Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy Results Research Articles

Application of fume silica nanoparticles to improve high-temperature rheological performance of terminal blend rubberized asphalt

This study aims to evaluate the impact of fume silica nanoparticles (FSNPs) on the high-temperature rheological properties of terminal blend rubberized asphalt (TBRA). In this research, FSNPs were utilized to modify TBRA asphalt with three different CR contents (30%, 40%, 50%). The micro-morphology of FSNPs was observed through Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) experiments. The effects of FSNPs on the high-temperature rheological properties of TBRA were assessed using temperature sweep tests, Multiple Stress Creep Recovery (MSCR), and rotational viscosity experiments. Furthermore, the influence of FSNPs on the chemical and thermal properties of TBRA was analyzed through Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) experiments. Rheological tests and SEM results indicate that FSNPs can effectively enhance the high-temperature elasticity, fatigue resistance, and deformation resistance of TBRA binders. This improvement is attributed to the unique branched network structure of FSNPs, which plays a pivotal role in enhancing the elasticity within the TBRA asphalt matrix. Additionally, the degradation of TBRA's low-temperature performance due to FSNPs is minimal. Considering the optimal viscosity for FSPN-modified TBRA, recommended ratios are: TB30/6%, TB40/4%, and TB50/2%. FTIR and TGA results demonstrate that the modification of TBRA by FSNPs is primarily physical blending, and the addition of FSNPs enhances the thermal stability of TBRA.

Evaluation of Spirulina spp. Crude Extract Revealed Antimicrobial, Antioxidant and UV Photoprotective Properties

The antimicrobial, UV photoprotective and antioxidant capabilities of Spirulina spp. methanolic extracts were determined using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Notable compounds were reported to be 5 fatty acid methyl esters, 4- methoxyallocinnamic acid, 2-ethylhexyl esters and bumetrizole. Moreover, these metabolites contained functionalities including hydroxyl, alkyl and carbonyl, as supported by the FTIR result. After 24 h, there was no zone of inhibition in the antibacterial activity as measured by the agar well diffusion method at doses of 30, 50 and 70 g/mL. The ABTS radical scavenging assay revealed that the methanolic Spirulina spp. exhibited an inhibitory concentration of 1,047.91 g/mL for antioxidant activity and SPF values of 0.40, 0.23 and 0.93 were calculated using Mansur’s equation for concentrations of 30, 50 and 70 g/mL, respectively. The results of the study showed the potential of cyanobacterial extracts as a bioactive ingredient in cosmetic product development. HIGHLIGHTS Methanolic extraction of Spirulina spp. comprises 5 fatty acid methyl esters, 4-ethoxyallocinnamic acid 2-ethylhexyl esters and bumetrizole characterized by GC-MS. Constituents of the extract contain functional groups including –OH, –C–H and C=O. The extracts were classified as weak radical stabilizers, confirmed by ABTS assay and possessed UV photoprotective capacity confirmed by the in vitro SPF assay. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

Effect of oxidation kinetic aging on the adhesion behaviour of asphalt-aggregate interfaces from molecular view

ABSTRACT Asphalt oxidation kinetic aging effect on the adhesion behavior of asphalt-aggregate interfaces at atomistic scale was investigated in this study. The asphalts were aged at different aging durations. The sulfoxide and carbonyl functional group content as well as SARA fractions of the asphalts at different aging times were studied through the tests of Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Saturate, Aromatic, Resin and Asphaltene (SARA) fractions. Asphalt molecular models of virgin, rapid-rate aged, slow-rate aged and full-aged were established based on SARA fractions and FTIR results, to construct asphalt quartz and asphalt-calcite interface systems at different aging stages. The simulation results showed that the nanostructure of asphalt is influenced by the aggregate type and asphalt oxidative aging. The growth rates of adhesion energy of asphalt-quartz and asphalt-calcite systems increase rapidly first and then slowly with aging time, but the growth rates are different. Meanwhile, the Van der Waals energy is the major energy source of adhesion energy, and the contribution of van der Waals and electrostatic energy to adhesion energy is different. The aging of asphaltene and resin promotes the adhesion ability to quartz or calcite, while the aging of aromatic components is not conducive and the saturate has almost no effect.

Physicochemical characterisation and kinetic modelling of wet torrefied oil palm trunk in pyrolysis condition

AbstractOver 218 million tonnes of oil palm trunks (OPT) waste is produced annually by Malaysian oil palm industry, which can be converted to biofuels via wet torrefaction. This study assessed the fuel characteristics of wet torrefied OPT (WT‐OPT) using proximate analysis, higher heating value (HHV) analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and scanning electron microscopy–energy dispersive X–ray spectroscopy (SEM–EDX). Increasing wet torrefaction temperature and residence time increased the fixed carbon content and HHV of OPT. SEM–EDX revealed the presence of microspheres of 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural (5‐HMF) in OPT wet torrefied at 180 and 220°C for 72 h, an intermediate compound that can contribute to the HHV enhancement in WT‐OPT. FTIR and EDX results revealed that higher temperature and residence time concentrate the carbon content of OPT. Wet torrefaction at 180°C for 72 h decreased the activation energy and pre‐exponential factor of OPT from 301.88 to 171.70 kJ mol−1 and from 4.43 × 1028 to 3.25 × 1012 s−1, respectively, during pyrolysis. The estimated thermodynamic parameters, particularly the change in entropy which generally decreased by more than 140 J mol−1 K−1, indicated increase in stability of certain WT‐OPT.

Enhancing osteoblast proliferation and bone regeneration by poly (amino acid)/selenium-doped hydroxyapatite

Among various biomaterials employed for bone repair, composites with good biocompatibility and osteogenic ability had received increasing attention from biomedical applications. In this study, we doped selenium (Se) into hydroxyapatite (Se-HA) by the precipitation method, and prepared different amounts of Se-HA-loaded poly (amino acid)/Se-HA (PAA/Se-HA) composites (0, 10 wt%, 20 wt%, 30 wt%) by in-situ melting polycondensation. The physical and chemical properties of PAA/Se-HA composites were characterized by x-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and their mechanical properties. XRD and FT-IR results showed that PAA/Se-HA composites contained characteristic peaks of PAA and Se-HA with amide linkage and HA structures. DSC and TGA results specified the PAA/Se-HA30 composite crystallization, melting, and maximum weight loss temperatures at 203.33 °C, 162.54 °C, and 468.92 °C, respectively, which implied good thermal stability. SEM results showed that Se-HA was uniformly dispersed in PAA. The mechanical properties of PAA/Se-HA30 composites included bending, compressive, and yield strengths at 83.07 ± 0.57, 106.56 ± 0.46, and 99.17 ± 1.11 MPa, respectively. The cellular responses of PAA/Se-HA composites in vitro were studied using bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) by cell counting kit-8 assay, and results showed that PAA/Se-HA30 composites significantly promoted the proliferation of BMSCs at the concentration of 2 mg ml−1. The alkaline phosphatase activity (ALP) and alizarin red staining results showed that the introduction of Se-HA into PAA enhanced ALP activity and formation of calcium nodule. Western blotting and Real-time polymerase chain reaction results showed that the introduction of Se-HA into PAA could promoted the expression of osteogenic-related proteins and mRNA (integrin-binding sialoprotein, osteopontin, runt-related transcription factor 2 and Osterix) in BMSCs. A muscle defect at the back and a bone defect at the femoral condyle of New Zealand white rabbits were introduced for evaluating the enhancement of bone regeneration of PAA and PAA/Se-HA30 composites. The implantation of muscle tissue revealed good biocompatibility of PAA and PAA/Se-HA30 composites. The implantation of bone defect showed that PAA/Se-HA30 composites enhanced bone formation at the defect site (8 weeks), exhibiting good bone conductivity. Therefore, the PAA-based composite was a promising candidate material for bone tissue regeneration.

α/β-TCP silicate glass-ceramic obtained by sol–gel: Structure and in vitro bioactivity

A glass-ceramic in the CaO–P2O5–SiO2 system, which contains two polymorphic modifications of tricalcium phosphate – whitlockite, β-Ca3(PO4)2 and α-Ca3(PO4)2, has been synthesized by the sol–gel method and thermal treatment up to 1200°C. The phase composition and microstructure of the glass-ceramic were investigated with X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), Fourier-transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS). An in vitro bioactivity test of the glass-ceramic in a simulated body fluid (SBF) was conducted for up to 21 days. α-Ca3(PO4) dissolved almost completely in SBF after 7 days. The experimental results of XRD, FTIR, SEM and EDS clearly validated the ability of the glass-ceramic samples to form a layer of hydroxyapatite on their surface in an SBF environment. We also studied the cytotoxic effect of the glass-ceramic on murine bone marrow (BM) cells and pre-osteoclasts in vitro. The glass-ceramic reduced the viability of BM cells in a dose-dependent manner being less toxic at concentrations below 0.1mg/ml. It modestly affected the viability of pre-osteoclasts cultured in osteoclast differentiation media. The obtained sample increased the percentage of pre-osteoclasts expressing the receptors involved in osteoclastogenesis (RANK) and apoptosis (TRAIL). In conclusion, the glass-ceramic showed the potential to affect the survival/differentiation of pre-osteoclasts at early stage of osteoclastogenesis. It might be suitable for tissue engineering including implants coating or scaffold as it can interfere with early stage of osteoclastogenesis which is required for proper bone remodelling and repair upon a long-term application of biomaterials.

Modification of physicochemical properties of chitosan to improve its pharmaceutical and agrochemical potential applications

Chitosan has received much more attention as a functional biopolymer with applications in pharmaceuticals, agricultural, drug delivery systems and cosmetics.The objectives of present investigation were to carry out modification of chitosan for enhancement of aqueous solubility, which will impart increased solubility and dissolution rate of poorly soluble drug itraconazole (ITZ) and also evaluate the modified chitosan for soyabean seed germination studies.The modification of chitosan was accomplished through the antisolvent precipitation method; employing five carboxylic acids. The resulting products were assessed for changes in molecular weight, degree of deacetylation, solubility and solid state characterization. Subsequently, the modified chitosan was complexed with itraconazole using the co-grinding technique. The prepared formulations were evaluated for solubility, FTIR (Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy), PXRD (Powder X-ray diffraction), in-vitro dissolution studies. Furthermore the effect of modified chitosan has been evaluated on soybean seed germination.Results demonstrated that, modified chitosan improves self and solubility of itraconazole by six folds. As there was increased degree of deacetylation of chitosan leads to improvement in solubility. The results of FTIR showed the slight shifting of peaks in co-grind formulations of itraconazole. Formulations showed reduction in crystallinity of drug which leads to enhancement in dissolution rate as compared to pure itraconazole. Retention of property of seed germination was observed with modified chitosan at optimum concentration of 3 % w/v, with benefit of enhanced aqueous solubility of chitosan.This positive result paves the way for the advancement of pharmaceutical and agrochemical products employing derivatives of chitosan.

Bioremediation of Pymetrozine Using Pleurotus Eryngii (King Oyster Mushroom)

The biodegradation of pymetrozine pesticide was investigated with Pleurotus eryngii white rot fungus (WRF). The biomass was characterized by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electrode microscopy (SEM) to verify surface functionality and morphology. FTIR results revealed fungal biomass is rich with multiple functional groups while SEM analysis showed that the surface of fungal biomass is irregular, porous, rough and heterogeneous. Bioremediation of pymetrozine with Pleurotus eryngii was monitored using ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy. The Box Bhenken Design optimization showed that Pleurotus eryngii degrades 93.3% of 0.20 mM pymetrozine at pH 5. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was carried out to identify major metabolites formed during biodegradation of pymetrozine. Based on these results, pymetrozine was transformed to nicotinaldehyde and 4-amino-6-methyl-4,5-dihydro-2H- [1,2,4] triazine-3-one (AMDT).

Effects of Fe Ions, Ultraviolet Irradiation, and Heating on Microscopic Structures of Black Lacquer Films.

The chemical reaction between Fe and lacquer has been used to create the black color in lacquer coatings since ancient times. Here, the effects of Fe ion addition, UV irradiation, and heating on the microscopic structures of black lacquer films were investigated by using X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES), extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS), Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), and small angle neutron scattering (SANS). The EXAFS result indicated that heating and UV irradiation made the coordination structure of Fe3+ in the lacquer nonuniform, and that heating caused the greatest nonuniformity. The FT-IR, SAXS, and SANS results demonstrated that the microscopic structural changes in the black lacquer films were induced by both heating and UV irradiation, but the changes were different. Heating caused a substantial structural change on the nanoscale, and UV irradiation mainly caused changes in the molecular binding mode. The results provide important knowledge for analyzing archeological lacquer samples and for developing lacquer-based materials. This work also demonstrates the utility of the complementary use of XANES, EXAFS, FT-IR, SAXS, and SANS for nondestructive analysis of black lacquer in precious cultural relics.

Investigation of synergistic mechanism of magnesium ions and cationic surfactant in low-rank coal flotation

The effect of magnesium ions on the adsorption of DTAB (Dodecyltrimethylammonium Bromide) surfactants by low-rank coal using adsorption experiments and microscopic mechanism analysis. In addition, the flotation recovery of coal was summarized for application by micro flotation test. The results of adsorption experiments showed that 0.1 mM magnesium ions concentration is optimal, with 12.55 mg/g adsorption capacity. Besides, correlation analysis reveals that the adsorption capacity is positively correlated with temperature, surfactant concentration, reaction time and the magnesium ions density. Adsorption thermodynamics and kinetics experiments indicate that magnesium ions promote adsorption by increasing the adsorption active sites of coal and accelerating the adsorption rate of DTAB on coal. Furthermore, the results of contact angle, zeta potential, model calculations and FTIR (Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy) analyses reveal that magnesium ions and its hydrolysates can adsorb on the coal as a bridge and destroy the stable hydrogen bond on the coal to activate the adsorption, which enhance the negatively charged coal to electrostatically adsorb positively charged DTAB. Moreover, the recovery rate of low-rank coal flotation using DTAB combined with magnesium ions was tested by a micro flotation apparatus, which provides a guidance for the flotation application by saline surfactant solution on coal.

Investigation on the chemical structure evolution and action mechanism of coal during catalytic combustion

Catalytic combustion is one of the most promising technologies to realize efficient and clean coal combustion, but its catalytic mechanism is unknown until now. This study selected three types coal to explore the influence of catalysts on the chemical structure, surface morphology, and action mechanism during combustion. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) were characterized the surface chemical structure of combustion products. The results showed that the aliphatic hydrogen decreased and then increased, the content of –CO and aromaticity(I) increased, and the aromatic condensation (DOC) and CC content decreased by catalysts. Both FTIR and XPS results demonstrated that the catalysts were easy to promote the dehydrogenation condensation reaction between coal molecules, disrupting the stability of coal aromatic structure, thereby generating many free radicals and improving coal combustion. BET and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used to observe the effect of catalysts on the pore structure and surface morphology of combustion products. The results showed that the pore structure of product with catalysts continuously formed from micropores to medium pores and even large pores, which accelerated the oxygen transport and chemical reaction on coal surface. Finally, the mechanism of catalytic coal combustion was summarized.

Olax zeylanica Leaf Extract-assisted Eco-Benevolent Synthesis of Sulfur Nanoparticles and the Determination of their Insecticidal Potential against Sitophilus oryzae (L.) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)


 
 
 Stored-product insects are serious pests of dried, stored, durable agricultural goods and value-added foods worldwide. In spite of the commonest way of controlling pestiferous insects associated with cereal grains and their milled products via conventional insecticides, their usage on stored grains are not recommended due to expensiveness, inefficacy due to insect resistance, and potential health hazards to humans. These deleterious consequences thus have been encouraging to merit investigation on the plant extract-assisted eco-benevolent synthesis of nanoparticles, owing to their sustainable, non-noxious, convenient, and environmental friendly nature. In view of this background, the present study was aimed at evaluating the insecticidal effectiveness of green synthesized sulfur nanoparticles (SNPs) against Sitophilus oryzae adults. SNPs have been successfully prepared from sodium thiosulfate (Na2S2O3.5H2O) in the presence of Olax zeylanica leaf extract at room temperature. The resulting SNPs were then characterized by UV-Vis spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The toxicity of Sitophilus oryzae was bio-assayed by exposing the test insects to SNPs-treated rice grains at six different dosages at 1.5, 1.0, 0.5, 0.25, 0.125 and 0.0625 g/kg, whereby mortality counts were taken after every 24 hours for seven days. The UV- Vis spectroscopy showed a peak in the range of 260-280 nm, which showed the successful formation of SNPs, while being in accordance with the previous studies reported in the literature. According to the Debye-Scherrer formula of XRD data, the average crystalline size of the SNPs counted to be 72.7 nm. The particle size of SNPs is also confirmed by SEM images. FTIR results showed peak positions corresponding to S8 with slight differences due to the presence of biomolecules from the O. zeylanica leaf extract being bound onto the surface of SNPs. Bioassay results show that the mortality of insects increased with the increase of dosage and exposure time period, reporting 100% S. oryzae mortalities at 1.5 and 1.0 g/kg dosages within 7 days. Accordingly, the results of the present study thus suggest that the bio-transformed sulfur nanoparticles could be utilized not only as biocontrol agents, but also as ecofriendly candidates for the sustained-protection storage grain ecosystems from insect pest infestations.
 Keywords: Green-synthesized Sulfur nanoparticles, Olax zeylanica, Insecticidal, Sitophilus oryzae
 
 

Effect and mechanism on the flotation desulfurization of high-sulfur bauxite by using the mixed collector of PYDH

Desulfurization of high sulfur bauxite is an important issue in Bayer alumina production. In this study, by using two anionic sulphydryl collectors (HX, HD) as mixed collectors (PYDH), the selectivity of flotation separation between pyrite and diaspore was improved, thereby reducing the sulfur content of high sulfur bauxite and ultimately meeting the production requirements of Bayer alumina. The findings showed that under the optimized conditions of 500 g/Mg collector, 150 g/Mg inhibitor, 200 g/Mg activator, 100 g/Mg foaming agent, and a slurry pH of 9, the sulfur content of bauxite can be reduced from 3.35% to 0.33% through one rough selection, one fine selection, and one scavenging flotation. Moreover, the interaction mechanism between mixed collectors and pyrite was studied through scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Zeta potential analysis, and contact angle testing. SEM-EDS research confirmed that PYDH adsorbed on the surface of pyrite. The contact angle measurement analysis showed that compared to individual collectors, pretreated pyrite with mixed collectors had better hydrophobicity. Zeta potential, FTIR, and XPS results indicated that PYDH selectively adsorbed pyrite through chemical adsorption. The mixed collector PYDH is an effective collector for pyrite in high sulfur bauxite flotation desulfurization.

Reconnection of cysteine in reduced hair with alkylene dimaleates via thiol-Michael click chemistry.

Conventional hair permanent waving (PW) and permanent straightening processes typically involve two steps: reduction, for breaking -S-S- bond in cystine into cysteine and oxidation for -S-S- bond reconnection. However, it is known that the hair incurs damage during the oxidation step. In this work, we proposed a novel strategy to reconnect reduced disulfide bonds in hair via the thiol-Michael click reaction, by using a symmetric Michael reagent. Virgin black Chinese hair was reduced using 8% wt thioglycolic acid and employed as model hair containing a high content of broken disulfide bonds. The reduced hair was treated with 1,4-n-butylene dimaleate. Raman spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) were used to verify the chemical changes occurred in untreated and treated hair fibre. Single-fibre mechanical properties and thermal properties of the hair were evaluated using tensile testing and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), respectively. The 1,4-n-butylene dimaleate could reconnect free thiol groups generated by disulfide bond reduction via thiol-Michael click reaction and significantly improve the mechanical strength of hair compared to that of the reduced hair. Secondary conformational resolution analysis of FT-IR results revealed that the content of α-helix structure could be restored after treatment with 1,4-n-butylene dimaleate. The intermolecular forces established by the newly generated C-S bonds compensate the broken disulfide bonds and enhance the fracture strength of the hair compared to that of reduced hair. Michael reagents of similar structure also showed similar performance in restoring the mechanical properties of reduced hair. Our data suggest that 1,4-n-butylene dimaleate can restore the mechanical properties of reduced hair by reconnecting reduced disulfide bonds and restoring the secondary conformation of hair keratin.

Study on the white frost formation mechanism during storage of Phyllanthus emblica Linn. fruit based on component analysis and spatial metabolomics

The Phyllanthus emblica Linn. fruit (PEF) is a well-known medicinal and food homologous item in tropical Southeast Asian. During the drying and storing processes, some PEF will grow white frost on its surface, which is typically taken as a sign of greater quality. However, the material basis and formation mechanism of white frost on PEF surfaces are currently unclear, and there is no sufficient evidence to support the correlation between white frost on PEF surfaces and their quality. In this paper, high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used to study the differences in active ingredient content of PEF medicinal materials with and without frost. The microstructure and elemental composition of white frost were studied using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) was used to analysis the main functional groups in white frost. The ultra-performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS) combined with UNIFI database, EDS and FT-IR results, and reference materials were used to identify the chemical composition of white frost. The exocarp of PEF before and after drying and storage was analyzed by spatial metabolomics using desorption electrospray ionization (DESI) mass spectrometry imaging system to reveal the formation mechanism of white frost on the surface of PEF. The results found that the PEF with frost have higher levels of active ingredients than those without frost. EDS and FT-IR results show that white frost is mainly composed of C, O, K elements, and contains a large number of phenolic hydroxyl, carboxyl etc. UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS results found that the main components of white frost were organic acids, fatty acids, and tannins, including quality markers such as gallic acid and ellagic acid etc. Spatial metabolomics research found that the white frost formation mechanism mainly involved in the ascorbate and aldarate metabolism, cutin, suberin and wax biosynthesis, citrate cycle (TCA cycle) and biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acid. This study reveals the material basis, formation mechanism, and relationship between the surface white frost of PEF and the quality of medicinal materials, providing valuable information for the quality evaluation of PEF.

Studies on sodium carboxymethyl cellulose + sodium triflate polymer electrolyte

AbstractThis paper presents the effect of salt concentration on the electrochemical, thermal, and structural properties of the solid polymer electrolyte (SPE) prepared with the polymer sodium carboxymethylcellulose (NaCMC) and the salt sodium triflate (NaCF3SO3). The electrolyte was prepared in the form of membranes using solution cast technique. Deionized water was used as a common solvent for both the precursor materials. The membranes were characterized using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). XRD results show reduction in crystallinity of the electrolyte with an increase in the salt concentration. The FTIR result confirms polymer‐salt interaction. The ionic conductivity of the electrolyte membrane was found to be dependent on the concentration of NaCF3SO3. The maximum ionic conductivity of the SPE membranes was observed to be 1 × 10−4 Scm−1 at room temperature (36°C). DSC results show an increase in glass transition temperature (Tg) with increasing salt concentration. The total ionic transference number of the highest conducting sample was found to be ~1, which shows that the conductivity of SPE membranes is predominantly due to the transport of ions.

Isolation, Characterization and Screening of Microbial Melanin for its role in Protection of Plant Growth Promoting Bacteria

Plants are susceptible to vulnerable impacts caused by presence of heavy metals, viruses, bacteria, fungi, insects and pests. Along with diseases, availability of nutrients, water, temperature and the role of protecting the role plant growth promoting bacteria (PGPB) is also a matter of concern. PGPB may promote plant growth directly usually by either facilitating resource acquisition or modulating plant hormone levels, or indirectly by decreasing the inhibitory effects of various heavy metals on plant growth and development. Although a significant increase in the use of PGPB in agriculture was observed in the last two decades, there is a dearth of long-term studies addressing the effects of PGPB on existing microbial community structure. Melanin is a negative charge hydrophobic complex pigment that is a substance made of small particles virtually insoluble in the environment and is usually used for its color, protective or other characteristics. Melanin, its ability to chelate metals by which the toxicity of metals can be reduced. In this direction, soil and vegetable waste samples were collected and enriched. A total of fourteen isolates were obtained and these isolates were screened for melanin production. Black brownish colonies were melanin positive colonies. These isolates were subjected to production of melanin. Melanin was extracted and subjected to FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy). On the basis of FTIR results, melanin was confirmed and then tested for its metal chelating ability followed by its application as protectant for plant growth promotion. Significant growth was observed when compared with control proves its vital role in plant growth promotion

Nanocrystals loaded collagen/alginate-based injectable hydrogels: A promising biomaterial for bioavailability improvement of hydrophobic drugs

The study aims to improve the solubility of poorly soluble drug by developing an optimized formulation of nanocrystals and extend its release profile by incorporating optimized nanocrystals in a biopolymer based injectable hydrogel. Nanocrystals of Silymarin (SM) were developed by anti-solvent precipitation technique followed by homogenization. Various stabilizers were investigated and combination of polyvinyl pyrrolidine K30 (PVP K30) and sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) in a specific ratio was chosen as a stabilizer for nanocrystals. The optimized nanocrystals possessed mean particle size 172 ± 5.23 nm and PDI of 0.228 ± 0.02. Sodium alginate (Alg) and collagen (Col) based injectable hydrogel in combination with pluronic F127 showed good biocompatibility, mechanical strength and biodegradability. The developed formulation was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy (FT-IR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. The results of FT-IR and TGA showed structural cross-linking between polymers and promising thermal stability of formulation with increasing temperature, respectively. The nanocrystals loaded Alg-Col-F127 injectable hydrogel was degraded completely in 48 h. The results of in vitro release studies and in vivo pharmacokinetic profiling of silymarin nanocrystals laden Alg-Col-F127 injectable hydrogel exhibited controlled release behavior as compared to coarse silymarin suspension and silymarin nanocrystals. Therefore, nanosuspension integrated biopolymer-based hybrid injectable hydrogel system may be used to assist solubility and bioavailability enhancement as well as serve as platform to provide controlled drug release.

Analysis of Two Different Inks and Application Techniques on Palm Leaf Manuscripts Through Non-Invasive Analysis

Abstract Influenced by the spreading route of Buddhism, palm leaf manuscripts in China are mostly distributed in Yunnan province and Tibet. The ink of palm leaf manuscripts from Yunnan province is left in the incisions, while the ink of palm leaf manuscripts from Tibet is written on the surface. The two inks have different compositions and application techniques, which may lead to varying degrees of flaking and ink loss. Application technique and ink composition are crucial for conservation measures. In this study, non-destructive analysis techniques including a portable digital microscope, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) were undertaken to analyse the characteristics and preservation condition of inks applied with different techniques on palm leaf manuscripts. Morphologies indicated that the interaction of ink and support influence the type and extent of ink loss. FTIR and XRF results showed significant differences in ink composition between incised palm leaf manuscripts from Yunnan and surface-written manuscripts from Tibet. Manuscripts from different periods within the same region exhibited similarities in ink composition. This paper significantly contributes to understanding properties of inks, offering an essential reference for ink consolidation.

Preparation and characterization of zein-based core-shell nanoparticles for encapsulation and delivery of hydrophobic nutrient molecules: Enhancing environmental stress resistance and antioxidant activity

A simple reverse solvent co-precipitation method was designed to prepare zein/debranched oxidized starch core-shell composite nanoparticles. Studies have shown that the composite nanoparticles have good stability and the ability to protect resveratrol from chemical degradation during long-term storage, pasteurization, and ultraviolet irradiation. The encapsulation rate of resveratrol in composite nanoparticles (81.15%) was significantly higher than that of pure protein nanoparticles (47.15%). The results of FT-IR (fourier transform infrared spectroscopy), circular dichroism, and fluorescence spectra show that hydrogen bonding, hydrophobic interaction, and electrostatic interaction exist in the composite nanoparticles. Under pasteurization conditions, ultraviolet radiation, and two weeks of room-temperature storage, the composite nanoparticles can better maintain the biological activity of nutrient molecules. Moreover, the particles can maintain stability in different pH and ionic strength environments and gradually degrade and release active molecules in the intestinal tract in vitro in the simulated gastrointestinal environment. These results show that zein/debranched oxidized starch nanoparticles (ZDNPs) have great potential for application in the fields of functional drinks, food, and biomedicine-related delivery.