Assessing the gas sensing capability of undoped and doped aluminum nitride nanotubes

CONTEXT

CO2 and CO gas sensors are very important to recognize the insulation situation of electrical tools. ToCO explore the application of noble metal doped of aluminum nitride nanotubes for gas sensors, DFT computations according to the first principal theory were applied to study sensitivity, adsorption attributes, and electronic manner. In this investigation, platinum-doped aluminum nitride nanotubes were offered for the first time to analyze the adsorption towards CO2 and CO gases. Firm construction of platinum-doped aluminum nitride nanotubes (Pt-AlNNT) was investigated in four feasible places, and the binding energy of firm construction is 1.314 eV. Respectively, the adsorption energy between the CO2 and Pt-AlNNT systems was - 2.107 eV, while for instance of CO, the adsorption energy was - 3.258 eV. The mentioned analysis and computations are considerable for studying Pt-AlNNT as a new CO2 and CO gas sensor for electrical tools insulation. The current study revealed that the Pt-AlNNT possesses high selectivity and sensitivity towards CO2 and CO.

METHODS

In this research, Pt-doped AlNNT (Pt-AlNNT) has been studied as sensing materials of CO and CO2 for the first time. The adsorption process of Pt-AlNNT has been computed and analyzed through the DFT approach. DFT computations by using B3LYP functional and 6-31 + G* basis sets have been applied in the GAMESS code for sensing attributes, which contribute to potential applications.

Removal of heavy metal ions from wastewater using two-dimensional transition metal carbides

Water is an indispensable material for human life. Unfortunately, the development of industrial activities has reduced the quality of water resources in the world. Meantime, heavy metals are an important factor in water pollution due to their toxicity. This study highlights the method for the capture of heavy metal ions from wastewater using the procedure of adsorption. The adsorption of toxic heavy metal ions (Pb2+, Hg2+, and Cd2+) on Ca2C as well as Cr2C carbide-nitride MXene monolayers is investigated using the density functional theory. We have carried out the optimization of the considered MXenes by nine DFT functionals: PBE, TPSS, BP86, B3LYP, TPSSh, PBE0, CAM-B3LYP, M11, and LC-WPBE. Our results have shown a good agreement with previously measured electronic properties of the Ca2C and Cr2C MXene layers and the PBE DFT method. The calculated cohesive energy for the Ca2C and Cr2C MXene monolayers are -4.12 eV and -4.20 eV, respectively, which are in agreement with the previous studies. The results reveal that the adsorbed heavy metal ions have a substantial effect on the electronic properties of the considered MXene monolayers. Besides, our calculations show that the metal/MXene structures with higher electron transport rates display higher binding energy as well as charge transfers between the metal and Ca2C and Cr2C layers. Time-dependent density functional analysis also displayed "ligand to metal charge transfer" excitations for the metal/MXene systems. The larger Ebin for the Pb@Ca2C as well as Pb@Cr2C are according to larger redshifts which are expected (Δλ = 45 nm and 71 nm, respectively). Our results might be helpful for future research toward the application of carbide-nitride MXene materials for removing wastewater pollutants.

Correlation between signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT 1), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and signal to noise ratio (SNR) value in otoacoustic emission (OAE) examination on organ of Corti cochlea due to cisplatin

Aim To assess the cochlear damage caused by cisplatin in the rat cochlea based on decreased signal to noise ratio (SNR) values on otoacoustic emission (OAE) examination and increased expression of signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT 1) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) on immunohistochemical examination. Methods Twenty-four Rattus norvegicus were divided into 4 groups and injected with 8 mg/kgBW of cisplatin intraperitoneally except for control group. The SNR on OAE examination were checked before the treatment and on day 3, 4, and 7 after the treatment. The cochleas were stained immunohistochemically, followed by assessment of the cochlear organ of Corti damage based on STAT 1 and VEGF expression. Results A decrease in the mean of SNR value was found in accordance with the length of cisplatin exposure. The STAT 1 and VEGF expression increased with duration of cisplatin exposure. A correlation was found between SNR values, STAT 1, and also VEGF expression (p<0.05). Conclusion An increase of STAT 1 and VEGF expression influences cochlear damage due to cisplatin administration. There was a correlation between STAT 1 and VEGF expression with SNR values in the cochlear organ of Corti of Rattus norvegicus exposed to cisplatin.

Application of CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing technology in various fields: A review

CRISPR-Cas9 has emerged as a revolutionary tool that enables precise and efficient modifications of the genetic material. This review provides a comprehensive overview of CRISPR-Cas9 technology and its applications in genome editing. We begin by describing the fundamental principles of CRISPR-Cas9 technology, explaining how the system utilizes a single guide RNA (sgRNA) to direct the Cas9 nuclease to specific DNA sequences in the genome, resulting in targeted double-stranded breaks. In this review, we provide in-depth explorations of CRISPR-Cas9 technology and its applications in agriculture, medicine, environmental sciences, fisheries, nanotechnology, bioinformatics, and biotechnology. We also highlight its potential, ongoing research, and the ethical considerations and controversies surrounding its use. This review might contribute to the understanding of CRISPR-Cas9 technology and its implications in various fields, paving the way for future developments and responsible applications of this transformative technology.

IN SILICO B-CELL EPITOPE VACCINE DESIGN AND PHYLOGENETIC ANALYSIS OF EBOLA VIRUS ENVELOPE GLYCOPROTEIN

Ebola virus (EBOV) is a type of RNA virus from the family of Filoviridae. The 2014-2016 Ebola outbreak in African countries Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone has a total of 28,616 cases and 11,310 deaths. People suffering from Ebola disease reported to have symptoms such as fever, body aches, diarrhea and internal and external bleeding. Death from Ebola is mostly caused by multi-organ failure due to internal bleeding and fluid loss. Another Ebola outbreak has spiked this February 2021, suggesting low effectivity of the previous vaccines used. Zaire Ebola virus (EBOV) is known to be the species highly involved on the recent outbreak with a high mortality rate. This study is carried out to design B-cell epitope Ebola vaccine based on the conserved region of Zaire EBOV glycoprotein. Reverse vaccinology and immunoinformatic approaches are used in this study. Samples of Zaire EBOV glycoprotein sequences were retrieved from GenBank, NCBI. The 3D modelling was done by using SWISS-MODEL web server and PyMol software. Phylogenetic tree analysis was also done by using MEGA X. B-cell epitope prediction was done by BepiPred 2.0 and Emini Surface Accessibility using IEDB web server. Epitopes were selected based on its conservancy by comparing the sequences with the MEGA X alignment result. Antigenicity, allergenicity and toxicity properties of the peptides were predicted using VaxiJen 2.0, AllerTOP 2.0 and ToxinPred web servers. In silico cloning was done as the final step using pET-24a(+) expression vector. This study revealed that peptide “LEIKKPD”, “TGFGTNETEYLF”, “PYFGPAA”, “PYFGPA”, and “KLSSTNQL” are the best candidate of B-cell epitope vaccine. Phylogenetic tree and 3D modelling successfully showed the genetic and structural differences of Zaire EBOV GP originating from various countries. In silico cloning was also done using pET28a(+) expression vector to design clone vector map to be used for the next phase of vaccine development.

Hydrocracking of crude palm oil to a biofuel using zirconium nitride and zirconium phosphide-modified bentonite

In this study, bentonite modified by zirconium nitride (ZrN) and zirconium phosphide (ZrP) catalysts was studied in the hydrocracking of crude palm oil to biofuels. The study demonstrated that bentonite was propitiously modified by ZrN and ZrP, as assessed by XRD, FTIR spectroscopy, and SEM-EDX analysis. The acidity of the bentonite catalyst was remarkably enhanced by ZrN and ZrP, and it showed an increased intensity in the Lewis acid and Brønsted acid sites, as presented by pyridine FTIR. In the hydrocracking application, the highest conversion was achieved by bentonite-ZrN at 8 mEq g⁻¹ catalyst loading of 87.93%, whereas bentonite-ZrP at 10 mEq g⁻¹ showed 86.04% conversion, which suggested that there was a strong positive correlation between the catalyst acidity and the conversion under a particular condition. The biofuel distribution fraction showed that both the catalysts produced a high bio-kerosene fraction, followed by bio-gasoline and oil fuel fractions. The reusability study revealed that both the catalysts had sufficient conversion stability of CPO through the hydrocracking reaction up to four consecutive runs with a low decrease in the catalyst activity. Overall, bentonite-ZrN dominantly favored the hydrocracking of CPO than bentonite-ZrP.

In this study, bentonite modified by zirconium nitride (ZrN) and zirconium phosphide (ZrP) catalysts was studied in the hydrocracking of crude palm oil to biofuels.

Enhanced Electrochemical Sensor for Electrocatalytic Glucose Analysis in Orange Juices and Milk by the Integration of the Electron-Withdrawing Substituents on Graphene/Glassy Carbon Electrode

In this work, a novel electrochemical sensor was developed by electron-withdrawing substituent modification of 1-phenyl-3-methyl-4-(4-fluorobenzoyl)-5-pyrazolone on a graphene-modified glassy carbon electrode (HPMpFP-graphene/GCE) for glucose detection. The results of characterizations using a scanning electron microscope, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy showed the successful fabrication of HPMpFP-graphene nanocomposite, which served as an electroactive probe for glucose detection. The electron transfer ability of HPMpFBP-graphene/GCE has been successfully revealed using cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy results. The good electrochemical performance was shown by well-defined peak currents of square wave voltammetry under various parameters, including pH, HPMpFP and graphene composition, and scan rate effect. A high electrochemically evaluated surface area using chronoamperometry suggested that the present glucose detection response was intensified. The chronoamperometry results at a work potential of 0.4 V presented a wide linear range of 1 × 10³-90 µM and 88-1 µM with 0.74 µM (S/N = 3) as the detection limit. An acceptable recovery has been revealed in the real sample analysis. The electrochemical sensing behaviour of the composite indicates that it may be a promising candidate for a glucose sensor and it significantly extends the range of applications in the electrochemical field.

Sensitive determination of uric acid at zinc layered hydroxide-sodium dodecyl sulphate-propoxur nanocomposites

An electrochemical chemical sensor for determination of uric acid (UA) with highly sensitive and widely working range was fabricated using zinc layered hydroxide-sodium dodecyl sulphate-propoxur (ZLH-SDS-PRO) nanocomposites modified with multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNT). Introduction of the ZLH-SDS-PRO as a conducting matrix has enhanced the conductivity of MWCNT. The ZLH-SDS-PRO/MWCNT morphology was characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), meanwhile the electrochemical behaviour of UA and K3[Fe(CN)6] at ZLH-SDS-PRO/MWCNT paste electrode was studied by square wave voltammetry (SWV) and cyclic voltammetry (CV), respectively. Under the optimized experimental conditions, the electrode established linear plot for UA from 7.0 µmol/L to 0.7 mmol/L (R2 = 0.9920) and the LOD was calculated to be 4.28 µmol/L (S/N = 3). The fabricated electrochemical electrode was successfully applied to urine samples and exhibit excellent stability and reproducibility, which made it worthwhile to be explored for analytical applications.

Herbal combination from Moringa oleifera Lam. and Curcuma longa L. as SARS-CoV-2 antiviral via dual inhibitor pathway: A viroinformatics approach

Context: The COVID-19 outbreak is caused by the transmission and infection of SARS-CoV-2 at the end of 2019. It has led many countries to implement lockdown policies to prevent the viral spreading. Problems arise in a COVID-19 patient because of viral infection that leads to a systemic response in the immune system, specifically due to cytokine storm. Moreover, the antiviral drugs that have not been found. Indonesia had a variety of traditional medicines, such as is ‘jamu’. It consists of a mixture of natural ingredients such as Moringa oleifera Lam. and Curcuma longa L. Aims: To identify the activity of dual inhibitors as antiviral and anti-inflammatory agents from herbal combination compounds. Methods: Sample was collected from PubChem (NCBI, USA) and Protein Data Bank (PDB), then drug-likeness analysis using Lipinski rule of five in SCFBIO web server and bioactive probability analysis of bioactive compounds were conducted by PASS web server. Furthermore, the blind docking method was performed using PyRx 0.8 software to determine the binding activity and molecular interaction by PoseView web server and PyMol software v2.4.1 (Schrödinger, Inc, USA). Results: Cryptochlorogenic acid and curcumin have been computationally proven as dual inhibitors for antivirals by inhibiting Mpro SARS-CoV-2 and as anti-inflammatory through inhibition of NFKB1 activity. However, the results are merely computational so that it must be validated through a wet lab research. Conclusions: The combination of Moringa oleifera Lam. and Curcuma longa L. is predicted to have antiviral and anti-inflammatory activity through dual inhibitor mechanism played by cryptochlorogenic acid and curcumin.

Carboxymethyl Cellulose Hydrogel Based Formulations of Zinc Hydroxide Nitrate-Sodium Dodecylsulphate-Bispyribac Nanocomposite: Advancements in Controlled Release Formulation of Herbicide

The usefulness of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) as a matrix material in enhancing the controlled release formulations of bispyribac (BP) herbicide from the interlayer gallery of zinc hydroxide nitratesodium dodecylsulphate-bispyribac (ZHN-SDS-BP) nanocomposite was investigated. The CMC coated nanocomposite, ZHN-SDS-BP-CMC was characterised using several instruments for the determination of its physicochemical properties. The release rates of the BP were measured using a UV spectrophotometer, and the aqueous solutions containing PO^3-₄ , SO^2-₄ and Cl^- were selected as release media in the release studies so as to mimic the real conditions of environmental soil. Significant release time delays, triggered by the gelation forming ability and hygroscopic nature of CMC, were observed in all release media, and the release processes were found to behave in a concentration-dependent manner in all release media. Fitting the release data into several kinetic models demonstrated that release in aqueous solutions of Na₃PO₄ and Na₂SO₄ was governed by pseudo second order processes, whereas the release in an aqueous NaCl solution was governed by the parabolic diffusion kinetic model. The potential of CMC in prolonging the release of BP from ZHN-SDS-BP-CMC can potentially help in reducing the pollution resulting from the overuse of pesticides.

The impact of a hygroscopic chitosan coating on the controlled release behaviour of zinc hydroxide nitrate–sodium dodecylsulphate–imidacloprid nanocomposites

The hydrophilic and hygroscopic nature of chitosan creates gel layer that slowed the ion exchange process between intercalated imidacloprid and incoming anion.

Zinc/Aluminium⁻Quinclorac Layered Nanocomposite Modified Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotube Paste Electrode for Electrochemical Determination of Bisphenol A

This paper presents the application of zinc/aluminium-layered double hydroxide-quinclorac (Zn/Al-LDH-QC) as a modifier of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) paste electrode for the determination of bisphenol A (BPA). The Zn/Al-LDH-QC/MWCNT morphology was examined by a transmission electron microscope and a scanning electron microscope. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy was utilized to investigate the electrode interfacial properties. The electrochemical responses of the modified electrode towards BPA were thoroughly evaluated by using square-wave voltammetry technique. The electrode demonstrated three linear plots of BPA concentrations from 3.0 × 10⁻⁸–7.0 × 10⁻⁷ M (R² = 0.9876), 1.0 × 10⁻⁶–1.0 × 10⁻⁵ M (R² = 0.9836) and 3.0 × 10⁻⁵–3.0 × 10⁻⁴ M (R² = 0.9827) with a limit of detection of 4.4 × 10⁻⁹ M. The electrode also demonstrated good reproducibility and stability up to one month. The presence of several metal ions and organic did not affect the electrochemical response of BPA. The electrode is also applicable for BPA determination in baby bottle and mineral water samples with a range of recovery between 98.22% and 101.02%.

DISAIN GEOMETRI REAKTOR FOTOSEL CAHAYA RUANG

This research aims to obtain reactor design photocells that can convert light energy into electrical energy space. Room light energy derived from sunlight that comes into the room and fluorescent light irradiation. Photocells reactor using a panel of copper oxide (Cu2O/CuO) of calcined Cu plate and filler electrolyte Na2SO4 0.5 N. The design of the geometry of the reactor photocells covering thickness of the glass pane, the distance between the electrodes, the interface layer, layer and coating reflector panels, and junction type np used. Reactor photocells 1 (R1) and 2 (R2) is identical in geometry to the thickness of the glass panel 3 mm thick reactor 15 mm without anti reflector, but the difference at the junction of type n, (R1 = plate Cu; R2 = plate Aluminum) generate 182.82 mW/m2 and 21119644.3 NW/m2. Design R3 (junction-type n = plate Cu) and R4 (junction-type n = plate Al), a panel thickness of 15 cm and has a layer anti reflector provide power 214.95 mW/m2 and 24163298.3 NW/m2. Design Reactor 5 (R5 = Cu) and R6 (Al), thickness of 9 mm, the distance between the electrodes 0:30 mm, using anti reflector carbon, giving each the power of 277.36 mW/m2 and 31258420.91 NW/m2. The most optimum reactor design is the design of R6 with 2:14% conversion capabilities (Intensity = 90.21 foot candles) for the sunlight into the room.

The usefulness of limited placental sampling in stillbirths

144 placentas were sampled from all cases of stillbirth weighing 500 g and above seen over a period of thirteen months in the UKM Unit of the Maternity Hospital, Kuala Lumpur. Sampling was limited to 1-3 blocks per placenta for histological study. Placental abnormalities were found in 121 (85%) placentas, 78 of which had definite lesions known to contribute to foetal death while the remainder showed lesions suggestive of an underlying disease. This study supports the usefulness of limited sampling of the placenta in the face of unavailability of complete placental examination and autopsy for assessment of the cause of stillbirth.