Magnetically controlled drug delivery and hyperthermia effects of core-shell Cu@Mn3O4 nanoparticles towards cancer cells in vitro

Recent increase in the integration of nanotechnology and nanosciences to the biomedical sector fetches the human wellness through the development of sustainable treatment methodologies for cancerous tumors at all stages of their initiation and progression. This involves the development of multifunctional theranostic probes that effectively support for the early cancer diagnosis, avoiding non-target cell toxicity, controlled and customized anticancer drug release etc. Therefore, to advance the field of nanotechnology-based sustainable cancer treatment, we fabricated and tested the efficacy of anticancer drug-loaded magnetic hybrid nanoparticles (NPs) towards in vitro cell culture systems. The developed conjugate of NPs was incorporated with the functions of both controlled drug delivery and heat-releasing ability using Mn3O4 (manganese oxide) magnetic core with Cu shell encapsulated within trimethyl chitosan (TMC) biopolymer. On characterization, the Cu@Mn3O4-TMC NPs were confirmed to have an approximate size of 130 nm with full agglomeration (as observed by the HRTEM) and crystal size of 92.95 ± 18.38 nm with tetragonal hausmannite phase for Mn3O4 spinel structure (XRD). Also, the UV-Vis and FTIR analysis provided the qualitative and quantitative effects of 5-fluororacil (5-Fu) anticancer drug loading (max 68 %) onto the Cu@Mn3O4-TMC NPs. The DLS analysis indicated for the occurrence of no significant changes to the particle size (around 100 nm) of Cu@Mn3O4-TMC due to the solution dispersion thereby confirming for the aqueous stability of developed NPs. In addition, the magnetization values of Cu@Mn3O4-TMC NPs were measured to be 34 emu/g and a blocking temperature of 42 K. Further tests of magnetic hyperthermia by the Cu@Mn3O4-TMC/5-Fu NPs provided that the heat-releasing capacity (% ΔT at 15 min) increases with that of increased frequency, i.e. 28 % (440 Hz) > 22.6 % (240 Hz) > 18 % (44 Hz), and the highest specific power loss (SPL) value observed to be 488 W/g for water. Moreover, the 5-Fu drug release studies indicate that the release is high at a pH of 5.2 and almost all the loaded drug is getting delivered under the influence of the external magnetic field (430 Hz) due to the influence of both Brownian-rotation and Néel relaxation heat-mediated mechanism. The pharmacokinetic drug release studies have suggested for the occurrence of more than one model, i.e. First-order, Higuchi (diffusion), and Korsemeyer-Peppas (non-Fickian), in addition to hyperthermia. Finally, the in vitro cell culture systems (MCF-7 cancer and MCF-10 non-cancer) helped to differentiate the physiological changes due to the effects of hyperthermia and 5-Fu drug individually and as a combination of both. The observed differences of cell viability losses among both cell types are measured and discussed with the expression of heat shock proteins (HSPs) by the MCF-10 cells as against the MCF-7 cancer cells. We believe that the results generated in this project can be helpful for the designing of new cancer therapeutic models with nominal adverse effects on healthy normal cells and thus paving a way for the treatment of cancer and other deadly diseases in a sustainable manner.

Enhancing Smart Sensor Tag Sensing Performance-Based on Modified Plasma-Assisted Electrochemical Exfoliated Graphite Nanosheet

Water that penetrates through cracks in concrete can corrode steel bars. There is a need for reliable and practical seepage sensing technology to prevent failure and determine the necessary maintenance for a concrete structure. Therefore, we propose a modified plasma-assisted electrochemical exfoliated graphite (MPGE) nanosheet smart tag. We conducted a comparative study of standard and modified RFID smart tags with sensor technology for seepage detection in concrete. The performance of both smart tags was tested and verified for seepage sensing in concrete, characterized by sensor code and frequency values. Seepage was simulated by cracking the concrete samples, immersing them for a designated time, and repeating the immersing phase with increasing durations. The test showed that the modified smart tag with 3% MPGE and an additional crosslinking agent provided the best sensitivity compared with the other nanosheet compositions. The presence of 3D segregated structures on the smart tag's sensing area successfully enhanced the sensitivity performance of seepage detection in concrete structures and is expected to benefit structural health monitoring as a novel non-destructive test method.

Engineered superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles for externally controlled hyperthermia, drug delivery, and therapeutic toxicity

<img src=” https://s3.amazonaws.com/production.scholastica/article/37603/large/prnano_832022ga.jpg?1660747427”> Nanotechnology and materials science are highly developing sectors where several new materials are investigated. One area includes iron oxide nanoparticles with superparamagnetic behavior. Since nanomaterials are prone to be associated with high levels of intrinsic toxicity and can have adverse effects if not properly guided. So, toxic mechanisms associated with nanomaterials are like that of a therapeutic drug or any other toxic compound. In that way, by ignoring the general pathways of cell death followed by the nanomaterials, the present report covers the points to control the growth of cancer cells by employing engineered nanoparticles (NPs) to induce therapeutic toxicity. We discuss the pathways for the induction of toxicity to the cancer cells using the superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) with and without surface ligands, and the ligand efficiency towards controlling toxicity is covered. Also, the therapeutic means of controlling the cancer cells, such as generating heat and releasing anticancer drugs in an externally organized manner, are also discussed. Overall, the report links the physical properties of SPIONs related to their natural or therapeutical toxicity by connecting physicochemical and toxicology principles.

A review on microplastics and nanoplastics in the environment: Their occurrence, exposure routes, toxic studies, and potential effects on human health

Microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) are emerging environmental pollutants, having a major ecotoxicological concern to humans and many other biotas, especially aquatic animals. The physical and chemical compositions of MPs majorly determine their ecotoxicological risks. However, comprehensive knowledge about the exposure routes and toxic effects of MPs/NPs on animals and human health is not fully known. Here this review focuses on the potential exposure routes, human health impacts, and toxicity response of MPs/NPs on human health, through reviewing the literature on studies conducted in different in vitro and in vivo experiments on organisms, human cells, and the human experimental exposure models. The current literature review has highlighted ingestion, inhalation, and dermal contacts as major exposure routes of MPs/NPs. Further, oxidative stress, cytotoxicity, DNA damage, inflammation, immune response, neurotoxicity, metabolic disruption, and ultimately affecting digestive systems, immunology, respiratory systems, reproductive systems, and nervous systems, as serious health consequences.

Microstructural Evolution, Tensile Failure, Fatigue Behavior and Wear Properties of Al2O3 Reinforced Al2014 Alloy T6 Heat Treated Metal Composites

The paper focused on an experimental study on the microstructural, mechanical, and wear characteristics of 15 wt.% alumina (Al₂O₃) particulates with an average particle size of 20 µm, reinforced in Al2014 alloy matrix composite as-cast and heat-treated samples. The metal matrix composite (MMC)samples were produced via a novel two-stage stir-casting technique. The fabricated composite samples were subjected to evaluate hardness, tensile strength, fatigue behavior and wear properties for both as cast and T6 heat-treated test samples. The Al2014 alloy and Al2014-15 wt.% Al₂O₃ MMCs were in solution for 1 h at a temperature of 525 °C, quenched instantly in cold water, and then artificially aged for 10 h at a temperature of 175 °C. SEM and X-ray diffraction analyses were used to investigate the microstructure and dispersion of the reinforced Al₂O₃ particles in the composite and the base alloy Al2014. The obtained results indicated that the hardness, tensile and fatigue strength and wear resistance increased when an amount of Al₂O₃ particles was added, compared to the as-cast Al2014 alloy and it was observed that after subjecting the same composite samples to heat treatment, there was further enhancement in the mechanical and wear properties in the Al2014 matrix alloy and Al2014-15 wt.% Al₂O₃ composite samples.

Recent biotechnological developments in reshaping the microalgal genome: A signal for green recovery in biorefinery practices

The use of renewable energy sources as a substitute for nonrenewable fossil fuels is urgently required. Algae biorefinery platform provides an excellent alternate to overcome future energy problems. However, to let this viable biomass be competent with existing feedstocks, it is necessary to exploit genetic manipulation and improvement in upstream and downstream platforms for optimal bio-product recovery. Furthermore, the techno-economic strategies further maximize metabolites production for biofuel, biohydrogen, and other industrial applications. The experimental methodologies in algal photobioreactor promote high biomass production, enriched in lipid and starch content in limited environmental conditions. This review presents an optimization framework combining genetic manipulation methods to simulate microalgal growth dynamics, understand the complexity of algal biorefinery to scale up, and identify green strategies for techno-economic feasibility of algae for biomass conversion. Overall, the algal biorefinery opens up new possibilities for the valorization of algae biomass and the synthesis of various novel products.

Surface-Enhanced Biocompatibility and Adsorption Capacity of a Zirconium Phosphate-Coated Polyaniline Composite

The present study deals with the synthesis, characterization, and testing of a novel composite, zirconium(IV) phosphate-coated polyaniline (ZrPO4@PANI), toward the adsorption- and surface-controlled toxicity applications. Following the synthesis of the ZrPO4@PANI composite using the sol-gel route, various characterization techniques such as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and powder X-ray diffraction were employed to confirm its surface functionality, morphology and agglomeration, and crystallinity and crystal nature, respectively. The composite was found to be effective toward the adsorptive removal of the methylene blue dye (an organic pollutant) as against the changes in the dye concentration, dose, pH, and so forth. Also, to understand the MB adsorption kinetics, the experimental data were evaluated using the Langmuir and Freundlich models and the results were described in accordance with the Langmuir isotherm model (an adsorption capacity of 120.48 mg/g at ambient temperature). In addition, the tests conducted using pseudo-first- and pseudo-second-order kinetic models confirmed the existence of pseudo-second-order rates. Furthermore, the calculation of thermodynamic parameters for the MB adsorption, namely, changes in enthalpy, entropy, and Gibbs' free energy, exhibited a spontaneous, feasible, and exothermic nature. Finally, the comparative studies of in vitro toxicity and flow cytometry confirmed that the copresence of ZrPO4 along with PANI significantly improved the biocompatibility. The outcome of the experimental results implies that the composite is capable enough of serving as the safe and low-cost adsorbent, in addition to supporting the effective capping of the surface toxicity of PANI.

Extraction and characterization of microalgae-derived phenolics for pharmaceutical applications: A systematic review

Microalgae are regarded as a rich trove of diverse secondary metabolites that exert remarkable biological activities. In particular, microalgae-derived bioactive phenolic compounds (MBPCs) are a boon to biopharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries due to their diverse bioactivities, including antimicrobial, anticancer, antiviral, and immunomodulatory activities. The state-of-the-art green technologies for extraction and purification of MBPCs, along with the modern progress in the identification and characterization of MBPCs, have accelerated the discovery of novel active pharmaceutical compounds. However, several factors regulate the production of these bioactive phenolic compounds in microalgae. Furthermore, some microalgae species produce toxic phenolic compounds that negatively impact the aquatic ecosystem, animal, and human life. Therefore, the focus of this review paper is to bring into light the current innovations in bioprospection, extraction, purification, and characterization of MBPCs. This review is also aimed at a better understanding of the physicochemical factors regulating the production of MBPCs at an industrial scale. Finally, the present review covers the recent advances in toxicological evaluation, diverse applications, and future prospects of MBPCs in biopharmaceutical industries.

Adsorption, Equilibrium Isotherm, and Thermodynamic Studies towards the Removal of Reactive Orange 16 Dye Using Cu(I)-Polyaninile Composite

To overcome some of the limitations of activated carbon like efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and reusability, the present work deals with Cu(I)-based polyaniline (PANI) composite for the removal of reactive orange 16 (RO16) dye. Following the synthesis and characterization of formed Cu(I)-PANI composite, the batch experiments performed for the removal of RO16 dye indicated that the composite has the capacity to reduce the coloring from RO16. The experiments were conducted for the study of effects against changes in pH, time, and dose at room temperature, where we observed for a pH impact on the dye adsorption capacity in the range of 2–12. Among all, the optimal RO16 removal was found to be 94.77% at a pH of 4 and in addition, the adsorption kinetics confirmed to be pseudo-second-order with more suitability towards the Langmuir isotherm, where it is presumed to be the formation of a monolayer of dye molecule at the homogeneous absorbent surface. The calculated maximum capacity, q_m, determined from the Langmuir model was 392.156 mg/g. Further application of isotherms to attain thermodynamic parameters, a slight positive value of ΔS° for RO16 adsorption was observed, meaning that there is an increased randomness in the irregular pattern at the specific Cu(I)-PANI interface for an adsorption process. This mechanism plays an essential role in maintaining the effects of water pollution; and, based on the analysis therefore, it is prominent that the Cu(I)-PANI composite can be employed as a promising and economical adsorbent for the treatment of RO16 and other dye molecules from the sewage in wastewater.

Improvement in NO2 Gas Sensing Properties of Semiconductor-Type Sensors by Loading Pt into BiVO4 Nanocomposites at Room Temperature

In the present study, we report the first attempt to prepare a conducive environment for Pt/BiVO₄ nanocomposite material reusability for the promotion of sustainable development. Here, the Pt/BiVO₄ nanocomposite was prepared using a hydrothermal method with various weight percentages of platinum for use in NO₂ gas sensors. The surface morphologies and structure of the Pt/BiVO₄ nanocomposite were characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The results showed that Pt added to BiVO₄ with 3 wt.% Pt/BiVO₄ was best at a concentration of 100 ppm NO₂, with a response at 167.7, and a response/recovery time of 12/35 s, respectively. The Pt/BiVO₄ nanocomposite-based gas sensor exhibits promising nitrogen dioxide gas-sensing characteristics, such as fast response, highly selective detection, and extremely short response/recovery time. Additionally, the mechanisms of gas sensing in Pt/BiVO₄ nanocomposites were explored in this paper.

Bio-inspired graphene-based nano-systems for biomedical applications

The increasing demands of environmentally sustainable, affordable, and scalable materials have inspired researchers to explore greener nanosystems of unique properties which can enhance the performance of existing systems. Such nanosystems, extracted from nature, are state-of-art high-performance nanostructures due to intrinsic hierarchical micro/nanoscale architecture and generous interfacial interactions in natural resources. Among several, bio-inspired nanosystems graphene nanosystems have emerged as an essential nano-platform wherein a highly electroactive, scalable, functional, flexible, and adaptable to a living being is a key factor. Preliminary investigation project bio-inspired graphene nanosystems as a multi-functional nano-platform suitable for electronic devices, energy storage, sensors, and medical sciences application. However, a broad understanding of bio-inspired graphene nanosystems and their projection towards applied application is not well-explored yet. Considering this as a motivation, this mini-review highlights the following; the emergence of bio-inspired graphene nanosystems, over time development to make them more efficient, state-of-art technology, and potential applications, mainly biomedical including biosensors, drug delivery, imaging, and biomedical systems. The outcomes of this review will certainly serve as a guideline to motivate scholars to design and develop novel bio-inspired graphene nanosystems to develop greener, affordable, and scalable next-generation biomedical systems.

Perspective on the Therapeutic Applications of Algal Polysaccharides

Abstract

Algae are an enormous source of polysaccharides and have gained much interest in human flourishing as organic drugs. Algal polysaccharides have aroused interest in the health sector owing to the various bioactivities namely anticancer, antiviral, immunoregulation, antidiabetic and antioxidant effects. The research community has comprehensively described the importance of algal polysaccharides regarding their extraction, purification, and potential use in various sectors. However, regardless of all the intriguing properties and potency in the health sector, these algal polysaccharides deserve detailed investigation. Hence, the present review emphasizes extensively on the previous and latest developments in the extraction, purification, structural properties and therapeutic bioactivities of algal polysaccharides to upgrade the knowledge for further advancement in this area of research. Moreover, the review also addresses the challenges, prospective research gaps and future perspective. We believe this review can provide a boost to upgrade the traditional methods of algal polysaccharide production for the development of efficacious drugs that will promote human welfare.

Graphic Abstract

Consequences of COVID-19 pandemic on solid waste management: Scenarios pertaining to developing countries

Undoubtedly the most searched and spoken word of last year is coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19), which initially originated in Wuhan, China near the end of 2019. COVID‐19 is a disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2). Albeit almost all countries shut down their borders to prevent rapid spread of the virus. However, the number of cases continues to increase in developing countries at a faster rate due to community and cluster transmission. The severity of this epidemic made it a pandemic as it progressed to over 200 countries. The World Health Organization (WHO), governments, and national disease control and prevention units worked together to break the chain and are working to contain the catastrophic impact of COVID‐19. They formulated and recommended various guidelines like social distancing, frequent hand washing, and social distancing to inhibit the spread of the virus. WHO also advised that the general population and medical personnel wear face masks, face shields, gloves, and aprons. As a result, this waste category has substantially increased and, if not disposed of properly, may cause the infection or help to catalyze COVID‐19. In developing countries, poor solid waste management may aggravate chances of spreading COVID‐19. Sustainable solid waste management is a critical parameter for the health, wellbeing, and development of society. The measures adopted to contain and restrict the spread of the COVID‐19 pandemic and minimize the degrees of freedom in commercial events affected solid waste management considerably. During this crucial time, the services provided by waste management agencies and personnel are invaluable and these services help to prevent the improper disposal of waste, which may lead to health risks due to the spread of COVID. COVID‐19 is a new and novel virus and experts are learning more about it overtime and with evolving science. This review paper provides insight into different types of solid wastes generated during the pandemic, their consequences, and the implication of various policies.

Conductive Polymer (Graphene/PPy)-BiPO4 Composite Applications in Humidity Sensors

In this particular experiment, a chain of conductive polymer graphene/polypyrrole (Gr/PPy) and BiPO₄—or (Gr/PPy)–BiPO₄—materials were prepared and used as moisture-sensitive materials. The structure and morphology of the conductive polymer (Gr/PPy)–BiPO₄ materials were analyzed using an X-ray diffractometer, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Moreover, properties such as hysteresis loop, impedance, sensing response, and response and recovery time were calculated and evaluated using an inductance–capacitance–resistance analyzer. The data expressed that PPy/BiPO₄, as prepared in this study, exhibited excellent sensing properties, with impedance changing by only a few orders of range. Furthermore, the response time and time of recovery were 340 s and 60 s, respectively, and negligible humidity hysteresis occurred at different relative humidities. Therefore, conductive PPy/BiPO₄, as prepared in the present study, is an excellent candidate for application in humidity sensors.

Gr/3D-ZnO Nanocomposites as Humidity Sensors with Enhanced Sensing Response

This work introduces a novel humidity sensor based on a nanocomposite material comprising graphene decorated with three-dimensional flower-like structures of zinc oxide (Gr/3D–ZnO) fabricated via a hydrothermal method with various weight percentages of graphene. The surface structure and morphology of the Gr/3D–ZnO nanocomposite were analyzed using XRD, EDS, SEM, TEM, and Raman spectroscopy. The influence of humidity on the electrical properties of the nanocomposite was also investigated. Experiment results revealed that the nanocomposite with 70 wt% of graphene provided high sensitivity (S = 446) with rapid response times (120 s) and recovery times (160 s). These results demonstrate the excellent potential of the proposed Gr/3D–ZnO nanocomposite in monitoring atmospheric humidity. A discussion on the mechanism underlying the effects of humidity on the Gr/3D–ZnO nanocomposite is also provided.

Advancements in research and development to combat COVID-19 using nanotechnology

The whole world is currently facing a global health crisis due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic caused by SARS coronavirus 2, which started in Wuhan City, China, in December 2019. The pandemic has affected 235 countries, areas or territories and infected over 42 million people across the globe as per WHO update on 27 October 2020. More than 1.1 million people have died and the numbers are increasing daily. However, some drugs have been authorized for emergency treatment of patients, medication and vaccines with proven efficacy to prevent and treat the disease is still under various phases of development. The entire world is consistently making efforts to address three major challenges related to COVID-19 including prevention of its spread, prompt and early diagnosis and treatment of patients to save lives. Touted as one of the game-changing technologies of the century, nanotechnology has huge potential to develop solutions against these three major challenges of the disease. Nanotechnology comprises of multidisciplinary prospects encompassing diverse disciplines including medicine, material science, artificial intelligence, environment, virology, physical sciences, chemistry and biology. The numerous challenges can be addressed through the engineering of the various physicochemical properties of materials presents in abundance in nature. Various claims, studies and reports on research and development to combat these challenges associated with COVID-19 have been collectively discussed in this article from the perspectives of nanotechnology.

Consequences of COVID-19 pandemic on solid waste management: Scenarios pertaining to developing countries

Undoubtedly the most searched and spoken word of last year is coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which initially originated in Wuhan, China near the end of 2019. COVID-19 is a disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Albeit almost all countries shut down their borders to prevent rapid spread of the virus. However, the number of cases continues to increase in developing countries at a faster rate due to community and cluster transmission. The severity of this epidemic made it a pandemic as it progressed to over 200 countries. The World Health Organization (WHO), governments, and national disease control and prevention units worked together to break the chain and are working to contain the catastrophic impact of COVID-19. They formulated and recommended various guidelines like social distancing, frequent hand washing, and social distancing to inhibit the spread of the virus. WHO also advised that the general population and medical personnel wear face masks, face shields, gloves, and aprons. As a result, this waste category has substantially increased and, if not disposed of properly, may cause the infection or help to catalyze COVID-19. In developing countries, poor solid waste management may aggravate chances of spreading COVID-19. Sustainable solid waste management is a critical parameter for the health, wellbeing, and development of society. The measures adopted to contain and restrict the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic and minimize the degrees of freedom in commercial events affected solid waste management considerably. During this crucial time, the services provided by waste management agencies and personnel are invaluable and these services help to prevent the improper disposal of waste, which may lead to health risks due to the spread of COVID. COVID-19 is a new and novel virus and experts are learning more about it overtime and with evolving science. This review paper provides insight into different types of solid wastes generated during the pandemic, their consequences, and the implication of various policies.

A novel hydraulic fracturing gel realization for unconventional reservoirs

Abstract

Coal bed methane reservoirs possess low to ultra-low permeability. In order to improve the production from CBM wells, stimulation techniques were deployed.

Background

This article reviews the most cost-effective, time-saving, and eco-friendly fracturing fluid which is a mix of water, guar gum, and sodium acetate. This article also provides a detailed study of hydraulic fracturing in unconventional reservoirs.

Results

Unlike using diesel, biodiesel we have prepared a cost-effective frac-fluid which is not having any smoke point which depicts it as eco-friendly fluid. In this method there is no requirement of anti-settling agents, suspending agents, emulsifiers. Gel breakers are more efficient to break the linear gel.

Conclusion

The breakers inorganic compound ammonium persulfate and hemicellulose liquid. A reaction takes place on linear gel as it breaks slowly at down hole static temperature at 50 °C and 65 °C. So, experimental studies also prove this method is applicable for unconventional reservoir operations.

A Novel Co₃O₄-BiPO₄ Nanoarchitectonics Material Preparation for the Electrocatalytic Detection of Epinephrine

A novel sensing material of cobalt oxide-bismuth phosphate (Co₃O₄-BiPO₄) was prepared by the hydrothermal method. Thus prepared sensing material was characterized by X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The sensor was used for the determination of epinephrine by using modified Co₃O₄-BiPO₄ on glassy carbon electrode (GCE). The cyclic voltammetry (CV) and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) methods showed a wide linear response to a concentration range, from 1.71 to 55.00 μM, and the epinephrine detection limit for this sensing system was found to be 1.334 μM. The Co₃O₄-BiPO₄ electrode has very high selectivity towards the detection of epinephrine supported by an interference test. The epinephrine sensor seems very advantageous for future clinical health and medical sectors.

Novel and Environmentally Friendly Synthesis of Pimavanserin (5-HT2A Receptor)

Eco-friendly synthesis of pimavanserin was developed from the key starting material 4-isobutoxy benzylamine in three different routes using water as solvent. These reactions provide an advantage of easy workup, good yields of products and uses water as the solvent. No column purification was required for the isolation of the product.

Cardanol based benzoxazine blends and bio-silica reinforced composites: thermal and dielectric properties

In the present work, a novel cardanol based benzoxazine was synthesised by reacting three different amines (aniline (CrAb), N,N-dimethylaminopropylamine (CrDb) and caprolactam modified N,N-dimethylaminopropylamine (CrCb)) with cardanol in the presence of formaldehyde under appropriate experimental conditions.

Promotion effect of Pd on TiO2 for visible light photocatalytic degradation of gaseous formaldehyde

TiO2 and Pd doped TiO2 (Pd/TiO2) nanoparticles were prepared by sol gel method. Pd/TiO2 material was characterized by XRD, TEM, TPR, XPS and BET. From XRD data, the crystalline type of TiO2 is known to as Anatase type. TiO2 and Pd/TiO2 were in the order of 9-10 nm and 10-13 nm respectively. The photocatalytic activities of the TiO2 and Pd/TiO2 nanomaterials were evaluated and compared for the photodegradation of formaldehyde (HCHO). HCHO degradation on Pd/TiO2 catalyst, at 60 min, the degradation rate of gaseous HCHO is 95%. Using Pd/TiO2, the rate was faster than TiO2 or doped with other metals (Au/TiO2; Ag/TiO2; Pt/TiO2).

Optical studies of pulsed laser deposited nanostructured Pb(Zr0.52Ti0.48)O3 thin film by spectroscopic ellipsometry

Pulsed laser deposition method was employed to grow nanostructured Pb(Zr0.52Ti0.48)O3 (PZT) thin film on Si(100) substrate. The structural and morphological properties of the thin film were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) respectively. Optical properties of PZT thin film were studied using spectroscopic ellipsometry (SE) and a four layer model was applied. Spectra of ellipsometric parameters such as psi and delta were measured as a function of energy at room temperature. The refractive index (n), extinction coefficient (k), absorption coefficient (alpha) and the dielectric constants (epsilon(r) and epsilon(i)) of the thin film were obtained as a function of wavelength (200 to 900 nm range). The energy gap (E(g)) of the PZT thin film was estimated to be 3.65 eV. The thickness of the thin films was determined by the ellipsometric data (524 nm) and grain size is found to be in the range of 50-100 nm.

Drug Embedded PVP Coated Magnetic Nanoparticles for Targeted Killing of Breast Cancer Cells

Magnetic drug targeting is a drug delivery system that can be used in loco-regional cancer treatment. Coated magnetic particles, called carriers, are very useful for delivering chemotherapeutic drugs. Magnetic carriers were synthesized by co-precipitation of iron oxide followed by coating with polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP). Characterization was performed using X-ray diffraction, TEM, TGA, FTIR and UV-Vis Spectroscopy. Magnetite (Fe3O4) remained as the core of the carrier. The amount of PVP bound to the iron oxide nanoparticles was estimated by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and the attachment of PVP to the iron oxide nanoparticles confirmed by FTIR analysis. The loading efficiency of Epirubicin hydrochloride onto the PVP coated and uncoated iron oxide nanoparticles was measured at intervals such as 1 hr and 24 hrs by UV-Vis Spectroscopy. The binding of Epirubicin hydrochloride to the PVP coated and uncoated iron oxide nanoparticles were confirmed by FTIR analysis. The present findings showed that Epirubicin hydrochloride loaded PVP coated iron oxide nanoparticles are promising for magnetically targeted drug delivery. The drug displayed increased cell cytotoxicity at lower concentrations when conjugated with the nanoparticles than being administered conventionally as individual drugs.

Pulsed laser deposition and ferroelectric characterization of nanostructured perovskite lead zirconate titanate (52/48) thin films

Perovskite lead zirconate titanate nanostructured (PZT) thin films with Zr/Ti ratio of 52/48 were deposited on Pt/TiO2/SiO2/Si(100) substrate using pulsed laser deposition method. A metal/ ferroelectric/metal (MFM) structure was used for ferroelectric property measurements, formed by depositing gold electrode on top of the film. A Nd:YAG UV laser having a wavelength of 355 nm and an energy fluence of -2.7 J/cm2 was used to deposit the film. The film was deposited on platinum (Pt) coated silicon substrate at the substrate temperature of 600 degrees C and the base vacuum of 10(-6) mbar. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images revealed well-crystallized films with a fine microstructure and an average grain size of - 50 nm. The ferroelectric properties of the film were studied and the results were discussed. The voltage dependent Polarization versus Electric field hysteresis measurements of PZT (52/48) pellet showed a well-defined hysteresis loop with a fairly high remnant polarization (P(r)) and low coercive field (E(c)).