Field Emission Transmission Electron Microscopy Research Articles

Silver Nanoparticle-Embedded Carbon Nitride: Antifungal Activity on Candida albicans and Toxicity toward Animal Cells.

The development of engineered nanomaterials has been considered a promising strategy to control oral infections. In this study, silver-embedded carbon nitrides (Ag@g-CN) were synthesized and tested against Candida albicans, investigating their antifungal action and biocompatibility in animal cells. Ag@g-CN was synthesized by a simple one-pot thermal polymerization technique and characterized by various analytical techniques. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis revealed slight alterations in the crystal structure of g-CN upon the incorporation of Ag. Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy confirmed the presence of Ag-N bonds, indicating successful silver incorporation and potential interactions with g-CN's amino groups. UV-vis spectroscopy demonstrated a red shift in the absorption edge of Ag@g-CN compared with g-CN, attributed to the surface plasmon resonance effect of silver nanoparticles. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) confirmed the 2D layered sheet like morphology of both materials. The Ag 3d peaks found in X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) confirmed the presence of metallic Ag0 nanoparticles in Ag@g-CN. The Ag@g-CN materials exhibited high antifungal activity against reference and oral clinical strains of C. albicans, with minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) ranges between 16-256 μg/mL. The mechanism of Ag@g-CN on C. albicans was attributed to the disruption of the membrane integrity and disturbance of the biofilm. In addition, the Ag@g-CN material showed good biocompatibility in the fibroblastic cell line and in Galleria mellonella, with no apparent cytotoxicity observed at a concentration up to 1000 μg/mL. These findings demonstrate the potential of the Ag@g-CN material as an effective and safe antifungal agent for the treatment of oral fungal infections.

Utilizing banana peel in conjunction with TiO2 photocatalyst for the efficient decolorization of malachite green

Porous materials are frequently integrated into TiO2 photocatalysts due to their enhanced surface area and reaction efficiency. This study aimed to enhance the efficiency of wastewater treatment by developing a TiO2 combined with banana peel (BP) through the sol-gel method. The TiO2/BP composite was extensively analyzed using a range of methods, such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission transmission electron microscopy (FESEM), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis, diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS UV–vis), photoluminescence spectra (PL), and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) analysis. Subsequent evaluation of the photoactivity of the TiO2/BP composite compared to bare TiO2 particles revealed a noteworthy enhancement in decolorizing malachite green (MG) dye under visible light. Furthermore, recyclability testing further demonstrated consistent performance for up to four cycles, highlighting the potential application of this porous material-based photocatalytic composite in wastewater treatment.

EXPLORING STRENGTHENING MECHANISMS OF ULTRAFINE-GRAINED Fe35Mn27Ni28Co5Cr5 HIGH-ENTROPY ALLOY PROCESSED BY SEVERE COLD ROLLING PROCESS

This study describes the strengthening mechanisms of an ultrafine-grained (UFG) Fe35Mn27Ni28Co5Cr5 high-entropy alloy (HEA) processed by severe cold rolling (SCR) process at room temperature. Microstructural evaluations were performed by field emission scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The findings demonstrated that the development of deformation microstructures consisted of a single face-centered cubic (FCC) phase with stretched grains along the rolling direction and lamellar deformation bands after a 90 % reduction in thickness. Using the Nix-Gao model, the dislocation density was determined by measuring the microhardness indentation size effect. The results indicated that an increase in rolling deformation leads to an increase in dislocation density. The dislocation density increased from 2.28 ×109 cm-2 for as-homogenized specimen to 8.65 ×109 cm-2 after 90 % reduction in thickness. The yield strength of the UFG Fe35Mn27Ni28Co5Cr5 HEA was 5.2 times (1155 MPa) higher than that of the as-homogenized state (225 MPa). Finally, an assessment was conducted on the relative contributions of individual mechanisms, such as dislocation and grain refinement, to the strengthening of the Fe35Mn27Ni28Co5Cr5 HEA.

Enhanced Mass Activity and Durability of Bimetallic Pt-Pd Nanoparticles on Sulfated-Zirconia-Doped Graphene Nanoplates for Oxygen Reduction Reaction in Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell Applications.

Developing highly active and durable Pt-based electrocatalysts is crucial for polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells. This study focuses on the performance of oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) electrocatalysts composed of Pt-Pd alloy nanoparticles on graphene nanoplates (GNPs) anchored with sulfated zirconia nanoparticles. The results of field emission scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy showed that Pt-Pd and S-ZrO2 are well dispersed on the surface of the GNPs. X-ray diffraction revealed that the S-ZrO2 and Pt-Pd alloy coexist in the Pt-Pd/S-ZrO2-GNP nanocomposites without affecting the crystalline lattice of Pt and the graphitic structure of the GNPs. To evaluate the electrochemical activity and reaction kinetics for ORR, we performed cyclic voltammetry, rotating disc electrode, and EIS experiments in acidic solutions at room temperature. The findings showed that Pt-Pd/S-ZrO2-GNPs exhibited a better ORR performance than the Pt-Pd catalyst on the unsulfated ZrO2-GNP support and with Pt on S-ZrO2-GNPs and commercial Pt/C.

One-step synthesis and characterization of Y2O3 nanoparticles via emulsion detonation method

Yttrium oxide (Y2O3) nanoparticles have critical applications in many industries, including ceramics, optics, and biomedicine. However, conventional synthesis methods are typically cumbersome and time-consuming. Herein, a novel emulsion detonation method successfully achieved the one-step synthesis of Y2O3 nanoparticles. In this method, yttrium nitrate hexahydrate was uniformly dispersed in the emulsion explosive as a precursor and an auxiliary oxidizer. After the emulsion explosive was detonated in a detonation chamber, the detonation products were collected, purified and characterized by X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectrometer, Raman spectrometer, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy, field emission transmission electron microscopy, and ultraviolet spectrophotometer. The results show that the as-synthesized powders are high-purity cubic phase yttrium oxide nanoparticles with a spherical-like morphology and an average particle size of approximately 30 nm. These Y2O3 nanoparticles have a wide (5.53 eV) energy band gap, close to the conventional methods. Based on detonation theory, thermochemical theory, and characterization results, this text discussed the mechanism of the Y2O3 nanoparticles synthesized by the emulsion detonation method. During detonation, the formation of the Y2O3 nanoparticles underwent three stages: the formation of the Y2O3 molecules by the collision of Y and O ions, the formation of the crystal nucleus at supersaturation concentration, and crystal growth. This study provides a novel, cost-effective method for efficiently synthesizing Y2O3 nanoparticles.

Swelling at high radiation damage levels of 120 and 240 dpa in 3.5 MeV self-ion irradiated ferritic/martensitic steels

The swelling behavior of ferritic/martensitic steels (FC92-B/-N, HT9, and Gr.92) was investigated following 3.5 MeV Fe++ ion irradiation. Tested alloys were helium-pre-implanted up to the peak contents of 120 and 240 appm with He/dpa ratio of 1 appm/dpa at room temperature and then exposed to self-ion beam to the peak damage conditions of 120 and 240 dpa at 475 °C. Field-emission transmission electron microscopy was used to characterize the cavity evolution. FC92-B exhibited the highest resistance to swelling among the irradiated alloys. The final volumetric swelling of FC92-B reached 1.3% at 70 dpa and 2.9% at 140 dpa. On the other hand, HT9 exhibited the highest swelling, reaching 7.4% at 140 dpa. Comparing the present swelling results at 140 dpa/140 appm He with swelling data at 280 dpa/280 appm He from our previous study, it was observed that Gr.92 and FC92-N swelled more at 140 dpa/140 appm He than at 280 dpa/280 appm He. This negative correlation between swelling and dose in Gr.92 and FC92-N is primarily attributed to the helium-associated swelling suppression at higher helium concentration of 280 appm. A bimodal cavity size distribution appeared only in Gr.92 and FC92-N at 280 dpa/280 appm. This result demonstrates that the excess amount of helium over 200 appm promoted early-stabilization of new-born cavities, resulting in preferentially enhanced cavity nucleation, while impeding the growth of nucleated cavities. An inhibition in cavity growth possibly led to an extended duration of nucleation-dominant stages, finally suppressing swelling in ion-irradiated Gr.92 and FC92-N alloys.

Role of grain interface on dielectric and multiferroic properties of 0-3 type (x)CoFe2O4–(1−x)Ba0.8Sr0.2TiO3 nanocomposites

The (x)CoFe2O4–(1−x)Ba0.8Sr0.2TiO3 (0-3 type particulate) nanocomposites with x = 0.00, 0.02, 0.04, 0.06, 0.08, and 1.00 were prepared by the solid-state method. Cobalt ferrite crystallized into cubic crystal symmetry with an Fd3̄m space group. Strontium-substituted barium titanate crystallized into a tetragonal crystal structure with a P4mm space group. Field emission scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy techniques show the distribution of different sizes of particle. Polarization vs electric field curves show the highest maximum polarization (Pm) of 10.26 μC/cm2, remnant magnetization (Pr) of 11.70 μC/cm2, and coercivity (Ec) of 19.95 kV/cm for x = 0.04 composition at 35 kV/cm. However, it is smaller than the Ba0.8Sr0.2TiO3 phase (Pm = 16.86 μC/cm2, Pr = 13.20 μC/cm2, and EC = 10.80 kV/cm). The highest dielectric constant of around 9800 was found for x = 0.04 composition, with a very small dielectric loss factor of about 0.02, i.e., less than even 2%. This is ∼10 times compared to that of Ba0.8Sr0.2TiO3 (BSTO), which has been explained by considering interaction at the interface of CoFe2O4 (CFO) and BSTO, leakage current, and variation of the lattice parameter of BSTO in (x)CoFe2O4–(1−x)Ba0.8Sr0.2TiO3 nanocomposite. The magnetic hysteresis loops show squeezing near the origin. The magnetic parameters like coercivity, remnant magnetization, and saturation magnetization increased with the increase in the CoFe2O4 weight fraction. Magnetic interaction between surfaces of magnetic CFO and non-magnetic BSTO is evident from the ΔH vs M plots, and it also evidences the magnetism at the surface of BSTO due to uncompensated spins.

Facile synthesis of Fe3O4@biochar@SO3H as magnetically separable Bronsted acid nanocatalyst for biodiesel production from different oil feedstocks

A novel magnetically separable Fe3O4@biochar@SO3H catalyst was developed from mesua assamica (King & prain) waste seed shells biochar for cost-effective biodiesel production using novel mesua assamica seed oil, jatropha oil, and soybean oil. The magnetic solid acid catalyst was synthesized via impregnation of biochar with Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles followed by sulfonation techniques. Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis suggested the successful sulfonation and existence of –SO3H groups on catalyst surface. The synthesized magnetic acidic catalyst possesses total acidity of 3.9 mmol g−1 and –SO3H density of 1.8 mmol g−1. The field emission transmission electron microscopy (FETEM) led core-shell structured catalyst particle demonstrated a mean size of 87.4 nm and the surface area of 71.47 m2 g−1. The acidic catalyst easily afforded maximum yield of 96.8% mesua assamica biodiesel, 95.3% jatropha biodiesel, and 95.8% soybean biodiesel under optimized reaction parameters. The kinetic investigation suggested the occurrence of pseudo first order kinetics with activation energy of 32.42 kJ mol−1. The magnetically separable catalyst also displayed promising activity and stability up to 3rd cycle with more than 75% biodiesel yield.

Effects of Gas-Diffusion Layers and Water Management on the Carbon Corrosion of a Catalyst Layer in Proton-Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells

Carbon corrosion in a catalyst layer (CL) deteriorates the performance and durability of proton-exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs), which are closely related to water management within these cells. This study investigates the characteristics of water behavior of two gas diffusion layers (GDLs) and compares their influence on degrees of degradation in the CL. First, the properties of the GDLs, including their thickness, pore size distribution, gas permeability, electrical resistance, contact angle, and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) content, are evaluated. The dynamic behavior of liquid water is observed using a visualization cell and synchrotron X-ray imaging. Second, a modified accelerated stress test (AST), which includes a water generation reaction within the catalyst support protocol of the US Department of Energy (DOE), is performed. For assessing the degradation, we utilize polarization curves, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry, scanning electron microscopy, and field emission transmission electron microscopy. The results reveal that, even though GDL B contains a higher hydrophobic content than GDL A, it exhibits lower water discharge, indicating a reduced performance at high relative humidity (RH) levels. This is attributed to a low capillary pressure gradient, which is influenced not only by PTFE but also by the overall pore structure (i.e., porosity and pore size). Consequently, a high capillary pressure gradient can enhance water discharge and thereby mitigate carbon corrosion and Pt agglomeration in the CL. In addition, the application of the modified AST induces carbon corrosion with fewer cycles than that achieved using the DOE carbon support protocol.

Magnetic and optical properties of ZnO nanoparticles and nanorods synthesized by green chemistry

ZnO nanostructures have attracted considerable attention because of their physicochemical properties and applications as antibacterial agents, photocatalytic reactions for pollutant removal, and electronics. Hence, efficient production and knowledge of their properties under different synthesis conditions are essential. Biosynthesis has emerged as an excellent growth-directing method for synthesizing nanomaterials, representing a soft and cleaner alternative for their production. In this study, we synthesized different ZnO nanostructures using a soft chemistry method at different growth temperatures, from 200 to 800 °C every 200 °C. The crystalline structure was estudied by x-ray Diffraction (XRD) and High-Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (HRTEM). The shape and size were studied by Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), which revealed a ZnO hexagonal phase with two shapes: nanoparticles (NPs) with irregular shapes and nanorods of different sizes. The optical properties were studied by Raman and UV-visible spectroscopy, and optical absorption measurements showed bandgap tuning of the produced nanostructures. Finally, the magnetic characteristics of the samples demonstrated magnetic anisotropy due to the preference for crystalline formation and the size of the nanoparticles. The magnetic interaction between the two types of NPs increased the diamagnetism associated with the nanorods.

Assessment of de-toxicity of treated dye solution via seed germination test: Photocatalytic treatment by Morinda citrifolia leaf extract mediated ZnO:Mo/g-C3N4 nanocomposite

Molybdenum doped zinc oxide (ZnO:Mo) nanoparticles and ZnO:Mo/g-C3N4nanocomposites were prepared via green synthesis by using Morinda citrifolia (M. citrifolia) extract as the reducing agent. Another set of ZnO:Mo and ZnO:Mo/g-C3N4 nanomaterials were prepared using NaOH as the reducing agent and their photocatalytic efficiencies against methylene blue (MB) and methyl orange (MO) were evaluated and compared with those of their green synthesized counterparts. The degrading efficiency of green synthesized ZnO:Mo/g-C3N4 was 99 and 96 % against MB and MO of dyes, respectively, whereas the respective values in the case of chemical synthesis are only 95 and 90 %. The mechanism lies behind the photocatalytic activity of the nanocomposite was elaborated. The enhanced charge carrier concentration caused by Mo doping and the synergistic advantages of the composite partners, like band gap reduction and reduced recombination rate are discussed with relevant references. The water samples photocatalytically treated by the nanomaterials were applied to green gram seeds and the growth process is evaluated and compared. The powder XRD, field emission SEM, TEM, FTIR and EDAX results and the related analyses are presented as corroborative evidences for the composite formation and enhanced photocatalytic activity. The prepared green synthesized ZnO:Mo/g-C3N4 nanocomposite will be a promising material for de-toxification of dye effluents to make it conducive for seed germination and plant growth.

Synergistic photocatalytic degradation of crystal violet dye using novel medical waste-derived carbon/ZnO composite: A study on toxicological assessment

The discharge of crystal violet (CV) dye effluents from textile sectors is a significant concern, as these pollutants not only diminish the aesthetic appeal of water bodies but also impede light penetration, thereby disrupting aquatic ecology. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic has led to increased usage of disposable face masks, further contributing to medical waste in the environment. In this state-of-the-art study, the aim was to develop a photocatalyst material using medical-waste-derived carbon (MWC) as a support matrix for zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles, facilitating the photocatalytic degradation of CV dye via persulfate (PS) activation. X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy were used to analyze the crystalline and chemical bonding properties of the synthesized photocatalysts, whilst field-emission scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy mapping were employed to examine the samples’ surface morphology and composition. The UV–vis spectroscopy and photoluminescence spectroscopy were used to confirm the optical properties of the photocatalysts. The degradation analyses showed that the MWC/ZnO nanocomposite achieved a higher degradation efficiency of 94.4%, with a reusability performance of 91.0% in the fifth cycle. Toxicology assessment was performed using seedling Vigna mungo plants and zebrafish, which revealed significant developmental deformities in the embryos and adults of zebrafish treated with the CV solution, but not when grown with the degraded CV solution or water, supporting the non-toxic nature of the degraded dye water. Therefore, the proposed MWC/ZnO nanocomposite could be suggested as a potential catalyst for CV dye degradation and an ideal solution for both aquatic and medical waste pollutants.

Effect of graphene addition on microstructure and wear behaviour of the A356-based composite fabricated by thixoforming process

Employing graphene as reinforcement in an aluminium matrix is a viable approach for developing composites with exceptional mechanical properties and wear resistance owing to its two-dimensional structure and high strengthening efficiency. This study aims to investigate the microstructure and wear behaviour of A356 aluminium matrix composites reinforced with different graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) amounts (0.3, 0.5 and 1.0 wt%). The feedstock of composites underwent stir casting before being subjected to the thixoforming process. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and transmission electron microscopy micrographs (TEM) demonstrated the microstructure transformation of the composites after fabrication and the presence of carbon elements in the A356 matrix composite, respectively. TEM micrographs also displayed the existence of aluminium carbide (Al4C3) compound in the composites due to the reaction of aluminium matrix and graphene during fabrication. The hardness testing results revealed the hardness of the composite with 0.3 wt% GNPs is higher than that of A356 alloy by showing an improvement of 51.4% after the thixoforming process. The wear resistance of the composites was enhanced by decreasing the wear rate. In comparison with the as-cast and thixoformed A356 alloys, the thixoformed composite reinforced with 0.3 wt% GNPs exhibited the lowest wear rate, demonstrating a reduction of 18.7% and 11.5%, respectively. These findings demonstrated the significance of GNPs as an effective self-lubricating and favourable reinforcement for A356 aluminium matrix composite in the automotive industry.

Highly sensitive biofunctionalized nanostructures for paper-based colorimetric sensing of hydrogen peroxide in raw milk

Hydrogen Peroxide (H2O2) is a highly hazardous, toxic, and carcinogenic chemical compound utilised in various industries-based applications. Despite strict restriction, they are deliberately added to food items such as milk as preservatives to increase its shelf life. Herein, we have formulated a green rapid colorimetric nanosensor for detection of H2O2 in milk using cotton leaves as both reducing and functionalizing agent for synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). UV–Vis spectra exhibit a strong plasmonic peak at around 434 nm. X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) analysis was performed to determine the crystallinity of the nanoparticles. Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM) and Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) characterizations revealed spherical morphology with size approximately ∼16 nm. This functionalized nanoparticle could colorimetrically sense presence of H2O2 in milk samples both in liquid media and on paper substrates with Limit of Detection (LOD) of 8.46 ppm even in presence of other interfering substances in milk. This inexpensive route will pave the way for in depth research.

One pot synthesis of UiO-66-NH2 containing curcumin and cytotoxic evaluation toward liver cancer cells

Curcumin, a potent natural compound known for its health benefits, encounters challenges such as low bioavailability and poor solubility. To overcome these obstacles, incorporating curcumin into metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) has emerged as a promising approach. This study explores the in-situ modification of UiO-66-NH2 (UiO stands for Universitetet i Oslo) with curcumin, aiming to assess its release and delivery potential. Chemical, structural, morphological, and textural analyses confirmed the successful synthesis of the materials. Nitrogen sorption isotherm, field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed that curcumin addition led to decrease in surface area (from 829.6 m2/g to 679.92 m2/g) and porosity, as well as alterations in particle size (from 0.162to 0.068 μm) and shape from octahedral to spherical. The release behavior of curcumin exhibited pH-dependent profiles, with cumulative releases (∼20 % at pH 4.8, and 30.56 % at pH 7.4) fitting Kosmeyer-Peppas model. Biological activity assays indicated non-toxicity, suggesting potential for curcumin delivery.

Graphene aerogel based positive electrode for lithium ion batteries

In this study, a composite of LiNi0.8Mn0.1Co0.1O2 nanoparticles (nNMC-811) supported by three-dimensional (3D) graphene aerogel (GA) was prepared to increase the practical energy density and performance capability of high nickel cathodes. The porous LiNi0.8Mn0.1Co0.1O2 nanoparticle/graphene aerogel (nNMC-811/GA) composite is composed of nNMC-811 and graphene that act as a bridge for electron transfer and acceleration of lithium ion diffusion. nNMC-811 and nNMC-811/GA cathodes characterization data with techniques including X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectra (FT-IR) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) are discussed. Both Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE-SEM) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) made clear observations of the uniform distribution of the cathode active powders over the 3D graphene aerogel structure. The electrochemical performance of the nNMC-811 and nNMC-811/GA cathodes was evaluated by the galvanostatic charge-discharge measurement between 2.5 V and 4.5 V at room temperature using a computer-controlled battery tester. In addition, variable speed capacity ratios (C-rate), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and cyclic voltammetry (CV) analyzes were also performed. nNMC-811/GA hybrid composite structure delivers a specific capacity of 183.15 mAhg−1 at C/2 after the 500th cycle. It is understood from the FE-SEM images taken after the cycle that there is no deterioration in the structure. According to results, it was observed that the 3D porous structure of the nNMC-811/GA composite facilitated the mobility of Li+ ions, and the excellent electrochemical performances of the cathodes were improved due to the increasing defects as well as the electrical conductivity of GA.

Effect of nano-Ag addition on the superconducting properties of MWCNT doped magnesium diboride superconductor

Bulk MgB2 superconductor added with nano silver (Ag), multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) and both the added (i.e., nano-Ag and MWCNT) samples were synthesized. The influence of nano-Ag and MWCNT addition on the structural and superconducting properties were studied. The XRD analysis confirms the formation of hexagonal MgB2 superconductor. Microstructural studies of all the synthesized samples are carried out by field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM). The superconducting properties such as critical temperature (Tc), magnetic critical current density (Jc), irreversibility field (Birr) and flux pinning properties of all the synthesized samples were investigated at 10 K and field up to 7 T. Nano Ag added MWCNT doped MgB2 shows maximum enhancement in the critical current density i.e., 5.83 × 104 A/cm2 at 5 T and 10 K.

Natural resource-derived NiO nanoparticles via aloe vera for high-performance symmetric supercapacitor

This investigation reported a one-step green synthesis of nickel oxide nanoparticles (NiO NPs) using aloe vera leaves extract solution for their application in a supercapacitor. This method used aloe vera leaves as a reducing agent, which is very simple and cost-effective. The synthesized NPs were thoroughly characterized using various techniques. The X-ray diffraction analysis unequivocally confirmed the crystalline nature; field emission scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy images showed different shapes and forms of an agglomerated cluster of synthesized NPs. The absorption spectra were recorded from UV visible spectroscopy, while Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy provided insights into the functional groups present. Electrochemical assessments were carried out via cyclic voltammetry, galvanostatic charging-discharging and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. These experiments were performed using a 2 M KOH electrolyte within a 1.0 V potential window. Impressively, the single electrode displayed a remarkable specific capacitance of 462 F g−1 at a scan rate of 1 mV s−1 and 336 F g−1 at a current density of 0.76 A g−1. Further, a symmetric two-electrode device (NiO||NiO) has been successfully fabricated by employing a separator between the electrodes. The device exhibited an exceptional specific capacitance of approximately 239 F g−1, along with an energy density of 47.8 Wh kg−1 and a power density of 545 W kg−1 at 1 A g−1 current density within a 1.2 V potential window. The fabricated device also shows a retention capacity of 89% at 10 A g−1 after 2000 cycles with 114% of columbic efficiency. The present study underscores the effectiveness of the green synthesis approach in producing NiO NPs and establishes their potential as highly promising candidates for supercapacitor applications, showcasing both excellent electrochemical performance in a three-electrode system and remarkable stability in a practical two-electrode device. The results collectively highlight the efficacy of the green approach in producing NiO NPs, establishing its potential as a highly promising candidate for supercapacitor application.

Solvent effect on the self-assembly of polyisobutylene-based glycopolymers

Investigation of polymeric conformations in different solvents is critical because block copolymer solution morphology is not only associated with the architecture but also with its characteristic features which depend upon the solvent polarity. A series of double hydrophobic diblock copolymers comprising polyisobutylene (PIB) segment and varying sugar pendant units have been prepared by a combination of living cationic and reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerizations. After the deprotection of the acetate from sugar pendants, the synthesized water-soluble amphiphilic block copolymers showed morphological transformations in both aqueous and organic media. A conformational transition due to a change in solvent polarity from polar protic to nonpolar was supported by 1H NMR spectroscopy. The dynamic light scattering (DLS) experiments demonstrated that the hydrodynamic diameters of aggregates varied with solvent polarity. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) evidenced the morphological changes from micellar to tubular orientation. Finally, the self-assembly behavior of PIB-based glycopolymers due to changes in solvent polarity is proposed.

Immunomodulatory responses of extracellular vesicles released by gram-positive fish pathogen Streptococcus parauberis

Bacterial extracellular vesicles (BEVs) are nanosized structures that play a role in intercellular communication and transport of bioactive molecules. Streptococcus parauberis is a Gram-positive pathogenic bacterium that causes “Streptococcosis” in fish. In this study, we isolated S. parauberis-derived extracellular vesicles (SpEVs), and then physicochemical and immunomodulatory properties were determined to elucidate their biological functions. Initially, the biogenesis of SpEVs was detected using field emission scanning electron microscopy, which revealed that secretory phase SpEVs attached to the outer surface of S. parauberis. SpEVs had an average particle diameter and zeta potential of 168.3 ± 6.5 nm and −17.96 ± 2.11 mV, respectively. Field emission transmission electron microscopy analysis confirmed the presence of round or oval-shaped SpEVs with clear membrane margins. Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis results showed three sharp protein bands when SpEVs were stained with Coomassie blue. In vitro toxicity of SpEVs was assayed using the murine macrophage RAW 264.7 cells and we observed no significant (p < 0.05) viability reduction up to 50 μg/mL qRT-PCR results revealed that SpEVs-treated (5 and 10 μg/mL) RAW 264.7 cells significantly (p < 0.05) induced the mRNA of proinflammatory (Il1β, Il6, and Tnfα) and anti-inflammatory (Il10) cytokines in a concentration-dependent manner. In vivo immunomodulatory effects of SpEVs were investigated by injecting SpEVs (5 and 10 μg/fish) into adult zebrafish. Transcriptional analysis based on qRT-PCR indicates significant (p < 0.05) upregulation of proinflammatory (il1β, il6, and tnfα) and anti-inflammatory (il10) genes in a concentration-dependent manner in zebrafish kidney. Further, protein expression results in zebrafish spleen tissue confirmed the immunomodulatory activity of SpEVs. In conclusion, SpEVs display the characteristics of BEVs and immunomodulatory activities, suggesting their potential application as vaccine candidate.