Ultrasonic Dispersion Research Articles

Photocatalytic oxidative desulfurization with Anderson-type polyoxometalates nanoclusters doped carbon nitride

Photocatalytic oxidative desulfurization (PODS) presents a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to conventional diesel desulfurization techniques. In this study, various methodologies, including ultrasonic dispersion, sol-gel and impregnation, were employed to prepare Anderson-type polyoxometallates (POMs) (NH)4H6ZnMo6O24 derived ZnMo6/C3N4, composites for PODS. The photocatalytic properties of these composites were thoroughly characterized using various techniques. The synergistic effect between ZnMo6 nanoclusters and C3N4 sites significantly enhanced their photocatalytic activity in the visible light region. The incorporation of ZnMo6 increases the surface energy of C3N4 and enhances its electrons capture capacity, thereby reducing the electron-hole pair recombination rate and suppressing its photoluminescence intensity. Computational analysis reveals that the adsorption energy of dibenzothiophene (DBT) and charge transfer capacity are markedly enhanced upon ZnMo6 doping into C3N4. The optimized catalyst (50 % ZnMo6/C3N4) exhibited 100 % desulfurization rate with low catalyst dosage and O/S ratio within only 2 h. Importantly, negligible decay in performance is observed over five consecutive reuses, indicating its robust stability in PODS. This investigation provides a comprehensive model and theoretical framework for the multifunctional PODS system, demonstrating its potential for practical application.

Investigating ultrasonic dispersion of nanostructured silica for nanocomposite materials application

This article presented the results of investigating the influence of ultrasonic dispersion of nanostructured silica that has been referred to nanosilica (n-SiO2) into unsaturated polyester (UPE) resin for nanocomposite materials application. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) method was employed to analyze the dispersion characteristics in this work. The optimally suitable ultrasonic factors have been identified including ultrasound frequency amplitude of 60%, ultrasound time of 120 minutes. Also, the bending strength measurement results of nanocomposite samples have shown that nanosilica material addition has increased significantly the mechanical properties of the nanocomposite material based on UPE resin. This also has shown the possibility of using n-SiO2 as a reinforcing agent for nanocomposite materials applications.

Dielectric Characterization and Machine Learning-Based Predictions in Polymer Composites with Mixed Nanoparticles

Our research described in this manuscript investigated the dielectric properties and structural characteristics of Bisphenol-A epoxy resin composites infused with various concentrations (5 wt.%, 10 wt.%, and 15 wt.%) of hybrid nanofillers, namely alumina (Al2O3) and zinc oxide (ZnO). Ultrasonic dispersion was utilized to integrate the nanofillers into the resin matrix. Structural properties were assessed using X-ray diffraction (XRD), which confirmed the presence of the Al2O3 and ZnO nanoparticles within the epoxy matrix. Dielectric properties were measured over a frequency range of 104 Hz to 2 MHz. The results provide new insights into the polarization mechanisms and structural characteristics of these composites, highlighting their potential for enhanced dielectric performance in high-frequency applications. To further understand and predict these dielectric properties, the CatBoost and LightGBM regression models were employed to predict the dielectric constant (ε'), loss tangent (tan δ), and AC conductivity (σac) of these composites. The models demonstrated strong predictive accuracy, with performance metrics, including Mean Absolute Error (MAE), Root Mean Square Error (RMSE), and R-squared (R2), indicating the robustness and accuracy of the models in predicting the dielectric properties of the composites. The study’s findings underscore the significant potential of Bisphenol-A epoxy resin composites with hybrid nanofillers for high-frequency dielectric applications.

Preparation of CNT/CNF/PDMS/TPU Nanofiber-Based Conductive Films Based on Centrifugal Spinning Method for Strain Sensors.

Flexible conductive films are a key component of strain sensors, and their performance directly affects the overall quality of the sensor. However, existing flexible conductive films struggle to maintain high conductivity while simultaneously ensuring excellent flexibility, hydrophobicity, and corrosion resistance, thereby limiting their use in harsh environments. In this paper, a novel method is proposed to fabricate flexible conductive films via centrifugal spinning to generate thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) nanofiber substrates by employing carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and carbon nanofibers (CNFs) as conductive fillers. These fillers are anchored to the nanofibers through ultrasonic dispersion and impregnation techniques and subsequently modified with polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). This study focuses on the effect of different ratios of CNTs to CNFs on the film properties. Research demonstrated that at a 1:1 ratio of CNTs to CNFs, with TPU at a 20% concentration and PDMS solution at 2 wt%, the conductive films crafted from these blended fillers exhibited outstanding performance, characterized by electrical conductivity (31.4 S/m), elongation at break (217.5%), and tensile cycling stability (800 cycles at 20% strain). Furthermore, the nanofiber-based conductive films were tested by attaching them to various human body parts. The tests demonstrated that these films effectively respond to motion changes at the wrist, elbow joints, and chest cavity, underscoring their potential as core components in strain sensors.

Optimization of Process Parameters and Microscopic Morphology of Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes/PEEK Films Using the Vacuum Suction Filtration Method

Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) are a high-quality interlamination reinforcement material, but the high viscosity of polyetheretherketone (PEEK) prevents good fusion between MWCNTs and PEEK. This study proposes a method to achieve the complete integration of MWCNTs and PEEK through the preparation of a composite film using the vacuum suction filtration (VSF) method and optimizes the process parameters. An orthogonal experiment with three factors (filter paper pore size, ultrasonic dispersion time, and PEEK content) at three levels is designed, and mechanical performance testing and microscopic morphology observation are conducted. The influence of the three factors of filter paper pore size, ultrasonic time, and PEEK content on the elastic modulus and tensile strength of the film is investigated. The results are a filter paper pore size of 0.45 μm, ultrasonic time of 8.3 h, and PEEK content of 336.524 mg. The mechanical performance obtained under the optimal process parameters are an elastic modulus of 2437.5723 MPa and a tensile strength of 46.5196 MPa. This optimal process increases the elastic modulus by 12.3152% while maintaining a high tensile strength.

Laser-powder bed fusion of Y2O3 nanoparticle modified CoCrNi matrix composites: Parameter optimization, microstructural evolution and strengthening mechanisms

Laser-powder bed fusion (L-PBF) delivers significant advantages in manufacturing metal matrix composites due to its micro-sized molten pool and fast cooling rate. In this work, a simple two-step process including the ultrasonic dispersion of ceramic particles and the volatilization of liquid medium by stirring was employed to synthesize Y2O3 nanoparticle modified CoCrNi matrix (Y2O3/CoCrNi) composite powders, which were subsequently processed for L-PBF to make samples. The effects of laser power (P) and hatch spacing (h) on the microstructures and mechanical properties of the L-PBF processed (L-PBFed) Y2O3/CoCrNi composites were investigated comparatively. The results confirm that the high P (350 W) and low h (60 μm) promoted the uniform dispersion of Y2O3 particles (∼50 nm) by altering the Marangoni flow, reducing the dynamic viscosity and increasing the remelting area. The L-PBFed Y2O3/CoCrNi composites under optimized condition exhibited a superior strength-ductility synergy, in which the yield strength, ultimate tensile strength and fractured strain were 647 MPa, 858 MPa and 42.2 %, respectively. It is demonstrated that a metallurgical defect-free hierarchical microstructure that involved dislocation-formed cellular structures, dispersion of Y2O3 particles and various crystallize defects (i.e. stacking faults, Lomer-Cottrell locks, and deformation twins) were responsible for the superb mechanical properties.

Research on optimizing ultrasonic frequencies for efficient single-walled carbon nanotube dispersion in water using a focused ultrasonic system

Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) can be applied in a wide range of fields owing to their excellent mechanical rigidity, electrical conductivity, and thermal conductivity. However, their application is limited because of their strong van der Waals forces and poor dispersion owing to their hydrophobic properties. To address this problem, ultrasonic dispersion technology has been used in the industry. However, very few studies have investigated the surface damage or effectiveness of the surfactants of SWCNTs with a focus on the frequencies of specific ultrasonic equipment. In this study, the dispersibility of SWCNTs at frequencies of 270, 400, and 700 kHz was investigated using a new focused ultrasonic instrument. The dispersion stability of the samples was analyzed according to each frequency, and the SWCNT surface was studied in detail using field-emission transmission electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The adsorption of the polymeric surfactant to the SWCNT was most observed at 270 kHz, and the dispersion stability after processing at this frequency was better than that of the other samples. Therefore, the frequency of the ultrasonic intensity has a direct effect on the surface modification of SWCNTs.

Engineering of Polystyrene/BiFeO3 0–3 Thin Film Nanocomposites for Mechanical Energy Harvesting

AbstractThis work describes impact of concentration of BiFeO3 submicrometric particles on piezoelectric performance and structural characteristics of 0–3 polymer composites with a polystyrene matrix. Bismuth ferrite particles are fabricated using reverse co‐precipitation method, followed by ultrasonic dispersion in a solvent to break up agglomerates formed during sintering, resulting in particles with a size of ≈200 nm. It is found that concentrations higher than 10 wt% BiFeO3 lead to a disturbance in natural organization of polystyrene. The hindered organization of side‐groups by submicrometric filler, occurring during solvent evaporation, strongly affects the mechanical properties of the finalcomposite, significantly increasing Young's modulus and tensile strength, but decreasing elongation. Such behavior is detected and described for the firsttime in literature. Piezoelectric examinations show that the thermal depolarization of nanogenerators has a different impact depending on the amountof piezoelectric phase. The study reveals that a voltage of over 4.8 V is generated when dynamic air pressure is applied at 11.54 bar for the composite containing only 2.5 wt% BiFeO3. For composites with 10% weight fraction or lower, decrease in generated voltage after thermal depolarization is about 24%, while for higher weight fractions (15 and 20 wt%) the decrease is around 35%.

Micropatterning MXene/TiO2 Nanocomposite Ink for Gas Sensing

This work describes the preparation, characterization, and micropatterning of MXene(Ti3C2)/TiO2 nanocomposite inks. MXene nanopowder was oxidized to form MXene/TiO2 nanocomposite powder using an air-aging method. The MXene/TiO2 inks were prepared using deionized water (H2O) as the solvent/dispersant and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) as the surfactant. Various techniques were utilized to characterize the MXene/TiO2 nanocomposite material, and the BET results showed the preferential adsorption of butane of the MXene/TiO2 coating. Utilizing an ultrasonic dispersion printer in conjunction with a stencil mask, the MXene/TiO2 nanocomposite ink was successfully printed onto a 10mm*10mm gold-plated silicon substrate. This process achieved millimeter-level precision control, enabling the printing of fine lines with a width of 1μm and a spacing of 0.05mm. Furthermore, this technique demonstrated the ability to render various complex patterns, thus exemplifying the potential of MXene/TiO2 nanocomposite ink in the field of micro- and nano-manufacturing.

The Preparation of Crumpled Graphene Oxide Balls and Research in Tribological Properties.

In this study, crumpled graphene oxide balls (CGBs) were prepared via capillary compression using a rapidly evaporating aerosol droplet method. The CGBs were observed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), and Raman spectroscopy. The size distributions of crumpled particles were obtained using a laser nanometer particle size analyzer (DLS). The dispersibility of the water and the ionic liquid (IL) was tested by ultrasonic dispersion. The tribological properties of water or ionic liquids containing crumpled graphene oxide ball additives (W/IL-CGB) were tested by a reciprocating friction tester and compared with water/ionic liquids with graphene oxide. The morphology of the wear scar was observed by a three-dimensional optical microscope and its lubrication mechanism was analyzed. The results show that the CGBs were successfully prepared by rapid evaporation of aerosol droplets, and the obtained CGBs were crumpled paper spheres. The CGBs had good water dispersion and ionic liquid dispersion, and IL-CGB has excellent anti-friction and anti-wear effects on steel-steel friction pairs. During the friction process, the CGB was adsorbed at the interface of the steel-steel friction pair to form a protective layer, which avoids the direct contact of the friction pair, thereby reducing friction and wear.

Improvement of chemical mechanical polishing performance by introducing N–Si bond via external coating of cerium oxide with ZIF-8

Cerium oxide (CeO2) nanoparticles are widely used as abrasives in chemical mechanical polishing (CMP), an essential process for obtaining Si wafers with excellent surface quality. While CeO2 nanoparticles form Ce–O–Si bonds, which exhibit good CMP performance, their low activity results in a low removal rate. To address this issue, a two-step ultrasonic dispersion method was employed to prepare a uniform nuclear@shell CeO2@ZIF-8. The process of chemical bond generation in CMP was studied using spherical aberration-corrected transmission electron microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. In comparison to pure cerium oxide, the formation of Ce–O–Si bond was observed, and notably, the emergence of N–Si bond originating from the N of the ZIF-8 shell was identified. Coupled with the increased Ce3+ content, these developments enhanced CMP performance. The material removal rate (MRR) of the CeO2@ZIF-8 abrasives was 151.507 nm/min, which is 89.72 % higher than that of the pure CeO2 abrasives. Moreover, the surface roughness, as determined via AFM testing, was reduced to 0.231 nm within the confines of a 5.0 × 5.0 μm² region. Therefore, this study introduces a novel concept for CMP research by developing a CeO2@ZIF-8 compound abrasive to create a new N–Si bond.

Facile and efficient fabrication of carbon nanotube reinforced epoxy vitrimers through dynamic crosslinking

AbstractCarbon nanotubes (CNT) is an ideal candidate for reinforced epoxy vitrimer composites, however, achieving a desirable improvement of the mechanical properties is a great challenge owing to CNT is extremely easy to aggregate. In this study, well‐dispersed CNT reinforced epoxy vitrimers, namely EVD/CNT, were prepared by combining ultrasonic dispersion and dynamic crosslinking techniques, using multiple wall carbon nanotube as reinforcement filler, sebacic acid as curing agent, diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A (DGEBA) as epoxy monomer, zinc acetylacetonate as transesterification catalyst, torque rheometer (internal mixer) as dynamic crosslinking equipment. The CNT reinforced epoxy vitrimers, namely EVS/CNT, were prepared using traditional static curing method. The structure and morphology, mechanical properties and stress relaxation behavior of EVS/CNT and EVD/CNT were comparatively investigated, and the influence of CNT content on the structure and properties of EVD/CNT prepared by dynamic crosslinking method were also studied. The results indicated that dynamic crosslinking technology can stably disperse CNT into epoxy vitrimer resin matrix under continuous shear force. However, CNT experienced severe secondary agglomeration during the static curing process. When the loading amount of CNT was 2 wt%, the tensile strength and elongation at break of EVD/CNT‐2 were 3.2 times and 2.2 times higher than those of EVS/CNT‐2, respectively. The Young's modulus and glass transition temperature (Tg) of EVD/CNT‐2 (6.43 ± 1.10 MPa, 29.6°C) were also higher than those of EVS/CNT‐2 (5.46 ± 0.31 MPa, 25.4°C). Moreover, dynamic crosslinking technology greatly shortened the reaction time of CNT reinforced epoxy vitrimers, improved production efficiency and reduced reaction energy consumption, and was expected to be used for large‐scale and industrial production.

Finite element modeling of ultrasonic attenuation and dispersion in graded multilayer polymer composites

In this paper, finite element models of ultrasonic wave propagation in Cu–PMMA composites are established. The effects of second-phase particles, ultrasonic properties, and graded interfaces on the ultrasonic propagation behavior are investigated, and the contributions of particle-independent scattering, particle interactions, and matrix viscoelasticity to the ultrasonic attenuation are quantitatively evaluated. The results show that there is no obvious coupling between particle scattering and matrix viscoelasticity in Cu–PMMA composites, and the longitudinal wave speed has little effect with the variation of particle size, ultrasonic frequency, and graded interface, while the variation of the acoustic attenuation coefficient is related to the disorder of ultrasonic energy propagation direction. In the intra-layer uniform model, with the increase in Cu particle size and ultrasonic frequency, the scattering effect of Cu particles on the ultrasonic waves is enhanced, resulting in a significant increase in the acoustic attenuation coefficient. In the inter-layer graded multilayer model, there is a strong reverse energy propagation between the layers, causing the acoustic attenuation coefficient to increase significantly.

A new method of alkalinity remediation for Cd-contaminated groundwater by PAAS-modified MgCO3/Mg(OH)2 colloid

Mg(OH)2 dissolves slowly and can provide a long-term source of alkalinity, thus a promising alternative reagent for the in situ remediation of heavy metal polluted groundwater. Unfortunately, it exhibits a relatively poor stabilization effect on heavy metal Cd due to the higher solubility of the resulting stabilized product, Cd(OH)2. To overcome this limitation, we investigated the use of MgCO3/Mg(OH)2 colloid modified by sodium polyacrylate (PAAS) to remove Cd from groundwater. Through ultrasonic dispersion, the molecular chains of PAAS are broken, causing a transformation from flocculation to surface modification, resulting in the production of a stable colloid. The colloidal particles of MgCO3/Mg(OH)2 have a smaller size and a negatively charged surface, which significantly enhances their migration ability in aquifers. The combination of MgCO3 and Mg(OH)2 provides a complementary effect, where MgCO3 effectively precipitates Cd in the aquifer while Mg(OH)2 maintains the required pH level for stabilization. The optimal compounding ratio of MgCO3 to Mg(OH)2 for achieving the best stabilization effect on Cd is found to be 1:1. Column experiments demonstrate that the injection of MgCO3/Mg(OH)2 colloid substantially enhances Cd stability, reducing the exchangeable fraction of Cd in aquifer media from 88.61% to a range of 22.50–34.38%. Based on these results, the MgCO3/Mg(OH)2 colloid shows great potential as a reactive medium for remediating Cd-contaminated groundwater.

Influence of graphene oxide properties, superplasticiser type, and dispersion technique on mechanical performance of graphene oxide-added concrete

The incorporation of Graphene Oxide (GO) nanomaterial into concrete has gained significant attention due to its potential to enhance mechanical and durability properties. The addition of GO to concrete creates considerable changes in the morphology of the concrete matrix, creating a densified microstructure. Critical parameters significantly affect these microstructural enhancements and, consequently, the final performance in GO-added concrete. These parameters include GO material properties, superplasticiser (PS) type, and dispersion techniques. Therefore, this study investigates the influence of GO on the mechanical performance of concrete, focusing on these critical factors. Unlike existing studies concentrating on a single parameter's effect, this research comprehensively compares how these parameters impact GO-added concrete. Two commercially available GO types (GO-A and GO-B) and two PS types (PS-A and PS-B) are utilised. At the same time, three commonly used mixing techniques, such as mechanical, high-speed, and ultrasonic mixing techniques, are considered for GO dispersion. GO-A is added to concrete in percentages ranging from 0.02% to 0.14% by weight of cement (bwoc), while GO-B ranges from 0.04% to 0.20% bwoc. Based on compressive strength test results, the optimum GO dosages are 0.08% for GO-A and 0.12% for GO-B. The highest strength results are achieved for GO-B added concrete with PS-A addition and following the ultrasonic dispersion method, highlighting these parameters as optimal for maximising GO-added concrete performance. The optimum concrete mix exhibits 33%, 24%, 25%, and 30% increments for compressive strength, indirect tensile strength, flexural strength, and elastic modulus properties at 28 days. This paper provides a deep theoretical explanation of the effects of GO material properties, dispersion techniques, and PS type on GO-added concrete performance. The findings provide valuable insights into selecting suitable parameters for optimising the mechanical properties of GO-added concrete, contributing to the advancement and effectiveness of construction materials.

Enhanced stability and dissolution of curcumin nanocrystals stabilized by octenyl succinic anhydride modified starch

Curcumin (CUR) has known to have poor oral bioavailability due to its poor aqueous solubility and stability in gastrointestinal fluid condition as well as its limited permeability which greatly limits its applications in food and medical fields. The present study reported the development of CUR nanocrystal suspension (CUR-NS) for enhanced bioavailability, stabilized with octenyl succinic anhydride modified starch (OSA-S), a naturally renewable and biocompatible biomolecule. This preparation was achieved via an antisolvent precipitation combined with ultrasonic dispersion method, following which the suspension was freeze-dried to form powder CUR nanocrystals (CUR-NCs). Physicochemical properties of the prepared CUR-NS and CUR-NCs powders were extensively characterized. The particle size of the nanocrystals was found to be around 322.8 ± 15.7 nm with a small polydispersity index (PDI) of about 0.230 ± 0.039. Rod like crystal shape was observed by the SEM. Results from powder X-ray diffraction (pXRD) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) indicated that the crystal form of CUR in CUR-NCs was a monoclinic polymorph Form 2. Stability results indicated that CUR-NCs possessed an excellent storage-, thermal-, and photo-stabilities. CUR-NCs had a significantly higher dissolution rate, a 68-fold increase in its solubility than that of raw CUR. The cytotoxicity assay demonstrated that CUR-NCs exhibited lower toxicity towards normal human kidney epithelial cells compared to raw CURs. Parallel artificial membrane permeability assay (PAMPA) characterization confirmed that the flux of CUR was significantly enhanced after forming nanocrystals with OSA-S, probably resulting from its increased solubility and dissolution rate. The study showed that OSA-S could effectively stabilize CUR-NCs, and CUR-NCs developed in the current work exhibited significant enhancement in the stability and dissolution rate leading to an improved bioavailability which might be helpful for further development of CUR based products.

Boosting thermoelectric performance of single-walled carbon nanotubes-based films through rational triple treatments

Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs)-based thermoelectric materials, valued for their flexibility, lightweight, and cost-effectiveness, show promise for wearable thermoelectric devices. However, their thermoelectric performance requires significant enhancement for practical applications. To achieve this goal, in this work, we introduce rational “triple treatments” to improve the overall performance of flexible SWCNT-based films, achieving a high power factor of 20.29 µW cm−1 K−2 at room temperature. Ultrasonic dispersion enhances the conductivity, NaBH4 treatment reduces defects and enhances the Seebeck coefficient, and cold pressing significantly densifies the SWCNT films while preserving the high Seebeck coefficient. Also, bending tests confirm structural stability and exceptional flexibility, and a six-legged flexible device demonstrates a maximum power density of 2996 μW cm−2 at a 40 K temperature difference, showing great application potential. This advancement positions SWCNT films as promising flexible thermoelectric materials, providing insights into high-performance carbon-based thermoelectrics.

Synthesis and performance study of novel antibacterial and anticorrosive polyurethane IPN

Polyaniline has been extensively used for the corrosion protection of polymeric materials. However, there have been few studies on its combined antimicrobial activity when used in combination with silver molybdate. In this study, we synthesized silver molybdate (Ag2MoO4) crystals using a homogeneous precipitation method. Polyaniline-dodecylbenzenesulfonic acid/castor oil(PANI-DBSA/CO) mixtures were prepared in an encapsulated state by in situ polymerisation. Subsequently, PANI/Ag2MoO4-PU interpenetrating polymer network(IPN) composite coatings(P/A-PU) were produced by dispersing Ag2MoO4 and PANI-DBSA/CO in polyurethane using ultrasonic dispersion. The composite coatings were characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy(FTIR), X-ray diffraction analysis(XRD), and transmission electron microscopy(TEM). The study confirmed that composite coatings with uniformly dispersed nanoparticles of PANI and Ag2MoO4 encapsulated by CO and epoxy resin E-44 grease exhibit improved physico-mechanical characteristics. The research also evaluated the effect of nanoparticles on the corrosion behaviour of the coatings using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and kinetic potential polarisation experiments. The study investigated the antimicrobial properties of P/A-PU composite coatings on Escherichia coli(E.coli) and Staphylococcus aureus(S.aureus) by conducting bacterial growth curves, protein leakage, and fluorescence staining experiments. The aim was to establish a causal connection between the coated surfaces and the observed antimicrobial properties. The study demonstrated that incorporating IPN of polyaniline polyurethane into the coating composites improved their anticorrosive properties. Furthermore, the addition of silver molybdate at a mass ratio of 0.3 % resulted in a remarkable 99 % antimicrobial activity against E.coli and S.aureus.

Optimization of Preparation Conditions for Quercetin Nanoliposomes Using Response Surface Methodology and Evaluation of Their Stability.

Quercetin is a flavonol compound with excellent biological activities. However, quercetin exhibits poor stability and solubility in water, which limits its application. In this study, quercetin nanoliposomes (QUE-NL-1) were prepared using an ultrasonic thin-film dispersion method, and the preparation conditions were optimized using response surface methodology. The optimal conditions for preparing QUE-NL-1 were as follows: an evaporation temperature of 35 °C, a drug concentration of 0.20 mg/mL, and a lipid bile ratio of 4:1. The encapsulation rate of QUE-NL-1 is (63.73 ± 2.09)%, the average particle size is 134.11 nm, and the average absolute value of the zeta potential is 37.50 and PDI = 0.24. By analyzing the storage temperature, storage time, and leakage rate of QUE-NL-1 in simulated gastrointestinal fluid, it was found that quercetin exhibits good stability after embedding and can achieve sustained release in intestinal juice. In addition, the cytotoxicity of QUE-NL-1 was not significant, and the survival rate of Caco-2 cells was >90% when the concentration range of QUE-NL-1 was 0.1-0.4 mg/mL. This study provides an efficient method for preparing QUE-NL-1 with small particle sizes, good stability, and high safety, which is of great significance for expanding the application range of quercetin.

High Tensile, Antibacterial, and Conductive Hydrogel Sensor with Multiple Cross-Linked Networks Based on PVA/Sodium Alginate/Zinc Oxide.

Hydrogel sensors have attracted a lot of attention due to their great significance for biosensors and human detection, especially their antibacterial properties when in direct contact with the human body. However, it is challenging to improve mechanical and antibacterial performance simultaneously. In this study, by using ultrasonic dispersion technology to attach zinc oxide to cellulose and adding sodium alginate, a multiple cross-linking network is generated, which effectively solves this problem. The proposed poly(vinyl alcohol)/sodium alginate/zinc oxide/hydrogel sensor exhibits not only excellent biocompatibility but also high tensile properties (strain above 2000%). Besides, the sensor also has an antibacterial function (against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus). The hydrogel acts as a strain sensor and biosensor; it can also be used as a human health detection sensor; its high tensile properties can detect large tensile deformation and small changes in force, such as finger bending, knee bending, and other joint movements, and can also be used as a sound detection sensor to detect speech and breathing. This study provides a simple method to prepare hydrogel sensors that can be useful for human health detection and biosensor development.