High UV Absorption Research Articles

The preparation of fish scale gelatin-polydopamine photothermal sterilization film and its application for storage of cherry tomato

In this study, polydopamine nanoparticles (PDA NPs) were synthesized and fish scale gelatin (FSG) was extracted by hot water hydrolysis. The film for photothermal sterilization was created by casting FSG with the addition of PDA NPs. The results indicated that the PDA NPs were able to heat up to 46 °C in 5 min under near-infrared (NIR), demonstrating good photothermal conversion. The PDA NPs/FSG solution showed short-term bactericidal activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, with a bactericidal rate of more than 99 %. The PDA NPs/FSG film could warm up to 42.6 °C under NIR irradiation for 5 min. With the addition of 0.3 % of PDA NPs, the PDA NPs/FSG films showed high UV absorption, DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging ability, and high water contact angle (WCA), improving the barrier to water and oxygen and the tensile strength. The 0.3 % PDA NPs/FSG film triggered by NIR effectively maintained the firmness, soluble solids content and appearance, and delayed the weight loss of cherry tomatoes. Thus, the PDA NPs/FSG films had good photothermal antimicrobial activity and could be used for extending the shelf life of cherry tomatoes.

UV- blocking and dielectric properties of polyethersulfone/ nanolignin composites

Agricultural wastes contain many recyclable constituents of versatile properties that enable their utilization in many technological applications. Among these renewable materials, lignin appears as an abundant and affordable biodegradable polymer. In this work, nanolignin (NL) is blended in different ratios with polyethersulphone (PES) namely 0.25, 0.5, 1, and 3%. Casted films prepared from PES/NL composites were thoroughly characterized by FTIR and UV spectroscopy. The films demonstrated high UV absorbance that increases by rising amount of NL in the composite film. Moreover samples PES-NL1.00 and PES-NL3.00 showed ≈0.20 % transmittance at 380 nm. Thermal gravimetric analysis revealed enhanced thermal stability of nanocomposite films compared to pure PES. The electric conductivity and dielectric properties are evaluated using the Broadband Dielectric Spectroscopy (BDS) technique. The measurements showed that the prepared films have low permittivity accompanied by a very low dielectric loss. Addition of NL at concentration varied between 0 and 3 wt% to the PES decreases ε′ unsystematically from 4.4 to 3.5 and tan δ from 0.008 to 0.005. On the other hand, the increase of temperature by 100 °C, increases the permittivity by about 1% indicating the thermal stability against dielectric properties. These UV-blocking and dielectric features make this nanocomposite very promising as high-performance interlayer dielectrics for fabricating semiconductor devices.

First-principles investigation of spin characteristics and thermoelectric properties in Ba2SmMoO6 and Ba2EuMoO6 double perovskites

This investigation employs first-principles calculations with the Generalized Gradient Approximation (GGA) and modified Becke-Johnson (mBJ) exchange-correlation functionals, employing the Full-Potential Linearized Augmented Plane Wave (FP-LAPW) method. The main objective is to investigate the double perovskites Ba2SmMoO6 and Ba2EuMoO6. We conduct a thorough analysis of the structural, electrical, magnetic, thermoelectric and optical properties of these materials. Both compounds are stable in ferromagnetic phase, according to structural studies. Ba2SmMoO6 has a 3.80 eV energy gap, aligned with the W-X direction, which exhibits half-metallic behavior. On the other hand, Ba2EuMoO6 has a 3.03 eV energy gap that is directly aligned with the X-X direction, using mBJ-GGA. Magnetic investigation revealed a total spin magnetic moment of 7 μB for Ba2EuMoO6, mainly due to Eu (5.98 μB) and 6 μB for Ba2SmMoO6, mainly due to Sm (4.53 μB). It was found that both materials have high Seebeck coefficients and electrical conductivities at high temperatures, with performance improving with temperature. However, the figure of merit (ZT) approaches a value of one, indicating their potential for use in thermoelectric applications at high temperatures. Ba2SmMoO6 and Ba2EuMoO6 are identified as highly favourable options for effective thermoelectric devices. The high UV absorption, the unique refractive and reflective properties offer potential in photonics, optical coatings, and other fields requiring precise light manipulation.

Exploring the Effects of Optically Active Solvents in Chiral Chromatography on Polysaccharide-Based Columns.

Exploring the effectiveness of optically active solvents as mobile-phase modifiers in chiral liquid chromatography (LC) can offer an additional new tool to tune the chiral selectivity. Hence, the potential of l-ethyl lactate (LEL), a biobased solvent of this nature, was explored for its distinctive interactions with both the mobile phase and analytes, as anticipated from its chiral nature. The findings reveal that LEL provides distinct selectivity compared to commonly used modifiers in chiral LC. Reversed-phase LC (RPLC)-type chiral separations were therefore compared under various conditions whereby LEL was partially or completely replacing common achiral solvents such as acetonitrile (ACN) and methanol (MeOH). An increase in chiral resolution was obtained in 8 of 16 test compounds. For 5 of them a decrease was obtained, and 3 test solutes did not offer satisfactory results under any of the tested conditions on the polysaccharide columns. When LEL was combined with methanol instead of ACN, worse results were obtained, presumably due to its protic nature. Moreover, LEL demonstrates excellent compatibility with salt additives and is fully miscible with aqueous phases. Interestingly, a steeper increase in chiral resolution is observed for LEL, as compared to ACN at lower temperatures. While LEL is somewhat hindered by its higher UV absorbance, it paves the way toward more simplified chiral screening platforms, whereby chiral solutions can be found for fewer columns and greener solvents such as LEL are incorporated. Finally, to elucidate the impact of chiral interactions between the solvent and analytes, the influence of d-ethyl lactate (DEL) was compared with that of LEL. The results revealed different interactions between the stereoisomers of ethyl lactate (EL) and chiral analytes, demonstrating an influence of optically active solvents on enantioseparations.

Preventive conservation of paper-based relics with visible light high-transmittance ultraviolet blocking film based on carbon dots

Paper-based relics is an important carrier for recording and preserving information, however, it faces irreversible UV-induced damage, including photocleavage, oxidation, acidification and discoloration, which seriously affects its value and lifespan. Carbon dots (CDs) possess excellent UV absorption and good chemical stability, making them suitable for UV protection. Herein, we propose a high-security and efficient method utilizing CDs films (CDFs) for preventive protection of paper against UV damage. The CDFs with high tunable UV absorbance and minimal absorbance in the visible light range, effectively shield paper from UV radiation while preserving its visual appeal. Moreover, the UV transmittance of the film can be fine-tuned to the content of CDs and can be easily removed from the paper without residue. Artificial accelerated UV aging experiments demonstrate the deceleration of acidification, oxidation, and photocleavage in the protected bamboo paper and Xuan paper. This research paces a new direction for the protection of paper and paper-based relics and artworks with emerging carbon materials, offering customizable protection effects tailored to specific preservation and exhibition requirements. This research pioneers a novel approach to preventive protection of paper and paper-based relics using emerging carbon dots materials, offering tailored protection for diverse preservation needs.

Maleated epoxidized natural rubber grafted cassava starch/silver composite coating for cloth glove: Preparation and physical properties

The green composite was obtained from maleated epoxidized natural rubber (MENR) latex grafted cassava starch (CS) (MNS) and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) by using a green route process. The immersion of AgNPs in the MNS matrix was checked with UV–visible spectrometer. The SEM was applied to study the morphology of AgNPs particle. The thermal stability of the MNSAg composite increased with increasing AgNPs. The AgNPs well distributed in the MNS matrix. The silver was used to facilitate the facile and fast preparation and to improve the mechanical strength and thermal stability at 420–450 °C of the MNSAg composites. The MNSAg composite containing AgNPs exhibited excellent antibacterial activities against both Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Moreover, it showed the high UV absorption. It was used to coat with cloth gloves. The degree of biodegradation of this sample was about 80–90 % after being buried in soil.

Development of an active agar aerogel with dual antioxidant and UV-blocking activities using chlorine-doped graphene quantum dots

Active packaging is of great interest in the modern food industry due to increasing shelf life and enhancing food quality. The importance of this technology increases when natural polymers are used in the construction of active packages. Development of a natural, biodegradable, and dual-active film was aimed in this study. So, agar aerogel containing different amounts of chlorine-doped graphene quantum dots (Cl-GQDs) was prepared. Cl-GQDs had excitation-dependent fluorimetry behavior due to the zigzag edges of graphene. The mean diameter of spherical nanoparticles of Cl-GQDs was about 12 nm, according to HR-TEM images. The results of Raman and ATR-FTIR confirmed that chlorine was well-doped on the GQD structure. Cl-GQDs showed high UV-absorption capability and very strong antioxidant activity (94.31 %), which maintained these activities after incorporation into the agar aerogel. The doped chlorine was responsible for the capacity to charge transfer of GQDs. BET and SEM results showed that adding Cl-GQDs to agar caused a porous structure. Finally, different types of agar aerogels containing Cl-GQDs can be used considering the intended application of aerogel. Agar aerogel containing 20 % Cl-GQDs is suggested if a porous aerogel with good thermal insulation properties is considered. However, agar aerogel containing 1 % Cl-GQDs is suitable as an active film. In conclusion, while Cl-GQDs hold promise as sustainable and multifunctional food packaging materials, their potential toxic effects must be thoroughly evaluated. Future studies should explore migration, potential interactions with specific food matrices, and long-term safety to ensure consumer protection.

Characterization of holocellulose extracted from agricultural and food processing byproducts via ecofriendly delignification pulping process

AbstractThis study investigated an ecofriendly peracetic acid delignification process to extract holocellulose from various fiber rich plant‐based byproducts (coconut palm spathe/leaf, apple pulp, wine grape pomace, hazelnut shell, and hemp fiber/hurd), and evaluated their physicochemical, morphological, and thermophysical properties in comparison with commercial cellulose nanofibers produced from wood. Holocellulose from coconut palm spathe has long fiber (~846.7 μm), whereas that from wine grape pomace and hazelnut shell exhibits a cylinder shape of particles with short fiber length (~123.8 and ~ 71.1 μm, respectively). Biofilms cast from apple pulp and hemp fiber holocellulose have higher degradation temperature (361 and 358°C, respectively) than biofilms from other materials, thus more thermally stable. All biofilms demonstrate high UV absorbance, and the biofilm cast from apple pulp holocellulose is transparent with smooth surface. Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy analysis confirms the presence of cellulose and hemicellulose as the main components in the biofilms, along with traces of residual lignin that remained after the extraction process. This study demonstrates that holocellulose with varied cellulose morphology and polymeric characteristics could be extracted depending on the type of byproducts and be employed to produce sustainable packaging materials.

High-Performance Self-Powered Photoelectrochemical Ultraviolet Photodetectors Based on an In2O3 Nanocube Film.

Ultraviolet photodetectors (UV PDs) have attracted significant attention due to their wide range of applications, such as underwater communication, biological analysis, and early fire warning systems. Indium oxide (In2O3) is a candidate for developing high-performance photoelectrochemical (PEC)-type UV PDs owing to its high UV absorption and good stability. However, the self-powered photoresponse of the previously reported In2O3-based PEC UV PDs is unsatisfactory. In this work, high-performance self-powered PEC UV PDs were constructed by using an In2O3 nanocube film (NCF) as a photoanode. In2O3 NCF photoanodes were synthesized on FTO by using hydrothermal methods with a calcining process. The influence of the electrolyte concentration, bias potential, and irradiation light on the photoresponse properties was systematically studied. In2O3 NCF PEC UV PDs exhibit outstanding self-powered photoresponses to 365 nm UV light with a high responsivity of 44.43 mA/W and fast response speed (20/30 ms) under zero bias potential, these results are superior to those of previously reported In2O3-based PEC UV PDs. The improved self-powered photoresponse is attributed to the higher photogenerated carrier separation efficiency and faster charge transport of the in-situ grown In2O3 NCF. In addition, these PDs exhibit excellent multicycle stability, maintaining the photocurrent at 98.69% of the initial value after 700 optical switching cycles. Therefore, our results prove the great promise of In2O3 in self-powered PEC UV PDs.

Preparation and properties of Si3N4 ceramics via vat photopolymerization using Si3N4 powders coated with bowl-like boehmite

It is a significant challenge to fabricate Si3N4 ceramics due to the high refractive index (2.1) and UV absorbance (0.8903 at the wavelength of 405 nm) of Si3N4 powders. In this study, a method of filling Si3N4 powders into bowl-like hollow boehmite microspheres was proposed. And the effects of the boehmite coating content on the properties of Si3N4 ceramic slurries, green bodies and sintered samples were systematically investigated. Due to its low refractive index (1.7) and weak UV absorbance (0.2648 at the wavelength of 405 nm), boehmite can serve as a modifier to enhance the photocuring ability of Si3N4 ceramic slurries. At the same time, it can also be decomposed into Al2O3 at high temperature as a sintering aid of Si3N4 ceramics. As the boehmite coating content increased from 2.5 wt% to 10 wt%, the bulk density of Si3N4 ceramic samples decreased from 3.05 ± 0.01 g/cm3 to 2.79 ± 0.03 g/cm3, while the porosity increased from 6.84 ± 0.81% to 13.23 ± 0.93%. The relative density (93.15 ± 0.02%) and flexural strength (406.5 ± 18.3 MPa) of sintered Si3N4 ceramic samples revealed that both values peaked at 2.5 wt%. This study not only provides a constructive method for modifying Si3N4 powders to achieve photopolymerization, but also offers an innovative idea for other non-oxidation ceramics with poor photocuring ability.

Efficient thermoelectric properties and high UV absorption of stable zinc-doped all-inorganic perovskite for BIPV applications in multiple scenarios

The widespread adoption of building integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) is vital in the transition from carbon-based energy systems to renewable energy. Traditional photovoltaic modules are difficult to meet the requirements of building materials. In this paper, all-inorganic perovskite zinc-doped CsPb0.875Zn0.125X3 (X = Cl, Br, and I) systems studied through first principles calculation. The results indicate that the doped materials have better structural and mechanical stability. Pugh's ratio is higher than 1.75, which has good ductility. CsPb0.875Zn0.125Cl3 has high mechanical strength, ensuring the load-bearing requirements. CsPb0.875Zn0.125I3 exhibits high compressibility and can be easily shaped according to specific requirements. This characteristic makes it highly suitable for applications in areas such as flexible photovoltaic buildings and flexible power generation. The low extinction coefficient and refractive index, ranging between 1.45 and 2.00, along with a transmittance of 88.7 % in the visible light range, indicate its potential for application in semi-transparent devices. The peak absorption coefficient of CsPb0.875Zn0.125Br3 reaches up to 6.11 × 105 cm−1 in the ultraviolet region, with a transmittance of 73 % lower than the other two. This makes it more suitable for building envelope structures. CsPb0.875Zn0.125Cl3 exhibits a peak value of the figure of merit at 300 K is 0.34, demonstrating application potential in building temperature difference power generation. CsPb0.875Zn0.125I3 ultra-thin monolayer has an average sound transmission loss greater than 2 dB, which has more sound insulation potential. This article provides a theoretical basis for the regional application of BIPV.

Computational characterization of structural, optoelectronic and thermoelectric properties of some double half-Heusler alloys X2FeY′Sb2 (X: Hf, Zr ;Y′: Ni, Pd)

ABSTRACT A full-potential linear augmented plane wave (FP-LAPW) has been used to study the structural, electronic, and optical properties of double half-Heusler alloys X2FeY′Sb2 with X≡Zr, Hf and Y′≡Pd, Ni. Electronic band structures and densities of states calculations of the four studied double half-Heusler alloys indicate that they are semiconductors with an indirect gap. The optical spectra of dielectric constants, refractive indices, reflectivity, and light absorption are also discussed. In the energy range of 8–14 eV, the calculated optical properties and mainly the absorption spectrum show very high UV absorption. Additionally, DFT calculations were combined with Boltzmann transport theory to estimate the thermoelectric properties, such as the thermal and electrical conductivity, Seebeck coefficient, and figure of merit (ZT), versus the change of temperature and chemical potential. These alloys possess a suitable band gap for diverse optoelectronic applications, encompassing photovoltaics, UV sensors, and solar cells.

Microwave-Prepared Quantum Dots and Their Potential Applications as Adsorbents and Chemosensors.

A combination of different eco-friendly materials prepared promising fluorescent quantum dots (QDs) through the one-step process using the microwave heating of urea with cellulose, chitosan, and biochar. Characterizations of the prepared QDs, including the investigation of their structure by infrared spectroscopy, Raman analysis, X-ray diffraction, thermal gravimetric analysis, morphology, and optical properties, were performed. The results showed that QDs possess a small size, high UV absorption, and excitation wavelength-dependent fluorescence. The prepared QDs were also tested for metal ions removal from aqueous solutions. The adsorption at different contact times was investigated to optimize the adsorption efficiency of the prepared QDs. All QDs were found to be an ideal sorbent for Cr(II), Cu(II), Mn(II), and Pb(II). From the data, Cr(II) was more highly adsorbed than other metal ions. The results of the kinetic investigation showed that the pseudo-second-order kinetic model fit the adsorption process effectively. In addition, the fluorescence spectra of QDs were changed after the adsorption of metal ions; hence, the prepared QDs could be utilized in environmental sectors such as wastewater pollution detection, adsorption, and chemical sensing applications.

UV Dosage Unveils Toxic Properties of Weathered Commercial Bioplastic Bags.

Previous studies indicated that weathered conventional plastics and bioplastics pose ecotoxicological risks. Here, the effects of artificial and natural weathering on the ecotoxicity of three compostable bags and a conventional polyethylene (PE) bag are investigated. With that aim, a 21-day artificial indoor weathering experiment featuring UV light, UV-filtered light, and darkness was run simultaneously to a 120-day outdoor littoral mesocosm exposure featuring natural light, UV-filtered light, and shaded conditions. Acute toxicity of so-weathered plastic specimens was tested in vivo using the sensitive Paracentrotus lividus sea-urchin embryo test. PE was nontoxic from the beginning and did not gain toxicity due to UV weathering. In contrast, for bioplastics, dry artificial UV weathering increased toxicity in comparison to the dark control. Weathering in outdoor mesocosm led to a rapid loss of toxic properties due to leaching in rainwater. With a higher UV dosage, a plastic-type-dependent regain of toxicity was observed, most likely driven by enhanced availability or transformation of functional additives or due to bioplastic degradation products. PE showed moderate UV absorbance, while bioplastics showed high UV absorbance. This study highlights the potential of biodegradable plastics to pose enhanced ecotoxicological risk due to weathering under environmentally relevant conditions.

Effectiveness of modified lignin on poly(butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate)/poly(lactic acid) mulch film performance

AbstractIn this work, the biodegradable poly(butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate) (PBAT)/poly(lactic acid) (PLA) blend (ECOVIO®) and lignin, a renewable and biodegradable natural polymer with high UV absorption and modified by gamma radiation were used to produce agriculture mulch films. Lignin was gamma‐irradiated at 30 and 60 kGy. The irradiated and non‐irradiated lignin content of 2 wt% was incorporated into PBAT/PLA blend matrix using a twin‐screw extruder and extrusion blown film to prepare flexible films. PBAT/PLA/LIGNIN films were characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), x‐ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), tensile tests, contact angle, and UV–Vis analysis. FTIR spectra showed partial miscibility between PBAT/PLA and lignin, being intensified in irradiated lignin compounds. The DSC and XRD results confirmed that the degree of crystallinity of the blends was not significantly influenced by lignin addition. FE‐SEM images showed better dispersion and miscibility in PBAT/PLA/Irradiated lignin. Miscibility improvement provided by irradiated lignin promoted better mechanical properties, mainly with lignin irradiated at 60 kGy. PBAT/PLA/LIGNIN films containing 2 wt% showed excellent UV‐barrier property and greater hydrophobicity. Summing up, incorporation of low contents of irradiated lignin could be an interesting alternative to produce biodegradable UV‐blocking agriculture mulch films.

Green synthesis of UV absorber (E)-2-(((4-(benzyloxy)phenyl)imino)methyl)phenol by microwave method

In this work, a UV absorber compound (E)-2-(((4-(benzyloxy)phenyl)imino)methyl)phenol was synthesized by microwave method using a two steps protocol. In the first step, α-(4-hydroxyphenylimino)-o-cresol (1) was synthesized from 4-aminophenol and salicylaldehyde by circulating under microwave heating at 60 oC for 8 minutes, the reaction yield reached 82.91 %. In the second step (E)-2-(((4-(benzyloxy)phenyl)imino)methyl)phenol (2) was synthesized from precursor (1) and benzyl bromide by circulating under microwave heating at 80 oC for 3 minutes, the reaction yield reached 25.08 %. The overall yield for the synthesis of UV absorber 2 was 20.79 %. The molecular structures of precursor (1) and product (2) were analysed by high performance liquid chromatography - mass spectrometry (LC/MS) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) methods. The UV absorbance of precursor (1) and product (2) was investigated by UV absorption spectrometry. The obtained results show that product (2) has a higher UV absorption intensity than precursor (1), the UV absorption region extends from 240 nm to 390 nm, the maximum absorption peak is at the wavelength (λmax) of 350 nm. The UV absorber (E)-2-(((4-(benzyloxy)phenyl)imino)methyl)phenol with cyclic structure, low molecular weight, and high UV absorbance has potential application as an UV absorber for greenhouse covering plastic, paint and ink systems.

Encapsulation of ZnO nanoparticles in POSS for robust anti-photofading coatings on dyed fabrics

As an excellent UV absorber, zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO Nps) are limited applications in anti-photofading coating fields due to the high photocatalytic degradation activity, which can accelerate dyed fabrics fading. Herein, a “core-shell” shaped composite nanoparticles with high UV absorption and low photocatalytic degradation properties were successfully fabricated by encapsulating ZnO Nps in polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) via the alkaline hydrolysis method, and then the POSS coated ZnO Nps (ZnO@POSS Nps) were applied as UV absorber to improve the photostability of dyed polyester fabrics. Field emission scanning electron microscope, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction analysis confirmed the strong relevance between the POSS shell thickness and micromorphology and structural interface characteristics of “core-shell” shaped ZnO@POSS Nps. The UV–Vis absorption spectrum of ZnO@POSS Nps and C. I. Red 2 degradation experiments indicated when the mole ratio of ZnO to vinyl trimethoxy silane was 1:0.25, ZnO@POSS Nps maintained high comparative UV absorption performance (65.4 %) and restrained the photocatalytic degradation efficiency from 62.0 % to 8.9 % comparing with ZnO Nps. The photostability of fabrics was significantly improved by the presence of ZnO@POSS Nps in the coatings that the color difference values of all three dyed fabrics exposed to strong UV light for 72 h were decreased from 2.62, 2.29, and 3.04 to 1.17, 1.09, and 1.52, respectively. This work presents an effective and simple way to restrain the photocatalysis activity of ZnO Nps and enhance the anti-photofading property of dyed fabrics.

THE EFFECT OF CALCINATION TEMPERATURES ON THE PROPERTIES OF ZNO NANOPARTICLES SYNTHESIZED BY USING LEAVES EXTRACTS OF PINUS BRUTIA TREE

Pinus Brutia (PB) tree leaf extracts were used to produce zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles. The study of the PB tree extracts at several calcination temperatures from (200 to 500) oC on the formation of ZnO NPs' characteristics has been investigated using various characterization techniques. The chosen plant PB had its findings at both examinations of FTIR and UV-Visible spectroscopies shown and offered to be a superior option for the GS ZnO NPs at various pH levels. PB tree leaf extracts' UV-visible spectra revealed one distinguishable absorption peak at 275.3 nm. The study of the FESEM results showed that the Green Synthesized (GS) ZnO NPs' orientation, shape, and dimensions are significantly impacted by the calcination temperatures. The ZnO NPs are also shown by the XRD data to have hexagonal wurtzite crystal structures that have particle sizes at (002) peak falling within the range between (10 to 24) nm. The UV-Visible study of the ZnO NPs showed a strong peak absorbance for ZnO NPs that were calcined at various temperatures, with high UV absorption below 400 nm. The obtained energy band gap (Eg) is located in the region between (2.65 and 2.747) eV, narrowing as the calcination temperature rises. The ZnO NPs that were calcined at a temperature of 500 oC also had superior quality and outperformed those produced at other calcination temperatures, according to all of the analyzed results and properties of the ZnO NPs.

Extraction of rutin from tagetes erecta (Marigold) and preparation of peroral nano-suspension for effective antitussive/expectorant therapy

The present study narrates the extraction of rutin from Tagetes erecta (Marigold) via maceration followed by ultrasonication. The extracted rutin was further fabricated into nanoparticles by high-pressure homogenization (HPH) and assessed by HPLC, DSC, XRD, TEM, and FTIR spectroscopy. The optimized batch of nanoparticles obtained using 32 central composite design (CCD) which exhibited particle size 209±14 nm, PDI 0.234±0.06, and 92±1.3% entrapment efficiency. The lyophilized rutin nanoparticles were further converted into nano-suspension. Interestingly, the rutin nano-suspension exhibited a similar antitussive effect in vivo as that by standard treatment pentoxyverine and reduced the coughing times within 2 min. Also, the phlegm showed high UV absorbance, implying its better expectorant activity than the standard and control. The rutin nano-suspension was highly stable and shelf life was found to be ∼29.1 months. The present study, for the first time, paves a way for the use of rutin nano-suspension to overcome chest congestion, shortening of breath, and in the management of cough.

Multifunctional bismuth oxide (Bi2 O3 ) particles: Evidence for selective melanoma therapy.

The current study investigates the therapeutic and optical properties of bismuth oxide (Bi2 O3 ) particles for selective melanoma therapy and prevention. The Bi2 O3 particles were prepared using a standard precipitation method. The Bi2 O3 particles induced apoptosis in human A375 melanoma cells but not human HaCaT keratinocytes or CCD-1090Sk fibroblast cells. This selective apoptosis appears to be associated with a combination of factors: increased particle internalization (2.29 ± 0.41, 1.16 ± 0.08 and 1.66 ± 0.22-fold of control) and enhanced production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) (3.4 ± 0.1, 1.1 ± 0.1 and 2.05 ± 0.17-fold of control) in A375 cells compared to HaCaT and CCD-1090SK cells, respectively. As a high-Z element, bismuth is also an excellent contrast agent for computer tomography, which renders Bi2 O3 a theranostic material. Moreover, Bi2 O3 displays high UV absorption and low photocatalytic activity compared to other semiconducting metal oxides, which opens further potential fields of application as a pigment or as an active ingredient in sunscreens. Overall, this study demonstrates the multifunctional properties of Bi2 O3 particles surrounding the treatment and prevention of melanoma.