-
Heliyon May 2024Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are promising secondary batteries that are widely used in portable electronic devices, electric vehicles and smart grids. The design and...
Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are promising secondary batteries that are widely used in portable electronic devices, electric vehicles and smart grids. The design and synthesis of high-performance electrode materials play a crucial role in achieving lithium-ion batteries with high energy density, prolonged cycle life, and superior safety. CoO has attracted significant attention as a negative electrode material for lithium-ion batteries due to its high theoretical capacity and abundant resources. However, its limited conductivity and suboptimal cycling performance impede its potential applications. The study proposes a novel micro-tube reaction method for the synthesis of Co@CoO/C, utilizing Kapok fiber as a template with a special hollow structure. The microstructure and composition of the samples were characterized using X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). After conducting electrochemical performance tests, it was discovered that at a current density of 100 mA/g and within the range of 0.01-3.0 V for 50 charge and discharge cycles. Co@CoO/C composite negative electrode exhibits a reversible lithium insertion specific capacity of 499.8 mAh/g and keep a discharge capacity retention rate of 97.6 %. The greatly improved lithium storage and stability performance of Co@CoO/C composite anode is mainly attributed to the synergistic effect between Co@CoO nanoparticles and the kapok carbon microtubule structure.
PubMed: 38813198
DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e31362 -
BMC Plant Biology May 2024The biosynthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) using Enterobacter sp. and the evaluation of their antimicrobial and copper stress (Cu)-reducing capabilities in...
Green-synthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles by Enterobacter sp.: unveiling characterization, antimicrobial potency, and alleviation of copper stress in Vicia faba (L.) plants.
BACKGROUND
The biosynthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) using Enterobacter sp. and the evaluation of their antimicrobial and copper stress (Cu)-reducing capabilities in Vicia faba (L.) plants. The green-synthesized ZnO NPs were validated using X-ray powder diffraction (XRD); Fourier transformed infrared (FTIR), Ultraviolet-Visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis), Transmission electron microscope (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) techniques. ZnO NPs could serve as an improved bactericidal agent for various biological applications. as well as these nanoparticles used in alleviating the hazardous effects of copper stress on the morphological and physiological traits of 21-day-old Vicia faba (L.) plants.
RESULTS
The results revealed that different concentrations of ZnO NPs (250, 500, or 1000 mg L) significantly alleviated the toxic effects of copper stress (100 mM CuSO) and increased the growth parameters, photosynthetic efficiency (Fv/Fm), and pigments (Chlorophyll a and b) contents in Cu-stressed Vicia faba (L.) seedlings. Furthermore, applying high concentration of ZnO NPs (1000 mg L) was the best dose in maintaining the levels of antioxidant enzymes (CAT, SOD, and POX), total soluble carbohydrates, total soluble proteins, phenolic and flavonoid in all Cu-stressed Vicia faba (L.) seedlings. Additionally, contents of Malondialdehyde (MDA) and hydrogen peroxide (HO) were significantly suppressed in response to high concentrations of ZnO NPs (1000 mg L) in all Cu-stressed Vicia faba (L.) seedlings. Also, it demonstrates strong antibacterial action (0.9 mg/ml) against various pathogenic microorganisms.
CONCLUSIONS
The ZnO NPs produced in this study demonstrated the potential to enhance plant detoxification and tolerance mechanisms, enabling plants to better cope with environmental stress. Furthermore, these nanoparticles could serve as an improved bactericidal agent for various biological applications.
Topics: Vicia faba; Zinc Oxide; Copper; Enterobacter; Metal Nanoparticles; Green Chemistry Technology; Nanoparticles; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Stress, Physiological; Antioxidants; Seedlings
PubMed: 38811913
DOI: 10.1186/s12870-024-05150-0 -
ACS Omega May 2024Two homologues in a series of quinary oxysulfides, LaCuSO ( = Cr or Fe), have been synthesized by solid-state synthesis in sealed ampules, and their structures are...
Two homologues in a series of quinary oxysulfides, LaCuSO ( = Cr or Fe), have been synthesized by solid-state synthesis in sealed ampules, and their structures are homologue to assume a novel crystal structure. X-ray diffraction analyses of single crystal and powder samples give a monoclinic lattice, described in the 2/ (No. 12) space group, with lattice parameters = 15.3853(5) Å, = 13.9729(5) Å, = 10.5074(4) Å, and β = 116.227(3)° for the Cr analogue and = 15.4303(2) Å, = 14.0033(2) Å, = 10.4909(2) Å, and β = 116.261(2)° for Fe. The crystal structure contains one-dimensional (1D) chains consisting of interconnected transition metal element () trimers, which are further arranged into two-dimensional (2D) layers. These spin-chain planes are interspaced with 1D chains of lanthanum-oxygen coordinations and an apparent disordered occupation of copper sites. Alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC) magnetic susceptibility measurements show that the Cr and Fe analogues exhibit what is best described as spin-domain formation. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations suggest the formal oxidation state of the species is best represented in the form LaCuSO.
PubMed: 38799367
DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.4c00564 -
RSC Advances May 2024Prismatic crystals of partially potassium substituted lead fluorapatite PbCaK(PO)F were grown through a solid-state reaction. The structural study conducted by...
Prismatic crystals of partially potassium substituted lead fluorapatite PbCaK(PO)F were grown through a solid-state reaction. The structural study conducted by single-crystal X-ray diffraction revealed that the compound crystallizes in the hexagonal 6/ space group, with unit cell parameters = = 9.7190(5) Å, = 7.1700(6) Å and = 587.37(7) Å( = 1), as well as final values amounting to and w of 0.0309 and 0.0546, respectively. The structural refinement demonstrated that Pb occupies both the (6 and (4) structural sites of hexagonal fluorapatite, K occupies the (6) site, and Ca is placed on the (4) site. Powder X-ray diffraction study indicated the absence of additional phases or impurities. Chemical analysis using atomic absorption spectrometry and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy confirmed the expected chemical formula. The electrical conductivity measured over a wide temperature range was found to be governed by the ion mobility mechanism in the tunnel along the axis (probably attributed to the fluorine ion located there). We, therefore, could infer from the analysis of the complex impedance spectra that the electrical conductivity of our apatite depends essentially on the temperature and frequency, which produces a relaxation phenomenon and semiconductor-like behavior. Moreover, the strong absorption in the UV-Visible region was substantiated through studies of the optical properties of the developed sample. Fluorescence spectra exhibited emissions in the orange regions when excited at 375 nm. The findings of the phenomena resulting from the emission and conduction of the apatite in question suggest its potential for application in various technological fields such as photovoltaic cells, optoelectronics, photonics, LED applications, catalysis and batteries.
PubMed: 38799221
DOI: 10.1039/d4ra01014k -
Polymers May 2024In this study, electrospun scaffolds were fabricated using polycaprolactone (PCL) loaded with varying concentrations of β-carotene (1.2%, 2.4%, and 3.6%) via the...
In this study, electrospun scaffolds were fabricated using polycaprolactone (PCL) loaded with varying concentrations of β-carotene (1.2%, 2.4%, and 3.6%) via the electrospinning technique. The electrospinning process involved the melting of PCL in acetic acid, followed by the incorporation of β-carotene powder under constant stirring. Raman spectroscopy revealed a homogeneous distribution of β-carotene within the PCL matrix. However, the β-carotene appeared in particulate form, rather than being dissolved and blended with the PCL matrix, a result also confirmed by thermogravimetric analysis. Additionally, X-ray diffraction analysis indicated a decrease in crystallinity with increasing β-carotene concentration. Mechanical testing of the scaffolds demonstrated an increase in ultimate strain, accompanied by a reduction in ultimate stress, indicating a potential plasticizing effect. Moreover, antimicrobial assays revealed a marginal antibacterial effect against for scaffolds with higher β-carotene concentrations. Conversely, preliminary biological assessment using KUSA-A1 mesenchymal cells indicated enhanced cellular proliferation in response to the scaffolds, suggesting the potential biocompatibility and cell-stimulating properties of β-carotene-loaded PCL scaffolds. Overall, this study provides insights into the fabrication and characterization of electrospun PCL scaffolds containing β-carotene, laying the groundwork for further exploration in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine applications.
PubMed: 38794563
DOI: 10.3390/polym16101371 -
Pharmaceutics May 2024The co-administration of curcumin and hesperetin might be beneficial in terms of neuroprotective activity; therefore, in this study, we attempted to develop a fixed-dose...
The co-administration of curcumin and hesperetin might be beneficial in terms of neuroprotective activity; therefore, in this study, we attempted to develop a fixed-dose formulation comprising these two compounds in an amorphous state. The aim of obtaining an amorphous state was to overcome the limitations of the low solubility of the active compounds. First, we assessed the possibility of using popular sweeteners (erythritol, xylitol, and sorbitol) as plasticizers to reduce the glass transition temperature of PVP K30 to prepare the polymer-excipient blends, which allowed the preparation of amorphous solid dispersions via hot-melt extrusion at a temperature below the original glass transition of PVP K30. Erythritol proved to be the superior plasticizer. Then, we focused on the development of fixed-dose amorphous solid dispersions of curcumin and hesperetin. Powder X-ray diffraction and thermal analysis confirmed the amorphous character of dispersions, whereas infrared spectroscopy helped to assess the presence of intermolecular interactions. The amorphous state of the produced dispersions was maintained for 6 months, as shown in a stability study. Pharmaceutical parameters such as dissolution rate, solubility, and in vitro permeability through artificial membranes were evaluated. The best improvement in these features was noted for the dispersion, which contained 15% of the total content of the active compounds with erythritol used as the plasticizer.
PubMed: 38794322
DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics16050659 -
Pharmaceutics May 2024GW501516, also known by the name of cardarine, is a synthetic peroxisome-proliferator-activated receptor delta (PPR-δ) agonist agent developed for applications in the...
GW501516, also known by the name of cardarine, is a synthetic peroxisome-proliferator-activated receptor delta (PPR-δ) agonist agent developed for applications in the treatment of metabolic disorders and cardiovascular diseases. A broad polymorph screening in various solvents and mixtures was completed in order to explore its capabilities to grow polymorphs. The crystal structures of four polymorphs were elucidated using single-crystal X-ray diffraction, while one structure was solved via a powder X-ray diffraction method. The solid state features (nature of intermolecular interactions) were investigated by computational methods. The polymorphs were further investigated by thermal DSC analysis and X-ray diffraction on powders. From a pharmaceutical perspective, the stability and solubility of the polymorphs were analyzed as well.
PubMed: 38794285
DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics16050623 -
Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland) May 2024Tilianin (Til), a flavonoid glycoside, is well-known for its therapeutic promise in treating inflammatory disorders. Its poor water solubility and permeability limit its...
Tilianin (Til), a flavonoid glycoside, is well-known for its therapeutic promise in treating inflammatory disorders. Its poor water solubility and permeability limit its clinical applicability. In order to overcome these restrictions, an antisolvent precipitation and ultrasonication technique was used to prepare amorphous tilianin nanocrystals (Til NCs). We have adjusted the organic solvents, oil-to-water ratio, stabilizer composition, and ultrasonic power and time by combining single-factor and central composite design (CCD) methodologies. The features of Til NCs were characterized using powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), scanning calorimetry (DSC), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Specifically, the optimized Til NCs were needle-like with a particle size ranging from 90 to 130 nm. PVA (0.3%, /) and TPGS (0.08%, /) stabilized them well. For at least two months, these Til NCs stayed amorphous and showed an impressive stability at 4 °C and 25 °C. Remarkably, Til NCs dissolved almost 20 times faster in simulated intestinal fluid (SIF) than they did in crude Til. In RAW264.7 cells, Til NCs also showed a better cellular absorption as well as safety and protective qualities. Til NCs were shown to drastically lower reactive oxygen species (ROS), TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 in anti-inflammatory experiments, while increasing IL-10 levels and encouraging M1 macrophages to adopt the anti-inflammatory M2 phenotype. Our results highlight the potential of amorphous Til NCs as a viable approach to improve Til's anti-inflammatory effectiveness, solubility, and dissolving rate.
PubMed: 38794224
DOI: 10.3390/ph17050654 -
Materials (Basel, Switzerland) May 2024Garnet-type materials consisting of YAl(Mg,Ge)O ( = 0, 1, 2), combined with Eu or Ce activator ions, were prepared by a solid-state method to determine the structural...
Garnet-type materials consisting of YAl(Mg,Ge)O ( = 0, 1, 2), combined with Eu or Ce activator ions, were prepared by a solid-state method to determine the structural and optical correlations. The structure of YAl(Mg,Ge)O ( = 1, 2) was determined to be a cubic unit cell (Ia-3d), which contains an 8-coordinated Y site with octahedral (Mg,Al)O and tetrahedral (Al,Ge)O polyhedra, using synchrotron powder X-ray diffraction. When Eu or Ce ions were substituted for the Y site in the YAl(Mg,Ge)O host lattices, the emission spectra showed a decrease in the magnetic dipole - Eu transition and a redshift of the - Ce transition, related to centrosymmetry and crystal field splitting, respectively. These changes were monitored according to the increase in Mg and Ge contents. The dodecahedral and octahedral edge sharing was identified as a key distortion factor for the structure-correlated luminescence in the Eu/Ce-doped YAl(Mg,Ge)O garnet phosphors.
PubMed: 38793511
DOI: 10.3390/ma17102445 -
Materials (Basel, Switzerland) May 2024In this research, we developed boron-rich nanoparticles that can be used for boron neutron capture therapy as potential carriers for boron delivery to cancerous tissues....
In this research, we developed boron-rich nanoparticles that can be used for boron neutron capture therapy as potential carriers for boron delivery to cancerous tissues. Functionalized carbonated boron nitride nanostructures (CBNs) were successfully synthesized in self-propagating combustion waves in mixtures of high-nitrogen explosives and boron compounds. The products' composition, morphology, and structural features were investigated using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, powder X-ray diffraction, low-temperature nitrogen sorption analysis, thermogravimetric analysis, high-resolution scanning electron microscopy, and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. The extreme conditions prevailing in combustion waves favor the formation of nanosized CBN hollow grains with highly disordered structures that are properly functionalized on the surface and inside the particles. Therefore, they are characterized by high porosity and good dispersibility in water, which are necessary for medical applications. During biological tests, a concentration-dependent effect of the obtained boron nitride preparations on the viability of normal and neoplastic cells was demonstrated. Moreover, the assessment of the degree of binding of fluorescently labeled nanoparticles to selected cells confirmed the relationships between the cell types and the concentration of the preparation at different incubation time points.
PubMed: 38793502
DOI: 10.3390/ma17102438