Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy Analysis Research Articles

Essential oils from fennel plants as valuable chemical products: gas chromatography–mass spectrometry, FTIR, quantum mechanical investigation, and antifungal activity

AbstractIn the present study, the biomass produced by fennel plants (Foeniculum vulgare Mill.) was converted to yield bioactive chemicals, and the hydrodistillation method was used to extract the essential oils (EOs) from both the leaves and the umbels. The antifungal activity of the EOs was tested using bioassay against the development of Fusarium oxysporum MW854649 and Alternaria solani MT279570. Molecular spectroscopic detection techniques were used to evaluate the EO products using gas chromatography–mass spectrometer (GC–MS) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). GC–MS equipped with single quadruple analyzers have been used to measure the electron ionization (EI) mass spectra of the primary constituents of fennel EOs at 70 eV. The main chemical compounds in the EO from leaves were anethole, estragole, D-limonene, trans-β-ocimene, and fenchone, with percentages of 37.94, 35.56, 17.46, 1.53, and 1.49%, respectively. The abundant compounds in the EO from umbels were estragole, anethole, D-limonene, fenchone, and γ-terpinene, with percentages of 51.18, 25.08, 12.22, 6.57, and 2.86%, respectively. EI mass spectral fragmentation of the major compounds D-limonene, estragole, anethole, and fenchone has been investigated. Umbels and leaf EOs at 5000 mg/L displayed the strongest suppression of fungal growth against A. solani, with values of 87.78% and 79.63%, respectively, compared to the positive control (94.44%). The EOs from umbels and leaves at 5000 mg/L showed the highest inhibition of fungal growth against F. oxysprium as compared to the positive control (94.44%), with values of 77.77% and 72.96%, respectively. All of the important ions—including a few distinctive fragment ions—have comprehensive fragmentation pathways defined. Based on EI, the main routes of fragmentation for the primary compounds have been identified. The existence of alkenes, aliphatic alcohols, ethers, carboxylic acids, ester compounds, alkanes, hydrogen-bonded alcohols, and phenols was demonstrated by the FTIR analysis of fennel EOs. On the other hand, the reactive behavior of the studied molecules has been investigated using two quantum mechanics method: the modified neglect of diatomic overlap (MNDO), a semi-empirical method, and the density functional theory (DFT)/B3LYP hybrid density functional method with the 6-311G (d, p) basis set in the ground state for gas phase. The optimum geometries have been obtained through the execution of computations and electrostatic potential. The obtained analytical and calculated results were then used to understand the activity of the studied EOs in further medical applications.

Spectroscopic Investigation of Tomato Seed Germination Stimulated by Trichoderma spp.

Seed germination is a complex process that can be negatively affected by numerous stresses. Trichoderma spp. are known as effective biocontrol agents as well as plant growth and germination stimulators. However, understanding of the early interactions between seeds and Trichoderma spp. remains limited. In the present paper, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopy were used to reveal the nature of tomato seed germination as stimulated by Trichoderma. A rapid response of tomato seeds to Trichoderma spp. was observed within 48 h on Murashige and Skoog medium (MS) substrate, preceding any physical contact. Raman analysis indicated that both Trichoderma species stimulated phenolic compound synthesis by triggering plant-specific responses in seed radicles. The impact of T. harzianum and T. brevicompactum on two tomato cultivars resulted in alterations to the middle lamella pectin, cellulose, and xyloglucan in the primary cell wall. The Raman spectra indicated increased xylan content in NA with T9 treatment as well as increased hemicelluloses in GZ with T4 treatment. Moreover, T4 treatment resulted in elevated conjugated aldehydes in lignin in GZ, whereas the trend was reversed in NA. Additionally, FTIR analysis revealed significant changes in total protein levels in Trichoderma spp.-treated tomato seed radicles, with simultaneous decreases in pectin and/or xyloglucan. Our results indicate that two complementary spectroscopic methods, FTIR and Raman spectroscopy, can give valuable information on rapid changes in the plant cell wall structure of tomato radicles during germination stimulated by Trichoderma spp.

Development and preparation of novel nano-enhanced organic eutectic phase change materials for low-temperature solar thermal applications

ABSTRACT Thermally reliable and stable eco-friendly Phase change materials are of significant aid in thermal energy storage technology, leading to improved energy utilization and reliability of the system. This study develops two novel organic eutectic PCM of Lauric acid – Margaric acid (LM) and Myristic acid – Margaric acid (MM), which are chemically stable and thermally compatible for latent heat energy storage. LM eutectic mixture had a melting temperature of 52.66°C with a latent heat of 163.68 J/g, and MM eutectic mixture had its melting temperature at 44.79°C and a latent heat of 197.31 J/g. The phase change temperatures were favorable for low temperature solar thermal applications with good latent heat capacity. The thermal characteristics of these eutectic mixtures are further enhanced with the dispersion of highly conductive Multi walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) at three different mass fractions (.5%, 1% and 1.5% by weight). Nano enhancement could achieve exceptional thermal conductivity enhancement in MM eutectic mixture by 110.6% and 83.73% in LM eutectic mixture. Thermogravimetric analysis and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy analysis ensured the thermal and chemical stability of the eutectic mixtures. The optical absorption characteristics were extensively enhanced with nano particle addition, which is highly preferable in solar thermal applications.

Performance evolution and mechanism of asphalt crack sealant under UV aging: A continuity study

Asphalt crack repair materials, known as crack sealants, are directly exposed to ultraviolet (UV) radiation in asphalt pavements. This exposure causes the gradual aging and deterioration of both their surface and internal properties. To study this phenomenon, the sealant was subjected to UV irradiation for a range of 0–385 hours, with the basic properties of the aged sealant tested every 55 hours. Several techniques were employed to investigate the changes in the internal chemical composition of the sealant, including Fluorescence microscopy (FM), gel permeation chromatography (GPC) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). The results revealed that the UV aging of the sealant mainly occurs in the thinner surface layer, which becomes progressively lighter in color. Notably, obvious surface cracks form after aging process. The cone penetration and softening point of the sealant exhibit an exponential or logarithmic change corresponding to the aging time. The most pronounced changes occur during the early stages of UV aging, with the properties tending to stabilize after approximately 220 h of aging. In addition, the FM images showed that the dispersed polymer particles within the sealant gradually transform into a continuous network structure after aging over time. The GPC spectrum of the aged sealant shifts to the left, indicating an increase in molecular weight, particularly in the polymer modifier. This is consistent with the transformation observed in the FT-IR analysis, which demonstrates that UV irradiation leads to the breaking and recombination of polymer chemical bonds in the sealant. The FT-IR analysis reveals the conversion of monosubstituted benzene to polysubstituted benzene in the polymer modifier, which also correlates with the formation of the network structure observed in the FM images and the increase in molecular weight detected in the GPC spectrum of the polymer modifier.

Impact of filler type and proportion on the performance of rubberized coconut fiber-polystyrene composites

Abstract This research investigates the production of composite materials by utilizing a polystyrene-based resin (PBR) as the matrix and a blend of coconut fiber (CF) and rubber tire (RT) as fillers. The composites were produced in varying proportions, and their mechanical and chemical properties were characterized through hardness tests, Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) analyses. The findings highlight the notable influence of filler type and proportion on the mechanical and chemical attributes of the composites. The hardness tests demonstrated a substantial enhancement in composite hardness with the incorporation of CF and RT fillers, with CF exerting a more pronounced effect. FTIR analysis disclosed the presence of aromatic and aliphatic groups in all composites, and the introduction of CF and RT particles led to the emergence of additional peaks. EDS analysis indicated that carbon was the predominant element in all composites, followed by oxygen, while the SEM images revealed a heterogeneous microstructure for all composites, with good dispersion of CF and RT particles in the PBR matrix. The resulting composites exhibit potential applications in diverse fields such as construction, automotive, and packaging.

MODIFICATION OF PINDIGA BENTONITE CLAY WITH DIDODECYLDIMETHYLAMMONIUM BROMIDES SURFACTANT FOR FOUNDRY USE

Bentonite clay from Pindiga, Gombe State, Nigeria, was surface modified with didodecyldimethylammonium bromides (DDAB) by the Base Exchange (cation exchange capacity) method for its possible use in foundries. The surfaces of the unmodified and modified Pindiga bentonite clay were characterised by means of spectroscopic, diffraction, and scanning methods (X-Ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRF)Fourier-transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM).XRF showed that unmodified sample was rich of montmorillonite (MMt) with ca +2 as exchangeable cation, FTIR analysis revealed that unmodified water absorption causes stretching and bending vibrations for hydroxyl groups, with the most intense bands in the low-frequency region, while DDAB organo-bentonites showed slight changes in wave bands, with a strong methyl band and a weak methyl band indicative of long-chain linear aliphatic structure. The basal spacing of the unmodified bentonite sample was 1.52 nm, and after modification with DDAB, it improved to 2.1 nm as determined from the X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. Results of the SEM images revealed rougher surfaces with uniformly dispersed small particles of grain-like structures characteristic of the unmodified, while theorgano-modified bentoniterevealed clusters of different sizes and shapes, larger Fe 3+ ions replacing smaller Al 3+ ions at octahedral sites, discontinuous layers enveloping large grains, polygonal growth foams with octahedral and tetrahedral shapes, mixed layers of calcium bentonite, and particle sizes less than 200nm. The study concluded that modified bentonite with didodecyldimethylammonium bromides gives good microstructure, increases rigidity, and improve thermal stability, to the organoclays. Therefore, it is recommended that DDAB bentonite be used as binder for foundries.

Thermomechanical evaluation of zinc oxide/hydroxyapatite/high‐density polyethylene hybrid composites

AbstractThis study examines the impact of zinc oxide (ZnO) on the spectral, thermal, mechanical, and morphological characteristics of developed composites of high‐density polyethylene (HDPE). Composite samples were fabricated with different compositions of ZnO (0, 5, 10, 15, and 20 wt%) along with a constant quantity of hydroxyapatite (HA, 10 wt%) in pure HDPE. The synthesized hybrid polymer composites were characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), universal testing machine (UTM), and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) methods, allowing for a thorough assessment of their spectral, thermal, mechanical, and morphological properties, repectively. FTIR analysis revealed the presence of HA and ZnO metal vibrations in the hybrid polymer samples. The thermal stability was increased by the incorporation of different amounts of ZnO, and the decomposition temperature was increased from 319.31 to 412°C for 10 wt% of ZnO hybrid composites as compared to pure HDPE. DSC findings indicated that increasing the ZnO contents, prompted the degree of crystallinity to rise to 14.81% as contrasted to neat HDPE. It was observed that yield strength and ultimate tensile strength for the 10 wt% ZnO composite increased up to 51.85% and 31.72%, respectively, compared to pure HDPE. However, at higher loading of ZnO, surface cracks were observed, which is detrimental for composite materials. Hence, the improved attributes indicated that the synthesized ZnO/HA/HDPE polymer composites can be a promising material for biomedical engineering applications.

Facile synthesis and optimization of graphene oxide reduction by annealing in hydrazine vapour in ambient air for potential application in perovskite solar cells

Graphene oxide (GO) was synthesized from graphite via a modified Hummer's method, followed by thermal and chemical reductions to produce reduced graphene oxide (RGO) samples at various temperatures. A suite of characterization techniques including Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS), UV-Visible Spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Hall effect measurements were employed to assess the structural, morphological, optical, and electrical properties of the samples. FTIR analysis confirmed the successful functionalization of graphite to GO and subsequent reduction to reduced graphene oxide, with peak intensities decreasing as the reduction temperature increased. UV-visible spectroscopy of GO showed a maximum absorption at 235 nm which confirmed the synthesis of GO while the reduction revealed a notable red shift in absorption peaks with increasing annealing temperature, and that signified a reduction in bandgap. XRD analyses demonstrated the removal of oxygen functional groups. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis of GO showed diffraction at 2θ = 10.74° which revealed a fully oxidized graphene oxide with oxygen-containing functional groups, and hence an increase in interlayer spacing (d002) from 3.341 Å (graphite) to 8.228 Å (GO). Upon reduction, there is a gradual decrease in d002 from 8.228 Å (GO) to 3.387 Å (HRGO300), suggesting the gradual removal of intercalated oxygen molecules, and hence the gradual restoration of sp2 hybridisation in graphene. The EDS analysis revealed an increase in the carbon-to-oxygen (C/O) ratio from 1.78 in GO to 2.75 in HRGO300 as the annealing temperature for the reduction process increased which further confirmed the removal of oxygen functional groups. The Hall effect data showed hole mobility of 4.634 x101 (GO), 4.831 x101 (HRGO200), and 5.462 x100 (HRGO300) with conductivities of 8.985 x10-5 (GO), 1.087 x100 (HRGO200) and 1.791 x101 1/Ω cm, suggesting an increase in conductivity as the annealing temperature increased as revealed in the EDS. Out of the three samples identified as hole transport materials, the sample HRGO300 with the highest C/O ratio of 2.75 has the highest conductivity, and hence most suitable for application as hole transport material in perovskite solar cell.

Valorization of Red Beetroot (Beta vulgaris L.) Pomace Combined with Golden Linseed (Lini semen) for the Development of Vegetable Crispbreads as Gluten-Free Snacks Rich in Bioactive Compounds.

This work aimed to develop gluten-free snacks such as crispbread based on beetroot pomace (Beta vulgaris L.) and golden linseed (Lini semen). Beetroot is attracting more and more consumer attention because of its nutritional and health properties. The use of beet pomace contributes to waste management. Linseed, known as a superfood with many health-promoting properties, was used to produce crispbreads as an alternative to cereals, which are allergens. Beetroot pomace and whole or ground linseed were used in different proportions to produce crispbread snacks. Chemical and physical analyses were performed including water activity, dry matter, betalains, and polyphenols content, as well as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). A sensory evaluation and microstructure observations were also performed. The obtained snacks were characterized by low water activity (0.290-0.395) and a high dry matter content (93.43-97.53%), which ensures their microbiological stability and enables longer storage. Beetroot pomace provided betalains-red (14.59-51.44 mg betanin/100 g d.m.) and yellow dyes (50.02-171.12 mg betanin/100 g d.m.)-while using linseed enriched the product with polyphenols (730-948 mg chlorogenic acid/100 g d.m.). FTIR analysis showed the presence of functional groups such as the following: -OH, -C-O, -COOH, and -NH. The most desired overall consumer acceptability was achieved for snacks containing 50% beetroot pomace and 50% linseed seeds. The obtained results confirmed that beetroot pomace combined with linseed can be used in the production of vegetable crispbread snacks.

Product development and characterization of the Ayurvedic herbo-mineral-metallic compound- Hridayarnava Rasa

BackgroundHerbo-mineral-metallic formulations are an inseparable part of the Ayurveda system of traditional medicine. Hridayarnava Rasa (HR) is a preparation containing metals like copper, sulphur, and mercury in processed forms and other herbs that do not produce toxic effects and adverse drug reactions when taken in appropriate dosage. Ayurveda practitioners use it in treating cardiac diseases like hypertension, cardiotoxicity and many more. The rasa-aushadhis possess characteristics such as rapid efficacy, little dosage required, and extensive therapeutic applicability. Hridayarnava Rasa [AFI Part-1, 20:55] has been employed for the treatment of various diseases from ancient times. A systematic study of these formulations manufacturing is required to maintain their quality, safety, and efficacy is a need of time to protect the immense faith of patients in Ayurveda. ObjectivesThe present study aimed to prepare HR as per standard operating procedures mentioned in the classical text and to characterize it physio-chemically using advanced analytical techniques. Materials and MethodsHR was prepared and physicochemical analyses and assay of elements by ICP-AES were carried out as per Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India (API). Powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), Field emission gun scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectroscopy (FEG SEM, EDAX), CHNS-O analysis, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA), Particle size distribution analysis (PSD) was carried out. ResultsThe XRD analysis of HR showed the presence of unreacted sulphur and sulfides of copper and mercury. FEG SEM revealed the particles in the form of aggregates as nanocrystallites in the range of 100–1000 nm. Elemental analysis showed the presence of copper, sulphur, and mercury in major, along with traces of iron, calcium, sodium, potassium, and magnesium. In FTIR analysis, 18 peaks were observed, which strongly suggests the presence of various organic groups. In the TGA, four peaks were seen, which can be attributed to sulphur volatilization and oxidative changes in mercury. In PSD analysis, 50% of the material was found below 16.40 μm. ConclusionTo establish a piece of fundamental knowledge and ensure uniformity of these rasa-aushadhis, it is imperative to conduct an analysis of their characteristics as per classical texts and modern analytical techniques. Additionally, it is crucial to investigate the significance of each procedural step included in the preparation process. The inferences drawn are helpful as an essential aid for quality assurance and standardization of this herbo-mineral-metallic formulation.

Compositional, structural, and functional characterization of fucoidan extracted from Sargassum polycystum collected from Saint Martin's Island, Bangladesh

Fucoidan is a sulphated polysaccharide with diversified biological activities commonly found in brown seaweeds. In our present study, fucoidan was extracted from Sargassum polycystum collected from Saint Martin's Island in three different extraction methods. The composition of the fucoidans was determined by measuring the total carbohydrate, sulfate, uronic acid, fucose, and protein contents. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and Proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) were studied to determine the structural groups of extracted fucoidans. Functional activities were analyzed by antioxidant activity and anti-diabetic activity assay. Fucoidan yield was obtained highest in the acid extraction method (0.061 ± 0.007 g/g), followed by the water extraction method (0.058 ± 0.005 g/g) and salt extraction method (0.041 ± 0.005 g/g). Water extracted fucoidan showed the highest carbohydrate content (62.97 %), uronic acid content (6.46 %), and protein content (2.62 %). Sulphate content (28.56 %) was highest in salt extracted fucoidan, whereas fucose content (24.0 %) was highest in water extracted fucoidan. FT-IR and 1H NMR analysis confirm several characteristic picks for the extracted fucoidans. Extracted fucoidans presented comparable antioxidant activity, but salt-extracted fucoidan presented the highest DPPH radical scavenging assay (86.85 ± 0.74 %, IC50 = 0.03 mg/mL), ABTS radical scavenging assay (65.13 ± 0.92 %, IC50 = 1.94 mg/mL), Phosphomolybdenum assay (4.356 ± 0.11) and Nitric Oxide (NO) radical scavenging assay (57.08 ± 0.52 %, IC50 = 3.73 mg/mL) in dose-dependency manner. Further anti-diabetic activity assay resulted in the highest α-amylase inhibition activity (62.82 ± 1.36 %, IC50 = 2.30 mg/mL) and α-glucosidase inhibition activity (55.73 ± 0.84 %, IC50 = 3.71 mg/mL) by salt-extracted fucoidan. These functional potentials of seaweed may add significant value to the development of functional food and pharmaceutical materials.

Investigation of Filtration and Shale Inhibition Characteristics of Chitosan-N-(2-hydroxyl)-propyl trimethylammonium Chloride as Drilling Fluid Additives

Investigation of Filtration and Shale Inhibition Characteristics of Chitosan-<i>N</i>-(2-hydroxyl)-propyl trimethylammonium Chloride as Drilling Fluid Additives

Changes in crystallinity of sago palm (Metroxylon sago spp.) waste during cellulose extraction

Changes in crystallinity of sago palm (Metroxylon sago spp.) waste during cellulose extraction

Fabrication, Characterisation, and Biocompatibility of Graphene-loaded Polymannose-Chitosan Scaffold for Potential Drug Screening Applications

Graphene-loaded polymannose-chitosan scaffolds have emerged as promising candidates for drug screening applications due to their unique properties. The combination of polymannose and chitosan, supplemented with graphene, offers a versatile platform with potential applications including drug screening. The aim of this study is to fabricate and characterize the biocompatible graphene oxide loaded polymannose chitosan scaffold (PM-Chi-GO) for potential drug screening applications. The scaffold was meticulously prepared by combining oxidized polymannose with chitosan hydrochloride and graphene oxide, employing gelation techniques. Characterization involved Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) for functional group analysis and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) for morphological studies. The biocompatibility of the scaffold was assessed using Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells (PBMCs). FTIR analysis revealed distinctive peaks at 3296, 1624, 1528, 1389, 1060, and 808 cm-1, corresponding to specific functional groups within the scaffold. SEM displayed a porous morphological structure. Biocompatibility testing with PBMCs demonstrated favorable responses, confirming the scaffold's potential for in vitro drug screening applications. The synthesized PM-Chi-GO is characterized by its unique structural and biocompatible properties and holds significant promise for future drug screening endeavors. This study establishes a foundation for the utilization of this scaffold in drug screening applications.

Bioactive compositions and identification of functional groups of selected medicinal plants

Medicinal plants, either as standardized extracts or in their pure forms, offer countless propects for new drug leads and also possess a good range of nutritional benefits due to the presence of bioactive organic chemical compounds called phytochemicals that act as a defense against a variety of diseases. This study focus was to investigate the bioactive compounds, and identification of functional groups of three medicinal plants; Monodora myristica, Parkia biglobosa, and Azadirachta indica. The solvents used were methanol, water and ethanol respectively. Gas Chromatography- Mass Spectroscopy (GC-MS) assay was used for the analysis of bioactive compounds and Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) method was used for the identification of functional groups in the plant extracts. Results revealed several bioactive compounds at different peaks that were confirmed by their retention time, compound name, structure and percentage composition. FTIR analysis revealed different functional groups with distinct characteristic wave numbers, peak intensity, peak shape and bonds in the plant extracts. Among the identified phytocompounds of Monodora myristica, phenol, dodecanoic acid, hexadecane, n-hexadecanoic acid, 1-octadecene, and 1-eicosanol possess antioxidant property. Similarly, some of the identified phytocompounds of Parkia biglobosa; dodecanoic acid, hexadecanoic acid, 9-octadecene, naphthalene, 3-eicosene and n-hexadecanoic acid possess antioxidant property. Likewise, Hexadecane, hexadecenoic acid, 3-eicosene and n-hexadecanoic acid are phytocompounds of Azadirachta indica with antioxidant property. This study demonstrated these plants as a great source of naturally occurring bioactive compounds with therapeutic value, which supports their application in medicine to treat a variety of diseases.

PHYTOCHEMICAL SCREENING, FTIR CHARACTERIZATION, AND ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITY OF DOUM PALM (HYPHAENE THEBAICA)

The doum palm fruit (Hyphaene thebaica), a native of northern Africa, is an oval, edible fruit that grows on desert palm trees. It grows extraordinarily well in the northern part of Nigeria as well. It is a member of the palm family Arecaceae. The optimal process for making an aqueous extract from raw doum fruit was determined using the extraction methods. The crushed doum fruit is soaked for 12 days at room temperature in a solution of methanol and ethanol. The plant's crude pericarp powder was used in the new study's phytochemical screening procedure using conventional phytochemical techniques. Tannins, carbohydrates, flavonoids, terpenes, and terpenoids were found in the extract in low and moderate concentrations, according to the phytochemical examination. To get high-spectral-resolution data over a broad spectral range, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) is utilized. Doum palm plants are a highly significant source of bioactive components that may be helpful in the creation of novel chemotherapeutic drugs. The results of FTIR analysis confirmed the presence of O-H, C-H, C=C, C=O, C-O, and C-H functional groups. The result shows the frequencies of 3268 cm-1, 2925 cm-1, 1719 cm-1, 1607 cm-1, 1443 cm-1 and 1287 cm-1 from Methanol extract and 3283 cm-1, 2925 cm-1, 1719 cm-1, 1611 cm-1, 1104 cm-1 and 992 cm-1 from Ethanol extract. The microbial activity of the doum palm fruit extract has shown a greater effect on Salmonella typhi and Escheria coli at high concentration of about both microbial organism but no effect at lower concentration of...

Comparative evaluation of hesperetin-loaded graphene oxide nanosheets (Hsp-GO) as a drug delivery system for colon cancer: synthesis and anticancer efficiency assessment.

Graphene oxide nanosheets (GONS) are recognized for their role in enhancing drug delivery and effectiveness in cancer treatment. With colon cancer being a prevalent global issue and the significant side effects associated with chemotherapy, the primary treatment for colon cancer alongside surgery, there is a critical need for novel therapeutic strategies to support patients in combating this disease. Hesperetin (HSP), a natural compound found in specific fruits, exhibits anti-cancer properties. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of GONS on the LS174t colon cancer cell line. In this study, an anti-cancer nano-drug was synthesized by creating a hesperetin-graphene oxide nanocomposite (Hsp-GO), which was subsequently evaluated for its efficacy through in vitro cell toxicity assays. Three systems were investigated: HSP, GONS, and HSP-loaded GONS, to determine their cytotoxic and pro-apoptotic impacts on the LS174t colon cancer cell line, along with assessing the expression of BAX and BCL2. The morphology and properties of both GO and Hsp-GO were examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The Hsp-GO nanocomposite displayed potent cytotoxic and pro-apoptotic effects on LS174t colon cancer cells, outperforming individual treatments with HSP or GONS. Cell viability assays showed a significant decrease in cell viability with Hsp-GO treatment. Analysis of BAX and BCL2 expression revealed elevated BAX and reduced BCL2 levels in Hsp-GO treated cells, indicating enhanced apoptotic activity. Morphological analysis confirmed successful Hsp-GO synthesis, while structural integrity was supported by X-ray diffraction and FTIR analyses. These study highlight the potential of Hsp-GO as a promising anti-cancer nano-drug for colon cancer therapy.

Tinospora cordifolia-assisted synthesis of silver ferrite nanoparticles: a multifunctional approach to photocatalytic degradation of reactive blue-13 dye, anti-bacterial efficacy, and antioxidant properties

Tinospora cordifolia-assisted synthesis of silver ferrite nanoparticles: a multifunctional approach to photocatalytic degradation of reactive blue-13 dye, anti-bacterial efficacy, and antioxidant properties

Regeneration Effect of a New Bio-Based Warm-Mix Rejuvenator on Performance and Micro-Morphology of Aged Asphalt.

The use of warm-mix recycling technology can reduce the mixing temperature and the secondary aging of binders in reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP), which is one of the effective ways to recycle high-content RAP. In this study, the penetration, softening point, ductility, and viscosity were used to characterize the conventional physical properties of aged asphalt after regenerating, while a dynamic shear rheometer (DSR), force ductility tester (FDT), and atomic force microscope (AFM) were used to evaluate the rheological performance and micro-morphology of aged asphalt incorporating a new bio-based warm-mix rejuvenator (BWR) and a commercial warm-mix rejuvenator (ZJ-WR). The regeneration mechanism of warm-mix rejuvenators on aged asphalt was analyzed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The results show that the new bio-based warm-mix rejuvenator can restore the conventional physical properties, low-temperature performance, and micro-morphology of aged asphalt with an appropriate dosage, but it has a negative effect on high-temperature performance. In comparison with 2D area parameters, 3D roughness parameters were more accurate in evaluating the variation in micro-morphology of aged asphalt after regeneration. The FTIR analysis results indicate that both the new bio-based warm-mix rejuvenator and the commercial warm-mix rejuvenator regenerate aged asphalt by physical action, and AS=O and AC-H values are more reasonable than the AC=O value for the restoration evaluation of aged asphalt. And the new bio-based warm-mix rejuvenator has a better regeneration effect on the performance and micro-morphology of aged asphalt than the commercial warm-mix rejuvenator.

Establishing the Link across the Synthesis Reaction Kinetics, Structural Changes, and Photocatalytic Efficiency of an Enhanced Chitosan–Clay (1:3) Nanocomposite

This research investigates the influence of synthesis kinetics on the structural and photocatalytic properties of chitosan–clay nanocomposites (Cs/MMT) and chitosan–hectorite nanocomposites (Cs/HET), employing an optimized initial stoichiometry of 1:3. Utilizing a variety of analytical techniques, including X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), the study explores the structural evolution of the nanocomposites and their photocatalytic performance using semiconductor catalysts TiO2 and ZnO. The findings emphasize the significant impact of reaction kinetics, particularly after 3 h of reaction time, on the structural features of the nanocomposites. Notably, Cs/MMT demonstrates greater crystalline stability compared to Cs/HET due to variations in octahedral cavity occupancy in the initial clays. FTIR and TEM analyses depict the progressive evolution of the nanocomposites during the reaction, shedding light on how reaction kinetics drive the formation of specific bonds within the nanocomposites. In terms of photocatalytic activity, this study provides insights into the complex dynamics of photocatalytic degradation, with a specific focus on the performance of TiO2 and ZnO under diverse experimental conditions. The superior efficacy of TiO2 as a catalyst, particularly when integrated with Cs/MMT nanocomposites, is unequivocally demonstrated, with degradation rates exceeding 80%. This preference stems from TiO2 consistently exhibiting higher degradation rates compared to ZnO, attributed to structural disparities between montmorillonite and hectorite, influencing catalyst–support interactions. The findings underscore the critical importance of selecting suitable catalyst and support matrix combinations for optimizing performance in specific applications.