Nanocomposite Formulation Research Articles

Advanced Flexible Wearable Electronics from Hybrid Nanocomposites Based on Cellulose Nanofibers, PEDOT:PSS and Reduced Graphene Oxide

The need for responsible electronics is leading to great interest in the development of new bio-based devices that are environmentally friendly. This work presents a simple and efficient process for the creation of conductive nanocomposites using renewable materials such as cellulose nanofibers (CNF) from enzymatic pretreatment, poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)-poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS), and/or reduced graphene oxide (rGO). Different combinations of CNF, rGo, and PEDOT:PSS were considered to generate homogeneous binary and ternary nanocomposite formulations. These formulations were characterized through SEM, Raman spectroscopy, mechanical, electrical, and electrochemical analysis. The binary formulation containing 40 wt% of PEDOT:PSS resulted in nanocomposite formulations with tensile strength, Young’s modulus, and a conductivity of 70.39 MPa, 3.87 GPa, and 0.35 S/cm, respectively. The binary formulation with 15 wt% of rGO reached 86.19 MPa, 4.41 GPa, and 13.88 S/cm of the same respective properties. A synergy effect was observed for the ternary formulations between both conductive elements; these nanocomposite formulations reached 42.11 S/cm of conductivity and kept their strength as nanocomposites. The 3D design strategy provided a highly conductive network maintaining the structural integrity of CNF, which generated homogenous nanocomposites with rGO and PEDOT:PSS. These formulations can be considered as greatly promising for the next generation of low-cost, eco-friendly, and energy storage devices, such as batteries or electrochemical capacitors.

Energy Harvesting Using Optimized ZnO Polymer Nanocomposite-Based 3D-Printed Lattice Structure

A 3D-printable polymer can provide an effective solution for developing piezoelectric structures. However, their nanocomposite formulation and 3D printing processability must be optimized for fabricating complex geometries with high printability. In the present study, we optimized the 3D-printable piezoelectric composite formulation for developing complex geometries by an additive manufacturing approach. The zinc oxide (ZnO) nanomaterial was synthesized by the hydrothermal method. The ZnO loading in the 3D-printed flexible resin was optimized to exhibit good interfacial adhesion and enable 3D printing. The lattice structure was fabricated to improve the piezoelectric response compared with the solid structure. The lattice structure block printed with 10 wt% ZnO showed a good piezoelectric response, with a linear increase in the generated output voltage for an increase in force. The maximum power density of 0.065 μW/cm2 was obtained under 12 N force at 1 Hz. The fabricated structure generated a peak–peak voltage of ~3 V with a foot heel strike.

A life cycle assessment of CCU process to produce a nanocomposite from ethanol plant CO2 emission

The use of rubber septa for controlled release of semiochemicals has raised important discussions about their efficiency and environmental impact since they are composed of fossil raw material. The life cycle assessment (LCA) of the synthesis of a nanocomposite type calcium nanocarbonate/Kraft lignin (NC-CN-KL) obtained from CO2 capture aimed to quantify the environmental loads involved in the production process. The synthesis evaluated by the LCA was performed on a laboratory scale, since it is a synthetic route classified as technological readiness level 4 (TRL-4) and is in the study and development stage. The LCA was performed according to the principles of the ISO 14044/2006 series of standards, from 101.854 g of nanocomposite as a functional unit. The limitations of the study arose from its synthesis scale, absence of LCA data on the rubber septa and other nanocomposites. The results obtained in the LCA identified electricity and other energy generation processes as the largest contributors to environmental loads for all environmental impact categories studied and suggest that research should focus on these inputs when choosing the sources used in energy nanocomposite formulation processes. LCAs for this synthesis to obtain NC-CN-KL should be carried out on a pilot scale, and it is expected that this work will contribute to the formulation of the material and decision-making, especially regarding the choice of the energy matrix.

Nanocomposite formulations of titanium dioxide and algal biomass: A rheological characterization for topical cosmetics and dermal applications

This study investigates rheological properties of novel, algae-based nanocomposites developed for potential use in dermal applications. The purpose of this investigation is to develop a highly tunable, biocompatible cosmetic base formulation and demonstrate how rheology relates to spreadability in its application. It was hypothesized that Spirulina biomass could be used in conjunction with titania (TiO2) nanoparticles and crosslinking and binding agents of calcium and/or citric acid to form nanocomposite materials with highly tunable rheological characteristics in absence of chemical surfactants. In this study, Arthrospira platensis (Spirulina) biomass, titanium (IV) dioxide, calcium chloride, and citric acid are used to develop a formulation that is then tested for a wide range of rheological characteristics and sensory-related properties. The rheological tests include amplitude sweep, frequency sweep, viscosity flow curve, 3-interval strain oscillatory thixotropy, and creep – recovery. Additionally, yield stress, complex viscosity, zero-shear viscosity, and power law indices were determined. The sensory-related properties that are discussed include formulation pH, static load spreadability, and dynamic shearing spreadability. After completing the investigation, it was concluded that the surfactant-free formulations were highly tunable, in terms of viscosity, rigidity, and thixotropy.

Molybdenum Disulfide Nanosheet-Based Nanocomposite for the Topical Delivery of Umbelliferone: Evaluation of Anti-inflammatory and Analgesic Potentials.

This study aimed to develop a nanocomposite formulation comprising umbelliferone (UMB) and molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) nanosheets as a carrier, termed as the UMB-MoS2 nanocomposite in gel for topical delivery. MoS2 nanosheets were successfully synthesized via a green-hydrothermal reaction of 10 mg of ammonium molybdate and 10 mg of thiourea in 80 mL of deionized water under predetermined conditions. The UMB-MoS2 nanocomposite was prepared by sonicating UMB and MoS2 nanosheets (each of 1 mg/mL) in dimethylformamide. Scanning electron microscopy revealed crumpled nanosheets with an open-ended structure and a nanocomposite as a layered structure. The X-ray diffraction pattern revealed the amorphous nature of UMB in the UMB-MoS2 nanocomposite. Fourier-transform infrared spectra of the UMB-MoS2 nanocomposite had modified bands of the functional group, which confirmed the formation of the nanocomposite. The size and polydispersity-index (435 nm and 0.415, respectively) of the nanocomposite were within the limit for an efficient topical application. Carbopol 934 (2%) was used to prepare the UMB-MoS2 nanocomposite gel (F1) and UMB-Carbopol gel (F2, for comparative evaluation). The pH, spreadability, and viscosity of F1 were found to be 5.56, 5.89 g·cm/s, and 32.5 Pa-sec, respectively, which were optimal for the topical application of gel-based formulations. In vitro release characteristics of both formulations were deemed to be suitable for topical application, where F1 exhibited a biphasic drug release profile and a superior release rate of 94.8% compared to 43.5% for F2 at 24 h. In the carrageenan-induced rat paw edema model, the animal group treated with F1 demonstrated the lowest increase in paw thickness of 26.6%, which was significantly lower as compared to the F2-treated group (52.9%) and the diclofenac sodium-treated group (32.2%). Similarly, in the tail immersion method, F1 exhibited the highest peak tail withdrawal latency of 10.9 s, significantly greater than F2 (8.9 s) and standard treatment (10 s), indicating the superior analgesic activity of F1. This pioneering work introduces a novel UMB-MoS2 nanocomposite with promising anti-inflammatory and analgesic potentials, paving the way for further research into the biomedical applications of MoS2-based nanocarriers.

Advanced ternary carbon-based hybrid nanocomposites for electromagnetic functional behavior in additive manufacturing

This study explores the processing and performance of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS)-based carbon ternary hybrid nanocomposites, incorporating carbon nanotubes (CNT), graphene nanoplatelets (GNP), and carbon black (CB), for applications in electromagnetic compatibility (EMC). The effect of nanocomposite processing on electromagnetic properties was evaluated by varying the mixing protocol, either through direct extrusion with simultaneous addition of all constituents or by preparing a master batch followed by dilution. The impact of nanofiller morphology and processing techniques on the behavior of nanocomposites was systematically investigated. Filaments of these nanocomposites were Additive Manufactured via Material Extrusion, and the resulting parts were evaluated for EMI shielding effectiveness (SE) in the X-band frequency range. The study reveals that the morphology, influenced by the processing strategy, significantly impacts the EMI SE properties of the printed samples. Particularly, ternary hybrids 3/3/3 wt% (CNT/GNP/CB) nanocomposites demonstrate promising electrical (0.003 S/cm), electromagnetic (29 dB of total attenuation), and mechanical performance (elastic modulus of 3080 MPa), with a clear advantage observed in those processed via direct extrusion. These nanocomposites were validated as feedstock filaments for 3D printing, and the printed sample exceeds the injection molded behavior for the composition 3/3/3 wt% (CNT/GNP/CB), achieving 40 dB of total attenuation at 11.8 GHz. The findings contribute valuable knowledge into tailoring nanocomposite formulations for additive manufacturing applications in EMI shielding, providing a nuanced understanding of the interplay between processing strategies, nanocomposite morphology, and resulting material properties.

Influence of polymerisation parameters on the electro-optical properties of polymer-stabilised liquid crystals for smart glass application

ABSTRACT Smart windows are an important application of liquid crystal/polymer nanocomposites. Recently, an original design has been proposed for a window that switches from a scattering to a transparent state under an electric field. By polymerisation, the topological defects of the smectic A phase under hybrid anchoring conditions are stabilised in the nematic phase, making them addressable by the field. Here, we report the impact of the polymerisation parameters on the electro-optical properties and microstructure of the nanocomposites. We have first estimated the polymerisation kinetics and then investigated the influence of the UV-light intensity, monomer concentration, and photoinitiator concentration. UV-light intensity has little effect on the electro-optical properties of the device, although microstructural changes were observed. The monomer concentration has a strong impact on the scattering power in both the on- and off-states. A model is proposed to describe the dependence of the response times on the monomer concentration. Finally, no influence of the photoinitiator concentration on the electro-optical properties was observed. Polymerisation could occur even in the absence of photoinitiator, possibly due to the presence of impurities that could generate radicals under irradiation. Our study should help optimising the formulation of polymer-stabilised liquid crystal nanocomposites for industrial applications.

Gold-Hydrogel Nanocomposites for High-Resolution Laser-Based 3D Printing of Scaffolds with SERS-Sensing Properties.

Although visible light-based stereolithography (SLA) represents an affordable technology for the rapid prototyping of 3D scaffolds for in vitro support of cells, its potential could be limited by the lack of functional photocurable biomaterials that can be SLA-structured at micrometric resolution. Even if innovative photocomposites showing biomimetic, bioactive, or biosensing properties have been engineered by loading inorganic particles into photopolymer matrices, main examples rely on UV-assisted extrusion-based low-resolution processes. Here, SLA-printable composites were obtained by mixing a polyethylene glycol diacrylate (PEGDA) hydrogel with multibranched gold nanoparticles (NPs). NPs were engineered to copolymerize with the PEGDA matrix by implementing a functionalization protocol involving covalent grafting of allylamine molecules that have C═C pendant moieties. The formulations of gold nanocomposites were tailored to achieve high-resolution fast prototyping of composite scaffolds via visible light-based SLA. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that, after mixing with a polymer and after laser structuring, gold NPs still retained their unique plasmonic properties and could be exploited for optical detection of analytes through surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS). As a proof of concept, SERS-sensing performances of 3D printed plasmonic scaffolds were successfully demonstrated with a Raman probe molecule (e.g., 4-mercaptobenzoic acid) from the perspective of future extensions to real-time sensing of cell-specific markers released within cultures. Finally, biocompatibility tests preliminarily demonstrated that embedded NPs also played a key role by inducing physiological cell-cytoskeleton rearrangements, further confirming the potentialities of such hybrid nanocomposites as groundbreaking materials in laser-based bioprinting.

Design of mucoadhesive thiomer/organically modified montmorillonite nanocomposites: Evaluation of controlled drug release

This present work introduces a novel thiomer/nanoclay nanocomposite material with mucoadhesive and controlled release properties that has been prepared and evaluated as a potential drug carrier system. This hybrid material is based on thiolated alginate and organically modified montmorillonite (MMT). Alginate thiomer was synthesized by immobilization of l-cysteine on alginate backbone via carbodiimide reaction. Thiol/disulfide groups were identified and quantified by FT-IR, 1H NMR and Ellman's method. Rheological assays as preliminary in vitro mucoadhesion test using mucin show that complex viscosity increases until ∼7-fold compared to unmodified alginate/mucin, and G’ > G″ is present in thiomers, compared with G” > G′ present in unmodified alginate, which indicate strong interactions between thiomer and mucin. Thiomer/nanoclay nanocomposites were prepared by film casting method and characterized by TGA, XRD, TEM and rheometry. Nanocomposites maintain rheological properties showed by thiolated alginate when they are tested with mucin, increasing complex viscosity until ∼8-fold respect a nanocomposite formulation based on unmodified alginate. The release of deltamethrin from nanocomposite films was studied and the impact of the amount of nanoclay (0–7%) and four types of organic modifiers in MMT were evaluated. Different kinetic models were evaluated in order to study the mechanism involved in drug release. Zero, first, Higuchi and Korsmeyer-Peppas model were evaluated, being the last two kinetic models the ones with better fitting and higher values of R2. The presence of nanoclay on the formulation influence significantly (P < 0.001) deltamethrin short-term release showing an anomalous and Case-II transport mechanism. Compared with a Fickian diffusion when nanoclay is absent in the formulation. The diffusion coefficient D could decrease until ∼7-fold compared to a formulation without nanoclay. Long-term release is significantly influenced (P < 0.0001) by the chemical nature of organic modifier used on nanoclay and its interaction with the drug. This thiomer/nanoclay nanocomposite material could be a useful prospect as a mucoadhesive material for drug carrier with controlled drug release properties.

In-Bath 3D Printing of Anisotropic Shape-Memory Cryogels Functionalized with Bone-Bioactive Nanoparticles.

Cryogels exhibit unique shape memory with full recovery and structural stability features after multiple injections. These constructs also possess enhanced cell permeability and nutrient diffusion when compared to typical bulk hydrogels. Volumetric processing of cryogels functionalized with nanosized units has potential to widen their biomedical applications, however this has remained challenging and relatively underexplored. In this study, we report a novel methodology that combines suspension 3D printing with directional freezing for the fabrication of nanocomposite cryogels with configurable anisotropy. When compared to conventional bulk or freeze-dried hydrogels, nanocomposite cryogel formulations exhibit excellent shape recovery (>95%) and higher pore connectivity. Suspension printing, assisted with a prechilled metal grid, was optimized to induce anisotropy. The addition of calcium- and phosphate-doped mesoporous silica nanoparticles into the cryogel matrix enhanced bioactivity toward orthopedic applications without hindering the printing process. Notably, the nanocomposite 3D printed cryogels exhibit injectable shape memory while also featuring a lamellar topography. The fabrication of these constructs was highly reproducible and exhibited potential for a cell-delivery injectable cryogel with no cytotoxicity to human-derived adipose stem cells. Hence, in this work, it was possible to combine a gravity defying 3D printed methodology with injectable and controlled anisotropic macroporous structures containing bioactive nanoparticles. This methodology ameliorates highly tunable injectable 3D printed anisotropic nanocomposite cryogels with a user-programmable degree of structural complexity.

Methotrexate-Polymer Nanocomposites for Targeted Pulmonary Drug Delivery

Nanocomposite formulation is a suitable technology that enables the development of successful dry powder inhalers. The methotrexate (MTX) and polyamide-disulfide (polymer) were used as a model to form MTX-polymer nanocomposites. Different amounts of the independent variable, MTX (0.025 and 0.050 g), polymer (0.05 and 0.01 g), pH (6.7 and 11.3), and across-linker ferric chloride (FeCl3) (0.05 and 0.10 g) were used. The loading efficiency and particle size were dependent variables. The optimized formula can be obtained with the highest loading efficiency and optimum particle size. This formula can be collected by using 0.025 g of drug, 0.079 g of polymer, 0.050 g of FeCl3, and pH = 6.7. The release of MTX from the nanocomposites occurs in two release steps; the first release step starts from the beginning up to 60 min, followed by a continuous release phase within 60 min. The results of the NGI analysis demonstrated that 28.1% of the nominated dose in each puff reached the lower parts of the respiratory system, an indication that the nanocomposites can be used in the delivery of MTX as a respiratory system.

Multiscale porosity characterization in additively manufactured polymer nanocomposites using micro-computed tomography

Extrusion-based additive manufacturing (AM) of polymer composites exhibits complex thermally driven phenomena that introduce severe discontinuities in the internal structure across length scales, especially voids or porosity. This study utilizes a high-throughput porosity characterization technique to analyze large datasets from numerous micro-computed tomography (μCT) scans to capture the influence of AM print parameters on the size, shape, and location of porosity across multiple print layers (up to a few cm) on fused granular fabrication (FGF) printers. The materials investigated include nanocomposite formulations based on commercially relevant nylon-12 and polyether ketone ketone (PEKK) materials comprising nano- or micro-sized fillers. The estimated global porosity follows an inverse linear correlation against the bulk density of the printed samples. Increasing the extrusion multiplier (EM) and the nozzle temperature while decreasing the print speeds reduces the global porosity. Outlier analyses (local porosity morphology) show that faster print speeds and higher extrusion rates result in long, slender inter-layer voids, while lower nozzle temperatures lead to large, symmetrical, inter-bead voids (at the bead junction). Lack of active chamber temperature increases inter-layer and intra-bead voids with a two-fold increase in global porosity. Overall, the micro filler-reinforced composites exhibit higher global porosity than nanofiller-reinforced composites, which is attributed to the increased mismatch in the thermal expansion coefficient between the filler and the polymers used in the study.

Impact of gamma irradiation on physico-chemical and electromagnetic interference shielding properties of Cu2O nanoparticles reinforced LDPE nanocomposite films

In the current work, cuprous oxide (Cu2O) nanoparticles coated with Tween 80 were successfully synthesized via the chemical reduction method. Nanocomposites composed of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and different ratios of Cu2O nanoparticles were fabricated by the melt mixing process. 10% of ethyl vinyl acetate (EVA) as a compatibilizing agent was added to the molten LDPE matrix and the mixing process continued until homogenous nanocomposites were fabricated. To study the influence of ionizing radiation on the fabricated samples, the prepared species were exposed to 50 and 100 kGy of gamma rays. The synthesized Cu2O nanoparticles were investigated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). XRD and TEM analysis illustrated the successful formation of spherical Cu2O nanoparticles with an average size of 16.8 nm. The as-prepared LDPE/Cu2O nanocomposites were characterized via different techniques such as mechanical, thermal, morphological, XRD, and FTIR. Electromagnetic interference shielding (EMI) of the different nanocomposite formulations was performed as a promising application for these materials in practical life. The electromagnetic shielding effectiveness (SE) of the produced samples was measured in the X-band of the radio frequency range from 8 to 12 GHz using the vector network analyzer (VNA) and a proper waveguide. All the samples were studied before and after gamma-ray irradiation under the same conditions of pressure and temperature. The shielding effectiveness increased significantly from 25 dB for unirradiated samples to 35 dB with samples irradiated with 100 kGy, which reflects 40% enhancement in the effectiveness of the shielding.

Inhibitory role of copper and silver nanocomposite on important bacterial and fungal pathogens in rice (Oryza sativa)

Rice (Oryza sativa) being among the most important food crops in the world is also susceptible to various bacterial and fungal diseases that are the major stumbling blocks in the way of increased production and productivity. The bacterial leaf blight caused by Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae and the sheath blight disease caused by Rhizoctonia solani are among the most devastating diseases of the rice crop. In spite of the availability of array of chemical control, there are chances of development of resistance. Thus, there is a need for the nanotechnological intervention for management of disease in the form of copper and silver nano-composites. The copper (CuNPs) and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were synthesized using green route and characterized using different high throughput techniques, i.e., UV–Vis, FT-IR, DLS, XRD, FE-SEM, TEM. The particle size and zeta potential of synthesized CuNPs and AgNPs were found 273 nm and − 24.2 mV; 95.19 nm and − 25.5 mV respectively. The nanocomposite of CuNPs and AgNPs were prepared having particle size in the range of 375–306 nm with improved stability (zeta potential − 54.7 to − 39.4 mV). The copper and silver nanoparticle composites evaluated against Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae and Rhizoctonia solani were found to have higher antibacterial (inhibition zone 13 mm) and antifungal activities (77%) compared to only the copper nanoparticle (8 mm; 62% respectively). Net house trials of nano-composite formulations against the bacterial blight of rice also corroborated the potential of nanocomposite formulation. In silico studies were carried out selecting two disease-causing proteins, peptide deformylase (Xanthomonas oryzae) and pectate lyase (Rhizoctonia solani) to perform the molecular docking. Interaction studies indicatedthat both of these proteins generated better complex with CuNPs than AgNPs. The study suggested that the copper and silver nano-composites could be used for developing formulations to control these devastating rice diseases.

Retracted: Curcumin-Chitosan Nanocomposite Formulation Containing Pongamia pinnata-Mediated Silver Nanoparticles, Wound Pathogen Control, and Anti-Inflammatory Potential.

[This retracts the article DOI: 10.1155/2021/3091587.].

Polymer Matrix Nanocomposites for Sustainable Packaging: A Green Approach

This research examines the characteristics and ecological viability of polymer matrix nanocomposites used in sustainable packaging. Nanocomposites were produced by combining varied proportions of polymer and nanofiller material. Through mechanical testing, it was determined that nanocomposite formulation 3 had the maximum tensile strength of 55 MPa, as well as a Young’s modulus of 3.5 GPa, showing greater stiffness in comparison to the other formulations. The evaluation of barrier qualities revealed that nanocomposite formulation 2 exhibited the most minimal oxygen permeability at a rate of 8 cc/m²/day and the lowest water vapor transmission rate at 4.5 g/m²/day, showing very efficient performance in preventing the passage of gases and moisture. The environmental impact study showed that nanocomposite formulation 3 had the most efficient energy consumption during manufacture, with a rate of 1.8 kWh/kg. It also had the lowest waste creation, with just 0.08 kg/kg, and the lowest CO2 emissions, with only 0.4 kg/kg. Nanocomposite formulation 3 demonstrated substantial improvements in mechanical characteristics, barrier properties, and environmental impact indicators when compared to the reference formulations, as shown by the percentage change analysis. In summary, this study showcases the capabilities of polymer matrix nanocomposites, specifically formulation 3, as environmentally friendly packaging materials that offer improved mechanical properties, effective barrier performance, and reduced ecological footprint. These findings contribute to the development of sustainable packaging solutions across different industries.

Mechanical and thermal properties of a newly developed sepiolite filler-filled rPET/PA11 thermoplastic nanocomposites

The study examined the impact of sepiolite filler-filled nanocomposites in a novel recycled polyethylene terephthalate (rPET)/polyamide (PA11)/joncryl® blend. Sepiolite filler significantly improved the mechanical and thermal properties of nanocomposites. A twin-screw extruder and injection moulding machines were employed to manufacture five different formulations of nanocomposites. The tensile strength (37.6 MPa) and Young's modulus (944.25 MPa) of the blend NCS-0 improved with the addition of 2 phr of sepiolite. The tensile strength and Young's modulus of nanocomposites (NCS-2) were recorded at 41.3 MPa and 974.25 MPa, respectively. The lowest sepiolite filler content (2 phr) had the maximum tensile strength among all other ratios. The flexural strength of NCS-2 was recorded at 47.3 MPa. The tensile and flexural modulus of nanocomposites were significantly enhanced by incorporating 2 phr of sepiolite. The impact strength of NCS-2 (252.98 MPa) was much higher than NCS-8. The addition of sepiolite filler increased the glass transition temperature (Tg) by 38 %. The onset of decomposition temperature (Tonset) of the blend (NCS-0) improved by 20–22° Celsius (oC). Overall, nanocomposites with 2 phr sepiolite demonstrated the ultimate mechanical and thermal properties. These results explored new ways of using rPET/PA11 compatibilized blend in the automotive industry.

Using the Layered Double Hydroxide-Lycopene Nanocomposite Formulation to Lessen Lycopene Toxicity in Danio rerio Embryos

Using the Layered Double Hydroxide-Lycopene Nanocomposite Formulation to Lessen Lycopene Toxicity in Danio rerio Embryos

New Eco-Friendly, Biocompatible, Bactericidal, Fungicidal and Anticancer-Activity-Exhibiting Nanocomposites Based on Bimetallic TiO2@Cr2O3 Nanoparticle Core and Biopolymer Shells

Nanoparticles have attracted substantial attention for their diverse range of applications, particularly in biomedicine applications and drug delivery, owing to their unique properties. However, their tiny size facilitates easy cellular entry, which can also lead to interactions with cellular components, potentially resulting in toxicity and undesirable effects. In this study, a novel nanocomposite formulation was developed using biopolymers, specifically ethylcellulose and collagen, as capping and stabilizing agents to create bimetallic nanoparticles including TiO2@Cr2O3 nanoparticles. Physicochemical and morphological analyses were carried out to validate the formulation’s structure. The obtained characteristics emphasized the presence of a nanostructure involving bimetallic nanoparticles. This formulation exhibited excellent biological activity, including high biocompatibility with Vero and WI38 cells at concentrations of 40.4 and 52 µg/mL, respectively, as well as effective anticancer activity with significant selectivity. The IC50 values were determined to be 19 and 22 µg/mL for MCF7 and A549 cells, respectively. The antimicrobial assessment revealed the highest MIC value for A. niger at 50 µg/mL, while the lowest MIC value was observed for Gram-positive bacteria at 3.12 µg/mL. Additionally, the nanocomposite demonstrated antioxidant activity at a low concentration of 1.5 µg/mL.

Chitosan-based formulation for bone health: A review

Bone health may be impacted by various causes such as dietary deficiencies and metabolic disturbances. The possible use of chitosan (CTS) has also been investigated in improving bone health due to its biodegradability, biocompatibility, and low toxicity. This review aims to study the role of CTS formulation for maintaining bone health including treating bone-related diseases, particularly osteoporosis. The literature was extracted from three databases (PubMed, Scopus and ScienceDirect) from the year 2011 to 2021 using the Medical subject heading (MeSH) terms “osteoporosis” crossed with the term “chitosan". Several formulations of CTS have been implemented in helping bone-related diseases such as nanocomposite, hydrogel and scaffolds. A nanocomposite chitosan formulation successfully increased the femur bone's calcification intensity in a study on adult female rats. CTS-based hydrogel has been found to convey mechanical strength similar to the vertebral bone and possess inherent osteoconductive properties. In conclusion, CTS has shown great potential to be used alone or in combination with other materials in treating bone-related diseases. CTS is also extensively investigated for its benefit as a formulation for various applications due to its good biocompatibility and biodegradability.