Strong Peak Research Articles

Advanced Study of Structural and Optical Characteristics of Nanocrystalline Coomassie Brilliant Blue G-250 for Optoelectronic Device Optimization

This study explores the structural and optical properties of Coomassie Brilliant Blue G-250 (CBBG) using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and spectroscopic techniques. XRD analysis of both powder and thin film samples reveals distinct structural features: the powder exhibits a polycrystalline structure with strong diffraction peaks corresponding to cubic lattice planes, while the thin film shows a mix of crystalline orientations within an amorphous matrix. The Williamson-Hall relation is applied to determine average crystallite sizes, yielding 85.5nm for the powder and 71.8nm for the thin film, indicating their nanocrystalline nature. Microstrain analysis also reveals compressive strain within the thin film. These structural insights are critical for understanding CBBG's mechanical and optical properties, vital for biochemical and optoelectronic applications. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations with the B3LYP/6-311++G(d,p) basis set were used to optimize the molecular geometry and analyze HOMO-LUMO energies and reactive sites via the MEP map. CBBG shows higher hyperpolarizability than urea, indicating its potential for nonlinear optical applications. Miller indices further support its optoelectronic optimization. The real (ε1) and imaginary (ε2) parts of the dielectric constant were analyzed, revealing CBBG thin films exhibit strong polarization and charge displacement, influenced by structural disorder. Additionally, the volume and surface energy loss functions (VELF and SELF) highlight significant internal energy dissipation, emphasizing CBBG's potential for optoelectronic devices. The complex optical conductivity analysis reveals key absorption and dispersion behaviors essential for advanced photonic and electronic device design.

Antibacterial and photocatalytic activities of biosynthesized zinc oxide nanoparticle using novel plant P. macrosolen L. leaf extract

In this study, ZnO nanoparticles were produced by an easy and cost effective approach using P. macrosolen L. leaf extract and zinc chloride as Zn ion source. The as-biosynthesized ZnO nanoparticles were analyzed by powder-X-ray diffraction (PXRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, UV–visible spectroscopy, Focused ion beam-scanning electron microscopy (FIB-SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) characterization techniques. The XRD result revealed the formations of ZnO-nanoparticles with hexagonal structure, spherical like shape and average crystalline size of 47 nm. The presence of flavonoids in P. macrosolen L. extracts was confirmed by phytochemical tests, indicating that flavonoids primarily acted as reducing agents during nanoparticle formation. The FTIR spectrum also revealed broad and strong peaks corresponding to –OH groups, confirming the high concentration of phenolic acids present in the extract. The energy band gap of the biosynthesized ZnO Nanoparticles, calculated using the Tauc relation, was found to be 3.0 eV, indicating the presence of a blue shift. FIB-SEM was used to analyze the microstructure and identify any aggregations. The EDX analysis revealed the presence of zinc and oxygen, with weights of 16.33% and 83.67%, respectively. The disk diffusion test was performed on solid agar plates and demonstrated that the substance is effective against E. coli bacteria as an antibacterial agent. The photocatalytic degradation rate constants of the optimized ZnO samples under visible light are approximately 0.06455 min⁻1 for MO and 0.04865 min⁻1 for TB, achieving 94.47% and 92.34% degradation of MO and TB, respectively. These rates are significantly higher compared to unmodified ZnO, which has a degradation rate of 0.0075 min⁻1. The improvement in visible-light photocatalytic performance can be attributed to the formation of ZnO nanoparticles, which arise from the matching of crystal lattices and energy bands in ZnO. ZnO Nanoparticles produce excited electrons under visible light irradiation. These excited electrons in the ZnO nanoparticles are directly transferred to the conduction band (CB), resulting in notable visible light photocatalytic performance.

Atmospheric pressure spatial atomic layer deposition of p-type CuO thin films from copper(II) acetylacetonate and ozone for UV detection.

Cupric oxide (CuO) is a promising p-type semiconducting oxide used in many critical fields, such as energy conversion and storage, and gas sensors, which is attributed to its unique optoelectrical properties and cost-effectiveness. This work successfully deposited amorphous, pinhole-free, ultrathin CuO films using atmospheric pressure spatial atomic layer deposition (SALD) with copper(II) acetylacetonate and ozone as precursors. The growth rate increased from 0.05 Å/cycle at 175 °C to 0.35 Å per cycle at 275 °C. XPS and XRD confirmed the formation of a pure CuO phase, with typical strong satellite shake-up peaks, and a tenorite crystalline phase. The films exhibited semiconducting behavior, with temperature-dependent electrical measurements revealing the Fermi level positioned 0.2-0.24 eV above the valence band. Furthermore, p-type CuO was combined with n-type ZnO, both deposited by SALD, to form a high-performance photodiode. This CuO/ZnO heterojunction demonstrated excellent rectifying behavior, with an ION/IOFF ratio of 2.04 × 103, and functioned as an efficient UV detector, showing fast response and good repeatability. These results highlight the potential of SALD-deposited CuO thin films for optoelectronic applications.

High-performance, self-powered ZnO NWs-ZnSe heterojunction photodetectors for superior visible and near-infrared detection

Abstract We present the development of a type-II heterojunction photodetector (PD) comprising Ag/ZnO nanowires (NWs)/ZnSe/In, fabricated on a commercially available Si substrate. ZnO NWs were hydrothermally synthesized on thermally evaporated ZnSe thin films, with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis revealing uniform, vertically aligned ZnO NWs on the ZnSe layer. Cross-sectional SEM imaging determined the thickness of the In/ZnSe thin film to be approximately 460 nm, with ZnO NWs exhibiting an average diameter of ∼161 nm. Structural analysis of the ZnSe thin film, annealed at 370 °C in an ambient environment, identified a prominent ZnSe peak at 27.48° alongside peaks at 30.98° and 33.21° corresponding to In2O3 and ZnSeO3, respectively. The ZnO NWs, under similar annealing conditions, displayed a strong (002) peak, confirming vertical growth. Hall effect measurements revealed a transition from p-type carriers in as-deposited ZnSe thin films to n-type in the annealed ZnSe and ZnO NWs, attributed to the formation of In2O3 as evidenced by XRD. The PD exhibited the highest photoresponse under IR illumination (950 nm), surpassing responses to green (515 nm) and blue (456 nm) LEDs, with a short-circuit current (I sc) of −26 μA and an open-circuit voltage (V oc) of +80 mV, characteristic of a self-powered device. In contrast, minimal photoresponse was observed in a Schottky-type Ag/ZnSe/In junction on the Si substrate. The photoresponse mechanism was elucidated using an energy band diagram, while density functional theory simulations using Vienna ab initio simulation package provided a strong correlation with the experimental data, validating the structural and electronic properties of the heterojunction.

Photocatalytic removal of textile wastewater-originated methylene blue and malachite green dyes using spent black tea extract-coated silver nanoparticles

The spent black tea extract was utilized in order to synthesize the spent black tea silver nanoparticles (SBT-AgNPs). Various parameters were tested to yield the best production of SBT-AgNPs. The characterization was conducted by X-Ray diffraction, Scanning electron microscopy, Zeta potential and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX). The XRD analysis showed hkl planes corresponding to (111), (200), (220), (311) planes at 2θ theta deg 38.3°, 40.8°, 64.5°, and 74.2°. The scanning electron microscopy reported the plate like round shaped morphology of the AgNPs. The zeta potential was examined to be -17.5 mV and a size distribution by intensity of 157.6 d. nm was observed. The EDX was employed to determine the purity of samples by reporting a strong peak of silver (Ag). The degradation activity was examined by photocatalytic removal of methylene blue and malachite green dyes from textile wastewater. The textile wastewater showed a decrease of methylene blue by 25% and 58.3%. The malachite green was also reduced by 33.3% and 60%, which was remarkably significant owing to the presence of the complex factor in the natural environment. The study sets a promising record to harbor the full potential of available food waste resource, such as spent black tea to form SBT-AgNPs and its application in the dye removal from textile waste. The multifaceted outcomes of this study resulted in an eco-friendly procedure, thereby reusing the waste material for environmental cleanup.

Mycosynthesis of chitosan-selenium nanocomposite and its activity as an insecticide against the cotton leafworm Spodoptera littoralis.

The cotton leafworm, Spodoptra littoralis, causes great damage to cotton crops. A new, safer method than insecticide is necessary for its control. Selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) are metalloid nanomaterial, with extensive biological activities. They have low toxicity and can be used safely in plant disease management. In this study, we successfully bio-fabricated selenium nanoparticles and chitosan-selenium nanocomposite (Ch-SeNPs) using a fungal cell-free filtrate of Penicillium griseofulvum. The biosynthesized nanomaterials were initially detected optically by the formation of a red color in the solution mixture and the appearance of a strong plasmon resonance peak at 240-300nm. The biosynthesized nanomaterials were fully characterized by UV-visible spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering, energy dispersive X-ray, inductively coupled plasma spectroscopy, and Fourier transform infrared. We tested the anti-insect activities of SeNPs, and Ch-SeNPs against larvae of S. littoralis compared to spore suspensions of P. griseofulvum. The results indicated that Ch-SeNPs followed by SeNPs gave a significantly higher mortality percentage than the spore suspension of the tested fungus. The highest production of all biosynthesized nanomaterials was detected after 7days at 40°C under alkaline conditions (pH 9). The average size diameter of SeNPs and Ch-SeNPs were 91.25 and 67.41nm with zeta potential - 8.05 and + 41mV, respectively. Both Ch-SeNPs and SeNPs gave high mortality rates and low values of LC50 and LC90 for both larvae and pupae. Ch-SeNPs showed stronger activity against S. littoralis than SeNPs and spore suspension at all experimental conditions. Cytotoxicity experiments indicated their safety against honeybee populations. The current study reveals the significant ultrastructure impact of SeNPs on larvae. These findings suggest that selenium nanoparticles and nanocomposite can be fabricated with a costless easy route using fungal filtrate, and they can be used safely in pest control systems that are safe for honeybee populations. It is the first report about the application of Ch-SeNPs as an anti-insect agent.

An Assessment of the Cyto-Genotoxicity Effects of Green-Synthesized Silver Nanoparticles and ATCBRA Insecticide on the Root System of Vicia faba.

We aimed to synthesize silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using Elettaria cardamomum (cardamom) extracts and assess the cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of the cardamom extract, cardamom-AgNPs, and the insecticide ATCBRA-commonly used for pest control-on the root system of Vicia faba (broad bean). The chemical composition of the aqueous cardamom extract was identified and quantified using GC-MS, revealing a variety of bioactive compounds also present in cardamom essential oil. These included α-terpinyl acetate (21.3-44.3%), 1,8-cineole (10.7-28.4%), and linalool (6.4-8.6%). The successful green synthesis of AgNPs was confirmed through various micro-spectroscopic techniques, including UV-Vis spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). UV-Vis analysis showed a strong peak between 420 and 430 nm, indicating the presence of AgNPs. TEM imaging revealed that the synthesized cardamom-AgNPs were monodispersed, primarily spherical, and semi-uniform in shape, with minimal aggregation. EDS analysis further confirmed the composition of the nanoparticles, with cardamom-AgNPs comprising around 60.5% by weight. Cytotoxicity was evaluated by measuring the mitotic index (MI), and genotoxicity was assessed by observing chromosomal aberrations (CAs). The roots of Vicia faba were treated for 24 and 48 h with varying concentrations of ATCBRA pesticide (0.1%, 0.3%, 0.5%, and 0.7%), aqueous cardamom extract (3%, 4%, 5%, and 6%), and green-synthesized cardamom-AgNPs (12, 25, and 60 mg). The cytogenetic analysis of MI and CA in the meristematic root tips indicated an improvement in the evaluated parameters with the cardamom extract. However, a marked reduction in mitotic activity was observed with both ATCBRA and cardamom-AgNP treatments across both time points, highlighting potential cytotoxic and genotoxic effects.

Thermal stability enhancement in perovskite solar cells using W-doped ZnO/single crystalline anatase TiO2 nanoparticle bilayer

Abstract The interface between the electron transport layer (ETL) and the perovskite layer is essential for fabricating efficient and stable perovskite solar cells (PSCs). In this study, we introduced a bilayer ETL of W-doped ZnO and single crystalline anatase TiO2 nanoparticles (average diameter = 6-10 nm) to mitigate the degradation between W-doped ZnO ETL and MA-containing perovskite layer. After 12 hours of annealing at 85°C, the perovskite grown on the bilayer exhibited strong perovskite peaks, indicating a significant slowdown in decomposition. Moreover, the bilayer device demonstrated superior thermal stability, retaining over 60% of their initial PCE after 24 hours of annealing, while the W-doped ZnO single-layer device lost all efficiency. PSCs with the W-doped ZnO/Anatase TiO2 bilayer achieved power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 16.63%, compared to 11.88% for the W-doped ZnO single layer. This bilayer application offers a promising pathway for improving both efficiency and stability for perovskite-based optoelectronic devices.

The optoelectronic properties of boron nitride nanotubes of armchair (7, 7) and zigzag (12, 0) types: A theoretical study

In this article, the electronic and optical properties of single-walled boron nitride nanotubes (SWBNNTs) in zigzag (12, 0) and armchair (7, 7) configurations were examined using density functional theory (DFT) with the Vienna Ab initio Simulation Package (VASP). The analysis shows that SWBNNTs exhibit electronic characteristics with a density of states and an electronic band gap around 4 eV. Regarding optical properties, the calculations reveal key features such as absorption, reflection, and dielectric constant, with a notably strong absorption peak in the ultraviolet region. These results highlight the potential of SWBNNTs for applications in optoelectronic devices.

Photobioreactor design utilizing procedural three-dimensional modelling and ray tracing.

The design of photobioreactors for microalgae cultivation aims to achieve an architecture that allows the most efficient photosynthetic growth. The availability of light at wavelengths that are important for photosynthesis is therefore particularly crucial for reactor design. While testing different reactor types in practice is expensive, simulations could effectively limit the range of material and reactor design options. In this study, procedural three-dimensional modelling together with ray tracing was used to create virtual models of a conventional glass photobioreactor lit from the outside and a steel photobioreactor with embedded light sources. The measured transmittance and reflectance of Chlorella vulgaris culture were used as a basis for light interaction simulation, and spectral images of the same species were used to validate the simulation results. This type of simulation could have the potential for comparing different reactor architectures, geometries and light attenuation to facilitate the transition to large-scale cultivation. Our results show that the proposed simulator is usable in photobioreactor geometry design as well as in the estimation of available illumination on wavelengths where microalgae have strong absorption peaks, but the handling of light scattering still needs improvement. To the authors' best knowledge, this is the first attempt, not focused on a specific use case, to build a general photobioreactor design tool capable of estimating hyperspectral light attenuation in microalgae suspension. All software code and used datasets are made available for the reader as open source.

Development of High-Efficiency BaSrCaWO6:Mn4+ Red-Emitting Phosphors via La3+ Addition Strategy.

In this paper, a series of BaSrCaWO6:x%Mn4+, y%La3+ (x = 0.1, 0.5, 0.6, 1.5; y = 0, 5, 10, 15, 20) red-emitting phosphors were synthesized by the high-temperature solid-state method. The structure and optical properties of the samples were systematically studied by the characterizations of x-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), UV-Vis spectra, photoluminescence (PL) spectra, photoluminescence excitation (PLE) spectra, and quantum efficiency (QE). It was found that the addition of La3+ ions plays significant roles on the luminous performance of phosphors as compared with the nonluminous BaSrCaWO6:Mn (BSCW:Mn), which can be attributed to the Mn2+ → Mn4+ oxidation process induced by La3+ doping. The BSCW:0.5%Mn, 15%La3+ phosphor exhibited a strong emission peak at 685 nm with a CIE chromaticity coordinate at (0.720, 0.279), which is suitable for application in indoor plant cultivations. The BSCW:0.5%Mn, 15%La3+ phosphor exhibited an IQE of 47.8% and a high absorption efficiency of 72.8% with the EQE of 34.8%. Besides, the phosphor also showed the thermal stability with the emission intensity at 423 K being 48% of the emission intensity at 298 K. These results indicate that the synthesized BSCW:0.5%Mn, 15%La3+ phosphor could be a potential phosphor to be applied in plant growth LEDs.

A comprehensive report on GC-MS profiling, FTIR analysis and HPLC quantification of pharmaceutically vital metabolite thymoquinone from Nigella seeds

The present investigation aimed to gain insights into the structure of bioactive metabolic compounds in Nigella sativa L. seed oil. Initially, spectroscopic methods viz., GC-MS and FTIR were employed to determine functional groups, substituents, and conjugated double bonds in Nigella oil. GC-MS analysis identified 11 different amalgams, with p -cymene, ?-terpinene and ?-thujene being the major components. The FTIR spectrum revealed the presence of strong, sharp, and weak peaks, along with critical functional groups corresponding to C-H, O-H, C-C, C?N, and N-O, indicating the presence of pharmaceutically active constituents of the seed oil in the wavelength range of 400 – 4000 cm-1. HPLC analysis indicated that the percent composition of thymoquinone in the seed extract was reported as 0.90% at a wavelength of 254 nm. In the examined samples, thymoquinone and standard thymoquinone both showed a peak Rf value of 3.656. The study's findings revealed that thymoquinone is a potential phytochemical present in the oil. Furthermore, the identified biomolecules hold promise for use in pharmaceutical applications to enhance health standards.

Novel NO Pincer Type 2‐(5,6‐Dichlorobenzo[d]thiazol‐2‐yl)phenol and Its Complex of Pt (II): Synthesis, Spectral Characterization, DFT Calculations, Cell Cycle Arrest, Apoptosis Assay, Cytotoxicity, DNA Binding, and Biological Evaluation Study

ABSTRACTA new novel NO pincer type bezo[d]thiazole ligand, 2‐(5,6‐dichlorobenzo[d]thiazol‐2‐yl)phenol (HDCBTP) is synthesized through reacting 2‐amino‐4,5‐dichlorobenzenethiol and 2‐hydroxybenzoic acid in 1:1 ratio. Nano‐sized bivalent Pt (II) complex is created and subsequently characterized using various physical methods. The complex structural geometry is validated by employing the density functional theory (DFT) approach, utilizing DMOL3 determinations. Based on the elemental analysis results, the complexes are inferred to follow the overall formula [Pt (DCBTP)2]. Quantum chemical calculations, along with electronic spectra findings, indicate that Pt (II) complex exhibits a square planar configuration. The XRD, EDX, TEM, and AFM analyses of the studied complex unveil distinct and strong diffraction peaks, indicating its crystalline nature and providing evidence of its nano‐sized particle sizes. Viscosity measurements and absorption titration techniques were used to study the interaction between Pt (II) complex and CT‐DNA. The results showed that the complexes were bound to CT‐DNA via a typical intercalation binding mode. The in vitro antimicrobial efficacy of HDCBTP and its Pt (II) complex was inspected against various bacterial and fungal pathogens. The results highlight these compounds as a highly effective fungicides and bactericides. In vitro cytotoxic effects of the formulated complex were explored utilizing PC3 prostate cancer cell lines. According to IC50 and selective index (SI) measurements, it was shown that the complex exhibited higher potency against HePG2 cell lines. Moreover, Pt (II) complex exhibited the capability for triggering DNA damage in HePG2 cells, resulting in dose‐dependent cell apoptosis. Subsequent investigations revealed that complex triggered cell cycle arrest during the S and G2 phases.

Evolution of Ferrite Morphology and Ferrite-Ferrite Grain Boundary Characteristics with Cooling Rate in a Continuously Cooled 0.09C-0.08V-0.02N Microalloyed Steel

Continuously cooled HSLA steels produce mixed ferritic and bainitic microstructures with multiple constituents present within the same prior-austenite grain. Conventional methods of distinguishing these constituents have relied on size and morphology characteristics, which have inherent subjectivity in identifying constituents. In this study, grain boundary misorientation distributions were utilized to more objectively identify different quasi-polygonal ferritic, acicular ferritic, bainitic, and martensitic microstructures within a continuously cooled V-microalloyed HSLA steel. It was determined that the slower-cooled morphology of acicular ferrite commonly observed in line-pipe steels produced approximately equal 55 and 60 deg peaks in the misorientation distribution, while the more lenticular faster-cooled acicular ferrite produced at a cooling rate of 25 °C/s had a stronger peak at the 60 deg misorientation. The P2/P1 ratio, which quantified the ratio of these two misorientation peaks, was employed to differentiate these two acicular ferrite morphologies. These constituents also exhibited different axis/angle misorientation distributions in the high-angle grain boundary misorientation regime than both quasi-polygonal ferrite and martensitic/bainitic microstructures.

Physical Adsorption and Raman Spectra of Hydrazine Hydrate on the Graphene Surface.

In experimental studies, hydrazine hydrate is widely employed as a reducing agent for the conversion of graphene oxide to graphene. Herein, we conducted theoretical calculations using cluster models to investigate the adsorption behavior of hydrazine hydrate on the surface of graphene. The calculated adsorption energy reveals that hydrazine hydrate can physically bind to the graphene surface. Our findings indicate that two hydrogen bonds stabilize the hydrazine hydrate molecule, while its adsorption onto the graphene surface is primarily driven by van der Waals forces. By combining computational simulations and experimental measurements, we thoroughly examined the Raman spectra of both free and adsorbed hydrazine hydrates, which enabled us to gain detailed insights into their molecular vibrations. Notably, in the Raman spectra of free hydrazine hydrate, a strong peak at around 3300 cm-1 corresponds to the NH2 vibration. Similarly, peaks near 3300 cm-1 were observed in the Raman spectra of graphene with adsorbed hydrazine hydrate molecules. The results are expected to provide valuable references for future experimental investigations involving hydrazine hydrate.

Hyperpolarized 13C NMR Metabolomics of Urine Samples at Natural Abundance Applied to Chronic Kidney Disease.

NMR is a central tool in the field of metabolomics, thanks to its ability to provide valuable structural and quantitative information with high precision. Most NMR-based metabolomics studies rely on 1D 1H detection, which is heavily limited by strong peak overlap. 13C NMR benefits from a wider spectral dispersion and narrower signal line width but is barely used in metabolomics due to its low sensitivity. Dissolution dynamic nuclear polarization (d-DNP) offers an opportunity to improve 13C NMR sensitivity by several orders of magnitude. Here, we show that this emerging hyperpolarized metabolomics approach can provide meaningful information about clinical samples. Achieving sub-mM limits of detection with 13C at natural abundance in urine samples was made possible by a meticulous design of the experimental workflow. The analysis of human urine samples from patients with different stages of chronic kidney disease (CKD) was performed using 13C d-DNP NMR and benchmarked to conventional 1H NMR metabolomics at a high magnetic field to explore the complementarity between the two methods. Multivariate analysis of the d-DNP 13C NMR dataset provided a statistical model able to distinguish patients with CKD from control patients. Moreover, 13C d-DNP NMR spectra highlighted several biomarkers known to be biologically relevant. Some of them were in agreement with those obtained with conventional 1H NMR, and the results also highlighted the complementarity of biomarker coverage between hyperpolarized and conventional NMR metabolomics. In particular, 13C hyperpolarized NMR allowed the annotation of two biomarkers that could not be detected by 1H NMR because of peak overlap (i.e., guanine and guanidoacetate).

Characterization of Magnetic Rice Straw Biochar Intercalated with Urea Fertilizer: Effects on Soil Nitrogen Dynamics and Rice Production Under a Water-Logged Condition

ABSTRACT The study characterized rice straw biochar and its magnetic derivative, both intercalated with and without urea, and evaluated their effects on soil nitrogen release, rice growth, and yield. Rice straw and magnetic rice straw were subjected to pyrolysis at 450°C to produce biochar, and further treated with urea. The resulting biochars were chemically and structurally analyzed. Treatments included rice straw biochar (RB1) and magnetic rice straw biochar (MRB1) at 30 t ha−1 each, biochar combined with urea at 80 kg N ha−1 (RB2 and MRB2), biochar intercalated with urea at 40, 60 and 80 kg N ha−1 (URB1–3 and UMRB1–3), sole urea at 80 kg N ha−1 and control. Gleysol collected from a research site at the Obafemi Awolowo University was analyzed for routine properties, amended according to treatments and planted to rice, with growth and yield parameters monitored. The FTIR spectra of UMRB revealed sharp peaks of amine and N/O-alkyl functional groups, strong Fe-O peaks, and the presence of aliphatic and carboxylic compounds, suggesting higher adsorptive capacity for cations and a greater ability to reduce nitrate conversion to N2O. After 30 days, UMRB treatments exhibited higher concentrations of both ammonium and nitrate compared to other treatments. The plant number of panicles, tiller length, dry matter, and grain yield significantly increased with UMRB application, particularly with urea at 40 kg N ha−1. Overall, the study suggests that urea-intercalated magnetic rice straw biochar holds potentials as a slow-release nitrogen fertilizer, enhancing rice growth and yield in water-logged rice cultivation.

Physiochemical profiling of bioplasticizer derived from Ficus benghalensis leaves for eco-friendly applications

Ficus benghalensis is a tree belonging to the Moraceae family, reaching a height of 20–30 m and featuring branches that spread out widely, along with roots that grow in the air. F. benghalensis leaf cellulose (FBLC) is a type of biodegradable plasticizer with a restricted range of uses. Using pyrolysis and chemical reactions, this research aimed to produce a biodegradable plasticizer from natural sources. Once extracted, microscopic investigations evaluated the plasticizer’s suitability for use in lightweight packaging. The prominent Fourier transform infrared peaks ranging from 644 to 1124 cm−1 indicated the presence of C–Cl and C–F bonds. Additionally, the peak at 1524 cm−1 corresponds to the C–OH stretching in FBLC plasticizer, which is an organic molecule. The thin, downward UV peak indicated the presence of lignin or hemicelluloses. A strong transmission peak was observed at wavelengths of 240 and 366.34 nm. The FBLC plasticizers could be responsible for the size variations seen in the XRD view. The presence of a prominent thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) peak at an angle of 2θ = 28.35° indicated that the plasticizers had a significant enhancement on its crystalline properties. The material exhibits thermal stability up to a temperature of 271 °C. The FBLC plasticizer’s kurtosis (Rku) value ranged from 13.44 to 15.74, with a maximum value of 15.74 generating spikes on the produced surface and a minimum value of 13.44 skewing atomic force microscopy data. Scanning electron microscopy analysis revealed the presence of micro-sized fillers, plasticizers particles, rough surfaces on the fillers, and well-matched rough surfaces. The EDX test confirmed that the FBLC was free from any elemental impurities and showed a high level of purity. The Rq or Rrms value of FBLC surface roughness, measured at 48.28 μm, represented the square root of amplitudes relative to the midline. A significant reduction at 71.76 °C demonstrated the main thermal transition of the biopolymer, also known as the glass transition temperature of FBLC. In summary, the research findings suggested that bioplasticizers are a viable substitute for synthetic chemicals commonly used in the lightweight packaging industry.

Antibacterial and Photocatalytic Activities of Leonotis ocymifolia (L. ocymifolia)-Mediated ZnO Nanoparticles Annealed at Different Temperatures.

This research achieved the successful synthesis of zinc oxide (ZnO) NPs through an eco-friendly method, utilizing the leaf extract of Leonotis ocymifolia (L.O.). This innovative approach not only highlights the potential of green synthesis but also underscores the effectiveness of natural resources in nanoparticle production. The influence of annealing temperature on the properties and performance of the synthesized ZnO NPs was evaluated by varying the annealing temperatures as follows: unannealed (000), 350 °C (350), 550 °C (550), and 750 °C (750). The XRD analysis of L.O-mediated ZnO NPs confirmed the synthesis of highly crystalline wurtzite-structured ZnO NPs, with calculated average crystallite sizes that ranged between 13.8 and 20.4 nm. The UV-Vis spectra revealed a single strong absorption peak ranging from 354 to 375 nm, and the absorption peaks red-shifted with an increase in annealing temperature. The SEM micrographs showed that annealing temperature had an effect on the morphology, particle size, and distribution, with the average particle of 53.7-66.3 nm. The BET analysis revealed that the surface area of the prepared ZnO NPs was between 31.6 and 13.2 m2/g. In addition to its significant impact on the characteristics of the L.O-mediated, annealing temperature notably boosts the L.O-mediated capacity to photodegrade Methylene blue (MB) dye. Moreover, it exhibited significant antibacterial efficacy against Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). The photodegradation studies under UV irradiation and in 180 min revealed 750 (71.1%) had the highest degradation efficiency compared to 000, 350, and 550. The antibacterial tests showed that 000 had greater antibacterial efficacy than 350, 550, and 750. The results from this work suggest that annealing temperature had a significant effect on the structural, morphological, and optical properties and performance of L.O-mediated ZnO NPs.

Nature-Inspired Antimicrobial Agents: Cinnamon-Derived Copper Oxide Nanoparticles for Effective Aspergillus Niger Control.

The emergence of resistant bacterial and fungal strains poses significant challenges in various industrial processes including food, medicines, and leather industry. It necessitates the development of novel and effective antimicrobial agents. In the present work, we have developed an ecofriendly and sustainable approach to synthesize silver-doped copper oxide nanoparticles by using cinnamon bark extract (C-CuO/Ag). The nanoparticles were characterized via UV-visible spectroscopy at 190-800 nm, FT-IR, SEM-EDAX, XRD, and further subjected to determine antimicrobial potential, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), and anti-biofilm potential against both bacterial and fungal species. UV-visible spectrum showed maximum absorption at 210 nm in ultraviolet range and 419 nm in visible range. Various strong and weak peaks were obtained in FT-IR spectra, which defined the presence of corresponding functional groups in C-CuO/Ag nanoparticles. SEM analysis revealed the tightly packed confirmation, while EDS confirmed the elemental analysis of C-CuO/Ag nanoparticles. XRD spectrum of C-CuO/Ag nanoparticles showed strong diffraction peaks at 2Ө of 31.92˚, 35.67˚, and 48.51˚, which confined with the plane indices of (-110), (111), and (-202), respectively, while weak diffraction peaks at 2Ө of 56.31˚, 58.9˚, and 77.4˚, which leads to the crystal planes of (202), (-220), and (311), respectively. Antimicrobial assays showed clear zones of inhibition against microbial strains as maximum inhibition diameter was observed against Aspergillus niger (31.5 ± 0.7 mm) followed by Escherichia coli (30.1 ± 0.3 mm) and Staphylococcus aureus (29.5 ± 0.7 mm). These findings provide support clear evidence that CuO nanoparticles can serve as potent antibacterial and antifungal compounds against highly resistive and pathogenic microbial strains.