Journal of Cluster Science最新文献

Biogenic nanoparticles effectively control Listeria monocytogenes in food processing areas due to their biocompatibility and non-toxic nature towards the environment. In this study, we synthesised magnesium oxide nanoparticles (G-MgO NPs) using Syzygium cumini as the reducing and stabilising agent. The parameters affecting the green synthesis process, including pH, precursor concentration and volume, extract volume, and temperature, were optimised for G-MgO NPs. The spectroscopic and microscopic analyses were used to characterise the prepared G-MgO NPs. The UV-visible spectra absorbance at 291 nm indicates the formation of nanoparticles. Zeta potential illustrated that the G-MgO NPs surface charges were 12.4 ± 5.2 mV. FESEM results demonstrated a particulate size range of 36 ± 0.7 nm. FTIR spectra analysis showed the presence of magnesium oxide functional groups at 428 cm⁻¹, and EDX profiling identified the magnesium and oxygen elements in the nanoparticle composition. The zone of inhibition measured for Listeria monocytogenes ATCC 19118 was 11.6 ± 0.8 mm for 25 mg/mL and 13.8 ± 0.6 mm for 50 mg/mL. For Listeria monocytogenes ATCC 35152, it was 13.8 ± 0.0 mm for 25 mg/mL and 17.2 ± 0.0 mm for 50 mg/mL. In conclusion, monitoring the various sources of contamination with Listeria monocytogenes in food processing environments is an essential factor to achieve efficient control. Moreover, preliminary research indicates that G-MgO NPs can be applied as promising disinfectants in food safety due to their bactericidal Effect against Listeria monocytogenes.

Curcumin is an important anti-inflammatory agent for the treatment of skin disorders. However, its low water solubility, poor bioavailability, and instability limit the utilization of curcumin. Semi-solid lipid nanoparticle (SLN and NLC) dispersions, which maintain their colloidal particle size despite their high viscosity, offer a novel promising approach with high potential for dermal curcumin delivery. In this study, novel semi-solid SLN-NLC formulations of curcumin were manufactured using a one-step method, without the need to disperse the nanoparticles in an additional vehicle. Modde Pro 12 was used to examine the relationship between variables and quality attributes. QbD-based formulation optimization was successfully performed using artificial neural network program (ANN), and optimum semi-solid SLN-NLC formulations were prepared. The particle size of the optimum formulations was found to be 204.7 ± 1.5 nm for SS-SLN-Opt and 198.5 ± 0.81 nm for SS-NLC-Opt, indicating that the particle sizes were within the targeted range. The amount of curcumin released from the SS-NLC-Opt formulation was 33.72 ± 4.99% at 24th Hour, which was higher than the release obtained from the eight SS-NLC formulations entered as input into the ANN program. On the other hand, while the curcumin release percentage at the 24th Hour from the SS-SLN formulations entered into the program ranged between 11.13% and 44.31%, the release amount for the SS-SLN-Opt formulation was found to be 38.34 ± 3.48%, which was within this range and close to the maximum value. Rheological characterization results indicated that the optimum semi-solid SLN and NLC formulations were more elastic than viscous. The stability of the optimum semi-solid SLN formulation at 4 °C was higher than that of the optimum semi-solid NLC after one month. In vivo studies in rats revealed that the optimum semi-solid SLN formulation exhibited higher anti-inflammatory activity than both the optimum semi-solid NLC and the conventional gel. The SS-SLN-Opt formulation effectively reduced the inflammation in rats starting from the first hour. In conclusion, the optimum semi-solid SLN formulation, which is more stable and has higher anti-inflammatory activity, is a promising alternative for the dermal delivery of curcumin.

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Lipases are versatile biocatalysts widely used in the food, pharmaceutical, and biofuel industries, but their free form exhibits low stability and limited reusability. In this study, we present an innovative approach for the immobilization of the commercial lipase Lipozyme TL in hybrid organic–inorganic nanoflowers synthesized with two distinct metallic salts (CuSO₄ and CaCl₂). Unlike previous works, this is the first study to conduct a systematic comparative evaluation between these two supports, combining structural, kinetic, and thermodynamic characterizations to elucidate the mechanisms of enzymatic stabilization. In addition, we demonstrate an optimized synthesis route, enabling the preparation of CaCl₂ nanoflowers in just 3 h, significantly reducing the time compared to the conventional method (24 h), which represents an advance in terms of practical applicability. The results show that the immobilized lipases exhibited up to twice the activity of the free enzyme (409.68 U/g in CaCl₂ vs. 210.55 U/g), high thermal stability (retaining > 80% activity after prolonged exposure at 50–70 °C), and excellent reusability (up to 14 cycles in the case of CuSO₄). Thermodynamic analysis confirmed greater structural robustness, with positive ΔG and negative ΔS values, indicating lower propensity to denaturation. These findings highlight the potential of hybrid nanoflowers as robust and economically viable platforms for industrial processes that require reusable and thermally stable biocatalysts.

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This work discusses the fabrication of a robust stable organic MIL-88 A(Fe) framework (MAF) assembled with visible-light-induced BiVO₄ and carbon nanomaterials to establish integrated piezophotocatalytic system. The ternary BiVO₄/MIL-88 A(Fe)-C (Bi/MAF-C) catalyst was precisely characterized by various sophisticated technologies. The Bi/MAF-C composite revealed a powerful piezophotocatalytic activity (95.7%) towards tetracycline (TC) antibiotic in a short reaction time (40 min). Our composite exhibited the highest TC degradation rate (0.06460 min⁻¹), far exceeding the binary Bi/MAF, BiVO₄, and MIL-88 A(Fe) by 1.45, 2.78, and 3.8, respectively. The improved performance was associated with the multifunctional mechanisms of Bi/MAF-C in one integrated system. MIL-88 A(Fe) showed excellent response to piezoelectric effects, generating an internal electric field that further extended the photocarrier lifetime. Besides, BiVO₄ contributes to consuming wider visible light wavelengths due to its moderate band gap energy, synergy improving the piezophotocatalytic reaction. The MIL-88 A(Fe) component implies a robust photo-Fenton effect by activating H₂O₂ to generate ^•OH radicals, enhancing the oxidative degradation of pollutants under light irradiation. Additionally, further improvement in catalytic mechanism was obtained by carbon nanosheets, which act as an efficient electron conductor, accelerating the transfer of photocarriers in the Z-scheme heterojunction. The radical experiments confirmed the predominant role of ^•OH and ^•O₂⁻ in TC decomposition, further supporting the Z-scheme conception. In conclusion, this integrated piezophotocatalytic system reflects a promising strategy towards designing highly efficient multifunctional catalysts to control environmental pollution with enhanced efficiency.

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This study presents a series of high-sensitivity sensors based on BiVO₄-La₂O₃ (Bismuth vanadate-Lanthanum oxide). nanocomposite, synthesized using a simple hydrothermal process for the detection of NO₂ gas at room temperature. As-prepared samples were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), ultraviolet visible spectroscopy (UV-vis), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). BiVO₄-La₂O₃ achieved excellent NO₂ gas sensing performance, including high sensor responsivity (Rg/Ra) of 13.5 at concentrations ranging from 0.1 ppm to 10 ppm, as well as fast response (T₉₀ = 76 s) and recovery (T_r90 = 66 s) times at 0.1 ppm. These results demonstrate the potential of BiVO₄–La₂O₃ nanocomposites for reliable ppb-level NO₂ detection at room temperature.

Cystic echinococcosis, caused by Echinococcus granulosus, is a global health concern requiring novel treatments. This study developed polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and chitosan (CS) nanofibers loaded with Allium sativum (AS) extract, which contains allicin, a compound with antiparasitic properties. Electrospinning, a technique using high voltage to form nanofibers from a polymer solution, produced uniform, bead-free PVA/CS/AS nanofibers with an average diameter of 430.0 ± 1.4 nm. Characterization via GC-MS, SEM, FT-IR, and water contact angle measurements confirmed AS incorporation and revealed higher wettability than PVA/CS nanofibers, potentially enhancing biological interactions. In vitro, a 25 mg/ml AS extract concentration, selected based on prior antiparasitic studies, was tested against E. granulosus protoscoleces at 30, 60, and 90 min. PVA/CS/AS nanofibers markedly reduced viability, achieving mortality rates of 78.7%, 92.59%, and 98.38%, respectively, compared to 62.6%, 78.7%, and 93.7% for AS alone. These results suggest that PVA/CS/AS nanofibers enhance AS extract delivery and efficacy against the viability of E. granulosus protoscoleces. Further in vivo research is needed to evaluate their therapeutic potential.

This study investigates the synthesis and photocatalytic performance of CeO₂/porphyrin nanocomposites, created by self-assembling porphyrin monomers onto CeO₂ nanoparticles, which were green-synthesized using Cleistocalyx operculatus leaf extract. The resulting CeO₂/porphyrin composite showed enhanced photocatalytic efficiency for degrading organic pollutants, such as methylene blue and rhodamine B, compared to individual CeO₂ nanoparticles and free porphyrin aggregates. CeO₂ nanoparticles were characterized by SEM, XRD, FTIR, EDX, and UV-Vis, confirming successful synthesis and their crystalline integrity. The porphyrin TCPP (Tetrakis(4-carboxyphenyl)porphyrin) was integrated via a reprecipitation method, and SEM and XRD analysis verified the uniform incorporation of TCPP onto CeO₂ nanoparticles, preserving the nanofiber morphology and a crystalline structure with an average size of 9 nm. The CeO₂/TCPP composite exhibited extended visible light absorption, as shown in UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectra, indicating its potential for photocatalytic applications under visible light. Photocatalytic tests under simulated sunlight demonstrated a significant improvement in performance, with a 95.9% degradation of Rhodamine B after 120 minutes, particularly at a CeO₂:TCPP ratio of 10:1. This research highlights the effective synergy between CeO₂ and porphyrin materials, providing a novel approach for developing efficient, green-synthesized nanocomposites for environmental remediation under visible light, marking a significant contribution to photocatalytic technology.

This study aimed to design, fabricate, and characterize a novel nanocomposite scaffoldAQ based on alginate-xanthan, incorporating copper-doped bioactive glass nanoparticles, for potential applications in regenerative endodontics. Bioactive glass nanoparticles with varying copper concentrations (0(B0), 0.5(B0.5), 2.5(B2.5), and 5(B5) wt%) were synthesized using the sol-gel method. Subsequently, scaffolds (pristine alginate-xanthan (A-X) and those incorporating the various copper-doped bioactive glasses (A-XB0, A-XB0.5, A-XB2.5 and A-XB5)) were fabricated via 3D printing. The synthesized nanoparticles and scaffolds were characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) for chemical bonds and functional groups; Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS) for elemental composition; X-ray Diffraction (XRD) for crystalline/amorphous structure; Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) for morphological and surface analysis; and Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) for particle size and distribution. Subsequently, their hemocompatibility, antioxidant properties, and biodegradation were evaluated to assess their biological capabilities. The A-XB2.5 scaffold exhibited desirable surface roughness (by creating nano/micro fibers) and a well-distributed nanoparticle structure. The FTIR and EDS analyses confirmed the successful incorporation of copper into the bioactive glass structure, while XRD revealed an amorphous nature of the nanoparticles. Hemocompatibility tests indicated that the A-XB2.5 scaffold exhibited the lowest hemolysis rate, suggesting excellent blood compatibility. Antioxidant assays revealed that the A-XB2.5 scaffold exhibited the highest free radical scavenging activity, which decreased at higher copper concentrations due to potential oxidative stress. Degradation studies showed that the A-XB5 scaffold had the lowest degradation rate, indicating enhanced structural stability. This study successfully synthesized and characterized a novel alginate-xanthan nanocomposite scaffold containing copper-doped bioactive glass and investigated how copper concentration impacts its properties. We found that the A-XB2.5 scaffolds provided the most favorable characteristics, including uniform nanoparticle distribution, desirable surface roughness (by creating nano/micro fibers), enhanced antioxidant properties, and excellent hemocompatibility. In contrast, A-XB5 scaffolds led to significant nanoparticle aggregation, reduced antioxidant properties, and increased hemolysis, indicating potential copper toxicity at elevated levels. These findings highlight the dual role of copper (beneficial at optimal doses and detrimental at higher concentrations) in biomaterial design.

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In this study, a facile, low cost and eco-friendly microwave-assisted hydrothermal method has been used and optimized for large-scale production of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) nanosheets. Different rGO samples have been prepared by the modified Hummers method, followed by microwave-assisted reduction at different MW temperatures of 190, 200, 210, 250 °C for 3, 10, 15, 17, 20 and 25 min irradiation time. The morphological, crystallographic and structural analyses of the different produced rGO samples have been investigated using surface area S_BET, TEM and XRD techniques. The HRTEM images confirm the formation of rGO nanosheets with few lots of wrinkles. The XRD confirmed the complete transformation of GO into rGO after only 15 min of microwave irradiation. The surface area analyses showed a remarkable increase in the S_BET and the total pore volume by reduction of GO into rGO (from 0.7 to 26.3 m².g^-1 and from 0.012 to 0.17 cm².g^-1). The produced rGO samples have been tested for dual adsorptive removal of Fe³⁺ metal ions and methylene blue (MB) dye pollutant. A high adsorptive removal efficiency of 95.5% and 99.5% for Fe³⁺ and MB has been achieved using rGO-17 min, 200 °C optimum sample. The Langmuir isotherm model highlighted adsorption capacities (qm values of 126.1 mg.g^-1 for Fe³⁺ and 27.24 mg.g^-1 for MB), confirming the effectiveness of the optimized rGO sample. Additionally, Form the practical point of view and for the first time, the optimized rGO sample has been tested on real wastewater sample. The removal efficiency of both Fe³⁺ and dye content was approximately 57% after 8 h and 49% after only 2 hours, respectively. This demonstrates an optimized low-cost and sustainable method for wastewater remediation.

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Gas-phase B_n⁺ monocations exhibit strong hydrophilicity due to the prototypical electron-deficiency of boron. Joint chemisorption experiment and first-principles theory investigations performed herein indicate that the experimentally known planar magic-number C_2v B₁₃⁺ can react with H₂O at room temperature to form a series of quasi-planar aromatic boron water complexes C₁ B₁₃(H₂O)⁺ (1), C₂ B₁₃(H₂O)₂⁺ (2), and C₁ B₁₂H(H₂O)⁺ (3) analogous to benzene C₆H₆. Extensive theoretical calculations and analyses unveil their chemisorption pathways, bonding patterns, and more importantly, the effective in-phase LP(H₂O:)→LV(B) orbital overlaps between the more electronegative O atom in H₂O as lone-pair (LP) σ-donor and periphery electron-deficient B atoms in B₁₃⁺ (B₃@B₁₀⁺) and B₁₂H⁺ (B₃@B₉H⁺) with lone vacant (LV) orbitals as LP σ-acceptors, evidencing the existence of the newly proposed boron bonds in chemistry. A LP(H₂O:)→LV(B) boron bond in these boron water complexes possesses about 15 ~ 20% of the dissociation energy of a typical O–B covalent bond. Boron bonds are expected to exist in a wide range of boron-based complex systems with typical molecular ligands like H₂O, CO, and NH₃ as effective σ-donors.

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Joint chemisorption experiment and first-principles theory investigations indicate that B₁₃⁺ monocation can react with H₂O to form a series of quasi-planar aromatic boron water complexes C₁ B₁₃(H₂O)⁺, C₂ B₁₃(H₂O)₂⁺, and C₁ B₁₂H(H₂O)⁺ analogous to benzene, evidencing the existence of boron bonds in chemistry.