XRD Results Research Articles

Lithium extraction from a clay-type lithium ore using a mixed solution of sulfuric acid and ferric chloride

The demand for lithium resources continues to grow owing to the extensive application of lithium-ion batteries in the clean energy industry, and in consequence the development of lithium extraction technologies is significant. In this study, the mixed solution of H2SO4 and FeCl3 was found to have a synergistic effect on the lithium extraction from a clay lithium ore. Upon calcination at 600 °C for 60 min, followed by leaching with a mixture of 10.5 w% H2SO4 and 2 w% FeCl3 at a liquid-to-solid ratio of 5 mL/g for 90 min at 80 °C, a lithium leaching efficiency of 96.18 % was obtained, better than using individual H2SO4 and FeCl3 at higher concentrations. The TG-DTG-DSC, FTIR, BET and XRD results showed that with the increase of calcination temperature the structures of partial minerals such as kaolinite and cookeite became collapsed, amorphous, unstable and activated, which favored for the release of lithium. With the further increase of calcination temperature, the mineral structure continued to collapse and tends to be stable, making the interlayer lithium tightly fixed and difficult to be released. The XRD and SEM results indicated that the lithium extraction is an ion exchange process rather than mineral dissolution. The synergistic effect of H2SO4 and FeCl3 on the lithium extraction was attributed to the fact that the entry of Fe3+ into the interlayer of the layered structure of clay minerals not only released Li+, but also increased the interlayer spacing, conducive to the access of H+ to the interlayer, and consequently facilitated the ion exchange of H+ and Li+.

Titanium Complex with New Schiff Base 4-(N, N-dimethylaminobenzylidene)-1- phenylsemicarbazide: Synthesis, Thermal, XRD, and Antibacterial properties

4-(N, N-dimethylaminobenzylidene) 1-phenylsemicarbazide Schiff base (SB) was synthesized from 1-phenylsemicarbazide and 4-(N,N-dimethylaminobenzaldehyde). Numerous analytical approaches, such as ele-mental analysis, 1HNMR, 13CNMR, electronic spectra, and FT-IR spectroscopy were utilized to analyze the newly synthesized Schiff base. The Ti (IV) Schiff base complex was produced, and its electrolytic nature, stability, and octahedral structural properties were determined by elemental, IR, UV-Vis spectral, conductivity, and thermal studies (TGA-DTA). From XRD results, the practical size of Schiff base and its complex were in the nano range with crystallinity structure. To evaluate the antibacterial activity, the free ligand and its complex were assessed in vitro against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus. These results show that the metal complex has stronger antibacterial action than the Schiff base ligand.

Mechanistic study on the effect of hydroxypropyl corn starch, guar gum and compound phosphates on the freeze-thaw quality of quick-frozen kuey teow

Kuey teow is one of the delicacies of Guangdong, China and is a gluten-free noodle dish made from rice. It has a short storage period and extending the shelf life by quick freezing induces quality deterioration due to temperature fluctuations. To improve its freeze-thaw frozen storage quality, this paper examined the effects of hydroxypropyl corn starch (HCS), guar gum (GG), and compound phosphates (CP) on the quality of quick-frozen kuey teow during freeze-thaw cycles. The mechanism was investigated by identifying changes in the moisture status, aging degree of the starch, and textural and cooking characteristics. The results showed that all three additions improved the toughness, chewiness and steaming characteristics of the kuey teow, with CP significantly enhancing chewiness. XRD and FTIR results revealed that GG more significantly inhibited the decrease of starch crystallinity, while HCS inhibited starch aging. GG, HCS and CP all improved the hydration characteristics and water holding capacity of rice starch. GG enhances the ability of starch to bind more tightly with water, resulting in a more uniform water distribution and a more continuous and tight structure of the kuey teow. This study will provide a theoretical basis for compounding and optimizing the quick-freezing of kuey teow.

IR-transparent Y2O3 ceramics: Effect of zirconia concentration on optical and mechanical properties

Y2O3 transparent ceramics with different amounts of ZrO2 were obtained by reactive vacuum sintering at a relatively low temperature of 1735 °C for 22 h. The influence of ZrO2 concentration within the 0–15 mol.% range on the microstructure, phase composition, microhardness, and optical properties of ceramics in the visible and IR ranges was investigated. SEM and XRD results indicate the absence of secondary phases in the studied concentration range, indicating the formation of single-phase solid solutions. It was shown that doping by ZrO2 considerably decreases the average grain size of ceramics, while microhardness has the opposite behaviour. 15 mol.% ZrO2-doped Y2O3 ceramics demonstrated the highest transmittance in the visible wavelength range. On the other hand, 5 and 7 mol.% ZrO2-doped Y2O3 could be considered promising materials for the first atmospheric window (3–5 μm).

Sonochemical synthesis of bismuth sulfide-based nanorods for hydrogen production

Bismuth-based nanostructures have been used as promising materials for catalytic hydrogen production. Herein, a sonochemical method was developed to prepare solid solutions like Bi2-xZn1.5xS3 in order to strengthen the Bi2S3 redox ability. Thioglycolic acid (TGA) was used as a complexing agent of Bi3+ to slow down Bi2S3 precipitation, making zinc insertion into the sulfide structure easier. The results of XRD, TEM, EDS, XPS, and DRS analyses suggest the formation of nanocomposites consisting of nanorods of Bi2-xZn1.5xS3 covered by ZnS nanoparticles, with bandgap widening from 1.16 eV (Bi2S3) to 2.37 eV (Bi1.53Zn0.6S3/ZnS/Zn(OH)2). The hydrogen generation in an ethanol aqueous solution was investigated under sonolysis, photocatalysis and simultaneous sonolysis and photocatalysis (sonophotocatalysis) in the presence of bismuth sulfide-based nanorods. The hybrid action of light and ultrasounds determined a remarkable synergistic effect on the hydrogen production of the solid solutions. The most outstanding results were found in the presence of nanocomposites containing Bi2-xZn1.5xS3, which can have an origin in better charge separation after zinc incorporation.

Potential improvement in the mechanical performance and thermal resistance of geopolymer with appropriate microplastic incorporation: A sustainable solution for recycling and reusing microplastics

The accumulation of microplastics (MPs) has been a major threat to the natural environment and human health. However, incineration and landfilling may not be appropriate for the management of MPs. This paper evaluated the feasibility of incorporating MPs with diverse dimensions (50 to 500 μm) and contents (2.5 % to 10 %) into geopolymer cured under different temperatures (40 and 80 °C). The compressive (fc) and flexural strength (ff) after curing and thermal exposure (200 to 600 °C) were determined. When cured at 40 °C, fc and ff decreased with percentages of MPs incorporated. By contrast, when cured at 80 °C, the addition of 2.5 % MPs increased fc and ff by up to 33 % (from 52.2 to 69.4 MPa) and 18 % (from 8.2 to 9.7 MPa), depending on MPs’ sizes. The XRD and TGA results suggested that the observed increases in mechanical properties can be attributed to the formation of more calcium alumino (silicate) hydrates (C-(A)-S-H gels) induced by the incorporation of a small quantity of MPs (2.5 %). The SEM images also showed better adhesion between MPs and geopolymeric products when cured under 80 °C, potentially inhibiting crack development. After being exposed to evaluated temperatures (200 and 400 °C), fc of the specimens with 2.5 % MPs and cured at 80 °C was higher than that without MPs. The fc dropped dramatically due to the degradation of MPs between 400 and 600 °C. The increase in strength and heat resistance (up to 400 °C) of MPs-incorporated geopolymer cured under 80 °C indicated the potential recycling and reuse of MPs for geopolymer materials.

Influencing Factors and Stimulus-Sensitivity of Chitosan/Polymethacrylic Acid (CS/PMAA) Nanogels as Nanocarriers

ABSTRACT Nanogel, nanosized hydrogel, can contribute to biomedical and pharmaceutical, especially in drug delivery, due to its enthralling properties. Small size, large surface area, hydrophilicity, and stimulus responsiveness of nanogel ameliorate tissue penetration, drug loading capacity, and targeted drug delivery. The current study prepared nanosized, pH-sensitive, biocompatible, and stable chitosan/polymethacrylic acid (CS/PMAA) based nanogels using MBA as a crosslinker and APS as an initiator. FTIR confirmed the reaction between functional groups to synthesize nanogels sufficiently in a spherical shape, as affirmed by a FESEM. DLS data revealed nanosized particles with a size range of 70–170 nm and a range of 6–13 for polydispersity index (PDI). A study showed that 2% of MBA crosslinker is sufficient to achieve the desired crosslinking in 60 minutes reaction time (RT) with nanogel size ~ 92 nm. Increasing RT from 30 to 80 minutes during nanogel synthesis demonstrated a decrease in nanogel sizes from 186–73 nm. Synthesized nanogels have shown pH sensitivity (stimuli responsiveness) in acidic and alkaline mediums with an increase in particle size in pH-2 (~144 nm) and pH-8 (~280 nm) compared to intermediate pHs. The pH sensitivity of nanogels by changing the size per the suspended medium’s pH is crucial for prolonged systemic circulation and targeted drug delivery. Moreover, nanogels have shown good colloidal stability with zeta potential (ZP) +28 mv in acidic and −38 mv alkaline mediums. DSC and XRD results demonstrated thermal stability and amorphous morphology of nanogels, respectively. BET surface analysis revealed the surface area of nanogels in the range of 65–68 cm2/g with an average pore size of 28–32 nm. In-vitro cytotoxicity in the L-929 cell line by MTT assay established the cell viability (>70%) after 24 hours of incubation, substantiating the non-toxicity and biocompatibility of nanogels as nanocarriers for drug delivery.

Alginate-millet starch composite matrices as novel carriers for controlled delivery of grape seed polyphenols: Preparation, characterization, and in vitro release behaviour

Grape seed polyphenols (GSP) were encapsulated in alginate-modified millet starch composite matrix using internal gelation. Millet starch was modified using ultrasound (US) for 10, 20, 30, and 40 min. The application of US reduced the long-range order and increased the short-range order of starch, consequently increasing its solubility. FESEM analysis revealed that US-treatment induced fissures and grooves on the surface of starch granules and disintegrated the starch particles. Particle size distribution analysis confirmed a significant reduction in mean particle size. US-treatment facilitated enhanced alginate-starch interactions owing to an increased surface area and improved hydrogen bonding, as corroborated by FTIR, XRD, and DSC results. The composite microencapsulates prepared from 40 min US-treated starch demonstrated the highest encapsulation efficiency (89.20 ± 1.10 %), heat and UV-light stability, and delayed GSP release in simulated gastrointestinal fluids. The best fit for the release behaviour of GSP from the composite microencapsulates was observed with Peppas-Sahlin model.

A novel Al/BiCl3/γ-Al2O3 composite for small-sized fuel cell: Fabrication, performance and mechanisms

Small-sized fuel cell is an ideal and promising power source for portable devices due to its long-term electricity supply and free of CO2 emission. However, its commercialization is obstructed by reliable hydrogen source, which should be non-corrosiveness, as compact as possible, stable and controllable high purity hydrogen supply. In this study, a novel in situ hydrogen production material Al/BiCl3/γ-Al2O3 composite is synthesized, which exhibits high hydrogen yield, fast hydrogen production rate and outstanding storage stability. The hydrogen production performance of Al/BiCl3/γ-Al2O3 can be adjusted by changing BiCl3:γ-Al2O3 weight ratio, additive content and milling time. XRD and SEM results indicate that surface cracks, active surface and metal Bi produced in fabrication process lead to the high hydrolysis activity of Al/BiCl3/γ-Al2O3. Mechanism analyses reveal that hydrogen production process is the results of pitting, microgalvanic effect and catalytic effect. Taking into account hydrogen production performance, capacity and cost, Al/5 wt%BiCl3/5 wt%γ-Al2O3 milled for 2 h is a potential hydrogen production material, which can in situ supply hydrogen for small-sized fuel cell.

Tailoring the optoelectronic and spintronics properties of Cr-doped ZnS nanostructure thin films

This paper discusses the tailoring of the optoelectronic and spintronic of Cr3+-doped ZnS nanostructured electron beam evaporated thin films. The XRD measurements confirm the zinc blende cubic structure for the films with a preferred orientation along the (111) direction. The nanostructured features of the films were verified from the XRD and AFM results. The EDXS and XPS data show the stoichiometric chemical and electronic states of the films. Spectrophotometry measurements for the films show that the energy gap decreases from 3.67 eV to 3.43 eV as the Cr3+ increases from 0 at. % to 8.0 at.%. Such reduction of the Eg of the Cr3+-doped ZnS is attributed to the sp-d coupling. The strong PL asymmetric peak of the Cr3+-doped ZnS is observed, which is quenched and red shifted with increasing Cr doping level. Furthermore, the magnetic measurements show the occurrence of weak room temperature ferromagnetic behavior. On the other hand, the results further show that the magnetization increases with the increase of the Cr3+ dopants up to x = 0.05, then decreases with increasing the Cr doping above x = 0.05. This can be attributed to the development of the antiferromagnetic ordering.

First-principle and experimental investigation into the interfacial characters of Ti-doped ZTA and high chromium cast iron

Ti doping can improve the interfacial wettability and bonding condition between ZTA ceramic and high chromium cast iron (HCCI), but the underlying mechanism is still unclear. Therefore, the effects of Ti doping on the interfacial characters between ZTA and HCCI were investigated by experiment and first-principles calculations. Results of XRD, SEM, and high-temperature drop test indicate the presence of Ti at the interface and its effect on the formation of interfacial diffusion layer to improve the interface wettability and bonding obviously. The heat of segregation and work of adhesion obtained by first-principle calculations shows that the improvement in interface wettability and bonding is due to the promotion of dopped Ti atoms on the diffusion of Fe, Al, and Zr elements, but not the diffusion of Ti itself. Further investigation from the electronic level reveals that the doped Ti changes the charge distribution and orbital hybridization, and thus makes the formation or enhancement of strong ionic bonds and covalent bonds at the interface, improving the bonding strength and wettability of interfaces in ZTA/HCCI. The findings of this research can offer new insights into the modification of ceramics and enlarge the application of advanced ceramic materials.

Multifunctional applications of novel copper magnesium vanadate nanoparticles: Photocatalytic dye degradation and electrochemical properties

The multifunctional applications of nanomaterials in energy saving, electrochemical energy storage, and sensing devices are a current research trend. Novel Copper Magnesium Vanadate (CMV-CuMg2V2O8) nanoparticles have been synthesized by solution combustion method. The crystallite size calculated from XRD and TEM results was found to be 21 nm. The band gap estimated from UV–Vis DRS of CMV nanoparticles was found to be 3.82 eV. Its multifunctional applications were explored through for energy conversion, storage and sensing applications. Photocatalytic degradation of Acid Red-88 (AR-88) dye was conducted using CMV nanoparticles as photocatalyst under UV light. CMV nanoparticles modified carbon paste electrodes were prepared and its cyclic voltammetry (CV), Electrochemical impedence spectroscopy (EIS) and Galvanostatic charge–discharge (GCD) analysis were carried out using 1M KCl and NaOH electrolyte. With excellent specific capacitance of 266 Fg−1 in KCl electrolyte and 242 Fg−1 in NaOH electrolyte at 5 mV/s scan rate, CMV NPs was demonstrated to be a promising electrode material for supercapacitors. Electrochemical sensing analysis was carried out using the same electrode for the detection of paracetamol and ibuprofen within the range of 1–5 mM. The resulting copper magnesium vanadate nanoparticles have been verified as a possible electrode material for next-generation energy storage devices.

Enhanced dielectric, magnetic, and photocatalytic properties of sol-gel synthesized Eu-Cr codoped BiFeO3 nanoparticles

A series of polycrystalline Eu-Cr co-doped BiFeO3 nanoparticles were synthesized using the sol–gel method. The obtained samples were characterized by employing the XRD, FTIR, FESEM, UV–vis, LCR meter, and SQUID techniques. XRD analysis confirmed rhombohedral phase formation for all samples, and the crystallite sizes decreased with higher Cr3+ doping concentrations. The stretching and bending vibrations of Fe-O bonds in FeO6 octahedra and the formation of perovskite nature were confirmed by the FTIR analysis. From microstructural studies, a decrease in crystallite size with increased doping concentration was observed, corroborating the XRD results. The magnetic studies revealed an enhanced magnetization, probably caused by the distorted cycloid spin structure of the codoped nanoparticles with size ≤62 nm. The lower value of the squareness ratio of the M-H loop indicated strong magnetostatic interaction between grains, which might have played a great role in the enhancement of the maximum magnetization of the doped samples. The dielectric constant and loss tangent were evaluated as a function of frequency at room temperature. The photocatalytic activities of all the samples were evaluated by measuring the degradation of RhB dye under sunlight irradiation. The highest photocatalytic degradation efficiency of 94% was achieved with the substitution of Cr3+ (3%) and Eu3+ (4%) ions in BiFeO3 nanoparticles.

Encapsulation of resveratrol in alginate microcapsules using internal gelation technique: Fabrication, characterization and release kinetics

Resveratrol (RES) is a proven anticancer, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cardioprotective compound. However, low bioavailability, poor water solubility, and sensitivity to UV light and heat limit RES's use in food applications. In this study, we aim to protect RES by encapsulating it in sodium alginate (NaAlg) matrix using internal gelation, followed by drying the moist microencapsulates using spray and freeze-drying techniques. The spray-dried microencapsulates exhibited a smaller mean diameter (5.57 ± 2.40 μm), higher encapsulation efficiency (91.32 ± 1.98%), and higher ζ-potential (−61.9 ± 2.33 mV) compared to freeze-dried microencapsulates. SEM images revealed the smooth and spherical surface of the spray-dried microencapsulates, while the freeze-dried samples exhibited irregular shapes and porous textures. FTIR results showed polyelectrolyte interactions between NaAlg, RES, and CaCO3. XRD and DSC results confirmed the incorporation of RES in the NaAlg matrix. Spray-dried microencapsulates demonstrate the highest RES retention of 80.89 ± 0.70% and 78.59 ± 0.27% after 4 h of UV light and thermal treatments, respectively. In vitro release studies showed that spray-dried microencapsulates demonstrate a delayed gastric release compared to freeze-dried microencapsulates. The release mechanism of RES from the microencapsulates was effectively described by the Shalin-Peppas model.

Incorporation of B and La oxides into bioactive glass: in vitro studies for bone regeneration applications

Bone tissue engineering seeks to regenerate damaged tissues using biocompatible scaffolds that mimic bone minerals. This study focuses on scaffolds based 45S5 bioactive glass (45% SiO2, 24.5% Na2O, 6% P2O5, 24.5% CaO) doped with boron and lanthanum oxides. These scaffolds, produced via conventional melting, form a hydroxyapatite layer, promoting strong bone integration. Result of DTA, XRD, FTIR, SEM, and EDS, showed doping led to crystalline phase identification, silicate network confirmation, and detection of calcium phosphorus deposits. Doping also increased pH, degradation kinetics, and antibacterial activity. These findings suggest that boron and lanthanum-doped 45S5 scaffolds have potential in bone regeneration applications.

Gellan gum and pullulan-based films with triple functionalities of antioxidant, antibacterial and freshness indication properties for food packaging

The objective of this research was to fabricate pH-responsive and active films based on gellan gum (GG) and pullulan (PL) with extracts of Broussonetia papyrifera fruits (BPFE) and leaves (BPLE) by a casting method. Results indicated that the extracts had good compatibility with GG and PL, which were uniformly distributed throughout the matrix. The incorporation of BPFE and BPLE increased the thickness, UV–vis barrier property, mechanical strength, thermal stability and moisture content of the films, while decreasing the water contact angle. Notably, the films exhibited enhanced antioxidant properties, with maximum radical scavenging rates of 77.45 % using 2,2 Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl and 66.21 % using 2,2′-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid). The antibacterial capability of the films also increased significantly after adding BPLE and BPFE. The results of XRD and FTIR showed that BPFE was bound to GG and PL by hydrogen bond. The release behavior of BPFE from the films agreed best with the first-level kinetic model. Furthermore, the films displayed obvious color responses to ammonia gas and different pH environments. Simultaneously, the films were applied to monitor the freshness of Pelteobagrus fulvidraco fish. The color parameters of the films demonstrated high correlations with the freshness indexes measured through standard laboratory procedures.

A facile synthesis of porous MoS2 coralloids for efficient application in water treatment

MoS2 coralloids with porous structure were synthesized for the first time via a facile hydrothermal method. Notably, MoO2(OH)(OOH) and KSCN were used as the source of Mo and S, respectively. The XRD result demonstrates a typical hexagonal phase single-crystalline together with a high purity for the produced MoS2. Additionally, the produced MoS2 was characterized with a coralloid morphology featuring porous structure. Porous MoS2 coralloids were applied as organic dye adsorbents and behaved well in wastewater treatment. With the introduction of MoS2 coralloids, the removal efficiency of methylene blue (MB) could reach to 99.03 % after 1 min and the maximum adsorption capacity of MoS2 coralloids was calculated to be about 86.06 mg g−1, which is more time efficiency and higher than many previously reported adsorbents.

The impacts of different modification techniques on the gel properties and structural characteristics of fish gelatin

Fish gelatin hydrogels are typically characterized by weak texture and poor thermal stability. To address this issue, fish gelatin (FG) was modified using κ-carrageenan (κC) and transglutaminase (TG). FG-κC, FG-TG, and FG-κC-TG gels were prepared. The results demonstrated that the particle size and textural properties of FG gels were significantly enhanced by κC and κC-TG composite modifications, and their zeta potential was reduced (P < 0.05). As opposed to that, the improvement effects of TG modification were weaker. The highest particle size and hardness, along with the lowest zeta potential, were exhibited by the FG-κC-TG0.06% gel. Additionally, the FG-κC-TG gel system possessed higher apparent viscosity and elastic storage modulus. Fluorescence spectroscopy and UV absorption analysis indicated that fluorescence intensity was reduced by all three modification methods, and the conformational structure of FG was altered to varying degrees. Microstructure, FTIR, and XRD results revealed that the number of hydrogen bonds and isopeptide bonds in the composite gel systems was increased by κC and κC-TG modifications, enhancing the stability and orderliness of the gel's helical structure, and forming larger aggregates and denser network structures. Furthermore, due to the presence of covalent cross-linking, improved thermal stability was exhibited by the modified gelatin hydrogels. This study not only provides theoretical support for enhancing the performance of fish gelatin but also facilitates the application of modified fish gelatin in improving the sensory quality and flavor characteristics of food, as well as in serving as a matrix material in the biomedical field.

Formulation, Development, Characterization and Solubility Enhancement of Amisulpride

Background: Amisulpride (AMP) is a drug that is poorly water-soluble and is typically characterized by high molecular weights, significant log P values, and low bioavailability. Poor water solubility of a drug is caused by strong intermolecular interaction and a drug's affinity for a lipid environment (lipophilicity). Objective: The current study aims to improve Amisulpride's (AMP) oral bioavailability and solubility by developing a complex with 2-hydroxypropyl β-cyclodextrin (HP-β-CDT). Method: This study describes solubility of AMP with β-CDT and HP-β-CDT. Prepared inclusion complex of AMP and HP-β-CDT by different techniques like physical mixture, kneading and lyophilization. Result: A notable improvement in AMP's solubility was obtained with an optimized inclusion complex. The result of FT-IR, DSC and XRD confirms the complex between AMP and HP-β-CDT. The physical mixture, kneading and lyophilization technique, the kneading method is most successful in producing an inclusion complex. Conclusion: The 1.3 ratio gives the best drug content and dissolution profile.

Quality by design driven development of lipid nanoparticles for cutaneous targeting: a preliminary approach.

Fungal infections are the fourth common cause of infection affecting around 50 million populations across the globe. Dermatophytes contribute to the majority of superficial fungal infections. Clotrimazole (CTZ), an imidazole derivative is widely preferred for the treatment of topical fungal infections. Conventional topical formulations enable effective penetration of CTZ into the stratum corneum, however, its low solubility results in poor dermal bioavailability, and variable drug levels limit the efficacy. The aim was to increase dermal bioavailability and sustain drug release, thereby potentially enhancing drug retention and reducing its side effects. This work evaluated the CTZ loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) consisting of precirol and polysorbate-80 developed using high pressure homogenization and optimized with QbD approach. Prior to release studies, CTZ-SLNs were characterized by different analytical techniques. The laser diffractometry and field emission scanning electron microscopy indicated that SLNs were spherical in shape with mean diameter of 450 ± 3.45nm. DSC and XRD results revealed that the drug remained molecularly dispersed in the lipid matrix. The CTZ-SLNs showed no physicochemical instability during 6months of storage at different temperatures. Further, the Carbopol with its pseudoplastic behavior showed a crucial role in forming homogenous and stable network for imbibing the CTZ-SLN dispersion for effective retention in skin. As examined, in-vitro drug release was sustained up to 24h while ex-vivo skin retention and drug permeation studies showed the highest accumulation and lowest permeation with nanogel in comparison to pure drug and Candid® cream. Further, the in-vivo antifungal efficacy of nanogel suggested once-a-day application for 10days, supported by histopathological analysis for complete eradication infection. In summary, the findings suggest, that nanogel-loaded with CTZ-SLNs has great potential for the management of fungal infections caused by Candida albicans.