Indigo Group Research Articles

Identification of Active Compounds of Tantrum Leaves (Indigofera tinctoria) as Natural Textile Dyes

The use of natural dyes as textile dyes is increasing due to environmentally friendly standards and does not require the use of synthetic dyes. By banning the use of synthetic dyes containing azo groups, this is the right moment to reintroduce natural dyes that have been abandoned for a long time. This study aims to identify the active compound of tantrum leaves (Indigofera tinctoria) as a natural textile dye by maceration extraction method with variations in maceration time and material treatment on wet and dry tantrum leaves. This experimental research method was carried out using several stages of analysis, namely the phytochemical test, FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy), and UV-Vis (Ultraviolet-Visible Light) spectrophotometer. The results of the phytochemical tests showed that the compounds contained in the Indigofera tinctoria plant were indigo, flavonoids, steroids, and alkaloids. The FTIR test indicated that the dye content in the extract was from the indigo group. The results of the UV-Vis spectrum showed that there was maximum absorption in wet tantrum leaf extract, dry tantrum leaf extract, and alkaline extract at wavelengths of 406.50 nm, 365.50 nm, and 664.50 nm, respectively. Natural dyes in textiles have a positive impact on the environment, the color waste products are biodegradable and can be decomposed.

Introduction of new configuration of dyes contain indigo group for dye-sensitized solar cells: DFT and photovoltaic study

The chemical structure engineering of photosensitizers has a major role in photovoltaic devices such as dye-sensitized solar cells. Thus, a novel dye system was designed and prepared with contained indigo group for increasing light resistance as well as cyanoacrylic acid for improving the interaction. All intermediates and dyes were purified and analyzed using FTIR, HNMR, CHN and UV–Visible. The results showed that all the expected dye chemical structures have been achieved. Two semiconductors namely titanium dioxide and Na-doped titanium dioxide, were coated with the synthesized dye to prepare photoanode. All prepared samples illustrated blue shift in UV–Visible due to H-aggregation of dyes on the semiconductor. The energy level of dyes was investigated by Cyclic Voltammetry technique and DFT calculation. The results confirmed the possibility of using dyes in the structure of dye-sensitized solar cells. All prepared dyes were utilized as photosensitizers in dye-sensitized solar cells. The efficiency of Dye 6 in dye-sensitized solar cells based on titanium dioxide and its Na-doped derivative was 7.17% and 7.56%, respectively. Optical devices based on Na-doped semiconductor showed superior performance to those based on pristine titanium dioxide.

Oral indigo carmine for the detection of colon adenoma

Objectives Colonoscopy is currently considered the optimal method to detect colorectal neoplasia; however, some adenomas remain undetected. While indigo carmine staining with a dye-spray catheter has demonstrated promising results for reducing the miss rate, we investigated the oral indigo carmine method. The aim of this study was to determine whether oral indigo carmine intake before standard colonoscopy increases the adenoma (and adenocarcinoma) detection rate (ADR) or the mean number of adenomas per patient (MAP). Materials and methods The oral indigo carmine method was performed from April 2018 to July 2020 in two hospitals. Data were collected in a prospective manner and compared to the conventional group whose data were collected retrospectively and consecutively from January 2016 to March 2018. All data were anonymized. Results Among the 704 patients included, colonoscopies were completely performed in 693 patients (347 in the indigo group). The ADR did not significantly differ between the groups: 42.3% vs. 40.3% (indigo vs. conventional group; odds ratio: 1.13; 95% confidence interval: 0.9–1.33, p = .33). The MAP was significantly greater in the indigo group (1.15) than that in the conventional group (0.82; p = .009). The cecal intubation rate and time to cecal intubation did not differ between the indigo and conventional group (98.6% vs. 98.3%, p = .83, and 6.2 min vs. 5.9 min, p = .39, respectively). Conclusion The routine use of oral indigo carmine does not lead to a higher ADR despite the higher MAP.

Responding to experienced and anticipated discrimination (READ): anti -stigma training for medical students towards patients with mental illness \u2013 study protocol for an international multisite non-randomised controlled study

BackgroundStigma and discrimination are a significant public health concern and cause great distress to people with mental illness. Healthcare professionals have been identified as one source of this discrimination. In this article we describe the protocol of an international, multisite controlled study, evaluating the effectiveness of READ, an anti-stigma training for medical students towards patients with mental illness. READ aims to improve students’ ability to minimise perceived discriminatory behaviours and increase opportunities for patients, therefore developing the ability of future doctors to address and challenge mental illness related discrimination. READ includes components that medical education research has shown to be effective at improving attitudes, beliefs and understanding.Methods/designREAD training was developed using evidence based components associated with changes in stigma related outcomes. The study will take place in multiple international medical schools across high, middle and low income countries forming part of the INDIGO group network, with 25 sites in total. Students will be invited to participate via email from the lead researcher at each site during their psychiatry placement, and will be allocated to an intervention or a control arm according to their local teaching group at each site. READ training will be delivered solely to the intervention arm. Standardised measures will be used to assess students’ knowledge, attitudes and skills regarding discrimination in both the intervention and control groups, at baseline and at follow up immediately after the intervention. Statistical analyses of individual-level data will be conducted using random effects models accounting for clustering within sites to investigate changes in mean or percentages of each outcome, at baseline and immediately after the intervention.DiscussionThis is the first international study across high, middle and low income countries, which will evaluate the effectiveness of training for medical students to respond effectively to patients’ experiences and anticipation of discrimination. The results will promote implementation of manualised training that will help future doctors to reduce the impact of mental illness related discrimination on their patients. Limitations of the study are also discussed.

Host/Guest Interactions in a Sepiolite-Based Maya Blue Pigment: A Spectroscopic Study

Maya Blue pigment forms through heating-induced encapsula- tion and bonding of indigo in microporous clays, namely, palygorskite or sepiolite.Stabilizinghost/guest interactionsinasepiolite-basedMayaBluewere investigated by means of vibrational and NMR spectroscopies and proved to be H-bonds formed between indigo reactive groups and the clay structural OH2. Indigo sorption inhibits sepiolite structural folding induced by partial OH2 loss with temperature rise, but despite this, no direct Mg/indigo bonding was detected. Encapsulation is favored by breaking of intermolecular bonds, allow- ing dye diffusion inside the clay microtunnels. H-bond formation involves both CdO/NH indigo groups, its molecule undergoing distortion and partial oxidation to dehydroindigo. Both the strength and number of sepiolite/indigo interactions are less marked than those occurring in a palygorskite-based composite. In the wider sepiolite channels, H-bonds can form only on one side of the guest molecule, whereas both sides are involved in palygorskite. Halving in bond number undermines the stability of the resulting adduct.