FTIR Spectroscopy Research Articles

Amidated and Aminated PMSSO-Hydrogels as a Promising Enzyme-Sensitive Vehicle for Antianemic Drugs

In this study, we report the synthesis and characterization of aminated poly(methyl silsesquioxane)-based hydrogels ((AP/MS)SO-hydrogels) as potential enzyme-sensitive vehicles for antianemic drugs. The hydrogels were synthesized via sol–gel polymerization and functionalized with amine groups. Characterization techniques included Congo red assay, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area analysis, scanning electron microscopy, elemental analysis, 13C NMR, 29Si NMR, and ATR-FTIR spectroscopy and microscopy of hydrogels. The sorption of ferric chloride and ferrous D-gluconate, as well as complexes of ferrous D-gluconate with HPCD, was evaluated. Crosslinking of the gel with bifunctional agents was performed to create a new amide enzyme-sensitive bond, followed by infrared characterization of the crosslinked product. Trypsin-mediated degradation studies demonstrated the sensitivity of the hydrogel to enzymatic cleavage under model conditions. Iron release experiments in gastric and intestine-simulating media confirmed prolonged release. Overall, our findings suggest that aminated PMSSO-hydrogels hold promise as versatile and biocompatible carriers for targeted delivery of antianemic agents, warranting further exploration in preclinical and clinical applications.

Water-Soluble Curcumin Derivatives Including Aza-Crown Ether Macrocycles as Enhancers of Their Cytotoxic Activity.

The synthesis of three novel curcumin derivative compounds, featuring aza-crown ether macrocycles of various sizes (aza-12-crown-4, aza-15-crown-5, and aza-18-crown-6), is described. The incorporation of these aza-crown macrocycles significantly enhances their water solubility, positioning them as groundbreaking instances of curcumin derivatives that are fully soluble in aqueous environments. These curcumin ligands (L1, L2, and L3) were then reacted with zinc acetate to afford the coordination metal complexes (L1-Zn, L2-Zn, and L3-Zn). Comprehensive characterization of all compounds was achieved using various analytical techniques, including 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy, ATR-FTIR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry (ESI+), elemental analysis and UV-Vis spectroscopy. The in vitro cytotoxic activity of both, ligands and complexes were evaluated on three human cancer cell lines (U-251, MCF-7, and SK-LU-1). Compared to conventional curcumin, these compounds demonstrated improved antiproliferative potential. Additionally, a wound healing assay was conducted to assess their antimigration properties. The obtained results suggest that these modifications to the curcumin structure represent a promising approach for developing therapeutic agents with enhanced cytotoxic properties.

A Comparative Study of Synthesis and Characterization of Pure and Dual Doped (Cu-Co) α-MnO₂ Nanorods

This study synthesized manganese oxide (α-MnO2) nanoparticles with dual doping of cobalt (Co) and copper (Cu) nanorods. We investigated optimal conditions in Cu-Co nanorods doped with α-MnO2. The successful incorporation of cobalt and copper was anticipated using X-ray diffraction. The average particle size of dual doped α-MnO2 nanoparticles was estimated using XRD analysis. The functional group analysis was evaluated using FTIR Spectroscopy. This co-precipitation approach provides advantages such as a simple and speedy preparative method, as well as easy control of particle size and composition, making it commercially frequently utilized due to its cost effectiveness. MnO2 is one of the most popular catalysis materials because to its unique qualities such as high activity, low cost, low toxicity, and environmental compatibility.

Palladium Nanocubes with {100} Facets for Hydrogen Evolution Reaction: Synthesis, Experiment and Theory.

Spatially separated palladium nanocubes (Pd NCs) terminated by {100} facets are synthesized using direct micelles approach. The stepwise seed-mediated growth of Pd NCs is applied for the first time. The resulting Pd NCs are thoroughly characterized by HR-TEM, XPS, Raman, ATR-FTIR, TGA, and STEM-EDX spectroscopies. Some traces of residual stabilizer (polyvinylpyrrolidone, PVP) attached to the vertices of Pd NCs are identified after the necessary separation-washing procedure, however, it is vital to avoid aggregation of the NCs. Pd NCs are subsequently and uniformly loaded on Vulcan carbon (≈20 wt.%) for the electrochemical hydrogen cycling. By post-mortem characterizations, it is revealed that their shape and size remained very stable after all electrochemical experiments. However, a strong effect of the NCs size on their hydrogen interaction is revealed. Hydrogen absorption capacity, measured as the H:Pd ratio, ranges from 0.28 to 0.48, while hydrogen evolution and oxidation reactions (HER and HOR) kinetics decrease from 15.5 to 4.6mA.mg Pd -1 between ≈15 and 34nm of Pd NCs, respectively. Theoretical calculations further reveal that adsorption of H atoms and their penetration into the Pd lattice tailors the NCs electronic structure, which in turn controls the kinetics of HER, experimentally observed by the electrochemical tests. This work may pave the way to the design of highly active electrocatalysts for efficient HER stable for a long reactive time. In particular, obtained results might be transferred to active Pd-alloy-based NCs terminated by {100} facets.

Fabrication of CoPcMWCNTs nanocomposite for supercapacitor applications

Abstract The advancement of sophisticated materials for supercapacitors is essential for improving energy storage efficiency, especially in scenarios that demand high power density and extended cycle life. In this study, we synthesized CoPcMWCNTs nanocomposite and investigated its supercapacitive properties. The nanomaterials fabrication was successfully confirmed using EDX, XRD, SEM, FTIR, and UV-visible spectroscopy techniques.
Electrochemical techniques such as galvanostatic charge-discharge (GCD), cyclic voltammetry (CV), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) were employed to determine the power density, specific capacitance, cycling stability, and energy density of the fabricated materials. Benefiting from the synergistic effects of CoPc and fMWCNTs, the hybrid supercapacitor exhibited a lower charge transfer resistance (Rct) of 0.11 kΩ, high specific capacitance of 508.67 F/cm2, lower phase angle of 32°, high power density of 700 mW/cm2, and high energy density of 138.48 mWh/cm2. The findings emphasize the potential of CoPcMWCNTs nanocomposite for high-energy applications and long-term cycling performance, hence contributing to the advancement of next-generation supercapacitors. 

Synthesis, Characterization, Cytotoxicity, Biological Evaluation, DFT Calculations, and Molecular Docking of a Novel Schiff Base and Its Pt(IV) Complex

ABSTRACTA novel Schiff base ligand derived from 1,2,4‐triazole‐3‐thione was synthesized and complexed with platinum (IV) ion to enhance its bioactivity. Characterization techniques, including FTIR, NMR, UV‐Vis, and mass spectrometry, confirmed the formation of Schiff base molecule and revealed that its Pt(IV) complex has an octahedral geometry. The antibacterial and antifungal activity of the synthesized compounds was evaluated against Staphylococcus epidermidis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Candida albicans, and Aspergillus flavus, with the metal complex outperforming the ligand. The antioxidant properties were evaluated using a DPPH assay, with the Pt(IV) complex demonstrating superior radical‐scavenging ability. Cytotoxicity studies via MTT assays on MCF‐7 breast cancer cells showed dose‐dependent reductions in cell viability, with the Pt(IV) complex inducing enhanced antiproliferative effects compared with the ligand. DFT calculations were performed to investigate the electronic properties of the compounds, and molecular docking studies were conducted against the alpha estrogen receptor (PDB ID: 3ERT) to predict their binding affinities. The results demonstrated that the Pt(IV) complex exhibited higher biological activity than the free ligand, suggesting its potential as an effective therapeutic agent.

Photocatalytic properties of Mn2O3 nanoparticles synthesized via green chemistry method

The objective of this work is to synthesize Mn2O3 nanoparticles (NPs) using green method based on olive leaf extract (OLE). These nanoparticles are intended for photocatalytic applications, specifically the degradation of pollutants and dyes using methylene blue (MB) as a test substance. The synthesized material, initially described as manganese oxide (Mn2O3), was characterized using various techniques: thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), FT-IR, Raman and UV-visible spectroscopies. Additionally, the photocatalytic tests were performed. XRD analysis revealed the formation of Bixbyite (Mn2O3) phases. Raman and FT-IR spectroscopy confirmed the presence of Mn-O bonds within the synthesized material. The TGA results supported the decomposition of organic compounds and the formation of the Mn2O3. The photocatalytic degradation tests with methylene blue yielded promising results. The addition of the synthesized material (Mn2O3) significantly enhanced the degradation of methylene blue, achieving an efficiency of 87.8%.

Production of novel theranostic nano-vector based on superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles/miR-497 targeting colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a serious public health concern worldwide. Immune checkpoint inhibition medication is likely to remain a crucial part of CRC clinical management. This study aims to create new super paramagnetic iron oxide nano-carrier (SPION) that can effectively transport miRNA to specific CRC cell lines. In addition, evaluate the efficiency of this nano-formulation as a therapeutic candidate for CRC. Bioinformatics tools were used to select a promising tumor suppressor miRNA (mir-497-5p). Green route, using Fusarium oxyporium fungal species, manipulated for the synthesis of SPION@Ag@Cs nanocomposite as a carrier of miR-497-5p. That specifically targets the suppression of PD1/PDL1 and CTLA4pathways for colorectal therapy. UV/visible and FTIR spectroscopy, Zeta potential and MTT were used to confirm the allocation of the miR-497 on SPION@Ag@Cs and its cytotoxicity against CRC cell lines. Immunofluorescence was employed to confirm transfection of cells with miR-497@NPs, and the down- regulation of CTLA4 in HT29, and Caco2 cell lines. On the other hand, PDL1 showed a significant increase in colorectal cell lines (HT-29 and Caco-2) in response to mir497-5p@Nano treatment. The data suggest that the mir-497 -loaded SPION@Ag@Cs nano-formulation could be a good candidate for the suppression of CTLA4in CRC human cell lines. Consequently, the targeting miR-497/CTLA4 axis is a potential immunotherapy treatment strategy for CRC.

A Coordination Polymer Gel as Dual Electrode Material: Photoelectrochemical Water Oxidation Coupled Dark CO2 Reduction to Ethanol

AbstractDeveloping photoelectrochemical catalysts to convert CO2 into chemical feedstocks presents a promising approach for clean energy storage by harnessing solar energy. This study examines the potential of a Zn‐based coordination polymer gel (CPG), incorporating terpyridine (TPY) and tetrathiafulvalene (TTF) moieties (Zn‐TPY‐TTF CPG), for artificial photosynthesis. In this novel approach, Zn‐TPY‐TTF CPG serves as both photoanode and dark cathode material in a photoelectrochemical (PEC) cell. When combined with BiVO₄ (BVO) nanostructures to fabricate a heterojunction photoanode, Zn‐TPY‐TTF CPG significantly enhances PEC water‐oxidation, delivering a fourfold increase in photocurrent density at 0.6 V versus Ag/AgCl compared to pristine BVO. Kelvin Probe Force Microscopy (KPFM) confirms improved carrier separation and transport due to favorable band alignment between BVO and Zn‐TPY‐TTF CPG. PEC CO₂ reduction experiments in an H‐cell demonstrate a remarkable 43% Faradaic efficiency for ethanol production at 1.4 V versus Ag/AgCl. The simultaneous water‐oxidation and CO₂ reduction capabilities of Zn‐TPY‐TTF CPG position it as a highly promising candidate for solar energy conversion. Operando FTIR and Raman spectroscopy reveal crucial reaction intermediates, while Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations provide deeper insights into ethanol formation. This study highlights the potential of Zn‐TPY‐TTF CPG‐based PEC cells to mimic natural photosynthesis and produce valuable chemical products.

DEVELOPMENT OF BORON-MODIFIED AMINOPLAST RESIN COATINGS FOR ENHANCED UREASE INHIBITION IN SALINE-SODIC SOILS

The melamine-formaldehyde-boron (MFB) composite was synthesized with high efficiency, achieving a 95% yield. The incorporation of boric acid into the melamine-formaldehyde resin matrix resulted in a homogeneous, physically stable polymer composite. The synthesis was characterized by FT-IR spectroscopy, revealing key functional groups such as N-H stretching (~3350 cm⁻¹) for melamine residues, C=O stretching (~1650 cm⁻¹) for formaldehyde, B-O vibrations (~1350 cm⁻¹) for boric acid integration, and C-N bending (~1250 cm⁻¹) indicative of cross-linking between melamine, formaldehyde, and boric acid. Further investigations evaluated the impact of boric acid-coated urea granules on the productivity and physicochemical properties of saline-sodic soil. Boric acid incorporation (5% coating) significantly improved soil conditions by lowering pH, reducing electrical conductivity, and increasing organic matter content. Moreover, urease activity was reduced by 75%, leading to improved nitrogen retention. The effect of boric acid on plant productivity was most pronounced at a 5% coating, with radish plant productivity showing a 44% increase, along with improvements in shoot and root biomass. These findings highlight the potential of MFB-coated urea granules to enhance soil health and plant growth, demonstrating the effectiveness of boric acid in optimizing nitrogen release and mitigating soil salinity.

Enhanced Dissolution and Antibacterial Potential of Cinacalcet Hydrochloride via Ternary Solid Dispersions

Cinacalcet hydrochloride (HCl), a calcium-sensing receptor agonist used to treat hyperparathyroidism, suffers from poor solubility, reducing its bioavailability. Recently, cinacalcet HCl has been probed for repurposing as antibacterial agent. This work investigates cinacalcet HCl's potential as an antibacterial agent and provides a formulation to improve the drug dissolution. Solid dispersion formulations using Poloxamer 407, with and without Soluplus®, were prepared via solvent evaporation and hot melt congealing methods. The resulting formulations were analyzed using differential scanning calorimetry, FTIR spectroscopy, X-ray powder diffraction, and dissolution studies. These formulations significantly enhanced cinacalcet HCl dissolution compared to the unprocessed form, achieving up to a 15-fold increase in Q5 (percent of cinacalcet HCl dissolved after 5 minutes). The dissolution efficiency rose from 28% for the pure drug to 94.8% and 87.8% for formulations F6 and F7, respectively. Microbiological evaluations confirmed the antibacterial effect of cinacalcet HCl, which was notably increased in the Poloxamer 407 and Soluplus® hybrid formulation (F7) with a MIC of 64-128 µg/ml. Antibiofilm activity was also observed, with qRT-PCR indicating downregulation of biofilm genes (icaA, icaD, and fnbA). This study introduces a cinacalcet HCl formulation prepared using a scalable, green approach, demonstrating significant potential for antimicrobial applications.

Biosynthesis of a range of ZnO nanoparticles utilising Salvia hispanica L. seed extract and evaluation of their bioactivity

Zinc deficiency precipitates considerable health problems in developing countries, affecting development, growth, and immunological function. The main issue is that zinc exhibits limited bioavailability in diets, sometimes compounded by the high concentration of phytate molecules in staple foods, which impedes zinc absorption. Nanoparticles offer a promising approach to improve zinc bioavailability and address deficiency through the application of advanced agricultural techniques. The study introduces a novel method for synthesizing Zinc oxide (ZnO) biometallic nanoparticles by employing aqueous extracts of Salvia hispanica L. (Chia seed) as a reducing and capping agent in an environmentally sustainable way. Their active phytoconstituents acted as a stabilising agent and facilitated the conversion of ionic zinc (Zn2+) into elemental zinc. The study synthesized the diverse forms of zinc oxide nanoparticles (NP-α, NP-β, NP-γ, NP-δ, NP-ε, and NP-η) utilising various molar concentrations (0.5mM, 1.0mM, 3.0mM, 5.0mM, 7.0mM, and 9.0mM) of a precursor solution, zinc nitrate [(ZnNO3)2]. The synthesized NPs were evaluated using UV-Vis spectroscopy, FTIR spectroscopy, XRD, SEM, EDX, TEM, SAED, and HR-TEM methods to determine their characteristics. The standard particle size varies from 40 to 80 nm, exhibiting a consistent hexagonal morphology and a polydispersed characteristic with minimal size fluctuation. The molarity substantially influenced the shape of NPs, particularly concerning their size and surface area. An in vitro evaluation was performed to investigate the antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and the possible degradation of the hazardous dye Congo red. The particles exhibited antibacterial efficacy at a concentration of 40 ppm ZnO, antidiabetic qualities at 10 µl/ml ZnONPs, antioxidant activity at concentrations ranging from 100 to 900 µl/ml showing 89.47 ± 0.022 µg AAE/mg, maximum activity with total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and dye degradation potential at a concentration of 50 mg ZnONPs, revealed 50.78% CR degradation after 90 min of irradiation. Additionally, it had significant inhibitory effects on the enzymes α-amylase (72.93%) and α-glucosidase (60.48%) by ZnONP-η. The efficacy of dye degradation with synthesized nanoparticles seems to enhance with increased particle sizes and reduced specific surface areas. The antioxidant, antidiabetic, and catalytic capabilities improved with an increase in particle size. Nevertheless, it was found that an increase in particle size corresponded with a substantial reduction in antibacterial activity. The study presents an efficient approach for the eco-friendly synthesis of ZnONPs, highlighting their significant potential for many biological applications.

Synthesis of a Novel Supermagnetic Fe3O4 Nanoparticles and their Congo Red Dye Removal, Cytotoxic, Antioxidant, and Antimicrobial Activities

Abstract Plantago lanceolata is a traditional medicinal plant that has attracted significant interest from researchers due to the use of its physiologically active components, particularly polyphenolics (flavonoids, hydroxycinnamic acids), in various fields. The aim of this study is to synthesize iron oxide (PLE@FeNPs) nanoparticles using a green synthesis approach with Plantago lanceolata (P. lanceolata) leaf extracts, characterize them, evaluate their in vitro effects, and assess their use in the removal of Congo red (CR) from wastewater. We carried out the physicochemical characterization of the nanoparticles using UV–Vis, FT-IR, and XRD spectroscopies; TEM and SEM microscopy; and Zetasizer particle size analysis. While the distinct peaks in XRD confirm the crystalline structure, TEM has determined an average particle size (8 nm) for PLE@NPs with deformed spherical nanoparticles. The FT-IR spectra showed that bioactive compounds from P. lanceolata were involved in the participation of PLE@FeNPs. EDX confirmed the presence of iron in the designed PLE@FeNPs. The antibacterial, antioxidant, and anticancer analyses of the studied PLE@FeNPs revealed significant activities. We investigated the adsorption kinetics of CR on PLE@FeNPs, taking into account initial dye concentration, different pH levels, adsorbent dosages, and temperature. At optimal conditions (concentration, 50 ppm; dosage, 15 mg; pH, 8), the degradation of CR dye in sunlight was found to be 99%. The small size of PLE@NPs (8 nm) and the more negative zeta potential (− 12.2 mV) support this situation. The equilibrium data demonstrated a good fit to the Langmuir isotherm model, outperforming the Freundlich isotherm model. The results showed that the pseudo-second-order kinetic model accurately described the kinetic data. PLE@NPs exhibited significant antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anticancer activities. This situation suggests that the nanocomposition of PLE@NPs obtained through the green route may have improved efficiency due to various synergistic effects. Overall, these results pave the way for further applications in dye removal and biological applications of environmentally friendly PLE@FeNPs. Graphical Abstract

Study the Effect of Variation in Voltage and Electrolytic Solution Medium in the Electrochemical Exfoliation of Graphite to Graphene Oxide

Graphene oxide (GO) and its reduced form have recently attracted significant interest due to their outstanding physical and chemical characteristics, hence finding large applications in fields such as electronics and optoelectronics. The paper portrayed herein presents a simple and cost-effective route to obtaining high-quality GO through electrochemical exfoliation methods. The pre-treated Graphite powder was soaked in concentrated sulfuric acid and nitric acid in a 1:1 ratio, followed by washing and neutralization. Thereafter, it was made into paper with the aid of 1% polyethylene. The sheets were suspended in electrolyte solutions of KCl and NaCl at 10.0V, 12.5V, and 15.0V to make sure the swelling of the sheets occurred. Boiling and centrifugation are done for exfoliation and purification. Characterization of GO was performed using FT-IR, FT-Raman, and UV-vis spectroscopy. It will be verified that the voltage and electrolyte type will tune the properties and characteristics of as-prepared GO effectively. The process results in the scale-up and environmentally friendly process for GO production, making the product efficient for applications in so many high-tech industries. Bangladesh Journal of Physics, Vol. 29, Issue 2, pp. 39 – 50, December 2022

Comparative analysis of LC-HRMS profiling, ATR FT-IR spectroscopy, antioxidant, anti-diabetic, and anti-tyrosinase activities of extracts from Cotoneaster frigidus Wall. Ex Lindl. "Cornubia" fruit.

The antioxidant, total phenolic, flavonoid, and anthocyanidin properties of extracts prepared from Cotoneaster frigidus Wall. ex Lindl. "Cornubia" fruit were examined. In addition, the phenolic profile was analyzed using LC-HRMS, and the surface morphological features were studied using ATR FT-IR. Additionally, the inhibitory potential of the extracts on tyrosinase and α-glucosidase/α-amylase was tested. The highest antioxidant activity values were found in ethyl acetate and methanol extracts. The methanol extract was found to be rich in TFC, TPC and TPA. In the research conducted to designate the phenolic profile, it was found that the extracts contained high levels of fumaric acid and chlorogenic acid. In studies conducted for enzyme inhibition, it was observed that methanol extract gave better results than the standard inhibitor used in studies conducted for tyrosinase. For α-glucosidase/α-amylase, it was determined that ethyl acetate extract gave results close to standard inhibitors. Considering the information obtained, it has been evaluated that the fruits of this plant, which are mostly grown for ornamental purposes plants, may have different application areas.

Microplastic pollution in salt marsh and urban tributary sediment cores of the River Thames estuary, UK: Spatial and temporal accumulation trends

Microplastics in sediment cores from urban tidal tributaries, Barking and Bow Creek-London and salt marshes Swanscombe, Kent, and Rainham, Essex, Thames estuary (UK), were quantified by density separation and ATR-FTIR spectroscopy. All eight tributary cores were dominated by low-density microplastics, polypropylene, polyethylene, and polystyrene with the greatest abundance (mean 360.0 ± 12.0 particles 100 g−1 dwt (0–10 cm depth) observed furthest from the confluence with the Thames due to storm tank combined-sewer-overflow input. Salt marsh core microplastics were highest at Swanscombe (mean 267.1 ± 10.2 particles 100 g−1 dwt at 0–10 cm depth) in the high-marsh vegetation zone. Marsh sediment radionuclide dating (Pb210, Cs137) suggested a presence of microplastics in the sediment since at least the late 1950s, with increasing abundance towards surface sediments. Tidal tributaries and salt marshes of the Thames act as natural filters, with salt marshes accumulating microplastics over time and tributaries acting as both stores and sources depending on individual site conditions and hydrodynamic variability.

Microplastic pollution from pellet spillage: Analysis of the Toconao ship accident along the Spanish and Portuguese coasts.

In December 2023, 25tons of pellets were lost by the Toconao ship in the Northwest Atlantic Ocean in front of the Portuguese coast. In this work, a coastal stretch of 633km in Asturias and Galicia (Spain) and Northern Portugal was investigated to assess pellets' concentration on 31 beaches. Field surveys were carried out in March 2024 and focused on sampling plastic pellets deposited along the shoreline. All the 7263 sampled pellets were characterized by size, degradation level, and color, while one subset was characterized by weight (40% of the total) and another subset by polymer type (15% of the total) using FT-IR spectroscopy. The results reveal that 94% of the surveyed sites containing pellets, whereas the concentration values vary significantly among beaches, ranging from 0 to 40.3 pellets/kgdw. By combining the accounted variables, it emerges that 48.0% of the collected pellets can be linked to the Toconao spill.

Enzyme-Assisted Extraction of Proteins from Cauliflower and Broccoli Waste Leaves

This research presents a novel approach to protein extraction from cauliflower (CL) and broccoli (BL) waste leaves by using enzymatic pretreatment, demonstrating its effectiveness on protein yield. Enzymatic pretreatment (pH 4.5, 10 h, t = 35 °C), was performed using commercial enzyme preparations, Viscozyme® L and Vinozyme®, in three different enzyme-to-substrate ratios E/S (0.2%, 2.5%, and 4.8%) of each enzyme. Leaf proteins (LPs) were obtained with alkaline extraction at pH 10–11 and their isoelectric precipitation at pH 4, following the control sample (extraction without enzymes). Protein yield (%), which was used as a parameter to monitor enzymatic efficiency, demonstrated a direct correlation with the enzyme-to-substrate (E/S) ratio. The highest protein yields were obtained at an enzyme concentration of 4.8% for both cellulolytic and pectolytic enzyme preparations, yielding 14.90 ± 0.12% for CL and 29.88 ± 0.86% for BL. The obtained proteins were characterized by FTIR spectroscopy and SDS-PAGE electrophoresis, and these methods confirmed the enzymatic efficiency of protein isolation. Isolated LPs showed high protein content for CLP 4.8% (77.27 ± 0.14%) and BPL 4.8% (84.66 ± 0.51%), and an increase in total amino acids, while the content of essential amino acids was over 40%. Protein solubility was assessed, revealing significant improvements (p < 0.05) in LPs derived from CL and BL at the highest E/S ratio of 4.8%, compared to the control sample C0%. Specifically, the solubility of CLP reached 29.4 mg/mL at pH 11, while BLP achieved 36.4 mg/mL at pH 10. As a result, these leaf proteins not only meet nutritional demands but also open innovative avenues of research in food science and biotechnology.

Microstructural study with enhanced dielectric and magnetic properties of M−type Nd doped Ba1-xNdxFe12O19 (x = 0–0.20) hexaferrites synthesized via sol–gel auto-combustion route

In the present study, we have examined the influence of Nd doping on the structural, morphological, magnetic, and dielectric properties of barium hexaferrite (Ba1-xNdxFe12O19; 0 ≤ x ≤ 0.20) samples synthesized via the sol–gel auto-combustion route. The XRD patterns confirm the formation of the hexagonal phase, in addition to minor traces of Fe2O3 impurity in the samples. Doping with Nd3+ ions produced strain in the crystal, and the samples retain their hexagonal phase with space group P63/mmc, as ensured by the Rietveld refinement method. FTIR spectroscopy were performed for microstructural analysis, which shows the corresponding stretching and bending bands of iron and oxygen in the samples. The Raman spectra confirmed the Raman fundamental modes at various wavenumbers, which also confirm the hexagonal structure of the samples. The electronic states of all metal ions state were confirmed through x-ray photoelectron (XPS) spectroscopy analysis, which show that iron is present in two oxidation states (Fe2+ and Fe3+) in all the prepared samples. XPS spectra also revealed that the Nd-doped sample is more defective as compared to pure sample. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) micrographs shows that the non-uniform particle size in the nanometer range. Elemental composition is confirmed using energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS) measurement. Additionally, magnetic measurements using a vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) revealed that the hysteresis loops for 5 % Nd-doped sample shows the maximum value 44.3 emu/g of magnetization, and its values decrease for further increase in Nd doping concentration. The dielectric measurements were performed at room temperature in the frequency range of 1 Hz to 10 MHz, when Nd3+ is doped at the Ba site, it enhances the dielectric constant, dielectric loss, tangent loss, and ac conductivity of the synthesized samples.

Conformational changes in 6MeV electron beam irradiated aqueous bovine serum albumin.

Understanding the folding and unfolding mechanism of the protein is not only crucial in applications like biomedical, pharmaceutical, tissue engineering but also to the food industry. In the present study, an electron beam with 6MeV energy derived from the Microtron accelerator was utilized to irradiate the aqueous solution of bovine serum albumin (BSA) at fluences of 5×1014 and 10×1014 e-/cm2. The control and irradiated BSA solutions were analyzed using UV-visible and FTIR spectroscopy. UV-visible spectroscopy showed a hyperchromic red shift in 235nm (π→π*) and a blue shift in 268nm (n→π*) bands with increasing fluence. Changes in aromatic acid residues of the proteins tertiary structure were observed from the 2nd derivative of absorbance spectra. FTIR spectra revealed a decrease in peak area corresponding to β-turns (21.80 to 15.50%), and random coil (41.30 to 28.80%) and increase in peak area was observed for β-sheet (29.25 to 35.40%). These findings reveal the conformal changes in the electron irradiated BSA. Further, a decrease in the interfacial tension at the air/water interface suggests increase in hydrophobicity of the aqueous solution with fluence.