Structure Of Nanoparticles Research Articles

Innovative Hybrid Nanocarriers of GnRH Peptide-Modified Chitosan-Coated Lipid Nanoparticles as a Targeted Chemotherapy for Reproductive-Related Cancers.

Cancer stands as a primary contributor to worldwide mortality, especially reproductive-related cancers (e.g., breast/cervical cancers among females and prostate cancer among males). Chemotherapy is the most common systemic therapy for cancer, but its adverse effects are concerning. Developing effective and new strategies against cancer is necessary to increase their efficacy and minimize their adverse effect. In this work, the novel core-shell structure of lipid nanoparticle (LNP) was fabricated via a high-throughput microfluidic for chemotherapy drug delivery. A gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), a targeting moiety for the overexpressed GnRH receptors (GnRHR) in cancer cells, was conjugated on chitosan (GnRH-CS) as a shell and used to modify the surface of LNP with doxorubicin loading to form a complex of LNP-dox-GnRH (≤ 150 nm, PDI ~0.2). The modified surface enhances the binding affinity of the LNP to the breast and prostate cancer cells. For an invitro study, we found that LNP-dox-GnRH can specifically target the GnRHR-overexpressing cancer cells (i.e., MCF-7 and PC-3) compared with non-targeted LNP-dox. Conversely, there was no difference in the targetability between LNP-dox-GnRHR and non-targeted LNP to MDA-MB-436, a low GnRHR-expressing cancer cell. Furthermore, the enhanced anticancer activity of LNP-dox-GnRH was observed in both monolayer and spheroid cell cultures. This study highlights the advantages of easy customization of payloads and targeting peptides, requiring only a simple coating process that doesn't need specialized expertise. Its flexibility and efficiency enhance the potential for precision therapies, making it ideal for translational applications in treating reproductive-related cancers, GnRH-associated diseases, and other conditions.

Effect of Particle Size and Alloying with Gallium and Zinc in Copper Nanoparticles from Ab Initio Molecular Dynamics

Supported nanoparticles (NPs) are an intense field of research in industry and academia due to their unique catalytic properties. Yet, establishing relationships between structure and activity is challenging due to multiple possible compositions, interfaces, and alloy formation. This is especially pronounced for bimetallic NPs used in the CO2‐hydrogenation‐to‐methanol, where the structure responds dynamically to the chemical potential of the reactants and products, resulting in distinct surface structures depending on the exact reaction conditions. These phenomena have been highlighted by combining ab initio Molecular Dynamics (AIMD) and Metadynamics (MTD) with in situ X‐ray absorption spectroscopy, chemisorption, and CO‐IR. Here, we aim to understand how particle size and simulation temperature influence the structure and dynamics of small Cu NPs using the diffusion coefficients and the radial distribution function/atomic pair density function as descriptors using AIMD simulations. We found that decreasing the particle size or increasing the simulation temperature results in increased atom mobility, highlighted by the increased metal diffusion and resulting in reduced particle crystallinity. We also find that alloying Cu with Ga significantly increases the diffusion of both elements in the particle compared to the monometallic ones, while such diffusion lies in between the individual elements composing the CuZn particles.

Formulation, development and in vivo characterization of selegiline hydrochloride nanostructured lipid nanocarrier loaded microneedle array patch for depression.

Depression is a common mental condition causing depressed mood and loss of pleasure. The primary treatment approach for the management of depression consists of the use of selegiline (MAO-B) inhibitor compound. The present work aimed to develop and optimize selegiline-loaded nanostructured lipid carriers for transdermal application, utilizing a 23 full factorial design approach. The optimized nanostructured lipid carriers formulation (Batch B7) demonstrated a particle size of 158.71±0.56nm, a narrow size distribution (0.266±0.006), high entrapment efficiency (59.60±0.34%), and a zeta potential of -23.2±2.21mV. Furthermore, x-ray diffraction and differential scanning calorimetry studies revealed the amorphous transformation of selegiline within the nanostructured lipid carrier. Transmission Electron Microscopy study has shown that nanostructured lipid carrier particles had a spherical shape with a smooth surface. These optimized nanostructured lipid carriers were then incorporated into a microneedle array patch for transdermal delivery. The selegiline-loaded nanostructured lipid carrier microneedle array patch exhibited no skin irritation in a rabbit model. It enhanced drug diffusion ex vivo (1.13-fold compared to pure selegiline-loaded microneedle array patch) with 90% drug release in 12h. The pharmacokinetic study demonstrated a steady and controlled release profile with a half-life of 29.9±0.14h and AUC0-t (26.57±0.51 μg/ml*h) of selegiline loaded nanostructured lipid carrier microneedle array patch. On the contrary, a pure selegiline-loaded microneedle array patch showed a short half-life of 6.5±0.26h and AUC0-t (20.90±0.31μg/ml*h). The sustained release profile and prolonged half-life in plasma and the brain suggest improved therapeutic efficacy. Histopathology analysis revealed no significant toxicity to vital organs. Thus, a selegiline nanostructured lipid carrier-loaded microneedle array patch can increase brain bioavailability compared to a pure selegiline-loaded microneedle array patch for managing depression.

Enhanced solar hydrogen production via reconfigured semi-polar facet/cocatalyst heterointerfaces in GaN/Si photocathodes

The development of an efficient and durable photoelectrode is critical for achieving large-scale applications in photoelectrochemical water splitting. Here, we report a unique photoelectrode composed of reconfigured gallium nitride nanowire-on-silicon wafer loaded with Au nanoparticles as cocatalyst that achieved an impressive applied bias photon-to-current efficiency of 10.36% under AM 1.5G one sun illumination while exhibiting stable PEC hydrogen evolution over 800 h at a high current density. Specifically, by tailoring the GaN nanowires via a simple alkaline-etching step to expose the inner (101¯1¯) facets, we achieve a highly coupled semiconductor nanowire-cocatalyst heterointerface with strong electron interaction. The strongly coupled reconfigured GaN nanowire/Au heterointerface not only optimizes the electronic structure of Au nanoparticles to form abundant highly active interfacial regions, eventually realizing superior hydrogen evolution activity but also enables GaN nanowires to provide a stronger anchoring effect for Au nanoparticles, preventing the detachment of Au nanoparticles during the intense hydrogen evolution process. The proposed photoelectrode offers a feasible structure for overcoming the efficiency-reliability bottleneck of PEC devices for producing clean hydrogen fuel.

Sonochemical Functionalization of SiO2 Nanoparticles with Citric Acid and Monoethanolamine and Its Remarkable Effect on Antibacterial Activity.

Nanoparticles (NPs) are excellent antibacterial agents due to their ability to interact with microorganisms at the cellular level. However, their antimicrobial capacity can be limited by their tendency to agglomerate. Functionalizing NPs with suitable ligands improves their stability and dispersion in different media and enhances their antibacterial activity. The present work studied the functionalization of SiO2 NPs using the sonochemical method and the Influence of organic ligands on antimicrobial activity (AA). The organic ligands studied were citric acid (CA) and monoethanolamine (MEA). X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) results confirmed the amorphous structure of SiO2 NPs and their functionalization. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) showed that functionalization with MEA (SiO2-MEA NPs) is more favored compared to AC (SiO2-CA NPs), and the organic ligand content was 34.42% and 28.0%, respectively. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and RAMAN spectroscopy results confirmed the functionalization of NPs through the presence of carboxyl and amino groups. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and zeta potential results showed that functionalization of SiO2 NPs helped to improve their dispersion and prevent their agglomeration. Furthermore, the results of antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli showed that the functionalization provided a significant improvement in the antibacterial activity (AA) of the SiO2 NPs, where the SiO2-CA NPs showed the highest activity, with a 99.99% inhibition percentage at concentrations of 200 ppm against both E. coli and S. aureus strains. The AA is maintained at high concentrations of 1200 ppm, which is essential in applications requiring high percentages of biocidal NPs, such as marine coatings.

Understanding the Curvature Effect on the Structure and Bonding of MoCy Nanoparticles on Carbon Supports.

The interaction between molybdenum carbide (MoCy) nanoparticles and both flat and curved graphene surfaces, serving as models for carbon nanotubes, was investigated by means of density functional theory. A variety of MoCy nanoparticles with different sizes and stoichiometries have been used to explore different adsorption sites and modes across models with different curvature degrees. On flat graphene, off-stoichiometric MoCy featuring more low-coordinated Mo atoms exhibits stronger interaction and increased electron transfers from the carbide to the carbon substrate. This preferentially occurs through support C and Mo atoms leading to the formation of additional Mo-C bonds. Notably, the MoCy adsorption strength increases on concave surfaces and decreases on convex surfaces, showing a strong linear correlation with the surface curvature. This curvature-dependent behavior alters the charge state of the nanoparticles, making them more/less positively charged in concave/convex regions. The present results demonstrate that the interaction strength can be effectively tuned by manipulating the carbide stoichiometry, the substrate curvature, and the local concave/convex environments, providing valuable guidelines for the rational design of MoCy/C-based catalysts.

Review of: "Investigating the structure of electromagnetic nanoparticles (multifunctional) and superparamagnetic properties in the simulation process"

Review of: "Investigating the structure of electromagnetic nanoparticles (multifunctional) and superparamagnetic properties in the simulation process"

Synthesis and characterization of Cu2O and CuO nanoparticles in distilled water using electrochemical process

The synthesis of metal oxide semiconductors has garnered considerable attention due to their wide-ranging applications in fields such as electronics, optoelectronics, catalysis, and photovoltaics. This study presents the synthesis of copper oxide nanoparticles (NPs) in distilled water through a two-probe electrochemical process at varying applied voltages. The synthesized copper oxide NPs exhibited a color spectrum from light to dark brown, suggesting the formation of copper oxide in the distilled water. Preliminary observations utilizing the Tyndall effect with a red laser light confirmed the colloidal nature of the solution. Photoluminescence emissions highlighted the semiconducting properties of the synthesized copper oxide NPs. The copper oxide NPs exhibited small size into quantum dots (QDs) at lower applied voltages, whereas higher voltages produced larger sizes. The appearance of ring-like patterns suggested a polycrystalline structure, which was further corroborated by selected area electron diffraction analysis, confirming the crystalline structure of Cu2O at low voltages and CuO at higher voltages. This study, therefore, demonstrates a straightforward method for synthesizing copper oxide using a two-probe electrochemical process, with the potential to produce QD and NP structures by modulating the applied voltage

Adjustment of Molecular Sorption Equilibrium on Catalyst Surface for Boosting Catalysis.

ConspectusFor chemical reactions with complex pathways, it is extremely difficult to adjust the catalytic performance. The previous strategies on this issue mainly focused on modifying the fine structures of the catalysts, including optimization of the geometric/electronic structure of the metal nanoparticles (NPs), regulation of the chemical composition/morphology of the supports, and/or adjustment of the metal-support interactions to modulate the reaction kinetics on the catalyst surface. Although significant advances have been achieved, the catalytic performance is still unsatisfactory.It is accepted that the chemical equilibrium of a reaction can be disturbed by changing the concentration of the reactants or products, and the equilibrium will shift to another side to offset the perturbation until a new equilibrium is established. This is known as Le Chatelier's principle. Following this understanding, we show that the catalytic performance can be significantly modulated by adjusting the molecular sorption equilibrium on the catalyst surface. For example, enriching the reactants and/or intermediates on the catalyst surface pushes the reaction forward, thus increasing the catalytic conversion; removing the product away from the catalyst surface improves the catalytic conversion and product selectivity; and inhibiting the side reactions enhances the product selectivity and catalyst durability. Using these strategies has successfully enhanced the catalytic performances in many challenging reactions, such as increasing H2O2 concentration around the metal active sites to enhance methane oxidation, enriching olefin on the catalyst surface to boost hydroformylation, selective combustion of H2 to shift the reaction equilibrium and improve ethane conversion in ethane dehydrogenation, and removing water from the reaction system to enhance Fischer-Tropsch synthesis. The key to these successes is effectively shifting the molecular sorption equilibrium under the working conditions.In this Account, we briefly summarize recent advances in adjusting molecular sorption equilibrium for boosting catalysis, with a focus on the equilibrium shift for a desired pathway by the unique functions of zeolites and polymers such as silanol nests on zeolite for olefin adsorption, the "molecular fence" effect of zeolite for H2O2 enrichment, MFI zeolite nanosheets for olefin diffusion, and the hydrophobic zeolite sheath and polymer for water separation/diffusion. We report the adjustment of the molecular sorption equilibrium on the catalyst surface via enriching the reactants and intermediates, removing the products, and inhibiting the side reactions to enhance the catalytic performance. As a result, high activity, excellent selectivity, and outstanding durability of the catalysts were achieved. In addition, current challenges and perspectives of applying this strategy to more important industrial reactions are discussed. Applications of advanced characterization tools, machine learning, and artificial intelligence for monitoring the dynamic structural changes of the catalyst and predicting the structural evolutions under working conditions are anticipated to continuously play important roles in catalyst design. We believe that this strategy will open a door for the development of highly efficient catalysts with potential applications in the future.

Enhancing the Rheological and Filtration Performance of Water-Based Drilling Fluids Using Silane-Coated Aluminum Oxide NPs.

For optimizing the drilling efficiency, nanoparticles (NPs) specifically nanometal oxides have been used in water-based drilling fluids (WBDF). Nano metal oxides improve the rheological and filtration characteristics of the WBDF. However, dispersion instability among pristine nano metals shrinks the performance of the nanometal oxides due to high surface energy. Therefore, this study aims to utilize silane-coated aluminum oxide NPs (S-Al2O3) as an alternative to widely used pristine aluminum oxide (P-Al2O3) in water-based drilling fluids. The S-Al2O3 NPs were synthesized using 3-aminopropyl triethoxysilane (APTES). FTIR, XRD, and SEM analyses were carried out to examine the crystalline structure and surface morphology of NPs. Moreover, the rheological and filtration properties of nanowater-based drilling fluids were investigated at low-pressure and low-temperature (LPLT) conditions. The results of experiments revealed that S-Al2O3 NPs significantly upgraded the rheological properties compared to P-Al2O3 NPs. The S-Al2O3 NPs reduced plastic viscosity from 12.6 to 9.6 cP, apparent viscosity from 34.5 to 26.5 cP, and yield point from 46.5 to 39.5 lb/100 ft2. The gel strengths (10 s and 10 min) were reduced from 44.5 to 32 lb/100 ft2 and from 77 to 59 lb/100 ft2, respectively. Furthermore, S-Al2O3 NPs enhanced the filtration performance, achieving a 26% reduction in filtrate loss and forming a thinner, more impermeable mud cake than P-Al2O3 NPs. In conclusion, the application of S-Al2O3 NPs in water-based drilling fluid was found to be effective in improving the rheological properties and controlling the filtrate loss effectively under LPLT conditions. The utilization of silane-coated NPs used in this study will open new and novel doors of research in the fields of both drilling engineering and nanotechnology.

Lipid nanoparticles deliver DNA-encoded biologics and induce potent protective immunity

Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) for mRNA delivery have advanced significantly, but LNP-mediated DNA delivery still faces clinical challenges. This study compared various LNP formulations for delivering DNA-encoded biologics, assessing their expression efficacy and the protective immunity generated by LNP-encapsulated DNA in different models. The LNP formulation used in Moderna’s Spikevax mRNA vaccine (LNP-M) demonstrated a stable nanoparticle structure, high expression efficiency, and low toxicity. Notably, a DNA vaccine encoding the spike protein, delivered via LNP-M, induced stronger antigen-specific antibody and T cell immune responses compared to electroporation. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) analysis revealed that the LNP-M/pSpike vaccine enhanced CD80 activation signaling in CD8+ T cells, NK cells, macrophages, and DCs, while reducing the immunosuppressive signals. The enrichment of TCR and BCR by LNP-M/pSpike suggested an increase in immune response specificity and diversity. Additionally, LNP-M effectively delivered DNA-encoded antigens, such as mouse PD-L1 and p53R172H, or monoclonal antibodies targeting mouse PD1 and human p53R282W. This approach inhibited tumor growth or metastasis in several mouse models. The long-term anti-tumor effects of LNP-M-delivered anti-p53R282W antibody relied on memory CD8+ T cell responses and enhanced MHC-I signaling from APCs to CD8+ T cells. These results highlight LNP-M as a promising and effective platform for delivering DNA-based vaccines and cancer immunotherapies.

Improved conversion of carbon dioxide to methane via photohydrogenation using Gd2NiMnO6 with a dendritic fibrous architecture

The conversion of diluted CO₂ into high-energy fuels is increasingly central to renewable energy research. This study investigates the efficacy of a Gd₂NiMnO₆ dendritic nanofibrous (DNF) photocatalyst in transforming carbon dioxide to methane through photoreduction. Gd₂NiMnO₆ DNF was found to provide active adsorption sites and control the strand dimensions for metal groups, facilitating the chemical absorption of CO₂. The light-driven photoreduction of CO₂ to CH₄ through biomass valorization has become a sustainable focus area, with photocatalytic CO₂ reduction recognized as a key strategy to mitigate greenhouse gases and achieve carbon neutrality. However, designing active sites with enhanced selectivity and efficiency for CO₂ photoreduction remains challenging. Reducing carbon dioxide is especially crucial in the era of petroleum refineries. This work introduces a reusable, magnetically responsive nanocatalyst for the targeted light reduction of CO₂ to CH₄, utilizing eco-friendly methods, mild thermal conditions, ambient pressure, and sustainable dehydrating agents. This approach provides significant economic benefits and compatibility with functional groups, highlighting the potential of combining 3D nanoparticle structures with sustainable chemistry to create highly efficient catalytic systems for CO₂ to CH₄ conversion.

Mapping the local stoichiometry in Cu nanoparticles during controlled oxidation by STEM-EELS spectral imaging.

Copper nanoparticles (NPs) can be coupled with cuprous oxide, combining photoelectrocatalytic properties with a broad-range optical absorption. In the present study, we aimed to correlate changes in morphology, electronic structure and plasmonic properties of Cu NPs at different stages of oxidation. We demonstrated the ability to monitor the oxidation of NPs at the nanometric level using STEM-EELS spectral maps, which were analyzed with machine learning algorithms. The oxidation process was explored by exposing Cu NPs to air plasma, revealing systematic changes in their morphology and composition. Initial plasma exposure created a Cu2O shell, while prolonged exposure resulted in hollow structures with a CuO shell. This study identified procedures to obtain a material with Cu2O surface stoichiometry and absorption extended into the near-infrared range. Moreover, this study introduced a novel application of machine learning clustering techniques to analyze the morphological and chemical evolution of a nanostructured sample.

Mechanistic Insights into the H2 Dissociation on Plasmonic Au Nanoparticles: Effect of Nanoparticle Structure and Pulse Properties on Charge-Driven Energy Transfer and Dissociation Efficiency

Mechanistic Insights into the H₂ Dissociation on Plasmonic Au Nanoparticles: Effect of Nanoparticle Structure and Pulse Properties on Charge-Driven Energy Transfer and Dissociation Efficiency

In Silico-Guided Discovery of Polysaccharide Derivatives as Adjuvants in Nanoparticle Vaccines for Cancer Immunotherapy.

Cancer vaccines utilizing nanoparticle (NP) structures that integrate antigens and adjuvants to enhance delivery and stimulate immune responses are emerging as a promising avenue in cancer immunotherapy. However, the development of cancer vaccines has been significantly hindered by the low immunogenicity of tumor antigens. To address this challenge, substantial efforts have been made in developing innovative adjuvants to elicit effective immune responses. In this study, we develop a NP cancer vaccine assisted by a polysaccharide derivative adjuvant, designed through a computational strategy, to evoke effective antigen-specific antitumor immunity. Using TLR4 as the putative receptor, we conducted a comprehensive evaluation of a prescreening library consisting of 34 inulin derivatives through docking and molecular dynamics simulation. Consequently, a new derivative, benzoylated inulin (InBz), is selected as the most promising TLR4 agonist. The adjuvant effect of InBz is evaluated by fabricating InBz NPs encapsulating the model antigen ovalbumin (OVA). In vitro, InBz-OVA NPs effectively activate the TLR4 signaling pathways and facilitate dendritic cell maturation, thereby enhancing the antigen delivery and presentation. In vivo, InBz-OVA NPs outperform a commercial aluminum-based adjuvant, elicit robust antibody titers, induce antigen-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes, and achieve significant tumor suppression in murine models. Besides, the adjuvant effects of other representative derivatives, namely, acetylated and chloroacetylated inulin, with moderate and low potential from the library, are also chemically synthesized and experimentally evaluated and found to be in agreement with computational predictions, confirming the credibility of the strategy. This study provides an effective platform for the pursuit of efficient polysaccharide-based vaccine adjuvants.

Structure-Stability Relationships in Pt-Alloy Nanoparticles Using Identical-Location Four-Dimensional Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy and Unsupervised Machine Learning.

Nanoparticulate electrocatalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction are structurally diverse materials. Scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) has long been the go-to tool to obtain high-quality information about their nanoscale structure. More recently, its four-dimensional modality has emerged as a tool for a comprehensive crystal structure analysis using large data sets of diffraction patterns. In this study, we track the alternations of the crystal structure of individual carbon-supported PtCu3 nanoparticles before and after fuel cell-relevant activation treatment, consisting of a mild acid-washing protocol and potential cycling, essential for forming an active catalyst. To take full advantage of the rich, identical location 4D-STEM capabilities, unsupervised algorithms were used for the complex data analysis, starting with k-means clustering followed by non-negative matrix factorization, to find commonly occurring signals within specific nanoparticle data. The study revealed domains with (partially) ordered alloy structures, twin boundaries, and local amorphization. After activation, specific nanoparticle surface sites exhibited a loss of crystallinity which can be correlated to the simultaneous local scarcity of the ordered alloy phase, confirming the enhanced stability of the ordered alloy during potential cycling activation conditions. With the capabilities of our in-house developed identical-location 4D-STEM approach to track changes in individual nanoparticles, combined with advanced data analysis, we determine how activation treatment affects the electrocatalysts' local crystal structure. Such an approach provides considerably richer insights and is much more sensitive to minor changes than traditional STEM imaging. This workflow requires little manual input, has a reasonable computational complexity, and is transferrable to other functional nanomaterials.

Photocatalytic, antibacterial and antioxidant study of Vitex negundo mediated green synthesized nickel and neodymium doped zinc oxide nanoparticles

This investigation delves into diverse attributes of environmentally friendly nickel-doped zinc oxide and neodymium doped zinc oxide nanoparticles. It focuses on evaluating their effectiveness in photocatalysis, antibacterial activity and antioxidant properties. Utilizing a sustainable synthesis approach incorporating phytochemicals from Vitex negundo, hexagonal structures of both nickel-doped zinc oxide and neodymium-doped zinc oxide nanoparticles were confirmed through X-ray diffraction analysis. Transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analyses identified spherical nanoparticles with size between 8 and 15 nanometers. Photocatalytic assessments using methyl green dye degradation demonstrated promising results for both nickel-doped zinc oxide and neodymium-doped zinc oxide nanoparticles. Antibacterial tests showcased nanoparticle’s ability to disrupt Bacillus subtilis and Escherichia coli, with neodymium doped zinc oxide nanoparticles exhibiting superior antibacterial activity. Antioxidant potential, evaluated through 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl free radical assay, highlighted nanoparticles radical-scavenging ability, with neodymium doped zinc oxide nanoparticles showing enhanced activity due to phytochemicals introduced during green synthesis. This research innovates through green synthesis of nickel-doped zinc oxide and neodymium-doped zinc oxide nanoparticles, capitalizing on their distinctive properties for synergistic applications. The study provides valuable insights into potential future applications, offering novel solutions for environmental remediation and biomedical purposes.

Constructing well-dispersed active phase via spontaneous redox for electrochemical nitrate reduction to ammonia.

In this study, a distinctive multiple core-shell structure of Co nanoparticles inserted into N-doped carbon dodecahedron@Co hydroxide (Co/NCD@Co(OH)2) was synthesized via a spontaneous redox reaction between metallic Co and NO3-, ultimately materializing the fine dispersion and exposure of the active sites. The electronic interaction existing between the Co/NCD core and the Co(OH)2 shell brings a synergistic effect, conspicuously lessens the overpotential, and reinforces the yield-rate and faradaic efficiency of NH3 for electrochemical nitrate-ammonia conversion. This study underlines the spontaneous redox between the catalysts and substrate, rendering it as a synthetic strategy for designing genuine and well-dispersed active sites.

A tactile sensor for recognition of softness using interlocking structure of carbon nanoparticle- polydimethylsiloxane composite

A tactile sensor for recognition of softness using interlocking structure of carbon nanoparticle- polydimethylsiloxane composite

Antibacterial food packaging using biocompatible nickel oxide-infused cellulose acetate electrospun nanofibers.

The present study included the environmentally friendly production of stable nickel nanoparticles (NiO NPs) using lemon and tomato, followed by their analysis and evaluation for their antibacterial properties against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Bacillus cereus. The Nickel oxide nanoparticles produced exhibited their maximum absorption at 276nm in the UV-vis spectrum. The image captured FESEM revealed smooth nanofibers with an average diameter of around 259±3.7nm. X-ray diffraction (XRD) experiments verified the existence of elemental nickel and accurately determined the crystalline structure of nickel oxide nanoparticles. Novel green organic-inorganic hybrid nanofibers (NiO@CA) were synthesized using the electrospinning technique. These nanofibers are composed of NiO nanoparticles integrated into cellulose acetate nanofibers, which are particularly engineered for the purpose of fruit preservation. Robust antibacterial activity was shown by NiO nanoparticles and NiO@CA nanofiber against the assessed food pathogenic bacterial strains. NiO@CA nanofiber used as a surface coating on lemon and tomato prolonged their shelf life by preventing the degradation caused by food risks. The provided results indicate that NiO@CA nanofiber has the capacity to function as antimicrobial packaging for the purpose of food preservation. Enhancing food safety, prolonging shelf life, and offering an eco-friendly alternative to traditional materials, antibacterial food packaging made of biocompatible nickel oxide-infused cellulose acetate electrospun nanofibers is a great solution.