Nanocomposite and bio-nanocomposite polymeric materials/membranes development in energy and medical sector: A review

Magnetic engineering nanoparticles: Versatile tools revolutionizing biomedical applications

The use of nanoparticles has increased significantly over the past few years in a number of fields, including diagnostics, biomedicine, environmental remediation, and water treatment, generating public interest. Among various types of nanoparticles, magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) have emerged as an essential tool for biomedical applications due to their distinct physicochemical properties compared to other nanoparticles. This review article focuses on the recent growth of MNPs and comprehensively reviews the advantages, multifunctional approaches, biomedical applications, and latest research on MNPs employed in various biomedical techniques. Biomedical applications of MNPs hold on to their ability to rapidly switch magnetic states under an external field at room temperature. Ideally, these MNPs should be highly susceptible to magnetization when the field is applied and then lose that magnetization just as quickly once the field is removed. This unique property allows MNPs to generate heat when exposed to high-frequency magnetic fields, making them valuable tools in developing treatments for hyperthermia and other heat-related illnesses. This review underscores the role of MNPs as tools that hold immense promise in transforming various aspects of healthcare, from diagnostics and imaging to therapeutic treatments, with discussion on a wide range of peer-reviewed articles published on the subject. At the conclusion of this work, challenges and potential future advances of MNPs in the biomedical field are highlighted.

Magneto-optical nanosystems for tumor multimodal imaging and therapy in-vivo

Multimodal imaging, which combines the strengths of two or more imaging modalities to provide complementary anatomical and molecular information, has emerged as a robust technology for enhancing diagnostic sensitivity and accuracy, as well as improving treatment monitoring. Moreover, the application of multimodal imaging in guiding precision tumor treatment can prevent under- or over-treatment, thereby maximizing the benefits for tumor patients. In recent years, several intriguing magneto-optical nanosystems with both magnetic and optical properties have been developed, leading to significant breakthroughs in the field of multimodal imaging and image-guided tumor therapy. These advancements pave the way for precise tumor medicine. This review summarizes various types of magneto-optical nanosystems developed recently and describes their applications as probes for multimodal imaging and agents for image-guided therapeutic interventions. Finally, future research and development prospects of magneto-optical nanosystems are discussed along with an outlook on their further applications in the biomedical field.

Green synthesis of ZnO-TiO2/RGO nanocomposites using Senna surattensis extract: a novel approach for enhanced anticancer efficacy and biocompatibility

The purpose of the present study is to enhance the anticancer and biocompatibility performance of TiO2 NPs, ZnO NPs, ZnO-TiO2 (NCs), and ZnO-TiO2/reduced graphene oxide (RGO) NCs against two types of human cancer (HCT116) and normal (HUVCE) cells. A novel procedure for synthesizing ZnO-TiO2/RGO NCs has been developed using Senna surattensis extract. The improved physicochemical properties of the obtained samples were investigated using different techniques such as XRD, TEM, SEM, XPS, FTIR, DLS and UV-visible spectroscopy. XRD results showed that the addition of ZnO and RGO sheets affects the crystal structure and phase of TiO2 NPs. SEM and TEM images displayed that the TiO2 NPs and ZnO NPs were small with uniform spherical morphology in the prepared ZnO-TiO2/RGO NCs. Besides, it is shown that ZnO-TiO2 NCs anchored onto the surface of RGO sheets with a particle size of 14.80 ± 0.5 nm. XPS data confirmed the surface chemical composition and oxidation states of ZnO-TiO2/RGO NCs. Functional groups of prepared NPs and NCs were determined using FTIR spectroscopy. DLS data confirmed that the addition of ZnO and RGO sheets improves the negative surface charge of the prepared pure TiO2 NPs (-22.51 mV), ZnO NPs (-18.27 mV), ZnO-TiO2 NCs (-30.20 mV), and ZnO-TiO2/RGO NCs (-33.77 mV). Optical analysis exhibited that the bandgap energies of TiO2 NPs (3.30 eV), ZnO NPs (3.33 eV), ZnO-TiO2 NCs (3.03 eV), and ZnO-TiO2/RGO NCs (2.78 eV) were further enhanced by adding ZnO NPs and RGO sheets. This indicates that the synthesized samples can be applied to cancer therapy and environmental remediation. The biological data demonstrated that the produced ZnO-TiO2/RGO NCs show a more cytotoxic effect on HCT116 cells compared to pure TiO2 NPs and ZnO-TiO2 NCs. On the other hand, these NCs displayed the lowest level of toxicity towards normal HUVCE cells. These results indicate that the ZnO-TiO2/RGO NCs have strong toxicity against HCT116 cells and are compatible with normal cells. Our results show that the plant extract enhanced the physicochemical properties of NPs and NCs compared with the traditional chemical methods for synthesis. This study could open new avenues for developing more effective and targeted cancer treatments.

Sustainable whey proteins-nanostructured zinc oxide-based films for the treatment of chronic wounds: New insights from biopharmaceutical studies

Chronic wounds represent silent epidemic affecting a large portion of the world population, especially the elders; in this context, the development of advanced bioactive dressings is imperative to accelerate wound healing process, while contrasting or preventing infections. The aim of the present work was to provide a deep characterization of the functional and biopharmaceutical properties of a sustainable thin and flexible films, composed of whey proteins alone (WPI) and added with nanostructured zinc oxide (WPZ) and intended for the management of chronic wounds. The potential of whey proteins-based films as wound dressings has been confirmed by their wettability, hydration properties, elastic behavior upon hydration, biodegradation propensity and, when added with nanostructured zinc oxide, antibacterial efficacy against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative pathogens, i.e. Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. In-vitro experiments, performed on normal human dermal fibroblasts, confirmed film cytocompatibility, also revealing the possible role of Zn2+ ions in promoting fibroblast proliferation. Finally, in-vivo studies on rat model confirmed film suitability to act as wound dressing, since able to ensure a regular healing process while providing effective protection from infections. In particular, both films WPI and WPZ are responsible for the formation in the wound bed of a continuous collagen layer similar to that of healthy skin.

Wormwood-infused porous-CaCO3 for synthesizing antibacterial natural rubber latex

Wormwood leaf is a traditional Chinese herbal medicine with a high medicinal value and long application history and its essential oil is a high-purity plant oil extracted from Wormwood leaf. Pharmacological research reveals that Wormwood leaf and Wormwood essential oil are a broad-spectrum antibacterial and antiviral drug, which can inhibit and kill many bacteria and viruses. We loaded wormwood extract on porous calcium carbonate (Porous-CaCO3) and introduced it and Wormwood essential oil into Natural rubber latex (NRL), thus synthesizing NRL composites with excellent vitro and in vivo antibacterial effect, cell compatibility and mechanical properties. This NRL material can delay the light aging and thermal oxidation of some mechanical properties, which provides a broader avenue for its commercialization.

Flexible and ultrasensitive piezoresistive electronic skin based on chitin/sulfonated carbon nanotube films

Wearable electronic skin has gained increasing popularity due to its remarkable properties of high flexibility, sensitivity, and lightweight, making it an ideal choice for detecting human physiological activity. In this study, we successfully prepared e-skin using regenerated chitin (RCH) and sulfonated carbon nanotubes (SCNTs). The e-skin demonstrated brilliant mechanical and sensing properties, exhibiting a sensitivity of 1.75 kPa-1 within the 0-5 kPa range and a fast response-recovery time of <10 ms. Furthermore, it displayed an ultra-low detection limit of 1.39 Pa (5 mg), exceptional stability (up to 11,000 cycles), and a remarkable mechanical strength, reaching up to 50 MPa. Moreover, the e-skin was fabricated through a simple and economical approach. With the popularity of micro sensing devices, the e-skin holds tremendous potential for various applications, including wearable electronic devices, health and sports monitoring, artificial intelligence and other fields.

Enhancement of Thermal and Gas Barrier Properties of Graphene-Based Nanocomposite Films

Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA), a naturally occurring and rapidly decomposing polymer, has gained significant attention in recent studies for its potential use in pollution preventive materials. Its cost-effectiveness and ease of availability as well as simple processing make it a suitable material for various applications. However, the only concern about PVA's applicability to various applications is its hydrophilic nature. To address this limitation, PVA-based nanocomposites can be created by incorporating inorganic fillers such as graphene (G). Graphene is a two-dimensional carbon crystal with a single atom-layer structure and has become a popular choice as a nanomaterial due to its outstanding properties. In this study, we present a simple and environmentally friendly solution processing technique to fabricate PVA and graphene-based nanocomposite films. The resulting composite films showed noticeable improvement in barrier properties against moisture, oxygen, heat, and mechanical failures. The improvement of the characteristic properties is attributed to the uniform dispersion of graphene in the PVA matrix as shown in the SEM image. The addition of graphene leads to a decrease in water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) by 79% and around 90% for the oxygen transmission rate (OTR) as compared to pristine PVA films. Notably, incorporating just 0.5 vol % of graphene results in an OTR value of as low as 0.7 cm m-2 day-1 bar-1, making it highly suitable packaging applications. The films also exhibit remarkable flexibility and retained almost the same WVTR values even after going through tough bending cycles of more than 2000 at a bending radius of 2.5 cm. Overall, PVA/G nanocomposite films offer promising potential for PVA/G composite films for various attractive pollution prevention (such as corrosion resistant coatings) and packaging applications.

Progress in the treatment of drug-loaded nanomaterials in renal cell carcinoma

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is a common urinary tract tumor that arises from the highly heterogeneous epithelium of the renal tubules. The incidence of kidney cancer is second only to the incidence of bladder cancer, and has shown an upward trend over time. Although surgery is the preferred treatment for localized RCC, treatment decisions should be customized to individual patients considering their overall health status and the risk of developing or worsening chronic kidney disease postoperatively. Anticancer drugs are preferred to prevent perioperative and long-term postoperative complications; however, resistance to chemotherapy remains a considerable problem during the treatment process. To overcome this challenge, nanocarriers have emerged as a promising strategy for targeted drug delivery for cancer treatment. Nanocarriers can transport anticancer agents, achieving several-fold higher cytotoxic concentrations in tumors and minimizing toxicity to the remaining parts of the body. This article reviews the use of nanomaterials, such as liposomes, polymeric nanoparticles, nanocomposites, carbon nanomaterials, nanobubbles, nanomicelles, and mesoporous silica nanoparticles, for RCC treatment, and discusses their advantages and disadvantages.

Research Progress of Nanomaterials in Chemotherapy of Osteosarcoma

Osteosarcoma (OS) is a common malignant bone tumor that occurs mostly in children and adolescents. At present, surgery after chemotherapy or postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy is the main treatment plan. However, the efficacy of chemotherapeutic drugs is limited by the occurrence of chemotherapeutic resistance, toxicity to normal cells, poor pharmacokinetic performance, and drug delivery failure. The delivery of chemotherapy drugs to the bone to treat OS may fail for a variety of reasons, such as a lack of selectivity for OS cells, initial sudden release, short-term release, and the presence of biological barriers (such as the blood-bone marrow barrier). Nanomaterials are new materials with at least one dimension on the nanometer scale (1-100 nm) in three-dimensional space. These materials have the ability to penetrate biological barriers and can accumulate preferentially in tumor cells. Studies have shown that the effective combination of nanomaterials and traditional chemotherapy can significantly improve the therapeutic effect. Therefore, this article reviews the latest research progress on the use of nanomaterials in OS chemotherapy.

Enhancing Strength and Sustainability: Evaluating Glass and Basalt Fiber-Reinforced Biopolyamide as Alternatives for Petroleum-Based Polyamide Composite

This study aims to analyze strength properties and low-cycle dynamic tests of composite materials modified with glass and basalt fibers. Biopolyamide 4.10 was used as the matrix, and the fiber contents were 15, 30, and 50% by weight. Static tensile tests, impact tests, and determination of mechanical hysteresis loops were carried out as strength tests. The length of the fibers in the produced composites and their processing properties were determined. The composite materials were compared with commercially available glass fiber-reinforced composites with 30 and 50% fiber contents. The results showed that such composites can successfully replace composite materials based on petroleum-based polymeric materials, providing high strength properties and reducing the negative environmental impact by using renewable sources. Composites with 30% basalt fiber composition were characterized by higher tensile strength by about 60% compared to commercially available composites with 30% glass fiber composition and an almost doubly increased Young's modulus. Increasing the content of basalt fibers to 50% results in a further increase in strength properties. Despite the lower tensile strength compared to polyamide 6 with 50% glass fiber content, basalt fibers provided an approximately 10% higher modulus of elasticity.

Seaweed polysaccharide nanocomposite films: A review

A million tonnes of plastic produced each year are disposed of after single use. Biodegradable polymers have become a promising material as an alternative to petroleum-based polymers. Utilising biodegradable polymers will promote environmental sustainability which has emerged with potential features and performances for various applications in different sectors. Seaweed-derived polysaccharides-based composites have been the focus of numerous studies due to the composites' renewability and sustainability for industries (food packaging and medical fields like tissue engineering and drug delivery). Due to their biocompatibility, abundance, and gelling ability, seaweed derivatives such as alginate, carrageenan, and agar are commonly used for this purpose. Seaweed has distinct film-forming characteristics, but its mechanical and water vapour barrier qualities are weak. Thus, modifications are necessary to enhance the seaweed properties. This review article summarises and discusses the effect of incorporating seaweed films with different types of nanoparticles on their mechanical, thermal, and water barrier properties.

High-performance dielectric film capacitors based on cellulose/Al2O3 nanosheets/PVDF composites

The design and preparation of novel renewable biomass-based dielectric composites have drawn great attention recently. Here, cellulose was dissolved in NaOH/urea aqueous solution, and Al₂O₃ nanosheets (AONS) synthesized by hydrothermal method were used as fillers. Then the regenerated cellulose (RC)-AONS dielectric composite films were prepared by regeneration, washing and drying. The two-dimensional AONS had a better effect on improving the dielectric constant and breakdown strength of the composites, so that the RC-AONS composite film with 5 wt% AONS content reached an energy density of 6.2 J/cm³ at 420 MV/m. Furthermore, in order to improve the dielectric energy storage properties of cellulose films in high humidity environment, the hydrophobic polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) was innovatively introduced to construct RC-AONS-PVDF composite films. The energy storage density of the prepared ternary composite films could reach 8.32 J/cm³ at 400 MV/m, which was 416 % improvement against that of the commercially biaxially oriented polypropylene (2 J/cm³), and could be cycled for >10,000 times under 200 MV/m. Concurrently, the water absorption of the composite film in humidity was effectively reduced. This work broadens the application prospect of biomass-based materials in the field of film dielectric capacitor.

A Comprehensive Review on Significance and Advancements of Antimicrobial Agents in Biodegradable Food Packaging

Food waste is key global problem and more than 90% of the leftover waste produced by food packaging factories is dumped in landfills. Foods packaged using eco-friendly materials have a longer shelf life as a result of the increased need for high-quality and secure packaging materials. For packaging purposes, natural foundation materials are required, as well as active substances that can prolong the freshness of the food items. Antimicrobial packaging is one such advancement in the area of active packaging. Biodegradable packaging is a basic form of packaging that will naturally degrade and disintegrate in due course of time. A developing trend in the active and smart food packaging sector is the use of natural antioxidant chemicals and inorganic nanoparticles (NPs). The potential for active food packaging applications has been highlighted by the incorporation of these materials, such as polysaccharides and proteins, in biobased and degradable matrices, because of their stronger antibacterial and antioxidant properties, UV-light obstruction, water vapor permeability, oxygen scavenging, and low environmental impact. The present review highlights the use of antimicrobial agents and nanoparticles in food packaging, which helps to prevent undesirable changes in the food, such as off flavors, colour changes, or the occurrence of any foodborne outcomes. This review attempts to cover the most recent advancements in antimicrobial packaging, whether edible or not, employing both conventional and novel polymers as support, with a focus on natural and biodegradable ingredients.

Tailoring an Effective Interface between Nanocellulose and the Epoxidized Linseed Oil Network through Functionalization

Sustainable nanocomposite materials based on different functionalized nanocellulose (NC) structures embedded in epoxidized linseed oil (ELO) were developed as foundation toward a greener approach for anticorrosive coating evolution. The work leans on functionalization with (3-aminopropyl) triethoxysilane (APTS), (3-glycidyloxypropyl)trimethoxysilane (GPTS), and vanillin (V) of NC structures isolated from plum seed shells, evaluated as potential reinforcing agents for the increase of thermomechanical properties and water resistance of epoxy nanocomposites from renewable resources. The successful surface modification was confirmed from the deconvolution of X-ray photoelectron spectra for C 1s and correlated with Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) data. The secondary peaks assigned to C-O-Si at 285.9 eV and C-N at 286 eV were observed with the decrease of the C/O atomic ratio. Compatibility and efficient interface formation between the functionalized NC and the biobased epoxy network from linseed oil were translated as decreased values for the surface energy of bio-nanocomposites and better dispersion imaged through scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Thus, the storage modulus of the ELO network reinforced with only 1% APTS-functionalized NC structures reached 5 GPa, an almost 20% increase compared with that of the neat matrix. Mechanical tests were applied to assess an increase of 116% in compressive strength for the addition of 5 wt % NCA to the bioepoxy matrix.

A natural biomineral for enhancing the biomineralization and cell response of 3D printed polylactic acid bone scaffolds

Polylactic acid (PLA) has been extensively used as a bone scaffold material, but it still faces many problems including low biomineralization ability, weak cell response, low mechanical properties, etc. In this study, we proposed to utilize the distinctive physical, chemical and biological properties of a natural biomineral with organic matrix, pearl powder, to enhance the overall performance of PLA bone scaffolds. Porous PLA/pearl composite bone scaffolds were prepared using fused deposition modeling (FDM) 3D printing technology, and their comprehensive performance was investigated. Macro- and micro- morphological observation by optical camera and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed the 3D printed scaffolds have interconnected and ordered periodic porous structures. Phase analysis by X-ray diffraction (XRD) indicated pearl powder was well composited with PLA without impurity formation during the melt extrusion process. The mechanical test results indicated the tensile and compressive strength of PLA/pearl composite scaffolds with 10 % pearl powder content yielded the highest values, which were 15.5 % and 21.8 % greater than pure PLA, respectively. The water contact angle and water absorption tests indicated that PLA/pearl showed better hydrophilicity than PLA due to the presence of polar groups in the organic matrix of the pearl powder. The results of the simulated body fluid (SBF) soaking revealed that the addition of pearl powder effectively enhanced the formation and deposition of apatite, which was attributed to the release of Ca²⁺ from the dissolution of pearl powder. The cell culture of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) indicated that PLA/pearl scaffolds showed better cell proliferation and osteogenic differentiation than PLA due to the stimulation of the biological organic matrix in pearl powder. These outcomes signify the potential of pearl powder as a natural biomineral containing bio-signal factors to improve the mechanical and biological properties of polymers for better bone tissue engineering application.

Graphene in Polymeric Nanocomposite Membranes—Current State and Progress

One important application of polymer/graphene nanocomposites is in membrane technology. In this context, promising polymer/graphene nanocomposites have been developed and applied in the production of high-performance membranes. This review basically highlights the designs, properties, and use of polymer/graphene nanocomposite membranes in the field of gas separation and purification. Various polymer matrices (polysulfone, poly(dimethylsiloxane), poly(methyl methacrylate), polyimide, etc.), have been reinforced with graphene to develop nanocomposite membranes. Various facile strategies, such as solution casting, phase separation, infiltration, self-assembly, etc., have been employed in the design of gas separation polymer/graphene nanocomposite membranes. The inclusion of graphene in polymeric membranes affects their morphology, physical properties, gas permeability, selectivity, and separation processes. Furthermore, the final membrane properties are affected by the nanofiller content, modification, dispersion, and processing conditions. Moreover, the development of polymer/graphene nanofibrous membranes has introduced novelty in the field of gas separation membranes. These high-performance membranes have the potential to overcome challenges arising from gas separation conditions. Hence, this overview provides up-to-date coverage of advances in polymer/graphene nanocomposite membranes, especially for gas separation applications. The separation processes of polymer/graphene nanocomposite membranes (in parting gases) are dependent upon variations in the structural design and processing techniques used. Current challenges and future opportunities related to polymer/graphene nanocomposite membranes are also discussed.

Influence of Process Parameters on the Characteristics of Additively Manufactured Parts Made from Advanced Biopolymers

Over the past few decades, additive manufacturing (AM) has become a reliable tool for prototyping and low-volume production. In recent years, the market share of such products has increased rapidly as these manufacturing concepts allow for greater part complexity compared to conventional manufacturing technologies. Furthermore, as recyclability and biocompatibility have become more important in material selection, biopolymers have also become widely used in AM. This article provides an overview of AM with advanced biopolymers in fields from medicine to food packaging. Various AM technologies are presented, focusing on the biopolymers used, selected part fabrication strategies, and influential parameters of the technologies presented. It should be emphasized that inkjet bioprinting, stereolithography, selective laser sintering, fused deposition modeling, extrusion-based bioprinting, and scaffold-free printing are the most commonly used AM technologies for the production of parts from advanced biopolymers. Achievable part complexity will be discussed with emphasis on manufacturable features, layer thickness, production accuracy, materials applied, and part strength in correlation with key AM technologies and their parameters crucial for producing representative examples, anatomical models, specialized medical instruments, medical implants, time-dependent prosthetic features, etc. Future trends of advanced biopolymers focused on establishing target-time-dependent part properties through 4D additive manufacturing are also discussed.

On the Use of Polymer-Based Composites for the Creation of Optical Sensors: A Review

Polymers are widely used in many areas, but often their individual properties are not sufficient for use in certain applications. One of the solutions is the creation of polymer-based composites and nanocomposites. In such materials, in order to improve their properties, nanoscale particles (at least in one dimension) are dispersed in the polymer matrix. These properties include increased mechanical strength and durability, the ability to create a developed inner surface, adjustable thermal and electrical conductivity, and many others. The materials created can have a wide range of applications, such as biomimetic materials and technologies, smart materials, renewable energy sources, packaging, etc. This article reviews the usage of composites as a matrix for the optical sensors and biosensors. It highlights several methods that have been used to enhance performance and properties by optimizing the filler. It shows the main methods of combining indicator dyes with the material of the sensor matrix. Furthermore, the role of co-fillers or a hybrid filler in a polymer composite system is discussed, revealing the great potential and prospect of such matrixes in the field of fine properties tuning for advanced applications.

Study on Spacing Regulation and Separation Performance of Nanofiltration Membranes of GO

Graphene oxide (GO) membranes have attracted significant attention in the field of water processing in recent years due to their unique characteristics. However, few reports focus on both membrane stability and the “trade-off” effect. In this study, a series of aliphatic diamines (1, 2-ethylenediamine, 1, 4-butanediamine, and 1, 6-hexamethylenediamine) of covalent crosslinked GO were used to prepare diamine-modified nanofiltration membranes, BPPO/AX-GO, with adjustable layer spacing using the vacuum extraction−filtration method. Moreover, Ax-GO-modified nanofiltration membranes modified with adipose diamine had higher layer spacing, lower mass-transfer resistance, and better stability. When the number of carbon atoms was 5, the best layer spacing was reached, and when the number of carbon atoms was greater than 4, the modified membrane nanosheets more easily accumulated. With the increase in layer spacing, the water flux of the composite film increased to 26.27 L/m2·h·bar. Meanwhile, adipose diamine crosslinking significantly improved the stability of GO films. The interception sequence of different valence salts in the composite membrane was NaCl > Na2SO4 > MgSO4, and the rejection rate of bivalent salts was higher than that of monovalent salts. The results can provide some experimental basis and research ideas for overcoming the “trade-off” effect of a lamellar GO membrane.

Nano-Scaled Materials and Polymer Integration in Biosensing Tools

The evolution of biosensors and diagnostic devices has been thriving in its ability to provide reliable tools with simplified operation steps. These evolutions have paved the way for further advances in sensing materials, strategies, and device structures. Polymeric composite materials can be formed into nanostructures and networks of different types, including hydrogels, vesicles, dendrimers, molecularly imprinted polymers (MIP), etc. Due to their biocompatibility, flexibility, and low prices, they are promising tools for future lab-on-chip devices as both manufacturing materials and immobilization surfaces. Polymers can also allow the construction of scaffold materials and 3D structures that further elevate the sensing capabilities of traditional 2D biosensors. This review discusses the latest developments in nano-scaled materials and synthesis techniques for polymer structures and their integration into sensing applications by highlighting their various structural advantages in producing highly sensitive tools that rival bench-top instruments. The developments in material design open a new door for decentralized medicine and public protection that allows effective onsite and point-of-care diagnostics.

Polymer/Graphene Nanocomposite Membranes: Status and Emerging Prospects

Graphene is a unique nanocarbon nanomaterial, frequently explored with polymeric matrices for technical purposes. An indispensable application of polymer/graphene nanocomposites has been observed for membrane technology. This review highlights the design, properties, and promising features of the polymer/graphene nanomaterials and nanocomposite membranes for the pervasion and purification of toxins, pollutants, microbials, and other desired contents. The morphology, pore size, pore structure, water flux, permeation, salt rejection, and other membrane properties are examined. Graphene oxide, an important modified form of graphene, is also utilized in nanocomposite membranes. Moreover, polymer/graphene nanofibers are employed to develop high-performance membranes for methodological purposes. The adaptability of polymer/graphene nanocomposites is observed for water management and purification technologies.

The Impact of the Surface Modification on Tin-Doped Indium Oxide Nanocomposite Properties

This review provides an analysis of the theoretical methods to study the effects of surface modification on structural properties of nanostructured indium tin oxide (ITO), mainly by organic compounds. The computational data are compared with experimental data such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), atomic force microscopy (AFM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) data with the focus on optoelectronic and electrocatalytic properties of the surface to investigate potential relations of these properties and applications of ITO in fields such as biosensing and electronic device fabrication. Our analysis shows that the change in optoelectronic properties of the surface is mainly due to functionalizing the surface with organic molecules and that the electrocatalytic properties vary as a function of size.