Nanoscale Particle Size Research Articles

Comparative Microstructure Characteristics of Synthesized PbS Nanocrystals and Galena

Lead sulfide (PbS) on the nanoscale was synthesized via a chemical route at room temperature using lead nitrate {Pb(NO3)2} and sodium sulfide (Na2S). The Na2S was prepared at ~105 °C using sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and sulfur (S) powder. The produced PbS, denoted as Lab-PbS, was compared with a high-concentration PbS phase of galena. The produced Na2S and Lab-PbS were examined using scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy for microstructural and chemical analysis. The results confirmed a high-purity PbS compound (>99%) with a nanoscale particle size. The results showed that ultrasonic agitation was vital for obtaining the nanoparticle size of the Lab-PbS. Furthermore, thin films from the synthesized Lab-PbS and galena were successfully thermally evaporated on glass, quartz, and silicon substrates. The formation of nanometric grains was confirmed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). XRD and FTIR spectroscopy were carried out for the Lab-PbS, galena fine powders, and galena thin films. The average crystal diameter was calculated for the galena thin films and was found to be approximately 26.6 nm. Moreover, the UV–Visible transmission curve was measured for the thin films in the wavelength range of 200–1100 nm in order to calculate the bandgap energy (Eg) for the thin films. The values of Eg were approximately 2.65 eV and 2.85 eV for the galena and Lab-PbS thin films, respectively. Finally, the sintering of the Lab-PbS and galena powders was carried out at ~700 °C for 1 h under vacuum, achieving relative densities of ~98.1% and ~99.2% for the Lab-PbS and galena, respectively.

A cubic perovskite fluoride anode with the surface conversion reactions dominated mechanism for advanced lithium-ion batteries.

Perovskite fluorides are attractive anode materials for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) because of their three-dimensional diffusion channels and robust structures, which is advantageous for the rapid transmission of lithium ions. Unfortunately, the wide band gap results in poor electronic conductivity, which limits their further development and application. Herein, the cubic perovskite iron fluoride (KFeF3, KFF) nanocrystals (~100 nm) are synthesized by a one-step solvothermal strategy. Thanks to the good electrical conductivity of carbon nanotubes (CNTs), the overall electrochemical performance of composite anode material (KFF-CNTs) has been significantly improved. In particular, the KFF-CNTs delives a high specific capacity (363.8 mAh g-1), good rate performance (131.6 mAh g-1 at 3.2 A g-1), and superior cycle stability (500 cycles). Noted that the surface conversion reactions play a dominant role in the electrochemical process of KFF-CNTs, together with the stable octahedral perovskite structure and nanoscale particle sizes achieving high ion diffusion coefficients. Furthermore, the specific lithium storage mechanism of KFF has explored by the distribution of relaxation times (DRT) technology. This work opens up a new way for developing cubic perovskite fluorides as high-capacity and robust anode materials for LIBs.

Folate receptor-targeted indomethacin-loaded gold nanoparticles enhance drug chemotherapeutic efficacy in glioblastoma cells and spheroids

Glioblastoma is a highly malignant brain cancer with a poor survival rate. Increasing evidence demonstrates the anticancer activity, including anti-glioma activity, of indomethacin (IND), a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug. However, due to the IND's poor aqueous solubility, nano-based drug delivery systems, especially gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), are great tools for increasing solubility and therapeutic efficacy. Herein, glutathione (GSH)-coated folic acid (FA)-modified AuNPs were used for the first time to generate IND-loaded AuNPs (55 nm), which were successfully synthesized according to DLS, TEM, FTIR, NMR, and TGA results. IND/AuNPs were found to have spherical morphology, nanoscale particle size, narrow size distribution, and good stability. Fluorescence and confocal imaging demonstrated that the nanoparticles penetrated folate receptor (FR)+ U-87MG human glioblastoma monolayer and sphere-forming cells. Remarkably, short-term exposure (4h) to IND/AuNPs significantly increased IND cytotoxicity in U-87MG cells after post-44h and -68h (>35- and >120-fold, respectively). Even against prolonged exposure of cells to IND for 24h, 48h, and 72h, IND/AuNP treatment revealed a marked result: glioma proliferation slowed by 7.38-fold, 6.8-fold, and 17-fold, respectively. No significant effect was observed on the FR− cell lines. The increased antitumoral activity was accompanied by efficient increased apoptosis in glioblastoma cells due to the IND/AuNP treatments. Moreover, compared to free-drug and control groups, IND/AuNP treatments markedly reduced glioblastoma growth in 3D spheroids (in vitro system that mimics in vivo tumors). Therefore, these findings suggest that the new spherical IND/Au-GSH-FA NP conjugate has the potential to be a beneficial therapeutic agent in glioblastoma therapy by targeting FRs.

A supramolecular method to control protein assembly using a biogenic polyamine

ABSTRACT We report a method to modulate the formation and stability of nano- and micro-assemblies of bovine serum albumin (BSA) formed with CB[7] using the treatment of a biogenic polyamine such as spermine (SPM). Our findings show that SPM impacts the size and surface charge of BSA-CB[7] assemblies, effectively reducing the size of nanoscale particles and making their surface charges more positive. Conversely, for larger particles spanning more than a few micrometres in diameter, SPM treatment is less effective in reducing their size. This ineffectiveness is attributed to the interaction between the external surface of CB[7] and BSA, which remains relatively unaffected by SPM. Over time, with an excess of CB[7], this interaction becomes more pronounced, resulting in aggregation of large particles and subsequent sedimentation. Since SPM is a biogenic polyamine found at elevated levels in cancerous tissues, this result may offer a strategic direction for designing supramolecular systems to control protein assemblies in oncological environments, highlighting the significant potential of supramolecular chemistry in biomedical applications.

Electrochemical Performance of a Hybrid NiCo2O4@NiFelt Electrode at Different Operating Temperatures and Electrolyte pH

Transition metals such as nickel and cobalt as an alternative to Pt and Pd can be used for oxygen evolution reactions (OERs) and hydrogen production reactions (HERs) in alkaline environments, facilitating green hydrogen production as a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels. In this study, an NiCo2O4 catalyst was produced by a sono-hydrothermal method using urea as a hydrolysis agent. The electrochemical performance of the catalyst-coated NiFelt electrode was evaluated at different KOH concentrations (0.25, 0.5, and 1 M) and four operating temperatures in the interval of 20–80 °C. The electrode characteristics were investigated via electrochemical spectroscopy (cyclic voltammetry, EIS, multistep chronopotentiometry, multistep chronoamperometry) using two different reference electrodes (Ag/AgCl and Hg/HgO), to obtain insight into the anodic and cathodic peaks. XRD, SEM, EDS, and TEM analyses confirmed the purity, structure, and nanoscale particle size (20–45 nm) of the NiCo2O4 catalyst. The electrode showed symmetric CV with Ag/AgCl, making this reference electrode more appropriate for capacitance measurements, while Hg/HgO proved advantageous for EIS in alkaline solutions due to reduced noise. The overpotential of the catalyst-coated NiFelt decreased by 108 mV at 10 mA/cm2 compared to bare NiFelt, showing a good potential for its application in anion exchange membranes and alkaline electrolyzers at an industrial scale.

Fabrication of chitosan-based emulsion as an adjuvant to enhance nasal mucosal immune responses

Nasal vaccine is a non-invasive vaccine that activates systemic and mucosal immunity in the presence of an adjuvant, thereby enhancing immune function. In this work, chitosan/oligochitosan/tween 80 (CS-COS-T80) co-stabilized emulsion was designed and further used as the nasal adjuvant. CS-COS-T80 emulsion exhibited outstanding stability under pH 6–8 with uniformly dispersed droplets and nano-scale particle size (<0.25 μm), and maintained stable at 4 °C for 150-day storage. Addition of model antigen ovalbumin (OVA) had no effect on the stability of CS-COS-T80 emulsion. In vivo nasal immunity indicated that CS-COS-T80 emulsion prolonged the retention time of OVA in the nasal cavity (from 4 to 8 h to >12 h), as compared to T80-emulsion. CS-COS-T80 emulsion produced a stronger mucosal immune response to OVA, with secretory IgA levels 5-fold and 2-fold higher than those of bare OVA and commercial adjuvant MF59, respectively. Compared to MF59, CS-COS-T80 induced a stronger humoral immune response and a mixed Th1/Th2 immune response of OVA after immunization. Furthermore, in the presence of CS-COS-T80 emulsion, the secretion of IL-4 and IFN-γ and the activation of splenocyte memory T-cell differentiation increased from 173.98 to 210.21 pg/mL and from 75.46 to 104.01 pg/mL, respectively. Therefore, CS-COS-T80 emulsion may serve as a promising adjuvant platform.

Construction of a bi-continuous charge transport network towards high-performance vanadium-based phosphate cathode materials for potassium ion batteries

As one class of most promising cathode materials for potassium ion batteries (KIBs), polyanionic compounds still suffer from unsatisfactory effective capacity and rate performance due to their poor intrinsic electronic conductivity. In this paper, nanoscale K3V3(PO4)4 (KVP) particles with a bi-continuous charge transport network (denote as KVP-S) are designed and prepared. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) play a crucial role in this design, not only effectively inhibiting the aggregation and growth of particles, but also providing a three-dimensional (3D) electron conductive network. Benefiting from the advantages of nanoscale particle size and bi-continuous charge transport network, the KVP-S electrode exhibits a high capacity (118mAh g−1 at 20 mA g−1), outstanding rate performance (102 mAh g−1 at 0.5 C; 66 mAh g−1 at 5 C) and excellent cycling stability (94 % retention after 50 cycles at 1 C). Even at a higher rate of 5 C, it still maintains a high capacity retention of 92 % after 300 cycles. More importantly, the capacity can maintain 80 mAh g−1 at 1 C when the mass loading is extended to 4 mg cm−2, In addition, in-situ X-ray diffraction (XRD) and ex-situ X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analyses reveal that the potassium storage mechanism of KVP-S is two single-phase solid solution reactions, involving V2+/V3+/V4+ three-electron redox conversions with a total volume change of 5.5 %. This study provides a new way to rationally design nanoscale particle electrodes with highly conductive charge transport networks.

Facile synthesis of Co3O4 with porous capsule–shaped structure and its lithium storage properties as anode materials for Li–ion batteries

In this work, a porous Co3O4 anode material with capsule–shaped morphology is prepared by a simple solvothermal method and subsequent heat treatment process in air. The as–synthesized CoCO3 precursor and Co3O4 sample are systematically studied and analyzed by a series of testing technologies, such as XRD, FTIR, FESEM, (HR)TEM, TGA, XPS and N2 adsorption/desorption measurement. As negative materials in Li–ion batteries, the Co3O4 active material exhibits high charge/discharge specific capacity, good rate performance and satisfactory cycle stability. The excellent electrochemical properties are inevitably related to the structural characteristics of the electrode material itself, including regular morphology, rich pore structure, large specific surface area, high crystallinity, nanoscale particle size, etc.

DEVELOPMENT AND OPTIMIZATION OF A DOLUTEGRAVIR NANOSUSPENSION USING BOX BEHNKEN DESIGN

Objective: This study aimed to develop and optimize a nanosuspension of Dolutegravir, an integrase inhibitor with low aqueous solubility, using the sonoprecipitation technique. The objective was to enhance the drug's solubility and oral bioavailability by preparing nanosuspension. Methods: A box-behnken design was employed to systematically investigate the impact of stabilizer concentration, sonication amplitude, and time on the particle size and polydispersibility of the nanosuspension formulations. Various stabilizers, including Soluplus®, Poloxamer 188, Poly Vinyl Pyrrolidone (PVP) K90, Hydroxy Propyl Methyl Cellulose (HPMC), and Tween 80, were evaluated. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed drug-polymer interactions, while differential scanning calorimetry and X-ray diffraction revealed partial amorphization. Scanning electron microscopy confirmed nanoscale particle size and morphology. Results: The optimized formulation (NS6) with 1% Soluplus®, 65 W amplitude, and 10 min sonication exhibited nanoparticles of 75.3 nm with low polydispersity. NS6 demonstrated enhanced drug release compared to the pure drug, attributed to particle size reduction and amorphization. In vitro tests indicated acceptable stability over time and temperature. Conclusion: The application of Box-Behnken design resulted in an optimized nanosuspension formulation capable of improving the oral bioavailability of poorly soluble Dolutegravir. The formulation exhibited favorable characteristics, including reduced particle size, amorphization, and enhanced drug release, highlighting its potential as an effective delivery system for Dolutegravir in Human Immuno Deficiency Virus (HIV) treatment.

NanoBiofertilizer and its Application in Sustainable Agriculture, Crop Specific Nutrients Delivery and Environmental Sustainability: A Review

Probiotic bacteria are increasingly in demand in the food and feed industries. A growing population and finite resources require efficient ways to maximize yields. Probiotic bacteria are gaining popularity in the food and feed industries due to their unique combination of benefits and values, which include consumer health interests, sustainability values, food innovation, and potential business opportunities. The use of conventional fertilizers can increase crop production but can also cause runoff and toxicity issues. A nanobiofertilizer offers improved crop nutrition and reduces application rates. Slow-release properties minimize environmental losses while nanoscale particle size enhances nutrient absorption. If nanobiofertilizers are closely regulated, they can boost yields without destroying the soil and aquatic ecosystems. In recent years, nanobiofertilizers have received considerable attention. Plant extracts and microbes are used in green synthesis to produce eco-friendly nanoparticles. Crop-specific nutrient release can be tailored using modified nanoparticle surfaces. Controlled nutrient delivery is achieved by smart nanocarrier systems that adapt to changing soil moisture, pH, and microbial activity. Combined applications of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria have been reported that they can enhance crop growth in synergy. This review presents an overview of the most recent studies on nanobiofertilizers, as well as the issues connected with their environmental implications, safety, and regulation, presenting a roadmap for the responsible use of nanobiofertilizers, which aims to enhance food security while protecting the environment for future generations.

The effect of copper doping in α-MnO2 as cathode material for aqueous Zinc-ion batteries

Copper-doped Manganese Dioxide has been synthesised through a simple hydrothermal method at different doping levels. The synthesised materials have been characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to determine the composition, structure, and morphology. All the Cu doped MnO2 are found to be single phased. Their electrochemical properties as cathode for Zinc-ion batteries are studied by cyclic voltammetry (CV), galvano-static charge / discharge (GCD) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), using 3 M ZnSO4 + 0.3 MnSO4 solution as the electrolyte. 3.8% Cu doped MnO2 has shown the highest initial capacity of 379.5 mAh g−1 at 0.02 A·g−1, and 304.4 mA h g−1 at 0.5 A g−1, but experienced fast fading with a poor capacity retention of 56.8% after 100 cycles. 7.4% Cu doping gives lower capacity, while 5.9% doping shows a higher discharging capacity (320.0 mAh·g−1 at 0.02 A·g−1 and 269.3 mAh·g−1 at 0.5 A·g−1) and improved stability (85.8% capacity retention after 100 cycles), better than non-doped MnO2 electrode (284.4 mAh g−1 at 0.02 A g−1 and 252.1 mAh·g−1 at 0.5 A g−1, capacity retention 76.7%). The samples show satisfactory capacity and rate capability while the cycling stability is not ideal, which may relate to the needle like morphology and nanoscale particle size. CV tests revealed that the electrochemical process is mainly diffusion controlled. The zinc ion diffusion coefficient is tested to be in the range of 10−12 cm2·s−1 from both CV and EIS tests and showed the same trend in their electrochemical capacity. Doping of Copper in MnO2 reduced the polarization on electrode, improved the electrochemical reversibility, as evidenced by the reduction of the redox peak potential difference from 0.31 to 0.24 V at 1.1 mV·s−1, and from 0.45 V to 0.31 V at 5 mV·s−1. Whilst the cell resistance of non-doped MnO2 increased from 1.78 Ω to 7.39 Ω after cycling, the cell resistances of all Cu-doped cathodes reduced, indicating improved electronic conductivities after cycling. These results indicate that Cu-doping is effective to increase the conductivity of the materials, reduce the polarization during charge and discharge, and improve the cycling stability of MnO2 cathode.

New Schiff's base derivative and their nano‐sized Cr (III), Fe (III), Ru (III), and Ir (III) complexes: Preparation, DFT, characterization, bio‐catalytic, DNA interactions, cytotoxicity, and docking studies

Nano‐sized trivalent metal complexes of Cr (III), Fe (III), Ru (III), and Ir (III) were synthesized and characterized of the form [M (FMAVIEP)Cl2] where FMAVIEP = ligand (C14H11N2O2) and M = Cr (III), Fe (III), Ru (III), and Ir (III). Several spectral techniques studies were used to assess our trivalent metal complexes. The trivalent metal complexes' XRD results revealed sharp and intense diffraction peaks, signifying their crystalline properties at nanoscale particle size. Further evidence was obtained from images captured through techniques such as SEM, TEM, energy‐dispersive X‐ray, and AFM. These images confirmed the homogeneous distribution of the trivalent metal complexes over the surface of the complex. DFT studies were used to study the nano‐sized metal (III) complexes via the DFT\B3LYP computational approach, employing a 6–311G* correlation consistent basis set. The energy gap of synthesized complexes was inspected. The obtained data exhibited a strong correlation with the experimental ones, implying the bio‐efficiency of the Ru (III) complex. The absorption measurements for the nano‐sized complexes' interaction with CT‐DNA signify that nano‐sized metal (III) complexes bind through an intercalation mechanism. This conclusion is supported by the observed intrinsic binding constant (Kb) 3.33 × 105–5.84 × 105 M−1.

Utilization of composite particles with customizable cross-linked lignin patches for dental cleansing

Lignin, a natural polyphenol polymer, is a biocompatible, cost-effective and accessible material. To fully utilize the benefits of lignin, it is crucial to transform its complex macromolecules into nanoscale particles in a single solvent. In this research, an assembly-mediated internal cross-linking method in single solvent was proposed to manufacture cross-linked lignin colloidal particles with nanoscale particle size controlled to be around 50 nm. Then, cross-linked lignin composite particles with a unique “patchy” structure for dental cleansing were obtained by rapidly grafting the cross-linked lignin colloidal particles onto the surface of silica microspheres through the bridging effect of silane coupling agent. The resulting composite particles have rivets with adjustable hardness, significantly lower than traditional abrasives like silica in both hardness and modulus. Through the group cleansing behavior of soft interlocking, a breakthrough has been achieved in the high solid content agglomeration friction mode of traditional abrasives, which effectively reduces tooth wear and exhibits an excellent plaque removal effect.

DNA interaction, biological, and structural identification studies of bivalent nano‐sized Nickel, Palladium, and Platinum chelates of 2‐(((Z)‐6‐chloro‐3‐((E)‐([2‐hydroxyphenyl]imino)methyl)‐4H‐chromen‐4‐ylidene)amino)phenol Schiff base ligand

New nano‐sized Ni(II), Pd(II), and Pt(II) Schiff base chelates of 2‐(((Z)‐6‐chloro‐3‐((E)‐([2‐hydroxyphenyl]imino)methyl)‐4H‐chromen‐4‐ylidene)amino)phenol were designed and manufactured. The structural characterization of these isolated compounds was accomplished through spectral measurements, thermal and elemental analyses, and magnetic moment and conductivity determinations. The nano‐sized metal(II) complexes molar conductance indicated that they exhibited non‐electrolytic behavior. The UV–Vis spectral data and magnetic moment provided evidence for producing octahedral geometries in the nano‐sized complexes of Ni(II), Pd(II), and Pt(II). Metal chelates' thermal characteristics and decomposition kinetics were examined through Coats‐Redfern technique. The kinetic aspects, including pre‐exponential factor (A), the entropy of activation (ΔS), and activation energy (E) were enumerated. The X‐ray diffraction (XRD) calculations results of the trivalent metal complexes showed that sharp and intense diffraction peaks signify their crystalline properties with nanoscale particle size, and another proof was obtained from the images of SEM, TEM, EDX, and AFM also homogeneous distribution over the complex surface was confirmed. Molecular modeling techniques were adopted to optimize the metal complexes geometry. The viscosity and UV–Vis absorption determinations were utilized to assess the calf thymus DNA (CT‐DNA) interaction with the nano‐sized metal(II) chelates. The acquired data revealed that the complexes exhibit a non‐intercalative or incomplete binding pattern when interacting with DNA. The calculated DNA‐complexes binding constants are 3.93 ± 0.02 × 10,4 1.67 ± 0.3 × 105 and 2.88 ± 0.03 × 105 M−1, for nano‐sized Ni(II), Pd(II) and Pt(II) Schiff base chelates, successively. Both Gram‐negative (Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) and Gram‐positive (Bacillus subtilis and Streptococcus pneumoniae) micro‐organisms were tested against H2L Schiff base ligand and its nano‐sized metal(II) complexes. Candida albicans and Aspergillus fumigatus were tested for antifungal activity, revealing that most complexes had activity lower than H2L ligand, while the complex of Ni(II) exhibited no discernible antifungal activities. Furthermore, the manufactured complexes underwent testing for their in‐vitro anticancer and antibacterial effectiveness. Furthermore, the complexes antioxidant activity was appraised through DPPH and ABTS inhibition tests, revealing distinct scavenging abilities on DPPH radicals. The complexes were ordered according to their scavenging capacity as follows: Ni(II) complex &gt; Pd(II) complex &gt; Pt(II) complex. Finally, the study of cell cycle arrest by the Ni(II), Pd(II), and Pt(II) complexes on HEPG2 has also been performed through flow cell cytometry.

Particle Size Effect on Optical and Gas-Sensing Properties of La0.67Ca0.2Ba0.13Fe0.97M0.03O3 (M = Ti4+, Mn3+, and Cr3+) Compounds

In the present work, the morphological, optical, and gas-sensing properties of La0.67Ca0.2Ba0.13Fe0.97M0.03O3 (M = Ti, Cr, and Mn) nano-powders prepared via the auto-combustion route, were investigated. TEM images prove the nanoscale particle size of all the samples. Optical studies confirm the semiconductor behavior of the studied materials. The response of the prepared nano-powders towards the presence of two gas-reducing agents (ethanol and acetone) was investigated. From the resistance ratio under air and gas, it was possible to determine the response to different gases and deduce that La0.67Ca0.2Ba0.13Fe0.97Ti0.03O3 presents the highest responses to ethanol and acetone. Likewise, we deduced that the prepared materials were able to detect low concentrations of ethanol and acetone gases.

Anti-tumor therapy of glycyrrhetinic acid targeted liposome co-delivery of doxorubicin and berberine for hepatocellular carcinoma.

During the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), hepatic stellate cells undergo activation and transform into cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) due to the influence of tumor cells. The interaction between CAFs and tumor cells can compromise the effectiveness of chemotherapy drugs and promote tumor proliferation, invasion, and metastasis. This study explores the potential of glycyrrhetinic acid (GA)-modified liposomes (lip-GA) as a strategy for co-delivery of berberine (Ber) and doxorubicin (Dox) to treat HCC. The characterizations of liposomes, including particle size, zeta potential, polydispersity index, stability and in vitro drug release, were investigated. The study evaluated the anti-proliferation and anti-migration effects of Dox&Ber@lip-GA on the Huh-7 + LX-2 cell model were through MTT and wound-healing assays. Additionally, the in vivo drug distribution and anti-tumor efficacy were investigated using the H22 + NIH-3T3-bearing mouse model. The results indicated that Dox&Ber@lip-GA exhibited a nanoscale particle size, accumulated specifically in the tumor region, and was efficiently taken up by tumor cells. Compared to other groups, Dox&Ber@lip-GA demonstrated higher cytotoxicity and lower migration rates. Additionally, it significantly reduced the deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) and inhibited tumor angiogenesis, thereby suppressing tumor growth. In conclusion, Dox&Ber@lip-GA exhibited superior anti-tumor effects both in vitro and in vivo, highlighting its potential as an effective therapeutic strategy for combating HCC.

Milling parameter optimization for the refinement of NiO/Al mixtures and the synthesis of Ni/Al2O3 nanocomposites

This study examined the effects of milling parameters on the development of Ni/Al2O3 nanocomposites and the refinement of NiO and Al powders. Ball milling of certain mixtures was followed by sintering at 800 and 1100 ?C for 2 h. The X-ray diffraction results of the dry-milled powders indicated that increasing the ball-to-powder weight ratio from 20:1 to 42:1 resulted in finer particles, which enabled the synthesis of Ni/Al2O3 nanocomposites by milling at 200 rpm for 1.5 h. Extending the milling duration at lower rotational speeds yielded powders with nanoscale particle sizes. However, as shown by scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersion spectroscopy, a nanocomposite with metallic matrix was formed by the mechanochemical reaction, and the crystallite size was estimated using the Williamson?Hall plot. Furthermore, we used differential scanning calorimetry diagrams to analyze the effects of milling on the temperatures of phase transformation and/or reduction reactions. The tribological performance of the developed nickel metal matrix composite was investigated using a ball-on-disc tribometer under various loading conditions. Indeed, the friction coefficient increases with the applied forces and decreases with milling. Comprehensive examinations of the worn surfaces were carried out using a scanning electron microscope and a 3D optical profiler.

Development and characterization of Tinospora cordifolia extract-loaded SLNs for the treatment of autoimmune hepatitis

Solid Lipid Nanoparticles (SLNs) have emerged as promising drug delivery systems with the potential to enhance the therapeutic efficacy of bioactive compounds. In this study, T. Cordifolia extract-loaded SLNs were developed and characterized for their application in the treatment of autoimmune hepatitis. T. Cordifolia, known for its immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties, was chosen as the active ingredient. The formulations were systematically evaluated for drug-excipient compatibility, particle size, zeta potential, drug loading efficiency, drug release kinetics, encapsulation efficiency, in-vitro release, and stability. The results indicated "No Change" in drug-excipient compatibility, ensuring the formulation's stability. The SLNs exhibited nanoscale particle sizes (159.30 nm to 172.12 nm) with narrow size distributions, facilitating consistent drug delivery. Negative zeta potentials (-28.28 mV to -35.44 mV) indicated colloidal stability. High drug loading efficiencies (up to 32.23%) and controlled drug release kinetics were observed, suggesting the potential for sustained and targeted drug delivery. Encapsulation efficiencies of up to 83.41% highlighted efficient drug loading within the SLNs. In-vitro release studies revealed that SLN2 and SLN4 exhibited superior drug release profiles compared to other formulations. These findings indicate the potential of these formulations for controlled drug delivery. In-vivo efficacy studies in murine models of autoimmune hepatitis are recommended to assess the therapeutic benefits of T. Cordifolia extract-loaded SLNs. Additionally, stability studies demonstrated the maintenance of critical parameters, such as particle size, zeta potential, and drug loading efficiency, under different storage conditions.

Cheminformatics-Based Design and Synthesis of Hydroxyapatite/Collagen Nanocomposites for Biomedical Applications.

This paper presents a novel cheminformatics approach for the design and synthesis of hydroxyapatite/collagen nanocomposites, which have potential biomedical applications in tissue engineering, drug delivery, and orthopedic and dental implants. The nanocomposites are synthesized by the co-precipitation method with different ratios of hydroxyapatite and collagen. Their mechanical, biological, and degradation properties are analyzed using various experimental and computational techniques. Attenuated total reflection-Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and X-ray diffraction unveil the low crystallinity and nanoscale particle size of hydroxyapatite (22.62 nm) and hydroxyapatite/collagen composites (14.81 nm). These findings are substantiated by scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, confirming the Ca/P ratio between 1.65 and 1.53 and attesting to the formation of non-stoichiometric apatites in all samples, further validated by molecular simulation. The antimicrobial activity of the nanocomposites is evaluated in vitro against several bacterial and fungal strains, demonstrating their medical potential. Additionally, in silico analyses are performed to predict the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion properties and the bioavailability of the collagen samples. This study paves the way for the development of novel biomaterials using chemoinformatics tools and methods, facilitating the optimization of design and synthesis parameters, as well as the prediction of biological outcomes. Future research directions should encompass the investigation of in vivo biocompatibility and bioactivity of the nanocomposites, while exploring further applications and functionalities of these innovative materials.

Photocatalytic degradation of organic dyes using transition metal based mixed metal oxide nanocomposite under different illumination

Nowadays, copper and zinc nanoparticles are widely employed in a variety of applications. With nanoscale particle sizes, copper oxide/zinc oxide composite is easily synthesized using a variety of techniques, including hydrothermal, microwave, precipitation, etc. In the current work, chemical precipitation is used to create a copper oxide/zinc oxide nanocomposite. XRD analysis was used to determine the nanocomposite’s structural characteristics. Through SEM analysis, the surface morphological properties are investigated. EDAX is used to study the chemical composition of produced materials, while UV/Visible spectroscopy is used to determine their optical properties. The assessment of the copper oxide/zinc oxide nanocomposite’s degrading property on dyes like methyl red and methyl orange under UV and visible light are the main objectives of the current work.