State-of-the-art progress on locust bean gum polysaccharide for sustainable food packaging and drug delivery applications: A review with prospectives.

Locust bean gum (LBG), a polysaccharide-based natural polymer, is being widely researched as an appropriate additive for various products, including food, gluten-free formulations, medicines, paper, textiles, oil well drilling, cosmetics, and medical uses. Drug delivery vehicles, packaging, batteries, and catalytic supports are all popular applications for biopolymer-based materials. This review discusses sustainable food packaging and drug delivery applications for LBG. Given the benefits of LBG polysaccharide as a source of dietary fiber, it is also being investigated as a potential treatment for many health disorders, including colorectal cancer, diabetes, and gastrointestinal difficulties. The flexibility of LBG polysaccharide allows it to form hydrogen bonds with water molecules, a crucial characteristic of biomaterials, and the film-forming properties of LBG are critical for food packaging applications. The extraction process of LBG plays an important role in properties such as viscosity and gel-forming properties. Moreover, there are multiple factors such as temperature, pressure, pH, etc. The LBG-based functional composite film is effective in improving the shelf life as well as monitoring the freshness of fruits, meat and other processed food. The LBG-based hydrogel is excellent carrier of drugs and can be used for slow and sustainable release of active components present in drugs. Thus, the primary goal of this review was to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the literature with a focus on the composition, properties, processing, food packaging, and medicine delivery applications of LBG polysaccharides. Thus, we investigated the chemical composition, extraction, and characteristics of LBG polysaccharides that underlie their applications in the food packaging and medicine delivery fields.

Comparative study of extraperitoneal singe-port robot-assisted radical prostatectomy and transperitoneal multiport robot-assisted radical prostatectomy using propensity score matching.

Background: With the introduction of the da Vinci single-port (SP) robot platform, surgery in a narrow space has become easier, and using this, extraperitoneal radical prostatectomy has been frequently performed recently. However, studies comparing it with existing methods are still lacking. Therefore, in this study, we compared the initial extraperitoneal single-port robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (spRARP) with intraperitoneal multiport robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (mpRARP) and tried to investigate the feasibility of extraperitoneal spRARP. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed patients who underwent RARP performed between January 2019 and April 2023. A total of 184 consecutive patients were enrolled in this study: 64 underwent spRARP and 120 underwent mpRARP. Patient characteristics before and after surgery were investigated, and period of passing gas, foley maintenance period, length of hospital stay, and pain changes were compared and analyzed to estimate post-surgery recovery. To address inherent biases stemming from differing patient characteristics at baseline, we performed an additional analysis after propensity score matching (PSM) (ratio, 1:1). Results: After PSM, both the spRARP and mpRARP groups consisted of 64 patients each. On preoperative examination, there were no significant differences in prostate-specific antigen level, Gleason score (GS), prostate volume, magnetic resonance imaging T stage, or Prostate Imaging-Reporting and Data System score between the two groups. Following surgery, there were no significant differences in operative and console time between the two groups. Notably, the estimated blood loss was considerably lesser in the spRARP group than in the mpRARP group (P=0.049). When comparing pathologic outcomes, the GS, T stage, positive surgical margin, extracapsular extension, and seminal vesicle invasion rates showed no significant differences between the two groups. Four patients who underwent spRARP and six who underwent mpRARP suffered Clavien-Dindo classification grade 3 and 4 complications. After 3 months, there were no significant differences in incontinence or potency between the two groups. However, even after PSM, the period of passing gas was earlier in the spRARP group than in the mpRARP group. Conclusions: In this study, both the extraperitoneal spRARP and transperitoneal mpRARP groups exhibited similar complication rates and surgical outcomes. Furthermore, the spRARP group had a short surgical time and demonstrated early recovery. Therefore, extraperitoneal spRARP is a feasible procedure that is expected to become increasingly popular in the future.

Enhanced Wettability and Adhesive Property of PTFE through Surface Modification with Fluorinated Compounds.

Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) is prized for its unique properties in electrical applications, but its natural hydrophobicity poses challenges as it repels water and can cause electrical short circuits, shortening equipment lifespan. In this work, the mentioned issue has been tackled by using two different fluorinated compounds, such as perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA)/perfluorooctanol (PFOL), along with plasma processing to enhance the surface hydrophilicity (water attraction) of PTFE. This method, demonstrated on Teflon membrane, quickly transformed their surfaces from hydrophobic to hydrophilic in less than 30 s. The treated films achieved a water contact angle saturation of around 80°, indicating a significant increase in water affinity. High-resolution C 1s X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) confirmed the formation of new bonds, such as -COOH and -OH, on the surface, responsible for enhanced hydrophilicity. Extended plasma treatment led to further structural changes, evidenced by increased intensity in infrared (IR) and Raman spectra, particularly sensitive to vibrations associated with the C-F bond. Moreover, Attenuated Total Reflectance Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) showed the formation of surface-linked functional groups, which contributed to the improved water attraction. These findings decisively show that treatment with fluoro-compound along with plasma processing can be considered as a highly effective and rapid method for converting PTFE surfaces from hydrophobic to hydrophilic, facilitating its broader use in various electrical applications.

From lab to field: Prussian blue frameworks as sustainable cathode materials.

Prussian blue and Prussian blue analogues have attracted increasing attention as versatile framework materials with a wide range of applications in catalysis, energy conversion and storage, and biomedical and environmental fields. In terms of energy storage and conversion, Prussian blue-based materials have emerged as suitable candidates of growing interest for the fabrication of batteries and supercapacitors. Their outstanding electrochemical features such as fast charge-discharge rates, high capacity and prolonged cycling life make them favorable for energy storage application. Furthermore, Prussian blue and its analogues as rechargeable battery anodes can advance significantly by the precise control of their structure, morphology, and composition at the nanoscale. Their tunable structural and electronic properties enable the detection of many types of analytes with high sensitivity and specificity, and thus, they are ideal materials for the development of sensors for environmental detection, disease trend monitoring, and industrial safety. Additionally, Prussian blue-based catalysts display excellent photocatalytic performance for the degradation of pollutants and generation of hydrogen. Specifically, their excellent light capturing and charge separation capabilities make them stand out in photocatalytic processes, providing a sustainable option for environmental remediation and renewable energy production. Besides, Prussian blue coatings have been studied particularly for corrosion protection, forming stable and protective layers on metal surfaces, which extend the lifespan of infrastructural materials in harsh environments. Prussian blue and its analogues are highly valuable materials in healthcare fields such as imaging, drug delivery and theranostics because they are biocompatible and their further functionalization is possible. Overall, this review demonstrates that Prussian blue and related framework materials are versatile and capable of addressing many technical challenges in various fields ranging from power generation to healthcare and environmental management.

Eco-Friendly Poly (Butylene Adipate-co-Terephthalate) Coated Bi-Layered Films: An Approach to Enhance Mechanical and Barrier Properties.

In this research work, a coated paper was prepared with poly (butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) film to explore its use in eco-friendly food packaging. The paper was coated with PBAT film for packaging using hot pressing, a production method currently employed in the packaging industry. The coated papers were evaluated for their structural, mechanical, thermal, and barrier properties. The structural morphology and chemical analysis of the coated paper confirmed the consistent formation of PBAT bi-layered on paper surfaces. Surface coating with PBAT film increased the water resistance of the paper samples, as demonstrated by tests of barrier characteristics, including the water vapor transmission rate (WVTR), oxygen transmission rate (OTR), and water contact angle (WCA) of water drops. The transmission rate of the clean paper was 2010.40 cc m-2 per 24 h for OTR and 110.24 g m-2 per 24 h for WVTR. If the PBAT-film was coated, the value decreased to 91.79 g m-2 per 24 h and 992.86 cc m-2 per 24 h. The hydrophobic nature of PBAT, confirmed by WCA measurements, contributed to the enhanced water resistance of PBAT-coated paper. This result presents an improved PBAT-coated paper material, eliminating the need for adhesives and allowing for the fabrication of bi-layered packaging.

Electron Beam-Supported Fabrication of Biocompatible Silver/iota-Carrageenan for Wound Healing Application.

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are a potent antibacterial agent, especially when used to treat bacteria that are multidrug resistant. However, it is challenging to eliminate the hazardous reducing agents that remain in AgNPs produced by the conventional chemical reduction process. To overcome these challenges, the presented research demonstrates the fabrication of AgNPs using iota-carrageenan (ι-carra) as a carbohydrate polymer using electron beam (EB) irradiation. Well-characterized ι-carra@AgNPs have a face-centered cubic (FCC) structure with spherical morphology and an average size of 26 nm. Herein we explored the approach for fabricating ι-carra@AgNPs that is suitable for scaling up the production of nanoparticles that exhibit excellent water stability. Further, the optimized ι-carra@AgNPs exhibited considerable antibacterial activity of 40% and 30% inhibition when tested with Gram-negative Escherichia coli ATCC 43895 and Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) (ATCC 6538), respectively, and low cytotoxicity at 10-50 µg/mL. To establish the potential biomedical application, as proof of the concept, the ι-carra@AgNPs showed significant antibiofilm activity at 20 µg/mL and also showed 95% wound healing abilities at 50 µg/mL compared to the nontreated control groups. Electron beam assisted ι-carra@AgNPs showed significant beneficial effects against specific bacterial strains and may provide a guide for the development of new antibacterial materials for wound dressing for large-scale production for biomedical applications.

Chitosan-Based Films Blended with Tannic Acid and Moringa Oleifera for Application in Food Packaging: The Preservation of Strawberries (Fragaria ananassa).

Biobased plastics provide a sustainable alternative to conventional food packaging materials, thereby reducing the environmental impact. The present study investigated the effectiveness of chitosan with varying levels of Moringa oleifera seed powder (MOSP) and tannic acid (TA). Chitosan (CS) biocomposite films with tannic acid acted as a cross-linker, and Moringa oleifera seed powder served as reinforcement. To enhance food packaging and film performance, Moringa oleifera seed powder was introduced at various loadings of 1.0, 3.0, 5.0, and 10.0 wt.%. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy analyses were performed to study the structure and morphology of the CS/TA/MOSP films. The scanning electron microscopy results confirmed that chitosan/TA with 10.0 wt.% of MOSP produced a lightly miscible droplet/matrix structure. Furthermore, mechanical properties, swelling, water solubility, optical barrier, and water contact angle properties of the film were also calculated. With increasing Moringa oleifera seed powder contents, the biocomposite films' antimicrobial and antifungal activity increased at the 10.0 wt.% MOSP level; all of the observed bacteria [Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), Escherichia coli (E. coli), Aspergillus niger (A. niger), and Candida albicans (C. albicans)] had a notably increased percentage of growth. The film, with 10.0 wt.% MOSP content, effectively preserves strawberries' freshness, making it an ideal food packaging material.

A Study on the Antibacterial, Antispasmodic, Antipyretic, and Anti-Inflammatory Activity of ZnO Nanoparticles Using Leaf Extract from Jasminum sambac (L. Aiton).

The green synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) using plants has grown in significance in recent years. ZnO NPs were synthesized in this work via a chemical precipitation method with Jasminum sambac (JS) leaf extract serving as a capping agent. These NPs were characterized using UV-vis spectroscopy, FT-IR, XRD, SEM, TEM, TGA, and DTA. The results from UV-vis and FT-IR confirmed the band gap energies (3.37 eV and 3.50 eV) and the presence of the following functional groups: CN, OH, C=O, and NH. A spherical structure and an average grain size of 26 nm were confirmed via XRD. The size and surface morphology of the ZnO NPs were confirmed through the use of SEM analysis. According to the TEM images, the ZnO NPs had an average mean size of 26 nm and were spherical in shape. The TGA curve indicated that the weight loss starts at 100 °C, rising to 900 °C, as a result of the evaporation of water molecules. An exothermic peak was seen during the DTA analysis at 480 °C. Effective antibacterial activity was found at 7.32 ± 0.44 mm in Gram-positive bacteria (S. aureus) and at 15.54 ± 0.031 mm in Gram-negative (E. coli) bacteria against the ZnO NPs. Antispasmodic activity: the 0.3 mL/mL sample solution demonstrated significant reductions in stimulant effects induced by histamine (at a concentration of 1 µg/mL) by (78.19%), acetylcholine (at a concentration of 1 µM) by (67.57%), and nicotine (at a concentration of 2 µg/mL) by (84.35%). The antipyretic activity was identified using the specific Shodhan vidhi method, and their anti-inflammatory properties were effectively evaluated with a denaturation test. A 0.3 mL/mL sample solution demonstrated significant reductions in stimulant effects induced by histamine (at a concentration of 1 µg/mL) by 78.19%, acetylcholine (at a concentration of 1 µM) by 67.57%, and nicotine (at a concentration of 2 µg/mL) by 84.35%. These results underscore the sample solution's potential as an effective therapeutic agent, showcasing its notable antispasmodic activity. Among the administered doses, the 150 mg/kg sample dose exhibited the most potent antipyretic effects. The anti-inflammatory activity of the synthesized NPs showed a remarkable inhibition percentage of (97.14 ± 0.005) at higher concentrations (250 µg/mL). Furthermore, a cytotoxic effect was noted when the biologically synthesized ZnO NPs were introduced to treated cells.

Melamine-based metal-organic frameworks for high-performance supercapacitor applications.

Melamine-based metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) for high-performance supercapacitor applications are described in this paper. Melamine (Me) is employed as an organic linker, and three metal ions cobalt, nickel, and iron (Co, Ni, Fe) are used ascentral metal ions to manufacture the desired MOF materials (Co-Me, Ni-Me, and Fe-Me). While melamine is an inexpensive organic linker for creating MOF materials, homogenous molecular structures can be difficult to produce. The most effective technique for expanding the molecular structures of MOFs through suitable experimental optimization is used in this work. The MOFs materials are characterized using standard techniques. The kinetics of the materials' reactions are investigated using attenuated total reflectance. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), powder X-ray diffraction (P-XRD), Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FT-IR) spectroscopy, and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) studies verified the development of the MOFs structure. The surface morphology of the produced materials is investigated using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The elements found in MOFs are studied via XPS analysis, energy dispersive X-ray diffraction (EDX), mapping, and mapping. The materials' absorption characteristics were examined by the use of UV-visible absorption spectroscopy. The thermal stability of the materials is examined by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA); these materials are more stable, according to the findings, even at high temperatures. The electrochemical investigation determines the specific capacitance of the materials. The specific capacitance of Co-Me, Ni-Me, and Fe-Me in 3 M KOH electrolyte is 1267.36, 803.22, and 507.59F/g @ 1 A-1, according to the three-electrode arrangement. The two-electrode device maximizes power and energy density by using an asymmetrical supercapacitor in a 3 M KOH electrolyte. The power and energy densities of Co-Me, Ni-Me, and Fe-Me are 3650.63, 2813.21, and 6210.45 W kg-1, and 68.43, 46.32, and 42.2 Wh kg-1, respectively. According to the materials stability test, the MOFs are highly stable after 10,000 cycles. Preliminary results suggest that the materials are suitable for usage in high-end supercapacitor uses.

Synergistic Blends of Sodium Alginate and Pectin Biopolymer Hosts as Conducting Electrolytes for Electrochemical Applications.

The world needs sustainable energy resources with affordable, economic, and accountable sources. Consequently, energy innovation technologies are evolving toward electrochemical applications like batteries, supercapacitors, etc. The current study involves the solid blend biopolymer electrolyte (SBBE) with different compositions of sodium alginate blended with pectin via the casting technique. The characterization of the sample was tested by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, AC impedance, linear sweep voltammetry (LSV), and cyclic voltammetry (CV) analyses. Evidently, the sample NP4 (NaAlg/pectin = 60:40 wt %) has a higher conductivity of 1.26 × 10-7 and 3.25 × 10-6 S cm-1 at 303 and 353 K, respectively. The performances of the samples were analyzed with variations in temperature, frequency, and time responses to signify the blended nature of the electrolyte. Hence, the studied biopolymers can be constructed for electrochemical device applications.

Surface adsorption and corrosion resistance performance of modified chitosan: Gravimetric, electrochemical, and computational studies.

Two novel chitosan derivatives (water soluble and acid soluble) modified with thiocarbohydrazide were produced by a quick and easy technique using formaldehyde as links. The novel compounds were synthesized and then characterized by thermogravimetric analysis, elemental analysis, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and differential scanning calorimetry. Their surface morphologies were examined using scanning electron microscopy. These chitosan derivatives could produce pH-dependent gels. The behavior of mild steel in 5 % acetic acid, including both inhibitors at various concentrations, was investigated using gravimetric and electrochemical experiments. According to the early findings, both compounds (TCFACN and TCFWCN) functioned as mixed-type metal corrosion inhibitors. Both inhibitors showed their best corrosion inhibition efficiency at 80 mg L-1. TCFACN and TCFWCN, showed approximately 92 % and 94 % corrosion inhibition, respectively, at an optimal concentration of 80 mg L-1, according to electrochemical analysis. In the corrosion test, the water contact angle of the polished MS sample at 87.90 °C was reduced to 51 °C. The water contact angles for MS inhibited by TCFACN and TCFWCN in the same electrolyte were greater, measuring 78.10 °C and 93.10 °C, respectively. The theoretical results also support the experimental findings.

Analysis of trend in the role of national and regional hubs in prostatectomy after prostate cancer diagnosis in the past 5 years: A nationwide population-based study.

PURPOSE: The regions where patients diagnosed with prostate cancer by biopsy receive prostatectomy are divided into national hub and regional hubs, and to confirm the change in the role of regional hubs compared to national hub. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data from July 2013 to June 2017 encompassing 218,155 patients aged ≥18 years diagnosed with prostate cancer were analyzed using the Health Insurance Review & Assessment Service database. The degree of patient outflow was assessed by dividing the regional diagnosis-to-surgery ratio with the national ratio for each year. Based on this ratio, national and regional hubs were determined. RESULTS: Seoul consistently maintained a patient influx with a ratio above 1.6. Busan and Gyeonggi consistently exceeded 0.9, while Ulsan and Daegu steadily increased, exceeding 1.0 between 2015 and 2016. Jeonnam province also consistently maintained the ratio above 0.7. Jeju, Daejeon, Gangwon, and Incheon remained below 0.5, indicative of substantial patient outflows, whereas Gwangju and Gyeongbuk had the highest patient outflows with ratios below 0.15. Therefore, Seoul was designated as a national hub, whereas Busan, Gyeonggi, Ulsan, Daegu, and Jeonnam were classified as regional hubs. Jeju, Daejeon, Gangwon, and Incheon were the dominant outflow areas, while Gwangju and Gyeongbuk were the highest outflow areas. CONCLUSIONS: Seoul, as the national hub for prostate cancer surgery, operated on 1.76 times more patients than any other region during 2013-2017. Busan, Gyeonggi, Ulsan, Daegu, and Jeonnam functioned as regional hubs, but approximately 10%-20% of patients sought treatment at national hubs.

pNIPAm-Based pH and Thermoresponsive Copolymer Hydrogel for Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Drug Delivery.

The regulated and targeted administration of hydrophobic and hydrophilic drugs is both promising and challenging in the field of drug delivery. Developing a hydrogel which is responsive to dual stimuli is considered a promising and exciting research area of study. In this work, melamine functionalized poly-N-isopropyl acrylamide-co-glycidyl methacrylate copolymer has been developed by copolymerizing glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) monomer with N-isopropyl acrylamide (NIPAm) and further functionalized with melamine units (pNIPAm-co-pGMA-Mela). The prepared pNIPAm-co-pGMA-Mela copolymer hydrogel was characterized using various characterization techniques, including 1H NMR, FTIR, SEM, zeta potential, and particle size analysis. A hydrophobic drug (ibuprofen, Ibu) and hydrophilic drug (5-fluorouracil, 5-Fu) were selected as model drugs. Dual pH and temperature stimuli-responsive drug release behavior of the pNIPAm-co-pGMA-Mela hydrogel was evaluated under different pH (pH 7.4 and 4.0) and temperature (25 °C, 37 °C, and 45 °C) conditions. Furthermore, the in vitro biocompatibility of the developed pNIPAm-co-pGMA-Mela copolymer hydrogel was determined on MDA-MB-231 cells. The pH and temperature-responsive drug delivery study results reveal that the pNIPAm-co-pGMA-Mela hydrogel system is responsive to both pH and temperature stimuli and exhibits about ~100% of Ibu and 5-Fu, respectively, released at pH 4.0/45 °C. Moreover, the MTT assay and hemocompatibility analysis results proved that the pNIPAm-co-pGMA-Mela hydrogel system is biocompatible and hemocompatible, suggesting that that it could be used for drug delivery applications. The experimental results suggest that the proposed pNIPAm-co-pGMA-Mela hydrogel system is responsive to dual pH and temperature stimuli, and could be a promising drug carrier system for both hydrophilic and hydrophobic drug delivery applications.

Flexible Composite Hydrogels Based on Polybenzoxazine for Supercapacitor Applications.

Polybenzoxazines (Pbzs) are advanced forms of phenolic resins that possess many attractive properties, including thermal-induced self-curing polymerization, void-free polymeric products and absence of by-product formation. They also possess high Tg (glass transition temperature) and thermal stability. But the produced materials are brittle in nature. In this paper, we present our attempt to decrease the brittleness of Pbz by blending it with polyvinylalcohol (PVA). Benzoxazine monomer (Eu-Ed-Bzo) was synthesized by following a simple Mannich condensation reaction. The formation of a benzoxazine ring was confirmed by FT-IR and NMR spectroscopic analyses. The synthesized benzoxazine monomer was blended with PVA in order to produce composite films, PVA/Pbz, by varying the amount of benzoxazine monomer (1, 3 and 5 wt. % of PVA). The property of the composite films was studied using various characterization techniques, including DSC, TGA, water contact angle analysis (WCA) and SEM. WCA analysis proved that the hydrophobic nature of Pbz (value) was transformed to hydrophilic (WCA of PVA/Pbz5 is 35.5°). These composite films could play the same role as flexible electrolytes in supercapacitor applications. For this purpose, the composite films were immersed in a 1 M KOH solution for 12 h in order to analyze their swelling properties. Moreover, by using this swelled gel, a symmetric supercapacitor, AC//PVA/Pbz5//AC, was constructed, exhibiting a specific capacitance of 170 F g-1.

Innovative Carbon Ball Frameworks: Elevating Energy Storage Performance and Enhancing CO2 Capture Efficiency.

A novel porous carbon, derived from polybenzoxazine and subjected to hydrogen peroxide treatment, has been meticulously crafted to serve dual functions as a supercapacitor and a CO2 capture material. While supercapacitors offer a promising avenue for electrochemical energy storage, their widespread application is hampered by relatively low energy density. Addressing this limitation, our innovative approach introduces a three-dimensional holey carbon ball framework boasting a hierarchical porous structure, thereby elevating its performance as a metal-free supercapacitor electrode. The key to its superior performance lies in the intricate design, featuring a substantial ion-accessible surface area, well-established electron and ion transport pathways, and a remarkable packing density. This unique configuration endows the holey carbon ball framework electrode with an impressive capacitance of 274 F g-1. Notably, the electrode exhibits outstanding rate capability and remarkable longevity, maintaining a capacitance retention of 82% even after undergoing 5000 cycles in an aqueous electrolyte. Beyond its prowess as a supercapacitor, the hydrogen peroxide-treated porous carbon component reveals an additional facet, showcasing an exceptional CO2 adsorption capacity. At temperatures of 0 and 25 °C, the carbon material displays a CO2 adsorption capacity of 4.4 and 4.2 mmol/g, respectively, corresponding to equilibrium pressures of 1 bar. This dual functionality renders the porous carbon material a versatile and efficient candidate for addressing the energy storage and environmental challenges of our time.

Polybenzoxazine-Based Nitrogen-Containing Porous Carbon and Their Composites with NiCo Bimetallic Oxides for Supercapacitor Applications.

Supercapacitors (SCs) are considered as emerging energy storage devices that bridge the gap between electrolytic capacitors and rechargeable batteries. However, due to their low energy density, their real-time usage is restricted. Hence, to enhance the energy density of SCs, we prepared hetero-atom-doped carbon along with bimetallic oxides at different calcination temperatures, viz., HC/NiCo@600, HC/NiCo@700, HC/NiCo@800 and HC/NiCo@900. The material produced at 800 °C (HC/NiCo@800) exhibits a hierarchical 3D flower-like morphology. The electrochemical measurement of the prepared materials was performed in a three-electrode system showing an enhanced specific capacitance for HC/NiCo@600 (Cs = 1515 F g-1) in 1 M KOH, at a current density of 1 A g-1, among others. An asymmetric SC device was also fabricated using HC/NiCo@800 as anode and HC as cathode (HC/NiCo@600//HC). The fabricated device had the ability to operate at a high voltage window (~1.6 V), exhibiting a specific capacitance of 142 F g-1 at a current density of 1 A g-1; power density of 743.11 W kg-1 and energy density of 49.93 Wh kg-1. Altogether, a simple strategy of hetero-atom doping and bimetallic inclusion into the carbon framework enhances the energy density of SCs.

Synthesis of functionalized mesoporous silica nanoparticles for colorimetric and fluorescence sensing of selective metal (Fe3+) ions in aqueous solution.

The fabrication of red fluorescent hybrid mesoporous silica-based nanosensor materials has promised the bioimaging and selective detection of toxic pollutants in aqueous solutions. In this study, we present a hybrid mesoporous silica nanosensor in which the propidium iodide (PI) was used to conveniently integrate into the mesopore walls using bis(trimethoxysilylpropyl silane) precursors. Various characterization techniques including X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR), N2 adsorption-desorption, zeta potential, particle size analysis, thermogravimetric, and UV-visible analysis were used to analyze the prepared materials. The prepared PI integrated mesoporous silica nanoparticles (PI-MSNs) selective metal ion sensing capabilities were tested with a variety of heavy metal ions (100 mM), including Ni2+, Cd2+, Co2+, Zn2+, Cr3+, Cu2+, Al3+, Mg2+, Hg2+ and Fe3+ ions. Among the investigated metal ions, the prepared PI-MSNs demonstrated selective monitoring of Fe3+ ions with a significant visible colorimetric pink color change into orange and quenching of pink fluorescence in an aqueous suspension. The selective sensing behavior of PI-MSNs might be due to the interaction of Fe3+ ions with the integrated PI functional fluorophore present in the mesopore walls. Therefore, we emphasize that the prepared PI-MSNs could be efficient for selective monitoring of Fe3+ ions in an aqueous solution and in the biological cellular microenvironment.

Engineering a self-healing grafted chitosan-sodium alginate based hydrogel with potential keratinocyte cell migration property and inhibitory effect against fluconazole resistance Candida albicans biofilm.

Biofilms developed by microorganisms cause an extremely severe clinical problem that leads to drug failure. Bioactive polymeric hydrogels display potential for controlling the formation of microorganism-based biofilms, but their rapid biodegradability in these biofilm sites is still a major challenge. To overcome this, chitosan (CS), a natural functional biomaterial, has been used because of its effective penetrability in the cell wall of microorganisms; however, its fast biodegradability has restricted its further use. Hence, in this study, to improve the stability of CS and increase its penetration retention inside a biofilm, grafted CS was prepared and then crosslinked with sodium alginate (SA) to synthesize CS-poly(MA-co-AA)SA hydrogel via a free radical grafting method, therefore enhancing its antibiofilm efficiency against biofilms. The prepared hydrogel demonstrated excellent effectiveness against (≥90 % inhibition) biofilms of Candida albicans. Additionally, in vitro and in vivo safety assays established that the prepared hydrogel can be used in a biofilm microenvironment and might reduce drug resistance burden owing to its long-term antibiofilm effect and improved CS stability at the biofilm site. Furthermore, in vitro wound healing outcomes of hydrogel indicated its potential application for chronic wound treatment. This research opens a new advanced strategy for biofilm-associated infection treatment, including wound treatment.

Immunomodulatory effects of copper nanoparticles against mitogen-stimulated rat splenic and thymic lymphocytes.

In the present study, we have evaluated the effects of copper (Cu) nanoparticles (NPs) on the primary B-and T-lymphocytes proliferation, cytokine levels, and bio-distribution through in vitro, in vivo and ex-vivo studies to allow the possible exploitations of CuNPs in biomedical applications. CuNPs were characterized by UV-Visible spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA). The proliferative response of lymphocytes was studied by 3H-thymidine incorporation assay and lymphocyte viability through trypan blue assay. The bio-distribution of CuNPs into lymphoid organs was examined by using ex-vivo imaging system. Cytokine levels in plasma of control and CuNPs treated animal groups were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method along with other biochemical analysis. CuNPs significantly suppressed the proliferation of primary splenic and thymic lymphocytes in a dose dependent manner. Ex-vivo imaging exhibited the distribution of CuNPs in spleen and thymus. Oral administration of CuNPs (2 mg and 10 mg/kg body weight) significantly inhibited the proliferation of splenic and thymic lymphocytes along with lowered cytokines levels (TNF-alpha and IL-2) on comparison with controls. The results indicated the significant inhibition of lymphocytes proliferative response and secretion of cytokines, thus unveiling the immunomodulatory effects of CuNPs.

Improved electrochemical detection of levofloxacin in diverse aquatic samples using 3D flower-like Co@CaPO4 nanospheres.

The misuse of antibiotics has become a concerning environmental issue, posing a significant threat to public health. Levofloxacin (LFX), a fluoroquinolone antibiotic, is particularly worrisome due to its detrimental impact on human health and the ecosystem. Therefore, the selective and accurate identification of LFX is of utmost importance. In this study, we have developed an electrochemical sensor based on cobalt-doped calcium phosphate (Co@CaHPO) for the sensitive and selective detection of LFX in various water samples. Under optimized conditions, the Co@CaHPO-modified glassy carbon electrode (GCE) exhibited exceptional electrochemical activity, low charge transfer resistance, and a fast electron transfer rate, outperforming the unmodified GCE. The proposed Co@CaHPO-modified GCE demonstrated remarkable electrochemical characteristics, including a wide linear range (0.3-460 µM) and a lower detection limit (0.151 µM) with high sensitivity (0.676 µAµM-1 cm2). This detection approach may enable the direct detection of LFX in the pharmaceutical environment. Furthermore, the resulting sensor exhibited good selectivity, excellent cyclic and storage stability, reproducibility, and repeatability. The practical application of this LFX sensor can be extended to various water samples, yielding reliable and satisfactory results.