Total Reflection Research Articles

Unraveling the influence of CRISPR/Cas13a reaction components on enhancing trans-cleavage activity for ultrasensitive on-chip RNA detection.

The CRISPR/Cas13 nucleases have been widely documented for nucleic acid detection. Understanding the intricacies of CRISPR/Cas13's reaction components is pivotal for harnessing its full potential for biosensing applications. Herein, we report onthe influence of CRISPR/Cas13a reaction components on its trans-cleavage activity and the development of an on-chip total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy (TIRFM)-powered RNA sensing system. We used SARS-CoV-2 synthetic RNA and pseudovirus as a model system. Our results show that optimizing Mg2+ concentration, reporter length, and crRNA combination significantly improves the detection sensitivity. Under optimized conditions, we detected 100 fM unamplified SARS-CoV-2 synthetic RNA using a microtiter plate reader. To furtherimprove sensitivity and provide a new amplification-free RNA sensing toolbox, we developed a TIRFM-based amplification-free RNA sensing system. We were able to detect RNA down to 100 aM. Furthermore, the TIRM-based detection system developed in this study is 1000-fold more sensitive than the off-coverslip assay. The possible clinical applicability of the system was demonstrated by detecting SARS-CoV-2 pseudovirus RNA. Our proposed sensing system has the potential to detect any target RNA with slight modifications to the existing setup, providing a universal RNA detection platform.

Sustainable starch-based bioplastics reinforced with carob filler: characterization and biodegradability assessments

Starch-based thermoplastic polymer is a biopolymer that is being widely explored as a replacement for conventional polymers. Since thermoplastic starch suffers from mechanical defects, certain mechanical and thermal properties of starch-based polymers can be improved by incorporating fillers or reinforcements derived mainly from natural substances. This article reports the preparation, physicochemical, and mechanical characterization and biodegradation of starch-based bioplastics extracted from potato (Solanum tuberosum) peels using glycerol (G) as plasticizer and reinforced with carob powder, a readily growing plant in Mediterranean climates. The present study investigates the effect of incorporating different proportions (0, 2, 5, 10, and 15 wt.%) of carob powder (Cb) in the films thus prepared. These biopolymer films were fully characterized using analytical techniques including Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy with attenuated total reflection (FTIR/ATR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA/DTG), X-ray diffraction (XRD), optical microscopy (OM), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), mechanical evaluations, and biodegradability assessments. The biodegradability of the obtained bioplastic samples was evaluated. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed strong interfacial adhesion between the constituent filler and the polymer matrix.

Substrate analysis on the wideband, high gain flower-shaped MIMO antenna

This article presents a single-element,flower-shaped two and four-element MIMO(Multiple Input Multiple Output)antenna with enhanced bandwidth and gain. The array consists of identical elements on three commonly used textile substrates- cotton, jeans, and felt material. For each of the three substrates, the impedance bandwidth, reflection coefficient, and gain are used to assess the effectiveness of the recommended antenna.For the felt-based four-element MIMO antenna the outcomes of measurement and modelling are confirmed. Results reveal that the prototype provides a fractional bandwidth of 133.2%, spans the UWB range (3.1 to 10.6 GHz) and X-band (8 GHz to 12.23 GHz), and has a maximum gain of 16.96 dB.To investigate the MIMO performance, MIMO metrics were computed which include Envelope Correlation Coefficient (ECC), Diversity Gain (DG), Mean Effective Gain (MEG), Channel Capacity Loss (CCL), and Total Active Reflection Coefficient (TARC).

Determination of the Localized Surface Plasmon Resonance Alteration of AgNPs via Multiwavelength Evanescent Scattering Microscopy for Pb(II) Detection.

We developed multiwavelength evanescent scattering microscopy (MWESM), which can acquire plasmonic nanoparticle images at the particle level using the evanescent field as the incident source and distinguish different LSPR (localized surface plasmon resonance) spectral peaks among four wavelengths. Our microscope could be easily and simply built by modifying a commercial total internal reflection fluorescence microscope (TIRFM) with the substitution of a beamsplitter and the addition of a semicircular stop. The ultrathin depth of illumination and rejection of the reflected incident source together contribute to the high sensitivity and contrast of single nanoparticle imaging. We first validated the capability of our imaging system in distinguishing plasmonic nanoparticles bearing different LSPR spectral peaks, and the results were consistent with the scattering spectra results of hyperspectral imaging. Moreover, we demonstrated high imaging quality from the aspects of the signal/noise ratio and point spread function of the single-particle images. Meaningfully, the system can be utilized in rapidly determining the concentration of toxic lead ions in environmental and biological samples with good linearity and sensitivity, based on single-particle evanescent scattering imaging through the detection of the alteration of the LSPR of silver nanoparticles. This system holds the potential to advance the field of nanoparticle imaging and foster the application of nanomaterials as sensors.

Plastics and plastic-bound toxic metals in municipal solid waste compost from Sri Lanka.

This study examined plastics and toxic metals in municipal solid waste compost from various regions in Sri Lanka. Plastics were extracted using density separation, digested using wet peroxidation, and identified using Fourier Transform Infra-Red Spectroscopy in Attenuated Total Reflection mode. Compost and plastics were acid-digested to quantify total Cd, Cu, Co, Cr, Pb, and Zn concentrations and analyzed for the bioavailable fraction using 0.01M CaCl2. Notably, plastics were highly abundant in most compost samples. The main plastic types detected were polyethylene, polypropylene, and cellophane. However, the average Cd, Cu, Co, Cr, Pb, and Zn levels were 0.727, 60.78, 3.670, 25.44, 18.95, and 130.7mg/kg, respectively, which are well below the recommended levels. Zn was the most bioavailable (2.476mg/kg), and Cd was the least bioavailable (0.053mg/kg) metal associated with compost. The Contamination factor data show that there is considerable enhancement of Cd and Cu, however, Cr, Cu, Co, and Pb are at low contamination levels. Mean geo accumulation index values were 1.39, 1.07, - 1.06, - 0.84, - 0.32, and 0.08 for Cd, Cu, Co, Cr, Pb, and Zn. Therefore, the contamination level of compost samples with Cd and Cu ranges from uncontaminated to contaminated levels, whereas Co, Cr, Pb, and Zn are at uncontaminated levels. Despite no direct metal-plastic correlation, plastics in compost could harm plants, animals, and humans due to ingestion. Hence, reducing plastic and metal contamination in compost is crucial.

Infrared Spectroscopy of SARS-CoV-2 Viral Protein: from Receptor Binding Domain to Spike Protein.

Spike (S) glycoprotein is the largest structural protein of SARS-CoV-2 virus and the main one involved in anchoring of the host receptor ACE2 through the receptor binding domain (RBD). S protein secondary structure is of great interest for shedding light on various aspects, from functionality to pathogenesis, finally to spectral fingerprint for the design of optical biosensors. In this paper, the secondary structure of SARS-CoV-2 S protein and its constituting components, namely RBD, S1 and S2 regions, are investigated at serological pH by measuring their amide I infrared absorption bands through Attenuated Total Reflection Infrared (ATR-IR) spectroscopy. Experimental data in combination with MultiFOLD predictions, Define Secondary Structure of Proteins (DSSP) web server and Gravy value calculations, provide a comprehensive understanding of RBD, S1, S2, and S proteins in terms of their secondary structure content, conformational order, and interaction with the solvent.

Arrays of Bowl-Shaped Janus Particle Film with Structured Colors.

Structural colors generated via total internal reflection (TIR) using nanostructure-free micro-concave shapes have garnered increasing attention. However, the application of large micro-concave structures for structural coloration remains limited. Herein, a flexibly tunable structural color film fabricated by casting polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) on an array of large poly(glycidyl methacrylate) (PGMA) bowl-shaped particles is reported. The resultant film exhibits tunable red to green structural colors with changing observation angles. Moreover, the color can be further tailored by altering the shape of the film itself. The incorporation of the PDMS layer not only facilitates a shift in the locus of TIR from the bottom surface to the top concave surface of the particles, thereby enabling the generation of structural color, but also confers enhanced flexibility to the film. Further decoration with silver nanoparticles imparts antimicrobial properties, yielding a novel antimicrobial coating material with structural colors. The simple and cost-effective strategy for the production of structural color films provides potential applications in antimicrobial coatings, enabling accessible and customizable structural coloration using big-size micro-concave particles.

IL-1β Induces LDL Transcytosis by a Novel Pathway Involving LDLR and Rab27a.

In early atherosclerosis, circulating LDLs (low-density lipoproteins) traverse individual endothelial cells by an active process termed transcytosis. The CANTOS trial treated advanced atherosclerosis using a blocking antibody for IL-1β (interleukin-1β); this significantly reduced cardiovascular events. However, whether IL-1β regulates early disease, particularly LDL transcytosis, remains unknown. We used total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy to quantify transcytosis by human coronary artery endothelial cells exposed to IL-1β. To investigate transcytosis in vivo, we injected wild-type and knockout mice with IL-1β and LDL to visualize acute LDL deposition in the aortic arch. Exposure to picomolar concentrations of IL-1β induced transcytosis of LDL but not of albumin by human coronary artery endothelial cells. Surprisingly, expression of the 2 known receptors for LDL transcytosis, ALK-1 (activin receptor-like kinase-1) and SR-BI (scavenger receptor BI), was unchanged or decreased. Instead, IL-1β increased the expression of the LDLR (LDL receptor); this was unexpected because LDLR is not required for LDL transcytosis. Overexpression of LDLR had no effect on basal LDL transcytosis. However, knockdown of LDLR abrogated the effect of IL-1β on transcytosis rates while the depletion of Cav-1 (caveolin-1) did not. Since LDLR was necessary but overexpression had no effect, we reasoned that another player must be involved. Using public RNAseq data to curate a list of Rab GTPases affected by IL-1β, we identified Rab27a. Overexpression of Rab27a alone had no effect on basal transcytosis, but its knockdown prevented induction by IL-1β. This was phenocopied by depletion of the Rab27a effector JFC1. In vivo, IL-1β increased LDL transcytosis in the aortic arch of wild-type but not Ldlr-/- or Rab27a-deficient mice. The JFC1 inhibitor nexinhib20 also blocked IL-1β-induced LDL accumulation in the aorta. IL-1β induces LDL transcytosis by a distinct pathway requiring LDLR and Rab27a; this route differs from basal transcytosis. We speculate that induction of transcytosis by IL-1β may contribute to the acceleration of early disease.

A high-sensitivity lab-on-a-chip analyzer for online monitoring of nitrite and nitrate in seawater based on liquid waveguide capillary cells.

Optical detection is an indispensable part of microfluidic systems for nutrient determination in seawater. Coupling total internal reflection capillaries with microfluidic chips is a practical alternative to increase the optical path length for high-sensitivity and a low detection limit in colorimetric assays, which has not been applied in microfluidic devices for seawater nutrients. Here, we present an online microfluidic system which integrated a total internal reflection capillary made of Teflon AF 2400 for the high-sensitivity detection of nitrite and nitrate in seawater. The off-chip capillary lengthens the optical path without changing the internal flow path of the microfluidic chip, enhancing the sensitivity, reducing the detection limit and widening the dynamic range of the system, which significantly improves the performance of the microfluidic system based on wet-chemistry. The detection limit for nitrite is 0.0150 μM using an external 20 cm capillary and 0.0936 μM using an internal 5 cm absorption cell, providing an over 6-fold improvement. Laboratory analysis of surface seawater samples collected from the South China Sea with this system and a one-month online deployment of an autonomous analyzer developed based on this system at a station revealed correlations between the nitrite and nitrate with tide, salinity and chlorophyll over slight variations and narrow ranges, demonstrating the high-sensitivity of this method.

Optical and electrophysical properties of nitride TiAlSiN and carbonitride TiAlSiCN coatings: influence of reactive magnetron deposition regimes

The development of thin-film thermal control coatings for small spacecraft is relevant. Coatings based on titanium nitride are capable of functioning in unfavorable conditions of near and deep space, due to their high resistance to the irradiation by high-energy particles. Using the reactive magnetron sputtering method, the nanostructured TiAlSiN and TiAlSiCN coatings were formed on the substrates of silicon oxide (SiO2), glass-ceramic CT-1 and single-crystalline silicon (Si(100)). A study of the electrophysical and optical properties of the formed coatings was carried out. The deposited coatings demonstrate a good reflectivity in the infrared range of spectrum (700–2000 nm), what is important for reducing the overheating of the spacecraft (SC) under the influence of the direct sunlight. In the visible range of spectrum (400–700 nm), a low level of total Rtotal reflection is observed. This is promising for satellites designed to observe the Earth’s surface. The values of solar absorption coefficients αs, emissivity coefficients ε0, ratios αs/ε0, as well as the equilibrium temperature Tр for the samples under study were obtained. The values of resistivity ρ and surface resistance R□, electron concentration N and electron mobility μ were determined. It has been discovered that TiAlSiN, TiAlSiCN films are electrically conductive: ρTiAlSiN = (92÷4260) ∙ 10–7 Ω ∙ m, ρTiAlSiCN = (51÷2360) ∙ 10–7 Ω ∙ m. It has been found that adding carbon to the coating composition reduces the resistance. The obtained nanostructured coatings of TiAlSiN nitride and TiAlSiCN carbonitride can be used as temperature control coatings for small spacecrafts.

Direct 3D-printed ring-resonator photonic circuit on a dual core fiber tip for remote sensing applications.

On-chip optical sensors using ring- and disk-resonators have many potential sensing applications, yet robust and efficient fiber-to-chip coupling and the differing form factor between the two pose deployment challenges. To resolve this, we 3D-printed a ring-resonator onto the tip of a dual-core fiber and demonstrate its use as a remote temperature sensor. The fiber-tip optical circuit is fabricated using direct laser writing (DLW) with two-photon absorption photopolymer material IP-Dip, forming micrometer-scale waveguide cores having a refractive index of 1.53 with a surrounding air cladding. We connect the two-fiber cores by a printed bus-waveguide, utilizing total internal reflection mirrors, allowing light launched into one core to be guided back to the other core. Furthermore, a DLW printed racetrack resonator evanescently coupled to the bus waveguide (Q ∼ 3000) imposes spectral dips on resonance wavelengths. Light sent down into one core is interrogated upon return from the second core, all from the distal end of the sensor. When the sensing end's temperature is varied, we find a sensitivity of 78 pm/K, due to the polymer's thermo-optic index variation. The ring-resonator could be functionalized for other sensing applications.

Correlative single-molecule and structured illumination microscopy of fast dynamics at the plasma membrane

Total internal reflection fluorescence (TIRF) microscopy offers powerful means to uncover the functional organization of proteins in the plasma membrane with very high spatial and temporal resolution. Traditional TIRF illumination, however, shows a Gaussian intensity profile, which is typically deteriorated by overlaying interference fringes hampering precise quantification of intensities—an important requisite for quantitative analyses in single-molecule localization microscopy (SMLM). Here, we combine flat-field illumination by using a standard πShaper with multi-angular TIR illumination by incorporating a spatial light modulator compatible with fast super-resolution structured illumination microscopy (SIM). This distinct combination enables quantitative multi-color SMLM with a highly homogenous illumination. By using a dual camera setup with optimized image splitting optics, we achieve a versatile combination of SMLM and SIM with up to three channels. We deploy this setup for establishing robust detection of receptor stoichiometries based on single-molecule intensity analysis and single-molecule Förster resonance energy transfer (smFRET). Homogeneous illumination furthermore enables long-term tracking and localization microscopy (TALM) of cell surface receptors identifying spatial heterogeneity of mobility and accessibility in the plasma membrane. By combination of TALM and SIM, spatially and molecularly heterogenous diffusion properties can be correlated with nanoscale cytoskeletal organization and dynamics.

Insulin-Mimetic Activity of Herbal Extracts Identified with Large-Scale Total Internal Reflection Fluorescence Microscopy

Diabetes mellitus is a spreading global pandemic. Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is the predominant form of diabetes, in which a reduction in blood glucose uptake is caused by impaired glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) translocation to the plasma membrane in adipose and muscle cells. Antihyperglycemic drugs play a pivotal role in ameliorating diabetes symptoms but often are associated with side effects. Hence, novel antidiabetic compounds and nutraceutical candidates are urgently needed. Phytogenic therapy can support the prevention and amelioration of impaired glucose homeostasis. Using total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy (TIRFM), 772 plant extracts of an open-access plant extract library were screened for their GLUT4 translocation activation potential, resulting in 9% positive hits. Based on commercial interest and TIRFM assay-based GLUT4 translocation activation, some of these extracts were selected, and their blood glucose-reducing effects in ovo were investigated using a modified hen’s egg test (Gluc-HET). To identify the active plant part, some of the available candidate plants were prepared in-house from blossoms, leaves, stems, or roots and tested. Acacia catechu (catechu), Pulmonaria officinalis (lungwort), Mentha spicata (spearmint), and Saponaria officinalis (common soapwort) revealed their potentials as antidiabetic nutraceuticals, with common soapwort containing GLUT4 translocation-activating saponarin.

Insulin-Mimetic Activity of Herbal Extracts Identified with Large-Scale Total Internal Reflection Fluorescence Microscopy

Diabetes mellitus is a spreading global pandemic. Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is the predominant form of diabetes, in which a reduction in blood glucose uptake is caused by impaired glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) translocation to the plasma membrane in adipose and muscle cells. Antihyperglycemic drugs play a pivotal role in ameliorating diabetes symptoms but often are associated with side effects. Hence, novel antidiabetic compounds and nutraceutical candidates are urgently needed. Phytogenic therapy can support the prevention and amelioration of impaired glucose homeostasis. Using total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy (TIRFM), 772 plant extracts of an open-access plant extract library were screened for their GLUT4 translocation activation potential, resulting in 9% positive hits. Based on commercial interest and TIRFM assay-based GLUT4 translocation activation, some of these extracts were selected, and their blood glucose-reducing effects in ovo were investigated using a modified hen’s egg test (Gluc-HET). To identify the active plant part, some of the available candidate plants were prepared in-house from blossoms, leaves, stems, or roots and tested. Acacia catechu (catechu), Pulmonaria officinalis (lungwort), Mentha spicata (spearmint), and Saponaria officinalis (common soapwort) revealed their potentials as antidiabetic nutraceuticals, with common soapwort containing GLUT4 translocation-activating saponarin.

Stimulating Electron Delocalization of Lanthanide Elements through High-Entropy Confinement to Promote Electrocatalytic Water Splitting.

High-entropy alloys (HEAs) have aroused extensive attention in the field of catalysis. However, due to the integration of multiple active sites in HEA, it exhibits excessive adsorption behavior resulting in difficult desorption of active species from the catalyst surfaces, which hinders the catalytic efficiency. Therefore, adjusting the adsorption strength of the active site in HEA to enhance the catalytic activity is of great importance. By introducing rare-earth (RE) elements into the high-entropy alloy, the delocalization of 4f electrons can be achieved through the interaction between the multimetal active site and RE, which benefits to regulate the adsorption strength of the HEA surface. Herein, the RE Ce-modified hexagonal-close-packed PtRuFeCoNiZn-Ce/C HEAs are synthesized and showed an excellent electrocatalytic activity for hydrogen evolution reaction and oxygen evolution reaction with ultralow overpotentials of 4, 7 and 156, 132 mV, respectively, to reach 10 mA cm-2 in 0.5 M H2SO4 and 1.0 M KOH solutions, and the assembled water electrolysis cell only requires a voltage of 1.43 V to reach 10 mA cm-2, which is much better than the performance of PtRuFeCoNiZn/C. Combined with the results of in situ attenuated total reflection infrared spectroscopy and density functional theory (DFT), the fundamental reasons for the improvement of catalyst activity come from two aspects: (i) local lattice distortion of HEA caused by the introduction of RE with large atomic radius induces 4f orbital electron delocalization of RE elements and enhances electron exchange between RE and active sites. (ii) The electronegativity difference between the RE element and the active site forms a surface dipole in HEA, which optimizes the adsorption of the active intermediate by the HEA surface site. This study provides an insightful idea for the rational design of high-performance HEA- and RE-based electrocatalysts.

Machine learning‐enabled two‐port wideband MIMO hybrid rectangular dielectric resonator antenna for n261 5G NR millimeter wave

SummaryIn this article, a two‐port multiple‐input multiple‐output (MIMO) hybrid rectangular dielectric resonator antenna (DRA) with machine learning (ML) approach for the n261 5G New Radio (NR) application is presented. The proposed antenna is designed on an RT/duroid 5880 (Ɛr = 2.2) substrate activated by 50 Ω, L‐shaped microstrip slot feeds beneath both DRAs. The isolation is more than 19 dB, and the gain is 10 dBi in the operating frequency range. The proposed antenna is optimized through knowledge‐based neural networks (KBNN), artificial neural networks (ANNs), and ML. The optimal design parameters of the proposed antenna are accomplished using the ML optimization approach, which includes ridge regression, ANNs, and KBNN. KBNN ML techniques provide 96.88% accuracy and correctly predict the S‐parameters of the proposed antenna. The MIMO diversity parameters like envelope correlation coefficient (ECC), diversity gain (DG), total active reflection coefficient (TARC), and channel capacity loss (CCL) are calculated and found within the limits. Hence, the proposed antenna is used for 5G NR mm‐wave application.

Comparative Analysis Of Brightness-Based Laser-Induced Fluorescence (BBLIF) And Structured Planar Laser-Induced Fluorescence (S-PLIF) For Film Thickness Measurement In Two-Phase Flow

Improved understanding of the interactions between gas and liquid phases in gas sheared film flow is crucial for n improved capability to employ computational modelling in the future to optimize systems, thereby reducing environmental impact, increasing efficiency, and enhancing productivity. This abstract compares two techniques for measuring the thickness of the film in different regimes visible in a rectangular cross-section gas-sheared liquid film rig, namely previously published Brightness Based Laser Induced Fluorescence (BBLIF) data and Structured Planar Laser Induced Fluorescence (S-PLIF) from the current investigation. The study presents and compares examples at a specific liquid flow rate (8 litres per minute) for superficial gas velocities in the range 1 m/s to 10 m/s, noted as being in different flow regimes. The investigation reveals that the S-PLIF technique produces results that are within the uncertainty bands of the BBLIF data for most scenarios. However, in the transition regime, statistical variations emerge. The frequency content of the two film heights is analyzed using a Hilbert-Huang Technique. This shows clearer results for the S-PLIF than for BBLIF which is attributed to the erratic values that can occur in BBLIF when total internal reflection occurs. It is concluded that the S-PLIF technique demonstrates promise as a reliable method for determining film thickness which is highly advantageous as it can be applied to images obtained with seeded flow intended for PIV analysis. The S-PLIF film thickness data can be used for generating automated masks for PIV analysis concurrently conducted in both the gas and liquid phases. This advancement facilitates the enhanced capability to advance understanding of complex fluid dynamics and optimize system performance.

Nanoparticle Uptake and Bioaccumulation in Pisum sativum L. (Green Pea) Analyzed via Dark-Field Microscopy, Infrared Spectroscopy, and Principal Component Analysis Combined with Machine Learning

The green pea (Pisum sativum L.) is an economically, nutritionally, and culturally important legume. It is a crop that is subject to various investigations due to its popularity with the development of various protocols in different topics, except for nano-biotechnological studies. This work was carried out to evaluate the uptake, distribution, translocation, and bioaccumulation of the single-walled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) within the economically important plant Pisum sativum morphologically and anatomically with a dark-field microscopy system. Data were analyzed for morphological parameters such as stem, tendril, root length, number, shape, width-length of the stipules, and root-stem-stipule. Our results proved the stimulation for growth and anatomical parameters such as CNTs aggregates and AuNPs particles at paranchyma, cortex, spongia cells, starch formation and accumulation in lenticels, stoma cells, and stomatal pores. In this study, we compared the utilization of the entire available Attenuated Total Reflectance—Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) spectral range (525–4000 cm−1) for conducting principal component analysis (PCA) without excluding any specific spectral wavenumbers with the spectral range chosen based on larger PCA loadings. The results demonstrate that for both chosen spectral ranges of the PCA score plots, utilizing only the first three principal components (PCs), we effectively visually separated three groups: (1) plants treated with Au NPs, (2) plants treated with CNTs, and (3) control plants without nanoparticle treatment using ATR-FTIR spectral data from combined samples of root, stem, and leaves from the Pisum sativum plant. Our investigation shows that green pea, a species of the Fabaceae family, is low-cost, fast, and non-toxic and requires an environmentally safe process in the area of nanotechnology in bio-application regarding the green synthesis of nanoparticles; it is a step for green mining, phytoremediation, delivering drugs, and biomolecules. Our findings show that green pea and the Fabaceae family have more advantages for the biological synthesis of C-Au nanoparticles and guide soil health, agricultural development, pharmaceuticals, drug delivery science, and other types of medicinal investigations with a new approach, while a lot of economic plants in the Fabaceae family will be available for the green synthesis of more NPs with single and rapid protocols and will be a popular family in nano-biotechnological studies in the next few decades.

Study of novel Zn-MOF-II modified polymeric membrane in wastewater treatment containing oily waste and humic acid (NOM)

ABSTRACT The prime objective of the present work was to synthesise the polymeric membrane with Zn-MOF-II nanoparticles using the phase inversion method to purify oily wastewater and NOM. The dead-end filtration system was utilised to analyse the performance of fabricated membranes (without and with Zn-MOF-II), various feeds of 100 ppm concentration used, such as organic pollutants and oil effluent at 250 kPa and atmospheric temperature conditions. The following study involves the compaction factor, pure water flux, all mixed matrix membrane permeability, humic acid rejection, and oil–water emulsion rejection, contact angle, and liquid–liquid displacement porosimetry (LLDP). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy-attenuated total reflection (FTIR-ATR) goniometer were used to characterise the polymeric membranes. The FTIR-ATR spectra of the modified membrane exhibit a characteristic peak between 2,900 and 3,000 cm−1 associated with the presence of the –COOH group. The nanoparticles and polymer matrix were well compatible, as evidenced by SEM images of the polymeric membrane containing Zn-MOF-II nanoparticles. The maximum value of percentage rejection of oily wastewater (above 88.89%) and humic acid (above 86.88%) was obtained for the polymeric membrane containing Zn-MOF-II nanoparticles.

Nanoparticle Uptake and Bioaccumulation in Pisum sativum L. (Green Pea) Analyzed via Dark-Field Microscopy, Infrared Spectroscopy, and Principal Component Analysis Combined with Machine Learning

The green pea (Pisum sativum L.) is an economically, nutritionally, and culturally important legume. It is a crop that is subject to various investigations due to its popularity with the development of various protocols in different topics, except for nano-biotechnological studies. This work was carried out to evaluate the uptake, distribution, translocation, and bioaccumulation of the single-walled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) within the economically important plant Pisum sativum morphologically and anatomically with a dark-field microscopy system. Data were analyzed for morphological parameters such as stem, tendril, root length, number, shape, width-length of the stipules, and root-stem-stipule. Our results proved the stimulation for growth and anatomical parameters such as CNTs aggregates and AuNPs particles at paranchyma, cortex, spongia cells, starch formation and accumulation in lenticels, stoma cells, and stomatal pores. In this study, we compared the utilization of the entire available Attenuated Total Reflectance—Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) spectral range (525–4000 cm−1) for conducting principal component analysis (PCA) without excluding any specific spectral wavenumbers with the spectral range chosen based on larger PCA loadings. The results demonstrate that for both chosen spectral ranges of the PCA score plots, utilizing only the first three principal components (PCs), we effectively visually separated three groups: (1) plants treated with Au NPs, (2) plants treated with CNTs, and (3) control plants without nanoparticle treatment using ATR-FTIR spectral data from combined samples of root, stem, and leaves from the Pisum sativum plant. Our investigation shows that green pea, a species of the Fabaceae family, is low-cost, fast, and non-toxic and requires an environmentally safe process in the area of nanotechnology in bio-application regarding the green synthesis of nanoparticles; it is a step for green mining, phytoremediation, delivering drugs, and biomolecules. Our findings show that green pea and the Fabaceae family have more advantages for the biological synthesis of C-Au nanoparticles and guide soil health, agricultural development, pharmaceuticals, drug delivery science, and other types of medicinal investigations with a new approach, while a lot of economic plants in the Fabaceae family will be available for the green synthesis of more NPs with single and rapid protocols and will be a popular family in nano-biotechnological studies in the next few decades.