Transmission Electron Research Articles

Research on microplastic deformation of Inconel718 under the conditions of high temperature and high strain rate

The compression experiments of the nickel-based superalloy Inconel718 were carried out with the help of split Hopkinson pressure bar device, and the microstructure evolution law in the compression deformation of the alloy was studied by means of optical microscopy, electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Based on the dislocation theory, a three-dimensional discrete dislocation dynamics model is established. By simulating the dynamic evolution of the discrete dislocation, the interaction of the dislocation itself and the formation of the dislocation microstructure were captured, and further explore the microplastic deformation process of Inconel718. The results show that deformation conditions significantly affect the rheological behavior and dynamic recrystallization behaviour. The cross slip of dislocations is closely related to temperature and strain rate, which in turn affect the dislocation configuration. The deformation mechanism of Inconel718 under the conditions of high temperature and high strain rate is jointly dominated by dislocation slip and twin deformation. As the temperature increases, the average Schmidt factor increases, and more dislocation slip systems are activated. As the strain rate increases, the number of deformation twins increases, while the thickness of deformation twins decreases.

Design and Production of a Paper Shredding Machine

There are countless cases of cooperate and government espionage, identity theft, sensitive information leaks. This all led to the need for government agencies, private and public institutions and even private individuals to protect their sensitive information and prevent it from falling into the wrong hands. The act of discarding whole, readable documents containing sensitive information poses huge risks to an individual or organization, as these documents can be retrieved from a trash bin and the information they contain easily accessed. This has led to a number of identity theft cases, where a crime is committed using the information of an unsuspecting individual. Although advancements in information technology have resulted in electronic transmission and storage of information, a good number is still communicated via paper. This newly designed paper shredding machine utilized chain and sprocket in the power transmission which offers a high transmission efficiency unlike some paper shredding machines that used belt and pulley which cause slip and transmission losses. The machine architecture is very compact with ergonomically suitable features, and the performance is high. The shredding efficiency was 94%.Improvement on further work to improve the shredding efficiency is required.

Investigating the bacterial consortia properties of electrogenic anodic biofilm in a double-chamber microbial fuel cell: electrochemical, physical, biochemical and molecular characterization

This work evaluated the electrochemical, physical, biochemical, and molecular characterization of electrogens from a graphite felt anode when zinc oxide on activated carbon (ZnO/AC) was used as a cathodic electrocatalyst in a double-chambered microbial fuel cell (DCMFC). The electrochemical polarization behavior of the DCMFC showed that ZnO/AC had a higher power density (PDmax) of 89 mW m−2 with a corresponding cell current density (CD) of 248 mA m−2 and a voltage output of 395 mV, which was higher than those of the blank electrode used as a benchmark (PDmax of 68 mW m−2 at a CD of 161 mA m−2 and a voltage of 421 mV). Furthermore, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy revealed that the morphology and interior properties of the strains varied among the rods (bacilli), spirals (vibrios), and spheres (diplococci, staphylococci and streptococci). In addition, biochemical characterization via the Vitek2 compact system and molecular analysis via 16 S rRNA and 18 S rRNA gene sequencing revealed the occurrence of nine prevalent species that were correlated with Sphingobacterium spiritivorum, Ochrobactrum anthropicus, Pseudomonas mendocina, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, Leuconostoc mesenteroides, Staphylococcus equorum, Bacillus subtilis HQ334981.1, Kocuria kristinae KC581674.1 and Saccharomyces cerevisiae NR111007.1. Consequently, the present study outlines different characterization strategies for electrogenic microbes that play an important role in the overall performance of DCMFC for scaling up and managing existing environmental pollution for sustainable energy generation.

A joint experimental and theoretical investigation of the binding mechanism between zein and folic acid in an ethanol–water solution

ABSTRACT The aim of the present study was to determine the binding mechanisms between zein and folic acid in an ethanol – water solution. Fluorescence spectroscopy demonstrated that folic acid quenched the fluorescence intensity of zein by both dynamic and static fluorescence quenching mechanisms, with static quenching playing a prominent role. The binding constants (Ka) of the zein-folic acid complex at 292, 302, and 312 K were evaluated to be 5.97 × 105, 3.00 × 105 and 1.54 × 105 L/mol, respectively. The process of folic acid binding zein was driven by ∆H0 = –51.24 kJ/mol, ∆S0 = –64.90 J/mol•K. Van der Waals forces and hydrogen bonding primarily governed the formation of the zein-folic acid complex. Confirmation of the complex formation was obtained via UV-visible absorption spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and circular dichroism spectroscopy, which also revealed alterations in the secondary structure of zein upon binding to folic acid. Measurements of particle size and zeta potential demonstrated an enhancement in the stability of the complex system. Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy showed the complex to possess a spherical morphology, with significant changes in the zein’s morphology following its binding to folic acid. Additionally, zein increased the photostability of folic acid against UV light radiation. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations were used to investigate the binding mechanisms involved further, and the results effectively elucidated the observed experimental phenomena. This research establishes a significant theoretical foundation for the utilization of zein as a system for delivering and safeguarding folic acid.

A subbands study on the resistivity of field-effect CNT-based piezoresistive nanocomposites

In this paper, an analytical model based on the percolation theory has been developed to predict the subbands effect on the effective electrical resistivity of carbon nanotubes (CNT)-based polymer nanocomposites. The CNTs are considered as randomly distributed or aligned channel material in the polymer transmitting electrons through tunneling. The tunneling effect takes into account the electron transmission between each connected pair of CNTs to evaluate electrical resistivity. The modeling approach contains two steps of primary prediction of resistivity and further calculation of CNTs’ displacements and subsequent change of the resistance. A good agreement is found between the analytical model predictions and experimental data when the tunneling behavior was considered in the percolation transition region. The effect of CNT diameter, orientation state, and subbands on the resistivity has been investigated. The results depict that subbands increment is a collateral benefit to the aspect ratio in decreasing the resistivity. The analytical results demonstrate that a random CNT dispersion leads to a decreased piezoresistivity, while an increased strain range depicts a more non-linear behavior.

Mg-Sr-Ca containing bioactive glass nanoparticles hydrogel modified mineralized collagen scaffold for bone repair.

The aim of this study is to explore the therapeutic effects of Mg-Sr-Ca containing bioactive glass nanoparticles sodium alginate hydrogel modified mineralized collagen scaffold (Mg-Sr-Ca-BGNs-SA-MC) on the repair of osteoporotic bone defect. During the study, Mg-Sr-Ca containing bioactive glass nanoparticles (Mg-Sr-Ca-BGNs) were synthesized using the sol-gel method, and the Mg-Sr-Ca-BGNs-SA-MC scaffold was synthesized by a simple method. The Mg-Sr-Ca-BGNs and the Mg-Sr-Ca-BGNs-SA-MC scaffold were observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The elements of Mg, Sr, Ca and Si were effectively integrated into Mg-Sr-Ca-BGNs. SEM analysis revealed the presence of Mg-Sr-Ca-BGNs on the scaffold's surface. Furthermore, the cytotoxicity of the scaffolds were assessed using a live/dead assay. The result of the live/dead assay demonstrated that the scaffold materials were non-toxic to cell growth. More importantly, the in vivo study indicated that implanted scaffold promoted tissue regeneration and integration with newly formed bone. Overall, the Mg-Sr-Ca-BGNs-SA-MC scaffold is suitable for guided bone regeneration and beneficial to repair of osteoporotic bone defects.

Short-term anaerobic treatment with microperforated packaging enhanced postharvest quality of Stropharia rugosoannulata mushrooms

This study explored the impact of short-term anaerobic treatment combined with microperforated packaging (SAT-MP) on the postharvest quality and physiology of Stropharia rugosonulata mushrooms at 3 ℃. Results indicated that both SAT-MP treatments (T1, T2) and microperforated packaging alone (T3) establish a favorable environment with low O2 (8%−12%) and high CO2 (around 10%). All treatment groups showed significant improvements in firmness, color, and internal structure. Specifically, T1, T2, and T3 exhibited 38%, 41%, and 24% greater stipe firmness and 119%, 173%, and 48% lower browning index, respectively, compared to the control. These treatments also maintained high levels of antioxidant enzyme activity, including Superoxide Dismutase (SOD), Catalase (CAT), Peroxidase (POD), and Ascorbate Peroxidase (APX), as well as non-enzymatic antioxidants such as total phenols, flavonoids, and ascorbic acid. The combined treatment demonstrated the most significant effect, activating the mushroom's antioxidant system, reducing malondialdehyde (MDA) content, conductivity, and ethanol/acetaldehyde accumulation, thus mitigating lipid peroxidation. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) results confirmed better preservation of tissue and cell structure with the 12 h anaerobic treatment. Correlation analysis showed a negative correlation between firmness and oxidative damage indicators, as well as with the browning index and antioxidant-related indicators. Overall, short-term anaerobic treatment with microperforated packaging enhanced antioxidant capacity, maintains reactive oxygen species (ROS) metabolism balance, and cell membrane integrity, effectively delaying firmness decline and browning, highlighting its critical role in extending shelf life.

Determination of Trace Cd(II) in Water and Cosmetics based on Au/GO/CuO Nanocomposite Functionalized Electrochemical Sensor

Abstract Cadmium (Cd(II)) is highly toxic to environmental, and while many approaches have been developed to measure cumulative Cd(II) concentration over time, online monitoring of spatiotemporal changes remains challenging. To address this, an electrochemical sensor for determination of ultra-trace Cd(II) was developed, based on gold/graphene oxide/copper oxide (Au/GO/CuO) nanomaterials modifying glassy carbon electrode. CuO nanoparticles were prepared by a green synthesis method using plant extract, and the Au nanoparticles were deposited on the GO/CuO nanosubstrates by an in-situ electrochemical method. The prepared nanocomposites were characterized by field-emission scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The CuO nanoparticles are layered flower-like with an average particle size of 200-500 nm. Au/GO/CuO nanocomposites with high specific surface area and excellent electronic transmission capability enhanced the electrochemical signal of the sensor. Owing to the synergistic effect of Au/GO/CuO, the sensor exhibited good performance to Cd(II) in the ultra-wide range of 5×10-11 - 5×10-7 M with a detection limit of 2×10-11 M. The sensor was successfully quantified for determining Cd(II) with desirable recovery, displaying outstanding long-term stability, high sensitivity, and reproducibility. After validating its accuracy, this sensor was successfully used for detection of Cd (II) in water and cosmetic samples.

Reliability modeling and assessment of a community microgrid with electric vehicle charging station as a critical load

Microgrids are constituted of interconnected loads and dispersed energy resources. They increase the reliability of the power supply, decrease the cost of the per unit energy and support the green environment concept. Microgrids have gained importance due to their ability to deliver reliable energy and operate in both grid-connected and off-grid/island modes. Renewable energy sources such as photovoltaic (PV) and wind can be connected to the microgrid system to generate green energy. An electric vehicle charging station (EVCS) can be deployed in microgrids powered by renewable energy sources. An effective way to handle the rapidly rising load demand of electric vehicles (EVs) is to integrate EV recharge stations into microgrids. Due to the intermittent nature of solar PV and EV load's reliability, an evaluation of microgrids becomes challenging. Assessment of the components’ failure and their impact on the system reliability is proposed using different methods. Reliability Block Diagram (RBD), Markov Reliability Modeling (MRM) and Fault Tree Analysis (FTA) - Monte Carlo simulation are used for the Reliability Modeling of a community microgrid considering EVCS as a critical load. The mean time to failure (MTTF) is computed for the entire microgrid which includes PV, wind and fuel cell systems integrated into the grid with associated power electronic devices, transmission lines, transformers and point of common coupling (PCC). MATLAB software was used to program and study the reliability aspects of the microgrid. Using the FTA MCS technique and grid functions for 45 years with 20 % reliability, significant results were obtained in terms of a MTTF rate of 26.16 years.

Z-Scheme heterojunction Cu2(OH)3F/Bi2WO6 with improved photocatalytic activity for uranium removal from wastewater under air atmosphere

The proper treatment of uranium-contaminated nuclear wastewater is important for uranium resource recovery and environmental protection. Photocatalytic strategies have emerged as promising approaches for improving uranium removal efficiency. In this study, a Z-scheme heterojunction Cu2(OH)3F/Bi2WO6 (CFO/BWO) was synthesized by directly depositing CFO onto a BWO semiconductor for highly efficient photocatalytic removal of uranium from wastewater. The CFO semiconductor contains abundant O–H bonds and a high conduction band position, which can couple with BWO to form a heterojunction via interactions between the O and W atoms. Owing to the high electronegativity of CFO, electrons easily transfer from BWO to CFO, resulting in enhanced electron-hole separation and promoted electron transmission. Importantly, introducing CFO narrowed the bandgap of CFO/BWO compared to that of BWO, providing an appropriate band position, which is more conducive to the photocatalytic immobilization of uranium. Moreover, the mechanism of CFO/BWO heterojunction for photocatalytic immobilization of uranium revealed the formation of a stable crystalline phase of (UO2)O2·2H2O during the photocatalytic process. As a result, CFO/BWO could remove 91 % of uranium from simulated wastewater under an air atmosphere. The findings of this study provide a promising strategy by regulating the band position of heterojunctions for photocatalytic immobilization of uranium.

Fabrication and application of two-dimensional tungsten disulfide thin film

To form a tungsten disulfide film, a tungsten trioxide film is deposited first and then hydrogen sulfide is injected into the furnace tube to sulfide the tungsten trioxide film in a high-temperature environment. Due to the need to accurately control the thickness of tungsten trioxide, the power of the RF sputtering machine was reduced as much as possible in a stable condition in the experiment and the bias voltage during each process was monitored. In this experiment, a sapphire substrate and a silicon substrate with 200[Formula: see text]nm silicon dioxide are used. Then use optical instruments such as Raman optics, ellipsometers and high-resolution electron transmission microscopes, atomic force microscopes and other instruments for further measurement. The analysis results show that we have successfully made tungsten disulfide films of different thicknesses. Moreover, two-dimensional tungsten disulfide thin film has a response to light, gas and pH and related devices have been successfully fabricated in experiments. Among them, comparing the single-layer film and the double-layer film, the film quality of the double-layer film is better. The quality of the film grown on the sapphire substrate is also better than the quality of the film grown on the silicon dioxide substrate.

Printable MXene Ink Hybridized with ZSM-5 for Gas Sensing and CO2 Capturing

MXene has garnered significant attention as a two-dimensional material with exceptional physicochemical properties for gas sensing development. This study utilized ZSM-5 nanoparticles loaded with MXene to prepare printable inks, aiming to explore novel applications of MXene in the gas sensing field. The morphology of MXene/ZSM-5 was characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), demonstrating the typical layered structure of MXene and particle morphology of composite ZSM-5. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) confirmed no production of TiO2 by providing valence information on elements. Thermogravimetric analysis (TG) revealed excellent thermal stability. To verify functional gas sensing feasibility, various hydrocarbons and common gases underwent adsorption and desorption tests (BET). Results showed that MXene loaded with ZSM-5 exhibited good adsorbability for C4H10, C7H8, SF6, H2O and O2 while having a certain trapping effect on CO2. Through testing and analyzing printing results, it was found that the MXene/ZSM-5 ink overcame dispersion issues present in pure MXene ink.

Glycine-Ti3C2Tx Hybrid Material Improves the Electrochemical Corrosion Resistance of a Water-Borne Epoxy Coating.

Improving the dispersibility and compatibility of nanomaterials in water-borne epoxy resins is an important means to improve the protection ability and corrosion resistance of coatings. In this study, glycine-functionalized Ti3C2Tx (GT) was used to prepare an epoxy composite coating. The results of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction showed that glycine was successfully modified. The scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy results showed that the aggregation of Ti3C2Tx was alleviated. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy test results show that, after 60 days of immersion, GT coating still shows the best protection performance, and the composite coating |Z|f = 0.01 Hz is 3 orders of magnitude higher than that of the pure epoxy coating. This is mainly because, after adding glycine, the -COOH group on the surface of glycine binds to the -OH group on the surface of Ti3C2Tx, improving the aggregation of Ti3C2Tx itself. At the same time, the -NH group of glycine can also participate in the curing reaction of epoxy resin to strengthen the bonding strength between the coating and the metal. The good dispersion of GT in epoxy resin makes it fill the pores and holes left by epoxy resin curing and strengthen the corrosion resistance. The easy availability and green properties of glycine provide a simple and environmentally friendly method for the modification of Ti3C2Tx.

Tensile Properties of a Non-Equiatomic Ni–Co–V Medium Entropy Alloy at Cryogenic Temperature

The development of strong and ductile alloys for application in cryogenic temperatures has long been sought after. In this work, we have developed a face-centered cubic Ni10Co56.5V33.5 multi-principal element alloy (MPEA) that exhibits a balanced combination of high strength and good ductility at 77 K, based on the considerations of large local lattice distortion (LLD) and low stacking fault energy. The small-grained Ni10Co56.5V33.5 MPEA exhibits a yield strength of 1400 MPa and an ultimate tensile strength of 1890 MPa, while preserving a good ductility of 23%. Moreover, precession electron diffraction and transmission electron microscopy revealed multiple deformation mechanisms, including wavy dislocations, atypically severely twisted dislocation bands, hierarchical stacking faults, and deformation twins, which are implicated in the alloy’s outstanding mechanical performance. These insights offer a strategic guide for the design of strong and ductile alloys, particularly for utilization in extreme environments.

Gemcitabine-Phospholipid Complex Loaded Lipid Nanoparticles for Improving Drug Loading, Stability, and Efficacy against Pancreatic Cancer.

This study aims to encapsulate gemcitabine (GEM) using a phospholipid complex (PLC) in lipid nanoparticles (NPs) to achieve several desirable outcomes, including high drug loading, uniform particle size, improved therapeutic efficacy, and reduced toxicities. The successful preparation of GEM-loaded lipid NPs (GEM-NPs) was accomplished using the emulsification-solidification method, following optimization through Box-Behnken design. The size of the GEM-NP was 138.5 ± 6.7 nm, with a low polydispersity index of 0.282 ± 0.078, as measured by a zetasizer and confirmed by transmission electron and atomic force microscopy. GEM-NPs demonstrated sustained release behavior, surpassing the performance of the free GEM and phospholipid complex. Moreover, GEM-NPs exhibited enhanced cytotoxicity, apoptosis, and cell uptake in Panc-2 and Mia PaCa cells compared to the free GEM. The in vivo pharmacokinetics revealed approximately 4-fold higher bioavailability of GEM-NPs in comparison with free GEM. Additionally, the pharmacodynamic evaluation conducted in a DMBA-induced pancreatic cancer model, involving histological examination, serum IL-6 level estimation, and expression of cleaved caspase-3, showed the potential of GEM-NPs in the management of pancreatic cancer. Consequently, the lipid NP-based approach developed in our investigation demonstrates high stability and uniformity and holds promise for enhancing the therapeutic outcomes of GEM.

Enhanced activity of Ru-based catalysts for ammonia decomposition through nitrogen doping of hierarchical porous carbon carriers

Activated carbon (AC) materials, renowned for their high specific surface area, excellent conductivity, and customizable functional groups, are widely employed as catalyst carriers. However, enhancing the activity of Ru-based catalysts supported on AC (Ru/AC) for ammonia decomposition remains a challenge. In this study, commercial AC was utilized as a substrate, with glucose and urea employed as modifiers. Specifically, the surface of the AC was modified via a hydrothermal pyrolysis method, resulting in the successful post-treatment in situ co-doping of nitrogen (AC-GN). Experimental results revealed that Ru/AC-GN exhibited a hydrogen production rate 46% higher than that of Ru/AC at 475 °C, indicating improved activity and stability. The characterization of AC-GN demonstrated that nitrogen doping primarily occurred on the external surface and macropores of the AC, increasing the nitrogen content in the carrier, particularly pyrrolic nitrogen content, while preserving the original structural and morphological integrity of the AC. The enhanced dispersion of Ru, combined with the improved electronic transmission capabilities and strengthened interactions between the metal and the modified carrier, were identified as pivotal factors contributing to the enhanced low-temperature efficacy of Ru/AC-GN. This paper presents a novel direction for the large-scale preparation of efficient catalysts for ammonia decomposition.

Silver Nanoparticle-Embedded Carbon Nitride: Antifungal Activity on Candida albicans and Toxicity toward Animal Cells.

The development of engineered nanomaterials has been considered a promising strategy to control oral infections. In this study, silver-embedded carbon nitrides (Ag@g-CN) were synthesized and tested against Candida albicans, investigating their antifungal action and biocompatibility in animal cells. Ag@g-CN was synthesized by a simple one-pot thermal polymerization technique and characterized by various analytical techniques. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis revealed slight alterations in the crystal structure of g-CN upon the incorporation of Ag. Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy confirmed the presence of Ag-N bonds, indicating successful silver incorporation and potential interactions with g-CN's amino groups. UV-vis spectroscopy demonstrated a red shift in the absorption edge of Ag@g-CN compared with g-CN, attributed to the surface plasmon resonance effect of silver nanoparticles. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) confirmed the 2D layered sheet like morphology of both materials. The Ag 3d peaks found in X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) confirmed the presence of metallic Ag0 nanoparticles in Ag@g-CN. The Ag@g-CN materials exhibited high antifungal activity against reference and oral clinical strains of C. albicans, with minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) ranges between 16-256 μg/mL. The mechanism of Ag@g-CN on C. albicans was attributed to the disruption of the membrane integrity and disturbance of the biofilm. In addition, the Ag@g-CN material showed good biocompatibility in the fibroblastic cell line and in Galleria mellonella, with no apparent cytotoxicity observed at a concentration up to 1000 μg/mL. These findings demonstrate the potential of the Ag@g-CN material as an effective and safe antifungal agent for the treatment of oral fungal infections.

Antifungal activity of Carica papaya fruit extract against Microsporum canis: in vitro and in vivo study.

Tinea capitis (T. capitis), commonly known as scalp ringworm, is a fungal infection affecting the scalp and hair. Among the causative agents, Microsporum canis (M. canis) stands out, often transmitted from cats to humans (zoonotic disease). In this study, we investigated the efficacy of Carica papaya (C. papaya), fruit extract against dermatophytes, particularly M. canis, both in vitro and in vivo. Additionally, we aimed to identify the active compounds responsible for suppressing fungal growth and assess the toxicity of C. papaya on human cells. It conducted in two parts. First, In Vitro Study include the preparation of C. papaya fruit extract using methanol as the solvent, Phytochemical analysis of the plant extract including Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was conducted, Cytotoxicity assays were performed using HUH-7 cells, employing the MTT assay (1-(3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide), Antimicrobial activity against M. canis was evaluated, including: Zone of inhibition (ZI), Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), Minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC), M. canis cell alterations were observed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Second, In Vivo, Albino Wistar male rats were included. The phytochemical analysis of the methanolic extract from papaya revealed several functional groups, including hydroxyl, ammonia, alkane, carbonate, and alcohol. Additionally, the GC-MS analysis identified 15 compounds, with xanthosine and decanoic acid being the predominant components. The methanolic extract of papaya fruits demonstrated potent antifungal activity: ZI = 37 mm, MIC = 1,000 μg/mL, MFC = 1900 μg/mL, MTT results indicated lower cytotoxicity of the fruit extract at concentrations of 20 μg/mL, 50 μg/mL, 100 μg/mL, 150 μg/mL, and 200 μg/mL, The IC50 revealed a significant decrease in cell viability with increasing extract concentration. Notably, papaya extract induced considerable alterations in the morphology of M. canis hyphae and spores. In animal tissue, improvements were observed among the group of rats which treated with Papaya extract. This study highlights the potential of C. papaya fruits as a natural antifungal agent, warranting further exploration for clinical applications.

Biogenic silver nanoparticle synthesis using orange peel extract and its multifaceted biomedical application.

The aim of this study was to employ an agro-industrial byproduct, specifically Citrus sinensis peels, as a reservoir of polyphenols. The natural chemicals present in C. sinensis peels serve as reducing agents in an environmentally benign method for synthesizing silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). This methodology not only provides a more environmentally friendly method for synthesizing nanoparticles but also enhances the value of agricultural waste, emphasizing the sustainable utilization of resources. In our study, AgNPs were successfully synthesized using peel aqueous exact of C. sinensis and then their various biological activity has been investigated. The synthesized AgNPs were characterized by UV-vis spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering (DLS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis. Furthermore, their effectiveness in inhibiting growth and biofilm formation of Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida albicans has been investigated. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) for E. coli and S. aureus were both 32μg/mL, and for C. albicans, it was 128µg/mL. At 250µg/mL of AgNPs, 94% and 92% biofilm inhibition were observed against E. coli and S. aureus, respectively. Furthermore, AgNPs demonstrated significant toxic effects against human prostate cancer cell line DU145 as investigated by anti-apoptotic, 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI), reactive oxygen species (ROS), and acridine orange/ethidium bromide (AO/EtBr) assays. We also conducted uptake analysis on these pathogens and cancer cell lines to preliminarily investigate the mechanisms underlying their toxic effects. These findings confirm that AgNPs can serve as a cost-effective, non-toxic, and environmentally friendly resource for green synthesis of medicinal AgNPs. Moreover, this approach offers an alternative recycling strategy that contributes to the sustainable use of biological by-products.

Antennal chemoreceptors in the European ectoparasitoid Sclerodermus cereicollis (Hymenoptera: Bethylidae).

Sclerodermus cereicollis is a European flat wasp ectoparasitoid of some longhorn beetle species. This species is important as a suitable biological control agent against xylophagous pests. To better understand its chemical ecology, the ultrastructure of the antennal sensilla of the adult was studied using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The sensilla are located mainly in the ventro-medial side of the antennae. We report a clearly sexual dimorphism with respect to antennae length, and to types, number, and distribution of chemosensilla. The antennae in males are significantly longer than those of females. We describe in detail the external and internal structure of different chemoreceptors represented by sensilla placodea, long sensilla basiconica, multiporous sensilla chaetica, grooved sensilla ampullacea, uniporous grooved sensilla chaetica. The potential involvement of the different kinds of chemoreceptors in inter- (mainly sexual recognition and social behavior-kin recognition) or intra-specific communication (mainly host selection) is discussed on the basis of behavioral and electrophysiological investigations performed on other parasitoid species belonging to the same family. Other sensilla with morphology that is not consistent with that of chemoreceptors are represented by grooved pegs, coeloconic pegs, trichoid sensilla. Such detailed ultrastructural investigation of the flagellar chemoreceptors of S. cereicollis, clarifying the number of chemosensory neurons innervating the different sensilla, is crucial for further electrophysiological investigations on this important species. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: Evident sexual dimorphism concerning antennae length, type, number, and distribution of chemosensilla. Long sensilla basiconica (LSB) present only in females could play a role in host location and/or maternal care. Multiporous sensilla chaetica (MSC), significantly longer and mostly represented in males, could play a role in the perception of sexual pheromones. Detailed ultrastructural study is crucial for electrophysiological investigations on this important species.