Evaporation Method Research Articles

Characterization of Mn3O4/(x)Nb2O5 thin films as a promising material for supercapacitors

The thin films of Mn3O4/(x)Nb2O5 oxides (x = 0, 2, 4, and 6 %) were prepared by the electron beam evaporation method and then annealed at 400 °C. The structural analysis showed a tetragonal phase of Mn3O4, according to X-ray diffraction results. The quantitative elemental analysis of films confirms the stoichiometry of the Mn3O4, while the Nb2O5 couldn’t be recognized using energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence. The chemical speciation of the films was investigated using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Three oxidation states of Mn were recognized at average binding energies of 645.70±0.35, 642.99±0.40, and 641.58±0.48 eV that correlated to Mn4+, Mn3+, and Mn2+, respectively. As the Nb2O5 increases, a slight decrease in the binding energy of Mn4+ is recognized, whereas it is nearly constant for the deconvoluted Mn3+ and Mn2+. Two electronic transitions (Eg1 and Eg2) of the optical band gap showed an increase with increasing Nb2O5 dopant from 2 % to 6 %. The optical parameters such as Eosc, the single oscillator energy, Edis, the dispersion energy, both moments (M−1) and (M−3), the ratio of carrier concentration/effective mass (N/m*), and the lattice dielectric constant (εL) were determined. From electrochemical measurements of pure Mn3O4 films, it is found that the voltammetric current density is directly proportional to the scan rates of cyclic voltammetry CV, with good cyclic stability, and by increasing the scan rates, the values of specific capacitance decrease while the values of specific power increase. In doped thin films, no potential drop is observed in the discharging process, which indicates good interfacial contact between the active material and the substrate during the charge/discharge process. These results suggest that the obtained Mn3O4 nanoparticles are a better candidate for supercapacitor applications.

Synthesis, Characterization and Targeted Drug Delivery of Curcumin-Loaded PLGA Nanoparticles

Background: Nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems have revolutionized therapeutic delivery, offering advantages such as enhanced bioavailability, controlled release, and targeted delivery to diseased tissues. Among these, polymeric nanoparticles, especially those utilizing poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA), have shown significant potential due to their biocompatibility, biodegradability, and stability. Curcumin, a polyphenolic compound with potent anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties, faces clinical limitations due to poor solubility and low bioavailability. Encapsulation in PLGA nanoparticles could enhance curcumin’s therapeutic efficacy by improving stability, controlled release, and targeted delivery. Methods: Curcumin-loaded PLGA nanoparticles were synthesized using a solvent evaporation method. Nanoparticles were characterized using dynamic light scattering (DLS) for size and zeta potential, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for morphology. In vitro drug release was assessed using a dialysis method, while cytotoxicity and anti-inflammatory activity were evaluated using MTT and nitric oxide inhibition assays, respectively. Results: DLS analysis revealed an average particle size of 150 ± 10 nm and a zeta potential of -25 ± 2 mV, indicating stability and suitability for therapeutic applications. SEM imaging showed smooth, spherical nanoparticles. Drug release studies displayed a biphasic pattern, with an initial burst followed by sustained release over 72 hours. Cytotoxicity assays demonstrated enhanced anticancer activity of curcumin-loaded nanoparticles compared to free curcumin, with a significantly lower IC50 value (5 ± 0.5 µM versus 15 ± 1.0 µM). Anti-inflammatory studies showed a 60% inhibition of nitric oxide production in LPS-induced macrophages, indicating improved anti-inflammatory efficacy over free curcumin. Conclusion: Curcumin-loaded PLGA nanoparticles show promise as a targeted drug delivery system, with enhanced stability, controlled release, and increased therapeutic efficacy. These findings support further in vivo studies to validate the clinical potential of curcumin nanoparticles in cancer and inflammatory diseases, providing a foundation for advanced therapeutic applications.

Improving the Dissolution Characteristics of Itraconazole by Formulating Cocrystal with the Use of Appropriate Conformers Using Solvent Evaporation Method

Improving the Dissolution Characteristics of Itraconazole by Formulating Cocrystal with the Use of Appropriate Conformers Using Solvent Evaporation Method

Ce-doped ZnO nanonails synthesized by a simple thermal evaporation method for photocatalytic degradation

One-dimensional (1D) nanomaterials have garnered significant scientific and technological attention due to their potential applications in electronics devices, gas sensing, energy conversion, and photocatalysis. However, the development of a simple and low-cost technique for 1D nanostructure synthesis remains a challenge. The doping of ZnO nanostructures has proven to be an effective way to improve their internal properties. In this work, one-dimensional ZnO and Ce-doped ZnO nanorods and nanonails were synthesized by a simple thermal evaporation method using different weight ratios of ZnS and CeO2 precursor powders in a catalyst-free process. The effects of cerium doping concentration on the structural, morphological, and optical properties of the as-prepared samples were investigated. XRD analysis confirmed that the crystal structure was converted from the cubic ZnS phase to the hexagonal ZnO phase with increasing annealing temperatures. The UV–Vis spectra showed that the optical absorption edge of Ce-doped ZnO samples was slightly red-shifted. Additionally, the band gap energy decreases with increasing cerium concentration. SEM images showed that the morphology of the structures obtained changed from nanorods to nanonails as the Ce content increased. The incorporation of Ce ions into the ZnO matrix has been successfully confirmed by HRTEM, Raman, and EDX analysis. Photocatalytic activity studies showed that Ce-doped ZnO samples exhibited significantly enhanced photocatalytic performance compared to pure ZnO for the degradation of rhodamine B under UV radiation. These results may suggest the use of heterogeneous photocatalysis as an efficient, cheap, and environment-friendly alternative for the removal of pollutants from water and the use of Ce-doped ZnO as a promising candidate.

Development of Kopasanda Leaves Extract (Chromolaena odorata (L.)) Phytosome Using Solvent Evaporation Method.

Kopasanda (Chromolaena odorata (L.) R.M.King &H.Rob) or siam weed exhibited various pharmacological activities such as anticancer, antidiabetic, and wound healing activities. The phenolic content of kopasanda leaf extract was high in the range of 56.15 mg GAE/g-242.3 mg GAE/g. But, it reported that phenolic compounds exhibited poor bioavailability because of their physicochemical properties. The phytosomes system improves the effectiveness of phytoconstituents. Aims of the research as prepare and evaluate the phytosome from kopasanda leaf extract. Kopasanda dried leaves were extracted by the sonication method. The solvent evaporation method was used in the phytosome preparation with various concentrations between extract and phospholipid ( 2:1; 1:1; 1:2; and 1:3). Furthermore, phytosome formation was analyzed for its entrapment efficiency, Polydispersity Index (PDI), particle size, spectroscopy infra-red (IR), and Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) method. The total phenolic content (TPC) of crude was 110.969 ± 0.752 mgGAE/g. The optimum phytosome was gained with a concentration between extract and phospholipid (1:3). It resulted in the entrapment efficiency of 99.930 ± 0.001%, particle size, and polydispersity index equal to 206.5 ± 8.613nm and 0.528 ± 0.038. The morphology of the phytosome was spherical and the phytosome formation was verified by the IR spectrum by comparing the phytosome and the physical mixture of extract and phospholipid. The results obtained showed that phytosome containing kopasanda leaf extract was formed using the solvent evaporation method.

Application of Box-Behnken Design for Formulation Optimization of Sorafenib loaded Nanoparticles Targeting to Liver Carcinoma: Ex-vivo Intestinal Permeation and Cytotoxicity Study.

The anticancer drug sorafenib (SFB) was formulated as a polymeric nanoparticle using Box-Behnken design. The solvent evaporation method was utilized to develop the sorafenib polymeric nanoparticles. Formulations were then evaluated in terms of their morphological structure, entrapment efficiency (EE%), zeta potential, polydispersity index (PDI), and particle size. Ex-vivo intestinal permeation studies for pure drugs, as well as optimized formulation, were performed in rats. Furthermore, the anticancer activity was evaluated using the HepG2 cancer cell lines. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed that the improved formulation had a particle size of 175 nm, PDI of 0.134, zeta-potential of -23.8 mV, and the sorafenib-loaded PLGA NP were recognized as spherical particles. Over 90% of the drug was released in less than 24 hours, with an EE% of 85.1%. Sorafenib-loaded PLGA NP efficiently inhibited HepG2 cells.

Preparation, Characterization and Evaluation of Monosaccharide Tagged Nanostructured Lipid Carriers for Targeting of Etravirine to Macrophagic AIDS Viral Reservoirs.

Purpose of the study: The present study aimed to develop and examine monosaccharide-decorated nanoparticles specifically designed for macrophage targeting of etravirine. Methods: Nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC) were prepared with stearylamine as such or after tagging with mannose and galactose as one of the lipid components of NLC. Prior to synthesis, a docking study was used to analyze the potential for interaction of the stearylamine- sugar conjugates with respective lectin receptors. Mannose and galactose-conjugated stearylamine were separately synthesized. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), mass spectrometry (MS) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) studies were used to assess successful reactions. Etravirine-loaded non-targeted nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) were synthesized with the emulsification solvent evaporation method and characterized for parameters such as zeta potential, in-vitro release, entrapment efficiency and particle size. To create targeted nanoparticles, stearylamine was replaced with either of the conjugated lipids in the formulation. For stability, all NLC dispersions were lyophilized. In-vitro investigations included cellular uptake and cytotoxicity assessments in the RAW 264.7 macrophage cell line. Following intravenous administration of the NLCs in Wistar rats, in-vivo biodistribution was evaluated. Results: The docking studies showed good binding potential of both conjugated lipids for respective receptors. Evaluation of synthesized products showed successful conjugation of sugars to stearylamine. The synthesized nanoparticles demonstrated impressive etravirine loading capabilities and exhibited a circular shape with a mean size of approximately 260 nm. Drug release from all NLC formulations persisted for over 24 hours and remained stable after lyophilization. In-vitro evaluations in the RAW 264.7 macrophage cell line revealed that mannosylated nanoparticles had enhanced uptake when compared to non-targeted and galactosylated counterparts. In-vivo plasma and tissue distribution studies corroborated the in-vitro findings, as the mannosylated NLCs displayed a higher distribution into organs with a rich presence of macrophages. Conclusion: The studies indicate that while sugar tagging of nanoparticles can prove to be an effective strategy for targeting drugs to macrophagic tissue for tackling latent AIDS virus, the choice of sugar is critical.

Design, Development and Characterization of Nisoldipine Solid Lipid Nanoparticles: Statistical and Characterization Perspectives.

The objective of this study was to develop and characterize solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) loaded with Nisoldipine (NIS), aiming to enhance the drug’s bioavailability and provide a sustained release profile. SLNs were prepared using a solvent evaporation method and evaluated for several critical parameters. The superfluity test assessed the homogeneity of the SLN suspension, while particle size, drug entrapment efficiency, shapes, and surface morphology were analyzed using SEM/DLS/ TEM. Researchers studied the process of how drugs are released and performed in-vitro drug release tests to establish the substance’s release profile. HPLC and FT-IR were used to verify the drug’s chemical stability and encapsulation effectiveness. Stability studies assessed the formulation’s stability over time throughout different storage settings. The SLNs exhibited a high degree of homogeneity in the superfluity test, with no phase separation. The drug entrapment effectiveness was over 80%, and the typical particle size was 150-250 nm. Microscopy and transmission electron microscopy revealed that the SLNs had a flat, spherical top. NIS exhibited a regulated sequence of kinematics and prolonged release during dissolution investigations. FTIR and HPLC confirmed the stability and integrity of the drug within the SLNs. Stability studies indicated that the formulation remained stable over time. NIS-loaded SLNs show significant potential as an effective drug delivery system, offering enhanced bioavailability, sustained release, and excellent stability.

A super large and robust free-standing organic cage membrane used for ultrasensitive solvent actuator

A robust free-standing organic cage membrane has been developed through a simple one-step solution-processing method of evaporation, which is fabricated by pure organic molecular cages and used without the addition of underlying support or polymer matrix. In addition, the organic cage membrane shows good mechanical stability, out-standing flexibility and self-healing performance. After 1,000,000 cycle bending tests, its mechanical properties are retentive, which provides the possibility of preparation of large dimension cage membranes (20 cm × 20 cm) and their derivatives in a simple way and hence shows promise in technical applications in separation, catalysis, and energy in the future. Then, a gradient structure is introduced into the membrane by quaternization reaction between the tertiary amine on the organic cages and methyl iodide. Thus, the membrane shows ultrasensitive gas and solvent stimuli responsive performance, which possesses the potential of monitoring the low portion of chloroform stimulus (0.61 mol%).

An exploration of enhanced characteristics and efficiency of dye-doped L-Threonine single crystal

The improved crystalline characteristics of a crystal doped with 0.5 mol% methylene blue dye was analyzed and compared using several techniques such as SXRD, FTIR, (Spectrum of absorption and Spectrum of optical transmittance), PXRD, and Second Harmonic Generation (SHG). The crystal was prepared using the slow evaporation method. The work hardening coefficient was evaluated for our synthesized crystal, indicating its soft nature. Additionally, we want to achieve similar levels of second harmonic Generation in both pure L-threonine materials and dye-doped crystals. Research on photoluminescence reveals that fully developed crystals have a reduced number of imperfections. Piezoelectric coefficients (d33) were also calculated for the as- grown Pure L-threonine crystal and L-threonine doped with dye Single crystal. The increased LDT value be attributed to the significantly decreased section, confinement, and mechanical stiffness of both the Pure L-threonine and dye-doped L-threonine Single crystal. The etching tests shown that both the as-grown Pure L-threonine crystal and the dye-doped L-threonine Single crystal had a better level of crystalline fineness and a smaller number of defects. These characteristics are essential for their use in nonlinear optics (NLO) applications.

Rapid and Facile Synthesis of Homoporous Colorimetric Films Using Leaf Vein-Mediated Emulsion Evaporation Method for Visual Monitoring of Food Freshness.

A new method for rapid and facile fabrication of homoporous films with high volatile amine sensitivity was developed. First, red cabbage anthocyanin was encapsulated in ethyl cellulose to form water-in-organic (W/O) emulsion. Afterward, the W/O emulsion was rapidly dried using the supporting matrix Magnolia Grandiflora Linn leaf vein at 60% relative humidity and 50 °C to form a colorimetric film with regular hexagonal pores with an average side length of about 23 μm. The films exhibited good sensitivity to ammonia (NH3), dimethylamine, and trimethylamine, with limit of detection of 0.26, 0.24, and 0.38 μM, respectively, and high stability when stored in high humid environments. An obvious color change of the films from pink to green was clearly observed during the freshness monitoring of pork, chicken, salmon, and shrimp. Thus, this work offered a novel and reliable method for the development of porous films for food freshness monitoring.

Formulation and evaluation of medicated lozenges containing the solid dispersion of Clotrimazole /PEG 6000 for the treatment of oral candidiasis

The study aimed to formulate Clotrimazole (CLM) as solid dispersion medicated lozenges with enhanced dissolution for treating oropharyngeal candidiasis. They are suitable for many patients and easy to administer. The study used the solvent evaporation method to prepare solid dispersions of CLM using polyethylene glycol 6000 and polyvinyl pyrrolidone at different drug-to-carrier weight ratios. The study found that PEG 6000, when used at a 1:1 weight ratio, significantly improved the dissolution of CLM. The results of the FTIR studies showed that the drug was dispersed within PEG 6000, and there was no drug interaction with the excipients used in medicated lozenge formulations. A 32-factorial design was used to develop, optimize, and evaluate nine formulations of the solid dispersion of CLM/PEG 6000 medicated lozenges for improved therapeutic outcomes. We fabricated the lozenges using biocompatible polymeric gelling agents (chitosan, methyl cellulose, and sodium alginate) at three different levels (0.5, 1, and 1.5%). All the medicated lozenges were uniform in weight and drug content within USP limits, with complete drug release rates ranging from 10–20 minutes for chitosan and sodium alginate formulations, compared to 60 minutes for methyl cellulose. The results showed that the type of polymer and its concentration significantly impacted drug release. The optimized formulation, F-3, containing 1.5% CH, exhibited a drug release of 100.83% ±0.68 at the end of 10 minutes. It demonstrated significant antifungal activity against Candida albicans (p < 0.05), making it suitable for drug delivery in the oral cavity.

Formulation and Evaluation of Solid Dispersion of Phenytoin by Solvent Evaporation Technique

The aim of the present study is Formulation and Evaluation of Phenytoin by making solid dispersion with polyvinyl alcohol and inclusion complexation with HPβ Cyclodextrin, β Cyclodextrin. Solid dispersion of Phenytoin is prepared with Solvent Evaporation method. Phenytoin belongs to BCS class II drug which is characterized by high membrane permeability, slow dissolution rate due to low aqueous solubility. It is an anti-epileptic or anti- convulsant is used to treat wide variety of Seizures. The Phenytoin solid dispersions were prepared by solvent evaporation method at 1:0.25, 1:0.5, 1:0.75, 1:1, 1:1.25, 1:1.5 ratios of Phenytoin to HP β CD, β CD and PVA. The prepared dispersions were evaluated by solubility studies, in-vitro dissolution studies, melting point determination, drug content uniformity, entrapment efficiency and FT-IR studies. Finally comparing all the formulations (P:HPβ F1-P:HPβ F6) (P: βF1-P βF6) and (P:PF1-P:PF6) formulation P:PF4 containing Phenytoin: Polyvinyl alcohol (1:1) shows better result at the end of 90 min with drug release 93.99%, hence it was selected as the best formulation. By release kinetic studies of best formulation of Phenytoin with zero order and first order we can say that the best formulation follows first order kinetics studies having r2 value 0.945 where as zero order release kinetics studies having r2 value 0.849. The results indicated as formulated solid dispersion tablets displayed better dissolution profiles as compared to existing commercial tablets.

Organic device fabrication and characterizations: DFT support

In this study, the effects of introducing a zinc cation into a zinc-phthalocyanine (ZnPc) cluster are examined in relation to organic phthalocyanine material. The Au/ZnPc/Si-based organic diode is made using the thermal evaporation method. The optical properties of the filter are checked and a selected wavelength of 360[Formula: see text]nm is recorded. Au/ZnPc/Si/Al exhibits high rectifying performance, and the organic device’s primary conduction mechanism is Space Charge Limited Current. ZnPc film’s superior transparency is shown in the visible spectrum, and its optical bandgap of 3.32[Formula: see text]eV is found. According to this result, ZnPc is a semiconductor. ZnPc has a weak exciton binding energy (600[Formula: see text]meV), a high chemical stability, and non-zero value of second hyperpolarizability (4.73[Formula: see text]10[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]esu). These features can offer our ZnPc-based organic device a wide range of applications, including microelectronics, solar cells, and nonlinear optical devices.

Neutrophil membrane-coated multifunctional biomimetic nanoparticles for spinal cord injuries

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is one of the most complex diseases. After SCI, severe secondary injuries can cause intense inflammatory storms and oxidative stress responses, leading to extensive neuronal apoptosis. Effective regulation of inflammation and oxidative stress after SCI remains an unresolved challenge. In this study, resveratrol-loaded nanoparticles coated with neutrophil membranes (NMR) were prepared using the emulsion-solvent evaporation method and membrane encapsulation technology. Multifunctional biomimetic nanoparticles retain neutrophil membrane-related receptors and possess a strong adsorption capacity for inflammatory factors. As a drug carrier, NMR can sustainably release resveratrol for >72 h. Moreover, co-culture studies in vitro show that the NMR help regulate macrophage polarization to relieve inflammatory response, reduce intracellular reactive oxygen species by approximately 50%, and improve mitochondrial membrane potential to alleviate oxidative stress. After injecting NMR into the injury site, it reduces early apoptosis, inhibit scar formation, and promote neural network recovery to improve motor function. This study demonstrates the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neuroprotective effects of NMR, thus providing a novel therapeutic strategy for SCI.

Measuring shrinkage of expansive soils using a novel automated high‐frequency setup

AbstractSoil shrinkage characteristic curves are used to describe the shrinkage behavior and hydraulic properties of unsaturated soils. To construct soil shrinkage characteristic curves, a high‐data‐density measurement method is needed that relates water content to soil volume changes. We present a fully automated soil shrinkage measurement setup, based on the simplified evaporation method, to characterize the shrinkage behavior of undisturbed natural expansive clay soils. The high data density creates the opportunity to produce soil shrinkage characteristic curves without the need for a mathematical model. The technique allows for resaturation of the samples after drying, enabling differentiation between reversible and irreversible shrinkage. The setup consists of the commercialized HYPROP2 apparatus combined with optical distance sensors to measure the horizontal and vertical dimensions of the samples, yielding data on the sample volume, weight, and soil water suction. The measurement frequency is once per 10 min, and the measurement period is up to 4 weeks, providing a detailed time series of the drying and shrinkage characteristics. The setup can capture the different shrinkage phases and offers the opportunity to relate the soil shrinkage characteristic curve to soil water suction. The measurement data acquisition rate and accuracy enable detailed interpretation of soil water retention curves for nonrigid soils and are shown to be essential for understanding and quantifying the shrinkage potential of several types of deposits.

Formulation and evaluation of herbal microsphere gel

Formulation and evaluation of herbal microsphere gel involves designing a gel-based delivery system for herbal active ingredients encapsulated within microspheres. The process typically includes selecting suitable herbal extracts, encapsulating them into microspheres using techniques like solvent evaporation or emulsion-solvent evaporation, and then incorporating these microspheres into a gel base. Evaluation criteria may include physical characteristics (particle size, morphology), drug release kinetics, rheological properties, stability, and efficacy of the herbal ingredients. This approach aims to enhance the stability, controlled release, and therapeutic efficacy of herbal compounds, offering potential applications in various fields including pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and personal care products. This present study demonstrated the effectiveness of carbopol based herbal gel containing extracts of tamarind possessing antibacterial activity. Thus, the formulated herbal gel incorporated with tamarind extracts show great promises in the management of antibacterial activity. Gel loaded with microspheres of tamarind was prepared with aim to deliver the drug which passes through transdermal route as it provides quick onset of action when compared to oral route. This gel loaded with microspheres of tamarind was successfully prepared using solvent evaporation method.

Preparation and in- vitro Evaluation of Bioadhesive Vaginal Film of Tinidazole

Bioadhesive vaginal film is becoming a more effective and convenient dosage form compared to suppositories and gel for vaginal application as a method for the treatment of vaginal infections. This study aimed to prepare and characterize bioadhesive films of tinidazole to be used for vaginal delivery over a prolonged period to treat local infections. Fourteen formulas of tinidazole films were prepared by solvent evaporation method. Each film was composed of 10 mg tinidazole with different ratios and concentrations of a polymeric combination of polyvinyl alcohol/ polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVA/PVP) or polyvinyl alcohol/ hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (PVA/HPMC) for formulas A1-A7 and B1-B7, respectively. The prepared films were evaluated for their physicochemical characteristics, content uniformity, swelling, mucoadhesive strength, mucoadhesive time, and drug release. All the prepared films were transparent, had a uniform thickness (0.1-0.15 mm), and exhibited sufficient flexibility with drug content uniformity. The mucoadhesive strength of films was in the range of 28 ± 0.2 to 75 ± 0.01 g. Films containing PVA/HPMC showed higher swelling and lower mucoadhesive strength than those containing PVA/PVP polymeric combination. The in vitro drug release study showed no significant differences (p > 0.05) among films containing PVA/PVP or PVA/HPMC polymeric combinations. Formulas A3 and B4 were considered as the optimal bioadhesive films containing 3% of PVA: PVP (4:1) and 4% of PVA: HPMC (2:1), respectively as they showed complete flexibility, acceptable mucoadhesive strength and time (43 ± 0.1, 45 ± 0.23 g and 30 ± 0.02, 34 ± 0.01 min, respectively) and prolonged drug release rate. In conclusion, films of formulas A3 and B4 possess the potential as a delivery system for tinidazole for the treatment of vaginal infections at the site of application.

Preparation and In Vitro Characterization of Carbamazepine-Loaded Chitosan-Coated/Uncoated PLGA and Zein Nanoparticles

The aim of this study is to prepare CBZ-loaded chitosan (Ch)- coated/uncoated poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) and Zein (using 20 mg or 40 mg Zein) nanoparticles (CBZ-PLGA-Zein-NPs or CBZ-PLGA-Zein-Ch-NPs) and to characterize (Particle size, PDI, zeta potential, percent encapsulation efficiency (EE%), FT-IR, DSC and XRD analyzes, and in vitro release study) them in vitro. These nanoparticles were prepared using a modified emulsification-solvent evaporation method. The particle sizes of CBZ-PLGA-Zein(20)-NPs, CBZ-PLGA-Zein(40)-NPs and CBZ-PLGA-Zein(20)-Ch-NPs were found to be about 222 nm, 245 nm and 221 nm, respectively. The PDI value of all NP formulations was below 0.3. This indicates a narrow particle size distribution. The EE% values of CBZ-PLGA-Zein(20)-NPs, CBZ-PLGA-Zein(40)-NPs and CBZ-PLGA-Zein(20)-Ch-NPs were determined as about 64%, 56% and 62%, respectively. The coating of the optimum formulation (containing 20 mg Zein) with chitosan did not lead to a significant difference in the particle size and EE% value of this formulation (P>0.05). A sustained release of CBZ from all prepared NPs formulations was achieved until 48th h. In conclusion, CBZ-PLGA-Zein(20 mg or 40 mg)-NPs and CBZ-PLGA-Zein(20 mg)-Ch-NPs were successfully prepared and characterized in vitro.

Growth and characterization of highly efficient Cs[formula omitted]Cu[formula omitted]I[formula omitted] single crystal for [formula omitted]-ray detection

Metal halide perovskites, particularly zero-dimensional (0D) variants, have garnered significant attention as scintillator materials for various applications such as γ-ray spectroscopy, X-ray imaging, and security. Among these, Cs3Cu2I5 has emerged as a promising candidate owing to its exceptional characteristics, such as good energy resolution, high light output, and high stopping power. Although there is sufficient data available on the scintillation properties of Cs3Cu2I5 Single Crystal (SC) grown using various methods, there still remains a scarcity of data on the scintillation properties of SCs grown using solvent evaporation method at room temperature. In the present work, Cs3Cu2I5 SCs have been grown using the solvent evaporation method at room temperature and characterised for their structural, optical, and scintillation properties. The SC shows an orthorhombic structure with a bandgap of 3.58 eV. The optical properties of the SC reveal the existence of Self-Trapped Exciton (STE). The SC exhibits an energy resolution of 5.80 ±0.05% at 662 keV and a light output of 41,000 photons/MeV, making it suitable for γ-rays detection. The intrinsic photopeak efficiencies of Cs3Cu2I5 SC for γ-rays are reported for the first time. GEANT4 simulation toolkit has been used to perform realistic simulations, and the simulated and experimental efficiencies are compared. Simulations show that Cs3Cu2I5 scintillator has twice the efficiency of the NaI:Tl scintillator.