Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy Spectra Research Articles

Jasmonates disrupt carrageenan synthesis during carposporogenesis in the red seaweed Grateloupia imbricata

In this study, we monitored changes in cell wall sulfated galactans in the red seaweed Grateloupia imbricata after the rapid (48 h) induction of cystocarp maturation and carpospore development by the volatile hormone methyl jasmonate (MEJA). Synthesis of sulfated galactans, carrageenans, which requires sulfated UDP galactose, was followed by expression analysis of genes encoding phosphoglucomutase (PGM), galactose-1-phosphate uridyltransferase (GALT), and those responsible for sulfate assimilation (S-transporter and sulfate adenylyltransferase, SAT). In addition, the expression of carbohydrate sulfotransferase and galactose-6-sulfurylase responsible for the addition and removal of sulfate groups to the galactans backbone were evaluated. Structural changes, such as thallus softening, were analyzed using Fourier-transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) spectra, and ploidy was assessed using flow cytometry. The results showed downregulation of most of the genes encoding precursors or those in charge of transformation into sulfated hexoses for cell wall synthesis. Furthermore, alterations in the FTIR spectrum of carrageenan from MEJA-induced fertile thalli, such as the disappearance and flattening of absorption bands, were observed. The promptness of these events and the ploidy of thalli and spores seem to confirm the induction of mitotic production of haploid spores by MEJA.

Evaluating the conversion degree of interim restorative materials produced by different 3-dimensional printer technologies

Statement of problemThree-dimensional (3D) printers are a relatively new technology, but the degree of conversion (DC) of the resin specimens produced by using this method is currently unknown. However, the DC of resin interim restorative materials is critical for their biocompatibility and physical properties. PurposeThe purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the DC of interim restorative materials produced by using different 3D printer technologies and compare them with conventionally manufactured polymethyl methacrylate. Material and methodsStereolithography, digital light processing, and liquid crystal display 3D printers were used as experimental groups, and a conventional (C) method was used as the control. Five different 3D printers (DWS Systems, Formlabs [FL], Asiga, Mega, and Vega) were included. The 3D printed specimens were designed in a rectangular prism geometry (10×4×2.5 mm) by using a computer-aided design software program (Materialise 3-matic) and printed with a layer thickness of 50 µm in the horizontal direction (n=15). Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) spectra were measured in 3 steps: the liquid state of the resins, after washing with 99% isopropanol, and after final polymerization. For the C method, FT-IR spectra were assessed in 2 steps: immediately after mixing the liquid and powder and after polymerization. Statistical analysis of the data was performed with 1-way ANOVA followed by the post hoc Tukey honestly significant difference (HSD) test (α=.05). ResultsThere was no statistically significant difference in DC values between the 3D printed groups (P>.05). There was a statistically significant difference only between FL and the C in terms of DC (P=.042). ConclusionsThree-dimensionally printed interim resin materials found comparable results with those of the C group. The DC was not affected by different 3D printing technologies.

Effect of nano-metal oxides (TiO2, MgO, CaO, and ZnO) on antibacterial property of (PEO/PEC-co-AAm) hydrogel synthesized by gamma irradiation

The global threat of infectious diseases and antibiotic resistance calls for the development of potent antimicrobial agents integrated with hydrogel for effective control and treatment. Hydrogel is advanced biomaterials compounds. Hydrogel is an advanced biomaterial compound that offers tunable physical and chemical properties, which can be tailored to specific biomedical applications. This study investigates the antibacterial properties of pectin/polyethylene oxide (PEC/PEO)-based poly acrylamide hydrogels containing 5 wt% nano-metal oxides (TiO2, CaO, MgO, and ZnO) synthesized through gamma irradiation at a dose of 30 kGy. This technique allows for sterilization and effectively incorporating the metal oxide nanoparticles within the hydrogel matrix. Characterization of the nanocomposites is performed using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Incorporating metal oxide nanoparticles induces noticeable changes in the FTIR spectra, confirming interactions between the nanoparticles and the hydrogel matrix. The antibacterial activity of the nanocomposites is evaluated against different bacteria, and the results demonstrate significant inhibitory effects, especially for MgO- and ZnO-hydrogel nanocomposites against P. mirabilis, S. aureus, P. aeruginosa, and C. albicans, highlighting their potential as antimicrobial agents. The 5 wt% of MgO, ZnO, TiO2 and CaO inside PEO/PEC-co-AAm hydrogel nanocomposites exhibited significant inhibitory effects, with a respective optical density at λ = 600 nm (OD600) values of 0.896 nm, 0.986 nm, 1.250 nm, and 1.980 nm compared to the control and hydrogel alone (OD600 values of 2.88 nm and 2.72 nm, respectively). The antibacterial activity of the (MgO-, ZnO-, TiO2-, and CaO-hydrogel) was enhanced, resulting in the inhibition of S. aureus growth by approximately 68.89 %, 65.86 %, 56.25 %, and 31.94 %, respectively. Incorporating nanoparticles into a hydrogel matrix introduces novelty by preventing their aggregation and synergistically enhancing the antibacterial activity. The hydrogel's porous structure and water content facilitate the physical entrapment of bacteria and promote proximity to the metal oxide nanoparticles, resulting in improved interaction and antimicrobial effectiveness. Moreover, the hydrogel ability to absorb and entrap resistance compounds released by bacteria, coupled with its ability to supply water for the generation of reactive oxygen species, further contributes to its antimicrobial properties.

Harnessing antifungal metabolites from macro basidiomycetes against wilt inciting <i>Fusarium</i> spp.

Plant diseases especially wilt disease caused by Fusarium spp. pose a major threat to the cultivation of vegetables. In the present study, experiments were undertaken to explore the potential antifungal metabolites produced by macro basidiomycetes viz., Lentinus edodes, Ganoderma lucidum and Schizophyllum commune against Fusarium oxysporum and F. solani causing wilt disease of cucumber and capsicum. Among these, the ethyl acetate fraction of Cell-Free Culture Filtrate (CFC) of L. edodes exhibited maximum per cent inhibition of the mycelial growth of F. oxysporum and F. solani (61.11 and 57.77 %, respectively) at a concentration of 2000 ppm. Characterization of antifungal metabolites of Cell Free Condensate (CFC) of ethyl acetate fraction of L. edodes observed as prominent bands in Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) indicated with an RF value of 0.25 and 0.69. Further GC-MS characterization of TLC-eluted compounds from L. edodes indicated the presence of 14 different compounds including 2H-pyran-2-one 6-pentyl-, possessing antifungal activity. The Fouriertransform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) spectrum revealed the functional groups such as alcohol (O-H), amides (C-O), aliphatic polyes (CH2), triazenes (N=N), silicon compounds (Si-O-Si), amines (C-N) and phosphorus (P=S). The comparison of metabolite distribution patterns by Principal Component Analysis (PCA) obtained from L. edodes (PC 1) showed a positive correlation between the compounds. This study infers that L. edodes possess antifungal activity against F. oxysporum and F. solani that can be explored for formulation and application of these antifungal compounds in plant protection.

Comparative study of Na0.67Ni0.25Co0.17Mn0.58O2 P-Type cathode materials for sodium-ion batteries: Combustion synthesis and combined analysis of structural, electrical, and dielectric properties

In this study, we present a promising sodium-ion cathode material, Na0.67Ni0.25Co0.17Mn0.58O2, which was synthesized by combustion method, and subsequent heat treatment at various calcination temperatures (700 °C, 800 °C, and 900 °C). The samples underwent analysis using various techniques, including Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), Differential Thermal Analysis (DTA), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) combined with Energy Dispersive X-ray Analysis (EDS), Specific Surface Area Measurements (BET), and Impedance Spectroscopy Measurements (EIS). The XRD pattern of the sample prepared at 700 °C reveals that the lower annealing temperature induces the formation of a new phase, P3. Indeed, the phase transition from the rhombohedral P3-phase to hexagonal P2-phase at 900 °C via mixed phases (P3/P2) yielded at 800 °C. Furthermore, Rietveld refinement using the hexagonal unit cell leads the calculation of the network parameters and the structural stacking, showing that the P2-phase exhibits a more pronounced two-dimensional character compared to the P3-phase. FT-IR spectra reveal that the lattice structures of the samples consist of NaO6 and MeO6 (Me = Ni, Co, Mn) octahedra. SEM-EDS analysis shows a homogeneous surface morphology in good agreement with the theoretical and experimental proportions of the elements constituting the three P-type phases. Subsequently, we extensively investigated the effect of our P-type materials on the electrical and dielectric properties of the cathodes using EIS measurements. Our findings suggest that the low-cost and eco-friendly P2–Na0.67Ni0.25Co0.17Mn0.58O2 phase shows promise as a cathode material for sodium-ion batteries and represents a competitive alternative to the P3/P2- and P3–Na0.67Ni0.25Co0.17Mn0.58O2 phases.

Electrospun composite nanofibers of deoxyribonucleic acid and polylactic acid for skincare applications.

The development of useful biomaterials has resulted in significant advances in various fields of science and technology. The demand for new biomaterial designs and manufacturing techniques continues to grow, with the goal of building a sustainable society. In this study, two types of DNA-cationic surfactant complexes were synthesized using commercially available deoxyribonucleic acid from herring sperm DNA (hsDNA, <50 bp) and deoxyribonucleic acid from salmon testes DNA (stDNA, ~2000 bp). The DNA-surfactant complexes were blended with a polylactic acid (PLA) biopolymer and electrospun to obtain nanofibers, and then copper nanoparticles were synthesized on nanofibrous webs. Scanning electron microscopic images showed that all nanofibers possessed uniform morphology. Interestingly, different diameters were observed depending on the base pairs in the DNA complex. Transmission electron microscopy showed uniform growth of copper nanoparticles on the nanofibers. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy spectra confirmed the uniform blending of both types of DNA complexes in PLA. Both stDNA- and hsDNA-derived nanofibers showed greater biocompatibility than native PLA nanofibers. Furthermore, they exerted significant antibacterial activity in the presence of copper nanoparticles. This study demonstrates that DNA is a potentially useful material to generate electrospun nanofibrous webs for use in biomedical sciences and technologies.

Discrimination of Dioscorea species (Chinese yam) using FT-IR integrated with chemometric approach

Dioscorea oppositifolia is an important crop and functional food. D. oppositifolia tuber is often adulterated with D. persimilis, D. alata, and D. fordii tuber in the commercial market. This study proposed an integrated Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) with chemometric approach to differentiate these four Dioscorea species. A total of 107 Dioscorea spp. tuber samples were collected from different locations in China. Principal Component Analysis (PCA), PCA-Class, and Orthogonal Partial Least Square Discriminant Analysis (OPLS-DA) were utilised to classify the FT-IR spectra. In this PCA is unable to differentiate the Dioscorea spp. tuber effectively. However, PCA-Class and OPLS-DA can distinguish spp. these 4 species Dioscorea tuber with high accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity. Additionally, the RMSEE, RMSEP and RMSECV values for OPLS-DA model were low, showing that it is a good model. The combination of FT-IR with the PCA-Class and OPLS-DA is practical in discriminating Dioscorea spp. tubers.

Bio-functionalized nickel-silica nanoparticles suppress bacterial leaf blight disease in rice (Oryza sativa L.).

Bacterial leaf blight (BLB) caused by Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo) is one of the most devastative diseases that threatens rice plants worldwide. Biosynthesized nanoparticle (NP) composite compounds have attracted attention as environmentally safe materials that possess antibacterial activity that could be used in managing plant diseases. During this study, a nanocomposite of two important elements, nickel and silicon, was biosynthesized using extraction of saffron stigmas (Crocus sativus L.). Characterization of obtained nickel-silicon dioxide (Ni-SiO2) nanocomposite was investigated using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Transmission/Scanning electron microscopy (TEM/SEM), and energy-dispersive spectrum (EDS). Antibacterial activities of the biosynthesized Ni-SiO2 nanocomposite against Xoo were tested by measuring bacterial growth, biofilm formation, and dead Xoo cells. The bacterial growth (OD600) and biofilm formation (OD570) of Xoo treated with distilled water (control) was found to be 1.21 and 1.11, respectively. Treatment with Ni-SiO2 NPs composite, respectively, reduced the growth and biofilm formation by 89.07% and 80.40% at 200 μg/ml. The impact of obtained Ni-SiO2 nanocomposite at a concentration of 200 μg/ml was assayed on infected rice plants. Treatment of rice seedlings with Ni-SiO2 NPs composite only had a plant height of 64.8cm while seedlings treated with distilled water reached a height of 45.20cm. Notably, Xoo-infected seedlings treated with Ni-SiO2 NPs composite had a plant height of 57.10cm. Furthermore, Ni-SiO2 NPs composite sprayed on inoculated seedlings had a decrease in disease leaf area from 43.83% in non-treated infected seedlings to 13.06% in treated seedlings. The FTIR spectra of biosynthesized Ni-SiO2 nanocomposite using saffron stigma extract showed different bands at 3,406, 1,643, 1,103, 600, and 470 cm-1. No impurities were found in the synthesized composite. Spherically shaped NPs were observed by using TEM and SEM. EDS revealed that Ni-SiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) have 13.26% Ni, 29.62% Si, and 57.11% O. Xoo treated with 200 µg/ml of Ni-SiO2 NPs composite drastically increased the apoptosis of bacterial cells to 99.61% in comparison with 2.23% recorded for the control. The application of Ni-SiO2 NPs significantly improved the vitality of rice plants and reduced the severity of BLB.

Kolanut-mediated magnesium oxide nanostructures for biomedical applications: Antimicrobial, antioxidant, larvicidal, anticoagulant and thrombolytic activities

This study was aimed at using hot water extracts of pod (KP), seed (KS), leaf (KL) and seed shell (KSS) of Cola nitida (kola nut) for the synthesis of nano-sized magnesium oxide and evaluation for biomedical applications. The nano-sized MgO were biosynthesized for the first time using kola nut extracts and characterized by UV–visible spectroscopy, Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy (FTIR), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), selected area electron diffraction (SAED) and energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX). The antimicrobial, antioxidant, larvicidal, anticoagulant and thrombolytic activities of the nano-sized MgO were evaluated. The crystalline polygonal-shaped nano-sized MgO absorbed maximally in the range of 270–280 nm and FTIR spectra indicated the involvement of phenolic compounds and proteins in their biosynthesis. At 40 µg/ml, nano-sized MgO showed growth inhibition of 41.2–79.3% against eight multi-drug resistant strains of Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli and Klebsiella granulomatis, and inhibition of 60.2–88.4% on Rhizopus stolonifer, Trichoderma longibrachiatum, Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus fumigatus. DPPH scavenging activities of 26.1–90.4% were obtained for 1–40 µg/ml of MgO nanostructures, while mortality of 13.33–100% against anopheline larvae was achieved at 30 µg/ml. The nanostructures also prevented blood coagulation and completely dissolved preformed blood clots within 10 min which is herein reported for the first time. This report has shown that Cola nitida can be employed for sustainable synthesis of nano-sized MgO with potent biomedical applications.

Interfacial interaction of controlled poly(ether-imide) (PEI) - titanium dioxide-based nanocomposites

The nanocomposites were produced using a melt-blending process and poly (ether imide) (PEI) reinforced with bioactive titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles. Fourier Transformed Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Microstructural analysis, Differential Scanning Calorimetric (DSC) of the generated interfacial interaction materials is exploited. The prominent peaks in FTIR measurement are found to be sensitive to TiO2 content. The peaks shift towards higher wavelength as a consequence of TiO2 addition. Polymer matrix and filler in the FTIR spectrum have a significant hydrogen bonding coupling. The uniform dispersion of TiO2 nanoparticles within the polymer was studied without surface treatment or polymer functionalization. It has been observed that with increasing TiO2 concentration, the matrix's crystallisation rate was altered from promotion to retardation, while its crystalline structure remained unaffected. TiO2 addition gradually lowers the glass transition temperature (Tg) of poly (ether imide) composite. The polymer matrix was concurrently made stiffer, stronger, and tougher by the nanoparticles, and the best characteristics were attained at 5.0 wt% of TiO2. Even though the nanocomposites had improved thermal stability and glass transition temperatures, they also showed less water absorption. The analyses are utilised to determine the type of nanoparticle and the consistency of the composite material's loading.

Extraction and Modification of Cellulose Microfibers Derived from Biomass of the Amazon Ochroma pyramidale Fruit

Microfibers are important to several areas of human lifestyle, and the knowledge about their physicochemical characteristics allows for proposing new technological applications. The in natura microfiber of Ochroma pyramidale fruit (IN sample) and its extracted pulp (PU sample) were evaluated by X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Thermogravimetry and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (TG/dTG and DSC). Microfibers were composed mainly of (68 ± 1)% holocellulose, (35.8 ± 0.1)% cellulose, (32 ± 3)% lignin and (3.7 ± 0.3)% extractives. The XRD pattern of the PU sample revealed that the mercerization process resulted in the change of the cellulose crystal structure from Iα type (triclinic) to type II (monoclinic). The SEM technique showed that the IN sample presented regular cylindrical/hollow-shaped wire-like microfibers with diameters ranging from 5 µm to 25 µm. However, the mercerization process changed their natural morphology. A significant change in the FTIR spectra after the removal of hemicellulose and lignin components was observed: weak bands at 1739 cm−1 (C=O stretching of lignin and hemicellulose fractions), 1463 cm−1 (CH3 of lignin) and 1246 cm−1 (C-O of lignin) were still observed in the PU sample, indicating that the lignin was not completely removed due to the natural difficulty of isolating pure cellulose. The TG/dTG and DSC evaluation revealed a temperature increase of the second thermal event (starting at 235 °C) in the PU sample, which was assigned to the cellulose and residual hemicellulose degradation. Then, this work aimed to disseminate and characterize a microfiber with unusual characteristics still little explored by the scientific community, as well as its cellulosic pulp, providing information that may be useful in its application in different industries, enabling the positive development of new biocompatible, renewable and sustainable materials.

Biological Activity of Biosynthesized Silver Nanoaggregates Prepared from the Aqueous Extract of Cymbopogon citratus against Candida spp.

Cymbopogon citratus is commonly used in folk medicine for the treatment of nervous and gastrointestinal disturbances and other medical issues because of its potent antioxidant capacity. The current study evaluated the anti-candida effects of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) synthesized from an aqueous extract of C. citratus against different Candida spp. The aqueous extract was prepared from the fresh leaves of C. citratus. The silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were prepared and validated by UV spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), transmission electron microscope (TEM), and zeta size analysis. C. albicans, C. krusei, C. parapsilosis, C. tropicalis, C. famata, C. rhodotorula, and C. glabrata were used in the antifungal assay. Microscopical imaging were used to investigate the different morphological changes induced by treatment. FTIR spectrum confirmed the existence of various functional groups of biomolecules capping the nanoparticles. The average particle size of synthesized AgNPs was 100.6 nm by zeta-sizer and 0.012 to 0.059 mm by TEM. In the antifungal assay, AgNPs aggregates induced significant inhibition of the growth of all species (p < 0.05) compared to the control and the biofilm maturation in C. famata and C. albicans. These considerable antifungal activities might lead to the development of appropriate alternative remedy for the treatment of fungal infections.

Engineered multi-walled carbon nanotubes for disinfecting wastewater

Discharging a considerable amount of untreated effluent directly into a water body significantly impacts water quality. Contaminated water can spread waterborne infections, resulting in exponentially high death rates worldwide. Although carbon nanotubes are frequently employed in industry, little is understood about how they may affect aquatic microbial ecosystems. Therefore, the present investigation aimed to exploit multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) as a potential disinfectant to eliminate waterborne bacteria during wastewater treatment. The current study utilized six different microbial strains, including Escherichia coli O157, Salmonella enterica, Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, Risopus oryzae, and Rhizomucor miehei, to examine the antimicrobial properties of MWCNTs. The physical and morphological properties of MWCNTs were characterized using transmission electron microscope (TEM), scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Dynamic light scattering (DLS), and zeta potential. The FTIR spectra of MWCNTs have appeared at 11,029 cm−1, and the zeta potential and particle size recorded at −28.89 mV and 425 nm, respectively. On the other hand, the results indicated that the width of the inhibition zone varied between 11 and 29 mm for E. coli O157, 11–31 mm for S. enterica, 16–37 mm for S. aureus, 14–34 mm for E.faecalis, 10–26 mm for R. oryzae, and 10–24 mm for Rh. miehei. The reduction rate of disinfection was estimated. The effective dose of MWCNTs (4xMIC) in a disinfection experiment could all selectedpathogens after 125 min exposure time. This study provided an overview of the antimicrobial properties of MWCNTs, their multiple modes of action against pathogens, and their usefulness in wastewater disinfection and microbial control. Thus, this current research work can also recommend MWCNTs as a good solution and beneficial disinfecting agent for inactivating waterborne pathogens within wastewater handling.

Degradation and chemical stability of graphitic carbon nitride during ultraviolet light irradiation

Graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) was synthesized by pyrolysis of urea at 450 °C for 2 h. X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy confirmed the formation of the stacked hexagonal layers and platelet-like structure of g-C3N4. The sample was irradiated by ultraviolet (UV, 370 nm) light for about 62 h and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectroscopy (ToF-SIMS), Nitrogen adsorption–desorption isotherm, and photoluminescence spectroscopy (PL) were used to investigate the degradation. XPS spectra of C 1s electrons revealed four components associated with adventitious carbon, the –C≡N group, heptazine/triazine and carboxyl/carbonate species. Quantitative XPS analysis indicated an increase in the peak areas associated with the –C≡N group and carboxyl/carbonate species, accompanied by a decrease in the areas of the components associated with the heptazine/triazine and adventitious carbon. XPS spectra of N 1s were fitted using four components which were assigned to pyridinic nitrogen (C–N=C), nitrile group (N≡C), amine groups (NHx) and tertiary nitrogen (N-(C)3). The relative areas of peaks associated with the amine and nitrile groups have slightly increased after UV irradiation whereas the peak associated with pyridinic nitrogen decreased. FTIR spectra suggested a reduction in the C–N and C=N heterocycle bonds and slight variation in the C≡N bonds after UV irradiation. BET analysis revealed that the surface area and pore volume have decreased after irradiation. ToF-SIMS analysis indicate the formation of NOx, CNO, NHx, and C4H3NO2 species after irradiation. PL spectra of the g-C3N4 showed a broad blue-green emission which was fitted using three bands and ascribed to the δ*-LP, π-LP, and π-π* transitions within the bandgap. During UV irradiation, the g-C3N4 powder lost about 22% of its blue-green emission intensity after nearly 45 h and then remained stable for further irradiation time. This study confirmed the degradation of g-C3N4 under UV irradiation, which should be further studied for better integration of this material in photoexcited applications.

Synthesis of Manganese Dioxide Nanoparticles by Plant Extract Mediated and their Effect on Biofilm Formation

In the current work, Punica granatum L. peel, Artemisia herba-alba Asso., Matricaria chamomilla L., and Camellia sinensis extracts were used to prepare manganese dioxide (MnO2) nanoparticles utilizing a green method. Energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis, and Filed emission-scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) analysis were used to evaluate the produced MnO2 NPs. FE-SEM pictures demonstrated how agglomerated nanoparticles formed. According to FE-SEM calculations, the particle size ranged from 18.7-91.5 nm. FTIR spectra show that pure Mn-O is formed, while EDX results show that Mn and O are present. The ability to suppress biofilm growth in the produced MnO2 NPs was examined. The outcomes showed that both bacterial and fungal biofilms were effectively inhibited by the MnO2 NPs produced.

Optimize the Properties of Carbon Nanotubes Synthesized using a Microwave Oven

In this paper, carbon nanotubes (CNT) are synthesized using the microwave oven method, which offers several advantages, including a simple, quick, inexpensive, and solvent-free growing method. To produce CNT, a mixture of graphite and ferrocene catalysts had to be flattened inside a microwave oven for five seconds at room temperature. CNT was produced using various ratios of graphite and ferrocene, and analyses indicated that a 70:30 graphite/ferrocene ratio produced better nanocrystalline CNT. To optimize CNT properties, five processes of purification were used to dispose of impurities like metal particles and support material from the as-produced carbon nanotubes. Raman spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was used to characterize the CNTs both after and before purification. After acid treatment and centrifugation, the amount of amorphous carbon and iron particles significantly decreased. Additionally, following the purification process, the ID/IG decreased by 0.14 and the I2D/ID increased by 0.55 for the purified CNTs. Furthermore, the FTIR spectra of the untreated and functionalized CNTs confirm the presence of carboxyl groups on pure CNTs and -OH moieties in sorbed water.

Impact of nano-cellulose fiber addition on physico-mechanical properties of room temperature vulcanized maxillofacial silicone material

ObjectivesMaxillofacial silicone is used to restore abnormalities due to congenital or acquired causes. However, the quality of silicone is far from ideal. This study was aimed at assessing the influence of the addition of cellulose nanofibers (CNFs; several nanometers in diameter and 2–5 μm long) on the physical and mechanical characteristics of maxillofacial silicone elastomers. MethodsTwo CNF weight percentages (0.5% and 1%) were tested, and 180 specimens were divided into one control and two experimental groups. Each group was subdivided into six subgroups. In each subgroup, ten specimens subjected to each of the following tests: tearing strength, Shore-A hardness, tensile strength, elongation percentage, surface roughness, and color stability. The samples were additionally analyzed with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and field emission scanning electronic microscopy (FESEM). ResultsThe 0.5% CNF group, compared with the control group, exhibited highly significantly greater tearing strength, elongation percentage, hardness Shore-A, and surface roughness, and substantially greater tensile strength. However, color stability did not significantly differ between groups.The 1% CNF group showed significantly greater Shore-A hardness, tear strength, color stability, and surface roughness, and insignificantly lower tensile strength and percentage elongating values, than the control group. FESEM imaging revealed good CNF dispersion. The FTIR spectra indicated that CNFs interacted with silicone through surface functional hydroxyl groups. ConclusionAddition of 0.5 wt. % CNF to silicone elastomers increased the material's mechanical tensile strength, tear strength, elongation percentage, and hardness as long as it stayed within the acceptable range for clinical use. Surface roughness increased in direct proportion to the amount of nanofibers added. Moreover, addition of 0.5 wt. % CNF to silicone polymers had insignificant effects on color stability.

Preparation and Characterisation of Acid-Base-Change-Sensitive Binary Biopolymer Films with Olive Oil and Ozonated Olive Oil Nano/Microcapsules and Added Hibiscus Extract.

The purpose of this study was to develop and characterise bionanocomposites based on chitosan (CHIT) and alginate (ALG) in two series, which were subsequently functionalised with emulsions based on a combination of water, oil, ozonated oil and hibiscus flower extracts. The structure and morphology of the materials produced were characterised by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and ultraviolet and visible light (UV-Vis) absorption spectroscopy, along with a surface colour analysis and the determination of the mechanical and thermal properties of the resulting composites. Functionalisation did affect the analysed composite parameters. The FTIR spectra indicated that the polysaccharide matrix components were compatible. The SEM images also confirmed the presence of nano/microcapsules in the polysaccharide matrix. The obtained results indicate that the order of adding polysaccharides has a significant impact on the encapsulation capacity. The encapsulation resulted in the improved thermal stability of the composites. The emissions analysis showed that the composites containing nano/microcapsules are characterised by a higher emission intensity and are sensitive to acid or base changes. Significant differences in emission intensity were observed even at low concentrations of acids and bases. A drop in the mechanical properties was observed following functionalisation. The results of this study suggest that these bionanocomposites can be used as active and/or smart packaging materials.

Development of probiotic-loaded calcium alginate-maltodextrin microparticles based on electrohydrodynamic technique

Maintaining the viability of probiotic bacteria in food products for intestinal delivery remains a challenge. Consequently, the objective of this study was to encapsulate Lactobacillus rhamnosus (NCDC 18) in calcium alginate–maltodextrin hydrogel systems by combining electrospraying and freeze-drying techniques. The microparticles were produced using varying concentrations of sodium alginate (SA) (2, 3, and 4%) in conjunction with maltodextrin (MD) (0, 2, and 4%). A definitive screening design (DSD) was used to design experiments and explain the effect of independent variables (concentrations of SA, calcium chloride, and MD and electrospraying voltage) on the response variables: loss of viability, encapsulation efficiency, drying yield, Carr's index, and Hausner ratio. The obtained microparticles were characterized by employing Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC). The addition of MD significantly increased encapsulation efficiency up to 75.19% and decreased viability loss up to 2.539 log CFU/mL in microparticles. The morphological analysis revealed the particle surface structure and variation in porosity in response to varying variables. The FTIR spectra confirmed that the addition of SA, MD, and probiotics caused synergistic changes in the functional bonding. The XRD analysis could further elucidate the interactions of SA with MD in the microcapsules. Our study could confirm that MD acted as a cryoprotectant and decreased the concavities and pores on the surface of the microparticles, thereby enhancing their probiotic-related properties.

Phytochemical characterisation and antioxidant capacities of pomegranate peel

SummaryPomegranate peel, a biological waste, is of great interest due to its higher gallic acid, catechin and quercetin contents and their therapeutic action. The current research focuses on the evaluation of pomegranate peel extracts of two cultivars, Badana and Kandhari. Polyphenols from various concentrations of ethanol were extracted and analysed by modern techniques. Results indicated that the extract of Badana showed the highest phenolics (667.14 ± 7.48 mg GAE/g), flavonoids (151.54 ± 2.01 mg CE/g), antioxidant activity by DPPH (87.77% ± 0.16% inhibition) and FRAP (70.54 ± 0.25 mmol/100 g). Also, the 70% hydroalcoholic Kandhari extract exhibited the highest flavonoids in comparison to 50% and 100% extracts. Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy spectra indicated numerous functional groups such as alkyl halides, alcohols, polyphenols, alkenes, carbonyl and carboxylic acid. The HPLC chromatogram revealed the presence of gallic acid, quercetin, ferulic acid, benzoic acid, caffeic acid, cinnamic acid, vanillic acid, syringic acid and sinapic acid with the highest concentration of gallic acid in Badana extract. So, here we concluded that 70% hydroethanolic Badana extract is an excellent source of bioactive components and can further be utilised for value addition and curative attributes.