X-ray Analysis Research Articles

A bifunctional catalyst from waste eggshells and its application in biodiesel synthesis from waste cooking oil

Improvement in biofuel synthesis technology could facilitate widespread utilization of biodiesel, and an efficient operation in terms of cost. Catalyst enhancement through mineralization of waste biogenic material is vital for biodiesel production. In this study, biodiesel production was from waste cooking oil (WCO) using a bifunctional catalyst synthesized from waste eggshells and ferric sulfate. The CaO precursor developed from calcined eggshell at 800 °C for 3 h was impregnated with ferric sulfate at a ratio of 1:1. The Bifunctional catalyst synthesized was characterized using an X-ray diffractometer, scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray analysis. The bifunctional catalyst was applied in a one-pot reaction of WCO and methanol to produce biodiesel. The reaction was modeled using the Taguchi orthogonal array design to maximize biodiesel production. The heterogeneous catalyst contained Ca (20.7 %), Fe (18.5 %), S (4.5 %), and O (54.8 %). The identified crystalline phases are CaSO4/Fe2O3 and CaSO4.0.5H2O/Fe2O3. A maximum biodiesel yield of 89.94 wt% was observed under the operating conditions of methanol/oil molar of 5:1, time of 45 min, temperature of 70 °C, and catalyst amount of 4 wt%. The reusability of the catalyst was established for (four) 4 cycles without further treatment. The synthesized biodiesel met the standard specifications. Hence, the synthesized catalyst proved effective in the transesterification of oil with a moderately high free fatty acid, thereby the bifunctional catalyst could expedite biodiesel production from waste cooking oil, and this biofuel could serve as fuel in powering diesel engines.

Effects of NaF versus SDF treatment on microhardness of artificial radiation caries at cervical and root areas.

This study aimed to compare the effect of silver diamine fluoride (SDF) and fluoride varnish (NaF) on the Vickers microhardness (VHN) of enamel and dentin after radiotherapy and pH-cycling. Human premolars were cut longitudinally, embedded and serially polished. The VHN of enamel/dentin and irradiated enamel/dentin were evaluated. The irradiated specimens were treated with either NaF or SDF, subjected to pH-cycling then VHN test for 4 days. Consequently, they were subjected to energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis. Radiation adversely affect enamel VHN (p<0.05), whereas dentin VHN was not affected (p>0.05). After pH-cycling, a significant decrease in dentin VHN was observed on day 2 for all groups, whereas enamel VHN was significantly decreased in the control group on day 4. SDF-treated enamel demonstrated higher VHN than that of NaF on day 3. Caries prevention effect of SDF and NaF were observed on enamel, where SDF was proved to be superior to NaF.

Synthesis of UiO-66-Pyca-CuO by a Simple and Novel Method: MOF-based Metal Thin Film as Heterogeneous Catalysts for the Synthesis of α-Aminonitriles.

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), particularly UiO-66-NH2, are employed as catalysts in many industrial catalyst applications. As converting catalysts into thin film significantly increases their catalytic properties, we report a general approach to synthesizing MOF thin films (UiO-66-Pyca-CuO). First, functionalization of UiO-66-NH2 was done with 3-pyridine carboxaldehyde by the postsynthesis method, and then, UiO-66-Pyca was entangled on the surface of copper oxide nanoparticles with a modern strategy (MOF thin film). The morphology and structure of the synthesized UiO-66-Pyca-CuO were determined by using X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared, field-emission scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive analysis of X-ray, inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry, elemental analyses of CHNOS, temperature-programmed desorption of ammonia, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. We studied the catalytic action of the UiO-66-Pyca-CuO thin film in the synthesis of α-aminonitriles via Strecker reaction. Our studies show that this catalysis can be a suitable catalyst in the synthesis of α-aminonitriles because of having advantages such as using the solvent being environmentally friendly, easy separation of the catalyst (only by picking up the MOF thin film from inside the solution), the reaction at room temperature, high yield, and reusability.

Design, characterizations, and antimicrobial activity of sustainable home furnishing-based waste fabric treated using biobased nanocomposite

Clothing and textile industries are major contributors to environmental pollution including textile manufacturing through garment production, spinning, weaving, and dyeing. In this context, the sustainability textile industry is a big challenge and contributes to serving a large segment of society. Also, textile wastes could be used as a raw material for added-value products. Herein, in this study, recycling of residues fabric was treated with antimicrobial nanocomposite to reach the best use of exhausts and obtain multifunction products of aesthetic via the technical design of the waste raw materials. Besides, solving the unemployment problem by opening fields for small industry projects capable of producing high-value textile artifacts, especially when treated against microbes, can be applied to home furnishings. The waste fabric was treated via green synthesis nanocomposite based on chitosan and in situ prepared ZnONPs and cross-linked with tannic acid. The prepared nanocomposite was characterized using physicochemical analysis including attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Additionally, the nanocomposite and treated fabric topographical behavior were studied using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) attachment with energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX), and images were processed to evaluate the roughness structure. Additionally, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM) and dynamic light scattering (DLS) were performed to ensure the size and stability of the nanocomposite. The obtained results affirmed the green synthesis of nanocomposite with a size around 130 nm, as well as the doped ZnONPs average size of 26 nm and treated waste fabric, performed a promising attraction between nanocomposite and fabric fibers. Moreover, the antimicrobial study observed excellent activity of nanocomposite against bacteria and unicellular fungi as well.

Gompherna globosa flower extract-driven ZnO nanoparticles for enhanced antimicrobial and photocatalytic properties

The aqueous extract of Gomphrena globosa flowers was utilized for the first time as an effective capping and reducing agent for the synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs). The synthesized nanoparticles were examined using x-ray powder diffraction (XRD), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Energy dispersive x-ray analysis (EDAX), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and selected area electron diffraction (SAED) and UV–vis spectroscopy. XRD revealed the single-phase wurtzite structure of ZnO nanoparticles with a P63mc space group with an average size of 23 nm. The band gap of synthesized ZnO nanoparticles was determined as 3.16 eV from UV–vis spectroscopy. The rod-shaped structure of the synthesized ZnO NPs was revealed by SEM. The presence of the elements Zn & O was confirmed by EDAX. TEM and SAED confirmed that the average particle size was 26 nm and that the material was polycrystalline. The bio-inspired ZnO NPs achieved outstanding degradation activity of 95.4% against Malachite Green dye after 20 min of UV illumination. The antibacterial properties of the green synthesized nanoparticles were assessed in relation to gram-positive (Staphylococcus sp., Bacillus sp.,) and gram-negative (E. coli, Klebsiella sp.) bacteria. ZnO nanoparticles possess strong antifungal property against a pathogenic fungus Aspergillus niger. This study shows that green-synthesized ZnO nanoparticles derived from Gomphrena globosa flower extract are recommended for use in anti-microbial and photocatalytic applications.

One-step synthesis of 2-Methyl-2,4-Diphenyl-2,3-Dihydro-1H-Benzo[b][1,4]diazepine: Investigating crystal structure, hirshfeld surface analysis and supercapacitor applications

This study reports the synthesis, spectroscopic characterization and detailed crystal structure analysis of a benzodiazepine compound, 2-methyl-2,4-diphenyl-2,3-dihydro-1H-benzo[b][1,4]diazepine, synthesized from 1,2-phenylenediamine and acetophenone. The crystal structure, determined via single crystal X-ray analysis, reveals the compound's placement within the monoclinic system with the P 21/c space group. The asymmetric unit comprises the main molecule and an uncoordinated water molecule linked through an intramolecular O–H···N hydrogen bond. The crystal packing is influenced by centrosymmetric dimers formed by uncoordinated water molecules through O–H···N hydrogen bonds, along with weak C–H···π interactions. Hirshfeld surface analysis highlights the significance of H … H and H … C/C … H interactions in the crystal packing, providing insight into the intermolecular forces at play. Supercapacitance performance of the GCPE/LDABA electrode was assessed and specific capacitance value of 17.89 mF g−1 was achieved in a 0.1 M Na2SO4 electrolyte. Long-term stability of the GCPE/LDABA electrode was maintained up to 2000 cycles. This study not only elucidates the structural features of the title compound but also sheds light on its potential utility through an investigation into its electrochemical performance via supercapacitor application.

New (O-Si) chelate with SiC2O2 framework: N-[acetimidate(dimethylsilyl)methyl]acetamide hydrochloride

The interaction of N-(trimethylsilyl)acetamide with ClCH2SiMe2F led to the formation of previously unknown (O-Si) chelate compound N-[acetimidate(dimethylsilyl)methyl]acetamide hydrochloride, containing imidate group as axial subsituent. This compound is new example of the little-known (O-Si) chelates with C = O→SiC2O coordination unit. Its structure was confirmed by the multinuclear NMR spectroscopy and X-ray analysis. The O1 and O2 atoms occupy the axial positions, and both bonds Si-O have the same length 1.931 Å.

Synthesis and antioxidant properties of novel hybrid molecules containing gallic acid and thiazolidinone moieties

Thiazolidinones, are characterized by a thiazolidine ring structure, have highly biological applications. So, novel hybrid thiazolidinone moieties containing gallic acid were synthesized via cyclo-condensation process or standard Knoevenagel reactions. Hydrazineyl-thiazol-4(5H)-one 2 derivative was synthesized to condensed with benzaldehydes to afford benzylidene thiazolidinone derivatives 3a-c. Also, the product 2 reacted with benzyl bromide or nitro benzyl bromide to give their corresponding methylene active derivatives 4a,b which were readily reacted with aromatic aldehydes to produce 5-arylidene derivatives 5a-f via Knoevenagel reactions. The new thiazolidine derivatives were elucidated according to their spectroscopic and elemental analyses. Two thiazolidinone derivatives 4a,b were elucidated via X-ray analysis. Also, antioxidant activity of the new products were run by DPPH assay and in comparison with reference antioxidants (ascorbic acid and BHT). The results revealed that eight compounds was higher than BHT and was increasing in the following order 4a < 5f < 5a< 3c < 5b < 5d < 3a< 5c. The antioxidant activity of ascorbic acid was higher than all compounds in which compound 5c was very close in its activity with the ascorbic acid.

The structure of water from hot to supercooled temperatures based on analysis of experimental X-ray scattering data

An increasing number of studies support the existence of a liquid–liquid critical point (LLCP) in water, implying that under ambient conditions, water is a supercritical mixture of low-density (LDL) and high-density liquid (HDL) structures. Here, we analyse X-ray scattering data in terms of this model. Small-angle X-ray scattering data shows that anomalies are seen at temperatures as high as 360 K. By assuming the local structure in LDL-domains resembles that of the corresponding amorphous solid, we estimate the population of LDL-domains at different temperatures from pair-correlation functions (PCFs). By subtracting the LDL contribution, we isolate the PCF of the HDL component. The temperature-dependent HDL-PCFs show a feature around 4 Å in the supercooled regime, interpreted as interstitials resulting from collapse of the second coordination shell. We define the first coordination shell as neighbours up to 3.3 Å, based on an isosbestic point in the running coordination number. Our analysis shows that the HDL-domains have on average two strongly and two weakly H-bonded neighbours. The LDL population in TIP4P/2005-water is less temperature dependent than in real water, and the HDL component contains more structures with three strongly H-bonded neighbours, leading to a slight overestimation of the first peak of the PCF.

State of the Art SEM-based, Electron, X-ray and Raman Imaging and Analysis Reveals Century Old Secrets: Case of a 19th Century Wooden Inventory

State of the Art SEM-based, Electron, X-ray and Raman Imaging and Analysis Reveals Century Old Secrets: Case of a 19th Century Wooden Inventory

Cd-Ln (Ln = Pr, Sm, Yb and Nd) heteronuclear complexes based on the linear chain ether Schiff base: Structural regulation and fluorescence properties

Four structurally different Cd-Ln heteronuclear complexes based on the linear chain ether Schiff base ligand (bis(3-methoxysalicylidene)-3-oxapentane-1,5-diamine (H2L) and the co-ligands 4,4′-bipyridine (bipy) or isonicotinate (IN), with composition [PrCd2L2(CH3COO)2](NO3)·CH2Cl2 (1), {[SmCdL(bipy)(NO3)3]·CH2Cl2·CH3CH2OH}n (2), [YbCdL(IN)(NO3)(CH3COO)]n (3) and {[Nd2Cd2L2(IN)2(NO3)2(CH3OH)2(CH3COO)](NO3)}n (4), have been synthesized by interfacial diffusion methods. Structural regulation is achieved by changes in the co-ligands or Ln(III) ions of different radii: Single crystal X-ray analysis determined that 1 is a trinuclear cluster with the Pr(III) ion as a joint bridging of two CdL coordination units; 2 and 3 are both infinite one-dimensional zigzag coordination polymers consisting of CdLnL secondary units through coordination bridging bipy or IN; 4 is a two-dimensional graphene laminate structure formed by two types of CdNdL secondary units bridged by both IN and acetate simultaneously. In the solid state, the complexes 1–4 all exhibit fluorescence peaks based on H2L with blue shift and enhancement. The order of fluorescence peaks intensity of the complexes in N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) solution is consistent with that in the solid state. Moreover, the corresponding characteristic emissions of Sm(III) ion in complex 2 can be observed in the fluorescence spectra in either solid state and DMF solution, indicating that [CdL] unit is suitable for the sensitization of Sm(III) ion.

Naphthalimide-linked carbazole derivative: Synthesis, gelation and naked eye detection of Cu2+ and Fe3+-ions under different conditions

Naphthalimide-labeled carbazole derivative NC has been synthesized, characterized, and tested for sensing of metal ions in different conditions. Compound NC acts as Low Molecular Weight Gelator (LMWG) and exhibits gelation from aqueous DMF, DMSO, and 1,4-dioxane. Morphologies of the gels are fibrous and their packing varies with the nature of the gelling solvent. All the gels reveal good viscoelastic response. Based on the different morphologies, the rheological behavior of gels differs. DMSO/H2O and DMF/H2O gels with lower tanδ values intimate considerable mechanical strength. As an application, the brown gel derived from DMF: H2O (1:1, v/v) is Cu2+ and Fe3+ responsive involving a gel-to-sol conversion, and validates the naked eye detection. The Fe3+-broken gel is is sharply distinguished from the Cu2+-broken gel by adding F− ions. In CH3CN, compound NC also shows interaction with Cu2+ and Fe3+ ions through a color change (yellow to colorless) and fluorescence quenching. The metal ions are fluorimetrically differentiated in aqueous CH3CN using F− ions although compound NC was incapable of showing selectivity in aqueous CH3CN. The detection limits for Cu2+ and Fe3+ ions are calculated using emission data as 2.02 x 10−7 M and 2.09 x 10−7 M, respectively. Compound NC also recognizes Cu2+ and Fe3+ ions through paper strips under UV light and the ions are distinguished by F− solution. The binding and spectroscopic observations are explained by theoretical calculations. The structure of the copper complex as obtained from single crystal x-ray analysis gives additional support to the observation.

Preparation of Manganese Doped Bismuth Oxide for the photocatalytic Degradation of Methylene Blue

The current study describes a unique method for degrading methylene blue dye utilizing Mn-doped Bi2O3 nanoparticles (NPs) exposed to UV light. Bi2O3 nanoparticles (NPs) doped with Mn were produced using a hydrothermal process. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and were use to characterize the prepared nanoparticles. It was discovered that the band gaps of Mn/ Bi2O3 NPs are 2%, 3%, and 4%, respectively, and are 4.13 eV, 3.92 eV, and 3.77 eV. Functional group identification using Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). Mn-doped Bi2O3 nanoparticles were captured in SEM pictures at various magnifications, and the photos clearly display the particles' dual morphologies, cubic and cylindrical. The Mn-doped Bi2O3 particles were found to be crystalline, with mean diameters of 20 nm, according to the XRD data. The photodegradation efficiency of Mn/Bi2O3 at experimental dye concentrations of 2%, 3%, and 4% was determined to be 90.29, 91.6, and 93.16 percent, respectively, over a 150 minute time interval. At the ideal catalyst dosage of 0.2 g and concentration of 40 ppm, a high percentage of dye degradation was observed. Numerous metals have been doped into zinc oxides, although no work has documented doping of Bi2O3 with Mn. Additionally, it was utilized for the first time to look at the deterioration of Methylene Blue dye.

Geminga's pulsar halo: An X-ray view

Geminga is the first pulsar around which a remarkable gamma-ray halo extending over a few degrees was discovered at TeV energies by MILAGRO and HAWC and later by H.E.S.S., and by -LAT in the GeV band. More middle-aged pulsars have exhibited gamma-ray halos, and they are now recognised as an emerging class of Galactic gamma-ray sources. The emission appears in the late evolution stage of pulsars, and is most plausibly explained by inverse Compton scattering of CMB and interstellar photons by relativistic electrons and positrons escaping from the pulsar wind nebulae. These observations pose a number of theoretical challenges, particularly the origin of the inferred, significantly lower effective diffusion coefficients around the pulsar when compared to typical Galactic values. Tackling these questions requires constraining the ambient magnetic field properties, which can be achieved through X-ray observations. If the gamma-ray halos originate from a distribution of highly energetic electrons, synchrotron losses in the ambient magnetic fields of the same particles are expected to produce a diffuse X-ray emission with a similar spatial extension. We present the most comprehensive X-ray study of the Geminga pulsar halo to date, utilising archival data from and . Our X-ray analysis covers a broad bandwidth ($0.5 79$ keV) and large field of view ($ for the first time. This was achieved by accurately measuring the background over the entire field of view, and taking into account both focused and stray-light X-ray photons from the pulsar halo with . We find no significant emission and set robust constraints on the X-ray halo flux. These are translated to stringent constraints on the ambient magnetic field strength and the diffusion coefficient by using a physical model considering particle injection, diffusion, and cooling over the pulsar’s lifetime, which is tuned by fitting multi-wavelength data. Our novel methodology for modelling and searching for synchrotron X-ray halos can be applied to other pulsar halo candidates.

Type-II superconductivity at 9K in Pb–Bi alloy

In the present work, we report the synthesis of Pb–Bi alloy with enhanced Tc of up to 9K, which is higher than that of Pb. The alloy is synthesized via a solid-state reaction route in the vacuum-encapsulated quartz tube at 700°C in an automated furnace. The synthesized sample is characterized by X-ray Diffraction(XRD) and Energy dispersive X-ray analysis(EDAX) for its phase purity and elemental composition. Rietveld refinement of XRD reveals that the end product is a majority hexagonal Pb7Bi3, with minor rhombohedral Bi. The electronic transport measurement shows metallic behavior with the Debye temperature of 108K and a superconductivity transition temperature (Tc) below 9K, which is the maximum to date for any reported Pb–Bi alloy, Pb or Bi at ambient pressure. Partial substitution of Bi at the Pb site may modify the free density of electronic states within the BCS model to attain the optimum Tc, which is higher by around 2K from the reported Tc of Pb. The superconductor phase diagram derived from magneto-transport measurements reveals that the synthesized alloy is a conventional superconductor with an upper critical field (Hc2) of 3.9 T, which lies well within the Pauli paramagnetic limit. The magnetization measurements carried out following ZFC(Zero Field Cool) protocols infer that the synthesized alloy is a bulk superconductor below 9K. The isothermal M-H(Magnetization vs. Field) measurements performed below Tc establish it as a type-II superconductor. The specific heat capacity measurements show that the Pb–Bi alloy is a strongly coupled bulk superconductor below around 9K with possibly two superconducting gaps.

Imidazole-based hydrazones as potent anti-colon cancer agents: Design, synthesis, biological evaluation and computational studies

Compounds containing imidazole and hydrazone structural frameworks have been widely studied and demonstrated to exhibit a wide range of pharmacological properties. In this study, a descriptive series of 20 new hybrid compounds composed of an imidazole ring and a hydrazone moiety were designed and synthesized through multistep chemical reactions. Synthesized compounds were characterized by various spectral techniques, including FT-IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR and HRMS. Furthermore, the proposed structure of AB-1 was resolved by single-crystal X-ray analysis. The compounds were evaluated for their in vitro anti-colon cancer activity, and the most promising compounds (i.e., AB-6, AB-9, AB-11 and AB-18) exhibited significant dose- and time-dependent cytotoxicity with selectivity to HT-29 and HCT-116 cells. In addition, Molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulations, and binding free energy analyses were carried out to better understand the structure-activity relationships and mechanisms of action of the potential anticancer agents. Our preliminary findings suggest that compounds AB-6, AB-9, AB-11, and AB-18 could be exploited as a leading structure for further anticancer drug development.

Impact of acidic beverages on composition and surface characteristics of human teeth: scanning electron microscopic, stereomicroscopic and energy dispersive x-ray analyses

ObjectivesThe objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of acidic beverages on the surface topography and elemental composition of human teeth.MethodsA total of five highly acidic beverages (Red Bull, Pepsi, Apple Cidra, Tang Mosambi, and Tang Orange) were investigated. The tooth specimens of experimental groups were submerged in each beverage and incubated at 37 °C for 7 days, whereas, the tooth specimens of control groups were placed in distilled water. Afterwards, tooth specimens were analyzed using scanning electron microscopic (SEM), stereomicroscopic, and energy dispersive x-ray (EDX) techniques.ResultsAll experimental groups revealed a decline in the tooth elements compared to controls, however, such decline was not statistically significant. Nevertheless, comparing the experimental groups, the Red Bull beverage caused a marked reduction in the percentage of both calcium and phosphorus elements compared to the Pepsi, Apple Cidra, Tang Mosambi, and Tang Orange beverages but it was insignificant as well in contrast to its control counterpart. All five acidic beverages demonstrated erosive potential under SEM analysis; however, each group of specimens showed a diverse amount of demineralization. In addition, all experimental groups exhibited significant discoloration of tooth specimens compared to their respective control counterparts.ConclusionsWithin the limitations of study, all five acidic beverages demonstrated erosive potential in the simulated in vitro conditions under SEM analysis; however, each group of specimens exhibited a different extent of demineralization. In addition, the overall effect of all beverages was insignificant under EDX analysis as no substantial difference was revealed between the elemental composition of experimental and control group specimens.

Nanobiological synthesis of silver oxide-doped titanium oxide bionanocomposite targeting foodborne and phytopathogenic bacteria

Fungi possess remarkable capabilities for metal speciation, dissolution, and mineral formation, which contribute to the production of mycogenic nanostructures. This study explores a green chemistry approach for synthesizing silver oxide-doped titanium oxide (Ag2O-doped TiO2) bionanocomposite utilizing Trichoderma virens. The light yellowish fungal filtrate transformed into a dark brownish colloidal suspension after reacting with silver nitrate and rutile titanium (IV) oxide. X-ray diffractometry (XRD) unveiled the crystalline structure of Ag2O-doped TiO2 bionanocomposite (22.15 nm), showing the coexistence of cubic and rutile tetragonal phases of Ag2O and TiO2, respectively. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) showed the presence of functional groups of alcohols, phenols nitro compounds, and aromatic amines derived from the cultural filtrate of T. virens. Raman analysis revealed vibrational modes corresponding to Ag2O and TiO2 nanoparticles. Distinct sharp emission peaks characteristic to Ti, Ag, and O were depicted using energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX) analysis. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) confirmed the presence of elemental valence states and binding energies of Ag, Ti, and O in the mycogenic nanocomposite. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) revealed aggregation of polydispersed Ag2O-doped TiO2 bionanocomposite, displaying spherical- and cuboctahedron-shaped nanostructures with rough surfaces. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) showed the presence of circular-, semi-spherical-, hexagonal-, and polygonal-shaped monodispersed Ag2O NPs, with defined boundaries. The Ag2O NPs were obviously deposited on the sheet-like TiO2 NPs. Selected area electron diffraction pattern implied the polycrystallinity of the as-synthesized bionanocomposite. A broad antibacterial spectrum of the prepared bionanocomposite was attained against foodborne pathogenic bacteria; Escherichia coli (12.05 mm), Salmonella enterica (11.26 mm), and Staphylococcus aureus (11.44 mm) and phytopathogenic bacteria; Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. michiganensis (15.72 mm), C. michiganensis subsp. capsici (10.80 mm), streptomycin-sensitive and -resistant Xanthomonas citri pv. citri (14.11 and 14.53 mm, respectively), and streptomycin-sensitive and -resistant Pectobacterium carotovorum subsp. carotovorum (11.36 and 11.07 mm, respectively) using in vitro Kirby-Bauer method. Minimum inhibitory and minimum bactericidal concentrations were determined via a broth micro-dilution assay. FESEM revealed significant morphological alterations in bacterial cells upon treatment with the Ag2O-doped TiO2 bionanocomposite, including deformed shape, rough surface, cell thinning, wrinkled cell wall, protrusions, cavitations, and cracks. These findings signify the successful mycosynthesis of Ag2O-doped TiO2 bionanocomposite, which acted a potent antibacterial agent against a variety of foodborne and phytopathogenic bacteria, which could be employed for environmental, biomedical, agricultural, food bio-processing applications.

Diversified Synthesis of N-Benzoyl Piperidine Tetraoxane Analogues Using Molybdenum Trioxide as a Newer Catalyst and Its Antiplasmodial Activity.

Molybdenum trioxide has been proven to be an efficient catalyst in synthesizing mixed N-benzoyl piperidine dispiro-1,2,4,5-tetraoxane analogues using a one-pot reaction. This catalyst facilitated the synthesis of 21 tetraoxanes using cyclic, acyclic, and aromatic ketones. The structure and methodology of this reaction have been validated by single-crystal X-ray analysis of compound ″3g″. The nature of dispiro-1,2,4,5-tetraoxane being synthesized has an impact on the overall yield of tetraoxanes such as symmetric dispiro-1,2,4,5-tetraoxanes ranging from 53 to 82%, while yields of N-benzoyl piperidine dispiro-1,2,4,5-tetraoxanes ranged from 26 to 51%. Additionally, the in vitro antiplasmodial activity of the newly developed tetraoxanes against Plasmodium falciparum was assessed, which exhibited significantly higher activity in the nanomolar range, with values ranging from 6.35 to 44.65 nM. Molecular docking studies revealed that newer tetraoxane derivatives bind to the active site of the falcipain-2 enzyme through H-bonding and hydrophobic contacts, which are the primary indicators of the effectiveness of the synthesized compounds. Findings suggest that these peculiar compounds may act as antiplasmodial agents, which spur further study and advancement in the battle against malaria.

Unveiling the mucilage complexity in a multispecies exploration of the genus Alcea from Iran

Eight field-grown Alcea species (A. koelzii, A. kurdica, A. lavateriflora, A. rechingeri, A. remotiflora, A. rufescenc, A. schiraziana and A. tehranica) were analyzed for their mucilage content to identify the species with the highest yield. The mucilage was extracted with boiling water, precipitated by methanol, and subjected to acid hydrolysis by trifluoroacetic acid. Although mucilage content varied across Alcea species, root yields generally exceeded flower yields, with A. rechingeri roots reaching up to 26.43 %. HPLC analysis showed glucose as the dominant monosaccharide in root mucilage across all species. Rhamnose and fructose content, however, exhibited variations among the species. Field emission scanning electron microscopy micrographs showed layered or fibrous structures, while Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy analysis confirmed a polysaccharide-based composition for flower and root mucilage. Energy dispersive X-ray analysis detected calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium, with higher concentrations in flower mucilage. X-Ray diffraction analysis confirmed the presence of both amorphous and semi-crystalline regions within the mucilage samples, with crystalline phases identified as calcium oxalate hydrate, alpha-cyclodextrin, and glutamic acid. In conclusion, A. koelzii flowers and A. rechingeri roots yielded the highest mucilage content, suggesting Alcea as a promising source of polysaccharides with potential applications in the pharmaceutical and food industries.