Displaying publications 1 - 20 of 281 in total

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  1. Eminent destruction of organics and pathogens concomitant with power generation in a visible light-responsive photocatalytic fuel cell with NiFe2O4/ZnO pine tree-like photoanode and CuO/Cu2O nanorod cathode
    Lam SM, Sin JC, Warren Tong MW, Zeng H, Li H, Huang L, et al.
    Chemosphere, 2023 Dec;344:140402.
    PMID: 37838031 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.140402
    Environmental conservation and energy scarcity have become two core challenges with the ever-increasing advancement of industry, particularly chemical energy rich wastewater comprising refractory organics and pathogenic microbes. Here, a multifunctional photocatalytic fuel cell (PFC) was devised using NiFe2O4 nanoparticle-loaded on pine tree-like ZnO/Zn (NiFe2O4/ZnO/Zn) photoanode and CuO/Cu2O nanorods-loaded on Cu (CuO/Cu2O/Cu) cathode for extracting electricity upon wastewater treatment. When fed with Rhodamine B (RhB) dyestuff, the NiFe2O4/ZnO/Zn-PFC provided the maximum power density (Pmax) of 0.539 mW cm-2 upon visible light irradiation with an average RhB degradation of 85.2%, which were 2.8 and 2.7 times higher than ZnO/Zn, respectively. The remarkable enhanced NiFe2O4/ZnO/Zn-PFC performance was owing to the synergistic effect of pine tree-like structure and Z-scheme heterostructure. The pine tree-like with high surface area was not only for effective harnessing photon energies but also provided more directional routes for rapid segregation and transport of carriers and higher interface contacting areas with electrolyte. Through a series of systematic characterizations, the Z-scheme heterostructure mechanism of the system and organics degradation pathway were also speculated. Additionally, the performance of the NiFe2O4/ZnO/Zn-PFC in industry printing wastewater showed Pmax of 0.600 mW cm-2, which was considerably impressive as real wastewater was challenging to accomplish. The phytotoxicity outcome also manifested that the comprehensive toxicity of RhB was eradicated after PFC treatment. Lastly, the excellent recyclability and the pronounced bactericidal effect towards Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus were other attributions which enabled the NiFe2O4/ZnO/Zn-PFC for possible practical application.
    Matched MeSH terms: Nanotubes*
  2. Life cycle assessment (LCA) of electrically-enhanced POME filtration: Environmental impacts of conductive-membrane formulation and process operating parameters
    Ho KC, Teoh YX, Teow YH, Mohammad AW
    J Environ Manage, 2021 Jan 01;277:111434.
    PMID: 33045646 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2020.111434
    This study assessed the environmental impacts of the formulation of graphene oxide (GO)/multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) conductive membranes and of the process operating parameters of electrically-enhanced palm oil mill effluent (POME) filtration. Two different analyses approaches were employed, cradle-to-gate approach for conductive membrane production and gate-to-gate approach for the POME filtration process. The parameters in conductive-membrane formulation (e.g. the weight ratio of carbon nanomaterials, and concentration of GO/MWCNT nanohybrids) and process operating parameters (e.g. electric field strength and electricity operating mode) were investigated. The findings herein are twofold. Firstly, for the fabrication of GO/MWCNT conductive membranes, the best weight ratio of GO:MWCNTs was found to be 1:9, given its superior membrane electrical conductivity with lower environmental impacts by 8.51% compared to pristine MWCNTs. The most suitable concentration of carbon nanomaterials was found to be 5 wt%, given its lowest impacts on resource depletion, human health, and ecosystems. Secondly, for the electrically-enhanced POME filtration, the optimum process operating parameters were found to be the application of an electric field of 300 V/cm in the continuous mode, given its lower environmental impacts (22.99%-89.30%) secondary to its requirement of the least electricity to produce permeate. The present study has established not only the optimized conditions in membrane formulation but also the operating parameters of electrically-enhanced filtration; such findings enable the use of cleaner production and sustainable approach to minimize fouling for industrial applications, whilst maintaining excellent efficiency.
    Matched MeSH terms: Nanotubes, Carbon*
  3. Influence of natural convection on gold nanorods-assisted photothermal treatment of bladder cancer in mice
    Ooi EH, Popov V, Alfano M, Cheong JKK
    Int J Hyperthermia, 2020;37(1):634-650.
    PMID: 32538190 DOI: 10.1080/02656736.2020.1771437
    Background: The thermally-induced urine flow can generate cooling that may alter the treatment outcome during hyperthermic treatments of bladder cancer. This paper investigates the effects of natural convection inside the bladder and at skin surface during gold nanorods (GNR) - assisted photothermal therapy (PTT) of bladder cancer in mice. Methods: 3D models of mouse bladder at orientations corresponding to the mouse positioned on its back, its side and its abdomen were examined. Numerical simulations were carried out for GNR volume fractions of 0.001, 0.005 and 0.01% and laser power of 0.2 and 0.3 W. Results: The obtained results showed that cooling due to natural convection inside the bladder and above the skin depends on the mouse orientation. For a mouse positioned on its back, on its side or on its abdomen, the maximum temperature achieved inside the tumour at 0.001% GNR volume fraction and 0.2 W laser power was 55.2°C, 50.0°C and 52.2°C, respectively compared to 56.8°C when natural convection was not considered. The average thermal gradients when natural convection was considered were also lower, suggesting a more homogenous temperature distribution. Conclusions: Natural convection inside the bladder can be beneficial but also detrimental to GNR-assisted PTT depending on the level of heating. At low levels of heating due to low GNR volume fraction and/or laser power, flow inside the bladder may dissipate heat from the targeted tissue; making the treatment ineffective. At high levels of heating due to high GNR volume fraction and/or laser power, cooling may prevent excessive thermal damage to surrounding tissues.
    Matched MeSH terms: Nanotubes*
  4. Development of biocompatible and safe polyethersulfone hemodialysis membrane incorporated with functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes
    Abidin MNZ, Goh PS, Ismail AF, Othman MHD, Hasbullah H, Said N, et al.
    Mater Sci Eng C Mater Biol Appl, 2017 Aug 01;77:572-582.
    PMID: 28532067 DOI: 10.1016/j.msec.2017.03.273
    A novel approach in the design of a safe, high performance hemodialysis membrane is of great demand. Despite many advantages, the employment of prodigious nanomaterials in hemodialysis membrane is often restricted by their potential threat to health. Hence, this work focusses on designing a biocompatible polyethersulfone (PES) hemodialysis membrane embedded with poly (citric acid)-grafted-multi walled carbon nanotubes (PCA-g-MWCNTs). Two important elements which could assure the safety of the nanocomposite membrane, i.e. (i) dispersion stability and (ii) leaching of MWCNTs were observed. The results showed the improved dispersion stability of MWCNTs in water and organic solvent due to the enriched ratio of oxygen-rich groups which subsequently enhanced membrane separation features. It was revealed that only 0.17% of MWCNTs was leached out during the membrane fabrication process (phase inversion) while no leaching was detected during permeation. In terms of biocompatibility, PES/PCA-g-MWCNT nanocomposite membrane exhibited lesser C3 and C5 activation (189.13 and 5.29ng/mL) and proteins adsorption (bovine serum albumin=4.5μg/cm2, fibrinogen=15.95μg/cm2) as compared to the neat PES membrane, while keeping a normal blood coagulation time. Hence, the PES/PCA-g-MWCNT nanocomposite membrane is proven to have the prospect of becoming a safe and high performance hemodialysis membrane.
    Matched MeSH terms: Nanotubes, Carbon*
  5. Effect of Morphology and Size of Halloysite Nanotubes on Functional Pectin Bionanocomposites for Food Packaging Applications
    Makaremi M, Pasbakhsh P, Cavallaro G, Lazzara G, Aw YK, Lee SM, et al.
    ACS Appl Mater Interfaces, 2017 May 24;9(20):17476-17488.
    PMID: 28481104 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.7b04297
    Pectin bionanocomposite films filled with various concentrations of two different types of halloysite nanotubes were prepared and characterized in this study as potential films for food packaging applications. The two types of halloysite nanotubes were long and thin (patch) (200-30 000 nm length) and short and stubby (Matauri Bay) (50-3000 nm length) with different morphological, physical, and dispersibility properties. Both matrix (pectin) and reinforcer (halloysite nanotubes) used in this study are considered as biocompatible, natural, and low-cost materials. Various characterization tests including Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy, release kinetics, contact angle, and dynamic mechanical analysis were performed to evaluate the performance of the pectin films. Exceptional thermal, tensile, and contact angle properties have been achieved for films reinforced by patch halloysite nanotubes due to the patchy and lengthy nature of these tubes, which form a bird nest structure in the pectin matrix. Matauri Bay halloysite nanotubes were dispersed uniformly and individually in the matrix in low and even high halloysite nanotube concentrations. Furthermore, salicylic acid as a biocidal agent was encapsulated in the halloysite nanotubes lumen to control its release kinetics. On this basis, halloysite nanotubes/salicylic acid hybrids were dispersed into the pectin matrix to develop functional biofilms with antimicrobial properties that can be extended over time. Results revealed that shorter nanotubes (Matauri Bay) had better ability for the encapsulation of salicylic acid into their lumen, while patchy structure and longer tubes of patch halloysite nanotubes made the encapsulation process more difficult, as they might need more time and energy to be fully loaded by salicylic acid. Moreover, antimicrobial activity of the films against four different strains of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria indicated the effective antimicrobial properties of pectin/halloysite functionalized films and their potential to be used for food packaging applications.
    Matched MeSH terms: Nanotubes*
  6. Volatile-char interactions during biomass pyrolysis: Cleavage of C-C bond in a β-5 lignin model dimer by amino-modified graphitized carbon nanotube
    Huang Y, Liu S, Zhang J, Syed-Hassan SSA, Hu X, Sun H, et al.
    Bioresour Technol, 2020 Jul;307:123192.
    PMID: 32220819 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2020.123192
    This study investigated the interactions between volatile and char during biomass pyrolysis at 400 °C, employing a β-5 lignin dimer and amino-modified graphitized carbon nanotube (CNT-NH2) as their models, respectively. The results demonstrated that both -NH2 and its carrier (CNT) facilitated the conversion of the β-5 dimer, which significantly increased from 9.7% (blank run), to 61.6% (with CNT), and to 96.6% (with CNT-NH2). CNT mainly favored the breakage of C-O bond in the feedstock to produce dimers with a yield of 55.5%, while CNT-NH2 promoted the cleavage of both C-O and C-C bonds to yield monomers with a yield up to 63.4%. Such significant changes in the pyrolysis behaviors of the β-5 lignin dimer after the introduction of CNT-NH2 were considered to be mainly caused by hydrogen-bond formations between -NH2 and the dimeric feedstock/products, in addition to the π-π stacking between CNT and aromatic rings.
    Matched MeSH terms: Nanotubes, Carbon*
  7. Minimally invasive high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) improves dentine remineralization with hydroxyapatite nanorods
    Daood U, Fawzy AS
    Dent Mater, 2020 03;36(3):456-467.
    PMID: 32008748 DOI: 10.1016/j.dental.2020.01.005
    OBJECTIVE: The aim is to investigate the potential significance of combining minimally invasive high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) with hydroxyapatite (HA) nanorods treatment for the remineralization of demineralized coronal dentine-matrix.

    METHODS: HA having nanorods structure were synthetized using ultrasonication with precipitation method. HA nanorods were characterized by TEM for average-size/shape. Following phosphoric acid demineralization, dentine specimens were treated with HA-nanorods with/without subsequent HIFU exposure for 5 s, 10 s and 20 s then stored in artificial saliva for 1-month. Dentine specimens were characterized using different SEM and Raman spectroscopic techniques. In addition, the biochemical stability and HA-nanorods were examined using ATR-FTIR to observe attachment of nanoparticles. Also, surface nanoindentation properties were evaluated using AFM in tapping-mode.

    RESULTS: HA-nanorods displayed well-defined, homogenous plate-like nanostructure. TEM revealed intact collagen-fibrils network structure with high density due to obliteration of interfibrillar spaces with clear evidence of remineralization in combined HA/HIFU treatment. With HA-nanorods treatment collagen-network structure was visible, consisting of fibrils interlaced into a compact pattern with evidence of minerals deposition. AFM investigation revealed clear mineral formation with the increase of HIFU exposure time. Bands associated with inorganic phase dominate well in HIFU exposed specimens with PO stretching within dentine mineral identified at 960 cm-1. Characteristic dentine structure for control and HIFU 20 s specimens is reflected as oscillatory mean Amide-I intensity with measurement giving a precise sinusoidal response of polarization angle β within dentinal tissue. Nanoindentation testing showed a gradual significant increase in elastic-modulus with the increase in HIFU exposure time after 1-month storage. FTIR spectrum of the HIFU exposed dentine displayed bands at 1650 cm-1, 1580 cm-1 and 1510 cm-1 that can be attributed to Amide-I, II and III.

    SIGNIFICANCE: The synergetic effect of HIFU exposure on remineralization potential of demineralized dentine-matrix following nano-hydroxyapatite treatment was revealed. This synergetic effect is dependent on HIFU exposure time.

    Matched MeSH terms: Nanotubes*
  8. Carbon nanomaterial properties help to enhance xylanase production from recombinant Kluyveromyces lactis through a cell immobilization method
    Abdul Manaf SA, Mohamad Fuzi SFZ, Low KO, Hegde G, Abdul Manas NH, Md Illias R, et al.
    Appl Microbiol Biotechnol, 2021 Nov;105(21-22):8531-8544.
    PMID: 34611725 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-021-11616-0
    Carbon nanomaterials, due to their catalytic activity and high surface area, have potential as cell immobilization supports to increase the production of xylanase. Recombinant Kluyveromyces lactis used for xylanase production was integrated into a polymeric gel network with carbon nanomaterials. Carbon nanomaterials were pretreated before cell immobilization with hydrochloric acid (HCl) treatment and glutaraldehyde (GA) crosslinking, which contributes to cell immobilization performance. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and graphene oxide (GO) were further screened using a Plackett-Burman experimental design. Cell loading and agar concentration were the most important factors in xylanase production with low cell leakage. Under optimized conditions, xylanase production was increased by more than 400% compared to free cells. Immobilized cell material containing such high cell densities may exhibit new and unexplored beneficial properties because the cells comprise a large fraction of the component. The use of carbon nanomaterials as a cell immobilization support along with the entrapment method successfully enhances the production of xylanase, providing a new route to improved bioprocessing, particularly for the production of enzymes. KEY POINTS: • Carbon nanomaterials (CNTs, GO) have potential as cell immobilization supports. • Entrapment in a polymeric gel network provides space for xylanase production. • Plackett-Burman design screen for the most important factor for cell immobilization.
    Matched MeSH terms: Nanotubes, Carbon*
  9. Multi-objective optimization of thermophysical properties of multiwalled carbon nanotubes based nanofluids
    Maqsood K, Ali A, Ilyas SU, Garg S, Danish M, Abdulrahman A, et al.
    Chemosphere, 2022 Jan;286(Pt 2):131690.
    PMID: 34352553 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.131690
    The experimental determination of thermophysical properties of nanofluid (NF) is time-consuming and costly, leading to the use of soft computing methods such as response surface methodology (RSM) and artificial neural network (ANN) to estimate these properties. The present study involves modelling and optimization of thermal conductivity and viscosity of NF, which comprises multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and thermal oil. The modelling is performed to predict the thermal conductivity and viscosity of NF by using Response Surface Methodology (RSM) and Artificial Neural Network (ANN). Both models were tested and validated, which showed promising results. In addition, a detailed optimization study was conducted to investigate the optimum thermal conductivity and viscosity by varying temperature and NF weight per cent. Four case studies were explored using different objective functions based on NF application in various industries. The first case study aimed to maximize thermal conductivity (0.15985 W/m oC) while minimizing viscosity (0.03501 Pa s) obtained at 57.86 °C and 0.85 NF wt%. The goal of the second case study was to minimize thermal conductivity (0.13949 W/m °C) and viscosity (0.02526 Pa s) obtained at 55.88 °C and 0.15 NF wt%. The third case study targeted maximizing thermal conductivity (0.15797 W/m °C) and viscosity (0.07611 Pa s), and the optimum temperature and NF wt% were 30.64 °C and 0.0.85,' respectively. The last case study explored the minimum thermal conductivity (0.13735) and maximum viscosity (0.05263 Pa s) obtained at 30.64 °C and 0.15 NF wt%.
    Matched MeSH terms: Nanotubes, Carbon*
  10. Recent advancement in polymer/halloysite nanotube nanocomposites for biomedical applications
    Mohamed Haneef INH, Mohd Shaffiar N, Buys YF, Syed Shaharuddin SI, Abdul Hamid AM, Widiyati K
    J Biomed Mater Res B Appl Biomater, 2022 11;110(11):2574-2588.
    PMID: 35661579 DOI: 10.1002/jbm.b.35105
    Halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) have recently been the subject of extensive research as a reinforcing filler. HNT is a natural nanoclay, non-toxic and biocompatible, hence, applicable in biomedical fields. This review focuses on the mechanical, thermal, and functional properties of polymer nanocomposites with HNT as a reinforcing agent from an experimental and theoretical perspective. In addition, this review also highlights the recent applications of polymer/HNT nanocomposites in the biomedical fields.
    Matched MeSH terms: Nanotubes*
  11. Modified TiO₂ nanotubes-zeolite composite photocatalyst: Characteristics, microstructure and applicability for degrading triclocarban
    Arifin SNH, Radin Mohamed RMS, Al-Gheethi AA, Wei LC, Yashni G, Fitriani N, et al.
    Chemosphere, 2022 Jan;287(Pt 3):132278.
    PMID: 34826939 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.132278
    The study explored the characteristics and effectiveness of modified TiO2 nanotubes with zeolite as a composite photocatalyst (MTNZC) for the degradation of triclocarban (TCC) from the aqueous solution. MTNZC samples have been produced via electrochemical anodisation (ECA) followed by electrophoretic deposition (EPD). Three independent factors selected include MTNZC size (0.5-1 cm2), pH (3-10), and irradiation time (10-60 min). The observation revealed that the surface of Ti substrate by the 40 V of anodisation and 3 h of calcination was covered with the array ordered, smooth and optimum elongated nanotubes with average tube length was approximately 5.1 μm. EDS analysis proved the presence of Si, Mg, Al, and Na on MTNZC due to the chemical composition present in the zeolite. The average crystallite size of TiO₂ nanotubes increased from 2.07 to 3.95 nm by increasing anodisation voltage (10, 40, and 60 V) followed by 450 °C of calcination for 1, 3, and 6 h, respectively. The optimisation by RSM shows the F-value (36.12), the p-value of all responses were less than 0.0001, and the 95% confidence level of the model by all the responses indicated the model was significant. The R2 in the range of 0.9433-0.9906 showed the suitability of the model to represent the actual relationship among the parameters. The photocatalytic degradation rate of TCC from the first and the fifth cycles were 94.2 and 77.4%, indicating the applicability of MTNZC to be used for several cycles.
    Matched MeSH terms: Nanotubes*
  12. Single-step fabrication of highly stable amorphous TiO2 nanotubes arrays (am-TNTA) for stimulating gas-phase photoreduction of CO2 to methane
    Santos JS, Fereidooni M, Marquez V, Arumugam M, Tahir M, Praserthdam S, et al.
    Chemosphere, 2022 Feb;289:133170.
    PMID: 34875298 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.133170
    This study investigates the facile fabrication of interfacial defects assisted amorphous TiO2 nanotubes arrays (am-TNTA) for promoting gas-phase CO2 photoreduction to methane. The am-TNTA catalyst was fabricated via a one-step synthesis, without heat treatment, by anodization of Titanium in Ethylene glycol-based electrolyte in a shorter anodizing time. The samples presented a TiO2 nanostructured array with a nanotubular diameter of 100 ± 10 nm, a wall thickness of 26 ± 5 nm, and length of 3.7 ± 0.3 μm, resulting in a specific surface of 0.75 m2 g. The am-TNTA presented prolonged chemical stability, a high exposed surface area, and a large number of surface traps that can reduce the recombination of the charge carriers. The am-TNTA showed promising photoactivity when tested in the CO2 reduction reaction with water under UV irradiation with a methane production rate of 14.0 μmol gcat-1 h-1 for a pure TiO2 material without any modification procedure. This enhanced photocatalytic activity can be explained in terms of surface defects of the amorphous structure, mainly OH groups that can act as electron traps for increasing the electron lifetime. The CO2 interacts directly with those traps, forming carbonate species, which favors the catalytic conversion to methane. The am-TNTA also exhibited a high stability during six reaction cycles. The photocatalytic activity, the significantly reduced time for synthesis, and high stability for continuous CH4 production make this nanomaterial a potential candidate for a sustainable CO2 reduction process and can be employed for other energy applications.
    Matched MeSH terms: Nanotubes*
  13. Fulltext Design and Analysis of Soft Error Rate in FET/CNTFET Based Radiation Hardened SRAM Cell
    Muthu BR, Pushpa EP, Dhandapani V, Jayaraman K, Vasanthakumar H, Oh WC, et al.
    Sensors (Basel), 2021 Dec 22;22(1).
    PMID: 35009576 DOI: 10.3390/s22010033
    Aerospace equipages encounter potential radiation footprints through which soft errors occur in the memories onboard. Hence, robustness against radiation with reliability in memory cells is a crucial factor in aerospace electronic systems. This work proposes a novel Carbon nanotube field-effect transistor (CNTFET) in designing a robust memory cell to overcome these soft errors. Further, a petite driver circuit to test the SRAM cells which serve the purpose of precharge and sense amplifier, and has a reduction in threefold of transistor count is recommended. Additionally, analysis of robustness against radiation in varying memory cells is carried out using standard GPDK 90 nm, GPDK 45 nm, and 14 nm CNTFET. The reliability of memory cells depends on the critical charge of a device, and it is tested by striking an equivalent current charge of the cosmic ray's linear energy transfer (LET) level. Also, the robustness of the memory cell is tested against the variation in process, voltage and temperature. Though CNTFET surges with high power consumption, it exhibits better noise margin and depleted access time. GPDK 45 nm has an average of 40% increase in SNM and 93% reduction of power compared to the 14 nm CNTFET with 96% of surge in write access time. Thus, the conventional MOSFET's 45 nm node outperforms all the configurations in terms of static noise margin, power, and read delay which swaps with increased write access time.
    Matched MeSH terms: Nanotubes, Carbon*
  14. Stimulation of Innate and Adaptive Immune Cells with Graphene Oxide and Reduced Graphene Oxide Affect Cancer Progression
    Yunus MA, Ramli MM, Osman NH, Mohamed R
    Arch Immunol Ther Exp (Warsz), 2021 Jul 29;69(1):20.
    PMID: 34327598 DOI: 10.1007/s00005-021-00625-6
    Sole nanomaterials or nanomaterials bound to specific biomolecules have been proposed to regulate the immune system. These materials have now emerged as new tools for eliciting immune-based therapies to treat various cancers. Graphene, graphene oxide (GO) and reduced GO (rGO) are the latest nanomaterials among other carbon nanotubes that have attracted wide interest among medical industry players due to their extraordinary properties, inert-state, non-toxic and stable dispersion in a various solvent. Currently, GO and rGO are utilized in various biomedical application including cancer immunotherapy. This review will highlight studies that have been carried out in elucidating the stimulation of GO and rGO on selected innate and adaptive immune cells and their effect on cancer progression to shed some insights for researchers in the development of various GO- and rGO-based immune therapies against various cancers.
    Matched MeSH terms: Nanotubes, Carbon*
  15. Novel mesoporous MnCo2O4 nanorods as oxygen reduction catalyst at neutral pH in microbial fuel cells
    Kumar R, Singh L, Wahid ZA, Mahapatra DM, Liu H
    Bioresour Technol, 2018 Apr;254:1-6.
    PMID: 29413909 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2018.01.053
    The aim of this work was to evaluate the comparative performance of hybrid metal oxide nanorods i.e. MnCo2O4 nanorods (MCON) and single metal oxide nanorods i.e. Co3O4 nanorods (CON) as oxygen reduction catalyst in microbial fuel cells (MFC). Compared to the single metal oxide, the hybrid MCON exhibited a higher BET surface area and provided additional positively charged ions, i.e., Co2+/Co3+ and Mn3+/Mn4+ on its surfaces, which increased the electro-conductivity of the cathode and improved the oxygen reduction kinetics significantly, achieved an io of 6.01 A/m2 that was 12.4% higher than CON. Moreover, the porous architecture of MCON facilitated the diffusion of electrolyte, reactants and electrons during the oxygen reduction, suggested by lower diffusion (Rd), activation (Ract) and ohmic resistance (Rohm) values. This enhanced oxygen reduction by MCON boosted the power generation in MFC, achieving a maximum power density of 587 mW/m2 that was ∼29% higher than CON.
    Matched MeSH terms: Nanotubes*
  16. Fulltext Gold nanorods assisted photothermal therapy of bladder cancer in mice: A computational study on the effects of gold nanorods distribution at the centre, periphery, and surface of bladder cancer
    Cheong JK, Ooi EH, Chiew YS, Menichetti L, Armanetti P, Franchini MC, et al.
    Comput Methods Programs Biomed, 2023 Mar;230:107363.
    PMID: 36720181 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmpb.2023.107363
    BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Gold nanorod-assisted photothermal therapy (GNR-PTT) is a cancer treatment whereby GNRs incorporated into the tumour act as photo-absorbers to elevate the thermal destruction effect. In the case of bladder, there are few possible routes to target the tumour with GNRs, namely peri/intra-tumoural injection and intravesical instillation of GNRs. These two approaches lead to different GNR distribution inside the tumour and can affect the treatment outcome.

    METHODOLOGY: The present study investigates the effects of heterogeneous GNR distribution in a typical setup of GNR-PTT. Three cases were considered. Case 1 considered the GNRs at the tumour centre, while Case 2 represents a hypothetical scenario where GNRs are distributed at the tumour periphery; these two cases represent intratumoural accumulation with different degree of GNR spread inside the tumour. Case 3 is achieved when GNRs target the exposed tumoural surface that is invading the bladder wall, when they are delivered by intravesical instillation.

    RESULTS: Results indicate that for a laser power of 0.6 W and GNR volume fraction of 0.01%, Case 2 and 3 were successful in achieving complete tumour eradication after 330 and 470 s of laser irradiation, respectively. Case 1 failed to form complete tumour damage when the GNRs are concentrated at the tumour centre but managed to produce complete tumour damage if the spread of GNRs is wider. Results from Case 2 also demonstrated a different heating profile from Case 1, suggesting that thermal ablation during GNR-PTT is dependant on the GNRs distribution inside the tumour. Case 3 shows similar results to Case 2 whereby gradual but uniform heating is observed. Cases 2 and 3 show that uniformly heating the tumour can reduce damage to the surrounding tissues.

    CONCLUSIONS: Different GNR distribution associated with the different methods of introducing GNRs to the bladder during GNR-PTT affect the treatment outcome of bladder cancer in mice. Insufficient spreading during intratumoural injection of GNRs can render the treatment ineffective, while administered via intravesical instillation. GNR distribution achieved through intravesical instillation present some advantages over intratumoural injection and is worthy of further exploration.

    Matched MeSH terms: Nanotubes*
  17. CO2 reforming of methane to syngas over multi-walled carbon nanotube supported Ni-Ce nanoparticles: effect of different synthesis methods
    Afandi NS, Mohammadi M, Ichikawa S, Mohamed AR
    Environ Sci Pollut Res Int, 2020 Dec;27(34):43011-43027.
    PMID: 32725565 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-020-10269-2
    Several multi-walled carbon nanotubes supported Ni-Ce catalysts were synthesized, and their performance in carbon dioxide reforming of methane (CDRM) for syngas production was evaluated. The attachment of Ni-Ce nanoparticles to the functionalized carbon nanotube (fCNT) support was carried out using four synthesis routes, i.e., impregnation (I), sol-gel (S), co-precipitation (C), and hydrothermal (H) methods. Results indicated that synthesis method influences the properties of the NiCe/fCNT catalysts in terms of homogeneity of metal dispersion, size of crystallites, and metal-support interaction. The activity of the catalysts followed the order of NiCe/fCNT(H) > NiCe/fCNT(S) > NiCe/fCNT(C) > NiCe/fCNT(I). The NiCe/fCNT(H) catalyst exhibited the highest catalytic activity with CH4 and CO2 conversions of 92 and 96%, respectively, and resulted in syngas product with consistent H2/CO ratio of 0.91 at reaction temperature of 800 °C without notable deactivation up to 30 h of reaction. Moreover, the growth of carbon on the spent catalyst was only 2% with deposition rate of 4.08 mg/gcat·h; this was plausibly due to the well-dispersed distribution of nanoparticles on fCNT surface and abundant presence of oxygenated groups on the catalyst surface.
    Matched MeSH terms: Nanotubes, Carbon*
  18. Fulltext Deciphering the role of nanoparticles for management of bacterial meningitis: an update on recent studies
    Sharma N, Zahoor I, Sachdeva M, Subramaniyan V, Fuloria S, Fuloria NK, et al.
    Environ Sci Pollut Res Int, 2021 Nov;28(43):60459-60476.
    PMID: 34545518 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-16570-y
    Meningitis is an inflammation of the protective membranes called meninges and fluid adjacent the brain and spinal cord. The inflammatory progression expands all through subarachnoid space of the brain and spinal cord and occupies the ventricles. The pathogens like bacteria, fungi, viruses, or parasites are main sources of infection causing meningitis. Bacterial meningitis is a life-threatening health problem that which needs instantaneous apprehension and treatment. Nesseria meningitidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Haemophilus flu are major widespread factors causing bacterial meningitis. The conventional drug delivery approaches encounter difficulty in crossing this blood-brain barrier (BBB) and therefore are insufficient to elicit the desired pharmacological effect as required for treatment of meningitis. Therefore, application of nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems has become imperative for successful dealing with this deadly disease. The nanoparticles have ability to across BBB via four important transport mechanisms, i.e., paracellular transport, transcellular (transcytosis), endocytosis (adsorptive transcytosis), and receptor-mediated transcytosis. In this review, we reminisce distinctive symptoms of meningitis, and provide an overview of various types of bacterial meningitis, with a focus on its epidemiology, pathogenesis, and pathophysiology. This review describes conventional therapeutic approaches for treatment of meningitis and the problems encountered by them while transmitting across tight junctions of BBB. The nanotechnology approaches like functionalized polymeric nanoparticles, solid lipid nanoparticles, nanostructured lipid carrier, nanoemulsion, liposomes, transferosomes, and carbon nanotubes which have been recently evaluated for treatment or detection of bacterial meningitis have been focused. This review has also briefly summarized the recent patents and clinical status of therapeutic modalities for meningitis.
    Matched MeSH terms: Nanotubes, Carbon*
  19. Potentiality of MWCNT on 3D-printed bio-inspired spherical-roof cubic core under quasi-static loading
    Ma Q, Rejab MRM, Hassan SA, Hu H, Kumar AP
    J Mech Behav Biomed Mater, 2022 Dec;136:105514.
    PMID: 36215770 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmbbm.2022.105514
    Sandwich panel is increasingly used as lightweight energy absorbing components, which provides excellent crashworthiness performance with the three-dimensional periodic core. This paper investigates 3D-printed bio-inspired spherical-roof cubic cores with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) and foam-filled cores under quasi-static loading. The proposed bio-inspired spherical-roof cubic cores with 1.5 mm wall thickness were manufactured using the fused filament fabrication process, which used 70% polylactic acid (PLA) and 30% carbon fiber filament. Moreover, four groups of 3D-printed bio-inspired spherical-roof cubic cores were compared and analyzed on compressive properties and failure behavior. Experimental results were shown that foam-filled double bio-inspired spherical-roof cubic core with MWCNT was the maximum Fpeak with 1.92 kN, which provided a much more stable plateau load and better energy-absorbing characteristics. In addition, it is conducted that a double bio-inspired spherical-roof cubic core with four notches core is considered as the potential energy-absorbing core.
    Matched MeSH terms: Nanotubes, Carbon*
  20. A simulation study on the radiosensitization properties of gold nanorods
    Taheri A, Khandaker MU, Moradi F, Bradley DA
    Phys Med Biol, 2024 Feb 15;69(4).
    PMID: 38286017 DOI: 10.1088/1361-6560/ad2380
    Objective. Gold nanorods (GNRs) have emerged as versatile nanoparticles with unique properties, holding promise in various modalities of cancer treatment through drug delivery and photothermal therapy. In the rapidly evolving field of nanoparticle radiosensitization (NPRS) for cancer therapy, this study assessed the potential of gold nanorods as radiosensitizing agents by quantifying the key features of NPRS, such as secondary electron emission and dose enhancement, using Monte Carlo simulations.Approach. Employing the TOPAS track structure code, we conducted a comprehensive evaluation of the radiosensitization behavior of spherical gold nanoparticles and gold nanorods. We systematically explored the impact of nanorod geometry (in particular size and aspect ratio) and orientation on secondary electron emission and deposited energy ratio, providing validated results against previously published simulations.Main results. Our findings demonstrate that gold nanorods exhibit comparable secondary electron emission to their spherical counterparts. Notably, nanorods with smaller surface-area-to-volume ratios (SA:V) and alignment with the incident photon beam proved to be more efficient radiosensitizing agents, showing superiority in emitted electron fluence. However, in the microscale, the deposited energy ratio (DER) was not markedly influenced by the SA:V of the nanorod. Additionally, our findings revealed that the geometry of gold nanoparticles has a more significant impact on the emission of M-shell Auger electrons (with energies below 3.5 keV) than on higher-energy electrons.Significance. This research investigated the radiosensitization properties of gold nanorods, positioning them as promising alternatives to the more conventionally studied spherical gold nanoparticles in the context of cancer research. With increasing interest in multimodal cancer therapy, our findings have the potential to contribute valuable insights into the perspective of gold nanorods as effective multipurpose agents for synergistic photothermal therapy and radiotherapy. Future directions may involve exploring alternative metallic nanorods as well as further optimizing the geometry and coating materials, opening new possibilities for more effective cancer treatments.
    Matched MeSH terms: Nanotubes*
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