparation of self-healing concrete

Capsules for self-healing concrete have to possess multifunctional properties and it would be an enormous advantage in the valorization process when they could also be mixed in. Therefore, we aimed to develop capsules with evolving brittleness. Capsules with high initial flexibility were prepared by adding a plasticizer to an ethyl cellulose matrix. During hardening of the concrete, the plasticizing agent should leach out to the moist environment yielding more brittle capsules which break upon crack appearance. The tested capsules could easily be mixed in during concrete production. However, incompatibility issues between the capsule wall and the inner polymeric healing agent appeared. Moreover, the capsules became insufficiently brittle and the bond strength to the cementitious matrix was too weak. Consequently, multilayer capsules were tested. These capsules had a high impact resistance to endure concrete mixing and were able to break upon crack formation.

Solid Lipid Nanoparticles Incorporated Transdermal Patch for Improving the Permeation of Piroxicam

Aim: Piroxicam is class II drug and has low oral bioavailability owing to low aqueous solubility. Long-term administration of piroxicam is reported to produce gastrointestinal toxicity. The objective of this study was to improve the permeation of piroxicam by incorporating as piroxicam loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (pirox-SLNs) into a transdermal patch. Method: Pirox-SLN’s (average particle size 248.87 ± 6.481 nm and entrapment efficiency 84.48% ± 1.08%) upon optimization, were prepared by pre-emulsion sonication method and were incorporated into ethyl cellulose and polyvinyl pyrrolidone matrix patch prepared by solvent evaporation method. Results& Discussion: The prepared transdermal patches were evaluated for thickness, weight variation, flatness, folding endurance, and drug content which were found to 0.31 ± 0.04 mm, 0.17 ± 0.03 g, 99.5% ± 0.3%, 35 ± 1.34 and 95.74 ± 0.4, respectively. Ex-vivo skin permeation of the prepared formulation was studied on rat skin and the drug release from patch incorporated with SLNs was found 66.6% up to 24 h, significantly less as compared to plain piroxicam patch having release of 88.01%, however, the slow release from the SLN patch was attributed due to slow release of the drug from SLN. Ex-vivo skin permeation studies on pirox-SLN containing patches showed satisfactory flux (17.16 μg/cm2/h) compared with that of plain piroxicam patches (4.6 μg/cm2/h). The skin irritation test showed that the prepared transdermal patch were free of skin irritants. Conclusion: It was concluded that SLN’s can be successfully used as a carrier for enhancing transdermal permeation of piroxicam and thus the bioavailability.

Gasoline desulfurization by a TiO2‐filled ethyl cellulose pervaporation membrane

ABSTRACTThe TiO2 nanoparticles were incorporated into an ethyl cellulose (EC) matrix to improve the pervaporation (PV) performance of the membrane for gasoline desulfurization. The microstructures of different EC membranes were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and X‐ray and transmission electron microscopy. The PV experiments showed that the hybrid membrane of EC/TiO2 demonstrated an improved permeation flux (J) of 7.58 kg m−2 h−1 and a sulfur enrichment factor (α) of 3.13 in comparison with the pure EC membrane, with a J of 3.73 kg m−2 h−1 and an α of 3.69. In addition, the effects of the operating conditions, including the operating temperature, layer thickness, crosslinking time, feed flow rate, and feed sulfur content level, on the PV performance of the EC/TiO2 membrane were investigated. Under a 100 mL/min feed flow rate and a 85 μg/g sulfur content, J of the 10 μm thick membrane increased to 7.58 kg m−2 h−1 with α of 3.13 compared to the pure EC membrane (3.73 kg m−2 h−1, 3.69) at 80 °C with 30 min of crosslinking time. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017: 134, 43409.

Microwave-Assisted Synthesis of BaFe12O19 Nanoparticles and Ethyl Cellulose-Based Magnetic Nanocomposite

Hard magnetic BaFe12O19 (BaFe) nanoparticles were synthesized by a facile microwave-assisted reaction. The magnetic nanoparticles were then added to ethyl cellulose to make magnetic nanocomposites. The nanoparticles and nanocomposites were then characterized using X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. The magnetic properties of the samples were also investigated using an alternating gradient force magnetometer. The barium ferrite nanoparticles exhibit ferromagnetic behavior at room temperature, with a saturation magnetization of 38 emu/g and a coercivity of 2695 Oe. The distribution of the BaFe nanoparticles into the ethyl cellulose matrix increases the coercivity; hence it makes the sample magnetically harder.

Gaseous and dissolved oxygen sensing with stabilized pyrene in ionic liquid modified electrospun slides

Pyrene dye has many superior characteristics for oxygen sensing studies such as long fluorescence lifetime, high quantum yield, and good sensitivity. It is preferred in some cases over ruthenium dyes for its more lipophilic character and higher sensitivity. However, easy photodegradation of pyrene is a challenging problem. In this study, pyrene dye was for the first time immobilized in an ethyl cellulose matrix and used for oxygen sensing in the form of thin films and electrospun sensing slides. The hydrophobic ionic liquid 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate was used as additive for the first time for dissolved oxygen sensing studies. The oxygen sensitivity of the dye was evaluated with both steady state- and fluorescence lifetime-based measurements. The sensing slides were stable for 45 min under continuous irradiation and could be stored for 100 days under ambient laboratory conditions. This storage time is the longest reported lifetime for pyrene-based sensors. The enhanced stability can be attributed to the presence of ionic liquid, which behaves like a sink for oxidative, reductive, acidic, and/or basic effects. The sensor response time was between 6 and 20 s, depending on the oxygen concentration. The method can be applied for both dissolved and gaseous oxygen measurements.

Studies on baicalin ethylcellulose microspheres for intranasal administration

In this study, solvent evaporation method was used to preparing baicalin ethylcellulose microspheres for intranasal administration. The prepared microspheres were round with certain rough surface. The average drug loading and entrapment efficiency was (33. 31 ± 0. 045)% , (63. 34 ± 0. 11)% , respectively. As the characteristic crystalline peaks of baicalin were observed in the microspheres sample, the result of X-ray diffractometric analysis indicated that the baicalin was present in crystalline form after its entrapment in ethylcellulose matrix. By investigating the thermogram of microspheres sample, it was found that endothermic peak of baicalin was shifted from 211. 8 °C to 244. 2 °C and associated with the first broad endothermic peak of ethylcellulose. This could confirm that baicalin was loaded into ethylcellulose, nor simply physical mixture. The powder flowability test exhibited that the specific energy of microspheres was 3. 57 mJ . g-1 and the pressure drop was 2. 22 mBar when air kept the speed of 2 mm . s-1 through the powder bed with the force was 15 kPa. The consequence of the baicalin in vitro released from microspheres showed that the pure baicalin sample displayed faster (90%) release than microspheres sample (75%) in 7 h. Fitting model for release curve before 7 h, the results showed that the pure baicalin sample and the microsphere sample accorded with first order model (R2 = 0. 990 4) and Riger-Peppas model(R2 = 0. 961 2), respectively. Ex vivo rabbit nasal mucosa permeability experiment revealed that the value of cumulative release rate per unit area of the microsphere sample was 1. 56 times that of the pure baicalin sample. This provided the foundation for the in vivo pharmacokinetic study.

Development of a ratiometric fluorescent urea biosensor based on the urease immobilized onto the oxazine 170 perchlorate-ethyl cellulose membrane

In this work, the oxazine 170 perchlorate (O17)-ethyl cellulose (EC) membrane was successfully applied in the fabrication of a urea-sensing membrane. The urea-sensing membrane was a double layer consisting of the O17-EC membrane and a layer of the enzyme urease entrapped into EC matrix. The sensing principle of urea was based on the hydrolysis reaction of urea under the catalysis of the urease to produce ammonia in water and also on the binding of ammonia with the dye O17 to create the shift in the emission wavelength from λem=630nm to λem=565nm. The data collected from the ratio of the fluorescence intensities at λem=630nm and λem=565nm was proportional to urea concentration. The urea-sensing membrane with the ratiometric method was used to measure the concentrations of urea in the range of 0.01–0.1M with a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.027mM and 0.1–1.0M with LOD of 0.224mM. It showed fast response time, high reversibility and long-term stability in this concentration range. The recovery percentage of urea concentrations of the urea-sensing membrane for two kinds of biological urine solutions (BU1, BU2) was around 85–118%. The measured results were in good agreement with standard urea concentrations in the range of 0.06M to 1.0M.

Biopolymer-protected GdBa2Cu3O7−x nanoparticles: Morphology, structure and superconducting properties

A synthetic procedure for the encapsulation of GdBa2Cu3O7−x superconducting nanoparticles in ethyl cellulose matrix is introduced. High resolution TEM analyses revealed that by controlling the concentration of the biopolymer and heating rate, a well-aligned nanoparticle superlattice with a diameter of about 35nm can be readily formed. Surprisingly, the onset of superconductivity in the nanoparticles occurred at a transition temperature of 91.5K, indicating no significant suppression of superconducting performance with the nanorod morphology. XRD data refined by Rietveld method confirmed that the crystalline structures of the nanoparticles remain in orthorhombic structure with Pmmm space group. It was found that the presence of the appropriate amount of the polymer plays a basic role as an excellent template for the nucleation and growth of the nanoparticles along the preferred direction.