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Yu X, Xia S, Liu H, Wu X, Xu J. Flow-Chemistry Based Green Synthesis of Graphene Oxide at Minutes Timescale. SMALL METHODS 2024:e2400403. [PMID: 39235426 DOI: 10.1002/smtd.202400403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2024] [Revised: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 09/06/2024]
Abstract
Graphene oxide (GO) is broadly investigated in the electrochemical field. However, for industrial applications, it still suffer from high pollution, low efficiency, poor production quality, and safety concerns associated with traditional synthesis methods. Herein, guided by theoretical analyses, a new oxygen-atom-transfer (OAT) mechanism for periodate oxidizing graphite is revealed, exhibiting controllable reaction activity, strong orbital interaction, and abundant electron transfer. Moreover, a flow chemistry strategy with high mass/heat transfer rates is designed to enhance interlayer diffusion and reaction dynamics between oxidants and graphite, ensuring the efficient synthesis of GO within several minutes. As a result, both low oxygen-content GO with large size, and high oxygen-content GO with adequate active sites can be precisely and safely synthesized. Benefitting from the controllability of oxygen content and lateral size, the as-prepared GO sheets can be facilely assembled into fiber/film electrodes that present high mechanical flexibility, large electrical conductivity, and outstanding electrochemical performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xude Yu
- The State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, Department of Chemical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, P. R. China
| | - Shunkai Xia
- The State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, Department of Chemical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, P. R. China
| | - Hengyuan Liu
- The State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, Department of Chemical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, P. R. China
| | - Xingjiang Wu
- The State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, Department of Chemical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, P. R. China
| | - Jianhong Xu
- The State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, Department of Chemical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, P. R. China
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2
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Wu X, Chen A, Yu X, Tian Z, Li H, Jiang Y, Xu J. Microfluidic Synthesis of Multifunctional Micro-/Nanomaterials from Process Intensification: Structural Engineering to High Electrochemical Energy Storage. ACS NANO 2024. [PMID: 39086355 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.4c07599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/02/2024]
Abstract
Multifunctional micro-/nanomaterials featuring functional superiority and high value-added physicochemical nature have received immense attention in electrochemical energy storage. Microfluidic synthesis has become an emergent technology for massively producing multifunctional micro-/nanomaterials with tunable microstructure and morphology due to its rapid mass/heat transfer and precise fluid controllability. In this review, the latest progresses and achievements in microfluidic-synthesized multifunctional micro-/nanomaterials are summarized via reaction process intensification, multifunctional micro-/nanostructural engineering and electrochemical energy storage applications. The reaction process intensification mechanisms of various micro-/nanomaterials, including quantum dots (QDs), metal materials, conducting polymers, metallic oxides, polyanionic compounds, metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and two-dimensional (2D) materials, are discussed. Especially, the multifunctional structural engineering principles of as-fabricated micro-/nanomaterials, such as vertically aligned structure, heterostructure, core-shell structure, and tunable microsphere, are introduced. Subsequently, the electrochemical energy storage application of as-prepared multifunctional micro-/nanomaterials is clarified in supercapacitors, lithium-ion batteries, sodium-ion batteries, all-vanadium redox flow batteries, and dielectric capacitors. Finally, the current problems and future forecasts are illustrated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingjiang Wu
- National-Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Energy Conservation in Chemical Process Integration and Resources Utilization, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin 300130, China
| | - An Chen
- The State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, Department of Chemical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, P. R. China
| | - Xude Yu
- The State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, Department of Chemical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, P. R. China
| | - Zhicheng Tian
- The State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, Department of Chemical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, P. R. China
| | - Hao Li
- National-Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Energy Conservation in Chemical Process Integration and Resources Utilization, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin 300130, China
| | - Yanjun Jiang
- National-Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Energy Conservation in Chemical Process Integration and Resources Utilization, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin 300130, China
| | - Jianhong Xu
- The State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, Department of Chemical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, P. R. China
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Liu H, Sun R, Yang Y, Zhang C, Zhao G, Zhang K, Liang L, Huang X. Review on Microreactors for Photo-Electrocatalysis Artificial Photosynthesis Regeneration of Coenzymes. MICROMACHINES 2024; 15:789. [PMID: 38930759 PMCID: PMC11205774 DOI: 10.3390/mi15060789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2024] [Revised: 06/09/2024] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
In recent years, with the outbreak of the global energy crisis, renewable solar energy has become a focal point of research. However, the utilization efficiency of natural photosynthesis (NPS) is only about 1%. Inspired by NPS, artificial photosynthesis (APS) was developed and utilized in applications such as the regeneration of coenzymes. APS for coenzyme regeneration can overcome the problem of high energy consumption in comparison to electrocatalytic methods. Microreactors represent a promising technology. Compared with the conventional system, it has the advantages of a large specific surface area, the fast diffusion of small molecules, and high efficiency. Introducing microreactors can lead to more efficient, economical, and environmentally friendly coenzyme regeneration in artificial photosynthesis. This review begins with a brief introduction of APS and microreactors, and then summarizes research on traditional electrocatalytic coenzyme regeneration, as well as photocatalytic and photo-electrocatalysis coenzyme regeneration by APS, all based on microreactors, and compares them with the corresponding conventional system. Finally, it looks forward to the promising prospects of this technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haixia Liu
- Department of Bioengineering, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan 250300, China; (H.L.); (Y.Y.); (C.Z.); (G.Z.)
| | - Rui Sun
- Jiaxing Key Laboratory of Biosemiconductors, Xiangfu Laboratory, Jiashan 314102, China;
| | - Yujing Yang
- Department of Bioengineering, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan 250300, China; (H.L.); (Y.Y.); (C.Z.); (G.Z.)
| | - Chuanhao Zhang
- Department of Bioengineering, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan 250300, China; (H.L.); (Y.Y.); (C.Z.); (G.Z.)
| | - Gaozhen Zhao
- Department of Bioengineering, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan 250300, China; (H.L.); (Y.Y.); (C.Z.); (G.Z.)
| | - Kaihuan Zhang
- 2020 X-Lab, Shanghai Institute of Microsystem and Information Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200050, China;
| | - Lijuan Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Transducer Technology, Shanghai Institute of Microsystem and Information Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200050, China
- Center of Materials Science and Optoelectronics Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Xiaowen Huang
- Department of Bioengineering, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan 250300, China; (H.L.); (Y.Y.); (C.Z.); (G.Z.)
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Tang S, Zhang L, Tong Z, Wu Z, Wang H, Zhan P, Shao L, Qing Y, Wu Y, Liu J. Encapsulated lignin-based slow-release manganese fertilizer with reduced cadmium accumulation in rice (Oryza sativa L.). Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 262:130019. [PMID: 38331077 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.130019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
As an essential trace element for plant growth and development, manganese plays a crucial role in the uptake of the heavy metal cadmium by rice (Oryza sativa L.). In this study, we developed a novel slow-release manganese fertilizer named Mn@LNS-EL. Initially, lignin nanoparticles were derived from sodium lignosulfonate, and a one-step emulsification strategy was employed to prepare a water-in-oil-in-water (W/O/W) Pickering double emulsions. These double emulsions served as the template for interfacial polymerization of lignin nanoparticles and epichlorohydrin, resulting in the formation of microcapsule wall materials. Subsequently, manganese fertilizer (MnSO4) was successfully encapsulated within the microcapsules. Hydroponic experiments were conducted to investigate the effects of Mn@LNS-EL on rice growth and the cadmium and manganese contents in the roots and shoots of rice under cadmium stress conditions. The results revealed that the treatment with Mn@LNS-EL markedly alleviated the inhibitory effects of cadmium on rice growth, leading to notably lower cadmium levels in the rice roots and shoots compared to the specimens treated without manganese fertilizer. Specifically, there was a reduction of 37.9 % in the root cadmium content and a 17.1 % decrease in the shoot cadmium content. In conclusion, this study presents an innovative approach for the high-value utilization of lignin through effective encapsulation and slow-release mechanisms of trace-element fertilizers while offering a promising strategy for efficiently remediating cadmium pollution in rice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shifeng Tang
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha 410004, China; Ministry of Forestry Bioethanol Research Center, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha 410004, China; Hunan International Joint Laboratory of Woody Biomass Conversion, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha 410004, China
| | - Lin Zhang
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha 410004, China; Ministry of Forestry Bioethanol Research Center, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha 410004, China; Hunan International Joint Laboratory of Woody Biomass Conversion, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha 410004, China; Agricultural and Biological Engineering, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS), University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, United States.
| | - Zhaohui Tong
- School of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Renewable Bioproducts Institute, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, United States; Agricultural and Biological Engineering, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS), University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, United States
| | - Zhiping Wu
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha 410004, China; Ministry of Forestry Bioethanol Research Center, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha 410004, China; Hunan International Joint Laboratory of Woody Biomass Conversion, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha 410004, China
| | - Hui Wang
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha 410004, China; Ministry of Forestry Bioethanol Research Center, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha 410004, China; Hunan International Joint Laboratory of Woody Biomass Conversion, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha 410004, China
| | - Peng Zhan
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha 410004, China; Ministry of Forestry Bioethanol Research Center, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha 410004, China; Hunan International Joint Laboratory of Woody Biomass Conversion, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha 410004, China
| | - Lishu Shao
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha 410004, China; Ministry of Forestry Bioethanol Research Center, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha 410004, China; Hunan International Joint Laboratory of Woody Biomass Conversion, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha 410004, China
| | - Yan Qing
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha 410004, China; Ministry of Forestry Bioethanol Research Center, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha 410004, China; Hunan International Joint Laboratory of Woody Biomass Conversion, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha 410004, China
| | - Yougen Wu
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha 410004, China; Ministry of Forestry Bioethanol Research Center, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha 410004, China; Hunan International Joint Laboratory of Woody Biomass Conversion, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha 410004, China
| | - Jin Liu
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha 410004, China; Ministry of Forestry Bioethanol Research Center, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha 410004, China; Hunan International Joint Laboratory of Woody Biomass Conversion, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha 410004, China
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Yu X, Liu H, Ling S, Wu X, Lian C, Xu J. Microfluidic Printing of Vertically-Oriented Nanosheets/MOFs Hetero-Interface for Intensive Pseudocapacitive Storage. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2024; 20:e2305396. [PMID: 37797184 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202305396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 09/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
Efficient manufacture of electroactive vertically-oriented nanosheets with enhanced electrolyte mass diffusion and strong interfacial redox dynamics is critical for realizing high energy density of miniature supercapacitor (SC), but still challenging. Herein, microfluidic droplet printing is developed to controllably construct vertically-oriented graphene/ZIF-67 hetero-microsphere (VAGS/ZIF-67), where the ZIF-67 is coordinately grown on vertically-oriented graphene framework via Co─O─C bonds. The VAGS/ZIF-67 shows ordered porous channel, high electroactivity and strong interfacial interaction, providing rapid electrolyte diffusion dynamics and high faradaic capacitance in KOH solution (1674 F g-1 , 1004 C g-1 ), which are verified by computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and density functional theory (DFT). Moreover, the VAGS/ZIF-67 based SC exhibits large energy density (100 Wh kg-1 ), excellent durability (10 000 cycles and high/low temperature), and robust power-supply applications in portable electronics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xude Yu
- The State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, Department of Chemical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, P. R. China
| | - Hengyuan Liu
- The State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, Department of Chemical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, P. R. China
| | - Sida Ling
- The State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, Department of Chemical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, P. R. China
| | - Xingjiang Wu
- The State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, Department of Chemical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, P. R. China
| | - Cheng Lian
- The State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering and Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Hierarchical Nanomaterials, School of Chemical Engineering, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Jianhong Xu
- The State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, Department of Chemical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, P. R. China
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Zhang Z, Zhang Y, Tian Y, Fu Z, Guo J, He G, Li L, Zhao F, Guo X. Continuous Synthesis of Spherical Polyelectrolyte Brushes by Photo-Emulsion Polymerization in a Microreactor. Polymers (Basel) 2023; 15:4576. [PMID: 38231985 PMCID: PMC10708043 DOI: 10.3390/polym15234576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Nanosized spherical polyelectrolyte brushes (SPBs) are ideal candidates for the preparation of nanometal catalysts, protein separation, and medical diagnostics. Until now, SPBs have been synthesized by photo-emulsion polymerization in a batch reactor, which remains challenging to scale up. This paper reports a successful continuous preparation of SPBs by photo-emulsion polymerization in a self-made microreactor. The effects of residence time, monomer concentration, and feed ratios on the conversion of monomers and SPB structures are systematically investigated by dynamic lighting scattering and transmission electron microscopy. Poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) SPBs obtained in a microreactor exhibiting a narrow size distribution with a short reaction time are very effective in inhibiting the calcium carbonate scale and are comparable to those produced in a batch reactor. This work confirms the feasibility of continuous preparation and scaled-up production of SPBs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziyu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China; (Z.Z.); (Y.Z.); (Y.T.); (Z.F.); (G.H.); (L.L.); (F.Z.)
| | - Yuhua Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China; (Z.Z.); (Y.Z.); (Y.T.); (Z.F.); (G.H.); (L.L.); (F.Z.)
| | - Yang Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China; (Z.Z.); (Y.Z.); (Y.T.); (Z.F.); (G.H.); (L.L.); (F.Z.)
| | - Zhinan Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China; (Z.Z.); (Y.Z.); (Y.T.); (Z.F.); (G.H.); (L.L.); (F.Z.)
| | - Jiangtao Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China; (Z.Z.); (Y.Z.); (Y.T.); (Z.F.); (G.H.); (L.L.); (F.Z.)
| | - Guofeng He
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China; (Z.Z.); (Y.Z.); (Y.T.); (Z.F.); (G.H.); (L.L.); (F.Z.)
- Jiangsu Feymer Technology Co., Ltd., Zhangjiagang 215613, China
| | - Li Li
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China; (Z.Z.); (Y.Z.); (Y.T.); (Z.F.); (G.H.); (L.L.); (F.Z.)
| | - Fang Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China; (Z.Z.); (Y.Z.); (Y.T.); (Z.F.); (G.H.); (L.L.); (F.Z.)
| | - Xuhong Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China; (Z.Z.); (Y.Z.); (Y.T.); (Z.F.); (G.H.); (L.L.); (F.Z.)
- Institute of Bast Fiber Crops, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changsha 410205, China
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Falak S, Shin B, Kang C, Khan ZA, Huh DS. Novel Capturer-Catalyst Microreactor System with a Polypyrrole/Metal Nanoparticle Composite Incorporated in the Porous Honeycomb-Patterned Film. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2023; 15:44456-44468. [PMID: 37635296 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c07667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/29/2023]
Abstract
A composite of polypyrrole/metal nanoparticles (PPy/MNPs) was selectively incorporated into the pores of a honeycomb-patterned porous polycaprolactone polymer film to fabricate a novel capturer-catalyst microreactor system. This fabrication involved a modified breath figure method, where the polymer solution containing metal ions as an oxidizing agent was cast under humid conditions along with the pyrrole monomer through an interfacial reaction in a one-step in situ process. The higher hydrophilicity of the metal ions compared to the polymer solution led to their self-assembly around the pore surface, resulting in the selective incorporation of the PPy/MNP composite into the porous film. Copper (Cu), silver (Ag), and gold (Au) were used for the PPy/MNP fabrication. Various methods characterized the fabricated film. Strong catalytic degradations of methylene blue and methyl orange were obtained with PCL-PPy/MNPs. Recycling experiments showed no loss of activity even after five cycles of recycling. Comparative analysis of PCL-PPy, PCL-MNP, and PCL-PPy/MNP results indicated the synergistic action of PPy and MNPs in dye degradation. High-performance liquid chromatography and mass spectroscopy analyses confirmed dye degradation after treatment with a fabricated microreactor. PPy might have acted as a capturer of the dye molecule and MNPs as a catalyst, thereby enhancing the efficiency of dye degradation. Additionally, the PCL-PPy/Cu composite exhibited strong antimicrobial properties against Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli) with no cytotoxicity as measured by the MTT assay. Therefore, the fabricated microreactor film has promising applications in various fields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahkar Falak
- Department of Nano Science and Engineering, Center of Nano Manufacturing, Inje University, Gimhae City 50834, Republic of Korea
| | - Bokyoung Shin
- Department of Nano Science and Engineering, Center of Nano Manufacturing, Inje University, Gimhae City 50834, Republic of Korea
| | - Chaewon Kang
- Department of Nano Science and Engineering, Center of Nano Manufacturing, Inje University, Gimhae City 50834, Republic of Korea
| | - Zeeshan Ahmad Khan
- Department of Nano Science and Engineering, Center of Nano Manufacturing, Inje University, Gimhae City 50834, Republic of Korea
| | - Do Sung Huh
- Department of Nano Science and Engineering, Center of Nano Manufacturing, Inje University, Gimhae City 50834, Republic of Korea
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Aftab A, Ahmad B, Bashir S, Rafique S, Bashir M, Ghani T, Gul A, Shah AU, Khan R, Sajini AA. Comparative study of microscale and macroscale technique for encapsulation of Calotropis gigantea extract in metal-conjugated nanomatrices for invasive ductal carcinoma. Sci Rep 2023; 13:13474. [PMID: 37596340 PMCID: PMC10439222 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-39330-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The encapsulation of plant extract in nanomatrices has limitations due to its adhesion to walls, size control, high cost and long durations that results in low yield. Macroscale and microscale level techniques for development of micro/nanoparticles may impact the encapsulation of plant extract. This study aimed to evaluate the relative efficiency of microscale and macroscale techniques for encapsulation of plant extract, which is not compared yet. Keeping this in view, encapsulation of Calotropis gigantea leaves extract (CaG) was attained in silver-conjugated poliglusam nanomatrices (POL/Ag) to induce apoptosis in invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) cells. The ethanolic CaG extract was prepared using percolation method and characterized by chemical tests for its active phytochemical compounds. The droplet-based microfluidic system was utilized as microscale encapsulation technique for CaG in nanomatrices at two different aqueous to oil flow rate ratios 1.0:1.5, and 1.0:3.0. Moreover, conventional batch system was utilized as macroscale encapsulation technique consisted of hot plate magnetic stirrer. The prepared nanomatrices were analysed for antioxidant activity using DPPH test and for cytotoxicity analysis using MCF-7 cells. The characteristic peaks of UV-Vis, FTIR and XRD spectrum confirmed the synthesis of CaG(POL/Ag) by both the encapsulation methods. However, microfluidic system was found to be more expedient because of attaining small and uniform sized silver nanoparticles (92 ± 19 nm) at high flow rate and achieving high encapsulation efficiency (80.25%) as compared to the conventional batch method (52.5%). CaG(POL/Ag) nanomatrices found to have significant antioxidant activity (p = 0.0014) against DPPH radical scavenging activity. The CaG(POL/Ag) of the smallest sized formulated by the microfluidic system has also shown the highest cytotoxicity (90%) as compared to batch method (70%) at 80 µg/mL. Our results indicate that the microscale technique using microfluidic system is a more efficient method to formulate size-controlled CaG(POL/Ag) nanomatrices and achieve high encapsulation of plant extract. Additionally, CaG(Pol/Ag) was found to be an efficient new combination for inducing potent (p < 0.0001) apoptosis in IDC cells. Therefore, CaG(Pol/Ag) can be further tested as an anti-cancer agent for in-vivo experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayesha Aftab
- Department of Biological Sciences, International Islamic University, H10 Campus, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Bashir Ahmad
- Department of Biological Sciences, International Islamic University, H10 Campus, Islamabad, Pakistan.
| | - Shazia Bashir
- Department of Physics and Applied Mathematics, Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Islamabad, Pakistan.
| | - Saima Rafique
- Department of Physics, Air University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Bashir
- Department of Physics and Applied Mathematics, Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Tayyaba Ghani
- Department of Metallurgy and Material Engineering, PIEAS, Islamabad, 45650, Pakistan
| | - Asma Gul
- Department of Biological Sciences, International Islamic University, H10 Campus, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Atta Ullah Shah
- National Institute of Laser and Optronics (NILOP), Islamabad, 44000, Pakistan
| | - Ranjha Khan
- UCSF/Benioff Children's Hospital, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Abdulrahim A Sajini
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, Abu Dhabi, 127788, United Arab Emirates
- Healthcare Engineering Innovation Center (HEIC), Department of Biomedical Engineering, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, 127788, United Arab Emirates
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