Systemic risk spillover between the stock market and banking deposits: Evidence from a sustainability perspective in the South Asian countries.

This research explores the link between stock markets and banking deposits in South Asian (Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka, Nepal) countries. This study empirically examines the systemic risk potential of financial institutions in South Asia using current systemic risk statistics. Yearly data on stock prices and banking deposits from January 2000 to December 2020 were analyzed using a two-stage process. In the first phase, we measure VaR (value at risk), and in the second step, we measure the DCC GARCH model for our empirical analysis. The study findings reveal systemic risk spillover between the stock markets of South Asian countries and the relevant country's banking system deposits. The policymakers can use our study findings to create a more sustainable financial sector.

Lie symmetry analysis and solitary wave solution of biofilm model Allen-Cahn.

The investigation presented in this study delves into the analysis of Lie symmetries for the bistable Allen-Cahn (BAC) equation with a quartic potential, specifically applied to the biofilm model. By employing the Lie symmetry method, we have acquired the Lie infinitesimal generators for the considered model. Using a transformation method, the nonlinear partial differential equations (NPDEs) are converted into various nonlinear ordinary differential equations (NLODEs), providing the numerous closed-form solitary wave solutions. The obtained solutions manifest in various forms including dark, bright, kink, anti-kink, and periodic types using diverse strategies. To enhance the physical interpretation, the study presents 3D, 2D, and contour plots of the acquired solutions. Every graph's wave-like structure contains information about the structural behaviour of the bacteria that build biofilms on surfaces where rectangles have different densities. This analysis enhances comprehension of the complex dynamics present in areas like fluid dynamics, fiber optics, biology, ocean physics, coastal engineering, and nonlinear complex physical systems.

Managing energy transition alongside environmental protection by making use of AI-led butanol powered SI engine optimization in compliance with SDGs.

Enormous consumption of fossil fuel resources has risked energy accessibility in the upcoming years. The price fluctuation and depletion rate of fossil fuels instigate the urgent need for searching their reliable substitute. The current study tries to address these issues by presenting butanol as a replacement for gasoline in SI engines at various speeds and loading conditions. The emission and performance parameters were ascertained for eight distinct butanol-gasoline fuel blends. The oxygenated butanol substantially increases engine efficiency and boosts power with lower fuel consumption. The carbon emissions were also observed to be lower in comparison with gasoline. Furthermore, the Artificial Intelligence (AI) approach was used in predicting engine performance running on the butanol blends. The correlation coefficients for the data training, validation, and testing were found to be 0.99986, 0.99942, and 0.99872, respectively. It was confirmed that the ANN predicted results were in accordance with the established statistical criteria. ANN was paired with Response Surface Methodology (RSM) technique to comprehend the influence of the sole design parameters along with their statistical interactions controlling the responses. Similarly, the R2 value of responses in case of RSM were close to unity and mean relative errors (MRE) were confined under specified range. A comparative study between ANN and RSM models unveiled that the ANN model should be preferred. Therefore, a joint utilization of the RSM and ANN can be more effective for reliable statistical interactions and predictions.

Radiolabeling and preclinical animal model evaluation of DTPA coupled 99mTc-labelled flutamide complex ([99mTc]DTPA-FLUT) as a potential radiotracer for cancer imaging.

BACKGROUND: Advances in molecular imaging strategies have had an effect on precise diagnosis and treatment. Research has been intensified to develop more effective and versatile radiopharmaceuticals to uplift diagnostic efficiency and, consequently, the treatment. PURPOSE: To label the flutamide (FLUT) coupled with diethylenetriamine pentaacetate (DTPA) with technetium-99 m (99mTc) and to evaluate its binding efficiency with rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) cancer cells. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Radiolabeling of FLUT with 185 MBq freshly eluted 99mTcO4-1 was carried out via DTPA bifunctional chelating agent using stannous chloride reducing agent at pH 5. The labeled compound was assessed for its purity using chromatography analysis, stability in saline and blood serum, AND charge using paper electrophoresis. Normal biodistribution was studied using a mouse model, while binding affinity with RMS cancer cells was studied using an internalization assay. The in vivo accumulation of RMS cancer cells in a rabbit model was monitored using a SPECT gamma camera. RESULTS: Radiolabeling reaction displayed a pharmaceutical yield of 97% and a stability assay showed >95% intact radiopharmaceutical up to 6 h in saline and blood serum. In vitro internalization studies showed the potential of [99mTc]DTPA-FLUT to enter into cancer cells. This biodistribution study showed rapid blood clearance and minimum uptake by body organs, and scintigraphy displayed the [99mTc]DTPA-FLUT uptake by lesion, induced by RMS cancer cell lines in rabbit. CONCLUSION: Stable, newly developed [99mTc]DTPA-FLUT seeks its way to internalize into RMS cancer cells, indicating it could be a potential candidate for the diagnosis of RMS cancer.

A novel green synthesis of MnO2-Coal composite for rapid removal of silver and lead from wastewater.

The presence of Ag(I) and Pb(II) ions in wastewater poses a significant threat to human health in contemporary times. This study aims to explore the development of a novel and economical adsorbent by grafting MnO2 particles onto low-rank coal, providing an innovative solution for the remediation of water contaminated with silver and lead. The synthesized nanocomposites, referred to as MnO2-Coal, underwent thorough characterization using FTIR, XRD, BET, and SEM to highlight the feasibility of in-situ surface modification of coal with MnO2 nanoparticles. The adsorption of Ag(I) and Pb(II) from their respective aqueous solution onto MnO2-Coal was systematically investigated, with optimization of key parameters such as pH, temperature, initial concentration, contact time, ionic strength, and competing ions. Remarkably adsorption equilibrium was achieved within a 10 min, resulting in impressive removal rates of 80-90 % for both Ag(I) and Pb(II) at pH 6. The experimental data were evaluated using Langmuir, Freundlich, and Temkin isotherm models. The Langmuir isotherm model proved to be more accurate in representing the adsorption of Ag(I) and Pb(II) ions onto MnO2-Coal, exhibiting high regression coefficients (R2 = 0.99) and maximum adsorption capacities of 93.57 and 61.98 mg/g, along with partition coefficients of 4.53 and 71.92 L/g for Ag(I) and Pb(II), respectively, at 293 K. Kinetic assessments employing PFO, PSO, Elovich, and IPD models indicated that the PFO and PSO models were most suitable for adsorption mechanism of Pb(II) and Ag(I) on MnO2-Coal composites, respectively. Moreover, thermodynamic evaluation revealed the spontaneous and endothermic adsorption process for Ag(I), while exothermic behavior for adsorption of Pb(II). Importantly, this approach not only demonstrates cost-effectiveness but also environmental friendliness in treating heavy metal-contamination in water. The research suggests the potential of MnO2-Coal composites as efficient and sustainable adsorbents for water purification applications.

Innovative technologies for removal of micro plastic: A review of recent advances.

Plastics are becoming a pervasive pollutant in every environmental matrix, particularly in the aquatic environment. Due to increased plastic usage and its impact on human and aquatic life, microplastic (MP) pollution has been studied extensively as a global issue. The production of MP has been linked to both consumer and commercial practices. There is a significant amount of MP's that must be removed by wastewater treatment plants before they can be bioaccumulated. Many researchers have recently become interested in the possibility of eliminating MPs in wastewater treatment plants (WWTP). Many studies have analyzed MP's environmental effects, including its emission sources, distribution, and impact on the surrounding environment. The effectiveness of their removal by various wastewater treatment technologies requires a critical review that accounts for all these methods. In this review, we have covered the most useful technologies for the removal of MP during WWTP. The findings of this review should help scientists and policymakers move forward with studies, prototypes, and proposals for significant remediation impact on water quality.

Formulation of Mentha piperita-Based Nanobiopesticides and Assessment of the Pesticidal and Antimicrobial Potential.

The excessive use of synthetic pesticides has detrimental impacts on humans, non-target organisms, and the environment. Insect pest management strategies are shifting toward biopesticides, which can provide a feasible and environmentally friendly green solution to the pest problem. The key objective of the present research work was the preparation of Mentha piperita-based nanobiopesticides with enhanced stability, solubility, and pesticidal potential. Nanobiopesticides based on the Mentha piperita extract were prepared using the antisolvent precipitation method. The central composite design of response surface methodology (RSM) was utilized to optimize different process parameters, e.g., the amounts of the stabilizer and plant extract. The nanosuspension of Mentha piperita prepared with the stabilizer SLS showed a particle size of 259 nm and a polydispersity index of 0.61. The formulated biopesticides in the form of nanosuspensions showed good antibacterial activities as compared to the Mentha piperita extract against two phytopathogenic bacterial strains, Clavibacter michiganensis and Pseudomonas syringae. The M. piperita nanosuspension had higher antifungal efficacy against A. niger and F. oxysporum than the Mentha piperita extract. The M. piperita extract and its nanosuspensions were tested for pesticidal activity against the stored-grain insects Tribolium castaneum and Sitophilus oryzae. Mentha piperita-based nanobiopesticides demonstrated significantly high (p < 0.05) average mortality of 84.4% and 77.7% against Tribolium castaneum and Sitophilus oryzae, respectively. Mentha piperita-based nanobiopesticides showed enhanced pesticidal potential and could be used as a good alternative to synthetic chemical pesticides.

Development of Nanosuspension of Artemisia absinthium Extract as Novel Drug Delivery System to Enhance Its Bioavailability and Hepatoprotective Potential.

A nanosuspension of Artemisia absinthium extract was formulated and characterized for the enhancement of bioavailability and better hepatoprotective efficacy. The nanosuspension of A. absinthium extract was formulated using an antisolvent precipitation technique, and various formulation parameters were optimized using response surface methodology (RSM). The optimized nanosuspension was characterized using AFM and FT-IR spectroscopy. The drug-release profile and oral bioavailability of the optimized nanosuspension were assessed with reference to coarse suspension. The DPPH radical scavenging method was used to measure the nanosuspension's antioxidant activity, and its in vivo hepatoprotective potential was assessed against CCl4-induced hepatic injury in rats. The developed optimized nanosuspension had suitable zeta potential of -11.9 mV, PDI of 0.285, and mean particle size of 253.8 nm. AFM study demonstrated a homogeneous population of nanoparticles with average size of 25 nm. The formulated nanosuspension of A. absinthium showed faster dissolution rate and 1.13-fold enhanced bioavailability as compared to the coarse suspension (plant extract). Furthermore, the nanoformulation had stronger antioxidant and hepatoprotective potential as compared to the unprocessed coarse extract. These results demonstrated that nanosuspension is a promising strategy for improving the oral bioavailability and bioactivities of A. absinthium extract.

Point-of-Care Diagnostic Devices for Detection of Escherichia coli O157:H7 Using Microfluidic Systems: A Focused Review.

Bacterial infections represent a serious and global threat in modern medicine; thus, it is very important to rapidly detect pathogenic bacteria, such as Escherichia coli (E. coli) O157:H7. Once treatments are delayed after the commencement of symptoms, the patient's health quickly deteriorates. Hence, real-time detection and monitoring of infectious agents are highly critical in early diagnosis for correct treatment and safeguarding public health. To detect these pathogenic bacteria, many approaches have been applied by the biosensors community, for example, widely-used polymerase chain reaction (PCR), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), culture-based method, and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) bioluminescence. However, these approaches have drawbacks, such as time-consumption, expensive equipment, and being labor-intensive, making it critical to develop ultra-sensitive and highly selective detection. The microfluidic platform based on surface plasmon resonance (SPR), electrochemical sensing, and rolling circle amplification (RCA) offers proper alternatives capable of supplementing the technological gap for pathogen detection. Note that the microfluidic biochip allows to develop rapid, sensitive, portable, and point-of-care (POC) diagnostic tools. This review focuses on recent studies regarding accurate and rapid detection of E. coli O157:H7, with an emphasis on POC methods and devices that complement microfluidic systems. We also examine the efficient whole-body detection by employing antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), which has attracted growing attention in many applications.

Tumor micro-environment sensitive release of doxorubicin through chitosan based polymeric nanoparticles: An in-vitro study.

Conventional chemotherapy poses toxic effects to healthy tissues. A therapeutic system is thus required that can administer, distribute, metabolize, and excrete medicine from human body without damaging healthy cells. This is possible by designing a therapeutic system that can release drug at specific target tissue. In current work, novel chitosan (CS) based polymeric nanoparticles (PNPs) containing N-isopropyl acrylamide (NIPAAM) and 2-(di-isopropyl amino) ethyl methacrylate (DPA) are designed. The presence of available functional groups i.e. OH- (3262 cm-1), -NH2 (1542 cm-1), and CO (1642 cm-1), was confirmed by Fourier Transform Infra-red Spectrophotometry (FTIR). The surface morphology and average particle size (175 nm) was determined through Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). X-Ray Diffractometry (XRD) studies confirmed the amorphous nature and excellent thermal stability of PNPs up to 100 °C with only 2.69% mass loss was confirmed by Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The pH sensitivity of such PNPs for release of encapsulated doxorubicin at malignant site was investigated. The encapsulation efficiency of PNPs was 89% (4.45 mg/5 mg) for doxorubicin (a chemotherapeutic) measured by using UV-Vis Spectrophotometer. The drug release profile of loaded PNPs was 88% (3.92 mg/4.45 mg) at pH 5.3, in 96 h. PNPs with varying DPA concentration can effectively be used to deliver chemotherapeutic agents with high efficacy.

Formulation and Process Optimization of Rauvolfia serpentina Nanosuspension by HPMC and In Vitro Evaluation of ACE Inhibitory Potential.

Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) overactivation is one of the primary causes of hypertension, which leads to cardiovascular disorders all over the world. In the scientific world, nanosuspension is a novel area of study that could offer an alternative treatment for active pharmaceuticals that are not well soluble in water. Since active compounds' bioavailability is reduced by their poor solubility, there are eventually fewer applications. Drug solubility, dissolving rate, and bioavailability are improved by nanosuspension, which shrinks medication particle size into the nanoscale range and boosts the surface area to volume ratio of the drug. There is a need to prepare Rauvolfia serpentina's nanosuspension in order to get around some of the major challenges that it faces because of its poor solubility and wide range of biological activities. Using the antisolvent precipitation approach, a nanosuspension of Rauvolfia serpentina was created with hydroxy propyl methyl cellulose (HPMC). Rouvolfia serpentina nanosuspensions were prepared using a design of expert (DOE) approach, which allowed for the evaluation of key process parameters. To get an optimal sample, the effects of stabilizer concentration and anti-solvent volume on particle size, zeta potential, and PdI using CCD-RSM were investigated. Using the substrate Hippuryl-histidyl-leucine, the in vitro ACE inhibitory potential was assessed. On human erythrocytes, the safety of nanosuspension was evaluated in vitro. The ideal value of independent variables was discovered to be 0.25% w/v in order to achieve the desired response. Using scanning electron microscopy, the morphology of optimized nanosuspension was discovered to be rod-shaped (SEM). Compared to nanoformulation, crude extract had higher ACE inhibitory potential (83.11%). Human erythrocytes were found to be unaffected by nano-sized particles.

Collection and detection of SARS-CoV-2 in exhaled breath using face mask.

Face masks are used to protect the wearer from harmful external air and to prevent transmission of viruses from air exhaled by potentially infected wearers to the surrounding people. In this study, we examined the potential utility of masks for collecting viruses contained in exhaled breath and detected the collected viruses via various molecular tests. Using KF94 masks, the inner electrostatic filter was selected for virus collection, and an RNA extraction protocol was developed for the face mask. Virus detection in worn mask samples was performed using PCR and rolling circle amplification (RCA) tests and four different target genes (N, E, RdRp, and ORF1ab genes). The present study confirmed that the mask sample tests showed positive SARS-CoV-2 results, similar to the PCR tests using nasopharyngeal swab samples. In addition, the quantity of nucleic acid collected in the masks linearly increased with wearing time. These results suggest that samples for SARS-CoV-2 tests can be collected in a noninvasive, quick, and easy method by simply submitting worn masks from subjects, which can significantly reduce the hassle of waiting at airports or public places and concerns about cross-infection. In addition, it is expected that miniaturization technology will integrate PCR assays on face masks in the near future, and mask-based self-diagnosis would play a significant role in resolving the pandemic situation.

Biochemical Interactions through Microscopic Techniques: Structural and Molecular Characterization.

Many researchers and scientists have contributed significantly to provide structural and molecular characterizations of biochemical interactions using microscopic techniques in the recent decade, as these biochemical interactions play a crucial role in the production of diverse biomaterials and the organization of biological systems. The properties, activities, and functionalities of the biomaterials and biological systems need to be identified and modified for different purposes in both the material and life sciences. The present study aimed to review the advantages and disadvantages of three main branches of microscopy techniques (optical microscopy, electron microscopy, and scanning probe microscopy) developed for the characterization of these interactions. First, we explain the basic concepts of microscopy and then the breadth of their applicability to different fields of research. This work could be useful for future research works on biochemical self-assembly, biochemical aggregation and localization, biological functionalities, cell viability, live-cell imaging, material stability, and membrane permeability, among others. This understanding is of high importance in rapid, inexpensive, and accurate analysis of biochemical interactions.

Microwave-assisted synthesis of MnO2 nanosorbent for adsorptive removal of Cs(I) and Sr(II) from water solutions.

In this study, a flower-like porous δ-MnO2 nanostructure was synthesized by a microwave-assisted hydrothermal process for adsorptive removal of strontium (Sr(II)) and cesium (Cs(I)) from wastewater. The prepared δ-MnO2 nanosorbent exhibited superior affinity for Sr(II) over Cs(I) in the single-solute system, with partition coefficient (PC) values of 10.2 and 2.3 L/g, respectively, at pH 6.0. In the two-solute system, the flower-like δ-MnO2 also adsorbed Sr(II) (PC = 3.81 L/g) more selectively than Cs(I) (PC 1.15 L/g). Further, their adsorption capacities decreased by 12 and 16%, respectively, relative to the single-solute system. In contrast, adsorption of the ions onto δ-MnO2 was affected less sensitively in dual than in single system when changes occurred in environmental variables such as pH (2-8) and ionic strength (1-100 mM). Adsorption kinetics, thermodynamics, and isotherm studies demonstrated the pivotal role of the monolayer surface active sites of endothermic δ-MnO2 (e.g., a complexation interaction with Mn-OH). Furthermore, the δ-MnO2 nanosorbent exhibited good regenerability, retaining more than 80% of its adsorption capacity when tested over four reuse cycles. The overall results of this study are expected to help establish strategies to effectively remove metal contaminants from wastewater using a green and low-cost hierarchical nanosorbent.

Recent Developments in Zn-Based Biodegradable Materials for Biomedical Applications.

Zn-based biodegradable alloys or composites have the potential to be developed to next-generation orthopedic implants as alternatives to conventional implants to avoid revision surgeries and to reduce biocompatibility issues. This review summarizes the current research status on Zn-based biodegradable materials. The biological function of Zn, design criteria for orthopedic implants, and corrosion behavior of biodegradable materials are briefly discussed. The performance of many novel zinc-based biodegradable materials is evaluated in terms of biodegradation, biocompatibility, and mechanical properties. Zn-based materials perform a significant role in bone metabolism and the growth of new cells and show medium degradation without the release of excessive hydrogen. The addition of alloying elements such as Mg, Zr, Mn, Ca, and Li into pure Zn enhances the mechanical properties of Zn alloys. Grain refinement by the application of post-processing techniques is effective for the development of many suitable Zn-based biodegradable materials.

Design and Fabrication of a Fast Response Resistive-Type Humidity Sensor Using Polypyrrole (Ppy) Polymer Thin Film Structures.

In this research article, an organic polymer based polypyrrole (Ppy) composite material has been synthesized and analyzed for the design and fabrication purposes of a fast-responsive, highly sensitive, and an economical resistive-type novel humidity detection sensor. This humidity sensor most suitably serves the purpose for industrial humidity (i.e., values ranging from low to high) detection applications. First, a polypyrrole composite material (a mixture of polypyrrole, polypyrrole-NiO, polypyrrole-CeO2, and polypyrrole-Nb2O5) has been synthesized by chemical oxidative polymerization method, and then is treated at various temperatures, i.e., 100, 150 and 200 °C, respectively. After this treatment, the synthesized samples were then characterized by using FTIR, SEM, and DTA/TGA techniques for analyzing humidity sensing properties. The polypyrrole samples with the best morphological structure and properties were then incorporated on interdigitated electrodes. For the fabrication purposes of this thin film structure, at first a few drops of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) were placed over interdigitated electrodes (IDE) and then the synthesized polypyrrole composite was uniformly deposited in the form of a thin film over it. The plots show that this is a good resistive-type humidity detection device for the relative humidity range of 30% to 90%. The response and recovery times of this newly fabricated humidity sensor were reported to be the same as 128 s at room temperature. Additionally, the stability and the repeatability response behavior of this Ppy sensor were verified up to five cycles of multiple repetitions. This presents an excellent stability and repeatability performance of the sensor. Furthermore, the capacitances versus humidity response and recovery properties of the designed sensor were studied too. This illustrates an excellent capacitive verses humidity response and shows a linear and an active behavior. Lastly, the experimental result proves that polypyrrole composite thin film shows a reasonable best performance up to a temperature of 100 °C.

The photocatalytic performance and structural characteristics of nickel cobalt ferrite nanocomposites after doping with bismuth.

Here, a novel bismuth-doped nickel-cobalt ferrite (Ni0.5Co0.5Bi0.1Fe1.9O4) was synthesized using a sol-gel auto-combustion approach. The impact of bismuth substitution on the nickel-cobalt ferrite structural characteristics was investigated relative to the nickel-cobalt ferrite without bismuth substitution (Ni0.5Co0.5Fe2O4) based on diverse technical options (e.g., scanning electron microscopy-equipped with an energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer, X-ray diffraction, physisorption, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy). Bismuth doping increased the surface area without affecting pore size. The X-ray diffraction pattern confirmed a nano-ferrite cubic spinel structure of the catalyst. Photodegradation of Congo red (CR) was tested using these nickel-cobalt ferrite catalysts under visible light across varying reaction parameters (e.g., pH, catalyst loading, dye concentration, and reaction time). The photo-degradation efficiency for CR in aqueous medium was the highest (98%) at pH 3 with 0.2 g catalyst loading in 100 mL under visible irradiation to reinforce the role of nanostructures as a potent photocatalyst (QY = 2.79 × 10-7 molecule photon-1). The kinetic reaction rate of Bi-doped spinel ferrite (3.5 µmol g-1 h-1) was1.25 times higher than those undoped materials. This study experimentally proved that the bismuth-doped nickel-cobalt ferrite photocatalyst is an effective option for removing industrial dyes.

A rapid diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 using DNA hydrogel formation on microfluidic pores.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has been a major public health challenge in 2020. Early diagnosis of COVID-19 is the most effective method to control disease spread and prevent further mortality. As such, a high-precision and rapid yet economic assay method is urgently required. Herein, we propose an innovative method to detect severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) using isothermal amplification of nucleic acids on a mesh containing multiple microfluidic pores. Hybridization of pathogen DNA and immobilized probes forms a DNA hydrogel by rolling circle amplification and, consequently, blocks the pores to prevent fluid movement, as observed. Following optimization of several factors, including pore size, mesh location, and precision microfluidics, the limit of detection (LOD) for SARS-CoV-2 was determined to be 0.7 aM at 15-min incubation. These results indicate rapid, easy, and effective detection with a moderate-sized LOD of the target pathogen by remote point-of-care testing and without the requirement of any sophisticated device.

Fabrication of Ag nanorods on micropost array for a metal-enhanced fluorescence substrate with a high signal-to-background ratio.

Selective fabrication of metallic nanostructures at the spotting area is required to increase the signal-to-background noise ratio (SBR) of the metal-enhanced fluorescence (MEF) substrate. As a simple and cost-effective fabrication method for MEF substrate with high SBR, a glancing angle deposition (GLAD) process of Ag material on the UV-imprinted micropost array (50 µm in height, 300 µm in diameter, and 600 µm in pitch) was proposed to selectively fabricate Ag nanorods on the top of micropost structure (spotting area). Ag nanorod formation at the bottom of the micropost decreased as the deposition angle in Ag GLAD increased. A deposition angle of 89° and deposition thickness of 500 nm were selected as the optimum GLAD conditions to maximize the SBR. The optimum Ag nanorods on micropost array (AgNMPA) MEF substrate provided 71-fold fluorescence signal enhancement and 25-times higher SBR than the bare glass substrate. It also provided 7-times higher SBR than the Ag nanorod MEF substrate, which has a similar Ag nanorod structure but is not selectively formed. The detection limit of AgNMPA was 16- and 4-times lower than that of the amine-functionalized glass substrate and commercial epoxy slide, respectively. Although the fluorescence signal of AgNMPA was similar to that of Ag nanorod substrate, the detection limit was 2-times lower because of the low signal standard deviation caused by the low background noise and clear spot shape.

Investigation of calcium silicate as a natural clay-based sunblock: Formulation and characterization.

BACKGROUND: Sunlight exposure causes several types of health issues to humans, and in particular, it affects especially the skin. Among the most common harmful issues developed by UV exposure are erythema, pigmentation, and lesions in DNA, which may lead to cancer. These long-term effects can be minimized with the use of sunscreen. OBJECTIVE: The use of commercial UV filters causes severe side effects such as skin allergy and whitening of the skin. Therefore, in this study the effectiveness of Ca2 SiO4 , a compound abundantly present in the soils of certain South Asian regions, has been the first time explored as UV filter. This compound leaves a low amount of white residue on the skin and is highly stable. METHOD: The comparative study of a cosmetic formulation having 5% Ca2 SiO4 , and other formulations containing 5% TiO2 and 5% ZnO as inorganic UV filters, was performed to evaluate the physical and chemical stability. RESULT: The zeta potential and chemical stability of formulations containing these different UV filters were investigated by using UV-Vis spectroscopy, FTIR-ATR, and X-ray diffraction. Results indicated Ca2 SiO4 as a promising innovative UV filter with an SPF value of 37.94. One of the reasons is its low interaction with organic filter, that is, PABA, as compared to commercial ZnO and TiO2 inorganic UV filters. Biological absorption in organs was studied by ICP-MS on model mice. CONCLUSION: It also has a low photocatalytic activity; thus, formation of radicals is minimum. Moreover, Ca2 SiO4 showed a recognized ability to leave a low amount of white residue on the skin combined with great stability.