Transmittance Electron Microscopy Research Articles

Plasma synthesis and characteristics of nanocomposite coatings based on PVA and chitosan with incorporated nanoparticles for the healing of skin wounds

This study investigated the impact of new composites based on PVA and chitosan on wound healing in mice. Metal or metal oxide nanoparticles were synthesized without reagents by creating an impulse discharge between metal electrodes in a polymer dispersion. Polymer composites and coatings were then prepared using these nanoparticles. The composites were analyzed using various techniques, including UV spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, scanning and transmittance electron microscopy, and infrared spectroscopy. The maximum concentration of nanoparticles in the composite was 3.5%. The average diameter of the nanoparticles was approximately 50-60 nm. The inclusion of Ag and ZnO nanoparticles accelerated the healing process by approximately 25%.

Solar driven highly efficient photocatalyst based on Dy2O3 nanorods deposited on reduced graphene oxide nanocomposite for methylene blue dye degradation.

In recent years, the demand for rare earth elements has surged due to their unique characteristics and diverse applications. This investigation focuses on utilizing the rare earth element dysprosium oxide (Dy2O3) for the photocatalytic oxidation of model pollutants under solar light irradiation. A novel RGO-Dy2O3 nanocomposite photocatalyst was developed using a solvothermal approach, Dy2O3 nanorods uniformly deposited onto reduced graphene oxide (RGO) nanosheets. Comprehensive characterization techniques, including Brunner-Emmett-Teller (BET), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman spectroscopy, high resolution - transmittance electron microscopy (HR-TEM), field emission-electron scanning microscopy (FE-SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy (EPR), photoluminescence spectroscopy (PL), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy EIS techniques. The UV-visible diffusive reflectance spectroscopy (UV-Vis-DRS) studies revealed a band gap energy of 3.18eV and a specific surface area of 114 m2/g for the fabricated RGO-Dy2O3 nanocomposite. The RGO-Dy2O3 nanocomposite demonstrated a high photocatalytic degradation efficiency of 98.1% at neutral pH for methylene blue (MB) dye for the dye concentration of 10ppm. The remarkable photocatalytic performance was achieved within 60min under solar light irradiation. Reusability tests demonstrated stability, maintaining over 90% photocatalytic efficiency after three cycles. The EPR spectra and quenching experiments confirmed that photogenerated hydroxyl radicals significantly influence the photodegradation processes. The RGO-Dy2O3 nanocomposite photocatalyst, with its green, easy preparation process and recycling capabilities, presents an ideal choice for various applications. It offers a viable alternative for the photocatalytic degradation of organic dyes in real wastewater, contributing to sustainable environmental remediation.

Novel Ag-Doped- Poly (aniline-co-pyrrole)/Titanium-Dioxide Nanocomposite Sensor Material for Ammonia Detection in Spoiled Meat

Silver-doped poly(aniline-co-pyrrole)/titanium dioxide (Ag-doped PANI-PPy/TiO2) conducting copolymer-based nanocomposite ammonia gas sensor was synthesized through in situ chemical oxidative polymerization by taking different amounts (4%, 5%, 6%, 7%, and 8%) of Ag-TiO2 (1:1 ratio) nanoparticles. Zetasizer; dynamic light scattering, scanning electron microscopy, transmit ion electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared, X-ray diffraction, UV–vis spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, and cyclic voltammetry characterization techniques were used to confirm the real formation of nanocomposites and to evaluate the detection performance of the sensor. The interaction sensitivity of the synthesized nanocomposite sensor with ammonia (NH3) was determined by changing the amounts of nanoparticles. Spectroscopic determination exhibited excellent porosity and a better shift in the absorption bands having band gaps (1.87 eV) for the Ag-doped PANI-PPy/TiO2 nanocomposite sensor than the PANI-PPy copolymer (3.17 eV). Morphological (10 μm) and nanoparticle arrangement studies (20 μm) have shown the uniform allocation of nanoparticles in the copolymer matrix when 6% of Ag-TiO2 (1:1 ratio) was added, while agglomeration occurred when <6% or >6% of Ag-TiO2 was added to the copolymer. A decrease in the amorphous domain of the copolymer with an increase in nanoparticles was observed from the X-ray diffraction and other results.

Fabrication of multifunctional hybrid pigment for color cosmetics based on chitosan-modified palygorskite and sappanwood extract

Consumer perception and market demand have driven the replacement of synthetic colorants with naturally derived alternatives in the cosmetic industry. This study describes a facile way to prepare durable inorganic-organic hybrid pigment with advanced biocompatibility, antibacterial and hydrophobic properties tailored for color cosmetics by initial modification of palygorskite with chitosan to anchor sappanwood dye extract and subsequently coating with amino-modified silicone oil (ASO). The hybrid pigments were characterized by transmittance electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and the Brunauer–Emmett–Teller method. The results indicated that the sappanwood dye was loaded on chitosan-modified palygorskite via hydrogen bonding and electrostatic interaction. Furthermore, the chitosan-palygorskite/sappanwood hybrid pigment exhibited enhanced biocompatibility and color stability on exposure to different heating temperatures and UVA radiation after subsequent hydrophobic modification with amino-modified silicone oil. Moreover, facial foundation cosmetics based on the chitosan-palygorskite/sappanwood@ASO composites exhibited excellent brightening and skin color corrective effect on human volunteers without any adverse response. And no significant difference was observed in 12 out of 14 sensory evaluation indexes in the comparison of this hybrid pigment-based makeup with two commercially available products. This study provides a new route to stabilize natural botanical colorant for cosmetic use by chitosan-modified clay minerals.

Study by transmition electron microscopy of Co-WC/Ni interface produced by solid state bonding

The microstructure of the interface and inter-diffusion behavior during bonding plays an important role to understand and to control the joining process for better mechanical properties of an interface. In this work, the microstructure of the formed interlayer between cermet WC-Co and metallic Ni after solid state bonding (the WC-Co/Ni interface) was analyzed by scanning (SEM) and transmission (TEM) electron microscopy, and characteristic energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS). The WC-Co/Ni joint was produced at 980°C for 25 minutes in argon atmosphere. For SEM observation, the samples were mechanically polished and etched. TEM samples were produced parallel (sample P), perpendicular (sample T) and oblique (sample TP) to the interface by focused ion beam (FIB). The EDS results indicate the inter-diffusion at the interface of W, Ni, Co and C and the segregation of Ni and Co, together with the formation of crystalline phases and an amorphous carbon layer. W follows a homogeneous diffusion while Ni and Co show a non-homogeneous diffusion behavior.

Synthesis of sputtered self-catalytic indium tin oxide nanorods for photovoltaic application

Three-dimensional (3D) nano-structured electrode by transparent conducting oxide (TCO) is a considerable approach for increasing efficiency of optoelectronic devices. Indium tin oxide (ITO) is a potential candidate for anode applications due to its high conductivity and a high work function. Nanorods of indium tin oxide (ITONR) were grown on catalyst-free substrates at relatively low temperature by magnetron sputtering, which is free of any carrier gases and catalyst. An X-ray photoelectron spectroscope and a transmittance electron microscope with an energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometer were used to investigate the elemental binding states and compositions of the as-synthesized nanorods. The reported ITONR shows photo-luminance property, making it effective for photovoltaic applications. The morphology and sheet resistance of nanorod had a significant effect on the solar cell performance. Sheet resistance of 10 Ω/□ and transparency of 83.6 % of ITONR on SCHOTT glass was achieved. The higher surface to volume ratio, superior optical and electrical properties over flat ITO layer, makes the nanorods a potential candidate for photovoltaic application.

Batch adsorptive removal of Cr (VI) from aqueous phase using magnetic activated carbon nanocomposite prepared from walnut shells by ZnCl2-FeCl3 activation

ABSTRACT This work aims to assess the physicochemical and adsorptive ability of magnetic activated carbon nanocomposites (MACN) developed from walnut shells (WS) through single-step and dual-step preparation routes utilising ZnCl2-FeCl3 as an activator and magnetising agent for Cr (VI) elimination from the aqueous phase. Synthesis of MACN via a one-step route (MACN1) was achieved through direct activation of WS with ZnCl2-FeCl3. In contrast, the preparation of MACN by dual-steps route (MACN2) was accomplished by carbonising WS at 450°C for 1 h, followed by ZnCl2-FeCl3 activation of the resulting biochar. The N2-adsorption-desorption isotherms, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM), Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX), Transmittance Electron Microscope (TEM), Fourier Transform Infra-Red spectroscopy (FTIR), and Vibrating Sample Magnetization (VSM), were implemented to characterise the MACN samples. BET surface area of MACN1 was 1780.20 m2/g with an average pore diameter of 1.95 nm compared to 283.62 m2/g and 1.91 nm for MACN2. The VSM, FESEM, and TEM measurements ensured the presence of iron oxide nanoparticles on the surface of the composites. Investigating various operating parameters disclosed that the highest adsorptive elimination (AE) of Cr(VI) from its aqueous phase by MACN1 was 99.66% compared to 97.43% for that achieved using MACN2. The adsorption results were best fitted to the Langmuir isotherm using both composites with maximum adsorption capacity of 233.12 mg/g for MACN1 compared to147.55 mg/g for MACN2, suggesting that the adsorption is homogonous and chemical. Moreover, the pseudo-2nd-order kinetics model exhibited the best match for the adsorption of Cr(VI) by both adsorbents, demonstrating that chemisorption was involved in eliminating Cr(VI) from its aqueous phase. After five repetitions, the regeneration experiments confirmed that the MACN adsorbents maintained a high AE. Based on the findings, the as-prepared composites have extensive potential to be applied on the industrial scale.

Green sonochemical synthesis of ZnCo2O4 decorated with carbon nanofibers for enhanced electrochemical detection of bisphenol A in food products.

The facile sonochemical synthesisis reported of zinc cobalt oxide (ZnCo2O4) composited with carbon nanofiber (CNF). Structural, chemical, and morphological were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoluminescent spectroscopy (XPS), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and transmittance electron microscopy (TEM), respectively. ZnCo2O4/CNF-modified GCE was applied to the detection of bisphenol A (BPA). The modified GCE shows enhanced sensing performance towards BPA, which includes a linear range (0.2 to 120 μM L-1) alongside a low limit of detection (38.2 nM L-1), low interference, and good stability. Detection of lower concentrations of BPA enables real sample analysis in the food industries (milk, orange juice, yogurt, tap water, and baby feeding bottles). Surprisingly, the BPA was detectedin milk 510 nM L-1, orange juice 340 nM L-1, yogurt 1050 nM L-1, and tap water 140 nM L-1. Moreover, an interaction mechanism between the BPA analyte and ZnCo2O4 was discussed.

Analysis of Subsurface Damage Structures of Gallium Nitride Substrates Induced by Mechanical Polishing with Diamond Abrasives

Subsurface damage (SSD) structures induced by mechanical polishing of gallium nitride (GaN) substrates are comprehensively investigated using atomic force microscopy, cathodoluminescence (CL) imaging, and cross‐sectional transmittance electron microscopy. The low removal rate of the CMP process is a barrier to high productivity of a GaN wafering process; therefore, reducing the chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) process time by reducing the depth of SSD induced by mechanical processing is an active research area. To better understand the SSD structures, the surface roughness, SSD depth, and SSD distributions induced by mechanical polishing are quantitatively evaluated in this study. The SSD structures induced by mechanical polishing can be quantitatively exhibited as the SSD distribution with the damage strength at the outermost surface and the damage propagation, which are obtained by CMP process time‐resolved CL imaging method. On the basis of the analysis results, a schematic model of the SSD structures for mechanically polished GaN substrates is proposed.

Optical, Structural, and Dielectric Characteristics of Flexible PVA/PEG/ZnMn2O4/CuCo2O4/x wt % Melanin Blended Polymer Composites

Our research described in the current paper was aimed to alter the optical and dielectric characteristics of polyvinyl alcohol/polyethylene glycol blended polymers by incorporating different quantities of melanin and ZnMn2O4/CuCo2O4 to create flexible blended polymer composites suitable for applications like photocatalysis, capacitors, and different optoelectronic applications. The PVA/PEG/ZnMn2O4/CuCo2O4-x wt % melanin blended polymer composites were created using a casting technique. The structural properties of the fillers and various blends were investigated using an X-ray diffraction technique. A transmittance electron microscope was used to investigate the features of the ZnMn2O4/CuCo2O4. The optical properties of the PVA/PEG/ZnMn2O4/CuCo2O4-x wt % melanin blend composites, which included their linear and nonlinear optical parameters, were analyzed using a diffused reflectance technique. The direct and indirect optical energy gaps attained their lowest values (5.47, 3.22, and 2.97) and (5, 1.18) eV in PVA/PEG/ZnMn2O4/CuCo2O4 blended polymer. The doped blends exhibited superior absorbance efficiency in the UV spectra in both the UVA and UVB regions. In the UV and visible ranges doped blends with 15 and 10 wt % of melanin had the highest refractive index values, respectively. The highest dielectric constant and electric ac conductivity were achieved as the blend was loaded with 5 wt % melanin. The energy density value of the doped blend containing 10% melanin was the highest when compared to other doped melanin polymers. The maximum height electrical potential barrier of each blend was also calculated. The electric modulus was also studied. The intensities of the emission peaks in terms of fluorescence characteristics were reduced as the PVA/PEG blend was loaded with ZnMn2O4/CuCo2O4-x wt % melanin. In conclusion, the PVA/PEG/ZnMn2O4/CuCo2O4-x wt % melanin blended polymer composites are promising hybrid materials for use in a variety of applications.

Analysis of AgNPs@AuNPs/GO’s Impact on Water-Based Drilling Muds and Comparison with Graphane, GO, AuNPs/GO’s Effects: Labs Research

We investigateed the effect of AgNPs@AuNPs/GO on the rheological and filtration properties of sodium-bentonite water based drilling muds (Na-bentonite WBDM) and compared the possible effects of graphene, graphene oxide (GO), and graphene oxide functionalized with gold nanoparticles (AuNPs/GO) on Na-bentonite WBDM. Graphene, AuNPs, AgNPs, GO, AuNPs/GO, and AgNPs@AuNPs/GO were initially synthesized, and subsequently subjected to scanning electron microscopy, tranmission electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray analysis, reflection absoprtion infrared spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy characterization. At a rate of 0.0005% to 0.01% (w/v), synthesized and described nanoparticles were added to Na-bentonite WBDM. Rheological and filtration loss analyses of the nanomaterial-containing Na-bentonite WBDM were then performed following American Petroleum Institute Standards. According to the study’s findings, adding graphene and AgNPs/GO to drilling mud at varying rates did not have any influence on PV values when compared to spud mud; however, adding GO and AgNPs@AuNPs/GO had a positive effect of 67% and 33%. Furthermore, the addition of graphene, GO, AuNPs/GO, and AgNPs@AuNPs/GO increased the AV values by 17.6%, 44%, 18.75%, 26%, YP values; by 44.4%, 44%, 30%, 22%, 10 s values; by 55.5%, 33%, 30%, 66.6%, 10 min values; by 30.7%, 43%, 42%, 46%, filtration loss values; by 10%, 9.52%, 8.4%, 3.84%.

Synthesis and upconversion luminescence properties of Ho3+-Yb3+ co-doped glass ceramics containing LiGd(WO4)2

Ho3+-Yb3+ co-doped glass ceramics containing LiGd(WO4)2 were prepared by melt crystallization method. By using the methods of differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmittance, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), the optimal heat treatment condition for the samples was identified to be 580 °C/140 min. In these conditions, the transmittance of glass ceramic is about 75 % in the 380–780 nm range. In the upconversion emission spectra, strong green emission (543 nm) and red emission (650 nm) due to 5F4/5S2, 5F5→5I8 transitions are observed at 980 nm excitation. Additionally, the optimum doping concentrations of Ho3+ and Yb3+ were 0.12 % and 0.4 %. The crystal field changes around dopant ions were analyzed using J-O theory and Eu3+ probe to explain the up-conversion luminescence enhancement of glass ceramics containing LiGd(WO4)2. The chrominance coordinates of 0.12 % Ho3+-0.4 % Yb3+ co-doped glass ceramics are located in the green light region, and the color purity is 95.6 %. In summary, Ho3+-Yb3+ co-doped transparent glass ceramics containing LiGd(WO4)2 have potential applications in infrared detection and green solid-state lasers.

Shielding properties of Li2B4O7:Dy3+,Yb3+ glass containing copper nanoparticles

Glass matrices of Li2B4O7 doped with Dy3+, Yb3+ and Cu were synthesized by melt quenching technique using different concentration of copper nanoparticles. The study and analysis are centered in shielding radiation. The samples amorphous nature was corroborated by X-Ray diffraction (XRD) and nanoparticles size distribution was obtained by transmittance electron microscopy (TEM). Optical characterizations used were absorbance and photoluminescence emission (PL). Radiation shielding theoretical properties: mass attenuation coefficient (MAC), half value layer (HVL), tenth value layer (TVL), mean free path (MFP) and effective atomic number (Zeff) are obtained using Phy-X/PSD software and analyzed for future applications in radiation security.

Enhancing the Tensile Properties and Ductile-Brittle Transition Behavior of the EN S355 Grade Rolled Steel via Cost-Saving Processing Routes.

Structural rolled steels are the primary products of modern ferrous metallurgy. Consequently, enhancing the mechanical properties of rolled steel using energy-saving processing routes without furnace heating for additional heat treatment is advisable. This study compared the effect on the mechanical properties of structural steel for different processing routes, like conventional hot rolling, normalizing rolling, thermo-mechanically controlled processing (TMCP), and TMCP with accelerating cooling (AC) to 550 °C or 460 °C. The material studied was a 20 mm-thick sheet of S355N grade (EN 10025) made of low-carbon (V+Nb+Al)-micro-alloyed steel. The research methodology included standard mechanical testing and microstructure characterization using optical microscopy, scanning and transmission electronic microscopies, energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry, and X-ray diffraction. It was found that using different processing routes could increase the mechanical properties of the steel sheets from S355N to S550QL1 grade without additional heat treatment costs. TMCP followed by AC to 550 °C ensured the best combination of strength and cold-temperature resistance due to formation of a quasi-polygonal/acicular ferrite structure with minor fractions of dispersed pearlite and martensite/austenite islands. The contribution of different structural factors to the yield tensile strength and ductile-brittle transition temperature of steel was analyzed using theoretical calculations. The calculated results complied well with the experimental data. The effectiveness of the cost-saving processing routes which may bring definite economic benefits is concluded.

New nanometric metal complexes based on thiazole derivative as potential antitumor and antimicrobial agents: Full structural elucidation, docking simulation and biological activity studies

Novel Mn(II), Ni(II), Zr(IV) and Cd(II) nanosized complexes of thiazole Schiff base derivative (HL) were synthesized for further medicinal applications. The inspected complexes were fully characterized using elemental and thermal analyses in addition to infrared spectroscopy (IR) and nuclear magnetic resonance (1HNMR). Electronic absorption spectra, X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), transmittance electron microscopy (TEM), molar conductance and magnetic moment were also measured and explained. The brought about data revealed that the ligand–metal chelation happened through the N atom of N = N group, and the ortho-dehydrogenated phenolic O atom to form the chelates where the metal binds with one molecule of the parent ligand. All applied spectroscopic and analytical techniques confirmed tetrahedral geometry in Mn(II) and Ni(II) complexes and octahedral geometry for Cd(II) and Zr(IV) complexes. The ligand, Mn(II), Ni(II), and Zr(IV) chelates' XRD patterns indicated an amorphous character where the Cd(II) complex's nature is crystalline. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images of the prepared compounds showed that the surface morphology is uniform and homogeneous. Also, the metal ions distribute through the complexes' surface in a nanosized nature. The metal complexes have been simulated by docking in the co-crystal structures of the liver cancer and breast cancer proteins with PDB IDs, 2JW2 and 3S7S, successively. Antibacterial, antifungal and anticancer activities for the ligand that has been produced and its complexes were achieved. The most encouraging antitumor results were acquired by Ni(II) chelate which exhibited an IC50 of 23.52 µg/ml contra MCF-7 cells (human breast cancer) which is lower than the reference 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU, IC50 = 28.00 µg/ml).

Synthesis, spectroscopic and biological characterizations of platinum(IV), ruthenium(III) and iridium(III) theophylline complexes

This study used micro-analyses, (FTIR, UV-Vis) spectra, magnetic, thermogravimetric, X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) patterns, and transmittance electron microscopy (TEM) techniques to characterize three synthesized theophylline (TPH) complexes with ruthenium(III), platinum(IV), and iridium(III) metal ions. The metal ions indicated above were found to align with the TPH drug chelate as a mono-dentate ligand via the deprotonated NH group at the nitrogen atom position N7, as verified by FTIR measurements. Additionally, the complexes conductivity and magnetic susceptibility were examined. The octahedral geometry for the synthesized complexes was proposed by the current data. Except for the iridium(III) complex, which has a non-electrolytic nature due to the presence of a chlorine atom inside the chelation sphere, the molar conductivity of the complexes in DMSO solution was electrolyte in nature. Theophylline complexes with a (metal: ligand) stoichiometry of 1:2 were produced. The TPH complexes have also been tested in vitro against G(+) bacteria (Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus Aureus) and G(-) bacteria (Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli) to evaluate their antibacterial efficacy. Human breast and liver cancer cell lines were used as a test for the TPH complexes in vitro anti-cancer properties.&#x0D; KEY WORDS: Theophylline, Metal ions, Chelation, Octahedral, Spectral analysis, Nano-particles, Biological evaluation&#x0D; Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2024, 38(3), 725-738. &#x0D; DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v38i3.14

Optical and Dielectric Characteristics of Poly (Methyl Methacrylate)/Polyethylene Oxide/Carbon Nanoparticle Composites Loaded with Nano NiFe2O4

The current study proposes a simple, low-cost, and functional method of doping a pure matrix of poly (methyl methacrylate)/polyethylene oxide/carbon nanoparticles (PMMA/PEO/CNPs) with nano nickel ferrite (NiFe2O4) as a filler. To create NiFe2O4 nanoparticles, a straightforward chemical growth, sol-gel auto-combustion system was used. Next, environmentally friendly and cost-effective, undoped and blended polymers doped with NiFe2O4 using a solution-casting method were synthesized. Rietveld refinement analysis was used to investigate the structure and microstructure of the NiFe2O4. Transmittance electron microscopy was used to confirm the nano nature of the filler. X-ray diffraction was used to verify the crystallite nature of the undoped and doped PMMA/PEO/CNPs blends with NiFe2O4. The linear optical characteristics of the proposed blends were obtained using a diffuse reflectance spectrophotometer. The measured optical parameters included transmittance, absorbance, reflectance, direct and indirect optical bandgaps, absorption coefficient, linear refractive index, extinction coefficient, dielectric constant, energy loss functions, in addition to optical and electrical conductivities. Also, nonlinear optical constants for the synthesized blends, such as the linear and third nonlinear susceptibilities, nonlinear refraction coefficient and nonlinear absorption coefficient, were calculated. The direct and indirect optical band gap energies of the PMMA/PEO/CNPs blends were 4.97 and 4.8 eV, respectively. As the NiFe2O4 doping level increased in the blend to 2.5 wt%, the optical band gap energy values decreased to 4.54 and 4.64 eV, respectively. The fluorescence spectra of the undoped and doped PMMA/PEO/CNPs blended polymers with nano NiFe2O4 were also explored. The effect of NiFe2O4 doping amount on the energy density, electric dielectric constant, ac conductivity and electric moduli of the host blend was also studied. In conclusion, the considered NiFe2O4-doped PMMA/PEO/CNPs blends have an effective and promising role in optoelectronic applications.

Juglans regia L. fruit pellicle extract-based bioreduction of silver nanoparticles: Structural features and in vivo therapeutic effects against ethanol-induced peptic ulcers

Context: Peptic ulcers are a challenging problem. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) play a substantial role in bioactivity and have distinct characteristics. There are several biomedical uses for bioreduction nanotechnology. Historically, traditional healthcare has employed Juglans regia L. Aims: To evaluate how well fruit pellicle extract-derived bio-reduced silver nanoparticles (AgNP/FP) can treat peptic ulcers. Methods: Ultraviolet spectra, dynamic light scattering, transmittance electron microscopy, and Fourier transform infrared were used to characterize AgNPs and AgNP/FP. AgNPs and extracts were compared to omeprazole in ethanol-induced stomach ulcers in mice. Six groups of 36 mice were created at random. AgNPs were given orally to the experimental groups, using 300 mg/kg as a dose. The reference proton pump inhibitor, omeprazole, was employed as a control. Results: As evidenced by a falling ulcer index and an increase in the percentage of ulcer inhibition, bio-reduced AgNPs decreased the adverse effect of ethanol-induced stomach injury. Reduced mucosal damage and hemorrhagic lesions, necrobiotic alterations in the stomach epithelium, submucosal edema, and blood vessel congestion were all indicators of substantially reduced ethanol-induced gastric lesions and greater anti-inflammatory results. Conclusions: Fruit pellicle extract-derived bio-reduced silver nanoparticles have an efficacy similar to proton pump inhibitors like omeprazole and a lower incidence of possible side effects, making them a safe herbal therapy for ulcers.

Green synthesis and anti-tumor activity of curcumin @ ZnO/CuO nanoparticles

Both zinc oxide and copper oxide nanoparticles are promising biologically active materials. Green synthesis approach was used to prepare mixed ZnO/CuO nanoparticles loaded with curcumin extract. The isolated mixed oxides loaded with curcumin (curcumin @ ZnO/CuO) was characterized by UV–visible spectra, FTIR spectra, X-ray powder diffractions (XRD),Transmittance electron microscope (TEM), Energy dispersive x-ray (EDX) and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) spectra. X-ray powder diffractions indicated that ZnO has wurtzite structure and CuO crystallizes in a monoclinic system. XPS confirmed the existence of both CuO and ZnO nanoparticles. TEM results indicated the formation of quantum dots of curcumin @ ZnO/CuO with size in the range 6–10 nm. The optical band gaps of curcumin @ ZnO/CuO were determined and found to be 3.4 and 4.05 eV, which are higher than the bulk. The effects of curcumin @ ZnO/CuO on hepatocellular (HEPG-2) and colorectal (HCT-116) carcinoma were estimated by cell viability, cell cycle and anti-apoptotic factors (caspase-3/7, topoisomerase 2beta and annexin). Strong cytotoxicity activity and apoptosis of tumor cells were observed for curcumin @ ZnO/CuO. The cytotoxicity of the current compounds showed higher activity in comparison with other compounds that were previously studied.

Hydrothermal Synthesis of CuO Nanoparticles: Tailoring Morphology and Particle Size Variations for Enhanced Properties

Transition metal oxides, particularly copper oxides, have garnered significant attention due to their intriguing photochemical, photomagnetic, photo-thermal, and photoconductive properties. Among these, CuO stands out as a p-type semiconductor having narrow bandgap energy ranges from 1.2 to 2 eV, finding versatile applications such as gas sensing, magnetic storage, solar energy conversion, photocatalysis, supercapacitors, field-emission emitters, and optical switches. Additionally, it serves as a crucial component in materials designed for lithium-ion electrodes. In this study, five different CuO nanoparticles were synthesized by simple and cost-effective hydrothermal method with various reaction temperatures and times in a teflon lined stainless steel autoclave. Copper (II) chloride dihydrate was used as copper source in this process. Various characterization techniques were conducted including X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, and transmitting electron microscopy (TEM). The effect of temperature and time on synthesis process was characterized and discussed. TEM images show that particle size of CuO increase with the temperature and reaction time. First reaction had the smallest particle sizes (mostly around 9-11 nm). This can be attributed to its lowest reaction temperature and shortest reaction time. For the other reactions, two of them accumulate around 19-35 nm and two around 27-45 nm range. However, the rise in the particle’s diameters is not directly proportional to temperature and time. As a result, CuO nanoparticles have been produced with simple method for the market. It can be produced in large quantities for heat exchangers, gas sensing, magnetic storage, solar energy conversion, photocatalysts, supercapacitors, etc.