Transform-infrared Spectroscopy Research Articles

Structural and electrical conductivity studies of Polyaniline - WO3 hybrid nanocomposites for gas sensing applications

Abstract Conducting polymer – metal oxide based hybrid nanocomposites are a fascinating class of materials for miniaturized and flexible gas sensor devices. They exhibit enhanced physiochemical properties such as sensitivity, selectivity towards various volatile and hazardous chemical and bioanalytes. Our study focuses on conducting polyaniline (PANI) and WO3 nanocomposites, where different weight percentages (wt.%) of WO3 nanoparticles are embedded within the conducting PANI matrix using an in-situ oxidation polymerization synthesis technique. The surface morphology analysis indicated that the WO3 nanoparticles with an average grain size of ~200 nm are homogeneously distributed within the PANI nanofibers. The Fourier Transform Infra-Red (FTIR) spectrum analysis showed that the absorption peaks at 1111,1291, 1385, 1474, and 1560 cm−1 are typical of the conducting PANI emeraldine phase. We attribute the additional broad peak ranging between 840 to 720 cm−1 in the spectrum to WO3 phase, wherein, the intensity of the peak increases with WO3 content in case of hybrid composites. Current-voltage (I-V) characteristics for all our samples showed linear behaviour up to 1.2 volts. Temperature-dependent DC electrical conductivity (σ) studies measured from room temperature to 120°C for pure PANI, and PANI-WO3 composites showed an enhanced electrical conductivity of values up to 0.12 S/cm for PANI as compared to WO3 with σ ~ 1.4 x 10−3 S/cm. Pure PANI exhibits semiconducting behavior with an increase in electrical conductivity with temperature due to the charge carrier delocalization within the dispersed PANI backbone. The addition of higher concentrations of WO3 in composites leads to a metallic-like behavior, characterized by a decrease in electrical conductivity with temperature. These observations are attributed to the field-assisted band bending effects at the interfaces of PANI and WO3. Our composites show desired electrical characteristics suitable for gas sensing applications.

Biogenic synthesis of silver nanoparticles using essential oil of aerial part of cyclospermum leptophyllum and their application in colorimetric determination of metallic ions

The focus of this research was to synthesize biogenic silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using the essential oil of the aerial part of Cyclospermum leptophyllum (CLEO) and investigate their colorimetric determination of metallic ions. In the synthesis of CLEO mediated AgNPs (CLEO-AgNPs), the one-factor-at-a-time method was used to optimize the reaction parameters. Ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) peak of CLEO-AgNPs was determined at 426 nm. Fourier transform-infrared (FTIR) spectra analysis identified the functional groups participating in the bio-reducing, capping, and stabilizing processes in the CLEO-AgNPs synthesis. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) image demonstrated the predominately spherical shape and the average size of 70.86+1.80 nm of CLEO-AgNPs. Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) peak profile depicted the presence of Ag elements in CLEO-AgNPs. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) peaks observed at 38.5°, 44°, 65°, and 77° which represent Ag(111), Ag(200), Ag(220), and Ag(311) lattice faces, respectively. The average zeta nanosize, zeta potential, and polydispersity index of CLEO-AgNPs were determined as 69.70 nm, -43.5 mV, and 0.256, respectively. The stability test exhibited the prolonged storage stability of CLEO-AgNPs for over six months at room temperature. CLEO-AgNPs demonstrated the potential colorimetric detection of K+, Mg2+, Al3+, Cr6+, Mn2+, Fe3+, Ni2+, Cu2+, Zn2+, Hg2+, Pb2+, and Cd2+ ions in the real samples.
 KEY WORDS: Cyclospermum leptophyllum, Essential oil, Biogenic silver nanoparticles, Bio-reductants, Colorimetric detection 
 Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2024, 38(1), 213-228. DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v38i1.16

Effect of NaOH-catalyzed organosolv pretreatment on the co-production of ethanol and xylose from poplar

NaOH-catalyzed organosolv pretreatment was proposed to degrade lignin, retain cellulose and hemicellulose in poplar, and the pretreated substrates was used to produce ethanol and xylose simultaneously. After the organosolv pretreatment conducted at 205 ºC for 20 min with 1.2% NaOH, the optimal ethanol concentration and xylose yield reached 30.1 g/L and 10.3 g/100 g raw material after 48 h, respectively, and the xylose yield was positively correlated with the ethanol concentration (R2 =0.934). The alteration in chemical composition and structure enhanced the ethanol concentration and xylose yield, which was revealed by Scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform-infrared spectrum (FT-IR), Thermogravimetric (TG), and correlation analysis. In addition, their capacity for generating ethanol and xylose during three fermentation processes was comprehensively compared. The results indicated that SSF was beneficial to improve ethanol concentration, and SHF was in favour of enhancing xylose and ethanol yields to 95.4% and 85.3% based on retained xylan after pretreatment and the fermentable glucose, respectively. The NaOH enhanced organosolv pretreatment exhibited excellent performance in converting poplar into energy and chemicals, which presented a new idea for biomass refining.

Optimization of the microreactor-intensified transesterification process using silver titanium oxide nanoparticles decorated magnetic graphene oxide nanocatalyst

In the current study, the biodiesel fuel generation from waste cooking oil (WCO) as a low-cost feedstock was performed in a T-shaped microreactor through a transesterification process in the presence of binary metal oxide of silver-titanium oxide nanoparticles doped over magnetic graphene oxide (MGO@TiO2Ag) as a novel catalyst. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), vibrating-sample magnetometer (VSM), Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX), and Powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) were employed to characterize the MGO@TiO2Ag nanocatalyst. The Box-Behnken design (BBD) based on the response surface methodology (RSM) was used to optimize the reaction parameters, including methanol to oil volume ratio (Me/Oil), residence time and catalyst concentration. Following data analysis and optimization of the transesterification reaction, the maximum yield of fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) which was equal to 96.54 ± 1.16 %, was achieved at the residence time of 169.15 s, Me/Oil ratio of 2.52, and catalyst concentration of 4.15 wt%. All attributes of the manufactured FAMEs were within the permitted ranges of the ASTM D6751 standard, indicating high quality. The finding of this work demonstrated that employing a microreactor has an influential role in producing FAMEs in the presence of an MGO@TiO2Ag nanocatalyst.

Improved hydrophobicity, antibacterial and mechanical properties of polyvinyl alcohol/quaternary chitosan composite films for antibacterial packaging

Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and chitosan (CS) are attractive polymeric feedstocks for developing eco-environmental materials. In this work, a biodegradable and antibacterial film was developed based on PVA blending with different long-chain alkyl and different contents of quaternary chitosan through solution casting, in which quaternary chitosan not only acted as an antibacterial agent but also improved hydrophobicity and mechanical properties. A novel peak appeared at 1470 cm−1 in Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and a new CCl bond spectral peak at 200 eV in X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) spectra suggested that CS was successfully modified by quaternary. Besides, the modified films have better antibacterial effects against Escherichia (E. coli) and Staphylococcus (S. aureus) and present stronger antioxidant properties. Optical properties demonstrated that the light transmittance on both UV and visible light showed a decreasing trend with the increase of the quaternary chitosan contents. Whereas the composite films have enhanced hydrophobicity than PVA film. Furthermore, the composite films had higher mechanical properties, in which Young's modulus, tensile strength, and elongation at break were 344.99 MPa, 39.12 MPa, and 507.09 %, respectively. This research demonstrated that the modified composite films could extend the shelf of life on antibacterial packaging.

Polymethyl methacrylate-g-carboxy-methylcellulose as an amphiphilic coating material for slow-release fertilizer

In the perspective of preparing coating material of water-soluble fertilizer with controlled and slow-release property, polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) was grafted from carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) through in-situ polymerization using potassium persulfate (KPS) as initiator. The prepared copolymers (PMMA-g-CMC) were fully characterized using Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Dynamic light scattering (DLS), X-Ray diffraction (XRD), Brunauer Emmett Teller (BET), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and mechanical tensile testing. The molecular weight (Mn) was also evaluated using the size exclusion chromatography (SEC). Next, conventional water-soluble diammonium phosphate (DAP) fertilizer was coated by the prepared copolymers using laboratory rotary drum. The coating effectiveness was evaluated in terms of its uniformity and thickness. The successfully coated nanomaterials significantly delay the release rate of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) in water and soil, compared to their release using uncoated fertilizers. Finally, aerobic biodegradation of the coating agent was also demonstrated.

Plastisphere in lake waters: Microbial diversity, biofilm structure, and potential implications for freshwater ecosystems

Once dispersed in water, microplastic (MP) particles are rapidly colonised by aquatic microbes, which can adhere and grow onto solid surfaces in the form of biofilms. This study provides new insights on microbial diversity and biofilm structure of plastisphere in lake waters. By combining Fourier Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy (CLSM), Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR) and high-throughput DNA sequencing, we investigated the microbial colonization patterns on floating MPs and, for the first time, the occurrence of eukaryotic core members and their possible relations with biofilm-forming bacterial taxa within the plastisphere of four different lakes. Through PCR-based methods (qPCR, LAMP-PCR), we also evaluated the role of lake plastisphere as long-term dispersal vectors of potentially harmful organisms (including pathogens) and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in freshwater ecosystems. Consistent variation patterns of the microbial community composition occurred between water and among the plastisphere samples of the different lakes. The eukaryotic core microbiome was mainly composed by typical freshwater biofilm colonizers, such as diatoms (Pennales, Bacillariophyceaea) and green algae (Chlorophyceae), which interact with eukaryotic and prokaryotic microbes of different trophic levels. Results also showed that MPs are suitable vectors of biofilm-forming opportunistic pathogens and a hotspot for horizontal gene transfer, likely facilitating antibiotic resistance spread in the environments.

Magnetization of bioethanol-gasoline fuel blends for development combustion energy and reducing exhaust gas emissions

The effect of the magnetization field on molecular interactions of the bioethanol-gasoline fuel blends was investigated. This technique was promoted to escalate both the increase in combustion energy and reduce emissions in the internal combustion engine. The bioethanol and gasoline fuel are used for the single-cylinder four-stroke engine with different mixtures, namely E0, E10, E20, and E30, serially. Distinguish of electromagnetic field strength with various intensity was given into the fuel by lower than 1,500 Gauss. The absorption intensity and the functional groups of the fuel molecules are characterized in detail by Fourier Transform Infra-Red (FTIR) spectroscopy. The exhaust gas emission and the fuel blends energy are performed using a gas analyzer and calorimeter bomb. By increasing the magnetic field, the de-clustering of the fuel molecules is demonstrated by growing the absorption intensity to be advanced. There is no change in the chemical composition of the fuel as the magnetic induction was enforced. Reduction of namely Carbon monoxide (CO), Nitrogen monoxide (NO), Nitrogen oxides (NOx), and Sulphur Dioxide (SO2) gas emissions was attained to be 29 %, 25 %, 26 %, and 31 % using a magnetic field of 1,419.57 Gauss, respectively, compared to gasoline fuel without magnetic condition. The greater reduction occurs by employing E30 fuel with the same magnetic intensity, achieved up to 38 %, 42 %, 70 %, and 63 %, regularly. The magnetization treatment leads to improved combustion quality with efficiency increases up to 11.32 %. It contributes to perfect combustion in a single-cylinder four-stroke engine system. Reducing gas emissions can also bring a good environmental impact in the life, although the heat energy gradually deteriorated as the fuel utilized more bioethanol blends

Production and Partial Characterization of Yellow Pigment Produced by Kocuria flava Isolate and Testing its Antioxidant and Antimicrobial activity.

Recently, Natural pigments produced great interest within the market and made need to find eco-friendlier and less hazardous pigments than synthetic colorants, particularly microbial pigments. This work was undertaken with an aim of isolating pigment producing bacteria from air, then production and extraction pigment from isolated bacteria with antioxidant and antimicrobial properties against pathogenic microorganisms. Bacterium was identified by morphological characteristics and 16S rRNA sequencing as Kocuria flava SIF3, submitted to GenBank (accession number MN162713). Pigment production was carried out using nutrient broth medium (NB). Yellow pigment extracted by using methanol as solvent, showed maximum absorption spectrum (λmax) at 437 nm by UV-VIS spectroscopy and the degree of cell pigmentation was 0.472. Partial characterization of the extracted yellow pigment using UV- VIS spectroscopy and Fourier- Transform Infrared Spectroscopy analysis (FTIR) revealed it to be a carotenoid which has numerous applications. This novel extracted yellow pigment was screened for antimicrobial activity against pathogenic and antioxidant activity. This particular pigment showed inhibitory effect against all tested microbes so it could be chosen as a broad spectrum antimicrobial agent. The maximum zone of inhibition was (20 mm) against Penicillium sp. then Pseudomonas aeruginosa (12mm). The yellow pigment was discovered to have DPPH radical- scavenging activity with an IC50 value of 1.25mg / ml in vitro antioxidant assay. Present findings highlight the significance of yellow pigment extracted from Kocuria flava SIF3. Further purification of pigment will be useful in discovering a promising drug.

Utilization of UiO-66-NH2@cellulose hybrid aerogel for solid-phase extraction of sildenafil in health products

研究建立了一种基于UiO-66-NH2@纤维素复合气凝胶的高灵敏度固相萃取新方法,与高效液相色谱法联用用于保健品中西地那非的检测。先将纤维素进行醛基和酰肼基的功能化,然后将两种功能化的纤维素通过交联并负载UiO-66-NH2形成复合气凝胶。将此复合气凝胶作为固相萃取的吸附剂使用时,易于收集且不需要外加磁场或者抽真空的辅助作用,操作简单。研究对制备所得的UiO-66-NH2@纤维素复合气凝胶进行了X-射线粉末衍射、扫描电镜、红外光谱和N2吸附等表征,结果显示UiO-66-NH2成功负载于气凝胶的孔道中,纤维素气凝胶掺杂了UiO-66-NH2之后其孔道结构变得规整,并且比表面积增大。研究优化了复合气凝胶中UiO-66-NH2的负载量对萃取的影响,高比例的负载量有利于西地那非的富集,并且最高的负载率为50%。研究优化了影响西地那非富集效率的实验条件,包括溶液pH、萃取时间、洗脱剂类型、洗脱时间、洗脱体积和离子强度。采用安捷伦Zorbax Eclipse Plus C18色谱柱(150 mm×4.6 mm, 5 μm)进行分离,以含0.1 mol/L三乙胺的磷酸盐水溶液(pH=6.50)-乙腈(30∶70, v/v)为流动相进行洗脱,检测波长为292 nm。在最佳的萃取条件下(pH为9.0,萃取时间为60 min,洗脱剂为乙腈,洗脱液体积为3×2 mL,洗脱时间为40 min),该分析方法的线性范围为10~2000 ng/mL (相关系数R2=0.9949),检出限(LOD, S/N=3)为2.85 ng/mL,富集因子为59.17。将该方法用于保健品中西地那非的萃取,所得回收率为74.93%~89.12%,相对标准偏差为2.8%~5.3%,表明了方法的回收率和精密度良好,说明了该方法具有应用于保健品中西地那非日常检测的潜力。

Efficient degradation of emerging organic pollutant by cerium phosphate/g-C3N4/Vis/PMS system: Catalytic kinetics and toxicity evaluation

The Cerium Phosphate (CP) doped g-C3N4(g-CN) composite was synthesized by a simple hydrothermal process. The crystal nature, absorbance, morphology, elemental analysis, functional groups analysis, charge and particle size of all the synthesized materials were examined by various characterization techniques like UV − Vis-DRS spectroscopy (UV–Vis),Fourier transform infra red spectroscopy analysis (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS), transmission electron microscopy techniques (TEM), zeta potential and particle size analyser. The characterized CP/g-CN composite was used as a photocatalyst for the degradation of malachite green (Mal G) dye under the visible light irradiation with peroxymonosulfate (PMS) activation. The composite material was found to successfully overcome the electron hole recombination process. The PMS activation process was used to enhance the photocatalytic efficiency of the synthesized CP/g-CN composite. The synthesized CP/g-CN with PMS activation exhibits 94% of malachite green dye degradation in time duration of 90 min and also was found to retain 90% of degradation efficiency after four consecutive photocatalytic performances. The toxicity of the photocatalytic degraded water sample was examined by the animal and plant mortality studies. The zebra fish (Danio rerio) and Mung bean (Vigna radiata) were employed in the animal and plant survival investigations. The CP/g-CN photocatalyst treated dye solution is found to be fit for animal and plant survival and therefore it is a potential photocatalyst for water remediation application.

Magnetic and structural characteristic of Gd-YIG

The substitution's effect of the of Y3+ by Gd3+ on the structural and magnetic properties of gadolinium-doped yttrium iron garnet, GdxY3-xFe5O12, with 0.0 ≤ x ≤ 1.3 has been presented. The crystalline structures and magnetic properties were investigated using X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Transmission electron microscope (TEM), Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), Vibrating Sample Magnetometer (VSM). Furthermore, Curie temperature (Tc) helped us to explain the magnetic behavior of the samples by determining the strength of super-exchange interaction. The XRD patterns of GdxY3-xFe5O12 indicated the pure garnet structure without any extra phase and the sizes of particles were in the range 33–42 nm. The powder morphology was analyzed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), evidencing agglomerated particles with regular shapes. FT-IR spectra confirmed the garnet phase formation and there is a shift for lower wave numbers as the Gd3+ concentration increases. It was found that the a-d super-exchange interactions play an important role in the saturation magnetization of the sample. In addition, the variation of Gd3+ content affects the Curie temperature (Tc) by determining the strength of super-exchange interaction.

Toxicological evaluation of fucoidan, a polysaccharide isolated from Turbinaria conoides (J. agardh) Kutzing procured from mandapam coastal area, tamilnadu

Fucoidan, a sulfated polysaccharide is a well known active principle of marine brown algae, extensively used in food supplement and in pharmaceutical industry. The present study is aimed at evaluation of toxicological profile of fucoidan, isolated from Turbinaria conoides (J.Agardh) Kutzing in both male and female Wistar albino rats. Fucoidan was isolated and studied for Fourier Transform-Infrared spectroscopic analysis to confirm the functional groups. Acute and sub-acute toxicity studies were carried out by Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development guidelines 423 and 407. After treatment period all the animals were sacrificed to evaluate hematological and biochemical parameters. The weights of internal organs recorded and histopathological studies performed. Fourier Transform-Infrared spectroscopic analysis confirms the groups that are correlated with the standard. The animals did not show morbidity or mortality in acute toxicity study at single oral administration of fucoidan at a dose of 2000 mg/kg. In sub-acute toxicity, no statistically significant differences observed in body weight, relative organ weight, food and water intake when compared to control group. No treatment related abnormalities observed in hematological and biochemical parameters except increased levels of serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase, serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase, total cholesterol, triglycerides and blood glucose in both male and female rats. Histopathology revealed no toxic signs at organ level compared to control. From the obtained results, the study suggested that fucoidan can be developed into a novel therapeutic agent and considered as a traditional drug as it does not show any toxic effects. Keywords: Acute toxicity, Fucoidan, Sub-acute toxicity, Turbinaria conoides.

Evaluation of anticandidal activities and phytochemical examination of extracts prepared from Vitex agnus-castus: a possible alternative in treating candidiasis infections

BackgroundCandidiasis infection is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Fungicidal resistance of some commercially used fungicides ascended the need for a naturally effective alternative. The current study aimed to evaluate the fungicidal activity of Vitex agnus-castus extracts in vitro against some Candida species.MethodsThe bioactive compounds contained in the crude and alcoholic extracts were compared, and the antioxidant activity was tested, as well. The phytochemical analysis was carried out by Fourier Transform-Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS). The scavenger activity of the tested extracts was tested, as well. The anticandidal activity was tested to detect the effect of the tested extracts on the mycelial growth of Candida albicans, Candida krusei, Candida parapsilosis, Candia tropicalis, Candida famata, Candida rhodotorula, and Candida dublinesis. The minimum inhibitory concentrations were calculated for all reported activities. The Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and the Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) were used to detect the morphological and ultrastructure response in some selected species.ResultsFTIR and GC/MS revealed the existence of different bioactive chemical groups such as polyphenols, fatty acids, terpenes, terpenoids, steroids, aldehydes, alcohols, and esters, phytol which is a diterpene. DPPH results confirmed the antioxidant activity of all extracts where the methanolic extract was the strongest scavenging substrate. All extracts showed strong inhibitory effects against different species at a concentration of 200 µg/ml (P < 0.001). SEM and TEM showed morphological and ultrastructure changes in C. famata.ConclusionThe current study suggested a reliable antifungal activity of different extracts of Vitex agnus-castus against different Candida species and strains. However, further studies are required to confirm the safety of these extracts to be used in medical applications.

Exopolysaccharide production in fermented milk using Lactobacillus casei strains AP and AG.

This study evaluated the ability of two strains of bacterial starter cultures, Lactobacillus casei AP (AP) and Lactobacillus casei AG (AG), to produce exopolysaccharides (EPSs). First, the physicochemical properties of the fermented milk produced by AP and AG were assessed, including physical qualities like viscosity and syneresis and chemical qualities, such as pH, acidity, protein, lactose, fat content, and total solid. Then, AP and AG's ability to produce EPS was measured. Additionally, the EPS' microstructure was observed using a scanning electron microscope, and its chemical structure was assessed using Fourier transform-infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. Also, AP and AG's ability to produce EPS was tracked at the molecular level by studying the glycosyltransferase (gtf) gene. Statistical analysis showed that the milk fermented using AP and AG had similar physicochemical qualities (P > 0.05) but significantly different physical qualities (P < 0.05). Additionally, the milk fermented with AP had lower viscosity (1137.33 ± 34.31 centiPoise) than AG (1221.50 ± 20.66 centiPoise). In addition, the milk fermented using AP had higher syneresis (19.42%) than AG (17.83%). The higher viscosity and lower syneresis in the milk fermented using AG were associated with AG's ability to produce more EPS (1409 mg/L) than AP (1204 mg/L). In addition, according to the FT-IR analysis, the AP- and AG-synthesized EPS contained absorption bands at 3323, 2980, 2901, 1642, 1084, 1043, and 873 cm−1. The absorption band at 1642 and 2980 cm−1 corresponds to carbonyl and methylene groups, respectively. Absorption band 873 cm−1 is characteristic of the α-glycosidic bond of α-glucan in EPS. Moreover, the absorption bands on the wavelength region corresponding to the functional groups in the AP- and AG-produced EPS were similar to those in commercially available EPS. Lastly, gtf, contributing to EPS synthesis, was found in the genomes of AP and AG, suggesting the role of glycosyltransferase in the EPS synthesis by both strains.

Synthesis of polyvinylidene fluoride film using novel atmospheric pressure plasma deposition with direct-injection nozzle

This paper proposes a new atmospheric pressure plasma (APP) deposition system with direct-injection nozzle (modified-APPDS) for depositing the polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) thin film. In the modified-APPDS, the key parameters such as length of guide-tube, distance of bluff-body, gas composition, and gas flow rates are examined for generating glow-like intense plasma. As a result, the intense glow-like plasma generated broadly by the modified-APPDS can uniformly deposit the PVDF thin film, which is confirmed by field emission-scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) and Fourier transforms-infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR).

Alginate/Gelatin Sponges Composited with ZnO Sponge Effective Extensibility and Compressibility as a Wound Dressing for the Care of Fracture Surgery

We designed and synthesized highly porous alginate and gelatin hydrogels with zinc oxide nanoparticles (AGZNPs) as dressings using sol–gel methods. The presence of functional groups and the surface characteristics of the as-synthesised dressings were analyzed via Fourier transforminfrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, while their morphology was studied via scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Additionally, the mechanical, inflammatory, and antibacterial properties and biocompatibility of the AGZNPs were evaluated to determine the efficiency of these bandages for wound healing applications. The AGZNPs demonstrated enhanced inflammatory and antibacterial properties. The biocompatibility of the nanocomposites was investigated in noncancerous NIH3T3 human fibroblasts. Furthermore, in-vivo examinations showed that the composition of the synthesized AGZNPs enhanced wound healing and promoted rapid cell construction and growth. Therefore, the AGZNP strategy promotes the future application of these nanoformulation hydrogels for wound bandaging in fracture surgeries.

Synthesis and characterization of poly(pyrrole-co-aniline) copolymer using atmospheric pressure plasma polymerization

This paper investigates the characteristics of poly(pyrrole-co-aniline) copolymer (PYPAN) films deposited by using an atmospheric pressure plasma (APP) polymerization relative to various concentrations of aniline and pyrrole monomers. The surface morphology and structure properties of PYPAN films are observed to strongly depend on the pyrrole concentration (%), which is confirmed by Field emission-scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), Fourier transforms-infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and time of flight-secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS). In particular, it is observed that the PYPAN film grown at an optimal pyrrole concentration condition (that is, aniline 25% and pyrrole 75%) shows a lower electrical resistance and higher deposition rate.

Structural, spectral, electronic and optical investigations of D-(-)-alpha-Phenylglycine: protease kinase inhibitor

The structural and biological mechanism of a drug material was investigated by spectroscopic techniques and molecular modeling methods. The experimental spectroscopic techniques, namely Fourier Transform Infrared and Fourier Transform Raman spectroscopies are recorded for the structural confirmation and were also compared with computed values. The stability of the compound, the intermolecular and intra molecular interactions is studied using the density functional theory tool Gaussian 16 W. The optimized molecular geometry, vibrational wavenumbers, infrared intensities, and Raman scattering activities are calculated. Natural Bond Orbital analysis has been carried out to explain the charge transfer (or) delocalization of charge due to the intra molecular interactions. The Time dependent-Density functional theory is used to evaluate the excitations between different energy levels, the interpretation which affords good information about D-(-)-alpha-Phenylglycine’s electronic properties with different solvation effects. Reactive sites were also analyzed using topological studies. To explore the biological activities docking studies of D-(-)-alpha-Phenylglycine is performed with Prolactinoma and hyperprolactinemia diseases.

Evaluation of the Absorption of Methionine Carried by Mineral Clays and Zeolites in Porcine Ex Vivo Permeability Models

Supplemental dietary amino acids (AAs) need to be provided in a form that prevents their degradation along the gastrointestinal tract to guarantee their high bioavailability and bioactivity. In this study, methionine (Met) protected via organo-clay intercalation (natural carriers) has been developed as a sustainable alternative to polymeric coating. Specifically, two different bentonite-zeolite-based mineral clays were tested, Adsorbene (ADS) and BioKi (BIO). Briefly, 1 g of the carrier (ADS or BIO) was contacted with 50 mL of an aqueous solution at a pH of 3.0, 5.8, and 8.9. Solid-liquid separation was conducted. The released Met in the liquid phase was analysed by Chemical Oxygen Demand, while residual Met in the solid phase was analysed by Fourier Transform Infra-Red (FT-IR) spectroscopy. The effect of Met-ADS complex on cell viability was tested on IPEC-J2 cells incubated 3 h with Met-ADS 2.5 mM. Jejunum segments obtained by entire male pigs (Swiss Large White, body weight 100 ± 5 kg) were used as ex vivo models to compare the absorption of 2.5 mM Met released by ADS with 2.5 mM free Met and its influence on epithelial integrity in perfusion Ussing chambers. The carriers released a very low amount of Met and Met-BIO interaction was stronger than Met-ADS. The maximum release of Met was at pH 3, with 3% and 6% of Met release from Met-BIO and Met-ADS, respectively. Cell viability experiments revealed that Met-ADS did not alter cell metabolic activity. No differences in Met absorption and intestinal epithelial integrity were observed ex vivo between free Met and Met-ADS. This study provided new insights into the release of Met from natural clays such as ADS and BIO, the safety of its use in the porcine intestine and the ability of ADS-released Met to absorb to the same extent as the free Met in porcine jejunum.