Modification Agent Research Articles

Preparation of ZnO Nanoparticle/Acrylic Resin Superhydrophobic Coating via Blending Method and Its Wear Resistance and Antibacterial Properties

Herein, a facile method for the preparation of an acrylic resin-based superhydrophobic coating is provided. Firstly, ZnO nanoparticles were modified with silane to obtain hydrophobic ZnO, which was then homogeneously blended with acrylic resin. Subsequently, the mixture was sprayed on an aluminum sheet to form a cured coating. The surface composition and morphology of the coating were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The hydrophobicity, wear resistance, and antibacterial properties of the prepared samples were tested. The optimized hydrophobicity was achieved with 10 wt% modification agent and resin-to-ZnO mass ratio of 1:4, exhibiting contact and sliding angles of 168.11° and 7.2°, respectively. Wear resistance was insufficient with a low resin content, while it grew with the increase in the resin content. However, when the resin content was excessively high, the hydrophobicity was reduced because the resin could wrap the modified ZnO nanoparticles and decrease the number of hydrophobic groups on the surface. Compared with the pure acrylic resin coating, the ZnO nanoparticle/acrylic resin superhydrophobic coating demonstrated a significant enhancement in the antibacterial properties.

Utilization of bamboo leaf silica as a superhydrophobic coating using trimethylchlorosilane as a surface modification agent

In recent years, there has been an increasing research interest regarding the development of superhydrophobic coating for various purposes with tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) as the source of silica. Unfortunately, TEOS is hazardous as an alkoxide and need long step as well as time consuming to synthesize it. Typically, previous researches using fluoroalkylsilane (FOK) as the surface modification agent is containing fluoro compound which is not safety to use. This paper is aimed to develop a cost-effective and environmental-friendly superhydrophobic coating by utilizing bamboo leaf silica. This work was particularly conducted to develop the method of purification of bamboo leaf ash as the source of silica to produce superhydrophobic coating material. This method could be an effective and efficient way of preparing a superhydrophobic coating using silica bamboo leaf with eco-friendly solvent exchange agents. This observation used n-hexane, cyclohexane, isooctane as a solvent exchange, and trimethylchlorosilane (TMCS) as a surface modification agent which is not containing fluoro component. The initial bamboo leaf silica and purified silica were examined using XRD, BET, XRF, and SEM EDX Mapping to obtain essential information such as structure, porosity, purity, and surface topography. Also, the coated zinc plat with different solvents was assessed hydrophobicity by contact angle measurement and surface morphology by SEM. The efficient and effective formulation of the superhydrophobic coating was attained by applying n-hexane solvent, 13 %-v/v TMCS, 1.75 %-w/v of bamboo leaf silica was the highest of contact angle.

Intracellular Targeting of Poly Lactic-Co-Glycolic Acid Nanoparticles by Surface Functionalization with Peptides.

Nanoparticles (NPs) are a promising strategy for delivering drugs to specific sites because of their tunable size and surface chemistry variety. Among the availablematerials, NPs prepared with biopolymers are of particular interest because of their biocompatibility and controlled release of encapsulated drugs. Poly lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) is one of the most widely used biopolymers in biomedical applications. In addition to material choice modulation of the interaction between NPs and biological systems is essential for the safety and effective use of NPs. Therefore, this work focused on evaluating different surface functionalization strategies to promote cancer cell uptake and intracellular targeting of PLGA NPs. Herein, cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) were shown to successfully drive PLGA NPs to the mitochondria and nuclei. Furthermore, the functionalization of PLGA NPs with peptide AC-1001 H3 (GQYGNLWFAY) was proven to be useful for targeting actin filaments. The PLGA NPs cell internalization mechanism by B16F10-Nex2 cells was identified as caveolae-mediated endocytosis, which could be inhibited by the presence of methyl-β-cyclodextrin. Notably, when peptide C (CVNHPAFAC) was used to functionalize PLGA NPs, none of the tested inhibitors could avoid cell internalization of PLGA NPs. Therefore, we suggest this peptide as a promising surface modification agent for enhancing drug delivery to cancer cells. Finally, PLGA NPs showed slow release kinetics and low cytotoxic profile, which, combined with the surface functionalization strategies addressed in this study, highlight the potential of PLGA NPs as a drug delivery platform for improving cancer therapy.

Influence of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose and silica fume on stability, rheological properties, and printability of 3D printing foam concrete

Printability is a key parameter that affects the application of foam concrete to 3D printing. In this study, the hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) and silica fume (SF) were doped into foam concrete as a viscosity modifier and thixotropic agent, and their effects on the stability, rheological properties, and printability of 3D printing foam concrete were investigated. Both HPMC and SF effectively reduced the volume bleeding rate of foam concrete, while HPMC was beneficial for stabilizing the foam, and SF increased the wet density of foam concrete. With the increase in the dosage of HPMC and SF and resting time, the static yield stress, dynamic yield stress, and plastic viscosity of foam concrete increased continuously. SF increased the static yield stress considerably, while HPMC affected the dynamic yield stress and plastic viscosity considerably. It is suggested to combine tanθ and stack height of the printed foam concrete together to evaluate the buildability of 3D printing foam concrete. The suitable ranges of static yield stress, dynamic yield stress and plastic viscosity for 3D printable foam concrete with a wet density from 1550 to 1850 kg/m3 are 1113–1658 Pa, 66.4–230.1 Pa, and 2.08–3.71 Pa s, respectively. The compressive strength of the 3D printed foam concrete with dry density of 1815 kg/m3 in the testing direction Z, Y, and X reached 19.9 MPa, 28.5 MPa and 24.6 MPa, respectively.

Reusable and sustainable graphene oxide/metal–organic framework-74/Fe3O4/polytyramine nanocomposite for simultaneous trace level quantification of five fluoroquinolones in egg samples by high performance liquid chromatography

A nanohybrid material termed graphene oxide/metal-organic framework-74/Fe3O4/polytyramine (GO/MOF-74/Fe3O4­/PTy) was fabricated and applied in magnetic dispersive micro-solid phase extraction (MD-µ-SPE) coupled with high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) for simultaneous determination of fluoroquinolones compounds including, ofloxacin, ciprofloxacin, lomefloxacin, enrofloxacin and sperfloxacin in egg samples. The GO/MOF-74/Fe3O4/PTy nanocomposite was fabricated through an in situ synthesis of MOF-74 in the presence of magnetic GO and followed with an oxidative polymerization of tyramine using horsedish peroxide (HRP) enzyme. The modifier agents improved the merits of the nanoporous sorbent. Extraction protocols based on GO/MOF nanocomposites have various benefit such as, the high stability, the tunable porosity, the fast mast transfer and reasonable enrichment factor. The fabricated material was characterized via energy dispersive x-ray analysis (EDX), the scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and the x-ray diffraction (XRD). The calibration curves revealed linearity (0.992 ≤ r2 ≤ 0.997) in the ranges of 1.0-475.0, 0.5-350.0, 0.5-350.0, 0.5-375.0 and 1.5-300.0 ng mL-1 with limit of detections (LODs, S/N=3) of 0.3, 0.1, 0.2, 0.1 and 0.4 ng mL-1 for ofloxacin, ciprofloxacin, lomefloxacin, enrofloxacin and sperfloxacin, respectively. The intra-assay (≤7.7%, n = 9) and inter-assay (≤7.0%, n = 9) precisions along with accuracy less than 9.0% were obtained.

Isocyanate-crosslinked silica aerogel monolith with low thermal conductivity and much enhanced mechanical properties: Fabrication and analysis of forming mechanisms

The applications of silica aerogels are restricted due to their intrinsic fragile property. Polymerization of di-isocyanates can be templated onto the mesoporous surface of the –NH2 group modified silica clusters, resulting in the conformal crosslinked coating on surface of silica clusters. Aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES), as the silica co-precursor and amine group modification agent, is involved containing tetramethyl orthosilicate (TMOS) silica precursor, while hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI) is incorporated as the polymer crosslinking agent. The effects of different amounts of APTES on the physicochemical properties of the resulting crosslinked aerogels are investigated. The results show that the optimized APTES/TMOS volume ratio can be determined at 0.5:1. The resulting optimal crosslinked silica aerogel possesses large BET specific surface area of 150.9 m2/g, low thermal conductivity of 0.037 W/(m·K), and the Young's modulus is as large as 18 MPa under strain of 4.2%, much higher than that in the previously published works. The polymerization reaction mechanism forming the polyurethane chains has also been proposed. In addition, the interactions between silica clusters and polymer chains are studied by molecular mechanics and molecular dynamics. The interactions are mainly dependent on non-bonding energy, and the electrostatic energy has decisive impact on the combination of silica clusters and polymer chains. The density field of C, H, N, O, and Si elements overlaps with each other, indicating that the polymer crosslinked silica aerogel maintains typical three-dimensional porous structure. The N element enriches in the region between silica clusters, further verifying the formation –CONH–(CH2)6–CONH- polyurethane chains, which is actually responsible for the much enhanced mechanical property.

Level of Control of Dyslipidemia Among Patients Followed in Family Medicine Clinics in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

BackgroundDyslipidemia is a well-established primary risk factor leading to atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). Treatment with lifestyle modification and lipid-lowering agents has been shown to reduce ASCVD morbidity and mortality.ObjectivesTo explore the level of dyslipidemia control among patients followed in family medicine (FM) clinics and describe the prescribing pattern of lipid-lowering agents.Materials and methodsThis is a chart review cross-sectional observational study conducted over 382 patients who were followed in FM clinics at King Abdulaziz Medical City for National Guard, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from January 2016 to January 2019. The data were extracted from the electronic medical record system (BESTCare) and analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), version 23 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY) to look for the association.ResultAll patients had a reduction in their lipid parameters over the three years follow-up period. The mean low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) for the total sample was (2.783 ± 0.850) mmol/L. 82.1% were using a statin alone, 6% were using statin plus fenofibrate, and 12.8% were switched from one statin to another. Those who had statin plus fenofibrate and those switched from one statin to another had the most reduction in their LDL, TC, and TG.ConclusionMost of the patients visiting the Ministry of National Guard - Health Affairs (MNG-HA), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, showed a continuous reduction in their lipid profile over the follow-up period; with better control for high-risk patients. Many factors may have contributed to the reduction, like the number of clinic visits, dietician, and health educator visits, along with the type of medication used.

Effect of drying method on compressive strength of straw-based thermal insulations

Most of the thermal insulations in the construction industry market based on fossil raw material or need a huge amount of production energy. Nowadays, sustainable thermal insulation products are more popular, and the demand for these products on the market is increasing. Some of them reach the main material properties of artificial ones but usually not all. Today the reaction to fire is another big challenge in this field. In many cases, producers use chemicals that can increase fire resistance, but on the other hand, increase the environmental impact of insulations too. It is also hard to find a binder which provides proper mechanical parameters and durability and is environmentally friendly too. During our scientific research on environmentally friendly thermal insulation materials, which is running for 4 years, we found that silicate-based adhesives meet many of these criteria mentioned above. In this article, the mechanical properties of straw-based insulation bonded with silicate binder were investigated. The effect of conventional and microwave drying on compressive strength were compared to found the optimal hardening process of binders. During the experiments, straw was applied in a natural state, natural stem length distribution and without microstructure and surface modification. The used binder is a simple silicate-based binder (potassium silicate) without any modification agent. Conventional drying needs a longer time, and during it, many cracks form in the early age of the hardened binder. It is because of shrinkage and the differences in the rigidity of the binder along its cross-section. Besides, the straw stems swell when exposed to moisture (from binder), and after drying they shrink, which decreases the quality of the bond between stems and binder. The microwave drying evenly heats the various points of the specimen, so it is not generated such big differences in shrinkage. The contact between stems and binder are also better. Due to these effects, the microwave dried specimens reached the limit required for step resistance, and they had three-time higher average compressive strength than we got by the conventional drying of the same raw material.

Rod-like CuO nanoparticles/waste masks carbon modified glassy carbon electrode as a voltammetric nanosensor for the sensitive determination of anti-cancer drug pazopanib in biological and pharmaceutical samples

In the present work, the first voltammetric method is developed for the detection of pazopanib (PZB), a pharmaceutically active ingredient belonging to the tyrosine kinase inhibitor class, using a modified glassy carbon electrode (GCE). Rod-like CuO nanoparticles synthesized by hydrothermal method and finger-like carbon material obtained from hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) of waste masks (M) were used as modification agents. The chemical structure and surface morphology of the synthesized materials were elucidated using various analytical techniques. The results show that carbon material has a core-shell structure, a critical property that increases electrical conductivity. Thus, the effects of both nanoparticles and carbon material on the electrooxidation behavior of pazopanib were investigated and compared. The effect of scan rate, pH, and supporting electrolyte on the voltammetric response of pazopanib was investigated on bare and modified GCE. The possible electrochemical oxidation mechanism was discussed with model drugs on bare GCE. The electrooxidation of PZB was an adsorption-controlled process on modified GCE at pH 7.0 phosphate buffer solution as proved by cyclic voltammetry (CV). All parameters of stripping conditions and square wave voltammetry (SWV) were optimized. The calibration curve was linear in the range of 2.0 × 10–10-1.0 × 10–6 M by adsorptive stripping square wave voltammetry (AdSSWV). The proposed method was used for the quantification of pazopanib in human serum samples and pharmaceutical dosage forms with satisfactory precision and accuracy. The method showed excellent analytical performance at nano- detection levels. Besides, the nanosensor was tested in the presence of some interfering compounds and ions.

Effect of Polymer Materials (StyreneButadiene-Styrene) on Marshall Asphalt Mix Criteria

this research aims to identify the impact of using polymer materials on physical properties of traditional bitumen used in asphaltic mix based on Marshall Mix design proceedings. During this research, traditional bitumen is modified by Styrene- Butadiene-Styrene (SBS). Percentages of 1,3,5,7, and 9% of SBS by weight of bitumen were mixed. Physical tests such as Penetration Test, Viscosity Test, Softening Point Test, and Flash Point Test were carried out to evaluate the enhancement in the modified bitumen properties. After that, HMA is prepared with polymer modified bitumen to study the change in Marshall asphalt mix criteria. Results show that, using SBS as a modifier agent has a positive impact on the physical properties of traditional bitumen. According to these results, it can be said that the use of SBS polymers showed a significant and noticeable improvement in the performance of the asphalt mixture. Also, modified asphalt mix at any percentage of modifier agent recorded high improvement in stability than the conventional asphalt mix.

Tailored conductive fullerenes-based passivator for efficient and stable inverted perovskite solar cells

Interfacial defects result in a limitation to the development of highly efficient and stable perovskite solar cells. The passivation of these defects by adopting various interfacial defects passivation agents is a common method for boosting device performance. However, most existing interfacial defects passivation agents form poorly conductive aggregates at the perovskite interface with the electron transport layer (ETL), hindering the transport of charge carriers. In addition, the electron mobility of passivation agents is an important factor that affects the electron communication between the adjacent layers. Herein, a fullerene-based molecular passivator, [60]fullerene-4-(1-(4-(tert-butyl)phenyl)pyrrolidin-2-yl)benzenaminium (C60-tBu-I), is designed and synthesized. This novel n-doping fullerene ammonium iodide is developed as an interfacial modification agent to accelerate charge transport from the perovskite active layer into the ETL while hindering the nonradiative charge carrier recombination. Hence, compared with the control devices (15.66%), C60-tBu-I-modified device presents a higher efficiency of 17.75%. More importantly, the tert-butyl group dramatically enhances the resistance of perovskite films to water molecular. As a result, C60-tBu-I-modified devices exhibit excellent long-term stability, remaining at more than 87% of the initial power conversion efficiency value after storage for 500 h.

The Screening models for antiepileptic drugs: A Review

Considering the prevalence of epilepsy and the problems associated with currently available antiepileptic drugs like side effects, resistance, safety issue and high cost, herbal medicine with fewer complications could be very appropriate alternative. Therefore in the present study, we have examined the antiepileptic properties of ethanolic extract of leaves in mice using maximal electroshock seizers (MES)test, Pentylenetetrazole (PTZ), induced seizures, strychnine induced convulsion, Isoniazid-induced convulsions, Picrotoxin-induced convulsions, Kainic acid (KA) model etc.There is increased concern on agents for epilepsy disease modification and prevention. To solve these unmet needs, the research scientist must have a thorough knowledge of available animal models of epilepsy so that he can pick up the best model for his research. In this article, we are reviewing the diversity of animal models of epilepsy and their implications in antiepileptic drug discovery.
 Keywords: Epilepsy, animal model, seizures,

Transgenerational effects in DNA methylation, genotoxicity and reproductive phenotype by chronic arsenic exposure

An emerging concern is the influences of early life exposure to environmental toxicants on offspring characteristics in later life. Since recent evidence suggests a transgenerational transference of aberrant phenotypes from exposed-parents to non-exposed offspring related to adult-onset diseases including reproductive phenotype. The transgenerational potential of arsenic a well know genotoxic and epigenetic modifier agent has not been assessed in mammals until now. In this experimental study, we evaluated the transgenerational effects of arsenic in a rat model with chronic exposure to arsenic. Rats chronically exposed to arsenic in drinking water (1 mg As2O3/L) (F0) were mated to produce the arsenic lineage (F1, F2, and F3). The arsenic toxic effects on were evaluated over the four generations by analyzing the DNA methylation percentage, genotoxicity in WBC and physical and reproductive parameters, including sperm quality parameters and histopathological evaluation of the gonads. Chronic exposure to arsenic caused genotoxic damage (F0–F3) different methylation patterns, alterations in physical and reproductive parameters, aberrant morphology in the ovaries (F0 and F1) and testicles (F1–F3), and a decrease in the quality of sperm (F0–F3, except F2). Parental chronic arsenic exposure causes transgenerational genotoxicity and changes in global DNA methylation which might be associated with reproductive defects in rats. Combined with recent studies reveal that disturbances in the early life of an individual can affect the health of later generations.

Thymine as a Biocompatible Surface Passivator for a Highly Efficient and Stable Planar Perovskite Solar Cell

The inevitable defects on the surface of the perovskite layer seriously reduce the efficiency and stability of perovskite solar cells. In this work, thymine, one of the four nucleobases in DNA, is developed as a multifunctional modification agent to passivate the uncoordinated Pb2+ on the perovskite film surface via post-treatment. Spectral data confirm that the surface defects of the perovskite film are effectively passivated via a strong interaction between the Pb ion and carbonyl group. Photoluminescence spectral and electrochemical impedance spectral results demonstrate that the defect-induced recombination of charge carriers at the interface is suppressed. The thymine-modified planar perovskite solar cells exhibit better charge collection, and the fill factor and power conversion efficiency are increased. Moreover, the hydrophobic nature of thymine also significantly improves the humidity stability of the solar cells. The unencapsulated passivated solar cells maintain 68% of the initial efficiency after 1000 h of exposure in the air with a relative humidity of 50 ± 5%. This work provides an effective and eco-friendly surface modification agent for improving the performance of perovskite solar cells.

Foam and rheological behavior of polydentate phosphonate-modified polymers under cement system

Polymer superplasticizer and residual polyether have a key effect on the quantity and size distribution of air-voids in hardened concrete. In this study, the surface activity and foam properties of polydentate phosphonate-modified polymers RM-1 and RM-2 in aqueous solution were studied. Results revealed that the propylene oxide (PO) units in the polymer structure affected the foaming properties of polymers. The compounding performance of polymers RM-1 and RM-2 with ester-type polycarboxylate superplasticizer (PCE-1) in aqueous solution and cement mortar was also studied. This kind of phosphonate-modified polymers can be used as excellent concrete rheological modifier agents because they generate many small bubbles when compounded with PCE-1. Analysis of the foam properties of polymer RM-1 in aqueous solution and cement pore solution revealed that the calcium ions in cement pore solution are beneficial to stabilize the bubbles produced by the polymer. This study provides a new way to study the properties of phosphonate admixture and its combination with PCE from the perspective of bubble and rheology in aqueous solution and cement mortar.

Reduced graphene oxide/cellulose microfiber hybrid from the Vietnamese Nipa palm tree: Synthesis, properties, and applications for preparation of poly(methyl methacrylate) composite

Cellulose microfibers were successfully fabricated from Vietnamese Nipa palm by mechanical and chemical treatments. The Nipa palm petioles were simply rolled, pressed, and separated. They were then pretreated with an alkaline solution and submitted to acid hydrolysis to remove the impurities (tCell). The microfibers were reinforced with reduced graphene oxide to form a hybrid that was reduced with hydrazine hydrate in the last stage (tCell-rGO). The structure and properties of tCell and tCell-rGO were evaluated by FTIR, XRD, DSC, TGA, SEM, BET, and the sheet resistance. It was observed that the treated cellulose microfibers exhibited a diameter of 10–20 μm and had good crystallinity in the structure. Both tCell and tCell-rGO exhibited low-density values of 1.52 kg/m3 and 0.58 kg/m3, respectively, and had good specific surface area values of 11.2 m2/g and 13.0 m2/g, respectively. These results supported the decrease in the density and the increase in the specific surface area of the tCell-rGO samples in comparison with the tCell. The existence of rGO sheets in the cellulose microfiber matrix resulted in changes in the structure, arrangement, and crystallization of pristine microfibers. The thermal property and electrical conductivity of the reinforced GO cellulose microfibers were significantly improved. rGO not only showed its role as a surface modification agent that helps the cellulose microfibers disperse better in the non-polar substrate, but also contributed to the increase of the heat-stable and mechanical properties of polymer. The thermal stability of tCell-rGO/PMMA composite was notably improved more than 40°C in maximum decomposition temperature by an emulsion polymerization technique. The material based on cellulose microfibers from the Vietnamese Nipa palm tree and reduced graphene oxide overcame some disadvantages such as the poor heat resistance, poor dispersion of the original fibers in the non-polar polymer and displayed great potential for environmentally friendly future applications.

Nano-sized Metal and Metal Oxide Modified Electrodes for Pharmaceuticals Analysis

: The electrochemical analysis offers a number of important advantages such as providing information on pharmaceuticals analysis and their in vivo redox processes and pharmacological activity. The interest in developing electrochemical sensing devices for use in clinical assays is growing rapidly. Metallic nanoparticles can be synthesized and modified with various chemical functional groups, which allow them to be conjugated with antibodies, ligands, and drugs of interest. : In this article, the novel developments to enhance the performance of sensor modified with metal nanoparticles of pharmaceuticals were reviewed. A discussion of the properties of metal nanostructures and their application in drug analysis is presented. Their application as a modifier agent in determining low levels of drugs in pharmaceutical dosage forms and biological samples is discussed. It has been found that the electrocatalytic effect of the electrode, sensitivity and selectivity were increased using various working electrodes modified with nano-sized metal, metal oxide and metal/metal oxide particles.

Development of a Novel Viscosity Modifier Agent for Cementitious Materials: Preliminary Study

AbstractConcrete compositions demand products in order to meet certain requirements and specific properties. For the production of self-compacting concrete, a certain amount of fine materials and/o...

Peptide-Engineered Fluorescent Nanomaterials: Structure Design, Function Tailoring, and Biomedical Applications.

Fluorescent nanomaterials have exhibited promising applications in biomedical and tissue engineering fields. To improve the properties and expand bioapplications of fluorescent nanomaterials, various functionalization and biomodification strategies have been utilized to engineer the structure and function of fluorescent nanomaterials. Due to their high biocompatibility, satisfied bioactivity, unique biomimetic function, easy structural tailoring, and controlled self-assembly ability, supramolecular peptides are widely used as versatile modification agents and nanoscale building blocks for engineering fluorescent nanomaterials. In this work, recent advance in the synthesis, structure, function, and biomedical applications of peptide-engineered fluorescent nanomaterials is presented. Firstly, the types of different fluorescent nanomaterials are introduced. Then, potential strategies for the preparation of peptide-engineered fluorescent nanomaterials via templated synthesis, bioinspired conjugation, and peptide assembly-assisted synthesis are discussed. After that, the unique structure and functions through the peptide conjugation with fluorescent nanomaterials are demonstrated. Finally, the biomedical applications of peptide-engineered fluorescent nanomaterials in bioimaging, disease diagnostics and therapy, drug delivery, tissue engineering, antimicrobial test, and biosensing are presented and discussed in detail. It is helpful for readers to understand the peptide-based conjugation and bioinspired synthesis of fluorescent nanomaterials, and to design and synthesize novel hybrid bionanomaterials with special structures and improved functions for advanced applications.

HYDRAULIC FRACTURING DESIGN IMPROVEMENTS BY PROPPANT FLOWBACK MITIGATION METHOD APPLICATION DURING HYDROCARBON PRODUCTION

Proppant flowback after hydraulic fracturing treatment is quite a serious challenge that causes damage to both downhole and surface equipment, leading to unwanted workovers and production suspension, or other negative outcomes. Some special methods including preventive as well as corrective measures already exist in the industry to overcome the proppant flowback problems. However, there is no clear guidance on how to choose the method for certain conditions, particularly during the hydraulic fracturing design stages. Therefore, the authors conducted a comprehensive review of fourteen preventive technologies to systematize them and to propose an initial decision-making approach. The following methods were considered in this paper: Resin Coated Proppants (RCP), RCP with Activator, RCP with Nanoparticles, Proppant with Liquid Resin Systems (LRS), Proppant with Surface Modification Agents (SMA), Proppant with Proppant Consolidation Aid (PCA), Cylindrical Proppant, Microfibers, Thermoset Resin Fibers, Thermoset Film Strips, Deformable Isometric Particles (DIP), Expandable Proppants, Polymer Surface Modified Proppants, and In-situ Formulated Proppants. The review reveals physical, chemical, and technological properties of each method to select criteria for effective screening. So, the reader could find the appropriate proppant flowback mitigation method corresponding to a particular reservoir and the well conditions during the initial hydraulic fracturing design stages.