Bioinspired Graphene Oxide-Magnetite Nanocomposite Coatings as Protective Superhydrophobic Antifouling Surfaces.

Antifouling (AF) nanocoatings made of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) are more cost-efficient and eco-friendly substitutes for the already outlawed tributyltin-based coatings. Here, a catalytic hydrosilation approach was used to construct a design inspired by composite mosquito eyes from non-toxic PDMS nanocomposites filled with graphene oxide (GO) nanosheets decorated with magnetite nanospheres (GO-Fe3O4 nanospheres). Various GO-Fe3O4 hybrid nanofillers were dispersed into the PDMS resin through a solution casting method to evaluate the structure-property relationship. A simple coprecipitation procedure was used to fabricate magnetite nanospheres with an average diameter of 30-50 nm, a single crystal structure, and a predominant (311) lattice plane. The uniform bioinspired superhydrophobic PDMS/GO-Fe3O4 nanocomposite surface produced had a micro-/nano-roughness, low surface-free energy (SFE), and high fouling release (FR) efficiency. It exhibited several advantages including simplicity, ease of large-area fabrication, and a simultaneous offering of dual micro-/nano-scale structures simply via a one-step solution casting process for a wide variety of materials. The superhydrophobicity, SFE, and rough topology have been studied as surface properties of the unfilled silicone and the bioinspired PDMS/GO-Fe3O4 nanocomposites. The coatings' physical, mechanical, and anticorrosive features were also taken into account. Several microorganisms were employed to examine the fouling resistance of the coated specimens for 1 month. Good dispersion of GO-Fe3O4 hybrid fillers in the PDMS coating until 1 wt % achieved the highest water contact angle (158° ± 2°), the lowest SFE (12.06 mN/m), micro-/nano-roughness, and improved bulk mechanical and anticorrosion properties. The well-distributed PDMS/GO-Fe3O4 (1 wt % nanofillers) bioinspired nanocoating showed the least biodegradability against all the tested microorganisms [Kocuria rhizophila (2.047%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (1.961%), and Candida albicans (1.924%)]. We successfully developed non-toxic, low-cost, and economical nanostructured superhydrophobic FR composite coatings for long-term ship hull coatings. This study may expand the applications of bio-inspired functional materials because for multiple AF, durability and hydrophobicity are both important features in several industrial applications.

Durable graphene-based alkyd nanocomposites for surface coating applications.

Recently, the scientific community's main goal is the long-term sustainability. Vegetable oils are easily accessible, non-depletable, and cost-effective materials. Vegetable oils are used to prepare polymeric alkyd surfaces. Novel and exciting designs of alkyd/graphene nanocomposites have provided eco-friendly thermal stability and protective coating surfaces. This review has briefly described important graphene-based alkyd nanocomposites along with their applications as protective coatings. These alkyd composites have high hydrophobicity, corrosion resistance, and durability. Graphene-based alkyd nanocoatings have many industrial and research interests because of their exceptional thermal and chemical properties. This work introduces an advanced horizon for developing protective nanocomposite coatings. The anti-corrosion properties and coatings' longevity may be improved by combining the synergistic effects of hybrid nanofillers introduced in this work.

Advances in Poultry Vaccines: Leveraging Biotechnology for Improving Vaccine Development, Stability, and Delivery.

With the rapidly increasing demand for poultry products and the current challenges facing the poultry industry, the application of biotechnology to enhance poultry production has gained growing significance. Biotechnology encompasses all forms of technology that can be harnessed to improve poultry health and production efficiency. Notably, biotechnology-based approaches have fueled rapid advances in biological research, including (a) genetic manipulation in poultry breeding to improve the growth and egg production traits and disease resistance, (b) rapid identification of infectious agents using DNA-based approaches, (c) inclusion of natural and synthetic feed additives to poultry diets to enhance their nutritional value and maximize feed utilization by birds, and (d) production of biological products such as vaccines and various types of immunostimulants to increase the defensive activity of the immune system against pathogenic infection. Indeed, managing both existing and newly emerging infectious diseases presents a challenge for poultry production. However, recent strides in vaccine technology are demonstrating significant promise for disease prevention and control. This review focuses on the evolving applications of biotechnology aimed at enhancing vaccine immunogenicity, efficacy, stability, and delivery.

Robust and Superhydrophobic Polydimethylsiloxane/Ni@Ti3C2Tx Nanocomposite Coatings with Assembled Eyelash-Like Microstructure Array: A New Approach for Effective Passive Anti-Icing and Active Photothermal Deicing.

To solve the problem of ice condensation and adhesion, it is urgent to develop new anti-icing and deicing technologies. This study presented the development of a highly efficient photothermal-enhanced superhydrophobic PDMS/Ni@Ti3C2Tx composite film (m-NMPA) fabricated cost-effectively and straightforwardly. This film was fabricated utilizing PDMS as a hydrophobic agent, adhesive, and surface protector, while Ni@Ti3C2Tx as a magnetic photothermal filler innovatively. Through a simple spraying method, the filler is guided by a strong magnetic field to self-assemble into an eyelash-like microstructure array. The unique structure not only imparts superhydrophobic properties to the surface but also constructs an efficient "light-capturing" architecture. Remarkably, the m-NMPA film demonstrates outstanding superhydrophobic passive anti-icing and efficient photothermal active deicing performance without the use of fluorinated chemicals. The micro-/nanostructure of the film forms a gas layer, significantly delaying the freezing time of water. Particularly under extreme cold conditions (-30 °C), the freezing time is extended by a factor of 7.3 compared to the bare substrate. Furthermore, under sunlight exposure, surface droplets do not freeze. The excellent photothermal performance is attributed to the firm anchoring of nickel particles on the MXene surface, facilitating effective "point-to-face" photothermal synergy. The eyelash-like microarray structure enhances light-capturing capability, resulting in a high light absorption rate of 98%. Furthermore, the microstructure aids in maintaining heat at the uppermost layer of the surface, maximizing the utilization of thermal energy for ice melting and frost thawing. Under solar irradiation, the m-NMPA film can rapidly melt approximately a 4 mm thick ice layer within 558 s and expel the melted water promptly, reducing the risk of secondary icing. Additionally, the ice adhesion force on the surface of the m-NMPA film is remarkably low, with an adhesion strength of approximately 4.7 kPa for a 1 × 1 cm2 ice column. After undergoing rigorous durability tests, including xenon lamp weathering test, pressure resistance test, repeated adhesive tape testing, xenon lamp irradiation, water drop impact testing, and repeated brushing with hydrochloric acid and particles, the film's surface structure and superhydrophobic performance have remained exceptional. The photothermal superhydrophobic passive anti-icing and active deicing technology in this work rely on sustainable solar energy for efficient heat generation. It presents broad prospects for practical applications with advantages such as simple processing method, environmental friendliness, outstanding anti-icing effects, and exceptional durability.

Ru(II) Complex Grafted Ti3C2Tx MXene Nano Sheet with Photothermal/Photodynamic Synergistic Antibacterial Activity.

For a long time, the emergence of microbial drug resistance due to the abuse of antibiotics has greatly reduced the therapeutic effect of many existing antibiotics. This makes the development of new antimicrobial materials urgent. Light-assisted antimicrobial therapy is an alternative to antibiotic therapy due to its high antimicrobial efficiency and non-resistance. Here, we develop a nanocomposite material (Ru@MXene) which is based on Ru(bpy)(dcb)2+ connected to MXene nanosheets by ester bonding as a photothermal/photodynamic synergistic antibacterial material. The obtained Ru@MXene nanocomposites exhibit a strengthened antimicrobial capacity compared to Ru or MXene alone, which can be attributed to the higher reactive oxygen species (ROS) yield and the thermal effect. Once exposed to a xenon lamp, Ru@MXene promptly achieved almost 100% bactericidal activity against Escherichia coli (200 µg/mL) and Staphylococcus aureus (100 µg/mL). This is ascribed to its synergistic photothermal therapy (PTT) and photodynamic therapy (PDT) capabilities. Consequently, the innovative Ru@MXene can be a prospective non-drug antimicrobial therapy that avoids antibiotic resistance in practice. Notably, this high-efficiency PTT/PDT synergistic antimicrobial material by bonding Ru complexes to MXene is the first such reported model. However, the toxic effects of Ru@MXene materials need to be studied to evaluate them for further medical applications.

Serum Transforming Growth Factor ß1 and Its Genetic Variants Are Associated with Increased Macrophage Inflammatory Protein 1ß and Susceptibility to Idiopathic Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a common entrapment neuropathy in which one of the body's peripheral nerves becomes pinched or crushed. Transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-ß1) plays an important role in the pathogenesis of CTS. An association between TGF-ß1 polymorphisms and the susceptibility or progression of a number of diseases has been reported. In this study, three TGF-ß1 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), serum TGF-ß1, and macrophage inflammatory protein 1 beta (MIP-1ß) were investigated as potential diagnostic markers for the progression of CTS in Egyptian patients. One hundred CTS patients and 100 healthy controls were recruited for the study. TGF-ß1 SNPs +915G/C, -509C/T and -800G/A were determined by TaqMan genotyping assay. Serum TGF-ß1 and MIP-1ß levels were measured by ELISA. Serum TGF-ß1 and MIP-1ß levels increased significantly and were strongly correlated with the occurrence of CTS. The C allele of +915G/C, the T allele of -509C/T, and the G allele of -800G/A occurred more frequently in patients from CTS than in controls. The serum levels of TGF-ß1 and MIP-1ß in the group of carriers of the genotypes +915G/C GC and CC, the genotype -509C/T TT and the genotype -800G/A GA and AA were significantly higher in CTS patients. TGF-ß1 and its +915G/C, -509C/T, and -800G/A SNPs and MIP-1ß could be useful prognostic markers for the occurrence of CTS.

Polymorphic renal transporters and cisplatin's toxicity in urinary bladder cancer patients: current perspectives and future directions.

Urinary bladder cancer (UBC) holds a potentially profound social burden and affects over 573,278 new cases annually. The disease's primary risk factors include occupational tobacco smoke exposure and inherited genetic susceptibility. Over the past 30 years, a number of treatment modalities have emerged, including cisplatin, a platinum molecule that has demonstrated effectiveness against UBC. Nevertheless, it has severe dose-limiting side effects, such as nephrotoxicity, among others. Since intracellular accumulation of platinum anticancer drugs is necessary for cytotoxicity, decreased uptake or enhanced efflux are the root causes of platinum resistance and response failure. Evidence suggests that genetic variations in any transporter involved in the entry or efflux of platinum drugs alter their kinetics and, to a significant extent, determine patients' responses to them. This review aims to consolidate and describe the major transporters and their polymorphic variants in relation to cisplatin-induced toxicities and resistance in UBC patients. We concluded that the efflux transporters ABCB1, ABCC2, SLC25A21, ATP7A, and the uptake transporter OCT2, as well as the organic anion uptake transporters OAT1 and OAT2, are linked to cisplatin accumulation, toxicity, and resistance in urinary bladder cancer patients. While suppressing the CTR1 gene's expression reduced cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity, inhibiting the expression of the MATE1 and MATE2-K genes has been shown to increase cisplatin's nephrotoxicity and resistance. The roles of ABCC5, ABCA8, ABCC10, ABCB10, ABCG1, ATP7B, ABCG2, and mitochondrial SLC25A10 in platinum-receiving urinary bladder cancer patients should be the subject of further investigation.

Immobilized arginine/tryptophan-rich cyclic dodecapeptide on reduced graphene oxide anchored with manganese dioxide for microbial biofilm eradication.

To avoid the accumulation of bacterial biofilms in water pipelines, it is critical to develop potent antimicrobial agents with good ability to reduce extracellular polymeric substances (EPS). In this study, cyclic dodecapeptides were synthesized, and different mutations for increasing the ratio of arginine (Arg) and tryptophan (Trp) were introduced. Separately, the synthesized dodecapeptides were immobilized on a reduced graphene oxide nanocomposite anchored with a hierarchical ß-MnO2 (RGO/ß-MnO2) hybrid. With a minimum inhibitory concentration of 0.97 g/mL, the immobilized Arg-Trp rich antimicrobial peptides (AMP) on RGO/MnO2 nanocomposite, Cdp-4/RGO/MnO2, showed superior efficacy against multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 15692 (P. aeruginosa) planktonic cells. The immobilized Cdp-4/RGO/ß-MnO2 also eradicated the mature biofilm by 99% with a minimum inhibitory concentration value of 62.5 µg/mL with significant reduction of EPS. These characteristics allow the use of the immobilized Arg-Trp rich AMP as a promising antimicrobial agent against microbial biofilms, present in water distribution systems.

Synergistic Effect of Multifunctional Layered Double Hydroxide-Based Hybrids and Modified Phosphagen with an Active Amino Group for Enhancing the Smoke Suppression and Flame Retardancy of Epoxy.

To improve the fire hazard of epoxy resin (EP), phosphomolybdate (PMoA), as a classical Keggin cluster, was successfully intercalated into Mg, Al, and Zn layered double hydrotalcite (LDH) by the reconstruction method, and it was denoted as MgAlZn-LDH-PMoA. The structure and morphology of MgAlZn-LDH-PMoA were characterized by X-ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Subsequently, hexa(4-aminophenoxy)cyclotriphosphazene (HACP) was prepared and characterized as a high-performance organic flame retardant, which is rich in flame elements phosphorus and nitrogen. The synergistic effects of MgAlZn-LDH-PMoA and HACP on the fire safety of EP composites loaded with different amounts of flame retardant hybrids were studied in detail. Thermogravimetric analysis showed that the char residue of these EP composites increased significantly. Compared with the EP matrix filled with only MgAlZn-LDH-PMoA or HACP, the incorporation of MgAlZn-LDH-PMoA and HACP had a synergistic effect on promoting char formation of EP composites. Particularly, the char yield of EP7 is as high as 29.0%. Furthermore, the synergistic effects of incorporation of MgAlZn-LDH-PMoA with HACP were investigated using the cone calorimeter combustion tests. The results showed that the total heat release and peak heat release rate of the EP composites remarkably declined by 35.2 and 50.9%, respectively, with a loading of 7 wt % hybrid flame retardant. Moreover, the hybrid flame retardants also showed an obvious inhibitory effect on the total smoke production and the release of toxic CO gas. The detailed analysis of the residual char indicated that the main mechanism for improving the flame retardancy and smoke suppression performance is due to both the catalytic carbonization of MgAlZn-LDH-PMoA and phosphoric acid compounds and physical barrier function of the char layer. In addition, the molybdenum oxides produced from [PMo12O40]3- during combustion can not only increase the yield and compactness of the char layer but also reduce the release of CO through a redox reaction, which has important application value to reduce the fire hazard.

A comparative study between two novel silicone/graphene-based nanostructured surfaces for maritime antifouling.

Two novel superhydrophobic nanocomposite series of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) enriched with reduced graphene oxide (RGO) and graphene oxide/boehmite nanorods (GO-γ-AlOOH) nanofillers were synthesized as maritime fouling-release (FR) surfaces. Controlling the nanofillers' structures and distribution in the silicone matrix influenced the self-cleaning and antifouling properties. γ-AlOOH nanorods had a single crystallinity with an average diameter of 10-20 nm and < 200 nm length. A hydrothermal method was used to prepare RGO, while the chemical deposition method was used to synthesis GO-γ-AlOOH nanocomposites for use as fouling-release coating materials. For studying the synergetic effects of graphene-based materials on the surface, mechanical, and FR features, these nanofillers were dispersed in the silicone matrix using the solution casting method. The hydrophobicity and antifouling properties of the surface were studied using water contact angle (WCA), scanning electron, and atomic force microscopes (SEM and AFM). Coatings' roughness, superhydrophobicity, and surface mechanical properties all improved for the homogeneity of the dispersion of the nanocomposite. Laboratory assessments were carried out for 30 days using selected microorganisms to determine the antifouling effects of the coating systems. PDMS/GO-γ-AlOOH nanorod composite had better antibacterial activity than PDMS/RGO nanocomposite against different bacterial strains. This is caused by the high surface area and stabilizing effects of the GO-γ-AlOOH hybrid nanofillers. The PDMS/GO-γ-AlOOH nanorod composite (3 wt%) had the lowest biodegradability percentage (1.6%) and the microbial endurability percentages for gram-positive, gram-negative, and fungi were 86.42%, 97.94%, and 85.97%, respectively. A field trial in natural seawater was conducted to confirm the coatings' FR performance based on the screening process and image analysis for 45 days in a tropical area. The most profound superhydrophobic antifouling nanostructured coating was the homogeneity of the GO-γ-AlOOH (3 wt%) dispersion, which had a WCA of 151° and a rough surface.

Vancomycin-Loaded Furriness Amino Magnetic Nanospheres for Rapid Detection of Gram-Positive Water Bacterial Contamination.

Bacterial pathogens pose high threat to public health worldwide. Different types of nanomaterials have been synthesized for the rapid detection and elimination of pathogens from environmental samples. However, the selectivity of these materials remains challenging, because target bacterial pathogens commonly exist in complex samples at ultralow concentrations. In this study, we fabricated novel furry amino magnetic poly-L-ornithine (PLO)/amine-poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)-COOH/vancomycin (VCM) (AM-PPV) nanospheres with high-loading VCM for vehicle tracking and the highly efficient capture of pathogens. The magnetic core was coated with organosilica and functionalized with cilia. The core consisted of PEG/PLO loaded with VCM conjugated to Gram-positive bacterial cell membranes, forming hydrogen bonds with terminal peptides. The characterization of AM-PPV nanospheres revealed an average particle size of 56 nm. The field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) micrographs showed well-controlled spherical AM-PPV nanospheres with an average size of 56 nm. The nanospheres were relatively rough and contained an additional 12.4 nm hydrodynamic layer of PLO/PEG/VCM, which provided additional stability in the suspension. The furry AM-PPV nanospheres exhibited a significant capture efficiency (>90%) and a high selectivity for detecting Bacillus cereus (employed as a model for Gram-positive bacteria) within 15 min, even in the presence of other biocompatible pathogens. Moreover, AM-PPV nanospheres rapidly and accurately detected B. cereus at levels less than 10 CFU/mL. The furry nano-design can potentially satisfy the increasing demand for the rapid and sensitive detection of pathogens in clinical and environmental samples.

Engineering nanoscale hierarchical morphologies and geometrical shapes for microbial inactivation in aqueous solution.

Here, we study the effect of hierarchical and one-dimensional (1D) metal oxide nanorods (H-NRs) such as γ-Al2O3, ß-MnO2, and ZnO as microbial inhibitors on the antimicrobial efficiency in aqueous solution. These microbial inhibitors are fabricated in a diverse range of nanoscale hierarchical morphologies and geometrical shapes that have effective surface exposure, and well-defined 1D orientation. For instance, γ-Al2O3 H-NRs with 20 nm width and ˂0.5 µm length are grown dominantly in the [400] direction. The wurtzite structures of ß-MnO2 H-NRs with 30 nm width and 0.5-1 µm length are preferentially oriented in the [100] direction. Longitudinal H-NRs with a width of 40 nm and length of 1 µm are controlled with ZnO wurtzite structure and grown in [0001] direction. The antimicrobial efficiency of H-NRs was evaluated through experimental assays using a set of microorganisms (Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus thuriginesis, and Bacillus subtilis) and Gram-negative (Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) bacteria. Minimal inhibitory and minimum bactericidal concentrations (MIC and MBC) were determined. These 1D H-NRs exhibited antibacterial activity against all the used strains. The active surface exposure sites of H-NRs play a key role in the strong interaction with the thiol units of vital bacterial enzymes, leading to microbial inactivation. Our finding indicates that the biological effect of the H-NR surface planes on microbial inhibition is decreased in the order of [400]-γ-Al2O3 > [100]-ß-MnO2 > [0001]-ZnO geometrics. The lowest key values including MIC (1.146 and 0.250 µg/mL), MBC (1.146, 0.313 µg/mL), and MIC/MFC (0.375 and 0.375 µg/mL) are achieved for [400]-plane γ-Al2O3 surfaces when tested against Gram-positive and -negative bacteria, respectively. Among the three H-NRs, the smallest diameter size and length, the largest surface area, and the active exposure [400] direction of γ-Al2O3 H-NRs could provide the highest microbial inactivation.

Controlled-synthesis of alumina-graphene oxide nanocomposite coupled with DNA/ sulfide fluorophore for eco-friendly "Turn off/on" H2S nanobiosensor.

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is a toxic environmental pollutant and crucial gas-signaling agent of human physiology. There is an urgent need for developing a sensitive and selective detection approach for H2S. Herein, a novel turn off/on response approach using γ-Al2O3 nanorods anchored on the surface graphene oxide (GO) nanosheets and coupled with DNA/sulfide fluorophore (SF) for H2S detection at room temperature was developed. The fluorescent fluorophore, DNA/SF, remains quenched on the super quencher γ-Al2O3-GO hybrid surface. In the existence of H2S, DNA/SF fluorophore was detached from γ-Al2O3-GO hybrid surface because of the strong physical adsorption interaction between H2S molecules and γ-Al2O3-GO surface. The recovered fluorescence intensity gave direct insight about H2S concentration in the medium. The developed γ-Al2O3-GO/DNA/SF nanobiosensor shows high sensitivity with 75 to 2.5 µM linear detection range of H2S, and a high binding constant of 9.8 × 103 M-1. The nanobiosensor is very selective toward H2S in the presence of various interfering anions and thiols and used for H2S detection in real water samples. γ-Al2O3-GO/DNA/SF nanobiosensor provides a cheap, simple, and highly selective H2S detection method at room temperature.

Blade-like structure of graphene oxide sheets decorated with cuprous oxide and silicon carbide nanocomposites as bactericidal materials.

In the current work, graphene oxide nanosheets decorated with cuprous oxide nanospheres (GO/Cu2O) and with silicon carbide nanowires (GO/SiC) were synthesized and controlled for using as blade-like antibacterial agents. Preparation of GO sheets with <2 nm thickness was performed through a modified Hummers approach. Controlled Cu2O spheres with a mean size of 40 nm were prepared through a wet-chemical approach. For comparative studies, a single step chemical deposition method was used to prepare GO/Cu2O and GO/SiC nanocomposites for using as antibacterial active materials. The nanomaterials' biological behavior and bacterial-resistance were assessed via selected Gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria and yeast strains. GO/Cu2O nanocomposite exhibited higher antibacterial activity against different bacterial strains than GO/SiC composite. GO/Cu2O exhibited average activity index, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values, and viable cell numbers of 1.523, 10.438 µg/mL, and 82.962% for Bacillus subtilis, Brevibacillus brevis and Bacillus thuriginesis), 1.453, 32.00 µg/mL, and 68.418% for Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli) and 68.608% for Candida albicans, respectively. The antimicrobial efficiency of the blade-like GO/Cu2O was elucidated by scanning electron microscopy through the complete wrapping of the cell membranes and disrupting their shape morphology. GO nanosheets could increase the Cu2O dispersion in the aqueous solution, prevent their agglomeration, and stabilize its action in aqueous solution with high microbial toxicity.

Design of γ-AlOOH, γ-MnOOH, and α-Mn2O3 nanorods as advanced antibacterial active agents.

In the current study, γ-AlOOH, γ-MnOOH, and α-Mn2O3 nanorods (NRs) were easily synthesized and applied as advanced antibacterial materials. γ-AlOOH NRs with 20 nm width, [100] crystal plane, and 200 nm length were fabricated through a surfactant-directed solvothermal method. γ-MnOOH NRs with 20 nm width, [101] crystal direction and 500 nm length were fabricated through a hydrothermal method. The prepared γ-MnOOH NRs were calcinated (for 5 h) at 700 °C to produce α-Mn2O3 NRs with 20 nm average width and increased surface area. The NRs' structures were confirmed through FT-IR, XRD, XPS, FESEM, and FETEM. The antibacterial activity of the NRs was studied against different Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacterial strains and yeast. The three NRs exhibited antibacterial activity against all of the used strains. Biological studies indicated that the NRs' antimicrobial activity increased in the order of γ-MnOOH < γ-AlOOH < α-Mn2O3 NRs. The α-Mn2O3 NRs exhibited the lowest MIC value (39 µg mL-1) against B. subtilis, B. pertussis, and P. aeruginosa. The prepared NRs exhibited a higher antimicrobial potential toward Gram-positive bacteria than Gram-negative bacteria. The higher antimicrobial activity of the α-Mn2O3 NRs is highlighted based on their larger surface area and smaller diameter. Consequently, uniform NR architectures, single crystallinity, small nanoscale diameters, and more highly exposed [110] Mn-polar surfaces outwards are promising structures for α-Mn2O3 antibacterial agents. These NRs adhered firmly to the bacterial cells causing cell wrapping and morphology disruption, and microbial death. The designed NRs provide a great platform for microbial growth inhibition.

Experimental and DFT study of the effect of mercaptosuccinic acid on cyanide-free immersion gold deposition.

In order to search for an effective alternative to cyanide for gold plating, mercaptosuccinic acid (MSA) was selected as the complexing agent of Au+ by open circuit potential tests and gold plating compared with 1-hydroxyethylidene-1,1-diphosphonic acid and aminomethylphosphonic acid. For the first time, a novel, stable, slightly acidic and cyanide-free gold plating bath was prepared. Scanning electron microscopy, Tafel tests, and tin dipping tests showed that the Cu/Ni-P/Au coating had a fine and even grain size, no black pad, good corrosion resistance, and good weldability. Quantum chemical calculations based on density functional theory were used to further study complexants and complexes. Molecular electrostatic potential indicates that Au+ approaches MSA in the direction of C[double bond, length as m-dash]O. Frontier molecular orbital theory, atomic contribution to orbital composition, condensed local softness, and average local ionization energy indicate that the coordination capacity of the S atom in MSA is much stronger than that of other atoms. Fuzzy bond order analysis shows that the S-Au-S coordination structure is the most stable form in the plating solution. UV-visible absorption spectroscopy clarifies that the wavelength is redshifted when MSA-Au(i) ions form.

Progress in biomimetic leverages for marine antifouling using nanocomposite coatings.

Because of the environmental and economic casualties of biofouling on maritime navigation, modern studies have been devoted toward formulating advanced nanoscale composites in the controlled development of effective marine antifouling self-cleaning surfaces. Natural biomimetic surfaces have the advantages of micro-/nanoroughness and minimized free energy characteristics that can motivate the dynamic fabrication of superhydrophobic antifouling surfaces. This review provides an architectural panorama of the biomimetic antifouling designs and their key leverages to broaden horizons in the controlled fabrication of nanocomposite building blocks as force-driven marine antifouling models. As primary antifouling designs, understanding the key functions of surface geometry, heterogeneity, superhydrophobicity, and complexity of polymer/nanofiller composite building blocks on fouling-resistant systems is crucial. This review also discusses a wide range of fouling release coating systems that satisfy the growing demand in a sustainable future environment. For instance, the integration of block, segmented copolymer-based coatings and inorganic-organic hybrid nanofillers enhanced the model's antifouling properties with mechanical, superhydrophobic, chemically inert, and robust surfaces. These nanoscale antifouling systems offered surfaces with minimized free energy, micro-/nanoroughness, anisotropic heterogeneity, superior hydrophobicity, tunable non-wettability, antibacterial efficiency, and mechanical robustness. The confined fabrication of nanoscale orientation, configuration, arrangement, and direction along the architectural composite building blocks would yield excellent air-entrapping ability along the interfacial surface grooves and interfaces, which optimized the antifouling coating surfaces for long-term durability. This review provides systematic evidence of the effect of structurally folded nanocomposites, nanofiller tectonics, and building blocks on the creation of outstanding superhydrophobicity, self-cleaning surfaces, and potential antifouling coatings. The development of modern research gateways is a candidate for the sustainable future of antifouling coatings.

Efficient and Stable Planar n-i-p Perovskite Solar Cells with Negligible Hysteresis through Solution-Processed Cu2 O Nanocubes as a Low-Cost Hole-Transport Material.

Organic-inorganic halide perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have reached certified efficiencies of over 23 % with expensive organic hole-transporting materials. However, the use of an inorganic hole-transport layer (HTL) remains crucial as it would reduce cost combined with higher mobility and stability. In this direction, the application of Cu2 O as the top layer in PSCs is still complicated owing to the difficulty of solution processing. Herein, a solution-processing method is reported for preparing Cu2 O nanocubes as a p-type HTL in regular structure (n-i-p) PSCs. The controlled synthesis of Cu2 O nanocubes in a size range of 60-80 nm is achieved without using any surfactants, which are usually toxic and tricky to remove. The new structure of these Cu2 O nanocubes enhances the carrier mobility with preferable energy alignment to the perovskite layer and superb stability. The PSCs based on these Cu2 O nanocubes HTMs could achieve an efficiency exceeding 17 % with high stability, whereas organic P3HT-based PSCs display an efficiency of 15.59 % with a poorer running stability. This indicates that Cu2 O nanocubes are a promising HTM for efficient and stable PSCs.

Silicone/Ag@SiO2 core-shell nanocomposite as a self-cleaning antifouling coating material.

The effects of Ag@SiO2 core-shell nanofiller dispersion and micro-nano binary structure on the self-cleaning and fouling release (FR) in the modelled silicone nano-paints were studied. An ultrahydrophobic polydimethylsiloxane/Ag@SiO2 core-shell nanocomposite was prepared as an antifouling coating material. Ag@SiO2 core-shell nanospheres with 60 nm average size and a preferential {111} growth direction were prepared via a facile solvothermal and a modified Stöber methods with a controlled shell thickness. Ag@SiO2 core-shell nanofillers were inserted in the silicone composite surface via solution casting technique. A simple hydrosilation curing mechanism was used to cure the surface coating. Different concentrations of nanofillers were incorporated in the PDMS matrix for studying the structure-property relationship. Water contact angle (WCA) and surface free energy determinations as well as atomic force microscopy and scanning electron microscope were used to investigate the surface self-cleaning properties of the nanocomposites. Mechanical and physical properties were assessed as durability parameters. A comparable study was carried out between silicone/spherical Ag@SiO2 core-shell nanocomposites and other commercial FR coatings. Selected micro-foulants were used for biological and antifouling assessments up to 28 days. Well-distributed Ag@SiO2 core-shell (0.5 wt%) exhibited the preferable self-cleaning with WCA of 156° and surface free energy of 11.15 mN m-1.

Data on photo-nanofiller models for self-cleaning foul release coating of ship hulls.

The data presented in this article are related to the research article entitled "Smart photo-induced silicone/TiO2 nanocomposites with dominant [110] exposed surfaces for self-cleaning foul-release coatings of ship hulls" (Selimet al., 2016) [1]. This article reports on successfully designing and controlling TiO2 spherical single crystal photo-nanofillers and indicating evidence of fouling resistance after stimulation through UV radiation exposure. These data also reveal that the influence of well-dispersed spherical TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) into the polymer matrix surface features on the prepared fouling release (FR) coating. Single crystal TiO2 nanospheres have played a large role in the scenario of photocatalysis due to its cost effectiveness, inert nature and photo stability. The model output and the surface and mechanical behavior data of the fabricated UV-irradiated silicone-based FR nanocoatings are made publicly available through analyzing nanocomposite topology, superhydrophilicity and self-cleaning efficiency in order to enable critical analysis of the tailored model. It also investigates the photo-bactericidal effect confirmed through biofilm coverage data disability. The modeled nanocomposites were subjected to comparable studies with other published models so as to understand how different UV-irradiated nano-scale parameters propagate and affect bulk film response.