Barium Titanate Nanoparticles Research Articles

Enhanced photocatalytic degradation of Rhodamine B using gold nanoparticles decorated on BaTiO3 with surface plasmon resonance enhancement.

This study focused on synthesizing and applying gold nanoparticle (Au NP) decorated barium titanate (BaTiO3) nanoparticles for photocatalytic purposes. BaTiO3 NPs were synthesized using a facile hydrothermal method. Various techniques were employed to characterize the structure and morphological characteristics of the prepared materials. The photocatalytic degradation of Rhodamine B over the Au NPs-modified BaTiO3 photocatalysts was studied. Trapping experiments were conducted using different scavengers to elucidate the degradation mechanism and the involvement of photogenerated species. The incorporation of an appropriate amount of Au NPs into the composites resulted in a significant improvement in photocatalytic activity, attributed to the combined effect of Schottky junction at the interface and the surface plasmon resonance of Au NPs.

High-Performance Piezoelectric Nanogenerator of BTO-PVDF Nanofibers for Wearable Sensing.

Piezoelectric nanogenerator (PENG) produces stable electrical signals in response to external mechanical stimuli and holds promise in the fields of flexible sensors and smart wearable devices. In practice, a high-performance PENG with a straightforward structure and exceptional reliability is deeply desired. This study optimally synthesizes piezoelectric composites comprising polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) incorporated with barium titanate (BTO) nanoparticles (NPs) and fabricated a PENG with heightened sensitivity by using the electrospinning technique. The polar β-phase content of the dual-optimized BTO-PVDF (barium titanate and polyvinylidene fluoride) electrospun fiber reaches up to 82.39%. In the bending mode, it achieves a remarkable maximum open-circuit voltage of 19.152V, a transferred charge of 8.058 nC, and an output voltage per unit area of 2.128Vcm- 2. Under vertical pressure conditions, the BP-PENG exhibits an impressive voltage of 12.361V while the force is 2.156 N, demonstrating a notable pressure sensing sensitivity of 5.159VkPa-1, with an excellent linear relationship. Furthermore, the BP-PENG displays sensitive sensing features in monitoring hand movements. The sensitive response and high performance make it promising for applications in human motion monitoring and smart wearable devices.

Self-Reinforced Piezoelectric Response of an Electroluminescent Film for the Dual-Channel Signal Monitoring of Damaged Areas.

Organic piezoelectric nanogenerators (PENGs) show promise for monitoring damage in mechanical equipment. However, weak interfacial bonding between the reinforcing phase and the fluorinated material limits the feedback signal from the damaged area. In this study, we developed a PENG film capable of real-time identification of the damage location and extent. By incorporating core-shell barium titanate (BTO@PVDF-HFP) nanoparticles, we achieved enhanced piezoelectric characteristics, flexibility, and processability. The composite film exhibited an expanded output voltage range, reaching 41.8 V with an increase in frequency, load, and damage depth. Additionally, the film demonstrated self-powered electroluminescence (EL) during the wear process, thanks to its inherent ferroelectric properties and the presence of luminescent ZnS:Cu particles. Unlike conventional PENG electroluminescent devices, the PENG film exhibited luminescence at the damage location over a wide temperature range. Our findings offer a novel approach for realizing modular and miniaturized real-time damage mapping systems in the field of safety engineering.

Piezoelectric BaTiO3 nanoparticles as oxidase mimics breaking pH limitation for colorimetric detection of glutathione reductase

Piezoelectric nanozymes driven by available ultrasonic (US) irradiation are receiving considerable attention for the reactive oxygen species (ROS)-enabled ability that depends on intrinsic polarization and energy-band tilting. In this work, piezo-response barium titanate (BaTiO3) nanoparticles (NPs) were successfully constructed and used as oxidase mimics to clarify the underlying mechanism between the piezoelectric effect and enzyme-like properties. Under US activation, BaTiO3 NPs can generate a built-in electric field inside the materials, which promotes electron-hole pairs separation and initiates the cascade redox reactions with surrounding molecules (e.g., H2O and O2) to yield multiple ROS. In the absence of H2O2 or dissolved oxygen, the synthesized BaTiO3 NPs displayed exceptional oxidase-like activity at neutral pH and could catalyze the chromogenic reaction of 3,3′,5,5′-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) with a high catalytic constant (Kcat) as 2.11 × 103 s−1. Fascinatingly, glutathione (GSH) inhibited the TMB oxidation owing to its strong reducibility, based on which, a colorimetric assay for glutathione reductase (GR) detection could be rationally achieved. The linear range and detection limit were determined to be 0.01–1 U/mL and 0.0092 U/mL, respectively. This study not only unveils the essential mechanism of piezocatalysis-nanozyme coupling process, but also blazes a new pathway for the rational design of nanozymes with high activity for biochemical analysis.

Tribo-piezoelectric synergistic BaTiO3/PDMS micropyramidal structure for high-performance energy harvester and high-sensitivity tactile sensing

Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) and piezoelectric nanogenerators (PENGs) represent some of the most promising strategies for converting mechanical deformation and friction into electrical energy. This energy can be used to power electronic devices, such as wearables, and detect mechanical stimuli. Here, we have demonstrated the synergistic integration of piezoelectric and triboelectric effects by incorporating barium titanate (BaTiO3) nanoparticles into a pyramidal polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) elastomer. This integration aims to enhance the performance of both pressure sensor devices and electrical energy harvesters. The pressure sensitivity of our proposed tribo-piezoelectric device reaches as high as 3.71 V∙kPa−1 for pressure sensing within the range of 0.1–100 kPa, the output voltage increasing to ∼ 370 V at 100 kPa. Our theoretical simulation of electrical power density at this specific pressure reveals that the mechanical deformation of the PDMS elastomer, combined with the polarization of BaTiO3 nanoparticles, synergistically generate tribo-piezoelectric charge on the surface. Therefore, our synergistic combination of triboelectric and piezoelectric effects opens a promising avenue for effectively converting mechanical action into electrical signals. This enables highly efficient energy scavenging and the development of high-sensitivity pressure sensors.

ULTRASOUND COUNTERACTS INFLAMMATION AND INDUCES CHONDROGENIC DIFFERENTIATION OF ASCS IN 3D PIEZOELECTRIC HYDROGELS

In cartilage tissue engineering (TE),new solutions are needed to effectively drive chondrogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stromal cells in both normal and inflammatory milieu. Ultrasound waves represent an interesting tool to facilitate chondrogenesis. In particular, low intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS)has been shown to regulate the differentiation of adipose mesenchymal stromal cells. Hydrogels are promising biomaterials capable of encapsulating MSCs by providing an instructive biomimetic environment, graphene oxide (GO) has emerged as a promising nanomaterial for cartilage TE due to its chondroinductive properties when embedded in polymeric formulations, and piezoelectric nanomaterials, such as barium titanate nanoparticles (BTNPs),can be exploited as nanoscale transducers capable of inducing cell growth/differentiation. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of dose-controlled LIPUS in counteracting inflammation and positively committing chondrogenesis of ASCs embedded in a 3D piezoelectric hydrogel.ASCs at 2*106 cells/mL were embedded in a 3D VitroGel RGD® hydrogel without nanoparticles (Control) or doped with 25 µg/ml of GO nanoflakes and 50 µg/ml BTNPs.The hydrogels were exposed to basal or inflammatory milieu (+IL1β 10ng/ml)and then to LIPUS stimulation every 2 days for 10 days of culture. Hydrogels were chondrogenic differentiated and analyzed after 2,10 and 28 days. At each time point cell viability, cytotoxicity, gene expression and immunohistochemistry (COL2, aggrecan, SOX9, COL1)and inflammatory cytokines were evaluated.Ultrasound stimulation significantly induced chondrogenic differentiation of ASCs loaded into 3D piezoelectric hydrogels under basal conditions: COL2, aggrecan and SOX9 were significantly overexpressed, while the fibrotic marker COL1 decreased compared to control samples. LIPUS also has potent anti-inflammatory effects by reducing IL6 and IL8 and maintaining its ability to boost chondrogenesis.These results suggest that the combination of LIPUS and piezoelectric hydrogels promotes the differentiation of ASCs encapsulated in a 3D hydrogel by reducing the inflammatory milieu, thus representing a promising tool in the field of cartilage TE.Acknowledgements: This work received funding from the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation program, grant agreement No 814413, project ADMAIORA (AdvanceD nanocomposite MAterIals for in situ treatment and ultRAsound-mediated management of osteoarthritis).

Ultrasound Stimulation of Piezoelectric Nanocomposite Hydrogels Boosts Chondrogenic Differentiation in Vitro, in Both a Normal and Inflammatory Milieu.

The use of piezoelectric nanomaterials combined with ultrasound stimulation is emerging as a promising approach for wirelessly triggering the regeneration of different tissue types. However, it has never been explored for boosting chondrogenesis. Furthermore, the ultrasound stimulation parameters used are often not adequately controlled. In this study, we show that adipose-tissue-derived mesenchymal stromal cells embedded in a nanocomposite hydrogel containing piezoelectric barium titanate nanoparticles and graphene oxide nanoflakes and stimulated with ultrasound waves with precisely controlled parameters (1 MHz and 250 mW/cm2, for 5 min once every 2 days for 10 days) dramatically boost chondrogenic cell commitment in vitro. Moreover, fibrotic and catabolic factors are strongly down-modulated: proteomic analyses reveal that such stimulation influences biological processes involved in cytoskeleton and extracellular matrix organization, collagen fibril organization, and metabolic processes. The optimal stimulation regimen also has a considerable anti-inflammatory effect and keeps its ability to boost chondrogenesis in vitro, even in an inflammatory milieu. An analytical model to predict the voltage generated by piezoelectric nanoparticles invested by ultrasound waves is proposed, together with a computational tool that takes into consideration nanoparticle clustering within the cell vacuoles and predicts the electric field streamline distribution in the cell cytoplasm. The proposed nanocomposite hydrogel shows good injectability and adhesion to the cartilage tissue ex vivo, as well as excellent biocompatibility in vivo, according to ISO 10993. Future perspectives will involve preclinical testing of this paradigm for cartilage regeneration.

Biophysical stimulation for bone regeneration using a chitosan/barium titanate ferroelectric composite.

Herein we report the synthesis of a ferroelectric composed of chitosan (C)/barium titanate (BT) nanoparticles (NPs) with enhanced biocompatibility, non-toxicity, and piezoelectric behavior that can be advantageously used in biomedical applications. FTIR and SEM measurements were performed to assess the mechanism of interaction between the C matrix and BT NPs and their correlation with the biological responses. The dielectric measurements of the as-prepared composites reveal that incorporation of 50% BT NPs in the chitosan matrix leads to a steady increase of the dielectric constant as compared with neat chitosan films. The ferroelectric behavior of the sample was confirmed by the values of the loss factor (0.21-0.003) in the analyzed frequency range (10-1-106 Hz). This behavior suggests that ferroelectric C/BT nanocomposites can act as an active material that promotes accelerated bone regeneration.

Physicochemical, electrochemical, and biological characterization of field assisted gold nanocluster-coated barium titanate nanoparticles for biomedical applications.

Fluorescence-based bioimaging is an imperative approach with high clinical relevance in healthcare applications and biomedical research. The field of bioimaging plays an indispensable role in gaining insight into the internal architecture of cells/tissues and comprehending the physiological functions associated with biological systems. With the utility of piezoelectric nanomaterials, the bioelectric interface has been significantly investigated, leading to remarkable clinical relevance. Herein, we have developed barium titanate nanoparticle (BT) coated gold nanoclusters (AuNCs) in the presence and absence of an electromagnetic field (EMF). In this work, the effect of low (0.6 G) and high (2.0 G) EMFs on the structural arrangement of these piezoelectric nanocomposites (ABT) has been extensively studied with the help of X-ray diffraction (XRD), high diffraction resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Furthermore, the two derivatives of ABT i.e. 0.6 ABT and 2.0 ABT have been evaluated for electrochemical behavior for their applicability as a candidate for exploring the bioelectric interface. Additionally, ABT, 0.6 ABT, and 2.0 ABT have been explored for cytocompatibility and bioimaging applications. The proposed piezoelectric nanocomposite, as a multifunctional platform, has enormous proficiency in the field of bioimaging and the capability to be utilized across the bioelectric interface.

Fostering sustainable agriculture: genotype-independent plant cell transfection mediated by piezoelectric nanomaterials via sonoporation

Core–shell barium titanate nanoparticles with silica (BTNPs@SiO2), amine-functionalized with APTES, followed by pDNA encapsulation, and assessed for transfection efficiency of pDNA conjugated BTNP@SiO2 in plant suspension cells via sonoporation.

Shear Stress‐Triggered Theranostic Nanoparticles for Piezoelectric‐Fenton‐Photodynamic Thrombolysis and Endogenous Thrombus Imaging

AbstractThrombus therapy is challenged by potential bleeding risk of thrombolytic agents, and external irradiation is usually needed in thrombus imaging. Herein, highly efficient theranostic platforms are designed for piezoelectric‐Fenton‐photodynamic thrombolysis and endogenous thrombus imaging in response to the elevated shear stress at the thrombus site. Piezoelectric tetragonal barium titanate (tBT) nanoparticles (NPs) are coated with Fe3+‐coordinated metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs), followed by inoculation of chlorin e6‐luminol conjugates and heparin absorption to obtain theranostic tBT@MOFCL/Hep NPs. Shear stress‐induced piezopotential on NPs accelerates Fe3+/Fe2+ transformation to deplete MOF layers, activates Fenton reaction and produces reactive oxidative species (ROS) for non‐pharmacological thrombolysis. In the meantime, the site‐specific ROS generation oxidizes luminol and the chemiluminescent resonance energy transfer with chlorin e6 generates red fluorescence for thrombus imaging without using external light irradiation. After intravenous injection into a carotid artery thrombosis model, the heparin‐mediated thrombus targeting yields 6.5‐fold higher luminescent intensity at the thrombus site. Thrombi in the carotid arteries are almost completely dissolved with integration of piezoelectric dynamic therapy, piezopotential‐enhanced Fenton reaction, and chemiluminescence‐excited photodynamic therapy, while causing no haematologic and histopathologic abnormality. This study demonstrates a concise strategy to generate shear stress‐responsive built‐in piezoelectric potentials, site‐specific non‐pharmacological thrombolysis, self‐illuminating, and stenosis degree‐adaptable thrombus imaging.

Suppressing the self-discharge of high-frequency supercapacitors using electrolytes containing BaTiO3 nanoparticles

High-frequency supercapacitors (HF–SCs) are promising electric energy storage devices and alternating current line filters. However, severe self-discharge of HF–SCs causes significant energy loss and limits their applications. Current self-discharge suppression methods for supercapacitors typically lead to decreased rate performance and hence cannot be applied to HF–SCs directly. In this work, barium titanate (BTO) nanoparticles are employed as an electrolyte additive for HF–SCs to reduce self-discharge. By adding BTO nanoparticles into the electrolyte, both leakage current and decay of open circuit voltage of the devices are reduced without sacrificing the specific capacitance and high-frequency response. At a charging voltage of 2 V, the leakage current is reduced by 49 % (3.91 vs. 1.98 μA), while the time for the voltage to drop from 2.0 to 1.0 V is extended by 4.5 times (2300 vs. 10240 sec). When the HF–SCs with BTO electrolyte are employed to store the energy generated by a triboelectric nanogenerator, the time for charging the cells to 2.0 V is reduced by 82 %. Mechanistic analysis indicates that the reduced self-discharge can be attributed to the fluid electrorheological effect and the enhanced localized electric field within the gaps among BTO nanoparticles that lead to sluggish diffusion and migration of reactive species, so the diffusion-controlled faradaic reaction process is suppressed.

Comparative microwave- and conventional oven-assisted hydrothermal syntheses of BaTiO3 nanoparticles for improved electroceramics

Barium titanate (BT) nanoparticles were prepared using both microwave- and conventional oven-assisted hydrothermal syntheses with varying reaction times (1 h, 3 h, and 6 h). In the case of the conventional oven-assisted hydrothermal syntheses, 16 h, 24 h, 48 h and 72 h reaction times were also studied. Structural and morphological evolution of BT particles were investigated. Microwave-assisted hydrothermal synthesis allowed for the rapid formation of nearly pure barium titanate (BT) phase in just 1 h at 200 °C. On the other hand, using a conventional oven as the heat source required at least 6 h of synthesis to achieve a similar material. When the different BT powders were pelletized and sintered at 1300 °C, ceramics with over 95 % density were obtained. The room-temperature (RT) dielectric permittivity exceeded 1750 for BT particles prepared over 6 h using both heating methods. However, a significant distinction emerged when comparing the piezoelectric coefficient (d33) values. The BT pellet obtained through the sintering of BT synthesized in the conventional oven for 6 h exhibited a notably higher d33 value, approximately 171 pC/N, as opposed to the 146 pC/N value observed in BT ceramics resulting from the microwave synthesized powders. Among the ceramic BT variations, the one derived from the best-crystallized tetragonal BT particles (CON_72h) displayed the lowest d33 value at 79 pC/N. These findings underscore the immense potential of microwave- and conventional oven-assisted hydrothermal syntheses in the sustainable production of BT nanomaterials, which can then be sintered to enable the preparation of ceramics with enhanced ferroelectric and piezoelectric properties.

Palladium-Catalyzed Hydrogenation of Black Barium Titanate for Multienzyme-Piezoelectric Synergetic Tumor Therapy.

Piezocatalytic tumor therapy is an emerging reactive oxygen species (ROS)-generating therapeutic approach that relies on piezoelectric polarization under ultrasound (US) irradiation. Optimizing ROS production is a primary objective for enhancing treatment efficiency. In this study, oxygen-vacancy-rich Pd-integrated black barium titanate (BTO) nanoparticles are rationally engineered to boost the ROS generation efficiency via the introduction of Pd. Pd-catalyzed hydrogenation at low temperatures narrows the bandgap of BTO and reduces the recombination rate of electron-hole pairs. Furthermore, Pd has dual-enzyme-mimicking characteristics, including peroxidase- and catalase-mimicking activities, which further heighten the therapeutic efficacy by enhancing ROS production and reversing the hypoxic tumor microenvironment. Importantly, the dual enzymatic activity of Pd can be amplified by multiple redox processes sparked by the piezoelectric potential under US stimulation, resulting in bilaterally enhanced multienzyme-piezoelectric synergetic therapy. In vitro and in vivo results confirm high tumor inhibition in murine breast cancer cells. This work stresses the critical effects of defect engineering-optimized piezodynamic tumor therapy.

Utilization of experimental and theoretical piezoresponse of BTO nanocrystal for rapid decomposition of the pathogenic coliform bacteria

Currently, more attention is being paid to new and innovative techniques for combating issues like the emergence of multidrug-resistant strains (MDRs), the proliferation of biofilms, and the failure of antibiotics. In order to combat this, scientists are nowadays exploring different activable and responsive materials. Nano-sized barium titanate is a material that has an excellent piezo-responsive nature. The synthesis of perovskite barium titanate (BTO) nanoparticles by a nonconventional solvothermal method with exceptional piezo and ferroelectric properties is reported in this work. The synthesized BTO nanoparticles were well-characterized using different tools such as XRD, FTIR, TGA, electron microscopy, and UV–Vis spectroscopy, and the microstructure was analyzed using theoretical Rietveld refinement studies to substantiate the proper formation of the BTO nanostructure. Two different phases of BTO nanoparticles are observed after the refinement. Then, the piezoelectric effectiveness was further estimated by theoretical density functional theory (DFT) calculation. The catalytic behavior of the nanoparticles in bacteria has been studied for the degradation of Gram-negative Escherichia coli and Gram-positive Enterococcus faecalis cells using an ultrasonically driven piezocatalytic effect. A promising value in bacterial eradication was depicted by the antibacterial efficacy observed herein, with a few minutes of soft ultrasound (15 kHz) generating an enormous number of reactive radicals (ROS). The result of this study could aid in generating new dimensions in antibacterial therapy.

Asymmetry of Structural and Electrophysical Properties of Symmetrical Titania Nanotubes as a Result of Modification with Barium Titanate

Anodic titania nanotubes (TiO2-NT) are very promising for use in photocatalysis and photovoltaics due to their developed surface, symmetrical structure and conductive properties, which, moreover, makes them a convenient matrix for creating various nanocomposites. Herein we propose a new facile way of synthesizing symmetrical TiO2-NT followed by a modification with barium titanate (BaTiO3) nanoparticles, combining the advantages of electrochemical oxidation and hydrothermal synthesis. The electrophysical and optoelectronic properties of the formed nanocomposites have been studied. An asymmetry of the current–voltage characteristics was revealed. It is shown that during the barium titanate deposition, a symmetry-breaking nanoheterojunction TiO2/BaTiO3 is formed. Using EPR spectroscopy, paramagnetic defects (titanium, barium and oxygen vacancies) in the samples were determined. It was observed for the first time that upon illumination of titania nanotubes modified with BaTiO3, the asymmetrical separation of photoexcited charge carriers (electrons and holes) between TiO2-NT and BaTiO3 occurs, followed by the capture of electrons and holes by defects. As a result, the photoinduced charge accumulates on the defects.

Daily sonic toothbrush triggered biocompatible BaTiO3/chitosan multiporous coating with enhanced piezocatalysis for intraoral antibacterial activity

Pure titanium and its alloys are widely used in dental implants because of their excellent physical chemistry and biocompatibility properties, but their negligible antibacterial activity may lead to bacterial infection and implants failure. Inspired by the piezoelectricity and porous structure of living bone, a multiporous piezo-coating with barium titanate (BaTiO3, BTO) nanoparticles embedded in chitosan film is modified on acid-etched pure titanium. The surface of coating shows antibacterial effects and can be further improved under daily sonic toothbrush stimulation with an antibacterial rate of 90.41%. Interestingly, the planktonic bacteria around this coating also have low proliferation. The antibacterial mechanism may be BTO-mediated intracellular and extracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS). On the one hand, the contact potential difference (CPD) caused by the spontaneous polarization of BTO nanoparticles may destroy the intracellular electron transfer and lead to ROS burst. On the other hand, BTO could transfer mechanical energy to electrical energy under the stimulation of sonic toothbrushing (ST), then driving piezocatalytic effect to generate extracellular ROS. In addition, the piezo-coating also exhibits excellent biocompatibility to MC3T3-E1 cells, and promotes more hydroxyapatite deposition and plasma albumin adhesion. In summary, during the stimulation of daily sonic toothbrush, the bioinspired piezo-coating can effectively inhibit the formation of bacterial biofilm, which is a promising strategy to prevent dental implants infection in daily life.

Tumor microenvironment-responsive self-assembly of barium titanate nanoparticles with enhanced piezoelectric catalysis capabilities for efficient tumor therapy

Catalytic therapy based on piezoelectric nanoparticles has become one of the effective strategies to eliminate tumors. However, it is still a challenge to improve the tumor delivery efficiency of piezoelectric nanoparticles, so that they can penetrate normal tissues while specifically aggregating at tumor sites and subsequently generating large amounts of reactive oxygen species (ROS) to achieve precise and efficient tumor clearance. In the present study, we successfully fabricated tumor microenvironment-responsive assembled barium titanate nanoparticles (tma-BTO NPs): in the neutral pH environment of normal tissues, tma-BTO NPs were monodisperse and possessed the ability to cross the intercellular space; whereas, the acidic environment of the tumor triggered the self-assembly of tma-BTO NPs to form submicron-scale aggregates, and deposited in the tumor microenvironment. The self-assembled tma-BTO NPs not only caused mechanical damage to tumor cells; more interestingly, they also exhibited enhanced piezoelectric catalytic efficiency and produced more ROS than monodisperse nanoparticles under ultrasonic excitation, attributed to the mutual extrusion of neighboring particles within the confined space of the assembly. tma-BTO NPs exhibited differential cytotoxicity against tumor cells and normal cells, and the stronger piezoelectric catalysis and mechanical damage induced by the assemblies resulted in significant apoptosis of mouse breast cancer cells (4T1); while there was little damage to mouse embryo osteoblast precursor cells (MC3T3-E1) under the same treatment conditions. Animal experiments confirmed that peritumoral injection of tma-BTO NPs combined with ultrasound therapy can effectively inhibit tumor progression non-invasively. The tumor microenvironment-responsive self-assembly strategy opens up new perspectives for future precise piezoelectric-catalyzed tumor therapy.

A transparent and degradable bacterial cellulose-based film for triboelectric nanogenerator: Efficient biomechanical energy harvesting and human health monitoring

In this paper, an eco-friendly and biodegradable triboelectric nanogenerator (SBB-TENG) is proposed based on bacterial cellulose (BC), sodium alginate (SA) with the introduction of barium titanate (BTO) nanoparticles. While all the composite membranes can be fully decomposed by cellulase solution within 7 h, the electrical properties of SBB-TENG are significantly improved due to the synergistic effect of enhanced dielectric constant and surface roughness of the composite membrane. Compared with SA/BC-based TENG (SBC-TENG), the voltage and current of SBB-TENGs are increased by 174 % and 193 %, respectively. In addition, the as-designed SBB TENGs are capable of serving as sensors for biomechanical monitoring, touch sensing and signal control, which greatly contributes to the development of high-performance, green and low-cost TENGs on the base of natural biodegradable materials.

Assessment of the antibacterial effect of Barium Titanate nanoparticles against Staphylococcus epidermidis adhesion after addition to maxillofacial silicone

Background: Maxillofacial silicones are the most popular and acceptable material for making maxillofacial prostheses, but they are not perfect in every sense. To enhance their effectiveness, more improvements to their properties are required, such as their antimicrobial efficiency. This study assess the antibacterial effect of barium titanate nanoparticles in various percentages against staphylococcus epidermidis biofilm adhesion after addition to maxillofacial silicone. Methods: Barium titanate nanoparticles were added into VST-50 platinum silicone elastomer in four weight percentages (0.25wt%, 0.5wt%, 0.75wt% and 1wt%). 50 specimens were prepared and categorized into five groups; one control group and four experimental groups. All conducted data was statistically analyzed using (one-way ANOVA) analysis of variance, and Games-Howell multiple comparison test (significant level at p < 0.05). Shapiro-Wilk and Levene’s tests were used, respectively, to evaluate the normal distribution and homogeneity of the data. Result: One-way ANOVA test revealed a highly significant difference between all groups, and Games-Howell test revealed a highly significant difference between the control group and the four experimental groups. The 0.25wt% and 0.5wt% groups revealed a highly significant difference between them and with the (0.75%wt and 0.1%wt) groups. While the 0.75wt% group revealed a significant difference with 1wt% group. Conclusions: The addition of barium titanate to VST-50 maxillofacial silicone enhanced the antibacterial activity of silicon against Staphylococcus epidermidis, and this activity seems to be concentration dependent. FTIR analysis demonstrated no chemical interaction between the Barium Titanate and the VST-50 maxillofacial silicone elastomer. SEM pictures show that the barium titanate nanopowder was effectively dispersed inside the maxillofacial silicone matrix.