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Fulltext Synthesis and Characterization of ZnO-SiO2 Composite Using Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunch as a Potential Silica Source

Rahmat F, Fen YW, Anuar MF, Omar NAS, Zaid MHM, Matori KA, et al.

Molecules, 2021 Feb 18;26(4).
PMID: 33670482 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26041061

In this paper, the structural and optical properties of ZnO-SiO2-based ceramics fabricated from oil palm empty fruit bunch (OPEFB) were investigated. The OPEFB waste was burned at 600, 700 and 800 °C to form palm ash and was then treated with sulfuric acid to extract silica from the ash. X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses confirmed the existence of SiO2 in the sample. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) showed that the particles displayed an irregular shape and became finer after leaching. Then, the solid-state method was used to produce the ZnO-SiO2 composite and the samples were sintered at 600, 800, 1000, 1200 and 1400 °C. The XRD peaks of the Zn2SiO4 showed high intensity, which indicated high crystallinity of the composite. FESEM images proved that the grain boundaries were larger as the temperature increased. Upon obtaining the absorbance spectrum from ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy, the energy band gaps obtained were 3.192, 3.202 and 3.214 eV at room temperature, 600 and 800 °C, respectively, and decreased to 3.127, 2.854 and 2.609 eV at 1000, 1200 and 1400 °C, respectively. OPEFB shows high potential as a silica source in producing promising optical materials.

Matched MeSH terms: X-Ray Diffraction
Fulltext Electromagnetic Characterization of a Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes-Silver Nanoparticles-Reinforced Polyvinyl Alcohol Hybrid Nanocomposite in X-Band Frequency

Yusof Y, Moosavi S, Johan MR, Badruddin IA, Wahab YA, Hamizi NA, et al.

ACS Omega, 2021 Feb 16;6(6):4184-4191.
PMID: 33644542 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.0c04864

This study presents the electromagnetic (EM) characterization of a multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT)-silver nanoparticles (AgNP)-reinforced poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) hybrid nanocomposite fabricated via the solution mixing technique. Primarily, the structure and morphological properties of the PVA/MWCNT-AgNP hybrid nanocomposite are confirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). The complex permittivity (ε*) and permeability (μ*), as well as the electromagnetic scattering parameters are measured using a PNA network analyzer equipped with X-band waveguide. The results showed an enhanced permittivity (ε' ≈ 25) value of the hybrid nanocomposite in the frequency range of 8-12 GHz. However, the permeability decreased to almost zero (μ' ≈ 0.4) since the inclusion of AgNP with an average particle size of 40 nm is not susceptible to magnetization and causes higher magnetic losses (tan δμ) than dielectric losses (tan δε). Remarkably, the hybrid nanocomposite reduced transmission of electromagnetic (EM) wave by nearly 60% in comparison to PVA/MWCNT. This is attributed to the enhanced absorption and reflection at the nanotubes, and metal-dielectric interfaces have induced multiple internal reflections owing to the porous structure of the nanocomposite. The prospect of the PVA/MWCNT-AgNP hybrid nanocomposite is favorable as a thin absorbing material for EM shielding applications.

Matched MeSH terms: X-Ray Diffraction
Fulltext Morphology, Structural, Thermal, and Tensile Properties of Bamboo Microcrystalline Cellulose/Poly(Lactic Acid)/Poly(Butylene Succinate) Composites

Rasheed M, Jawaid M, Parveez B, Hussain Bhat A, Alamery S

Polymers (Basel), 2021 Feb 01;13(3).
PMID: 33535490 DOI: 10.3390/polym13030465

The present study aims to develop a biodegradable polymer blend that is environmentally friendly and has comparable tensile and thermal properties with synthetic plastics. In this work, microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) extracted from bamboo-chips-reinforced poly (lactic acid) (PLA) and poly (butylene succinate) (PBS) blend composites were fabricated by melt-mixing at 180 °C and then hot pressing at 180 °C. PBS and MCC (0.5, 1, 1.5 wt%) were added to improve the brittle nature of PLA. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscope (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential thermogravimetry (DTG), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC)), and universal testing machine were used to analyze morphology, crystallinity, physiochemical, thermal, and tensile properties, respectively. The thermal stability of the PLA-PBS blends enhanced on addition of MCC up to 1wt % due to their uniform dispersion in the polymer matrix. Tensile properties declined on addition of PBS and increased with MCC above (0.5 wt%) however except elongation at break increased on addition of PBS then decreased insignificantly on addition of MCC. Thus, PBS and MCC addition in PLA matrix decreases the brittleness, making it a potential contender that could be considered to replace plastics that are used for food packaging.

Matched MeSH terms: X-Ray Diffraction
Fulltext Phytogenic Synthesis of Pd-Ag/rGO Nanostructures Using Stevia Leaf Extract for Photocatalytic H2 Production and Antibacterial Studies

Mallikarjuna K, Nasif O, Ali Alharbi S, Chinni SV, Reddy LV, Reddy MRV, et al.

Biomolecules, 2021 01 29;11(2).
PMID: 33572968 DOI: 10.3390/biom11020190

Continuously increasing energy demand and growing concern about energy resources has attracted much research in the field of clean and sustainable energy sources. In this context, zero-emission fuels are required for energy production to reduce the usage of fossil fuel resources. Here, we present the synthesis of Pd-Ag-decorated reduced graphene oxide (rGO) nanostructures using a green chemical approach with stevia extract for hydrogen production and antibacterial studies under light irradiation. Moreover, bimetallic nanostructures are potentially lime lighted due to their synergetic effect in both scientific and technical aspects. Structural characteristics such as crystal structure and morphological features of the synthesized nanostructures were analyzed using X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. Analysis of elemental composition and oxidation states was carried out by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Optical characteristics of the biosynthesized nanostructures were obtained by UV-Vis absorption spectroscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy was used to investigate possible functional groups that act as reducing and capping agents. The antimicrobial activity of the biosynthesized Pd-Ag-decorated rGO nanostructures was excellent, inactivating 96% of Escherichia coli cells during experiments over 150 min under visible light irradiation. Hence, these biosynthesized Pd-Ag-decorated rGO nanostructures can be utilized for alternative nanomaterial-based drug development in the future.

Matched MeSH terms: X-Ray Diffraction
Nose-to-brain delivery of teriflunomide-loaded lipid-based carbopol-gellan gum nanogel for glioma: Pharmacological and in vitro cytotoxicity studies

Gadhave D, Rasal N, Sonawane R, Sekar M, Kokare C

Int J Biol Macromol, 2021 Jan 15;167:906-920.
PMID: 33186648 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2020.11.047

The research work was intended to formulate teriflunomide (TFM) loaded nano lipid-based (TNLC) carbopol-gellan gum in situ gel (TNLCGHG) and to investigate its therapeutic efficacy against glioma, a brain and spine tumor. Nanoformulation was developed using gellan gum and carbopol 974P as gelling and mucoadhesive agents, respectively, Glyceryl di-behenate and Glyceryl mono-linoleate blend as lipids, and Gelucire 44/14: water blend as surfactant system. Globule size, PDI, zeta potential, encapsulation efficiency, mucoadhesive strength, and nasal permeation were found to be 117.80 nm, 0.56, -21.86 mV, 81.16%, 4.80 g, and 904 μg/cm2, respectively. Anticancer efficacy of TFM-loaded nano lipid-based carbopol-gellan gum in situ gel (TNLCGHG) was determined in human U-87MG glioma cell line. IC50 was found 7.0 μg/mL for TNLCGHG, 4.8 μg/mL for pure TFM, and 78.5 μg/mL for TNLC, which approve the superiority of surfactant along with gellan gum as permeation enhancer. Brain Cmax for technetium (99mTC) labeled intranasal (i.n.) 99mTC-TNLCGHG was found 2-folds higher than 99mTC-TNLC (i.n.) and 99mTC-TNLC intravenous (i.v.) because the TNLCGHG formulation contains surfactant with natural gelling polymers, which promisingly improved drug permeability. Finally, this research revealed encouraging outcomes and successfully developed intranasal TNLCGHG nanoformulation as a novel tool for safe delivery of TFM in glioma patients.

Matched MeSH terms: X-Ray Diffraction
Fulltext Investigation of struvite crystals formed in palm oil mill effluent anaerobic digester

Ngatiman M, Jami MS, Abu Bakar MR, Subramaniam V, Loh SK

Heliyon, 2021 Jan;7(1):e05931.
PMID: 33490684 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e05931

The formation of struvite crystals or magnesium ammonium phosphate (MgNH4PO4) in palm oil mill effluent (POME) occurs as early as in the secondary stage of POME treatment system. Its growth continues in the subsequent tertiary treatment which reduces piping diameter, thus affecting POME treatment efficiency. Hypothesis. The beneficial use of the crystal is the motivation. This occurrence is rarely reported in scientific articles despite being a common problem faced by palm oil millers. The aim of this study is to characterize struvite crystals found in an anaerobic digester of a POME treatment facility in terms of their physical and chemical aspects. The compositions, morphology and properties of these crystals were determined via energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), elemental analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and x-ray diffraction (XRD). Solubility tests were carried out to establish solubility curve for struvite from POME. Finally, crystal growth experiment was done applying reaction crystallization method to demonstrate struvite precipitation from POME. Results showed that high phosphorous (P) (24.85 wt%) and magnesium (Mg) (21.33 wt%) content was found in the struvite sample. Elemental analysis detected carbon (C), hydrogen (H), nitrogen (N) and sulfur (S) below 4 wt%. The crystals analysed by XRD in this study were confirmed as struvite with 94.8% struvite mineral detected from its total volume. Having an orthorhombic crystal system, struvite crystals from POME recorded an average density of 1.701 g cm-3. Solubility curve of struvite from POME was established with maximum solubility of 275.6 mg L-1 at pH 3 and temperature 40 °C. Minimum solubility of 123.6 mg L-1 was recorded at pH 7 and temperature 25 °C. Crystal growth experiment utilizing POME as the source medium managed to achieve 67% reduction in phosphorous content. This study concluded that there is a potential of harnessing valuable nutrients from POME in the form of struvite. Struvite precipitation technology can be adapted in the management of POME in order to achieve maximum utilization of the nutrients that are still abundant in POME. At the same time maximization of nutrient extractions from POME will also reduce pollutants loading in the final discharge.

Matched MeSH terms: X-Ray Diffraction
Fulltext PRODUCTION OF BIODIESEL FROM WASTE COOKING OIL USING BENTONITE CATALYSTS

Noraini Hamzah, Izyan Yusof, Sabiha Hanim Saleh, Nazrizawati Ahmad Tajuddin, Mohd Lokman Ibrahim, Wan Zurina Samad

Journal of Academia Universiti Teknologi MARA Negeri Sembilan, 2021;9(1):139-144.
MyJurnal

Demand for diesel continues to increase due to rapid population growth, which could contribute to fossil fuel exhaustion. Biodiesel has been widely developed as a replacement for conventional diesel to resolve the issue. Biodiesel production from waste cooking oil (WCO) was carried out via the transesterification process using two types of bentonite catalysts, which are raw bentonite and NaOH/bentonite. By using the impregnation method, the NaOH/bentonite catalyst was synthesized at 60°C for 12 hours. The transesterification was conducted with 0.5wt% of catalyst, at 15:1 (methanol- to-oil), for 2 hours at different reaction temperatures. The characterization of both raw bentonite and NaOH/bentonite was done using X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and Brunauer, Emmett, Teller (BET) surface characterization. A high yield of FAMEs (72%) was found to be obtained in continuous stirring at 55ºC for 2 hours and 15:1 methanol/oil molar ratio with 0.5wt.% (0.15g) of NaOH/bentonite catalyst.

Matched MeSH terms: X-Ray Diffraction
Production and characterization of silica nanoparticles from fly ash: conversion of agro-waste into resource

Uda MNA, Gopinath SCB, Hashim U, Halim NH, Parmin NA, Afnan Uda MN, et al.

Prep Biochem Biotechnol, 2021;51(1):86-95.
PMID: 32713293 DOI: 10.1080/10826068.2020.1793174

A chemical method to synthesize amorphous silica nanoparticles from the incinerated paddy straw has been introduced. The synthesis was conducted through the hydrolysis by alkaline-acidic treatments. As a result, silica particles produced with the sizes were ranging at 60-90 nm, determined by high-resolution microscopy. The crystallinity was confirmed by surface area electron diffraction. Apart from that, chemical and diffraction analyses for both rice straw ash and synthesized silica nanoparticles were conducted by X-ray diffraction and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. The percentage of silica from the incinerated straw was calculated to be 28.3. The prominent surface chemical bonding on the generated silica nanoparticles was with Si-O-Si, stretch of Si-O and symmetric Si-O bonds at peaks of 1090, 471, and 780 cm-1, respectively. To confirm the impurities of the elements in the produced silica, were analyzed using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The stability of silica nanoparticles was investigated using thermogravimetric analysis and zeta potential. The measured size from zeta potential analysis was 411.3-493 nm and the stability of mass reduction was located at 200 °C with final amount of mass reduced ∼88% and an average polydispersity Index was 0.195-0.224.

Matched MeSH terms: X-Ray Diffraction
Fulltext Green Biosynthesis, Antioxidant, Antibacterial, and Anticancer Activities of Silver Nanoparticles of Luffa acutangula Leaf Extract

Nallappan D, Fauzi AN, Krishna BS, Kumar BP, Reddy AVK, Syed T, et al.

Biomed Res Int, 2021;2021:5125681.
PMID: 34631882 DOI: 10.1155/2021/5125681

Studies on green biosynthesis of newly engineered nanoparticles for their prominent medicinal applications are being the torch-bearing concerns of the state-of-the-art research strategies. In this concern, we have engineered the biosynthesized Luffa acutangula silver nanoparticles of flavonoid O-glycosides in the anisotropic form isolated from aqueous leave extracts of Luffa acutangula, a popular traditional and ayurvedic plant in south-east Asian countries. These were structurally confirmed by Ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy accessed with attenuated total reflection (FTIR-ATR) spectral analyses followed by the scanning electron microscopic (SEM) and the X-ray diffraction (XRD) crystallographic studies and found them with the face-centered cubic (fcc) structure. Medicinally, we have explored their significant antioxidant (DPPH and ABTS assays), antibacterial (disc diffusion assay on E. coli, S. aureus, B. subtilis, S. fecilis, and S. boydii), and anticancer (MTT assay on MCF-7, MDA-MB-231, U87, and DBTRG cell lines) potentialities which augmented the present investigation. The molecular docking analysis of title compounds against 3NM8 (DPPH) and 1DNU (ABTS) proteins for antioxidant activity; 5FGK (Gram-Positive Bacteria) and 1AB4 (Gram-Negative Bacteria) proteins for antibacterial activity; and 4GBD (MCF-7), 5FI2 (MDA-MB-231), 1D5R (U87), and 5TIJ (DBTRG) proteins for anticancer activity has affirmed the promising ligand-protein binding interactions among the hydroxy groups of the title compounds and aspartic acid of the concerned enzymatic proteins. The binding energy varying from -9.1645 to -7.7955 for Cosmosioside (1, Apigenin-7-glucoside) and from -9.2690 to -7.8306 for Cynaroside (2, Luteolin-7-glucoside) implies the isolated compounds as potential bioactive compounds. In addition, the performed studies like QSAR, ADMET, bioactivity properties, drug scores, and toxicity risks confirmed them as potential drug candidates and aspartic acid receptor antagonists. This research auxiliary augmented the existing array of phytological nanomedicines with new drug candidates that are credible with multiple bioactivities.

Matched MeSH terms: X-Ray Diffraction
Fulltext Green Synthesis of Fe3O4 Nanoparticles Stabilized by a Garcinia mangostana Fruit Peel Extract for Hyperthermia and Anticancer Activities

Yusefi M, Shameli K, Su Yee O, Teow SY, Hedayatnasab Z, Jahangirian H, et al.

Int J Nanomedicine, 2021;16:2515-2532.
PMID: 33824589 DOI: 10.2147/IJN.S284134

INTRODUCTION: Fe3O4 nanoparticles (Fe3O4 NPs) with multiple functionalities are intriguing candidates for various biomedical applications.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study introduced a simple and green synthesis of Fe3O4 NPs using a low-cost stabilizer of plant waste extract rich in polyphenols content with a well-known antioxidant property as well as anticancer ability to eliminate colon cancer cells. Herein, Fe3O4 NPs were fabricated via a facile co-precipitation method using the crude extract of Garcinia mangostana fruit peel as a green stabilizer at different weight percentages (1, 2, 5, and 10 wt.%). The samples were analyzed for magnetic hyperthermia and then in vitro cytotoxicity assay was performed.
RESULTS: The XRD planes of the samples were corresponding to the standard magnetite Fe3O4 with high crystallinity. From TEM analysis, the green synthesized NPs were spherical with an average size of 13.42±1.58 nm and displayed diffraction rings of the Fe3O4 phase, which was in good agreement with the obtained XRD results. FESEM images showed that the extract covered the surface of the Fe3O4 NPs well. The magnetization values for the magnetite samples were ranging from 49.80 emu/g to 69.42 emu/g. FTIR analysis verified the functional groups of the extract compounds and their interactions with the NPs. Based on DLS results, the hydrodynamic sizes of the Fe3O4 nanofluids were below 177 nm. Furthermore, the nanofluids indicated the zeta potential values up to -34.92±1.26 mV and remained stable during four weeks of storage, showing that the extract favorably improved the colloidal stability of the Fe3O4 NPs. In the hyperthermia experiment, the magnetic nanofluids showed the acceptable specific absorption rate (SAR) values and thermosensitive performances under exposure of various alternating magnetic fields. From results of in vitro cytotoxicity assay, the killing effects of the synthesized samples against HCT116 colon cancer cells were mostly higher compared to those against CCD112 colon normal cells. Remarkably, the Fe3O4 NPs containing 10 wt.% of the extract showed a lower IC50 value (99.80 µg/mL) in HCT116 colon cancer cell line than in CCD112 colon normal cell line (140.80 µg/mL).
DISCUSSION: This research, therefore, introduced a new stabilizer of Garcinia mangostana fruit peel extract for the biosynthesis of Fe3O4 NPs with desirable physiochemical properties for potential magnetic hyperthermia and colon cancer treatment.

Matched MeSH terms: X-Ray Diffraction
Fulltext A novel and stable way for energy harvesting from Bi2Te3Se alloy based semitransparent photo-thermoelectric module

Fatima N, Karimov KS, Qasuria TA, Ibrahim MA

J Alloys Compd, 2020 Dec 30;849:156702.
PMID: 32834521 DOI: 10.1016/j.jallcom.2020.156702

In this research, due to the present pandemic of COVID-19, we are proposing a stable and fixed semitransparent photo-thermoelectric cell (PTEC) module for green energy harvesting. This module is based on the alloy of Bismuth Telluride Selenide (Bi2Te3Se), designed in a press tablet form and characterized under solar energy. Here, both aspects of solar energy i.e., light and heat are utilized for both energy production and water heating. The semitransparent PTEC converts heat energy directly to electrical energy due to the gradient of temperature between two electrodes (top and bottom) of thermoelectric cells. The PTEC is 25% transparent, which can be varied according to the necessity of the utilizer. The X-ray diffraction of material and electric characterization of module i.e., open-circuited voltage (VOC) and Seebeck coefficient were performed. The experimental observations disclose that in the proposed PTEC module with an increment in the average temperature (TAvg) from 34 to 60 °C, results in the rise of VOC ∼ 2.4 times. However, by modifying the size of heat-absorbing top electrode and by increasing the temperature gradient through the addition of water coolant under the bottom electrode, an uplift in the champion device results in as increment of VOC ∼5.5 times and Seebeck coefficient obtained was -250 μV/0C, respectively. Results show that not only the selection of material but also the external modifications in the device highly effective the power efficiency of the devices. The proposed modules can generate electric power from light and utilize the penetrating sunlight inside the room and for the heating of the water which also acts as a coolant. These semitransparent thermoelectric cells can be built-in within windows and roofs of buildings and can potentially contribute to green energy harvesting, in situations where movement is restricted locally or globally.

Matched MeSH terms: X-Ray Diffraction
Asperginols A and B, Diterpene Pyrones, from an Aspergillus sp. and the Structure Revision of Previously Reported Analogues

Al-Khdhairawi AAQ, Low YY, Manshoor N, Arya A, Jelecki M, Alshawsh MA, et al.

J Nat Prod, 2020 12 24;83(12):3564-3570.
PMID: 33305943 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jnatprod.0c00618

Two new diterpene pyrones, asperginols A (1) and B (2), and four known analogues (3-6) were isolated from the endophytic fungus Aspergillus sp. HAB10R12. The structures and absolute configurations of these compounds were elucidated based on the analysis of their NMR, MS, and X-ray diffraction data. The revision of the absolute configurations at C-10, C-11, and C-14 of the known diterpene pyrones (3-6) and the determination of the configuration at the polyene side chain for compounds (4-6) were made using chemical methods and vibrational circular dichroism analysis. This group of diterpene pyrone compounds showed unique structural features including a 7/6/6 tricyclic diterpene moiety with an unusual trans-syn-trans stereochemical arrangement. Compound 6 showed moderate activity against the HT-29 colon cancer cell line.

Matched MeSH terms: X-Ray Diffraction
Fulltext Lyophilized Amorphous Dispersion of Telmisartan in a Combined Carrier-Alkalizer System: Formulation Development and In Vivo Study

Al-Japairai KAS, Alkhalidi HM, Mahmood S, Almurisi SH, Doolaanea AA, Al-Sindi TA, et al.

ACS Omega, 2020 Dec 22;5(50):32466-32480.
PMID: 33376884 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.0c04588

Telmisartan suffers from low oral bioavailability due to its poor water solubility. The research work presents a formulation of solid dispersed (SD) telmisartan formulation as a ternary mixture of a drug, a polymeric carrier (poly(vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP) K30), and an alkalizer (Na2CO3). The preparation method, which was lyophilization of an aqueous solution containing the ingredients, was free from any organic solvent. The developed SD formulations resulted in a significant improvement in in vitro dissolution (>90% drug dissolution in 15 min) compared to pure telmisartan. Solid-state characterization by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) studies indicated the conversion of crystalline telmisartan into an amorphous form. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy revealed the drug-polymer interaction that was responsible for reducing the chances of recrystallization. A short-term stability study showed that selected SD formulations were stable in terms of in vitro dissolution and retained their amorphous structure in ambient and accelerated conditions over 2 months. Selected formulations (drug/PVP K30/Na2CO3 as 1:1:2 or 1:2:2 weight ratio) resulted in >2.48 times relative oral bioavailability compared to marketed formulations. It was considered that the incorporation of an alkalizer and a hydrophilic polymer, and amorphization of telmisartan by lyophilization, could enhance in vitro dissolution and improve oral bioavailability.

Matched MeSH terms: X-Ray Diffraction
Fulltext Improving Vesicular Integrity and Antioxidant Activity of Novel Mixed Soy Lecithin-Based Liposomes Containing Squalene and Their Stability against UV Light

Toopkanloo SP, Tan TB, Abas F, Azam M, Nehdi IA, Tan CP

Molecules, 2020 Dec 11;25(24).
PMID: 33322600 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25245873

In order to improve the membrane lipophilicity and the affinity towards the environment of lipid bilayers, squalene (SQ) could be conjugated to phospholipids in the formation of liposomes. The effect of membrane composition and concentrations on the degradation of liposomes prepared via the extrusion method was investigated. Liposomes were prepared using a mixture of SQ, cholesterol (CH) and Tween80 (TW80). Based on the optimal conditions, liposome batches were prepared in the absence and presence of SQ. Their physicochemical and stability behavior were evaluated as a function of liposome constituent. From the optimization study, the liposomal formulation containing 5% (w/w) mixed soy lecithin (ML), 0.5% (w/w) SQ, 0.3% (w/w) CH and 0.75% (w/w) TW80 had optimal physicochemical properties and displayed a unilamellar structure. Liposome prepared using the optimal formulation had a low particle size (158.31 ± 2.96 nm) and acceptable %increase in the particle size (15.09% ± 3.76%) and %trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (%TEAC) loss (35.69% ± 0.72%) against UV light treatment (280-320 nm) for 6 h. The interesting outcome of this research was the association of naturally occurring substance SQ for size reduction without the extra input of energy or mechanical procedures, and improvement of vesicle stability and antioxidant activity of ML-based liposome. This study also demonstrated that the presence of SQ in the membrane might increase the acyl chain dynamics and decrease the viscosity of the dispersion, thereby limiting long-term stability of the liposome.

Matched MeSH terms: X-Ray Diffraction
Fulltext Release of a liver anticancer drug, sorafenib from its PVA/LDH- and PEG/LDH-coated iron oxide nanoparticles for drug delivery applications

Ebadi M, Bullo S, Buskara K, Hussein MZ, Fakurazi S, Pastorin G

Sci Rep, 2020 Dec 09;10(1):21521.
PMID: 33298980 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-76504-5

The use of nanocarriers composed of polyethylene glycol- and polyvinyl alcohol-coated vesicles encapsulating active molecules in place of conventional chemotherapy drugs can reduce many of the chemotherapy-associated challenges because of the increased drug concentration at the diseased area in the body. The present study investigated the structure and magnetic properties of iron oxide nanoparticles in the presence of polyvinyl alcohol and polyethylene glycol as the basic surface coating agents. We used superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (FNPs) as the core and studied their effectiveness when two polymers, namely polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and polyethylene glycol (PEG), were used as the coating agents together with magnesium-aluminum-layered double hydroxide (MLDH) as the nanocarrier. In addition, the anticancer drug sorafenib (SO), was loaded on MLDH and coated onto the surface of the nanoparticles, to best exploit this nano-drug delivery system for biomedical applications. Samples were prepared by the co-precipitation method, and the resulting formation of the nanoparticles was confirmed by X-ray, FTIR, TEM, SEM, DLS, HPLC, UV-Vis, TGA and VSM. The X-ray diffraction results indicated that all the as-synthesized samples contained highly crystalline and pure Fe3O4. Transmission electron microscopy analysis showed that the shape of FPEGSO-MLDH nanoparticles was generally spherical, with a mean diameter of 17 nm, compared to 19 nm for FPVASO-MLDH. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed the presence of nanocarriers with polymer-coating on the surface of iron oxide nanoparticles and the existence of loaded active drug consisting of sorafenib. Thermogravimetric analyses demonstrated the thermal stability of the nanoparticles, which displayed enhanced anticancer effect after coating. Vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) curves of both produced samples showed superparamagnetic behavior with the high saturation magnetization of 57 emu/g for FPEGSO-MLDH and 49 emu/g for FPVASO-MLDH. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images showed a narrow size distribution of both final samples. The SO drug loading and the release behavior from FPEGSO-MLDH and FPVASO-MLDH were assessed by ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy. This evaluation showed around 85% drug release within 72 h, while 74% of sorafenib was released in phosphate buffer solution at pH 4.8. The release profiles of sorafenib from the two designed samples were found to be sustained according to pseudo-second-order kinetics. The cytotoxicity studies confirmed the anti-cancer activity of the coated nanoparticles loaded with SO against liver cancer cells, HepG2. Conversely, the drug delivery system was less toxic than the pure drug towards fibroblast-type 3T3 cells.

Matched MeSH terms: X-Ray Diffraction/methods
Characterization of Microcrystalline Cellulose Isolated from Conocarpus Fiber

Fouad H, Kian LK, Jawaid M, Alotaibi MD, Alothman OY, Hashem M

Polymers (Basel), 2020 Dec 07;12(12).
PMID: 33297332 DOI: 10.3390/polym12122926

Conocarpus fiber is an abundantly available and sustainable cellulosic biomass. With its richness in cellulose content, it is potentially used for manufacturing microcrystalline cellulose (MCC), a cellulose derivative product with versatile industrial applications. In this work, different samples of bleached fiber (CPBLH), alkali-treated fiber (CPAKL), and acid-treated fiber (CPMCC) were produced from Conocarpus through integrated chemical process of bleaching, alkaline cooking, and acid hydrolysis, respectively. Characterizations of samples were carried out with Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX), Fourier Transform Infrared-Ray (FTIR), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Thermogravimetric (TGA), and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC). From morphology study, the bundle fiber feature of CPBLH disintegrated into micro-size fibrils of CPMCC, showing the amorphous compounds were substantially removed through chemical depolymerization. Meanwhile, the elemental analysis also proved that the traces of impurities such as cations and anions were successfully eliminated from CPMCC. The CPMCC also gave a considerably high yield of 27%, which endowed it with great sustainability in acting as alternative biomass for MCC production. Physicochemical analysis revealed the existence of crystalline cellulose domain in CPMCC had contributed it 75.7% crystallinity. In thermal analysis, CPMCC had stable decomposition behavior comparing to CPBLH and CPAKL fibers. Therefore, Conocarpus fiber could be a promising candidate for extracting MCC with excellent properties in the future.

Matched MeSH terms: X-Ray Diffraction
Fulltext Hydrothermally Assisted Synthesis of Porous Polyaniline@Carbon Nanotubes-Manganese Dioxide Ternary Composite for Potential Application in Supercapattery

Iqbal J, Ansari MO, Numan A, Wageh S, Al-Ghamdi A, Alam MG, et al.

Polymers (Basel), 2020 Dec 05;12(12).
PMID: 33291451 DOI: 10.3390/polym12122918

In this study, ternary composites of polyaniline (PANI) with manganese dioxide (MnO2) nanorods and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were prepared by employing a hydrothermal methodology and in-situ oxidative polymerization of aniline. The morphological analysis by scanning electron microscopy showed that the MnO2 possessed nanorod like structures in its pristine form, while in the ternary PANI@CNT/MnO2 composite, coating of PANI over CNT/MnO2, rods/tubes were evidently seen. The structural analysis by X-ray diffraction and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy showed peaks corresponding to MnO2, PANI and CNT, which suggested efficacy of the synthesis methodology. The electrochemical performance in contrast to individual components revealed the enhanced performance of PANI@CNT/MnO2 composite due to the synergistic/additional effect of PANI, CNT and MnO2 compared to pure MnO2, PANI and PANI@CNT. The PANI@CNT/MnO2 ternary composite exhibited an excellent specific capacity of 143.26 C g-1 at a scan rate of 3 mV s-1. The cyclic stability of the supercapattery (PANI@CNT/MnO2/activated carbon)-consisting of a battery type electrode-demonstrated a gradual increase in specific capacity with continuous charge-discharge over ~1000 cycles and showed a cyclic stability of 119% compared to its initial value after 3500 cycles.

Matched MeSH terms: X-Ray Diffraction
Fulltext Systematical study of multi-walled carbon nanotube nanofluids based disposed transformer oil

Suhaimi NS, Md Din MF, Ishak MT, Abdul Rahman AR, Mohd Ariffin M, Hashim N', et al.

Sci Rep, 2020 Dec 02;10(1):20984.
PMID: 33268816 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-77810-8

In this paper, the electrical, dielectric, Raman and small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) structure behavior of disposed transformer oil in the presence of multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) were systematically tested to verify their versatility for preparing better alternative transformer oil in future. MWCNT nanofluids are prepared using a two-step method with concentrations ranging from 0.00 to 0.02 g/L. The test results reveal that 0.005 g/L concentration possesses the most optimum performance based on the electrical (AC breakdown and lightning impulse) and dielectric (permittivity, dissipation factor and resistivity) behavior. According to the trend of AC breakdown strength and lightning impulse pattern, there were 212.58% and 40.01% enhancement indicated for 0.005 g/L concentration compared to the disposed transformer oil. The presence of MWCNT also yielding to the decrement of dissipation factor, increased on permittivity and resistivity behavior of disposed transformer oil which reflected to the performance of electrical properties. Furthermore, it is found that these features correlated to the structural properties as systematically verify by Raman and SAXS analysis study.

Matched MeSH terms: X-Ray Diffraction
Complex permittivity and power loss characteristics of α-Fe2O3/polycaprolactone (PCL) nanocomposites: effect of recycled α-Fe2O3 nanofiller

Mensah EE, Abbas Z, Azis RS, Ibrahim NA, Khamis AM, Abdalhadi DM

Heliyon, 2020 Dec;6(12):e05595.
PMID: 33305050 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e05595

The development of microwave absorbing materials based on recycled hematite (α-Fe2O3) nanoparticles and polycaprolactone (PCL) was the main focus of this study. α-Fe2O3 was recycled from mill scale and reduced to nanoparticles through high energy ball milling in order to improve its complex permittivity properties. Different compositions (5% wt., 10% wt., 15% wt. and 20% wt.) of the recycled α-Fe2O3 nanoparticles were melt-blended with PCL using a twin screw extruder to fabricate recycled α-Fe2O3/PCL nanocomposites. The samples were characterized for their microstructural properties through X - ray diffraction (XRD) and high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). The complex permittivity and microwave absorption properties were respectively measured using the open ended coaxial (OEC) probe and a microstrip in connection with a vector network analyzer in the 1-4 GHz frequency range. An average α-Fe2O3 nanoparticle size of 16.2 nm was obtained with a maximum imaginary (ε") part of permittivity value of 0.54 at 4 GHz. The complex permittivity and power loss values of the nanocomposites increased with recycled α-Fe2O3 nanofiller content. At 2.4 GHz, the power loss (dB) values obtained for all the nanocomposites were between 13.3 dB and 14.4 dB and at 3.4 GHz, a maximum value of 16.37 dB was achieved for the 20 % wt. nanocomposite. The recycled α-Fe2O3/PCL nanocomposites have the potential for use in noise reduction applications in the 1-4 GHz range.

Matched MeSH terms: X-Ray Diffraction
Fabrication and Characterization of SnO-Cu₂O Mixed Metal Oxide Thin Films for Photoelectrochemical Applications

Ahmed S, Shahid MM, Bakar SA, Arshed N, Basirun WJ, Fouad H

J Nanosci Nanotechnol, 2020 12 01;20(12):7705-7709.
PMID: 32711646 DOI: 10.1166/jnn.2020.18570

Herein, we report the synthesis of SnO, Cu₂O and SnO-Cu₂O mixed oxide thin films on fluorinedoped tin oxide (FTO) substrate by Aerosol-Assisted Chemical Vapour Deposition (AACVD) process using [Cu (dmae)₂(H₂O)] and [Sn (dmae) (OAc)]₂ as molecular precursors for SnO and Cu₂O, respectively at 400 °C. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern can be ascribed to the tetragonal phase of SnO crystals with space group P4 and cubic phase of Cu₂O crystals with space group Pn- 3m/nmm, respectively. The surface morphology characteristics of SnO, Cu₂O and SnO-Cu₂Omixed oxide have been investigated using Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM) which revealed that the SnO was grown homogeneously in cubical shape while Cu₂O possess nano balls shaped morphologies. The UV band gap values of SnO-Cu₂O mixed oxide thin film was found to be 2.6 eV appropriate for photoelectrochemical (PEC) applications. The synthesized material was proposed for PEC applications and has shown enhanced catalytic performance in the presence of light.

Matched MeSH terms: X-Ray Diffraction

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