FTIR Research Articles

Investigation of Structural and Radiative Properties of Pr3+ doped Telluroborate Glasses

This paper reports the preparation and structural studies of Pr3+-doped telluroborate (TEB) glasses. The report aims to analyze combined Raman, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), optical and fluorescence spectra of Pr3+-doped TEB glasses and it was synthesized using the melt quenching technique with glass system (50–x)B2O3.20TeO2.15Mg2CO3. 15K2CO3.xPr6O11 where x varies as 0, 0.4, 0.5, 1 and 1.5 mol%. The samples exhibited a glassy appearance with a broad X-ray diffraction hump. Differently doped glasses were studied structurally using FTIR and Raman spectroscopy. The Judd-Ofelt intensity parameters, extracted from the optical absorption spectra of Pr3+, elegantly unveil the intricate bonding environment surrounding the Pr3+ ions. To assess Pr3+-doped TEB glass radiative properties, some important spectroscopic parameters were computed. Here TEB glass having doping concentration 0.4 mol% exhibits higher stimulated emission cross-section (σe = 19.37×10−20 cm2) and figure of merit (723.96×10−26 cm2.s) values which indicate its suitability for laser applications. The study includes estimating colour coordinates to evaluate white light emission in Pr3+-doped glasses, showcasing their potential for white light emitting diode applications.

Sol-gel Synthesized ZnO–SrMn2O4 Nanocomposite and Its Antibacterial Properties

This paper presents the synthesis of new binary oxide nanoparticles (NPs), ZnO–SrMn2O4, with a spinel structure. The sol-gel technique was used to synthesize ZnO–SrMn2O4 spinel-type oxides, which were subsequently investigated for their antibacterial properties. The NPs were characterized by a range of methods, namely Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX). The FTIR analysis revealed the presence of peaks characteristic of SrMn₂O₄ and ZnO/SrMn₂O₄. These peaks confirm the presence of metal-oxygen bonds, namely Zn–O, Mn–O, and Sr–O. SEM was used to analyze the morphology, chemical composition, and size of the nanocrystals. The morphology of the particles is observed to be more irregular in shape, with a wide range of nanoparticle sizes, from 54 to 250 nm. The synthesized nanoparticles, ZnO–SrMn2O4, were used to assess their antibacterial properties against Bacillus cereus, Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, as well as Escherichia coli and demonstrated pronounced antibacterial efficacy. The highest antibacterial activity was recorded against Escherichia Coli, with a diameter range of 16–23 mm, followed by the strain Staphylococcus aureus with a diameter range of 13.5–27.5 mm. The next most active strain was Bacillus subtilis, with a diameter range of 12.5–22 mm, and Bacillus cerus, with a diameter range of 13.5–19 mm. Further use of the obtained ZnO–SrMn2O4 powder is recommended for application in photocatalysis of dye degradation.

Mechanical and chemical characterization of biochar-reinforced polystyrene composites

This study investigates the chemical interactions and mechanical characteristics of composites made of polystyrene reinforced with biochar. Polystyrene-based resin (PBR) was combined with plantain peel-derived biochar in different weight ratios (10%, 20%, 30%, and 40%). The Brinell hardness test, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) were used to evaluate the properties of the composites. The results of the hardness test showed a non-monotonic pattern, with hardness first decreasing at low biochar loadings (10% and 20%), then significantly increasing at 30% biochar. At 40% biochar, the hardness then somewhat dropped, indicating that around 30% filler is the optimal biochar level for hardness. As the biochar loading increased, FTIR measurement showed that hydroxyl groups (-OH) were introduced and that the intensity of carbonyl groups (C = O) increased. According to SEM analysis, a uniform surface was found at lower biochar loadings, but at larger biochar contents, the surface became irregular and rough. In addition to providing insights into the chemical interactions at the interface between the biochar and the polymer matrix, these findings demonstrate the possibility of incorporating biochar to alter the mechanical properties of PBR.

Spearmint Extract as a Sustainable Corrosion Inhibitor Through Advanced Spray Coating Applications

In this research, the high efficacy of Mentha spicata L. extract, commonly known as spearmint, as a corrosion inhibitor with an efficacy rate of 86.98% is highlighted. Analytical techniques, such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to obtain a detailed morphological view, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) to identify the functional groups of flavonoids, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and Tafel plots for a corrosion assessment, were employed. This study pioneers a greener alternative to traditional corrosion inhibition methods. The distinctive aspect of this research is the innovative spray coating application method used to deliver the spearmint extract onto structural steel. This method involves the strategic use of an airbrush for spray coating, ensuring the uniform and efficient deposition of the organic inhibitor, thus forming a protective barrier against corrosion. This spray coating technique is emerging as an innovative approach for the industrial application of natural corrosion inhibitors, demonstrating significant advances in the corrosion resistance of coated steel. The results not only corroborate the efficacy of natural inhibitors, but also highlight the critical role that sophisticated application techniques play in improving their industrial viability. This methodological innovation presents a pathway to sustainable practices in corrosion management, prioritizing environmental protection and ecological footprint reduction in the quest for corrosion mitigation.

A Hybrid Photo-Catalytic Approach Utilizing Oleic Acid-Capped ZnO Nanoparticles for the Treatment of Wastewater Containing Reactive Dyes

In pursuit of overcoming Fenton oxidation limitations in wastewater treatment, an introduction of a heterogeneous photocatalyst was developed. In this regard, the current work introduces ZnO nanocrystals that were successfully prepared via a thermal decomposition technique and then capped with oleic acid (OA). The synthesized ZnO-OA and the pristine ZnO were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM). Then, the study introduces the application of such materials in advanced oxidation processes, i.e., a Fenton reaction to treat dye-containing wastewater. Synthetic wastewater that was prepared using Reactive Blue 4 (RB4) was used as a simulated textile wastewater effluent. Fenton’s oxidation was applied, and the system parameters were assessed using the modified Fenton’s system. The synthesized samples of ZnO were characterized by a recognized wurtzite hexagonal structure. The surface modification of ZnO with oleic acid (OA) resulted in an increase in crystallite size, lattice parameters, and cell volume. These modifications were linked to the efficient capping of ZnO nanoparticles by OA, which further improved the dispersion of the nanoparticles, as demonstrated through SEM imaging. The optimum conditions of ZnO- and ZnO-OA-synthesized modified Fenton composites showed 400 mg/L and 40 mg/L for H2O2 and the catalyst, respectively, at pH 3.0, and within 90 min under UV irradiation the maximal dye oxidation reached 93%. The catalytic performance at its optimal circumstances was in accordance with a pseudo-second-order kinetics model for both ZnO-OA- and the pristine ZnO-based Fenton’s systems. The thermodynamic parameters, including the enthalpy (ΔH′), the entropy (ΔS′), and Gibbs free energy (ΔG′) of activations, were also checked, and their values settled that both ZnO and ZnO-OA Fenton systems are non-spontaneous in nature. Furthermore, the reaction signified for processing at a low energy barrier condition (10.38 and 31.38 kJ/mol for ZnO-OA- and the pristine ZnO-based Fenton reactions, respectively).

Oral Curcumin through Mesoporous Silica Nanomaterials with Distinct Morphologies: Synthesis, Characterization, Biosafety Evaluation, and Antioxidant Activity In Vivo.

Antioxidant play a crucial role in the prevention and treatment of diseases associated with oxidative stress. Curcumin (CUR), as a natural antioxidant, exhibits numerous therapeutic properties, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antitumor activities. However, its limited bioavailability and poor water solubility hinder its application as an effective antioxidant. In this study, a series of mesoporous silica nanomaterials with distinct morphologies, i.e., mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSN) and mesoporous silica nanorods (MSR) were synthesized by a template-sediment-etching method. CUR was selected as a model drug and encapsulated into these nanomaterials to improve its bioavailability in vivo. The morphology and size distribution of MSN and MSR were determined through transmission electron microscopy (TEM) imaging and Zetasizer analysis. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) spectra confirmed the successful encapsulation of CUR within these nanomaterials. Furthermore, these CUR-loaded silica nanomaterials, denoted as CUR@MSN and CUR@MSR, exhibited excellent DPPH and ABTS free radical scavenging activity in vitro. Furthermore, CUR@MSN and CUR@MSR also exhibited obvious in vivo antioxidant activity. This study opens up new avenues for the development of enhanced antioxidants through the utilization of mesoporous silica nanomaterials.

Covalent integration of polymers and porous organic frameworks

Covalent integration of polymers and porous organic frameworks (POFs), including metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), covalent organic frameworks (COFs) and hydrogen-bonded organic frameworks (HOFs), represent a promising strategy for overcoming the existing limitations of traditional porous materials. This integration allows for the combination of the advantages of polymers, i.e., flexibility, processability and chemical versatility etc., and the superiority of POFs, like the structural integrity, tunable porosity and the high surface area, creating a type of hybrid materials. These resulting polymer-POF hybrid materials exhibit enhanced mechanical strength, chemical stability and functional diversity, thus opening up new opportunities for applications across a large variety of fields, such as gas separation, catalysis, biomedical applications, environmental remediation and energy storage. In this review, an overview of synthetic routes and strategies on how to covalently integrate different polymers with various POFs is discussed, especially with a particular focus on methods like polymerization within, on and among POF structures. To investigate the unique properties and functions of these resultant hybrid materials, the characterization techniques, including nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), gas adsorption analysis (BET) and computational modeling and machine learning, are also presented. The ability of polymer-POFs to manipulate the pore environments at the molecular level affords these materials a wide range of applications, providing a versatile platform for future advancements in material science. Looking forward, to fully realize the potential of these hybrid materials, the authors highlight the scalability, green synthesis methods, and potential for stimuli-responsive polymer-POF materials as critical areas for future research.

Thiol-Functionalized Cobalt Ferrite (CoFe2O4@MPTS) Nanoparticles as Cutting-Edge Adsorbents for Bovine Serum Albumin.

This paper describes the synthesis of CoFe₂O₄ nanoparticles via a simple ultrasonic-assisted co-precipitation method and their functionalization with thiol groups using (3-Mercaptopropyl)trimethoxysilane (MPTS) as the functionalizing agent. The use of ultrasonic energy not only serves as a green energy source but also reduces the reaction time fivefold compared to conventional methods. The synthesized CoFe₂O₄ nanoparticles were characterized for their surface and internal properties using instrumental techniques such as Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and Vibrating Sample Magnetometer (VSM). The functionalized nanoparticles were applied for the effective adsorption of bovine serum albumin (BSA) from a buffered aqueous medium. To enhance the adsorption performance, the influence of pH, amount of solid adsorbent, initial BSA concentration, shaking time, and temperature on protein adsorption was investigated. Lagergren pseudo-second-order adsorption kinetics fitted the BSA adsorption data well, with an acceptable R² value of 0.976. Additionally, the BSA adsorption data were analyzed using Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models, and it was concluded that the experimental data followed the Langmuir equation more closely than the Freundlich equation. At an initial pH of 5.57 (acetate buffer), the adsorption capacity (Q₀) for BSA protein was found to be 200mg/g. The thermodynamic study revealed ΔS° and ΔH° values of 17.40J/mol·K and - 45.37kJ/mol, respectively.

Preparation of High‐Selectivity Li+ Adsorbents Based on Bauxite via Liquid‐Phase Alkaline Thermal Activation

ABSTRACTBauxite, as the main aluminium‐bearing mineral in China, is a crucial resource for the industrial production of aluminium and aluminium‐related products. In this study, bauxite‐based aluminium composite Li+ adsorbents were prepared using a liquid‐phase alkaline thermal activation—acid in situ method. The effects of various factors on Li+ adsorption from brine were investigated through single‐factor experiments. Multiple techniques, such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive x‐ray spectroscopy (EDS), x‐ray diffraction (XRD), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) method, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), and x‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), were employed to characterise and analyse the microstructure, pore size distribution, chemical element distribution, and mineral structure of the adsorbents. In addition, the changes in bauxite structure and properties before and after functionalization were investigated. Results indicate that the adsorption capacity of LATA‐AIS‐LDH‐BX adsorbent prepared by the acid in situ method reached 1.15 mg/g at pH = 7; the adsorption capacity of LATA‐Al‐LDH‐BX adsorbent prepared by the aluminium salt conversion method reached 2.16 mg/g. The adsorption behaviour of both adsorbents followed the pseudo‐second‐order kinetic model and the Langmuir model. In the presence of interfering ions (Na+, K+, SO24+, Mg2+), the composite adsorbents showcased strong selective adsorption capacity for Li+. After five cycles of adsorption–desorption, the adsorption rates decreased by 12.19% and 11.48%, respectively, demonstrating good recycling stability. Furthermore, the Li+ adsorption capacities in salt lake brine reached 0.82 mg/g and 1.48 mg/g, indicating promising potential for industrial application.

Mesoporous TiO2@g-C3N4 Nanostructure-Enhanced Photocatalytic Degradation of Tetracycline Under Full-Spectrum Sunlight

TiO2 has broad prospects in reducing the safety risks posed by emerging pollutants in water environments. However, the high recombination rate of photogenerated carriers limits the activity and photon utilization efficiency of TiO2. In this study, mesoporous TiO2 (m-TiO2) and ultra-thin g-C3N4 nanosheets were composited using a hydrothermal method, with the m-TiO2 tightly and uniformly wrapped by g-C3N4. The chemical structure, elemental composition, and optical properties of the heterojunction were analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and ultraviolet-visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV-vis-DRS). The activity of the m-TiO2@g-C3N4 was evaluated by the degradation of tetracycline hydrochloride (TCH). Results showed that the heterojunction exhibited significantly enhanced reactivity compared to pure m-TiO2 and g-C3N4, with kinetic rates of TCH being 1.48 and 6.84 times that of pure m-TiO2 and g-C3N4, respectively. The TCH degradation kinetic rate varied from 0.194 min−1 to 0.026 min−1 and then decreased to 0.015 min−1 on the scale of the bandgap and the number of absorbed photons in m-TiO2@g-C3N4. Concurrently, a 10wt% doping amount of g-C3N4 significantly increased the reaction rate of photogenerated carriers in the system compared to the recombination rate, corresponding to excellent photon efficiency. Reproducibility was evaluated, and a possible degradation mechanism is proposed. This study opens new perspectives for the optimization of catalyst preparation processes aimed at enhancing photon efficiency.

Synthesis and characterization of nano phosphorus fertilizer from rock phosphate

Phosphorus is a vital macronutrient required for the growth and development of plants. The major concern regarding phosphorus (P) is low availability. Fertilizers are generally supplied to increase the crop growth. Rock phosphate(RP) is mainly used as the precursor for synthesizing phosphatic fertilizers. The applied phosphatic fertilizers are usually fixed in the soil and the excess fertilizers result in eutrophication and pollute the water bodies. To address these challenges nanofertilizer technology was created. In the present study, nano phosphorus fertilizer was developed using P-solubilizing bacteria (Bacillus megaterium) from RP. The nano RP was characterized using particle size analysis (PSA), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The size of nano RP using a particle size analyzer was ~450 nm with a polydispersity index of 0.803. The FTIR spectra of RP show the presence of phosphate minerals, whereas some peaks of RP were altered after bios olubilization of RP. The XRD pattern indicated the presence of apatite and calcite and the number of peaks of nano RP was 13, while RP has 25 diffraction peaks. The scanning electron microscope image of nano RP indicated the reduction in the crystalinity of RP.

Effect of Substituents on Chitosan-Derived Sustainable Corrosion Inhibitors: Experimental and Computational Studies of Inhibition and Adsorption Performance.

This work involves the synthesis of two chitosan derivatives by reacting chitosan, extracted from shrimp shells in eastern Morocco, with 2-nitrobenzaldehyde via a Schiff base reaction. An amino derivative of chitosan was then produced by reducing the imine group created by sodium borohydride. We investigated the molecular weight (Mw), crystallinity index (CrI), and degree of deacetylation (DDA) of the isolated chitosan, among other characteristic features. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR-ATR) were used to characterize the extracted chitosan (CS), 2-nitroben-chitosan Schiff derivative (CS-2NI), and chitosan amino derivative (CS-2NA). In a corrosive medium of 1 M HCl, the three ligands, CS, CS-2NI, and CS-2NA, were used as mild steel corrosion inhibitors. Electrochemical studies were used to analyze the surface shape and assess the inhibitory efficiency. They reveal a significant inhibitory efficiency of 92.31% for the CS-2NI derivative, highlighting the effectiveness of the imine group (═N-) and the nitro group (-NO2) compared to the two amino groups (-NH2 and -NH-) present in the CS-2NA derivative. To support experimental research, a computational study was carried out that combined the simulated annealing technique. The three inhibitors behave as mixed-type corrosion inhibitors. Thermodynamic analyses and adsorption studies revealed that the tested inhibitors create covalent bonds with the steel surface (chemisorption) as well as physical interactions (physisorption), in accordance with the Langmuir model. The identification of the ligands' adsorption sites on the steel surface was made more accessible by computational methods, demonstrating the relationship between the inhibitory properties and the chemical structure of these biodegradable and biocompatible biopolymers.

Eco-Friendly Fire-Retardant Coating on Cotton Using Layer by Layer Deposition Technique

Fire hazards are an increasing concern in several high-tech industries of public importance, particularly where textile fabrics are used in abundance. In this study, a novel layer by layer deposition method was utilized to develop a fire-retardant coating on cotton fabric. The method involves a hybrid cationic solution consisting of chitosan and branched polyethyleneimine, while bentonite clay was used as the anionic species. The treated fabric was characterized using SEM, VFT, and attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). SEM and EDS profiling confirmed the successful deposition of the (BPEI/CH + BNT) species on the surface of the cotton fabrics. FTIR analysis shows changes in chemical composition between the uncoated and coated samples, as confirmed by modifications in peaks at 3621 cm−1, 1023.3 cm−1, 1631 cm−1, and 614.8 cm−1. Finally, the thermal degradation behavior of pre-coated and post-coated samples was evaluated using thermogravimetric (TGA) analysis within a temperature range of 25 °C~700 °C, where the highest residue of ~19.83% was observed at 700 °C for the D-BPCB-30BL sample, signifying highly improved thermal stability compared to uncoated cotton.

Poly (Lactic Acid) Fibrous Film with Betalains from Pitaya (Stenocereus thurberi) by Electrospinning for Potential Use as Smart Food Packaging

The incorporation of biopolymers and natural colorants in smart packaging has garnered significant attention in the food packaging industry. This study investigates the design and characterization of novel fibrous films incorporating betalain extract (BE) from Stenocereus thurberi in poly (lactic acid) (PLA). An electrospinning technique was developed with varying PLA concentrations (2%–12% w/v) and BE concentrations (8%–12% w/v) to create a colorimetric freshness indicator. BE was characterized by quantifying its phytochemical content and assessing its antioxidant capacity. Morphological and structural analyses included scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), polydispersity index (PI), mechanical properties, and functional characteristics such as ammonia sensitivity and total antioxidant activity. The results indicated that the incorporation of BE significantly influenced the average diameter of the nanofibers, ranging from 313 ± 74 nm to 657 ± 99 nm. SEM micrographs showed that PLA12-BE12 films exhibited smooth surfaces without bead formation. The FTIR analysis confirmed effective BE incorporation, revealing intermolecular interactions between the betalain molecules and the PLA matrix, which contributed to enhanced structural and functional stability. The mechanical properties analysis revealed that moderate BE additions (8%–10% w/v) enhanced the Young’s modulus and tensile strength, while higher BE concentrations (12% w/v) disrupted the polymer network, reducing these properties. Additionally, the strain at break decreased significantly with BE incorporation, reflecting limited molecular chain mobility. Increasing BE concentration notably improved antioxidant activity, with the BE concentration of 12% (w/v), the ABTS•+, DPPH•, and FRAP radical scavenging activities at the highest values of 84.28 ± 1.59%, 29.95 ± 0.34%, and 710.57 ± 28.90 µM ET/g, respectively. Ammonia sensitivity tests demonstrated a significant halochromic transition from reddish-pink to yellow, indicating high sensitivity to low ammonia concentrations. The possible mechanism is alkaline pH induces aldimine bond hydrolysis and generates betalamic acid (yellow) and cyclo-DOPA-5-O-ß-glucoside (colorless) The fibrous films also exhibited reversible color changes and maintained good color stability over 30 days, emphasizing their potential for use in smart packaging applications for real-time freshness monitoring and food quality assessment.

Enhancing optical properties and antimicrobial efficiency of polyamide-6 for medical applications

Abstract Polyamide-6 (PA-6) fibers are valued for their high mechanical strength and cost-effectiveness, but their inherent hydrophobicity restricts their applicability. To enhance functionality, a grafting process was applied at both low and high yields, enabling effective treatment of PA-6 fibers with silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) to impart antimicrobial properties. An in-situ approach was employed to embed Ag NPs within the PA-6 fibers. The antimicrobial efficacy of the modified fibers was assessed against multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens, including methicillin-resistant, extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing, and quinolone- and carbapenem-resistant strains, using the shake flask method with optical density measurements. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) characterized the chemical changes associated with grafting and Ag NP incorporation. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) provided insights into fiber morphology and elemental composition, verifying the successful surface loading of Ag NPs. The Multiple Beam Fizeau fringes technique was used to evaluate optical properties, such as refractive index and birefringence, as indicators of structural changes. Although grafting reduced the optical properties initially, subsequent Ag NP treatment restored them. The PA-6-g-PAA 7%-t-Ag NPs fibers exhibited superior optical properties relative to PA-6-g-PAA 20.7%-t-Ag NPs fibers, though with lower antimicrobial impact on sensitive organisms. Conversely, PA-6-g-PAA 20.7%-t-Ag NPs showed significant antimicrobial activity against MDR pathogens. As a result, PA-6-g-PAA 20.7% is identified as the optimal choice, balancing effective antimicrobial properties with enhanced optical performance, suggesting its potential in antimicrobial fiber applications for medical use.

Real‐time measurement of heat stability of skim milk using attenuated total reflectance (ATR)‐FTIR spectroscopy

Milk proteins are susceptible to denaturation and aggregation upon heating, affecting product quality and shelf‐life. Understanding the underlying molecular changes during heating is important to the dairy industry for process optimisation and product functionality. This study used Attenuated Total Reflectance (ATR)‐Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy to non‐destructively measure changes in protein molecular structure as the precursor to heat‐induced aggregation in milk. Raw skim milk was divided into three subsamples, adjusted to pH 6.2, native pH or pH 7. Each sample was heated at 85°C on a BioATR crystal, with scans taken at 1‐min intervals over 20 min using FTIR to measure protein denaturation and aggregation. The second derivative of the amide I region was used to measure changes in protein structure, with the spectra for pH 6.2 samples changing faster than pH 6.8 or pH 7 samples, indicating a higher rate of denaturation. The peak at 1072 cm−1 related to colloidal calcium phosphate (CCP) increased with increasing temperature and pH. More extensive changes in CCP between colloidal and serum phases and protein denaturation/aggregation correlated with lower heat stability in milk. This study highlights the potential of ATR‐FTIR spectroscopy for assessing the heat stability of milk via in situ measurement of changes in protein structure and CCP.

Comparative impacts of myco-synthesized nanoparticles against strains of Aspergillus spp. causing biodeterioration of stored cocoa beans in Nigeria

Silver nanoparticle solutions (AgNPs) of some mushrooms: Pleurotus ostreatus, Agaricus bisporus and Agaricus campestris were prepared and characterized using Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Fourier-Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) analysis and Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy. Each of the myco-sythesized AgNPs was plated against strains of Aspergillus flavus and A. ochraceous, at 5, 10 and 15% concentrations. Colour change from light yellow to orange, yellowish-brown, and reddish brown was observed after overnight incubation (at 28 °C), in the P. ostreatus, A. bisporus, and A. campestris synthesized AgNPs respectively. TEM analysis showed a spherical shape with an average size of 15.25 to 45.85 nm, 9.22 to 52.60 nm and 10.24 to 17.66 nm in P. ostreatus, A. campestris and A. bisporus AgNPs respectively. EDX spectrum showed absorption peaks of silver in the ranges of 0.8–1.4 keV, 6.2–6.6 keV, and 0.8–1.2 keV, and XRD analysis confirmed the crystalline structure of the biosynthesized AgNPs, while FTIR results revealed O–H, N–H, C=O, and C=N as the prominent functional groups. Mycelial inhibitions against A. flavus strains D28AF and D42AF ranged between 43.86–52.73% and 33.83–57.07% respectively, and were not significantly different (P ≤ 0.05) from the standard (copper sulphate). Inhibitions produced against A. ochraceous strains AOD40 and AOD45 ranged between 34.64–52.36% and 37.43–53.56% respectively and also showed similar trend in relation to the standard. This study showed that the myco-synthesized AgNPs were effective against A. flavus and A. ochraceous infecting cocoa beans at storage. They however need to be further improved for future use in the control of cocoa beans pathogens.

Synthesis, Characterization, and Optical Properties of NiCr2O4 and CoCr2O4 Spinel Nanostructures for Photocatalytic Applications

This study focuses on the synthesis and characterization of two cubic spinel oxides, NiCr2O4 and CoCr2O4, utilizing X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, and UV-Visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy. The investigation aimed to explore their structural and optical properties for potential applications in advanced technologies such as catalysis, sensors, and optoelectronics. XRD analysis confirmed that both NiCr2O4 and CoCr2O4 crystallize in the cubic spinel structure with the space group Fd-3m. The lattice parameters, 8.307 Å for NiCr2O4 and 8.285 Å for CoCr2O4, reveal slight variations attributed to the differing ionic radii of Ni2+ and Co2+, with both compounds exhibiting high crystallinity. FT-IR spectroscopy confirmed the presence of metal-oxygen bonding characteristic of spinel structures. In NiCr2O4, the Ni-O and Cr-O stretching vibrations were identified at 681 cm⁻1 and 485 cm⁻1, respectively, while CoCr2O4 exhibited similar vibrations at 570 cm⁻1 and 485 cm⁻1. UV-Vis spectroscopy demonstrated significant optical absorption in the UV and visible regions. NiCr2O4 displayed absorption peaks at 237 nm, 295 nm, 406 nm, and 580 nm, whereas CoCr2O4 exhibited peaks at 247 nm, 295 nm, 411 nm, and 574 nm. Analysis using Tauc plots determined optical band gaps of 2.969 eV for NiCr2O4 and 2.015 eV for CoCr2O4, confirming their semiconducting nature and suitability for visible-light-driven applications.

Phytochemical characterization and anti-arthritic potential of green-synthesized CuO nanoparticles derived from the Bistorta amplexicaulis root extract

IntroductionRheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that mainly causes joint damage. The patient experiences loss of appetite, pain, fever, and fatigue. The present study was designed to phytochemically characterize and evaluate the anti-arthritic activity of green-synthesized copper oxide (CuO) nanoparticles (NPs) using the hydroalcoholic extract of Bistorta amplexicaulis roots in an adjuvant-induced arthritic rat model.Material and MethodsFor this purpose, crude powdered plant material was used for proximate analysis, and the plant extract was assessed for qualitative phytochemical analysis, mineral contents, and flavonoid and phenolic contents, as well as quantitative phytochemical analysis through reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) and Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The in vitro antioxidant activity of both extracts was determined by the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay. The biosynthesized CuO NPs from the Bistorta amplexicaulis extract showed anti-arthritic activity due to the presence of flavonoids and phenols, which showed a pain reliever effect by blocking the cyclo-oxygenase enzyme and has immune suppressant activity, thus securing the joint from destruction. The nanoparticles were characterized by zeta size, zeta potential, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and FTIR spectroscopy. Forty-eight albino rats were divided randomly into six treatment groups.Results and DisscussionThe zeta size and zeta potential of the nanoparticles were 186.8 nm and −9.23 mV, respectively. Joint stiffness, spleen weight, thymus weight, and paw thickness showed a significant decrease after treatment with NPs. The hematological parameters such as red blood cells (RBCs) and hemoglobin showed a significant increase, while platelets and white blood cells (WBCs) showed a significant decrease in NP-treated groups. C-reactive protein (CRP), rheumatoid factor (RF), liver and kidney function biomarkers, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels showed a significant decrease at both low and high doses of green-synthesized CuO nanoparticles from the Bistorta amplexicaulis root extract. The final data were analyzed by one way and two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey’s multi-comparison test.ConclusionSo, from this study, it was concluded that both the plant root extract and green-synthesized CuO nanoparticles have anti-arthritic potential, but CuO NPs showed remarkable results.

Effect of Copper Substitution on Structural, Electrical, and Magnetic Properties of Nanocrystalline Cobalt Ferrites for Memory Storage Applications

Cu2+‐ion‐doped cobalt ferrites with the chemical formula Co1–xCuxFe2O4 (0 < x ≤ 0.20) are prepared using the citrate–nitrate autocombustion method. The structural properties of the synthesized samples are examined by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and Raman spectroscopy. The XRD studies reveal the formation of a single‐phase spinel cubic structure. A slight variation in the peak position is observed with the addition of Cu2+ ions. The proposed cation distribution is supported by X‐ray relative intensity calculations. FTIR and Raman spectroscopy studies also confirm the formation of a single‐phase cubic structure. Field‐emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) is used to measure the surface properties of the samples. The FESEM images reveal nearly uniform‐sized grains with the addition of Cu2+ ions. The DC electrical resistivity is determined using the conventional two‐probe technique and is typically found within the range of 106 Ω cm−1. Dielectric measurements are performed using an impedance analyzer with 100 Hz–10 MHz frequency range and the variations in the dielectric properties are discussed. The magnetic properties are measured using a vibrating sample magnetometer conducted the magnetic measurements. The uneven variations in the magnetic properties are explained based on Neel's two‐sublattice model.