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Water loss is a critical concern in postharvest fruit technology, significantly impacting fruit quality, shelf life, and market value. This phenomenon involves the loss of moisture from fruit tissues, leading to physiological changes, reduced quality, and lower market value, which can contribute to food waste. Consumers perceive fruit with visible signs of water loss as lower quality. Therefore, minimizing water loss is essential through proper postharvest handling and storage practices, including temperature and humidity control, cooling, humidification, and the application of edible coatings and new modified coating techniques. Despite the importance of managing water loss, comprehensive information on its mechanisms and contributing factors in postharvest fruit technology is scarce. This paper aims to provide insights into the mechanisms, impact, influencing factors, and control strategies related to water loss in the context of postharvest fruit technology.

Pseudomonas sp. SBMCH11 was newly isolated from maritime soil samples which was identified by morphological, biochemical, and 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The isolated Pseudomonas sp. SBMCH11 had significant antibacterial activity against clinical bacterial strains including Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. Subsequently, high concentrations of antibacterial substances were achieved by optimizing the following parameters: pH (7.0), carbon (1 %), nitrogen sources (casein 0.2 %), NaCl (10 %), and incubation time (120 hrs). Furthermore, the extracted component from the Pseudomonas sp. SBMCH11 was shown to have a significant inhibitory effect on tested clinical pathogens. On the other hand, the extracted compound was confirmed as 2,4 di-tertbutylphenol (2,4 DTBP) by GC–MS with a molecular weight of 206.5 Daltons. Based on these findings, the isolated 2,4 DTBP could be recognized as a promising bioactive molecule for further antibacterial medication development. Compounds identified in the maritime environment from microorganisms, especially Pseudomonas sp. SBMCH11 could be regarded as a potential bio-factory for the synthesis of antibacterial compounds to suppress large numbers of pathogenic bacteria in the natural environment.

Cervical cancer is caused by changes in the cervix that lead to precancerous cells and eventually progress to cancer. Human papillomavirus (HPV) infections are the primary cause of cervical cancer. Early detection of HPV is crucial in preventing cervical cancer, and regular screening for HPV infection can identify cell changes before they develop into cancer. While Pap smear tests are reliable for cervical cancer screening, they are critical, expensive, and labor-intensive. Therefore, researchers are focusing on identifying blood-based biomarkers using biosensors for cervical cancer screening. HPV strains 16, 45, and 18 are common culprits in cervical cancer. This study aimed to develop an HPV-16 DNA biosensor on a zeolite-iron oxide (zeolite-IO) modified interdigitated electrode (IDE) sensor. The DNA probe was immobilized on the IDE through amine-modified zeolite-IO, enhancing the hybridization of the target and DNA probe. The detection limit of the DNA-DNA duplex was found to be 7.5 pM with an R2 value of 0.9868. Additionally, control experiments with single and triple mismatched sequences showed no increase in current responses, and the identification of target DNA in a serum-spiked sample indicated specific and selective target identification.

Nanogap nanowires have gained attention for their potential applications in biosensing due to their unique physical properties, such as high surface-to-volume ratios and enhanced sensitivity. These nanowires can be used as electrodes in electrochemical biosensors, improving the sensitivity and selectivity of these devices. They can also be integrated into sensor platforms using mature nano-fabrication procedures. These advancements offer great potential for developing highly sensitive and accurate biosensors for various applications, including biomedical diagnostics, environmental monitoring, and food safety. Nanogap nanowires have revolutionized the field by providing enhanced sensitivity and accuracy in detecting biological molecules. They have also been used in the fabrication of segmented nanowires for chemical sensing, allowing for more precise and targeted detection of specific analytes. Nanogap nanowires have shown promise in protein biomarker analysis, enabling ultra-sensitive detection of protein biomarkers at low levels. This review provides an overview of recent advancements in Nanogap Nanowires and their applications in biosensing.

Summary: Nanosensors have gained significant attention in recent years for improving energy conversion and storage performance in solar cells. These nanosensors, typically made from nanoparticles or nanowires, can be embedded within the solar cell to monitor parameters like temperature and light intensity. By monitoring these parameters, nanosensors provide real-time feedback and control to optimize the efficiency and performance of the solar cell. They also play a role in detecting potential issues, such as defects, for proactive maintenance and troubleshooting. The integration of nanosensors in solar cells enables the development of smart energy systems, leading to increased power output, improved stability, and a longer lifespan of solar cells. The deployment of nanosensors in solar cells offer promising trajectory for advancing energy conversion, utilization, and storage capabilities. This review summarizes recent advances in nanosensors in solar cells, with a focus on the role they play in enhancing energy conversion, utilization, and storage performance.

Parkinson's disease is a neurodegenerative condition defined by the progressive death of dopaminergic neurons in the brain. The diagnosis of Parkinson's disease often uses time-consuming clinical evaluations and subjective assessments. Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) is a useful technique for electroanalytical devices due to its label-free performance, in-situ measurements, and low cost. The development of reliable diagnostic tools for Parkinson's disease can be significantly enhanced by exploring novel techniques like faradaic and non-faradaic EIS detection methods. These techniques have the ability to identify specific biomarkers or changes in electrochemical properties linked to Parkinson's disease, allowing for an early and accurate diagnosis. Faradaic EIS detection methods utilize redox processes on the electrode surface, while non-faradaic EIS methods rely on charge transfer or capacitive properties. EIS can identify biomarkers or changes in electrical properties as indicators of Parkinson's disease by measuring impedance at different frequencies. By combining both faradaic and non-faradaic EIS approaches, it may be possible to obtain a comprehensive understanding of the electrochemical changes occurring in Parkinson's disease patients. This may lead to the development of more effective diagnostic techniques and potentially opening up new avenues for personalized treatment strategies. This review explores the current research on faradaic and non-faradaic EIS approaches for diagnosing Parkinson's disease using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy.

In order to increase the robustness of natural fiber (NFR), hybridization with synthetic fibers is crucial. The widespread usage of hybrid composites (HCs) in modern structural applications reflects their increasing popularity. When compared to non-hybrid composites, hybridization offers additional advantages due to its combination of inexpensive, high-quality fibers that enhance the properties of a composite without a significant increase in cost. Although the mechanical properties (MP) of various HCs have not yet been explored in depth, it is one of the benefits brought by hybridization. This article reviews and analyzes the latest information on the MP of HCs composed of synthetic and natural fibers. It also conducts a critical analysis of the important information that can be gleaned from published research on the factors that influence the morphological characteristics, physical-mechanical attributes, benefits, and challenges associated with NFR-reinforced composites. As a result, this compilation provides an in-depth critical analysis of innovative treatment techniques that are suitable for enhancing interfacial bonding (IB) between NF and polymer matrix (PM) and their MP. Additionally, each category of HCs, including thermoset and thermoplastic polymers as well as bionanocomposites, is discussed. Overall, this comprehensive study demonstrates that lignocellulosic fibers are widely employed in composite reinforcement and confirms that the hybridization of various reinforcing fibers has synergistic impacts on the mechanical properties of HCs.

A nanocomposite based on polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) is developed using silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) prepared by the chemical reduction method. The nanocomposite is analyzed by X-ray diffraction method (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analyses. XRD analysis confirms the purity of the synthesized silver nanoparticles with the average crystallite size of 15 nm. It also shows the presence of nanoparticles in the nanocomposite films. The interaction of silver nanoparticles with the polymer matrix is demonstrated by the FTIR spectrum. Scanning electron microscope (SEM), Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDAX) and UV–Visible spectroscopy confirm the formation of silver nanoparticles with spherical morphology and surface Plasmon resonance at 424 nm. Further, nanocomposite as solid polymer electrolyte and antimicrobial properties of the nanocomposite are illustrated. The addition of nanoparticles increases the electrical conductivity (1.7866 × 10-6 Scm−1) of the PVA silver nanocomposite film that is measured from electrochemical impedance spectroscopy through Cole-Cole plots. The PVA/Silver nanoparticles composite films show a high zone of inhibition for both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria than pure PVA films. The electrochemical performance shows the ability to use as a solid polymer electrolyte in electrochemical devices. Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/Silver nanoparticles composite films with high anti-bacterial activity can be used for wound dressings and active food packaging.

Antioxidant activity and antihyperglycemic constituents and of traditional medicinal plants are currently the preferred therapeutic means of treatment and management of diabetes because of the undesired adverse effect of synthetic drugs. Muntingia calabura (Kerukupsiam) leaves and other parts are considered as alternative natural sources of treatment for diabetes. Ultrasonic assisted extraction is a novel approach for extraction of phytoconstituents which gives high extraction yield of bioactive compounds. However, there has been no published information presently on the use of ethanol ultrasonic assisted extraction method for assessment of antioxidant and antidiabetic activities of M. calabura leaves. Hence, the current study aims to evaluate the in vitro antioxidant and antidiabetic activities of M. calabura leave extract. IC50 analysis was done to determine theinhibitory concentration and the results obtained from 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay showed IC50 of gallic acid to be 1.0 µg/ml, which is lower than M. calabura leaves extract at 2.54 µg/ml, indicating that only small concentration of gallic acid was required to inhibit the free radicals at 50 %. However, IC50 analysis for amylase inhibition showed that M. calabura extract had 44.39 µg/ml antidiabetic activity compared to acarbose with 57.1 µg/ml activity. This indicates that M. calabura leaves extract has a better inhibition on amylase activity compared to the acarbose which is a synthetic drug. Further still, in silico study was carried out and the molecular docking result of eight ligands against amylase indicates quercetin had the least binding free energy of −9.1 kcal/mol, indicating the strongest interaction. Using Lineweaver-Burk plot, the results showed a competitive inhibition, hence, it was justified that M. calabura has the potential to manage diabetes and other diseases related to free radicals.

This study presented an enhanced sensitivity of sensing protons (H+) by anchoring tungsten to carbon nanoparticles (WCN) to encourage high current density on the surface of gold interdigitated electrode (AuIDE). The morphology of the sensor evidences the intactness of electrode surface and suitable for WCN modification. To elucidate the study, unmodified AuIDE was compared to the WCN modified surface. Current-volt analysis was compared with electrolyte scouting in the variation of pH by using a picoammater, which supplied 0.0 to 2.0 V with a 0.1 V ramp interval. It was shown that modified WCN gave the sensitivity in the acidic medium (protons) at the pH 4 with a current density value of 2.5 × 10-5 ampere and increased further with lowering the pH to more acidic. This is due to the fact that the tungsten carbon nanoparticle that is anchored offering more electron density and alters the behavior of the chip. Meanwhile, the current density displayed insignificant changes of current density amplification from pH 5 to 12 with the range of 5.91 × 10-9 to 7.36 × 10-8 Ampere. The deposition of WCN on the AuIDE surface chip revealed the successfulness of this nanoparticle in chemically linked with the AuIDE surface and how modified nanoparticle altered the behavior of the sensing element.

Parkinson's disorder (PD) is a chronic and central nervous system disorder that occurs when neurons in the area of the brain impairs or dies, in particular, it affects the dopamine-producing neurons. People having PD also loose chemical messenger norepinephrine, which involves in regulating the main function of physiological systems, such as heart rate and blood pressure. Researchers are working on to identify PD with a suitable biomarker and alpha-synuclein is the presynaptic neuronal protein, in the neurological lesions (Lewy bodies). This research was focused to develop an alpha-synuclein biosensor on an iron oxide (IO) nanomaterial-modified interdigitated electrode surface. Anti-alpha-synuclein aptamer was attached on IO through the amine-linker and aggregated alpha-synuclein was sandwiched between aptamer and antibody. To enhance the analytical performance, antibody was modified with gold nanoparticles and reached the detection limit of 10 aM, determined on a linear range between 101 and 107 aM [y = 2.5812×-0.0081; R2 = 0.9729]. Further, control molecules failed to increase the current responses indicating the specific detection of alpha-synuclein and the CSF-spiked alpha-synuclein increases the current responses, confirming the selective detection.

Due to environmental concerns and budgetary constraints associated with synthetic fibers, natural fibers (NFr) are becoming increasingly popular as reinforcement in polymer composites (PCs) for structural components and construction materials. The surface treatment (ST) method is a well-established technique for enhancing the strength of interfacial bonding between NFr and the polymer matrix (PM). As a result, this research aims to determine the effect of ST with zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) on the flexural properties of unsaturated polyester (UPE)/kenaf fiber (KF) nanocomposites. The hand lay-up technique was employed to produce KF-reinforced unsaturated polyester composites (KF/UPE) for this investigation. UPE/KF-ZnONPs composites were made with varying NFr loadings (weight percent), ranging from 10 to 40%. KF was treated with five distinct amounts of ZnONPs (from 1 to 5% weight percent). According to the findings of the investigation, the composite samples incorporating ZnONPs displayed superior optimum flexural properties compared to the untreated KF composite. It was found that 2% ZnONPs was optimal, and ST with ZnONPs could produce robust KF with improved flexural properties.

A spinal cord injury is damage to the nerves and cells that receive and provide a signal from the brain to the rest of the body. Spinal injury causes changes in movement, sensation, and strength, affect the body functions near the injury site, and may lead to paralysis. S100β was found as a suitable biomarker for identifying spinal cord injury and its causing problem. Herein, S100β immunoassay was developed on interdigitated electrode sensor to diagnose spinal cord injury. For effective anti-S100β antibody immobilization, the antibody was premixed with 3-Aminopropyl)triethoxsilane and then attached to the hydroxylated interdigitated electrode surface. This method of antibody immobilization enhanced the antibody attachment two-times than the method without premix. Antibody-attached surfaces increased current responses as S100 concentrations increased, and the limit of detection was seen to be 1 pg/mL on the linearity until 3000 pg/mL at an R2 value of 0.9907 [y = 7x - 6.4667]. Further, biofouling experiments with glial fibrillary acidic protein and γ-aminobutyric acid failed to enhance the current response, indicating the specific detection of S100β. This immunoassay identifies S100β at its lower level and helps to diagnose spinal cord injury and its related problem.

Defects of silicon (Si) semiconductor epilayers are crucial to be identified at laboratory environs. The identification of failure and its rectification at laboratory settings is essential for large-scaling manufacturing of narrowed down semiconductor devices. This research documented the inspection, identification and the solution for defects found in the Si semiconductor epilayers, fabricated by a simple and conventional photolithography technique, with the integration of metal oxide nanomaterial, zinc oxide (ZnO). The semiconductor epilayers, Si wafer, Si oxide and ZnO coated SiO2 layer were formed and examined. Optical microscope images [high power microscope (HPM) and 3D profilometer] reveal smooth surface of semiconductor epilayers development through thermal oxidation and photolithography techniques. High power ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) justified the accuracy of wet thermal oxidation by examining the thickness of oxide layer on Si wafer at 3837.3 Å. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis of sol-gel synthesized ZnO affirmed the hexagonal crystalline state and its nanoscale size at 54 nm. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) has shown the insight of Si epilayer morphology with its elemental composition, which provides details of foreign substances on semiconductor surface. ZnO deposited Si epilayer was prepared through lamella preparation, prior to the cross-sectional field emission transmission electron microscopy (FETEM) analysis of the semiconductor, which revealed the uniformity of fabrication and ZnO distribution at Si epilayer. Failure analysis reported several defects on the Si epilayers in the state of patches and accumulation of impurities. The potential cause of the defects and the respective solutions are discussed as the accuracy and handling must be ensured throughout the fabrication process, to develop a flawless semiconductor for high performance applications.

Natural fibres (NFRs) composite materials are acquiring popularity in the modern world due to their eco-friendliness and superior mechanical properties. Although it has been shown that determining this is a herculean endeavour in the literature, the water absorption (WA) qualities of the natural fibre (NFR) are crucial in the progressive degradation of the features of the resulting composites. This article seeks to report exhaustively on studies pertaining to the WA attributes of polymer composites reinforced with NFRs. This article provides an overview of NFR, its characterization, and the issues related to its addition to the matrix. The primary purpose of this research study is to investigate existing studies on the problems associated with the creation of cellulosic fibre hybrid composites, water absorption, and its impact on the tensile (TS), flexural (FS), and impact strength (IS) of NFR reinforced composites. We reviewed various surface treatments (ST) applied to NFR, including alkali treatment, silane treatment, acetylation, as well as recent advancements aimed at mitigating WA, enhancing hydrophobicity, and improving the interfacial bonding (IB) between NFR and the polymer matrix (PM). Additionally, we assessed the effectiveness of utilizing nanoparticles (NAPs) in specific ST of NFR to minimize water absorption.

Graphene has received tremendous attention among diverse 2D materials because of its remarkable properties. Its emergence over the last two decades gave a new and distinct dynamic to the study of materials, with several research projects focusing on exploiting its intrinsic properties for optoelectronic devices. This review provides a comprehensive overview of several published articles based on density functional theory and recently introduced machine learning approaches applied to study the electronic and optical properties of graphene. A comprehensive catalogue of the bond lengths, band gaps, and formation energies of various doped graphene systems that determine thermodynamic stability was reported in the literature. In these studies, the peculiarity of the obtained results reported is consequent on the nature and type of the dopants, the choice of the XC functionals, the basis set, and the wrong input parameters. The different density functional theory models, as well as the strengths and uncertainties of the ML potentials employed in the machine learning approach to enhance the prediction models for graphene, were elucidated. Lastly, the thermal properties, modelling of graphene heterostructures, the superconducting behaviour of graphene, and optimization of the DFT models are grey areas that future studies should explore in enhancing its unique potential. Therefore, the identified future trends and knowledge gaps have a prospect in both academia and industry to design future and reliable optoelectronic devices.

Respiratory illness demands pragmatic clinical monitoring and diagnosis to curb numerous fatal diseases in all aged groups. Due to the complicated instrumentation, long amplification periods, and restricted number of simultaneous detections, present clinically available multiplex diagnostic technologies are difficult to deploy the onsite diagnostic platforms. The futuristic assessment of medical diagnosis eases the respiratory monitoring using exhaled breath, due to the simple and comfort non-invasive detecting techniques. Carbon dioxide (CO2) stands as a promising biomarker and has been identified in exhaled breath samples that distinguish different respiratory issues. State-of-the-art CO2 gas sensing strategies are recognized with the growth of modern telecommunication technologies for real-time respiratory illness monitoring and diagnosis using exhaled breath. The presented article reviews the existing CO2 gas sensors and their developments towards medical applications. With that, the advancement of infrared (IR) CO2 gas sensors with distinguished light and sensing properties in detecting respiratory disorders are overviewed. The development of optimal CO2 gas sensing strategy incorporated with Internet of Things (IoT) technology is over-reviewed. The hurdles encountered in the existing research and future preference with real-time CO2 monitoring and diagnosing respiratory disorders with the advancement attained in IR sensing technology and IoT networking are highlighted.

Compatibility of natural fiber with hydrophobic matrix is a herculean task in literature works. Surface treatment is a well-known approach for increasing the strength of interfacial adhesion between fibres and polymer matrices. Therefore, this study aims to examine the impact of surface treatment with zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) in improving hydrophobicity of kenaf fiber (KF) to enhance the compatibility between KF and polymer matrix. In this study, KF reinforced unsaturated polyester composites (KF/UPE) were fabricated by the hand lay-up method with varying fiber loadings (wt %) of 10 20, 30, and 40. KF were treated with five different contents of ZnONPs (1% to 5 wt%) to make UPE/KF-ZnONPs composites. The composites were studied in terms of wetting response (contact angle measure and water absorption), mechanical properties, chemical structure (FTIR), crystalline structure (XRD), and surface morphology (SEM, AFM). The investigational findings indicate that the composite samples incorporating ZnONPs exhibit optimum hydrophobicity and mechanical properties, as they possessed a higher contact angle than the untreated KF composite. The optimum content of ZnONPs was found to be 2 wt%. Regarding water absorption, the untreated UPE/KF composites absorbed more water than the treated UPE/KF-ZnONPs composites. SEM images showed changes in the morphology of the KF, while FTIR analysis proved the presence of ZnONPs functional groups in the UPE/KF composites. AFM images revealed that the ZnONPs could actively produce nanolevel roughness, advantageous to the hydrophobic characteristics.

Activated pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) have been widely accepted as a key precursor of excessive pancreatic fibrosis, which is a crucial hallmark of chronic pancreatitis (CP) and its formidable associated disease, pancreatic cancer (PC). Hence, anti-fibrotic therapy has been identified as a novel therapeutic strategy for treating CP and PC by targeting PSCs. Most of the anti-fibrotic agents have been limited to phase I/II clinical trials involving vitamin analogs, which are abundant in medicinal plants and have proved to be promising for clinical application. The use of phytomedicines, as new anti-fibrotic agents, has been applied to a variety of complementary and alternative approaches. The aim of this review was to present a focused update on the selective new potential anti-fibrotic agents, including curcumin, resveratrol, rhein, emodin, green tea catechin derivatives, metformin, eruberin A, and ellagic acid, in combating PSC in CP and PC models. It aimed to describe the mechanism(s) of the phytochemicals used, either alone or in combination, and the associated molecular targets. Most of them were tested in PC models with similar mechanism of actions, and curcumin was tested intensively. Future research may explore the issues of bioavailability, drug design, and nano-formulation, in order to achieve successful clinical outcomes with promising activity and tolerability. Key words: Pancreatic stellate cells, Anti-fibrotic, Chronic pancreatitis, Pancreatic cancer, Phytochemicals, Curcumin, Resverastrol, Rhein, Emodin, Green tea catechin

SARS-CoV2 is a member of human coronaviruses and is the causative agent of the present pandemic COVID-19 virus. In order to control COVID-19, studies on viral structure and mechanism of infectivity and pathogenicity are sorely needed. The spike (S) protein is comprised of S1 & S2 subunits. These spike protein subunits enable viral attachment by binding to the host cell via ACE-2 (angiotensin converting enzyme-2) receptor, thus facilitating the infection. During viral entry, one of the key steps is the cleavage of the S1-S2 spike protein subunits via surface TMPRSS2 (transmembrane protease serine 2) and results in viral infection. Hence, the S-protein is critical for the viral attachment and penetration into the host. The rapid advancement of our knowledge on the structural and functional aspects of the spike protein could lead to development of numerous candidate vaccines against SARS-CoV2. Here the authors discuss about the structure of spike protein and explore its related functions. Our aim is to provide a better understanding that may aid in fighting against CoVID-19 and its treatment.