Fourier Transform Infrared Spectra Research Articles

Functional group profiling of medicinal plants using FTIR spectroscopy

The chemical diversity of plants underpins their extensive use in medicine, cosmetics, and industry. This study utilizes Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy to identify and characterize the functional groups present in five medicinal plants: Curcuma longa (turmeric), Mentha piperita (peppermint), Aegiceras corniculatum (mangrove), Zingiber officinale (ginger), and Piper nigrum (black pepper). FTIR spectroscopy is a non-destructive, rapid technique that identifies molecular vibrations associated with functional groups such as O-H, C-H, C=O, and N-H, facilitating the characterization of both organic and inorganic compounds. The plants analyzed are known for their therapeutic properties, including antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer effects. The FTIR spectra revealed the presence of various functional groups, including hydroxyl, carbonyl, aliphatic C-H, and aromatic groups. The fingerprint region (600–1500 cm⁻¹) exhibited complex absorption bands specific to each plant, reflecting the molecular structure and chemical composition of their bioactive compounds. Unique spectral features such as metal-ligand vibrations in Aegiceras corniculatum highlight the diverse phytochemical profile of this plants. This study underscores the potential of FTIR spectroscopy in identifying bioactive compounds, facilitating their applications in pharmaceutical and nutraceutical development, and contributing to the growing database of FTIR spectral signatures for medicinal plants.

Antibacterial and photocatalytic activities of biosynthesized zinc oxide nanoparticle using novel plant P. macrosolen L. leaf extract

In this study, ZnO nanoparticles were produced by an easy and cost effective approach using P. macrosolen L. leaf extract and zinc chloride as Zn ion source. The as-biosynthesized ZnO nanoparticles were analyzed by powder-X-ray diffraction (PXRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, UV–visible spectroscopy, Focused ion beam-scanning electron microscopy (FIB-SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) characterization techniques. The XRD result revealed the formations of ZnO-nanoparticles with hexagonal structure, spherical like shape and average crystalline size of 47 nm. The presence of flavonoids in P. macrosolen L. extracts was confirmed by phytochemical tests, indicating that flavonoids primarily acted as reducing agents during nanoparticle formation. The FTIR spectrum also revealed broad and strong peaks corresponding to –OH groups, confirming the high concentration of phenolic acids present in the extract. The energy band gap of the biosynthesized ZnO Nanoparticles, calculated using the Tauc relation, was found to be 3.0 eV, indicating the presence of a blue shift. FIB-SEM was used to analyze the microstructure and identify any aggregations. The EDX analysis revealed the presence of zinc and oxygen, with weights of 16.33% and 83.67%, respectively. The disk diffusion test was performed on solid agar plates and demonstrated that the substance is effective against E. coli bacteria as an antibacterial agent. The photocatalytic degradation rate constants of the optimized ZnO samples under visible light are approximately 0.06455 min⁻1 for MO and 0.04865 min⁻1 for TB, achieving 94.47% and 92.34% degradation of MO and TB, respectively. These rates are significantly higher compared to unmodified ZnO, which has a degradation rate of 0.0075 min⁻1. The improvement in visible-light photocatalytic performance can be attributed to the formation of ZnO nanoparticles, which arise from the matching of crystal lattices and energy bands in ZnO. ZnO Nanoparticles produce excited electrons under visible light irradiation. These excited electrons in the ZnO nanoparticles are directly transferred to the conduction band (CB), resulting in notable visible light photocatalytic performance.

Effects of calcium on physical properties and Fourier-transformed infrared spectra of raw and sterilized goat milk

Calcium fortification induces instability of goat milk such as flocculation and sedimentation. The Fourier-transformed infrared (FTIR) spectra could be used as a tool for monitoring such as instability. The objective of this study was to investigate the changes in FTIR spectra, particle size and some properties of raw and sterilized goat milk when stimulated with calcium fortification. Either calcium citrate or calcium phosphate was fortified at 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100% of the recommended daily intake (RDI) per 200 mL of milk samples. For raw goat milk, calcium citrate lowered the pH of goat milk and increased the sediment content. Sterilization lowered the milk pH for both calcium types which can be even lowered when increasing the fortification level. The average particle sizes of raw and sterilized goat milk were 0.543 and 1.063 µm, respectively. The calcium phosphate-treated samples had larger particle sizes than the calcium citrate-treated samples, with particle sizes of 2.603 and 2.242 µm at 50% and 100% RDI, respectively. The sediment of calcium citrate-fortified raw goat milk was correlated with FTIR absorption values in lipid (3000-2800 cm-1 ), protein (1700-1600, 1600-1500 cm-1 ) and phosphate (1100-1000 cm-1 ) regions with correlation coefficients of 0.89, -0.88 and 0.99, respectively. Such correlation was also found with the FTIR absorption values of the sediment of sterilized goat milk. Therefore, goat milk fortification with calcium particularly calcium citrate has resulted in altered FTIR absorption values and correlated to raw and sterilized goat milk’s sediment.

Nanocomposite TiO2/ZnO/chitosan by method sol-gel for self-cleaning application.

TiO2/ZnO/Chitosan coated cotton fabric as a self-cleaning, which has been synthesized by various concentrations of TiO2: 0.5 g, 1 g, and 2 g through the sol-gel method at pH 9. The self-cleaning test was conducted on TiO2/ZnO/Chitosan-coated cotton fabric samples by irradiating for 15 h using UVA-UVB lamps with clothing stain dye. TiO2/ZnO/Chitosan composite's structural properties were analyzed from X-ray diffraction (XRD) spectra, chemical bonding by Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR), and bandgap by quantitative analysis from UV-visible spectroscopy. The XRD diffraction peaks showed a slight shift to the right, except for the sample with the highest TiO2 concentration, which showed a more significant shift. FTIR spectra showed the presence of Ti-O-Ti bonds at wavenumbers 500 cm-1 - 700 cm-1, which identified the presence of TiO2, and at wavenumber 3485 cm-1, which was used for stretching-OH and -NH2 of chitosan. The band gaps were 5.64 eV, 5.63 eV, and 5.58 eV for TiO2: 0.5 g, 1 g, and 2 g, respectively. The self-cleaning test showed that the best results were in the TiO2 sample with a concentration of 2 g at pH 9, where the dye successfully disappeared after exposure to UVA-UVB lamps for 15 h of irradiation.

Spectroscopic and Morphological Examination of Co0.9R0.1MoO4 (R = Ho, Yb, Gd) Obtained by Glycine Nitrate Procedure.

The glycine nitrate procedure (GNP) is a method that proved to be the easiest and most effective method for controlling the composition and morphology during the synthesis of Co0.9R0.1MoO4 (R = Ho, Yb, Gd). This method of the combustion process achieves control of stoichiometry, homogeneity, and purity. Metal nitrates and glycine were mixed in the appropriate stoichiometric ratios to produce Co0.9R0.1MoO4 (R = Ho, Yb, Gd). The samples obtained by the mentioned method were further subjected to different characterization methods such as differential thermal analyses (DTA), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectrum (FTIR), spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and nitrogen adsorption method. A high level of anisotropy of the shape and size of particles in the form of agglomerates was found. Also, there are noticeable differences in the microstructure and plate crystals. The color of the synthesized sample changes from darker to lighter shades after thermal treatments. There are pronounced changes in the dominant wavelength (nm) and color purity between the initial sample and the sample after heating (1100 °C) due to the concentration of Co.

Characterization of Hemoglobin Variants by Capillary Electrophoresis, UV-Vis, and FTIR Spectroscopy.

Hemoglobinopathies, hereditary disorders affecting the structure or production of hemoglobin, were detected by routine HbA1c measurements by capillary electrophoresis (CE) at the University Hospital Motol, Prague. The potential of ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) and Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy for the detection and characterization of hemoglobinopathies was investigated. FTIR spectra were recorded with a very high resolution (0.5cm-1) with 128 scans. The broad amide I peak, located at 1700-1600cm-1, can be formed by superimposition of the conformational structures of hemoglobin. These secondary protein structures were subjected to mathematical analysis. The application of band narrowing techniques, followed by curve fitting and integration processes, provided the basis for the quantitative estimation of protein secondary structure. As a result, unambiguous differences in UV-Vis spectra among patients with presumably normal hemoglobin, an HbC or a hemoglobin S/hemoglobin G (HbS/HbG)-Philadelphia variant could not be demonstrated. However, FTIR spectra indicated slight differences in α-helix, β-turns, β-sheet, or random coil secondary hemoglobin structures for these mutations. In the spectral wavenumber range of 950-850cm-1, there were some obvious FTIR differences at specific wavenumbers between patients with normal hemoglobin and those with the HbC variant. Further investigations are needed with a sufficient number of hemoglobin variants to elucidate the potency of FTIR spectroscopy for the characterization of hemoglobinopathies.

Unveiling the physicochemical, photocatalytic, antibacterial and antioxidant properties of MWCNT-modified Ag2O/CuO/ZnO nanocomposites.

Water pollution, oxidative stress and the emergence of multidrug-resistant bacterial strains are significant global threats that require urgent attention to protect human health. Nanocomposites that combine multiple metal oxides with carbon-based materials have garnered significant attention due to their synergistic physicochemical properties and versatile applications in both environmental and biomedical fields. In this context, the present study was aimed at synthesizing a ternary metal-oxide nanocomposite consisting of silver oxide, copper oxide, and zinc oxide (ACZ-NC), along with a multi-walled carbon nanotubes modified ternary metal-oxide nanocomposite (MWCNTs@ACZ-NC). The properties of the synthesized nanomaterials were characterized using Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy. The results obtained suggested the successful synthesis of both samples, as evidenced by the morphological changes observed in the SEM images, a transmittance band at 748.02 cm-1 in the FT-IR spectrum, and a diffraction peak at 44.39° in the XRD pattern. The band gap energies were determined via diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), with a redshift observed in the absorbance edge upon the incorporation of MWCNTs. The synthesized samples were tested as photocatalysts for the degradation of rhodamine 6G (Rh-6G), with the highest degradation efficiency (99.61%) achieved by MWCNTs@ACZ-NC. Additionally, the materials were evaluated for their biological activity as antibacterial and antioxidant agents. The MWCNTs@ACZ-NC exhibited the highest antioxidant potential with an IC50 value of 59.22 μg mL-1. However, the incorporation of MWCNTs resulted in a decrease in antibacterial activity, which may be attributed to the blocking of binding sites.

Biosynthesis of Zr-doped WO3 Nanoparticles: Evaluation of Antibacterial, Antioxidant, and Enzymatic Activities

Herein, biocompatible pure tungsten oxide (WO3) and zirconium-doped tungsten oxide (Zr-doped WO3) nanoparticles (NPs) were prepared via a green approach from moringa plants with different doping concentrations (3, 5, and 7%). The as-synthesized materials were morphologically and optically characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR), and ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy. The FTIR spectra clearly showed that two distinguishing bands at 603 and 674 cm-1 of WO3 were shifted to a higher wavenumber upon doping with zirconium. EDX analysis confirmed the successful synthesis of pure WO3 and Zr-doped WO3 by the green approach. The UV-Vis study exhibited that the bandgap of pure WO3 is blue-shifted upon Zr doping due to the Burstein-Moss effect. The XRD pattern revealed that the crystalline nature of WO3 is increased by increasing the Zr content. Further, the as-synthesized materials were evaluated for enzymatic, antibacterial, and antioxidant activities. The enzymatic results showed that 7% of Zr-doped WO3 NPs have a higher activity for the α-amylase enzyme. Additionally, 7% Zr-doped WO3 also showed better antioxidant activity, up to 85% for free radical scavenging. The antibacterial performance of 7% Zr-doped WO3 is higher as compared to other corresponding samples for different strains of bacteria. These results demonstrated that this facile and novel synthetic route will open a new door for designing an efficient nanomaterial for biomedical applications.

Photocatalytic activity of zinc oxide nanorods incorporated graphitic carbon nitride catalyst

Background: Photocatalysts are user-friendly and serve as compatible materials for degrading industrial dye pollutants. This study utilizes zinc oxide/graphitic carbon nitride (ZnO/g-C3N4) nanocomposites against degrading methylene blue (MB). Methods: The hydrothermal method assisted sonication technique was used to fabricate the ZnO/g-C3N4 composite with varying ratios of ZnO/g-C3N4 (1:0.25, 1:0.50, 1:1). The synthesized materials have undergone various sophisticated techniques for finding their physiochemical properties and have been utilized for photodegradation activities. Significant Findings: The characterized results exhibit that the nanoflakes of g-C3N4 were covered with nanorods of zinc oxide when observed through scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Furthermore, the X-ray diffraction (XRD) studies demonstrate that the ZnO/g-C3N4 material was successfully synthesized. The X-ray photoelectron spectra (XPS) and Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectra revealed the present oxidation states and chemical bonding of the materials. The photocatalytic activity results demonstrated that the concentration of ZnO molar ratio in varying g-C3N4 significantly affected the decomposition performance. The ZnO/g-C3N4 (1:0.50) presented a higher rate of degradation, reaching 92% at 120 minutes under UV light and 65% at 240 minutes under visible light irradiation. This could be explained by the mechanism that follows the separation of charge carriers, thereby producing hydroxyl radicals for the effective degradation of MB pollutants.

Tea (Camellia sinensis) Seed Saponins Act as Sebosuppression Agents via the AMPK/mTOR Pathway.

Excessive lipogenesis of the skin triggers some dermatological concerns, such as enlarged pores, acne, and blackheads. Although topical drug treatments can offer temporary relief, their prolonged usage may lead to side effects of dryness, irritation, or allergic reactions. Consequently, the development of safer and efficacious ingredients in cosmetics for managing sebum overproduction represents a significant yet challenging endeavor. Saponins were extracted from tea (Camellia sinensis) seed meal and purified by macroporous resin in order to investigate the impact of tea seed saponins (TSS) on lipid production in human immortalized sebaceous cells. Moreover, we attempted to reveal the underlying mechanism of TSS on the sebosuppression effect in SZ95 sebocytes stimulated by linoleic acid (LA). The compositions and chemical structures of TSS were determined using UV-vis absorption spectrum, Fourier transform-infrared (FTIR) spectrum, and ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis. An invitro model of cellular lipid accumulation induced by LA was established. Total lipid synthesis in intracellular SZ95 sebocytes was assessed through Nile Red staining, while triglyceride, cholesterol, and fatty acids were quantified by commercially assay kits. Western blot and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction were employed to analyze the protein expression levels involved in the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway as well as the downstream protein and mRNA expressions of sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1 (SREBP-1), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ), and fatty acid synthase (FAS). The localizations of SREBP-1 within the cytoplasm or nucleus were characterized using immunofluorescence staining. Five saponins were identified in the extracted TSS, all of which were oleanic acid-type pentacyclic triterpenes. TSS treatment significantly alleviated LA-induced lipid accumulation in SZ95 sebocytes. In addition, TSS activated the AMPK/mTOR pathway and downregulated the downstream protein and mRNA expression of transcription factors and enzymes, including SREBP-1, PPARγ, and FAS. Moreover, the TSS blocked the nuclear transfer of SREBP-1 from cytoplasm to nucleus. In human sebocytes, TSS exhibited sebosuppressive effect as revealed by the inhibited production of total lipids as well as triglyceride, cholesterol, and fatty acids. Moreover, the anti-lipogenesis mechanism by TSS involved the activation of the AMPK/mTOR pathway and downregulated downstream transcription factors and enzymes of SREBP-1, PPARγ, and FAS. Additionally, TSS blocked the SREBP-1 nuclear translocation. These results may justify the potent of TSS as a new candidate for modulating lipogenesis in human SZ95 sebocytes.

Antifungal potential of silver nanoparticles stabilized with the flavonoid naringenin.

Introduction. Fungal infections caused by yeast have increased in recent decades, becoming a major threat to public health.Hypothesis/Gap Statement. Antifungal therapy represents a challenging problem because, in addition to presenting many side effects, fungal resistance has been increasing in recent years. As a result, the search for new therapeutic agents has advanced with the use of new technologies such as nanoparticles (NPs).Aim. Synthesize, characterize and evaluate the antifungal potential of naringenin (NAR)-stabilized silver NPs.Methodology. The biosynthesis of NPs was stabilized using the NAR molecule and an aqueous solution of silver nitrate. The characterization of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) was performed using different methods, which include UV-visible spectroscopy, powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy, zeta potential measurements and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Antifungal activity was evaluated against clinical isolates of Candida albicans by determining the MIC and the minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC).Results. The AgNP NAR showed a colloidal appearance with an average size of 14.71 nm and zeta potential measured at -33.3 mV, indicating a highly stable suspension. XRD analysis confirmed the crystal structure. FTIR spectra showed the presence of several functional groups of plant compounds, which play an important role in the coating and bioreduction processes. The antifungal activity against C. albicans showed an MIC of 3.55 µg ml-1 and an MFC of 7.1 µg ml-1. According to the growth kinetic assay in 12 h, there was a reduction of ~50% (<3 log10). Furthermore, AgNP NAR did not show mutagenic potential.Conclusion. The AgNP NAR obtained presented ideal characteristics for biomedical applications, good stability and promising antimicrobial activity.

Salt-free-multifunctional dyeing approaches for cotton and CVC fabrics with direct and reactive dyes using chitosan and keratin

Purpose Reactive and direct dyes are the most frequently used dyes for cotton fabrics. Cellulosic fibers pose a great affinity toward them. However, both dyes consume large quantities of salts for exhaustion; these electrolytes (salt) are discharged as effluents posing environmental problems and disorders in aquatic life. Therefore, this study aims to explore alternative approaches to minimize salt consumption. Design/methodology/approach For this study, the combination of chitosan and keratin, being sustainable biopolymers, are used as mordants instead of salts for the cationization of 100% cotton and chief value cotton (CVC) during dyeing with direct and reactive dyes. Color strength, exhaustion rates and color fastness to washing, rubbing and perspiration have been evaluated in this paper. In this research, keratin solution is applied on cotton and CVC (with the cotton to polyester ratio of 80%:20%) fabrics by pad-dry-cure, while chitosan solution has been applied with the exhaust method. The pretreated fabrics are dyed with both direct and reactive dyes with 2% and 4% depth of shade (DOS). The performance of the cationized fabrics with salt-free dyeing method was compared with the conventional dyeing. Findings The results of this study showed positive impact on exhaustion rates ranged from 19% to 69% of the values obtained without salt in 2% DOS and a range of 22%–47% in 4% DOS of reactive and direct dyes with treated samples. Color fastness to crocking results indicated the improvement of results by a factor of 0.5–1 after treatment and good wash fastnesses rating (4.5/5) were achieved for the chitosan-keratin treated fabrics equivalent to untreated samples. In addition, antimicrobial testing was performed on both treated and untreated fabrics of cotton and CVC. The results indicated that chitosan treated samples showed greater inhibition toward microbial activity as compared to keratin treated samples. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy was used to identify the functional groups of chitosan and keratin treated fabric samples to confirm their presence. In the FTIR spectra, the chitosan was characterized by its hydroxyl, carbonyl and amide III peaks indicating the presence of chitosan and keratin was detected by the presence of primary amines. Scanning electron microscopy analysis was conducted in which it was visibly seen that the fibers have been coated with chitosan and keratin laid after being dyed. Originality/value For the first time, direct and reactive dyes are applied on chitosan and keratin-treated cotton and CVC to obtain multifunctional and eco-friendly fabrics.

Investigation of functional characteristics of copper/copper oxide nanoparticles synthesized with Moringa oleifera and Musa sps. extracts: in-vitro and porcine study

The study analyzed the aqueous leaf extracts of Moringa oleifera and Musa sps. for phytochemical components, including flavonoids, sterols, saponins, tannins, and glycosides. The LC–MS analysis revealed gingerol, vicenin-2, caffeic acid, quercetin, and other compounds in the extracts. The synthesized MO- and MS- CuNPs (copper nanoparticles) exhibited plasmon resonance at 320 and 480 nm respectively, and Cu(II)-O stretching vibrations, manifested by their Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) spectra. Thermogravimetric analysis showed that MO-/MS-CuNPs experienced a total weight loss of 80.2% and 68% respectively. Further, the EDS analysis revealed that MO-CuNPs have a copper content of 20%, while MS-CuNPs is 32%. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns of the annealed MO and MS-CuNPs indicate the presence of both the cubic phase of copper (Cu) and the monoclinic tenorite phase of copper oxide (CuO). The percent DPPH scavenging activity of MO- and MS-CuNPs is 34.4 and 28.8, and by KMnO4 is 63.8 and 47.3% respectively. The behavior of CuNPs exhibited an asymmetrical response, with greater inhibition of Gram-negative bacteria compared to Gram-positive bacteria. CuNPs and medicinal plant-derived carbon dots were integrated into nanofibrous electrospun biopolymer scaffolds for wound care, demonstrating 100% wound healing in Yorkshire pigs full thickness excision wounds after 34 days.

Differentiation of glioblastoma G4 and two types of meningiomas using FTIR spectra and machine learning.

Brain tumors are among the most dangerous, due to their location in the organ that governs all life processes. Moreover, the high differentiation of these poses a challenge in diagnostics. Therefore, this study focused on the chemical differentiation of glioblastoma G4 (GBM) and two types of meningiomas (atypical - MAtyp and angiomatous - MAng) were done using Fourier Transform InfraRed (FTIR) spectroscopy, combined with statistical, multivariate, machine learning and rate of spectrum changes methods. The positions of all analyzed peaks differed between GBM and meningiomas. However, for two types of meningiomas, only shift of peaks corresponding to CH2 bending vibrations, symmetric stretching vibrations of CH2, amide A, amide I, C=O lipids vibrations, asymmetric stretching vibrations of CH3 were observed. Principal Component Analysis showed clear differentiation between GBM and the meningiomas. Decision tree clearly showed that wavenumbers corresponding to C=O lipids vibrations provided the highest differentiation between GBM and meningiomas tissues, while amide I for two types of meningiomas. The accuracy and specificity of the results for GBM and meningiomas were more than 90%, while for MAtyp and MAng, these parameters were around 80%.

Radiation-Induced Transformations of an Isolated C6H6···HCN Complex: Possible Way to Synthesis of Interstellar Benzonitrile.

The recent detection of benzonitrile (C6H5CN) in the interstellar medium is one of the most fascinating discoveries in astrochemistry and molecular astrophysics. However, the mechanism of its formation in interstellar ices remains unclear. Here, we report the first evidence for the direct synthesis of benzonitrile through the radiation-induced transformations of an isolated C6H6···HCN complex in inert rigid media at cryogenic temperature (4.5 K), as monitored by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The complex was prepared in a solid krypton matrix and characterized by the experimentally observed complexation-induced shifts in the FTIR spectra on the basis of comparison with the results of ab initio calculations. The formation of benzonitrile was revealed through the observation of its three fundamentals and partially confirmed by experiments with deuterated benzene. Presumably, C6H5CN results from the dehydrogenation of complex excited states followed by prompt radical-radical recombination within the matrix cage. The proposed route may be relevant to the formation of C6H5CN both in the bulky astrophysical ices and on the surface of interstellar dust grains.

A Sustainable Approach for the Development of Cellulose-Based Food Container from Coconut Coir.

The increasing demand for sustainable resources has revived the research on cellulose over the last decades. Therefore, the current research focused on the synthesis of biopolymers for the development of viable tableware utensils from cellulose of coconut coir. The synthesized biopolymer was characterized by using Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), tensile strength, and contact angle. The synthesized biopolymer was converted to workable conditions through incorporation of starch, as a binder, at various ratios with cellulose, ranging from 1:9 to 10:0. Moreover, the most prominent features of the synthesized biopolymer were obtained by the addition of glycerin as a plasticizer and citric acid as a cross-linker. At 6:4 ratio of cellulose and binder showed excellent mechanical properties, and with the incorporation of cross-linker, the biopolymer possessed high tensile strength (18.6 MPa) and elongation (3.5%) in comparison to commercially available polystyrene polymer (1.5 MPa) and (2.6%), respectively. Furthermore, the cross-linker citric acid bestows with network structure that was confirmed with the change of contact angle (81°), FT-IR spectra, surface morphology, crystallinity index, and water vapor transmission rate (573 g/m2/d). TGA data revealed the improved thermal properties of the biopolymer, and the decomposed temperature was elevated from >223 to 238 °C in the presence of network structure proved by cross-linker. The degree of deterioration was assessed by soil burial test, highlighting the environmental compatibility of the tableware. The purpose of the study was to synthesize sustainable tableware from waste source coir fiber for the reduction of harmful effects of synthetic counterpart.

Cocrystal of captopril, synthesis, solid-state characterization and DFT calculation

The physicochemical characteristics of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) are improved by cocrystal formation. This study investigates the co-crystallization of captopril (CAP) with L-proline (PRO) using the liquid-assisted grinding synthesis method. Solid-state behavior is analyzed through differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR), and Scanning electron microscopy (SEM). DSC analysis showed distinct melting temperatures for CAP (105.27°C) and PRO (223.066°C). In the CAP-PRO system, two eutectics were observed: one at x1 = 0.6 characterized by a melting temperature of 104.81°C, while the second corresponds to x1=0.9 and a temperature of 91.44°C. A pure co-crystal was formed at x1 = 0.8 with a melting temperature of 151.74°C. PXRD revealed that CAP-PRO system showed a new diffraction pattern, indicating a distinct cocrystal structure. FTIR spectra displayed differences in wavenumbers, suggesting intermolecular interactions within the co-crystal. SEM analysis showed differences in crystal morphology between the CAP-PRO co-crystal and individual components. Theoretical Study (DFT) HOMO/LUMO and Molecular electrostatic potential (MESP) was also conducted. Overall, this research offers valuable insights into CAP co-crystal formation with PRO, detailing their solid-state behavior and intermolecular interactions, which could aid in developing new co-crystals with improved pharmaceutical properties.

Clerodendrum japonicum (Thunb.) Sweet leaf extract supported nanosilver particles: Characterization, antioxidant and antibacterial activity

Silver nanoparticles have been synthesized in numerous ways, due to their diverse applications, including green procedures that used an extract of plants for the reduction of metal ions. This study delineates the green synthesis and characterization of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) from the leaf extract of Clerodendrum japonicum (Thunb.) Sweet (CJ) and assesses the antioxidant as well as antibacterial characteristics. The biosynthesis of AgNPs was accomplished by reacting the aqueous leaf extract of the plant with a solution of silver nitrate (AgNO3). The creation of AgNPs was indicated by the visual colour change of the reaction concoction from golden to deep brown and the absorption peak at 442 nanometer (nm) in the ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy. The Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM) and the High-Resolution Transmission Electron Microscope (HRTEM) images have revealed the generated AgNPs as spherical and oblate in shape which is 20-40 nm in size, whereas X-Ray power Diffraction evaluation revealed the crystalline feature. The existence of functional groups of synthesized AgNPs was detected by the Fourier Transform Infra-Red (FTIR) spectrum. The synthesized AgNPs showed free radical scavenging activity using 2, 2-Diphenyl-1-picryl hydrazyl assay with IC50 value, 7.02±1 μg/mL. The antibacterial assay showed an effective activity towards E. Coli and S. aureus by developing a well-defined zone of inhibition. The results of this study accentuate the biomedical potential of the above-mentioned plant, though further research is needed to implement it in clinical practice.

Early Mortality Prediction in Intensive Care Unit Patients Based on Serum Metabolomic Fingerprint.

Predicting mortality in intensive care units (ICUs) is essential for timely interventions and efficient resource use, especially during pandemics like COVID-19, where high mortality persisted even after the state of emergency ended. Current mortality prediction methods remain limited, especially for critically ill ICU patients, due to their dynamic metabolic changes and heterogeneous pathophysiological processes. This study evaluated how the serum metabolomic fingerprint, acquired through Fourier-Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, could support mortality prediction models in COVID-19 ICU patients. A preliminary univariate analysis of serum FTIR spectra revealed significant spectral differences between 21 discharged and 23 deceased patients; however, the most significant spectral bands did not yield high-performing predictive models. By applying a Fast-Correlation-Based Filter (FCBF) for feature selection of the spectra, a set of spectral bands spanning a broader range of molecular functional groups was identified, which enabled Naïve Bayes models with AUCs of 0.79, 0.97, and 0.98 for the first 48 h of ICU admission, seven days prior, and the day of the outcome, respectively, which are, in turn, defined as either death or discharge from the ICU. These findings suggest FTIR spectroscopy as a rapid, economical, and minimally invasive diagnostic tool, but further validation is needed in larger, more diverse cohorts.

Impact of soaking duration with phosphoric acid on the characteristics of halal gelatin obtained from New Zealand white rabbit bones (Oryctolagus cuniculus)

The demands of Indonesia's numerous industrial sectors for gelatin still rely on imports. In general, gelatin produced using pork can cause serious problems for Hindus and Muslims. The product extracted from New Zealand White rabbit bones in this research has the potential to become halal gelatin. This research aimed to analyze the characteristic amide group absorption of gelatin in the Fourier Transform Infra-Red (FTIR) spectrum of the isolated gelatin from New Zealand White rabbit bones and to determine the effect of changing soaking time on the yield and gelatin characteristics. In the pre-treatment process, the sample was soaked using a 9% phosphoric acid solution for 48, 96, and 144 hours. The gelatin is then extracted at gradual temperatures for 12 hours. The characterization involved analyzing functional groups, water content, ash content, pH, and protein content. The typical absorption of gelatin functional groups in the form of amides A, I, II, and III was detected from FTIR spectrophotometric analysis. This study indicated that the soaking time significantly affected the yield, pH, ash content, and protein content of the gelatin produced, but did not significantly influencethe water content. The yield of gelatin from New Zealand White rabbit bones ranges from 4.08-6.56%. The water content of the gelatin is between 6.96-7.05%, and the pH value is 3.61-3.98. Both parameters meet the gelatin quality standards. However, the ash content of gelatin from New Zealand White rabbit bones, which ranges from 6.86-9.29%, does not meet the gelatin quality standards according to SNI 06-3735-1995 and GMIA 2012. The protein content of the rabbit bone gelatin, which is not regulated by the quality standards, ranges from 75.46-83.37%. The longer the soaking time, the higher the yield and protein content of the gelatin produced, and the lower the ash content. Keywords: Gelatin, New Zealand White Rabbit Bones, Soaking Time, Phosphoric Acid