A novel synthesis of a new thorium (IV) metal organic framework nanostructure with well controllable procedure through ultrasound assisted reverse micelle method

Sonochemical-assisted method for efficient synthesis of Cu-MOF and evaluating its antibacterial properties

Sonochemical-assisted method was used to synthesize copper metal-organic frameworks (Cu-MOF) nanostructures. The final products were examined by related techniques such as XRD patterns, SEM image, BET N2 adsorption/desorption technique and FTIR spectrum. Microtiter plates microbiological assay were used to investigate antibacterial properties and the results were analyzed using ANOVA and Tukey HSD tests. The results showed that Cu-MOF nanostructures have a mesoporous nature with an average particle size distribution around 60 nm. The final product had the property of preventing the growth of all tested bacteria in certain concentrations. Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) values were observed in the range of 30-100 ppm. It was also discovered that this nanostructure can not kill bacteria completely. In addition, the minimal inhibitory concentration for biofilm growth (MIC-B) of the nanostructure was investigated. The MIC-B analyzes demonstrated that the growth of bacterial biofilm decreased with increasing Cu-MOF concentration.

Selective adsorption of anionic and cationic dyes on mesoporous UiO-66 synthesized using a template-free sonochemistry method: kinetic, isotherm and thermodynamic studies

In this study, template-free mesoporous UiO-66(U) has been successfully synthesized in shortened time by sonochemical methods and provided energy savings. The synthesized mesoporous UiO-66(U) demonstrated irregular morphology particle around 43.5 nm according to the SEM image. The N₂ adsorption-desorption isotherm indicated an irregular, 8.88 nm pore width mesoporous structure. Ultrasonic irradiation waves greatly altered mesoporous materials. A mechanism for mesoporous UiO-66(U) formation has been proposed based on the present findings. Sonochemical-solvent heat saves 97% more energy than solvothermal. Mesoporous UiO-66(U) outperformed solvothermal-synthesized UiO-66(S) in adsorption. These studies exhibited that mesopores in UiO-66 promote dye molecule mass transfer (MO, CR, and MB). According to kinetics and adsorption isotherms, the pseudo-second-order kinetic and Langmuir isotherm models matched experimental results. Thermodynamic studies demonstrated that dye adsorption is spontaneous and exothermically governed by entropy, not enthalpy. Mesoporous UiO-66(U) also showed good anionic dye selectivity in mixed dye adsorption. Mesoporous UiO-66(U) may be regenerated four times while maintaining strong adsorption capability.

Microwave-assisted synthetic method of novel Bi2O3 nanostructure and its application as a high-performance nano-catalyst in preparing benzylidene barbituric acid derivatives

In this study, controllable and optimal microwave irradiation has been used to synthesize the novel nanostructures of Bi₂O₃ under environmental conditions. The final products had a thermal stability of 210°C, an average particle size distribution of 85 nm, and a surface area of 783 m²/g. The high thermodynamic stability of Bi₂O₃ nanostructures was confirmed by TG and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analyses. The nanostructure nature of compounds, and most importantly, the use of an effective, cost-effective, and rapid synthesis route of microwave have created significant physiochemical properties in the Bi₂O₃ products. These unexpected properties have made the possibility of potential application of these products in various fields, especially in nano-catalyst applications. It is well-documented that, as Lewis acid, bismuth nano-catalyst exhibits a great catalytic activity for the green synthesis of some bio-active barbituric acid derivatives using precursors with electron-donating or electron-withdrawing nature in high yields (80%–98%). After incorporating this catalyst into the aqueous media, all the reactions were completed within 2–3 min at room temperature. The main advantages of this method are practical facility, the availability of starting materials, and low costs besides the catalyst reusability. Additionally, the catalyst synthesis process may be carried out in the aqueous media for a short period with medium to high yields. The obtained results have opened a new window for the development of a novel nano-catalyst with practical application.

Sonochemistry of actinides: from ions to nanoparticles and beyond

Sonochemistry studies chemical and physical effects in liquids submitted to power ultrasound. These effects arise not from a direct interaction of molecules with sound waves, but rather from the acoustic cavitation: the nucleation, growth, and implosive collapse of microbubbles in liquids submitted to power ultrasound. The violent implosion of bubbles leads to the formation of chemically reactive species. In principle, each cavitation bubble can be considered as a microreactor initiating chemical reactions at mild conditions. In addition, microjets and shock waves accompanied bubble collapse produce fragmentation, dispersion and erosion of solid surfaces or particles. Microbubbles oscillating in liquids also enable nucleation and precipitation of nanosized actinide compounds with specific morphology. This review focuses on the versatile sonochemical processes with actinide ions and particles in homogenous solutions and heterogenous systems. The redox reactions in aqueous solutions, dissolution or precipitation of refractory solids, synthesis of actinide nanoparticles, and ultrasonically driving decontamination are considered. The guideline for further research is also discussed.

State-of-the-art progress for the selective crystallization of actinides, synthesis of actinide compounds and their functionalization

Crystallization and immobilization of actinides to form actinide compounds are of significant importance for the extraction and reutilization of nuclear waste in the nuclear industry. In this paper, the state-of-art progress in the crystallization of actinides are summarized, as well as the main functionalization of the actinide compounds, i.e., as adsorbents for heavy metal ions and organic pollutant in waste management, as (photo)catalysts for organic degradation and conversion, including degradation of organic dyes and antibiotics, dehydrogenation of N-heterocycles, CO₂ cycloaddition, selective alcohol oxidation and selective oxidation of sulfides. This review will give a comprehensive summary about the synthesis and application exploration of solid actinide crystalline salts and actinide-based metal organic frameworks in the past decades. Finally, the future perspectives and challenges are proposed in the end to give a promising direction for future investigation.

Application of New Energy Thermochromic Composite Thermosensitive Materials of Smart Windows in Recent Years

Thermochromic smart windows technology can intelligently regulate indoor solar radiation by changing indoor light transmittance in response to thermal stimulation, thus reducing energy consumption of the building. In recent years, with the development of new energy-saving materials and the combination with practical technology, energy-saving smart windows technology has received more and more attention from scientific research. Based on the summary of thermochromic smart windows by Yi Long research groups, this review described the applications of thermal responsive organic materials in smart windows, including poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAm) hydrogels, hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC) hydrogels, ionic liquids and liquid crystals. Besides, the mechanism of various organic materials and the properties of functional materials were also introduced. Finally, opportunities and challenges relating to thermochromic smart windows and prospects for future development are discussed.

Lipase immobilization on a novel class of Zr-MOF/electrospun nanofibrous polymers: Biochemical characterization and efficient biodiesel production

In this study, due to the favorable properties of MOF compounds and fibrous materials, new nanostructures of Zr-MOF/PVP nanofibrous composites were synthesized by electrospinning procedure. The related features of these samples were characterized by relevant analyzes, including SEM, BET surface area analysis, XRD, and FTIR spectroscopy. The final product showed significant properties such as small particle size distribution, large surface area, and high crystallinity. This strategy for producing these nanostructures could lead to new compounds as novel alternative materials for biological applications. Lipase MG10 was successfully immobilized on the mentioned nanofibrous composites and biochemically characterized. The lipase activity of free and immobilized lipases was considered by measuring the absorbance of pNPP (500 μM in 40 mM Tris/HCl buffer, pH 7.8, and 0.01% Triton X100) at 37 °C for 30 min. Different concentrations of glutaraldehyde, different crosslinking times, different times of immobilization, different enzyme loading, and different pH values have been optimized. Results showed that the optimized immobilization condition was achieved in 2.5% glutaraldehyde, after 2 h of crosslinking time, after 6 h immobilization time, using 180 mg protein/g support at pH 9.0. The immobilized enzyme was also totally stable after 180 min incubation at 60 °C. The free enzyme showed the maximum activity at pH 9.0, but the optimal pH of the immobilized lipase was shifted about 1.5 pH units to the alkaline area. The immobilized lipase showed about 2.7 folds (78%) higher stability than the free enzyme at 50 °C. Some divalent metal ions, including Cu²⁺ (22%), Co²⁺ (37%), Mg²⁺ (12%), Hg²⁺ (11%), and Mn²⁺ (17%) enhanced the enzyme activity of immobilized enzyme. The maximum biodiesel production (27%) from R. communis oil was obtained after 18 h of incubation by lipase MG10. The immobilized lipase displayed high potency in biodiesel production, about 83% after 12 h of incubation. These results indicated the high potency of Zr-MOF/PVP nanofibrous composites for efficient lipase immobilization.

DNA Based and Stimuli-Responsive Smart Nanocarrier for Diagnosis and Treatment of Cancer: Applications and Challenges

The rapid development of multidrug co-delivery and nano-medicines has made spontaneous progress in tumor treatment and diagnosis. DNA is a unique biological molecule that can be tailored and molded into various nanostructures. The addition of ligands or stimuli-responsive elements enables DNA nanostructures to mediate highly targeted drug delivery to the cancer cells. Smart DNA nanostructures, owing to their various shapes, sizes, geometry, sequences, and characteristics, have various modes of cellular internalization and final disposition. On the other hand, functionalized DNA nanocarriers have specific receptor-mediated uptake, and most of these ligand anchored nanostructures able to escape lysosomal degradation. DNA-based and stimuli responsive nano-carrier systems are the latest advancement in cancer targeting. The data exploration from various studies demonstrated that the DNA nanostructure and stimuli responsive drug delivery systems are perfect tools to overcome the problems existing in the cancer treatment including toxicity and compromised drug efficacy. In this light, the review summarized the insights about various types of DNA nanostructures and stimuli responsive nanocarrier systems applications for diagnosis and treatment of cancer.

Synthesis of luminescent thorium-based metal-organic frameworks with 1,2,4,5-tetrakis(4-carboxyphenyl)benzene

Three new thorium-based MOFs based on 1,2,4,5-tetrakis(4-carboxyphenyl)benzene (H4TCPB) were obtained under a similar reaction system (metal salt, ligand, solvent, and acid are the same). Th(iv) forms the central unit of the MOFs in mononuclear and binuclear clusters, respectively. All the MOFs show blue ligand-based luminescence under an ultraviolet environment. This is the first time that multiple thorium-based MOFs with luminescence have been found with the same ligand.

Three new thorium-based MOFs based on 1,2,4,5-tetrakis(4-carboxyphenyl)benzene (H4TCPB) were obtained under a similar reaction system (metal salt, ligand, solvent, and acid are the same).

Recent advances in templated synthesis of metal nanoclusters and their applications in biosensing, bioimaging and theranostics

As a kind of promising nanomaterials, metal nanoclusters (MNCs) generally composed of several to hundreds of metal atoms have received increasing interest owing to their unique properties, such as ultrasmall size (<2 nm), fascinating physical and chemical properties, and so on. Recently, template-assisted synthesis of MNCs (e.g., Au, Ag, Cu, Pt and Cd) has attracted extensive attention in biological fields. Up to now, various templates (e.g., dendrimers, polymers, DNAs, proteins and peptides) with different configurations and spaces have been applied to prepare MNCs with the advantages of facile preparation, controllable size, good water-solubility and biocompatibility. Herein, we focus on the recent advances in the template-assisted synthesis of MNCs, including the templates used to synthesize MNCs, and their applications in biosensing, bioimaging, and disease theranostics. Finally, the challenges and future perspectives of template-assisted synthesized MNCs are highlighted. We believe that this review could not only arouse more interest in MNCs but also promote their further development and applications by presenting the recent advances in this area to researchers from various fields, such as chemistry, material science, physiology, biomedicine, and so on.

Immobilization of Lepidium draba peroxidase on a novel Zn-MOF nanostructure

In the present study, ultrasound irradiation was utilized to synthesize a novel zinc metal-organic framework (MOF). Scanning electron microscopic images, exhibited homogenous morphology with a nano-sized distribution of the Zn-MOF structure as also confirmed by X-ray diffraction patterns. Following, physical immobilization of Lepidium draba peroxidase (LDP) were optimized on the Zn-MOF in phosphate buffer (50 mM, pH 6.5), ratio amount of MOF/enzyme; 7/1 after shaking for 15 min at 25 °C, with high protein loading of 109.9 mg/g and immobilization yield of 93.3%. Immobilized enzyme (IE) exhibited more than 330% enhanced specific activity and also exhibited more than 150% specific affinity to its substrate (3,3',5,5'-tetramethylbenzidine) with respect to the free enzyme (FE). Optimum temperature of the IE was obtained at 20 °C while its was 25 °C for the FE, and thermostability of the IE augmented at temperature of 30 °C and 40 °C by the factors of 104 and 108% respectively. pH stability under neutral and basic condition and storage stability of the IE improved with respect to the FE as well as its structural stability (T_m; 73 °C for IE vs. 63 °C for FE). Furthermore, immobilization is accompanied with alteration on the enzyme structure as revealed by the intrinsic and extrinsic fluorescence spectra.

A novel ultrasonic reverse micelle-assisted electrospun efficient route for Eu-MOF and Eu-MOF/CA composite nanofibers: a high performance photocatalytic treatment for removal of BG pollutant

Considering the novel applications of metal organic frameworks (MOFs) in photocatalytic fields, in this study, new nanostructures of Eu-MOF have been synthesized using effective, facile, cost-effective, and fast reverse micelle (RM) as well as ultrasound assisted reverse micelle (UARM) methods under the optimal conditions. In order to improve the properties, these nanostructures were extended in the form of fibrous networks. To find nanostructure with distinctive features, thermogravimetric analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and N₂ adsorption/desorption analysis were applied. The results revealed that the samples synthesized by UARM method had a crystallite size of 27.5 nm and thermal stability of 252 °C. Therefore, the UARM Eu-MOF sample was selected as the desirable sample. Also, its application was studied as a novel nanophotocatalyst with the ideal properties in the field of brilliant green dye removal. The photocatalytic results indicated the influence of initial dye concentration, pH, photocatalyst dosage, and contact time parameters on the photocatalytic properties with an efficiency of 99.80%. This study provides a new strategy for developing desirable methods, extended structures, and the photocatalytic applications of these products.

Ultrasound irradiation effect on morphological and adsorptive properties of a nanoscale 3D Zn-coordination polymer and derived oxide

In this work, Zn-based coordination polymer [Zn₂(1,3-bdc)bzim₂]_n was successfully synthesized by the sonochemical method using a 13 mm probe-type ultrasound operating at 20 kHz and amplitudes of 30, 40 and 50% corresponding to an acoustic power of 5.5, 8.6, and 10.3 W, respectively. Additionally, a sample was prepared by the slow-diffusion method for comparison. The samples were characterized by FTIR, PXRD, SEM, and BET techniques. The influence of the time and sonication amplitude on the yield of the reaction, crystallite size, and morphology were also studied. It was found that the sonochemical method provided the desired product in 83.9% within 20 min of sonication using the highest level of sonication amplitude. Moreover, this approach resulted in regular, controlled morphology, smaller particles, and higher surface area of the Zn-sample and derived oxide, than the slow diffusion method. The samples prepared by different methodologies were tested for the adsorption of BTEX (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes) components in six different systems, and the uptakes were quantified by ¹³C NMR spectroscopy. Both samples showed excellent adsorption of benzene, 119.8 mmol/g, and 88.1 mmol/g, for the coordination polymers prepared via the sonochemical and slow-diffusion methods, respectively, corresponding to 63.9%, and 46.9%. These results are in agreement with the non-polar surface of these samples.

Modulated synthesis and isoreticular expansion of Th-MOFs with record high pore volume and surface area for iodine adsorption

Isoreticular expansion of Th-MOFs via modulated synthesis yielded seven hierarchical complexes with superior quality single crystals, record high void space and BET surface area among Th materials, and exceptional iodine adsorption capacities.

A novel synthesis of new antibacterial nanostructures based on Zn-MOF compound: design, characterization and a high performance application

In this study, the novel zinc metal-organic frameworks (MOF) nanostructure has been employed, which was developed using an affordable, environmental friendly, efficient and fast method of ultrasound-assisted reverse micelle (UARM). These nanostructures were identified with various techniques such as FT-IR, XRD, BET, SEM, TG-DSC, TEM and EDS. It was found that the Zn-MOF samples have favorable physicochemical properties. The impact of experimental parameters of the UARM method is effective on the resulting properties, such as high surface area of the products that increases the interactions between the Zn-MOF nanostructure and bacteria.Their antibacterial activities were investigated using diffusion methods in agar and also with dilutions of Zn-MOF samples. Antibiotics (tetracycline and ampicillin) and their anti-biofilm effects were evaluated using microplate method. Obtained results revealed that the Zn-MOF nanostructures have high antibacterial properties which, could be due to the nature of the applied Zn-MOF as well as the optimization process. The Zn- MOF nanostructures could be a novel antibacterial material as biocatalyst processes.

Highly Sensitive Determination of Bisphenol A in Bottled Water Samples by HPLC after Its Extraction by a Novel Th-MOF Pipette-Tip Micro-SPE

In this study, a novel thorium metal organic framework was synthesized, characterized and used as a sorbent for very efficient pipette tip micro solid-phase extraction of bisphenol A in bottled drinking water samples using high-performance liquid chromatography as detecting instrument. Parameters which influence extraction efficiency such as pH, sample volume, amount of sorbent, type and volume of eluent, number of aspirating and dispensing cycles for extraction and elution, and volume of the sample solution were studied and optimized. A linear calibration curve was obtained in the range of 0.002–0.456 ng mL−1 (r2 = 0.996) with a detection limit of 0.0010 ng mL−1. Repeatability of batch-to-batch extraction was better than 5.0% and a reproducibility of 3.2% for real samples obtained.

Characterization of Reverse Micelles Formulated with the Ionic-Liquid-like Surfactant Bmim-AOT and Comparison with the Traditional Na-AOT: Dynamic Light Scattering, 1H NMR Spectroscopy, and Hydrolysis Reaction of Carbonate as a Probe

The present study investigated how the presence of butylmethylimidazolium cation (bmim⁺) alters the interfacial properties of reverse micelles (RMs) created with the ionic liquid-like surfactant 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium 1,4-bis-2-ethylhexylsulfosuccinate (bmim-AOT), in comparison to sodium 1,4-bis-2-ethylhexylsulfosuccinate (Na-AOT) RMs, employing dynamic light scattering (DLS) and ¹H NMR techniques. Moreover, through the hydrolysis reaction of bis(4-nitrophenyl)carbonate inside both RMs as reaction probe, interfacial properties changes were explored in more detail. The kinetic solvent isotope effect was also analyzed. Micellar systems were formed using n-heptane as external nonpolar solvent and water as the polar component. According to the DLS studies, water is encapsulated inside the organized media; however, a different tendency is observed depending on the cationic component of the surfactant. For Na-AOT system, the results suggest that the micellar shapes are probably spherical, while in the case of bmim-AOT, a transition from ellipsoidal to spherical micelles could be occurring when water is added. ¹H NMR data show that water is structured differently when Na⁺ cation is replaced by bmim⁺; in bmim-AOT RMs, the interaction of water with the surfactant is weaker and the water hydrogen-bonding network is less disturbed than in Na-AOT RMs. Kinetic studies reveal that the hydrolysis reaction in bmim-AOT RMs was much more favorable in comparison to Na-AOT RMs. In addition, when water content decreases in bmim-AOT RMs, the hydrolysis reaction rate increases and the solvent isotope effect remains constant, while for Na-AOT solutions, both the reaction rate and the solvent isotope effect decrease. Our results indicate that bmim⁺ cation would be located in the surfactant layer in such a way the negative charge density in the interface is less than that in Na-AOT RMs, and the reaction is more favorable. Additionally, as ¹H NMR studies reveal, the interfacial water molecules would be more available in bmim-AOT RMs to participate in the nucleophilic attack. Therefore, the present study evidences how the replacement of Na⁺ counterion by bmim⁺ alters the composition of the interface of AOT RMs.

Electrochemical aptasensor for activated protein C using a gold nanoparticle - Chitosan/graphene paste modified carbon paste electrode

In this work, a selective and simple electrochemical aptasensor was developed for the detection of activated protein C by employing methylene blue (MB) as a redox indicator. An activated protein C aptamer (APC-apt) was covalently immobilized on the surface of a carbon paste electrode modified with gold nanoparticle - chitosan /graphene paste (AuNPs-Chi/Gr). The AuNPs-Chi/Gr paste increased electrochemical peak current and immobilized the aptamer on the electrode surface. The process of aptasensor construction and successful immobilization of the aptamer on the electrode surface was confirmed by electrochemical cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) was used to determine the methylene blue peak current. By replacing APC instead of MB at the electrode surface, the cathodic current of the MB decreases, and this decrease corresponds to the APC concentration. Under optimum conditions, the APC concentration was detected in the range from of 0.1 ng·mL^-1 to 40 μg·mL^-1 with a relatively low detection limit of 0.073 ng·mL^-1. This method was then applied to the determination of APC in human serum samples. The results revealed that this strategy can be used to measure other proteins in biological samples.

Metal Organic Frameworks (MOFs) and ultrasound: A review

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have received a lot of attention due to their unique properties and abundant functionalities. Permanent porosity and high surface area are just a few traits that have made them attractive to researchers. They can be prepared as task-specific materials by exploiting the functional group variety and tuning their size and geometry. The main purpose of this review is to present an alternative method of preparing MOF crystals and underline the advantages of ultrasound assisted (sonochemical) synthesis. State of the art ultrasound assisted techniques for the preparation of MOFs in nanoscale are presented. Optimization of morphology and particle size is highlighted throughout this work, as we discuss the effects of various factors, such as energy input, reagent concentration, adequate solvents, reaction time and more.

Rapid and efficient electrochemical synthesis of a zinc-based nano-MOF for Ibuprofen adsorption

Optimization of electrochemical parameters for the fabrication of Zn(1,3-bdc)_0.5bzim nano-MOF as a drug adsorption platform.

Fabrication of a new superparamagnetic metal-organic framework with core-shell nanocomposite structures: Characterization, biocompatibility, and drug release study

The Superparamagnetic CoFe₂O₄NPs@Mn-Organic Framework core-shell nanocomposites that had potential application in targeted drug-delivery were synthesized by layer to layer method. The structure and composition of the obtained microspheres were characterized by SEM, TEM, DLS, XRD, VSM, FTIR, and TG analysis. Results showed that the structures have a high degree crystalline, high temperature stability, magnetics and core-shell nanocomposites. Therefore, it is an excellent candidate for drug delivery systems. Afterwards, Daunorubicin (as a drug model) was laden in the MOFs by a Simple stirring. For comparison of magnetic properties of MOFs for drug delivery, an external magnetic field applied to the plate to evaluate the efficiency. The external magnetic field significantly increases anti-tumor activity of formulation (drug+ MOFs). The results showed that MOFs are biocompatible, which endue MOFs great potential in targeting drug-delivery systems with enhanced efficiency.

Aptamer-based determination of tumor necrosis factor α using a screen-printed graphite electrode modified with gold hexacyanoferrate

An aptamer based method is presented for the voltammetric determination of human tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α). Layers of gold hexacyanoferrate (AuHCF) and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) were directly immobilized on a graphite screen-printed electrode (SPE). Through the strong interaction between cyanide ions (CN^-) of AuHCF and AuNPs, gold nanoparticles are assembled on the modified SPE, and this allows for the covalent immobilization of thiolated aptamers against TNF-α (TNF-α-Apt). On incubation of the aptasensor with of TNF-α, the Apt/TNF-α complex is formed, and this leads to a hindered electron transfer and to a decrease in the peak current of the redox probe. Under optimum conditions and at a typical working as low as 0.1 V (vs. a silver pseudo electrode), the electrode works in the 10 pg.mL^-1 to 40 μg.mL^-1 TNF-α concentration range, with a 5.5 pg.mL^-1 detection limit. The high sensitivity and wide detection range of this method allowed TNF-α to in human serum be detected even at very low concentrations. Graphical abstract Schematic diagram for fabrication of aptasensor: (a,b) formation of AuHCF film by electrodeposition;