X-ray Analysis Research Articles

Investigation of Ceria based Heterostructure Composite Mixed Matrix Membrane with Polybenzimidazole for Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cell Application at High Temperature

In recent years Ceria based heterostructure composites are considered as one of the highest performing solid state ionic conductors, therefore we wanted to leverage the benefits of using these materials for high temperature Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells (PEMFCs). In this study a Polybenzimidazole (PBI)/Ceria carbonate CHC (Ceria based heterostructure composite) membrane was prepared by drop casting method and tested as an electrolyte for a high temperature H2/Air PEMFC application in anhydrous condition. Inorganic composite of ceria and alkali metal carbonates (Li2CO3, Na2CO3) was prepared by solid state route to obtain Ceria carbonate CHC. X-Ray diffraction (XRD) study confirmed the formation of the heterostructure and their successful incorporation into the PBI membranes. Homogeneity of fillers inside the membrane was further verified by Energy Dispersive X-Ray Analysis (EDAX) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). 5wt% of inorganic powder induced inside the PBI fillers reduced the phosphoric acid uptake of composite membrane (∼17% less) compared to pristine PBI membrane, which ultimately resulted into a lower swelling and dimensional change of the composite membrane. Thermal robustness of the phosphoric acid doped composite and pristine PBI membranes was investigated by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) which showed that the prepared membranes were gone under a less than 10% reduction in weight up till 200ºC, ensuring their validity of application in high temp PEM fuel cells. The added inorganic functionalities resulted in a slight increase in the proton conductivity of PA doped composite PBI membranes i.e., 42.3 mS cm-1 at 180 ºC while for pristine PBI membrane it is 36 mS cm-1 at same temperature. A single cell with composite PBI membranes outperformed a pristine PBI membrane resulted into a ∼120% higher peak power density i.e., 320.88 mW cm-2. The composite membrane also displayed the excellent durability and showed a less than 10-4 mV/h degradation in cell potential till 180 ºC.

Optical, electrical, dielectric and mechanical properties of microcrystalline cellulose/starch based biocomposite films

Abstract In this work, we have synthesized biocomposite films based on starch reinforced with microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) with different MCC/starch weight contents (0, 1, 3, 5, and 7 %). These films were characterized by various techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX), which showed dispersed and biocompatible structures for MCC and starch. It was found that the increase in MCC content (from 0 to 7 wt%) led to decreasing the water solubility, and reducing the absorption coefficients, transmission percentages and electrical conductivity. However, the improvement of dielectric and mechanical properties was demonstrated by decreasing the dielectric loss tangent and increasing the Young’s modulus, respectively making them suitable for dielectric and mechanical applications.

Thiazoplanomicin, a new thiazolyl peptide antibiotic from the leaf-litter actinomycete Actinoplanes sp. MM794L-181F6.

A new bioactive substance was identified from a leaf-litter actinomycete strain by screening for antibacterial activity against Neisseria gonorrhoeae. The thiazolyl peptide antibiotic, named thiazoplanomicin, was isolated from the secondary metabolites of the leaf-litter actinomycetes Actinoplanes sp. MM794L-181F6 by extraction with n-butanol, silica gel column chromatography, Sephadex LH-20 column chromatography, and preparative HPLC. Thiazoplanomicin was characterized by LC-HR-ESI-MS, NMR, and X-ray analyses, along with analysis of the degradation products and chemical derivatives, and determined to be a nocathiacin-like multiple macrocyclic thiazolyl peptide. Thiazoplanomicin showed potent antimicrobial activity against gonococcal strains, including those resistant to known anti-gonococcal compounds such as telithromycin, azithromycin, and ceftriaxone, with MIC values ranging from 0.0312 to 0.125 µg ml-1. Such anti-gonococcal activity has not been reported on nocathiacin-like thiazolyl peptide antibiotic so far. Similar to other thiazolyl peptide antibiotics, thiazoplanomicin also showed potent antibacterial activity against Gram-positive bacteria with MIC values ranging from 0.0005 to 0.0156 µg ml-1 but showed no antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli.

Double Encapsulation of Resveratrol and Doxorubicin in Composite Nanogel—An Opportunity to Reduce Cardio- and Neurotoxicity of Doxorubicin

The simultaneous encapsulation of drugs into nanosized delivery systems could be beneficial for cancer therapies since it could alleviate adverse reactions as well as provide synergistic effects. However, the encapsulation of hydrophobic drugs into hydrophilic nanoparticles, such as nanogels, could be challenging. Therefore, innovative technological approaches are needed. In this research, a composite nanogel system was prepared from chitosan, albumin, and hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin for co-delivery of the hydrophilic anticancer drug doxorubicin and hydrophobic antioxidant resveratrol. The nanoparticles were characterized using dynamic light scattering and found to have a hydrodynamic diameter of approx. 31 nm, narrow size distribution (PDI = 0.188), positive ƺ-potential (+51.23 mV), and pH-dependent release of the loaded drugs. FTIR and X-ray analyses proved the successful development of the composite nanogel. Moreover, the double-loaded system showed that the loading of resveratrol exerted protection against doxorubicin-induced toxicity in cardioblast H9c2 and neuroblast SH-SY5Y cells. The simultaneous loading did not influence the cytostatic effect of the antitumor agent in lymphoma L5178Y and L5178MDR cell lines.

Manufacturing Radially Aligned PCL Nanofibers Reinforced With Sulfated Levan and Evaluation of its Biological Activity for Healing Tympanic Membrane Perforations.

The main objective of this study is to construct radially aligned PCL nanofibers reinforced with levan polymer and investigate their in vitro biological activities thoroughly. First Halomonas levan (HL) polysaccharide is hydrolyzed (hHL) and subjected to sulfation to attain Sulfated hydrolyzed Halomonas levan (ShHL)-based material indicating heparin mimetic properties. Then, optimization studies are carried out to produce coaxially generated radially aligned Poly(caprolactone) (PCL) -ShHL nanofibers via electrospinning. The obtained nanofibers are characterized with Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR)and Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy Dispersive X-Ray (FESEM-EDX) analysis, and mechanical, contact angle measurement, biodegradability, and swelling tests as well. Afterward, cytotoxicity of artificial tympanic membranes is analyzed by MTT (3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl) -2,5 Diphenyltetrazolium Bromide) test, and their impacts on cell proliferation, cellular adhesion, wound healing processes are explored. Furthermore, an additional FESEM imaging is performed to manifest the interactions between fibroblasts and nanofibers. According to analytical measurements it is detected that PCL-ShHL nanofibers i) are smaller in fiber diameter, ii) are more biodegradable, iii) are more hydrophilic, and iv) demonstrated superior mechanical properties compared to PCL nanofibers. Moreover, it is also deciphered that PCL-ShHL nanofibers strongly elevated cellular adhesion, proliferation, and in vitro wound healing features compared to PCL nanofibers. According to obtained results it is assumed that newly synthetized levan and PCL mediated nanofibers are very encouraging for healing tympanic membrane perforations.

Lumbar Spine Orientation Affects Compressive Fracture Outcome.

Understanding how spinal orientation affects injury outcome is essential to understand lumbar injury biomechanics associated with high-rate vertical loading. Whole-column human lumbar spines (T12-L5) were dynamically loaded using a drop tower to simulate peak axial forces associated with high-speed aircraft ejections and helicopter crashes. Spines were allowed to maintain natural lordotic curvature for loading, resulting in a range of orientations. Pre-test X-rays were used to quantify specimen orientation at the time of loading. Primary fracture types were identified (wedge, n = 6; burst, n = 4; hyperextension, n = 4) and compared for loading parameters and lumbar orientation. Fracture type was dependent on peak acceleration, bending moment, Cobb angle, sagittal spinal tilt, and location of the applied load. Lumbar spine orientation under high-rate axial acceleration affected the resulting fracture type. Analysis of pre-test X-rays revealed that spines that sustained wedge and burst fractures were oriented straighter at the time of loading. The load was applied centrally to T12 in spines with burst fractures, and anteriorly to T12 in spines with wedge fractures. Spines that sustained hyperextension fracture had lower peak accelerations, larger Cobb angles at the time of loading, and sustained larger extension moments. Fracture presentation is an important and understudied factor that influences biomechanical stability, clinical course, and long-term patient outcomes.

The influence of cooling time on the alloy distribution in weld metals

This research explores the impact of cooling time on the distribution of alloying elements within weld metals of high-strength steel, a critical factor in optimizing welding processes for advanced structural applications. Using gas metal arc welding (GMAW) and two different filler materials, this study systematically varies cooling times to analyze the resulting chemical compositions. Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis was employed to examine the alloy content in the weld metal, base material, and heat-affected zone (HAZ). The results demonstrate that cooling time significantly influences the concentration of alloying elements, such as chromium, nickel, and manganese, within the weld metal, revealing complex diffusion behaviours that are dependent on the thermal cycles introduced during welding. Notably, an in-depth analysis of the HAZ shows a distinct diffusion pattern for silicon, indicating intricate microstructural changes. These findings highlight the importance of controlling cooling time to optimize the microstructural and chemical properties of welded joints in high-strength steels, with implications for improving weld performance and reliability.

The effect of coating chitosan from cuttlefish bone (Sepia Sp.) on the surface of orthodontic mini-screw

IntroductionPeri-implantitis is a significant complication resulting from the failure of orthodontic mini-screws. Recent strategies to address this issue include the application of natural antibacterial coatings to prevent bacterial colonization. Notably, cuttlefish (Sepia sp.) bones are rich in chitosan, which is recognized for its antibacterial effectiveness and biocompatibility. ObjectivesTo evaluate the effects of a chitosan coating derived from cuttlefish bone (Sepia sp.) on mini-screws against Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans bacteria frequently linked to peri‑implantitis. Materials and MethodsThe surface functional groups, phase composition, and crystal morphology of chitosan were analyzed using conventional analytic techniques alongside energy-dispersive X-ray analysis. These prepared were tested for antibacterial activity against A. actinomycetemcomitans by disk diffusion assay; minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) were determined. Stainless steel mini-screws were coated with chitosan, and their surfaces were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). ResultsThe investigation revealed that chitosan exhibited a MIC value of 8 ppm against A. actinomycetemcomitans with MBCs recorded at 16 ppm. Zones of inhibition varied based on concentration; notably, concentrations at 0.4 %, 0.6 %, and 0.8 % produced zones averaging 16.17 ± 1.64 mm collectively while increasing to a mean zone size of 20.99 ± 3.63 mm at the highest tested concentration (0.8 %). SEM analyses further confirmed the successful adhesion of the chitosan compound onto immersed mini-screw surfaces. ConclusionThe prepared chitosan from cuttlefish bone (Sepia sp.) has antibacterial activity against the bacteria A. actinomycetemcomitans in vitro and can successfully coat SS mini-screws to enhance their efficiency.

Silver nanoparticles versus chitosan nanoparticles effects on demineralized enamel

BackgroundTo compare the impacts of different remineralizing agents on demineralized enamel, we focused on chitosan nanoparticles (ChiNPs) and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs).MethodsThis study was conducted on 40 extracted human premolars with artificially induced demineralization using demineralizing solution. Prior to the beginning of the experimental procedures, the samples were preserved in artificial saliva solution. The nanoparticles were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and teeth were divided into four equal groups: Group A was utilized as a control group (no demineralization) and received no treatment. Group B was subjected to demineralization with no treatment. Group C was subjected to demineralization and then treated with ChiNPs. Group D was subjected to demineralization and then treated with AgNPs. The teeth were evaluated for microhardness. The enamel surfaces of all the samples were analysed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for morphological changes and energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX) for elemental analysis.ResultsThe third and fourth groups had the highest mean microhardness and calcium (Ca) and phosphorous (P) contents. SEM of these two groups revealed relative restoration of homogenous remineralized enamel surface architecture with minimal micropores.ConclusionChitosan nanoparticles (NPs) and silver NPs help restore the enamel surface architecture and mineral content. Therefore, chitosan NPs and AgNPs would be beneficial for remineralizing enamel.

Fluorescent Dye-Based Chiral Crystalline Organic Salt Networks for Circularly Polarized Luminescence.

A facile and general strategy is developed herein for the construction of circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) materials with simultaneously high fluorescence quantum efficiency (Φ) and large luminescence dissymmetry factor (glum). The self-assembly of fluorescent dye, disodium 4,4'-bis(2-sulfonatostyryl)biphenyl (CBS), with chiral diamines such as (R,R)/(S,S)-1,2-diaminocyclohexane (R/S-DACH) and R/S-1,2-diaminopropane (R/S-DAP), produces four chiral crystalline organic salt networks (COSNs). These as-synthesized organic salts emit strong blue-color CPL upon excitation, with both high Φ and glum values of up to 79% and 0.022. The well-defined molecular structures and arrangements of CBS are directly observed through single crystal X-ray analysis, offering crucial information regarding the origins of high-efficiency CPL performance. The chirality of amine is effectively transferred to CBS and further amplified to the supramolecular structure by multiple hydrogen bonding and π-π stacking interactions, giving rise to the large glum factors; meanwhile, the fixation and the ordered arrangement of CBS by these multiple interactions empower efficient suppression of molecular motions, facilitating strong fluorescence. This work can inspire the assembly of CPL organic materials with high Φ and glum via charge-assisted hydrogen bonds between fluorescent dyes and chiral inducers. It also offers important insight into the structural origins of supramolecular chirality and CPL performance.

H2S-Eluting Hydrogels Promote In Vitro Angiogenesis and Augment In Vivo Ischemic Wound Revascularization

Ischemic wounds are frequently encountered in clinical practice and may be related to ischemia secondary to diabetes, peripheral artery disease and other chronic conditions. Angiogenesis is critical to the resolution of ischemia. Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is now recognized as an important factor in this process. H2S donors NaHS and GYY4137 were incorporated into the photosensitive polymer hydrogel gelatin methacrylate and evaluated. Human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) culture was used to quantify toxicity and angiogenesis. Sprague Dawley rats were subjected to ischemic myocutaneous flap wound creation with and without application of H2S-eluting hydrogels. Tissue perfusion during wound healing was quantified using laser speckle contrast imaging, and gene and protein expression for VEGF were evaluated. Vascular density was assessed by CD31 immunohistochemistry. Successful incorporation of sulfide compounds was confirmed by scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray analysis, and under physiologic conditions, detectable H2S was present for up to 14 days by high-performance liquid chromatography. HUVECs exposed to hydrogels did not demonstrate excess cytotoxicity or apoptosis. A two-fold increase in angiogenic tube formation was observed in HUVECs exposed to H2S-eluting hydrogels. Rat ischemic flap wounds demonstrated greater perfusion at 14 days, and there was greater vascularity of healed wounds compared to untreated animals. A nearly two-fold increase in VEGF mRNA and a four-fold increase in VEGF protein expression were present in wounds from treated animals. Local-regional administration of H2S represents a novel potential therapeutic strategy to promote angiogenesis and improve wound healing after tissue injury or as a result of ischemic disease.

An X-Ray Significantly Variable, Luminous, Type 2 Quasar at z = 2.99 with a Massive Host Galaxy

We present a comprehensive X-ray analysis and spectral energy distribution (SED) fitting of WISEA J171419.96+602724.6, an extremely luminous type 2 quasar at z = 2.99. The source was suggested as a candidate Compton-thick (column density N H > 1.5×1024 cm−2) quasar by a short XMM-Newton observation in 2011. We recently observed the source with deep NuSTAR and XMM-Newton exposures in 2021 and found that the source has a lower obscuration of N H ∼ 5×1022 cm−2 with an about four times lower flux. The two epochs of observations suggested that the source was significantly variable in X-ray obscuration, flux, and intrinsic luminosity at 2σ–3σ in less than 2.5 yr (in the source rest frame). We performed SED fitting of this source using Code Investigating GALaxy Emission thanks to its great availability of multiwavelength data (from hard X-rays to radio). The source is very luminous, with a bolometric luminosity of L BOL ∼ 2.5 × 1047 erg s−1. Its host galaxy has a huge star formation rate (SFR) of ∼1280 M ☉ yr−1 and a huge stellar mass of ∼1.1 × 1012 M ☉. The correlation between the SFR and stellar mass of this source is consistent with what was measured in the high-z quasars. It is also consistent with what was measured in the main-sequence star-forming galaxies, suggesting that the presence of the active nucleus in our target does not enhance or suppress the SFR of its host galaxy. The source is an infrared hyperluminous, obscured galaxy with a significant amount of hot dust in its torus and shares many similar properties with hot, dust-obscured galaxies.

Mechanical, physical and durability performance of engineered cementitious composites prepared with calcium aluminate cement

This research aims to fill a gap in existing studies by exploring the use of calcium aluminate cement (CAC) as an eco-friendly substitute for Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) in Engineered Cementitious Composites (ECC). The study investigates the impact of CAC, both with and without the presence of fly ash (FA), on the mechanical, physical, durability, and microstructural properties of ECC-CAC mixtures. Various proportions of FA-to-CAC up to 1.5 were considered, while assessing different engineering parameters of compressive and flexural strengths, ductility, ultrasonic measurements, chloride penetrability, and drying shrinkage. Moreover, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) coupled with energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX) and X-Ray diffraction (XRD) were utilized to analyze the reaction products related to CAC and/or FA in selected mixtures. Higher strengths of CAC-ECC were achieved at earlier curing ages, though the transformation of CAC’s metastable phases led to reduced strengths in ECC-CAC mixtures compared to the control ECC during extended curing periods. Furthermore, the combination of FA with CAC played a crucial role in avoiding the hydrates conversion and minimizing the shrinkage in CAC-ECC, achieving even lower shrinkage levels than those observed in control OPC-ECC.

Application of Recycled Battery-Graphite Electrode Decorated with Polyglutamic Acid/Au Nanoparticles for Detection of Nalbuphine Drug Abuse

Abstract We report a highly-uniform nanocomposite of polyglutamic acid (PGA) and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) electrodeposited on a recycled battery graphite electrode (BGE) for the detection of Nalbuphine (NB), a semi-synthetic opioid. The sensor was optimized and characterized morphologically (via scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, and energy dispersive X-ray analysis) and electrochemically (via cyclic voltammetry, differential pulse voltammetry, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy). Under optimized conditions, the PGA/AuNPs/BGE revealed two linear ranges, 2.5×10-8 to1.0×10-6 M, and 2.0 × 10-6 to 1.0 × 10-4 M for Nalbuphine (NB), that is equivalent to 9.825×10-3 to 0.393 µg/mL and 0.786 to 39.30 µg/mL, with R2 = 0.995 and 0.994, respectively, and showed good catalytic activity for the determination of nalbuphine in the presence of tramadol and the oxidation potential of these opioid analgesic drugs were separated. The sensor was successfully applied for the detection of NB in its pharmaceutical formulations, spiked urine, and human plasma samples, without applying any sample pretreatment, at a recovery range of 99±0.03 to102±0.02% and thus, the developed can be considered as a promising approach for NB abuse testing in clinical and forensic agencies.

Synthesis and Spatial Structure of 3-Phenylacrylic Acid Octahydroquinolizin-1-Ylmethyl Ester and 2-(Octahydroquinolizin-1-Ylmethyl)Isoindole-1,3-Dione

The reactions of lupinine alkaloid and its chlorine derivative with cinnamoyl chloride and 2-K-isoindole-1,3-dione were investigated to obtain 3-phenylacrylic acid octahydroquinolizin-1-ylmethyl ester and 2-(octahydroquinolizin-1-ylmethyl)isoindole-1,3-dione, respectively. The optimal conditions for carrying out the aforementioned reactions were determined, taking into account the nature of the solvent and medium. It was established that acylation of the molecule in a benzene medium, in the presence of trimethylamine, resulted in the formation of 3-phenylacrylic acid octahydroquinolizin-1-ylmethyl ester, with an 82% yield. It was demonstrated that the interaction of chlorolupinine with 2-K-isoindole-1,3-dione under Gabriel reaction conditions resulted in the formation of 2-(octahydroquinolizin-1-ylmethyl)isoindole-1,3-dione. The conformer with an axial orientation of the isoindole-1,3-dione substituent was observed to exhibit greater stability than the conformer with an equatorial orientation. The structure of the synthesized compounds was investigated by IR, 1H, and 13C NMR spectroscopy. The use of two-dimensional spectra in COSY (1H-1H) and HMQC (1H-13C) formats enabled the establishment of homo- and heteronuclear interactions, thereby confirming the structure of the compounds under investigation. The values of chemical shifts, multiplet and integrated intensity of 1H and 13C signals in one-dimensional NMR spectra of the novel compounds were determined. The crystal structures of 3-phenylacrylic acid octahydroquinolizin-1-ylmethyl ester and 2-(octahydroquinolizin-1-ylmethyl)isoindole-1,3-dione were elucidated through X-ray analysis.

Synthesis of Sustainable Binary Calcium Monosilicate Ceramics from Bio-waste: Effect of Sintering Temperature on Microstructure and Electrical Properties

This study was conducted to synthesise calcium monosilicate ceramics using rice husks and raw eggshells and investigated the effect of sintering temperature on the physical,microstructure and electrical properties of the final product. The high content of calcium and silicon in eggshells and rice husks, respectively promote the use of waste materials in the production of calcium monosilicates by mixing in a molar ratio 1CaO:1SiO2 and fired at different sintering temperatures for 2 hours with a heating rate of 10°C/min. A good correlation between sintering temperature, structural, microstructure, and electrical properties of calcium silicate was observed. The structural and morphological evolutions were characterised by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) equipped with electron dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX). XRD analysis showed that the main crystalline phases of synthesised calcium monosilicate are pseudowollastonite (ICSD 98-005-2598) at 1250°C, and the phases of SiO2 also exist in different types of minerals. Besides, a small amount of larnite, Ca2SiO4 was traced at 1100°C and 1200°C. Fourier Transforms Infrared (FTIR) spectra showed the presence of characteristic functional groups in the precursor powder. In Nyquist plots, the summit frequency of the dominant arc decreases with increasing sintering temperatures. It may be attributed to the co-effect of the grain size and pore. A larger value of impedance at a lower frequency suggests an essential role of boundaries in governing the electrical properties of the sintered ceramics. As the sintering temperature increases, the microstructure of the sintered samples becomes denser while conductivity performance decreases. This is due to the reduction of particle interfaces and charge transfer.

Biosorption and transformation of cadmium and lead by Staphylococcus epidermidis AS-1 isolated from industrial effluent.

Rapid utilization of natural resources and other anthropogenic activities intruded heavy metals into the food chain and raised alarming concern for all life forms. The available methods proved insufficient in handling waste and pollutants due to the high cost and generation of toxic residues. Bioremediation strategies have offered sustainable solutions for toxic pollutants. In the current study, cadmium and lead (Cd and Pb respectively) tolerant strains have been isolated from industrial effluent and characterized for tolerance towards target pollutants. The strain was identified by 16s rRNA gene and further used for metal removal from the industrial effluents. Bacterial isolates were obtained from industrial discharge and evaluated for their tolerance towards Cd and Pb. AS-1 bacterial isolate exhibited maximum tolerance towards both the metals and hence was selected for further study. The isolate was identified as Staphylococcus epidermidis. ICP-MS and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis of biomass revealed that a significant proportion of cadmium (90.89%) and lead (94.87%) available in effluent were sequestered within bacterial biomass. Characteristic peaks at 2Ɵ (31.8637 and 45.6247 for cadmium) and (21.0397, 27.0127, 46.0537, 54.2707 and 75.6547 for lead) confirmed the crystalline nature of the sequestered metals. The selected strain was characterized on biochemical and molecular basis and was found to be Staphylococcus epidermidis. Based on 16S rDNA sequence analysis, a phylogenetic dendrogram was created for the maximum likelihood of the bacterial strain. The sequence was deposited in the NCBI repository (accession number PP587422). The work has shown the possible way out of heavy metal pollution sustainably. To the best of the author's knowledge, this is the first report on the sequestration and reduction of cadmium and lead by a nonpathogenic strain of Staphylococcus epidermidis AS-1 that may be useful for alleviating heavy metal contamination.

Silver nanoparticles synthesized using aerial part of Achillea fragrantissima and evaluation of their bioactivities

Achillea fragrantissima (A. fragrantissima), a desert plant, is used internally in Arabian traditional medicine to treat inflammatory, spasmodic gastrointestinal disorders, and hepatobiliary diseases. The study focuses on the environmentally friendly production of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) from the water-based aerial parts of the A. fragrantissima plant and their ability to kill bacteria and cells. Ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) were used to describe the AgNPs. They were then tested for their ability to fight cancer and bacteria. A change in colour from yellow to brown and a surface plasmon resonance peak at 440 nm, seen with UV-Vis spectroscopy, showed that AgNPs had formed. In a Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) test of the aerial parts of A. fragrantissima, twenty bioactive components were found. These included isolongifolol and 3E,10Z-Oxacyclotrideca-3,10-diene-2,7-dione, methylbuta-1,3-dienyl)-7-oxabicyclo [4.1.0] heptan-3-ol. The extract exhibited high phenolic and flavonoid content (77.52 ± 1.46 mg GAE/g dry weight and 59 ± 2.17 mg QE/g dry weight, respectively). According to the IC50 values of 17.2 ± 1.18 and 14 ± 2.43 µg/mL, the AgNPs had a lot of power to kill cancer cells from the MCF-7 and HepG2 lines. Some genes that cause cell death (caspase-3, 8, 9, and Bax) were turned on more in the treated cells compared to the control cells that had not been treated. These genes were Bcl-xL and Bcl-2. Additionally, substantial activity against both Gram-positive bacteria and Gram-negative bacteria was found by antibacterial screening. Overall, this study underscores A. fragrantissima’s diverse biological activity and its potential in drug discovery and nanomedicine, promoting the development of natural antibacterial and anticancer therapies.

Zn(II)-based mechanically flexible metallosupramolecular network: Investigating rheology, morphology, anti-bacterial effect and semiconducting device performances

Synthesis of supramolecular Zn(II)-metallogel of succinic acid with N,N′-dimethyl formamide (DMF) solvent has been explored in this present study. Succinic acid is used as a low molecular weight gelator (LMWG) and DMF acts as a metallogel-immobilized solvent-media. Mechanical flexibility, viscous, and elastic behaviours of the metallogel are characterized by exhaustive rheological experiments. Different rheological parameters like storage modulus (G′) and loss modulus (G″) are evaluated for certain regions of shear strain and angular frequency. The morphological decoration of xerogel material obtained from Zn(II)-based metallosupramolecular gel (i.e., Zn-Succinic) has been visualized through field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM). Energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX) verifies the active involvement of metallogel-forming chemical constituents. The flexible metallosupramolecular scaffold-construction strategy has been unveiled through infrared spectroscopic data and ESI-Mass investigations. The antibacterial potency of Zn(II)-directed metallogel has also been verified against several Gram-positive bacteria (i.e., Bacillus cereus (ATCC 13061), Bacillus subtilis (MTCC 121), Listeria monocytogenes (MTCC 657), Staphylococcus aureus (MTCC 96)), and two Gram-negative bacterial strains (i.e., Salmonella typhimurium (MTCC 98) and Escherichia coli (MTCC 1667)). Even, Zn-Succinic metallogel exhibits Schottky diode behaviour with a significant non-linear rectifying nature in I-V curve, proving the semiconducting diode features with electrical parameters.

Functionalized biochar derived from novel Neolamarchia cadamba leaf extracts for the adsorption of Congo Red dye: kinetics, optimization, and reusability studies

ABSTRACT The present research emphasized on the removal of Congo Red (CR) dye from aqueous solutions using an adsorbent synthesized by utilizing the leaf extract of Neolamarchia cadamba as a bio-template. This facilitates the formation of zinc oxide nanoparticles which are then carbonized to enhance adsorption capabilities. This synthesized material is referred to as NC@ZnC, for coherent adsorption of CR dye. Various operating parameters were used for the adsorption of CR onto NC@ZnC. The maximum monolayer decontamination of CR dye was 303.03 mg/g when it was incubated for 90 min at a pH of 5. The specific surface area of amalgamated NC@ZnC was reported to be 6.509 m2/g using Bruaneur–Emmett–Teller analysis. Field-emission scanning electron microscopy was used to show the rough surface area, X-ray diffraction analysis was used to determine the crystalline structure of the adsorbent with a grain size of 20.062 nm. Elemental dispersive X-ray analysis was used to determine the elemental composition of NC@ZnC. Raman spectroscopy demonstrates a lysine group that, upon adsorption, interacts with oxygen to form a bond. NC@ZnC regresses pseudo-second-order kinetics and follows the Langmuir isotherm for the adsorption process. The sorption activity with respect to temperature appears to be displaying +ΔH° and +ΔS°, which suggests an endothermic and impulsive nature.