Transparent Structures for ZnO Thin Film Paper Transistors Fabricated by Pulsed Electron Beam Deposition

Thin film transistors on paper are increasingly in demand for emerging applications, such as flexible displays and sensors for wearable and disposable devices, making paper a promising substrate for green electronics and the circular economy. ZnO self-assembled thin film transistors on a paper substrate, also using paper as a gate dielectric, were fabricated by pulsed electron beam deposition (PED) at room temperature. These self-assembled ZnO thin film transistor source-channel-drain structures were obtained in a single deposition process using 200 and 300 µm metal wires as obstacles in the path of the ablation plasma. These transistors exhibited a memory effect, with two distinct states, "on" and "off", and with a field-effect mobility of about 25 cm2/Vs in both states. For the "on" state, a threshold voltage (Vth on = -1.75 V) and subthreshold swing (S = 1.1 V/decade) were determined, while, in the "off" state, Vth off = +1.8 V and S = 1.34 V/decade were obtained. A 1.6 μA maximum drain current was obtained in the "off" state, and 11.5 μA was obtained in the "on" state of the transistor. Due to ZnO's non-toxicity, such self-assembled transistors are promising as components for flexible, disposable smart labels and other various green paper-based electronics.

Enhancing SiGeSn nanocrystals SWIR photosensing by high passivation in nanocrystalline HfO2 matrix

SiGeSn nanocrystals (NCs) in oxides are of considerable interest for photo-effect applications due to the fine-tuning of the optical bandgap by quantum confinement in NCs. We present a detailed study regarding the silicon germanium tin (SiGeSn) NCs embedded in a nanocrystalline hafnium oxide (HfO2) matrix fabricated by using magnetron co-sputtering deposition at room temperature and rapid thermal annealing (RTA). The NCs were formed at temperatures in the range of 500-800 °C. RTA was performed to obtain SiGeSn NCs with surfaces passivated by the embedding HfO2 matrix. The formation of NCs and β-Sn segregation were discussed in relation to the deposition and processing conditions by employing HRTEM, XRD and Raman spectroscopy studies. The spectral photosensitivity exhibited up to 2000 nm in short-wavelength infrared (SWIR) depending on the Sn composition was obtained. Comparing to similar results on GeSn NCs in SiO2 matrix, the addition of Si offers a better thermal stability of SiGeSn NCs, while the use of HfO2 matrix results in better passivation of NCs increasing the SWIR photosensitivity at room temperature. These results suggest that SiGeSn NCs embedded in an HfO2 matrix are a promising material for SWIR optoelectronic devices.

Thorough Wide-Temperature-Range Analysis of Pt/SiC and Cr/SiC Schottky Contact Non-Uniformity

This paper evaluates the non-uniformity degree of platinum and chromium Schottky contacts on silicon carbide. The forward characteristics of experimental samples were acquired in a wide, 60-500 K, temperature range. Microstructural and conventional electrical characterizations were performed, revealing the presence of inhomogeneities on the contact surface. The main parameters were extracted using inhomogeneity models of varying complexity levels. Their relevance is discussed with respect to the models' applicable, limited, temperature ranges. Finally, complete forward curve fitting was achieved using p-diode modeling, evincing that each type of contact behaves as four parallel-connected ideal diodes. Since these parallel diodes have varying influences on the overall device current with temperature and bias, operable domains can be identified where the samples behave suitably.

Ideonella sakaiensis Can Metabolize Bisphenol A as a Carbon Source

Bisphenol A and its analogues represent a significant environmental and public health hazard, particularly affecting the endocrine systems of children and newborns. Due to the growing need for non-pathogenic biodegradation microbial agents as environmentally friendly and cost-effective solutions to eliminate endocrine disruptors, this study aimed to investigate the degradation of bisphenol A by Ideonella sakaiensis, based on its currently understood unique enzymatic machinery that is already well known for degrading polyethylene terephthalate. The present study provides novel insights into the metabolic competence and growth particularities of I. sakaiensis. The growth of I. sakaiensis exposed to bisphenol A exceeded that in the control conditions, starting with 72 h in a 70% nutrient-rich medium and starting with 48 h in a 100% nutrient-rich medium. Computational modeling showed that bisphenol A, as well as its analogue bisphenol S, are possible substrates of PETase and MHETase. The use of bisphenol A as a carbon and energy source through a pure I. sakaiensis culture expands the known substrate spectra and the species' potential as a new candidate for bisphenol A bioremediation processes.

Spectral Analysis of Strontium-Doped Calcium Phosphate/Chitosan Composite Films

Strontium-doped calcium phosphate/chitosan films were synthetized on silicon substrates using the radio-frequency magnetron sputtering technique and the matrix-assisted pulsed laser evaporation technique. The deposition conditions associated with the radio-frequency magnetron sputtering discharge, in particular, include the high temperature at the substrate, which promotes the formation of strontium-doped tetra calcium phosphate layers. The physical and chemical processes associated with the deposition of chitosan on strontium-doped calcium phosphate layers were investigated using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy, and Scanning Electron Microscopy. Mass spectrometry coupled with laser induced ablation of the composite films proved to be a useful tool in the detection of the molecular ions characteristic to chitosan chemical structure.

The Nephroprotective Effect of Cornelian Cherry (Cornus mas L.) and Rowanberry (Sorbus aucuparia L.) in Gentamicin-Induced Nephrotoxicity on Wistar Rats with Emphasis on the Evaluation of Novel Renal Biomarkers and the Antioxidant Capacity in Correlation with Nitro-Oxidative Stress

In spite of its well-known nephrotoxicity, gentamicin is nonetheless routinely used in humans and animals. However, no adjuvant treatments have been implemented to mitigate this harmful effect. Given this concern, medicinal plants represent a significant reservoir of natural antioxidants that could potentially reduce the renal oxidative stress induced by gentamicin. Therefore, the main objective of this research was to investigate the nephroprotective properties of Cornus mas and Sorbus aucuparia fruits in an experimental model of nephrotoxicity. The 3-week study was performed on male Wistar rats, which were randomly divided into six experimental groups, being subcutaneously treated with 50 mg/kg gentamicin and orally given Cornus mas and Sorbus aucuparia extracts, in doses of 40 mg/kg and 10 mg/kg, respectively. Antioxidant therapy significantly improved the nitro-oxidative stress parameters as well as the specific renal biomarkers KIM-1 and iNAG, demonstrating a considerable renal tubular protective impact. These outcomes were reinforced by biochemical and histopathological enhancements. Nevertheless, neither of the tested extracts succeeded in substantially diminishing BUN levels. Additionally, CysC did not significantly decline following extracts treatment, suggesting that the remedies did not effectively protect renal glomeruli against gentamicin stress. Future studies are required in order to determine the underlying mechanisms of these berries.

Selectivity of MOFs and Silica Nanoparticles in CO2 Capture from Flue Gases

Until reaching climate neutrality by attaining the EU 2050 level, the current levels of CO2 must be mitigated through the research and development of resilient technologies. This research explored potential approaches to lower CO2 emissions resulting from combustion fossil fuels in power plant furnaces. Different nanomaterials (MOFs versus silica nanoparticles) were used in this context to compare their effectiveness to mitigate GHG emissions. Porous materials known as metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are frequently employed in sustainable CO2 management for selective adsorption and separation. Understanding the underlying mechanism is difficult due to their textural characteristics, the presence of functional groups and the variation in technological parameters (temperature and pressure) during CO2-selective adsorption. A silica-based nanomaterial was also employed in comparison. To systematically map CO2 adsorption as a function of the textural and compositional features of the nanomaterials and the process parameters set to a column-reactor system (CRS), 160 data points were collected for the current investigation. Different scenarios, as a function of P (bar) or as a function of T (K), were designed based on assumptions, 1 and 5 vs. 1-10 (bar) and 313.15 and 373.15 vs. 313.15-423.15 (K), where the regression analyses through Pearson coefficients of 0.92-0.95, coefficients of determination of 0.87-0.90 and p-values < 0.05, on predictive and on-site laboratory data, confirmed the performances of the CRS.

Silver nanoparticles decorated ZnO-CuO core-shell nanowire arrays with low water adhesion and high antibacterial activity

Nanostructured surfaces based on silver nanoparticles decorated ZnO-CuO core-shell nanowire arrays, which can assure protection against various environmental factors such as water and bacteria were developed by combining dry preparation techniques namely thermal oxidation in air, radio frequency (RF) magnetron sputtering and thermal vacuum evaporation. Thus, high-aspect-ratio ZnO nanowire arrays were grown directly on zinc foils by thermal oxidation in air. Further ZnO nanowires were coated with a CuO layer by RF magnetron sputtering, the obtained ZnO-CuO core-shell nanowires being decorated with Ag nanoparticles by thermal vacuum evaporation. The prepared samples were comprehensively assessed from morphological, compositional, structural, optical, surface chemistry, wetting and antibacterial activity point of view. The wettability studies show that native Zn foil and ZnO nanowire arrays grown on it are featured by a high water droplet adhesion while ZnO-CuO core-shell nanowire arrays (before and after decoration with Ag nanoparticles) reveal a low water droplet adhesion. The antibacterial tests carried on Escherichia coli (a Gram-negative bacterium) and Staphylococcus aureus (a Gram-positive bacterium) emphasize that the nanostructured surfaces based on nanowire arrays present excellent antibacterial activity against both type of bacteria. This study proves that functional surfaces obtained by relatively simple and highly reproducible preparation techniques that can be easily scaled to large area are very attractive in the field of water repellent coatings with enhanced antibacterial function.

Integrating (Nutri-)Metabolomics into the One Health Tendency-The Key for Personalized Medicine Advancement

Metabolomics is an advanced technology, still under development, with multiple research applications, especially in the field of health. Individual metabolic profiles, the functionality of the body, as well as its interaction with the environment, can be established using this technology. The body's response to various external factors, including the food consumed and the nutrients it contains, has increased researchers' interest in nutrimetabolomics. Establishing correlations between diet and the occurrence of various diseases, or even the development of personalized nutrition plans, could contribute to advances in precision medicine. The interdependence between humans, animals, and the environment is of particular importance today, with the dramatic emergence and spread of zoonotic diseases, food, water and soil contamination, and the degradation of resources and habitats. All these events have led to an increase in risk factors for functional diseases, burdening global health. Thus, this study aimed to highlight the importance of metabolomics, and, in particular, nutrimetabolomics, as a technical solution for a holistic, collaborative, and precise approach for the advancement of the One Health strategy.

Biocomposite Coatings Doped with Magnesium and Zinc Ions in Chitosan Matrix for Antimicrobial Applications

Hydroxyapatite doped with magnesium and zinc in chitosan matrix biocomposites have great potential for applications in space technology, aerospace, as well as in the biomedical field, as a result of coatings with multifunctional properties that meet the increased requirements for wide applications. In this study, coatings on titanium substrates were developed using hydroxyapatite doped with magnesium and zinc ions in a chitosan matrix (MgZnHAp_Ch). Valuable information concerning the surface morphology and chemical composition of MgZnHAp_Ch composite layers were obtained from studies that performed scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), metallographic microscopy, and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The wettability of the novel coatings, based on magnesium and zinc-doped biocomposites in a chitosan matrix on a titanium substrate, was evaluated by performing water contact angle studies. Furthermore, the swelling properties, together with the coating's adherence to the titanium substrate, were also analyzed. The AFM results emphasized that the composite layers exhibited the surface topography of a uniform layer, and that there were no evident cracks and fissures present on the investigated surface. Moreover, antifungal studies concerning the MgZnHAp_Ch coatings were also carried out. The data obtained from quantitative antifungal assays highlight the strong inhibitory effects of MgZnHAp_Ch against C. albicans. Additionally, our results underline that after 72 h of exposure, the MgZnHAp_Ch coatings display fungicidal features. Thus, the obtained results suggest that the MgZnHAp_Ch coatings possess the requisite properties that make them suitable for use in the development of new coatings with enhanced antifungal features.

Dextran-Coated Iron Oxide Nanoparticles Loaded with 5-Fluorouracil for Drug-Delivery Applications

This study aims to design and test different formulations composed of dextran-coated iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) loaded with 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) with varying nanoparticle:drug ratios on colorectal cancer cells. The stable suspension of IONPs s was synthesized by the adapted co-precipitation method. The stable suspension of IONPs was mixed with a solution of dextran and 5-FU solubilized in a saline solution. The final suspensions with optimized ratios of IONP:5-FU in the final suspension were 0.5:1, 1:1, and 1.5:1. The information on the morphology and size distribution of the IONPs suspension and IONP loads with 5-FU was obtained using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The presence of 5-FU and dextran on the surface of the IONPs was highlighted by energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) studies. The determination of the surface charge of the nanoparticles in the final suspensions of IONP:5-FU was achieved by measuring the zeta potential (ζ). The hydrodynamic diameter of the resulting suspensions of IONP:5-FU was determined by dynamic light scattering (DLS). A cytocompatibility analysis was performed using Caco-2 (human epithelial colorectal adenocarcinoma) cells. In this research, our goal was to find a relationship between the formulation ratio of nanoparticles and drug, and the cellular response after exposure, as a strategy to increase the efficacy of this drug-delivery system. The nanoparticle uptake and antitumor activity, including modulation of oxidative stress, apoptosis, and proliferation biomarkers, were analyzed. The present study showed that the nanoformulation with the ratio IONP:5-FU 1.5:1 had the highest anti-tumor efficiency. Moreover, decreased MCM-2 expression in Caco-2 cells exposed to dextran-coated iron oxide nanoparticles loaded with 5-FU was demonstrated for the first time.

Flexible Electromagnetic Shielding Nano-Composites Based on Silicon and NiFe2O4 Powders

In this paper, the obtaining and characterization of five experimental models of novel polymer composite materials with ferrite nano-powder are presented. The composites were obtained by mechanically mixing two components and pressing the obtained mixture on a hot plate press. The ferrite powders were obtained by an innovative economic co-precipitation route. The characterization of these composites consisted of physical and thermal properties: hydrostatic density, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and TG DSC thermal analyses, along with functional electromagnetic tests in order to demonstrate the functionality of these materials as electromagnetic shields (magnetic permeability, dielectric characteristics, and shielding effectiveness). The purpose of this work was to obtain a flexible composite material, applicable to any type of architecture for the electrical and automotive industry, necessary for protection against electromagnetic interference. The results demonstrated the efficiency of such materials at lower frequencies, but also in the microwave domain, with higher thermal stability and lifetime.

Effects of Dopants and Processing Parameters on the Properties of ZnO-V2O5-Based Varistors Prepared by Powder Metallurgy: A Review

This article reviews the progress in developing ZnO-V₂O₅-based metal oxide varistors (MOVs) using powder metallurgy (PM) techniques. The aim is to create new, advanced ceramic materials for MOVs with comparable or superior functional properties to ZnO-Bi₂O₃ varistors using fewer dopants. The survey emphasizes the importance of a homogeneous microstructure and desirable varistor properties, such as high nonlinearity (α), low leakage current density (J_L), high energy absorption capability, reduced power loss, and stability for reliable MOVs. This study investigates the effect of V₂O₅ and MO additives on the microstructure, electrical and dielectric properties, and aging behavior of ZnO-based varistors. The findings show that MOVs with 0.25-2 mol.% V₂O₅ and MO additives sintered in air over 800 °C contain a primary phase of ZnO with a hexagonal wurtzite structure and several secondary phases that impact the MOV performance. The MO additives, such as Bi₂O₃, In₂O₃, Sb₂O₃, transition element oxides, and rare earth oxides, act as ZnO grain growth inhibitors and enhance the density, microstructure homogeneity, and nonlinearity. Refinement of the microstructure of MOVs and consolidation under appropriate PM conditions improve their electrical properties (J_L ≤ 0.2 mA/cm², α of 22-153) and stability. The review recommends further developing and investigating large-sized MOVs from the ZnO-V₂O₅ systems using these techniques.

Inhibition of Tumor Growth and Modulation of Antioxidant Activity of Rhodoxanthin Isolated from Taxus baccata Aril against B16F10 Murine Malignant Melanoma

Malignant melanoma is the most aggressive type of skin cancer, and due to the numerous limitations of current treatment methods, there is an urgent need to develop novel approaches for both the prevention and treatment of malignant melanoma, with research-oriented bioactive substances representing a notable first step. The current study decided to expand on previous rhodoxanthin research by investigating the possible anti-tumor effect as well as the effect on the antioxidant status in the case of murine melanoma in an experimental model. The 21-day study was carried out on female C57BL/6J mice. On the first day of the experiment, they were subcutaneously inoculated with 106 B16F10 cells and were given rhodoxanthin orally until the end of the study. Rhodoxanthin supplementation significantly reduced tumor growth (42.18%) and weight (15.74%). Furthermore, the epidermal growth factor (EGF) activity was reduced and the concentration of 8-OHdG dropped in the treated melanoma-bearing mice compared to the untreated ones, demonstrating the role of rhodoxanthin in slowing tumor growth, one of the mechanisms being the reduction of EGF level and the decrease of DNA oxidation. The administration of rhodoxanthin determined variations in antioxidant enzymes, both at the plasma level and at the tissue level.

Recent Advances in the Antiproliferative and Proapoptotic Activity of Various Plant Extracts and Constituents against Murine Malignant Melanoma

Although conventional medicine, chemical drug synthesis and pharmaceutical research are advancing at a rapid pace, nature remains a major supplier of biological molecules. Natural bioactive compounds are studied closely especially as an alternative to the limitations of conventional therapy in many diseases, melanoma being one of them. Malignant melanoma is a highly aggressive type of cancer, and the current methods of treatment used are cryotherapy, external surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, photodynamic therapy, biological therapy, and targeted drug therapy. Unfortunately, these treatment methods are often inefficient, extremely expensive and cause many side effects, which is why focusing on melanoma chemoprevention and adjuvant therapy with natural herbal phytoconstituents is an emerging strategy to prevent, cure or treat melanoma. This review aims to examine the latest discoveries in terms of potential natural bioactive compounds that possess important activity against the development and spread of murine melanoma cancer. In particular, the use of different phytochemicals such as phenolic acids, flavonoids, anthocyanins, terpenoids, essential oils and carotenoids in vitro and in vivo models will be discussed. These data are helpful in guiding researchers in the direction of studying phytonutrients with important effects in the prevention and treatment of melanoma.

Multifunctional Leather Surface Design by Using Carbon Nanotube-Based Composites

This paper deals with original research in smart leather surface design for the development of multifunctional properties by using multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT)-based nanocomposites. The conductive properties were demonstrated for both sheepskin and bovine leather surfaces for 0.5% MWCNTs in finishing nanocompositions with prospects for new material design intended for flexible electronics or multifunctional leathers. The photocatalytic properties of bovine leather surface treated with 0.5% MWCNTs were shown against an olive oil stain after visible light exposure and were attributed to reactive oxygen species generation and supported by contact angle measurements in dynamic conditions. The volatile organic compounds' decomposition and antibacterial tests confirmed the self-cleaning experimental conclusions. Ultraviolet protection factor had excellent values for leather surfaces treated with multi-walled carbon nanotube and the fastness resistance tests showed improved performance compared to control samples. Scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray (SEM-EDX), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and attenuated total reflection-Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy analysis confirmed the influence of different leather surfaces on MWCNT dispersion with an effect on nanoparticle reactivity and efficiency in self-cleaning properties. Multifunctional leather surfaces were designed and demonstrated through MWCNT-based nanocomposite use under conventional finishing conditions.