Attenuated Total Reflectance Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy Research Articles

Performance of Chitosan/Carbon Nanotube-Coated Ultrafiltration Membranes for Natural Organic Matter Removal from Drinking Water

The objective of this study is to improve the filtration efficiency of commercially available polyethersulfone (PES) ultrafiltration (UF) membranes, with a specific focus on removing natural organic matter (NOM) and preventing membrane fouling. The modification of UF membranes was accomplished by utilizing chitosan/multi-walled carbon nanotubes (CS/MWCNT-OH) and employing both dip and spin coating techniques. The membrane surface morphologies were evaluated using the Attenuated Total Reflectance Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), and Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX) techniques. Tests were carried out to assess the effectiveness of the membranes in a laboratory-scale system using two primary water sources from Istanbul, specifically the Melen River and Terkos Lake. Total organic carbon (TOC), UV254 absorbance, turbidity, and trihalomethane formation potential (THMFP) were all measured as part of a thorough analysis. The surface morphology investigations verified the effective deposition of MWCNT-OH nanoparticles onto the membrane surface. This was corroborated by the reduction in the water contact angle, showing an improvement in the hydrophilicity of the membrane. The modified membranes demonstrated much higher TOC removal rates compared to the original membranes. Specifically, the removal efficiencies for Melen River and Terkos Lake were 37.14% and 56.86%, respectively. Nevertheless, the alteration of the surface led to a decline in membrane flux as a result of the concurrent drop in pore size. To summarize, the results of this work highlights the considerable capability of surface modification using CS/MWCNT-OH to improve the performance and antifouling characteristics of commercial PES UF membranes.

Eco friendly functional finishes of polyester fabric using keratin from wool and feather wastes

This research showcases the use of hydrothermally extracted solutions from poultry feathers and wool as eco-friendly and versatile textile finishes. These solutions, derived from waste biomass containing the keratin biopolymer, were obtained through environmentally conscious hydrothermal degradation processes. Initially, the study focused on analysing the chemical parameters and properties of both dialysed and non-dialysed solutions extracted from feathers and wool. The investigation tracked primarily the presence of keratin within these solutions. Upon application to polyester textiles as the reference material, the presence of these solutions on the fabric surface was confirmed successfully. A thorough physicochemical analysis of the treated textiles involved various analytical techniques. These encompassed surface composition analysis via X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) and Attenuated Total Reflectance Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), assessment of wettability through Contact Angle measurements, determination of surface charge using surface zeta potential, and examination of the thermal and flame-retardant properties via Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), and calorimetric tests. In addition, the colour, UV radiation transmission and antioxidant activity were evaluated using standard tests.The remarkable effects of the treatment have been observed in the exceptional antioxidative action, fire resistance, UV protection and enhanced hydrophilicity of these innovative multifunctional textiles. This approach holds significant implications across research, economics and society, enriching Material Science by deepening the understanding of materials and their multifaceted properties. Moreover, it promotes resource efficiency, opens new sustainable textile market prospects, and contributes to social impact by supporting environmental sustainability, engaging communities and ensuring health and safety benefits.

Assessment of green biocomposites based on polyvinyl alcohol and grafted biopolymer tamarind kernel powder with polyacrylic acid

This investigation focuses on the development and assessment of biopolymer-based green biocomposite materials that contain tamarind seed kernel powder (TKP) either in its raw or polyacrylic acid (PAA) grafted form as the reinforcing component, combined with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) as the matrix material. The goal is to develop biopolymer TKP based green biocomposites with a biodegradable PVA matrix for food grade packaging and biomedical applications. Both raw TKP reinforced PVA and PAA grafted TKP reinforced PVA, two forms of sustainable green biocomposites, were developed. Compression molding was used to combine various raw or PAA grafted TKP loadings with PVA to produce various biocomposites. The loadings were 0 %, 0.25 %, 0.5 %, 1 %, 5 %, and 10 % in weight. To confirm the PAA grafted TKP, attenuated total reflection-fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectrum analysis was employed. The mechanical properties of the biocomposites were examined, and it was discovered that the grafted biocomposites exhibited 4 % higher tensile strength and elongation at break (%) on average than the raw TKP reinforced PVA biocomposites. The Charpy impact strength of the biocomposites exhibited an average 28 % improvement in impact resistance with modified TKP and an 8 % increase with raw TKP when compared to pure PVA sheets. Additionally, the PAA-grafted TKP reinforced PVA biocomposites outperformed the raw TKP reinforced PVA biocomposites in water absorption tests, exhibiting an average improvement in moisture resistance of nearly 13 %. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) tests revealed that the PAA-grafted biocomposites had a more uniform dispersion of fillers inside the PVA matrix as compared to the raw TKP/PVA biocomposites. These findings enable in the development of high-performance, environmentally friendly and green biocomposite materials for a variety of uses.

Study and characterization of paper bookbindings from 16 to 18th stored in the Marciana National Library (Venice)

Paper bookbindings have been disregarded for centuries by scholars since they were only considered temporary covering materials for manuscripts and books. Recently, there is a willingness to reconsider these bindings and to evaluate their role. Thanks to the collaboration with the Marciana National Library in Venice, which stores an impressive collection of 849 detached bindings, the current research provides a chemical-physical elucidation about the composition and the manufacture of paper bookbindings realized between the 16th and the eighteenth century in the Venetian area. A selection of bookbindings was analysed by the means of complementary methods (thickness measurements, Attenuated Total Reflection—Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), Pyrolysis–Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (Py-GC–MS) and X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF)). Data evidence the presence of cellulose as the main component of paper pulp; hemicellulose and lignin were identified too, probably related to the presence of linen/hemp rags in the paper production. Gelatine was detected muck likely related to paper sizing; among inorganic additives CaCO3 was found in all samples. The presence of waxy material may be due to past undocumented conservation treatments.

Wool fiber as an In situ reducing agent towards ZnO-based surface modified fabric development: Durability assessment in the realm of textile applications

The development of a bio-inspired method to fabricate ZnO nanostructure-modified functional wool fabric represents a substantial challenge in the textile field. This article reports for the first time the use of wool as a reducing agent for the synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles. While previous studies have employed alternative natural reducing agents for surface modification of host materials, this investigation uniquely utilizes the host material, wool, as the reducing agent for in-situ ZnO nanoparticle synthesis. In addition to demonstrating the use of wool as a reducing agent, this literature uniquely reports the durability of the modified fabric, achieved through the use of trimethoxy methyl silane. This silane compound acts as a bridging agent, forming a strong interface between the wool fibers and the synthesized ZnO nanoparticles. This innovative approach enhances the adhesion and stability of the ZnO nanoparticles on the wool fabric, a key aspect that contributes to the overall durability and performance of the modified material. The in situ surface modification process employed a metal oxide precursor (zinc acetate dihydrate), capping agents (hexamethylene tetraamine, sodium carbonate, and sodium sulfate), and a coupling agent (trimethyl methoxy silane). The capping agents were used to control the reaction conditions, while the coupling agent was employed to improve the durability of the surface modification. The impact of three different capping agents on the corresponding synthesis process was assessed, and the findings revealed that the choice of capping agent helped to form ZnO nanoparticles with distinct morphologies. Analytical techniques, such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), and attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy, were utilized to characterize the synthesized particles and the treated fabric. The XRD analysis coupled with SEM analysis confirmed the successful formation of ZnO nanoparticles. The ATR-FTIR spectroscopy provided evidence of the formation of Si-O-Zn and Si-O-C bonds, observed at around 920 cm−1 and 1040 cm−1 respectively. These spectroscopic findings indicate that the surface modification involving the silane compound has enhanced the durability of the ZnO-modified fabric. The covalent linkages between the ZnO nanoparticles, the silane compound, and the wool fibers, confirmed by SEM analysis before and after washing cycles, have enabled the durable attachment of the nanoparticles to the fabric surface, even after multiple washing cycles. The results suggest a novel pathway to use wool as a reducing agent for the surface modification of the same material. Detailed mechanistic insights into the surface modification process and the corresponding chemical interactions were also discussed.

Structural changes in amide I and amide II regions of PCOS women analyzed by ATR-FTIR spectroscopy

The etiology of PCOS is complex and frequently mis or undiagnosed, which may enhance morbidity and reduce the quality of life. Attenuated total reflection- Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy examines the structural fingerprints of the biochemical compounds and can provide distinct FTIR spectra of the PCOS cases and controls. The present study recruited 61 PCOS cases and 38 control women. The student's t-test was used to compare BMI, WHR, and lipid profile. The FTIR spectral region was compared among both groups using the Mann-Whitney U test and multivariate analysis involved principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA). FTIR spectra of different phenotypes of PCOS were also analyzed using multivariate analysis. In univariate analysis, PCOS women had significantly higher WHR (p = 0.007), BMI (p = 0.04), triglycerides (p = 0.04), and VLDL (p = 0.02) than the controls. The spectral regions of amide I (1700-1600 cm-1) and amide II (1580-1480 cm-1), were significantly greater in the PCOS group than in the controls (p < 0.01 and p < 0.001, respectively). The PCA and HCA revealed a distinct molecular fingerprint for phenotype A (PCOM + OA + HA) and phenotype B (HA + OA).Our study postulated that the spectral regions of amide I and amide II can distinguish between PCOS cases and control women and it may be used for the diagnosis of cases.

Archaeometric characterization of a textile fragment recovered from a Byzantine Period tomb in Nysa ad Maeandrum in the light of archaeological and anthropological evaluations

Nysa ad Maeandrum (also known as the ancient city of Nysa) is an ancient city located in Western Anatolia of today’s Türkiye. It was determined during the excavations that an uninterrupted life continued in the ancient city of Nysa from the Hellenistic Period (330 BCE-30 CE) to the Byzantine Period (330–1453). The aim of this study is the anthropological evaluation of the skeleton in tomb chamber-11 (T-11) found during the excavations in 2023 and the characterization of the well-preserved textile fragment on the coin unearthed from the individual’s skull. In this study, the textile sample underwent analysis using a polarized optical microscope (OM), scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX), attenuated total reflection-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), and high-performance liquid chromatography with photodiode array detection (HPLC-PDA). As a result of the analysis, it is thought that the textile fragment has a tabby weave and the fiber is a cellulosic bast fiber, which is most likely flax fiber. In the dyestuff analysis, alizarin and ellagic acid dyestuffs were detected, and it was determined that the textile fragment was dyed by using the madder plant (Rubia tinctorum L.), which we frequently encounter in Anatolia, and a plant containing tannins. In addition, according to anthropological studies, it is thought that the individual in T-11 belongs to a female between the ages of 30–40 and was engaged in weaving based on the marks on her teeth.

Enzymatically Oxidized Carbohydrates As Dicarbonyl Biobased Cross-Linkers for Polyamines.

Carbonyl cross-linkers are used to modify textiles and form resins, and are produced annually in megatonne volumes. Due to their toxicity toward the environment and human health, however, less harmful biobased alternatives are needed. This study introduces carbonyl groups to lactose and galactose using galactose oxidase from Fusarium graminearum (FgrGalOx) and pyranose dehydrogenase from Agaricus bisporus (AbPDH1) to produce four cross-linkers. Differential scanning calorimetry was used to compare cross-linker reactivity, most notably resulting in a 34 °C decrease in reaction peak temperature (72 °C) for FgrGalOx-oxidized galactose compared to unmodified galactose. Attenuated total reflectance Fourier-transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) spectroscopy were used to verify imine formation and amine and aldehyde depletion. Cross-linkers were shown to form gels when mixed with polyallylamine, with FgrGalOx-oxidized lactose forming gels more effectively than all other cross-linkers, including glutaraldehyde. Further development of carbohydrate cross-linker technologies could lead to their adoption in various applications, including in adhesives, resins, and textiles.

Surface Modification of Polyethylene Terephthalate Track-Etched Membranes by 2,2,3,3,4,4,5,5,6,6,7,7-Dodecafluoroheptyl Acrylate for Application in Water Desalination by Direct Contact Membrane Distillation.

In this work, the surfaces of poly (ethylene terephthalate) track-etched membranes (PET TeMs) with pore sizes of 670-1310 nm were hydrophobized with 2,2,3,3,4,4,5,5,6,6,7,7-dodecafluoroheptyl acrylate (DFHA) by photoinitiated graft polymerization. Attenuated total reflection FTIR spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) coupled to an energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometer (EDX), and contact angle measurements were used to identify and characterize the TeMs. The optimal parameters for graft polymerization were determined as follows: polymerization time of 60 min, monomer concentration of 30%, and distance from the UV source of 7 cm. The water contact angle of the modified membranes reached 97°, which is 51° for pristine membranes. The modified membranes were tested for water desalination using direct contact membrane distillation (DCMD) method. The effects of membrane pore size, the degree of grafting, and salt concentration on the performance of membrane distillation process were investigated. According to the results obtained, it has been concluded that large pore size hydrophobic TeMs modified by using DFHA could be used for desalinating water.

Easy functionalization of carbon nano-onions with disulfides and their use as recyclable heterogeneous organocatalysts

A facile functionalization of carbon nano-onions (CNO), through an atom economical one-step process, with a series of different generation (2.0, 2.5, and 3.0G) poly(amidoamine) (PAMAM) dendrimers with a cystamine core and endowed with either methyl ester or amino groups in the periphery has been reported. The radical addition reaction onto CNO surface, after the homolytic rupture of the S–S bond of cystamine, afforded CNO-PAMAM hybrids, which were extensively characterized using various analytical and spectroscopic techniques such as thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy, solid state 13C NMR, Raman, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), dynamic light scattering (DLS) and zeta potential (ZP). Morphological and textural properties were also investigated by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) analysis and N2 adsorption/desorption isotherms. Furthermore, the presence and availability of –NH2 groups has been demonstrated by applying the functionalized CNO with PAMAM 2.0G and 3.0G as heterogeneous and recyclable organocatalysts in the one-pot three-component synthesis of 2-amino-4H-chromene derivatives.

Isotopic and mineralogic bias introduced by pulverization of aragonite

RationaleStable carbon and oxygen isotope data of biogenic and abiogenic aragonite are of fundamental relevance in paleoclimate research. Wet‐chemical analysis of such materials requires well‐homogenized, fine‐grained powder. In the present study, the effect of different grinding/milling methods on sample homogeneity and the potential risk of unintentional calcite formation and isotope shift were evaluated.MethodsShells of Arctica islandica and aragonite sputnik crystals were pulverized using a set of commonly used methods, including a hand‐held drill, a vibromill operated at various settings (with and without liquid nitrogen cooling, changes in ball diameters, frequencies, and processing durations), and an agate mortar and pestle. Stable isotope values were measured using an isotope ratio mass spectrometer operated in continuous flow mode. Identification of mineral phases was obtained by powder X‐ray diffraction (PXRD), Raman spectroscopy, and attenuated total reflectance‐Fourier transform infrared (ATR‐FTIR) spectroscopy. Calcite content was quantified by PXRD Rietveld refinement.ResultsSamples showed substantial homogeneity, in particular after vibromilling (duration 3–10 min). More vigorous grinding resulted in larger fractions of calcite (0.5–4.2 wt%) and a concomitant δ18O and δ13C decrease, specifically in bivalve shells. The only method for producing pure aragonite powder was by pounding the aragonite sputniks manually with an agate mortar and pestle.ConclusionsNone of the studied, commonly used machine‐based pulverization methods produced pure aragonite powder from samples consisting originally of aragonite. These findings have significant implications for light‐stable isotope‐based paleoclimate reconstructions. Except for abiogenic aragonite powder produced by pounding in an agate mortar, paleotemperatures would be overestimated.

Assessment of microplastics in coastal ecosystem of Bangladesh

Microplastics (MPs) pose one of the major environmental threats to marine organisms and ecosystems on a global scale. The present study investigated MPs in surface water, beach sediments, and fish in two coastal areas of Bangladesh namely Cox's Bazar and Kuakata. The MPs were identified and characterized using three different techniques, including the binocular microscope, the ATR-FTIR (Attenuated Total Reflectance-Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy), and SEM-EDS (Scanning Electron Microscopy- Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy). The number of MPs in seawater was 10.1 ± 3.10 and 8.52 ± 3.92 items/100 L and in beach sediment, 13.2 ± 3.68 and 9.48 ± 3.63 items/100 g in Cox's Bazar and Kuakata, respectively. In fish samples, the abundance of MPs was 7.82 ± 1.28 and 6.82 ± 1.87 items/individual species of Cox's Bazar and Kuakata, respectively, where the highest quantities of MP were found in Euthynnus affinisand Sillago sihama and the lowest in Terapon jarbua and Pampus chinensisin Cox's Bazar and Kuakata, respectively. The number of MPs in GITs (Gastrointestinal tracts) was 1.63 ± 0.991 and 1.25 ± 0.546 items/g GIT and in BW (Body Weight) were 0.042 ± 0.014 and 0.037 ± 0.014 items/g BW in Cox's Bazar and Kuakata, respectively. There revealed a positive correlation between MP abundance and GIT weight and body weight in fish species. MPs were predominantly fiber-shaped, white/transparent, and small size. The most common MP polymers were polyethylene and polypropylene. SEM images of MPs demonstrate surface roughness, cracks, mechanical weathering and oxidative weathering, demonstrating their ongoing environmental exposure. The EDS spectrum unearthed that the MPs contained several elements (C, N, O, Na, Al, Fe, and Si). Findings from this study might be useful in coastal plastic particle management and to mitigate the potential risks associated with them.

Preparation of arbutin hydrogel formulation as green skin lightener formulation: in vitro and in vivo evaluation

A hydrogel formulation containing arbutin was developed for use as a topical cosmetic product aimed at enhancing the anti-melanogenesis effect and skin delivery. To develop Arbutin-hydrogel, 1% arbutin was incorporated into a Chitosan/alginate hydrogel. The impacts of biopolymer proportion on the arbutin-hydrogel preparations were investigated. Swelling analysis, weight loss analysis, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy, toxicity study and, skin absorption test were employed to assess the arbutin-hydrogel. The swelling percentages of arbutin-hydrogel increased significantly after 4 h. In vitro, cytotoxic activity revealed that arbutin-hydrogel has no toxicity. Also, the cutaneous penetration investigation revealed that arbutin-hydrogel had a superior cutaneous accumulation (42.25 ± 0.30%) compared to plain gel (16.80 ± 0.33%). Also, physico-chemical specifications assay and solid state assessment were employed to assess of optimum formulation. Arbutin-hydrogel (60.9 ± 1.68%) inhibited melanin formation more effectively than arbutin solution. In addition, arbutin-hydrogel exhibited a more inhibitory impact on L-dopa auto-oxidation (54.90 ± 2.26%) than arbutin solution (38.62 ± 2.26%). In addition, the Wistar rat cutaneous sensitivity testing demonstrated that the hydrogel component did not affect the epidermis. These outcomes demonstrated that the arbutin-hydrogel could potentially be utilized for Arbutin topical delivery, expanding the treatment options for hyperpigmentation disorders.

Multifunctional curcumin-based polymer coating: A promising platform against bacteria, inflammation and coagulation

The extensive use of polymers in the medical field has facilitated the development of various devices and implants, contributing to the restoration of organ function. However, despite their advantages such as biocompatibility and robustness, these materials often face challenges like bacterial contamination and subsequent inflammation, leading to implant-associated infections (IAI). Integrating implants effectively is crucial to prevent bacterial colonization and reduce inflammatory responses. To overcome these major issues, surface chemical modifications have been extensively explored. Indeed, click chemistry, and particularly, copper (I)-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC) reaction has emerged as a promising approach for surface functionalization without affecting material bulk properties. Curcumin, known for its diverse biological activities, suffers from low solubility and stability. To enhance its bioavailability, bioconjugation strategy has garnered attention in recent years. This study represents pioneering work in immobilizing curcumin derivative onto polyethylene terephthalate (PET) surfaces, aiming to combat bacterial adhesion, inflammation and coagulation. Before curcumin derivative bioconjugation, a fluorophore, dansyl derivative, was employed in order to monitor and determine the efficiency of the proposed methodology. Previous surface chemical modifications were required for the immobilization of both dansyl and curcumin derivatives. Ultraviolet-Visible (UV-Vis) demonstrated the amidation functionalization of PET surface. Other surface characterization techniques including X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), Attenuated Total Reflectance Fourier Transformed Infrared (ATR-FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and contact angle, among others, confirmed also the conjugation of both dansyl and curcumin derivatives. On the other hand, different biological assays corroborated that curcumin derivative immobilized PET surfaces do not exhibit cytotoxicity effect. Additionally, corresponding inflammation test were performed, indicating that these polymeric surfaces do not produce inflammation and, when curcumin derivative is immobilized, they decrease the inflammation marker level (IL-6). Moreover, the bacterial growth of both Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria were measured, demonstrating that the immobilization of curcumin derivative on PET provided antibacterial properties to the material. Finally, hemolysis rate analysis and whole blood clotting assay demonstrated the antithrombogenic effect of PET-Cur surfaces as well as no hemolysis concern in the fabricated functional surfaces.

Development and characterization of a non-enzymatic electrochemical biosensor for rapid determination of sorbent-based extracted trazodone and doxepin in complicated samples

BackgroundGiven the importance of achieving optimal therapeutical concentration in patients treated with antidepressants, this study investigates a novel technique for the simultaneous determination of trazodone (TRZ) and doxepin (DOX) in human plasma and serum samples for the first time. ResultsTo achieve simultaneous determination of two antidepressants, TRZ and DOX, a novel detection system was designed: a non-enzymatic voltammetric biosensor based on boron-reduced graphene oxide/manganese oxide nanoparticles (GCE/B-rGO/MnO NPs). The detection was accomplished after pre-concentration and extraction trace amounts of the analytes using the thin film-solid phase microextraction (TF-SPME) technique, which employed polyvinyl alcohol/polyvinyl acetate/copper oxide nanoparticles (PVA/PVAc/CuO NPs) electrospun nanofibers.The successful preparation of composite nanofibers and modified electrodes was confirmed using the evaluation of field emission-scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). Also, the composite nanofibers were characterized with attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform-infrared (ATR-FT-IR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). In the solution of TRZ and DOX, under optimum experimental conditions, the linear dynamic ranges (LDRs) were 0.1–20.0 μmol L−1 and 0.5–27.0 μmol L−1, respectively. Also, the limit of detection (LOD) values of TRZ and DOX were 0.032 and 0.150 μmol L−1. SignificancePVAc acts as a cross-linking agent for PVA, and their mixture is effective for sample preparation and pre-concentration of analytes in complex matrices. Also, adding CuO NPs to this polymeric mixture enhanced the adsorption efficiency.Taking advantage of the high surface area of MnO NPs and the high electrical conductivity of B-rGO, and considering the superiority of their simultaneous utilization, the constructed electrochemical biosensor is both cost-effective and rapid. It demonstrates excellent stability, repeatability, and sensitivity for the simultaneous determination of TRZ and DOX under optimal conditions.This biosensor, the first of its kind, is specifically designed for the simultaneous determination of TRZ and DOX in human plasma and serum samples, representing a significant advancement in biosensing technology.

Enhanced Wettability and Adhesive Property of PTFE through Surface Modification with Fluorinated Compounds.

Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) is prized for its unique properties in electrical applications, but its natural hydrophobicity poses challenges as it repels water and can cause electrical short circuits, shortening equipment lifespan. In this work, the mentioned issue has been tackled by using two different fluorinated compounds, such as perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA)/perfluorooctanol (PFOL), along with plasma processing to enhance the surface hydrophilicity (water attraction) of PTFE. This method, demonstrated on Teflon membrane, quickly transformed their surfaces from hydrophobic to hydrophilic in less than 30 s. The treated films achieved a water contact angle saturation of around 80°, indicating a significant increase in water affinity. High-resolution C 1s X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) confirmed the formation of new bonds, such as -COOH and -OH, on the surface, responsible for enhanced hydrophilicity. Extended plasma treatment led to further structural changes, evidenced by increased intensity in infrared (IR) and Raman spectra, particularly sensitive to vibrations associated with the C-F bond. Moreover, Attenuated Total Reflectance Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) showed the formation of surface-linked functional groups, which contributed to the improved water attraction. These findings decisively show that treatment with fluoro-compound along with plasma processing can be considered as a highly effective and rapid method for converting PTFE surfaces from hydrophobic to hydrophilic, facilitating its broader use in various electrical applications.

Ciprofloxacin Removal via Acid-Modified Red Mud: Optimizing the Process, Analyzing the Adsorption Features, and Exploring the Underlying Mechanism.

In this study, RM (red mud) was acidified with sulfuric acid, and the acidified ARM (acidified red mud) was utilized as an innovative adsorption material for treating antibiotic-containing wastewater. The adsorption conditions, kinetics, isotherms, thermodynamics, and mechanism of ARM for CIP (ciprofloxacin) were investigated. The characterization of the ARM involved techniques such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET), X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and NH3-TPD analysis. Adsorption studies employed a response surface methodology (RSM) for the experimental design. The results showed that ARM can absorb CIP effectively. The RSM optimal experiment indicated that the most significant model terms influencing adsorption capacity were solution pH, CIP initial concentration, and ARM dosage, under which the predicted maximum adsorption capacity achieved 7.30 mg/g. The adsorption kinetics adhered to a pseudo-second-order model, while equilibrium data fitted the Langmuir-Freundlich isotherm, yielding maximum capacity values of 7.35 mg/g. The adsorption process occurred spontaneously and absorbed heat, evidenced by ΔGθ values between -83.05 and -91.50 kJ/mol, ΔSθ at 281.6 J/mol/K, and ΔHθ at 0.86 kJ/mol. Analysis using attenuated total reflection Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) indicated a complex reaction between the Al-O in the ARM and the ester group -COO in CIP. The C=O bond in CIP was likely to undergo a slight electrostatic interaction or be bound to the internal spherical surface of the ARM. The findings indicate that ARM is a promising and efficient adsorbent for CIP removal from wastewater.

Development, Optimization, and in vitro Evaluation of Silybin-loaded PLGA Nanoparticles and Decoration with 5TR1 Aptamer for Targeted Delivery to Colorectal Cancer Cells.

Chemotherapeutic agents often lack specificity, intratumoral accumulation, and face drug resistance. Targeted drug delivery systems based on nanoparticles (NPs) mitigate these issues. Poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) is a well-studied polymer, commonly modified with aptamers (Apts) for cancer diagnosis and therapy. In this study, silybin (SBN), a natural agent with established anticancer properties, was encapsulated into PLGA NPs to control delivery and improve its poor solubility. The field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) showed spherical and uniform morphology of optimum SBN-PLGA NPs with 138.57±1.30nm diameter, 0.202±0.004 polydispersity index (PDI), -16.93±0.45mV zeta potential (ZP), and 70.19±1.63% entrapment efficiency (EE). The results of attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) showed no chemical interaction between formulation components, and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) thermograms confirmed efficient SBN entrapment in the carrier. Then, the optimum formulation was functionalized with 5TR1 Apt for active targeted delivery of SBN to colorectal cancer (CRC) cells in vitro. The SBN-PLGA-5TR1 nanocomplex released SBN at a sustained and constant rate (zero-order kinetic), favoring passive delivery to acidic CRC environments. The MTT assay demonstrated the highest cytotoxicity of the SBN-PLGA-5TR1 nanocomplex in C26 and HT29 cells and no significant cytotoxicity in normal cells. Apoptosis analysis supported these results, showing early apoptosis induction with SBN-PLGA-5TR1 nanocomplex which indicated this agent could cause programmed death more than necrosis. This study presents the first targeted delivery of SBN to cancer cells using Apts. The SBN-PLGA-5TR1 nanocomplex effectively targeted and suppressed CRC cell proliferation, providing valuable insights into CRC treatment without harmful effects on healthy tissues.

Proteomic Characterization of Human Placenta: Insights into Potential Therapeutic Applications for Osteoarthritis.

Biologics have become increasingly prominent as therapeutics in recent years due to their innate immune-privileged nature, biocompatibility, and high levels of protein biofactors. The aim of the study is to characterise the biologic, lyophilized human placenta (LHP) and explore its therapeutic potential for osteoarthritis (OA). The presence of six bioactive constituents that regulate cell-extracellular matrix interaction was identified by liquid chromatography coupled to electrospray ionization and quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-QTOF/MS). Metalloproteinase inhibitor 3 (TIMP3), alpha-1 anti-trypsin (a1AT), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), and transforming growth factor β1 (TGFβ1) were detected and quantified using ELISA. The total protein content present in LHP by Bradford assay was found to be 409.35 ± 0.005μg/ml. The analytical techniques such as Attenuated Total Reflectance-Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), solid state carbon-13 Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (ssC13 NMR) spectroscopy, and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) revealed the secondary structure and conformational stability of LHP. X-Ray diffraction (XRD) studies showed its amorphous nature. Bioactivity assessment of LHP was performed in human keratinocytes (HaCaT) and human dermal fibroblasts (HDF) by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The LHP was highly proliferative against skin cells and non-toxic, based on the findings of the bioactivity assay. LHP has the potential to be used as a therapeutic agent for OA, as its characterisation unveiled its physical stability, significant concentration of bioactive components that are pertinent to cartilage repair and its conformational stability.

Screening of malaria infections in human blood samples with varying parasite densities and anaemic conditions using AI-Powered mid-infrared spectroscopy

BackgroundEffective testing for malaria, including the detection of infections at very low densities, is vital for the successful elimination of the disease. Unfortunately, existing methods are either inexpensive but poorly sensitive or sensitive but costly. Recent studies have shown that mid-infrared spectroscopy coupled with machine learning (MIRs-ML) has potential for rapidly detecting malaria infections but requires further evaluation on diverse samples representative of natural infections in endemic areas. The aim of this study was, therefore, to demonstrate a simple AI-powered, reagent-free, and user-friendly approach that uses mid-infrared spectra from dried blood spots to accurately detect malaria infections across varying parasite densities and anaemic conditions.MethodsPlasmodium falciparum strains NF54 and FCR3 were cultured and mixed with blood from 70 malaria-free individuals to create various malaria parasitaemia and anaemic conditions. Blood dilutions produced three haematocrit ratios (50%, 25%, 12.5%) and five parasitaemia levels (6%, 0.1%, 0.002%, 0.00003%, 0%). Dried blood spots were prepared on Whatman™ filter papers and scanned using attenuated total reflection-Fourier Transform Infrared (ATR-FTIR) for machine-learning analysis. Three classifiers were trained on an 80%/20% split of 4655 spectra: (I) high contrast (6% parasitaemia vs. negative), (II) low contrast (0.00003% vs. negative) and (III) all concentrations (all positive levels vs. negative). The classifiers were validated with unseen datasets to detect malaria at various parasitaemia levels and anaemic conditions. Additionally, these classifiers were tested on samples from a population survey in malaria-endemic villages of southeastern Tanzania.ResultsThe AI classifiers attained over 90% accuracy in detecting malaria infections as low as one parasite per microlitre of blood, a sensitivity unattainable by conventional RDTs and microscopy. These laboratory-developed classifiers seamlessly transitioned to field applicability, achieving over 80% accuracy in predicting natural P. falciparum infections in blood samples collected during the field survey. Crucially, the performance remained unaffected by various levels of anaemia, a common complication in malaria patients.ConclusionThese findings suggest that the AI-driven mid-infrared spectroscopy approach holds promise as a simplified, sensitive and cost-effective method for malaria screening, consistently performing well despite variations in parasite densities and anaemic conditions. The technique simply involves scanning dried blood spots with a desktop mid-infrared scanner and analysing the spectra using pre-trained AI classifiers, making it readily adaptable to field conditions in low-resource settings. In this study, the approach was successfully adapted to field use, effectively predicting natural malaria infections in blood samples from a population-level survey in Tanzania. With additional field trials and validation, this technique could significantly enhance malaria surveillance and contribute to accelerating malaria elimination efforts.