Search

In the present research, a chemical co-precipitation approach has been used to approach the synthesis, characterization, and photocatalytic applicability of Ni-doped α-Fe2O3 (hematite) nanoparticles. Biosynthesized iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) were successfully synthesized using a non-toxic leaf extract of the Azadirachta indica (AI) plant (neem) as a reducing and stabilizing agent. X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Raman spectroscopy, FT-IR spectroscopy, ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy, and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) have all been used to examine the synthesized materials. All of the produced NPs contain only the nanocrystalline hematite phase, according to XRD measurements. The morphology studies of the Ni-doping hematite nanoparticles, as demonstrated by TEM and SEM. The phase purity and phonon modes of the prepared nanoparticles are confirmed by Raman spectroscopy. The UV-Vis absorption tests show also that value of the band gap increases together with the reduction in particle size, going from 2.26 eV for chemical α-Fe2O3 to 2.5 eV for green Ni-doped α-Fe2O3 nanoparticles. Additionally, it was clear from the magnetic characteristics that all of the samples behaved ferromagnetically at ambient temperatures. On the other side, malachite green (MG) dye was used as a surrogate industrial wastewater dye in order to study the photocatalytic efficiency of Ni-doped α-Fe2O3 particles. The pure/green Ni-doped α-Fe2O3 NPs showed that after 70 minutes of exposure, 92% of the MG had become discolored.

In this communication, we report a typical structural, optical and electrical analysis of thin films of hole transport material (HTM) based on aromatic phenyl benzidine derivative (N,N[Formula: see text]-Di-1-naphthyl-N,N[Formula: see text]-diphenylbenzidine) deposited by thermal evaporation technique onto the glass substrate. The effect of substrate temperature on the physical and electronic properties of these organic thin films for perovskite solar cells (PSCs) applications has been investigated. The films have been characterized by FTIR, XRD, SEM, UV–Vis spectroscopy and photoluminescence spectroscopy. Electrical conductivity and activation energies of films have also been calculated. From FTIR data of fabricated films and powder, it was found that the compound does not decompose during the thermal evaporation process as observed vibrational frequencies of films and the powder are the same. From the results, it has been determined that the substrate temperature has a huge impact on the physical structure and has also influenced the optical, electrical properties of the films. As observed from the studies it appears that these amorphous films with bandgap near to 3[Formula: see text]eV and suitable conductivity have potential for photovoltaics layer devices. From this study, it can be concluded that N,N[Formula: see text]-Di-1-naphthyl-N,N[Formula: see text]-diphenylbenzidine can be used as an active hole transport layer in PSCs.

Nanotechnology is gaining significant attention, with numerous biomedical applications. Silver in wound dressings, copper oxide and silver in antibacterial preparations, and zinc oxide nanoparticles as a food and cosmetic ingredient are common examples. However, adverse effects of nanoparticles in humans and the environment from extended exposure at varied concentrations have yet to be established. One of the drawbacks of employing nanoparticles is their tendency to cause oxidative stress, a significant public health concern with life-threatening consequences. Cardiovascular, renal, and respiratory problems and diabetes are among the oxidative stress-related disorders. In this context, phytoantioxidant functionalized nanoparticles could be a novel and effective alternative. In addition to performing their intended function, they can protect against oxidative damage. This review was designed by searching through various websites, books, and articles found in PubMed, Science Direct, and Google Scholar. To begin with, oxidative stress, its related diseases, and the mechanistic basis of oxidative damage caused by nanoparticles are discussed. One of the main mechanisms of action of nanoparticles was unearthed to be oxidative stress, which limits their use in humans. Secondly, the role of phytoantioxidant functionalized nanoparticles in oxidative damage prevention is critically discussed. The parameters for the characterization of nanoparticles were also discussed. The majority of silver, gold, iron, zinc oxide, and copper nanoparticles produced utilizing various plant extracts were active free radical scavengers. This potential is linked to several surface fabricated phytoconstituents, such as flavonoids and phenols. These phytoantioxidant functionalized nanoparticles could be a better alternative to nanoparticles prepared by other existing approaches.

This research paper is devoted to measure the activity contents of natural radionuclide, like, radium (226Ra), thorium (232Th) and potassium (40K) in the soil gathered along the Jwalamukhi thrust of Himachal Pradesh, North Western Himalayas, India. NaI(Tl) Scintillator detector was utilized for the estimation of activity content. The activity concentration of 226Ra, 232Th and 40K for some of the soil samples have been observed to be above the global normal mean values. The outcomes acquired for indoor and outdoor effective dosage are well below the normal international and national proposed results. The determined values of external hazard (Hex) for studied locations are less than unity, therefore; samples assembled from these regions are safe from a health hazard point of view and can be utilized as a construction purposes without producing any radio-logical hazard to human beings. The average estimations of radium equivalent activity were found to be within the limits suggested by Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). Radon (222Rn) and thoron (220Rn) exhalation rates have also been calculated and discussed.

Microbial infections and antibiotic resistance are some of the prime factors that are ascribed to endanger human health. Several reports have highlighted that drug-resistant pathogens assist in the etiology of various chronic diseases and lead to fatality. The present study deciphered the role of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) as therapeutics against selected bacterial strains. The plant-based technique was followed to synthesize ZnO NPs. The synthesis was confirmed with different techniques viz. X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscope (interplanar spacing at 0.126 nm), scanning electron microscope (flower-like structure), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The antibacterial analysis revealed that ZnO NPs inhibited the growth of all tested strains (Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhi, Bacillus subtilis, and Klebsiella pneumoniae) to a greater extent (MIC ranged between 0.013±0.004-0.0625±0 mg/mL) as compared with ZnO compound (Bulk material). In the present study, ZnO NPs were produced in a cost-effective and environmentally sustainable way using a green process and can be used as a remedy for drug-resistant pathogens.

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanofibers were synthesized by electrospinning to optimize the photocatalytic action efficiency. The synthesis of the fibers was carried out at four different wt% concentrations: 8, 9, 10 & 11% of polymer polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP). The TiO2 fibers were further calcined at 700 °C to get powder form. The uncalcinated and calcined TiO2 nanofibers were characterized by using X-Ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and UV-Visible spectroscopy. Raman spectroscopy confirmed the rutile phase of the calcined TiO2nanofibers in powder form with a crystallite size of 34–38 nm. The surface morphology of the uncalcinated and calcined TiO2 nanofibers was examined by SEM and the fiber diameter found to be 360–540 nm. The optical bandgap of the calcined TiO2 nanofibers was found in the range of 3.29–3.24 eV. The photocatalytic activity of the TiO2 nanofibers as examined for uncalcinated and calcined nanofibers, methyl orange (MO) dye degraded up to 98 and 78%, respectively in 180 min under the exposure of UV light. Uncalcinated TiO2 nanofibers were found more suitable for degradation of MO dye as compared to calcined nanofibers.

G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) conformational plasticity enables formation of ternary signaling complexes with intracellular proteins in response to binding extracellular ligands. We investigate the dynamic process of GPCR complex formation in solution with the human A

Nanotechnology is an emerging multidisciplinary field that has the potential to offer solutions to pharmaceutical challenges starting from drug delivery to therapeutic applications. The plant-mediated method is eco-friendly and the most inexpensive of the various techniques used to synthesize nanoparticles (NPs). In this study, silver (Ag) NPs have been successfully synthesized using leaf extract of Catharanthus roseus and Ocimum tenuiflorum. X-ray diffraction revealed an average crystalline size of 19.96 and 21.42 nm for C. roseus and O. tenuiflorum-mediated Ag NPs, respectively. Further, shape, size, and elemental composition were analyzed using a scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscope (TEM), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectral technique. TEM study revealed spherical/spheroidal-shaped Ag NPs were formed between 10–48 nm with C. roseus and 17–55 nm with O. tenuiflorum. Both synthesized Ag NPs inhibited Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis, where the effect was more prominent against E. coli (MIC 3.90 ± 0 µg/mL) with O. tenuiflorum Ag NPs. Mechanistic insights of antibacterial activity were also highlighted, and the activity might be attributed to the diverse mode of action of surface functionalized phytoconstituents and NPs.

Nanoparticles (NPs) are miniature materials ranging from 1 to 100 nm. The NPs have unique chemical and physical properties due to their shape, size and high surface area. This research paper gives a detailed summary of the synthesis, characterization and applications of undoped and (Ag, Fe) co-doped CuO NPs with a diverse concentration of Fe (0.02, 0.04, 0.06 and 0.08 M) at a constant concentration of Ag (0.02 M). X-ray diffractometer (XRD) results revealed average crystallite size of NPs varies in the range 13.10-24.98 nm. Scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) showed that the morphology of pure synthesized CuO NPs and Energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDX) recognized the presence of Ag, Fe elements in the CuO lattice. The particle size obtained by transmission electron microscope (HR-TEM) images was found in the range 19.73-21.47 nm. Cu-O bond stretching of NPs was also confirmed by Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) techniques. The values of direct and indirect band gap for CuO were found to be 1.41-1.54 eV and 0.69-1.51 eV respectively. Antibacterial activity for synthesized NPs tested against gram-negative and gram-positive pathogenic bacteria. The photocatalytic properties of synthesized NPs were investigated by monitoring the methyl orange/methylene blue degradation in ultraviolet visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis).

COVID-19 is a brand new contagious sickness caused by a brand new coronavirus referred to as intense acute breathing syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). COVID-19 is a disease that has reached each continent inside the global; it has overloaded the medical system international and it has been declared a plague by using the arena health agency. presently there are not any set up or tested treatments for COVID-19, that is permitted worldwide. Nanoparticles are described as stable colloidal particles ranging in size from 10 to 1000 nm. Nanoparticles provide many advantages to larger particles including multiplied surface-to-volume ratio and improved magnetic properties. Over the last few years, there was a regularly developing interest in the usage of nanoparticles in distinct biomedical packages inclusive of focused drug transport, hyperthermia, photoablation therapy, bioimaging and biosensors. in this review we've got hypothesize the class and synthesis of nanoparticles with diverse remedies along with photobiomodulation, drug shipping gadget, electrochemical nanotechnology biosensors, hydrothermotherapy and photocatalytic pastime which can be used for remedy and prevention of COVID-19 to lower the severity of moderate and slight instances of Coronavirus. We address current in addition to emerging therapies and prophylactic techniques that may allow us to efficaciously fight this pandemic and additionally can also assist to discover the key areas where nano-scientists can step in.

A microwave assisted synthesis method has been used for the fabrication of pure and (Ag, Zn) co-doped copper oxide (Cu1-x-yAgxZnyO) nanoparticles (NPs) with different weight ratios of zinc (0.00, 0.02, 0.04, 0.06, and 0.08 M) at a constant weight ratio of silver (0.02 M). The structure and morphology of the prepared samples were analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), energy dispersive X-ray diffraction (EDX), high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), UV-Vis spectrophotometry and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. XRD results showed that both pure and (Ag, Zn) co-doped copper oxide (CuO) NPs have a single phase monoclinic structure and no secondary phases were detected. The average crystallite size values of the NPs were found to be 13.10, 14.45, 17.59, 19.72 and 20.33 nm. FE-SEM images confirmed the changes in the morphology of pure copper oxide (CuO) NPs due to co-doping with silver and zinc metal ions. The EDX of the samples provided both semi-qualitative and semi-quantitative information. EDX confirmed the presence of Ag and Zn elements in the CuO lattice. HR-TEM images confirmed that the morphology of pure CuO was found to change from ellipsoidal to star-like structures after co-doping with Ag and Zn ions. The images also established the particle size in a range of 13.88-21.13 nm. The HR-TEM results were in agreement with the XRD results. Tauc's plots were used to determine the optical band gap of the NPs. The band gap for direct transitions was found to be 1.42-1.73 eV and that for indirect transitions was in a range of 1.28-1.78 eV. The functional group properties were also discussed using FTIR techniques. The antibacterial activity of the synthesized NPs was tested against Gram positive (Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis) and Gram negative (Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) pathogenic bacteria by an agar well diffusion method. The zones of inhibition were found to be the maximum for co-doped CuO NPs as compared to pure CuO NPs for three bacterial strains Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. It is also believed that the studied material due to its remarkable properties may be an efficient alternative in the development of smart systems for the detection of pathogens and as antimicrobial agents.

The presence of various phytochemicals makes the leaf extract-based green synthesis advantageous to other conventional methods, as it facilitates the production of non-toxic by-product. In the present study, leaf extracts from two different plants: Aloe barbadensis miller and Ocimum tenuiflorum, were used to synthesise Ag nanoparticles. The absorbance at 419-432 nm from UV-visible spectroscopy indicates the formation of Ag in the synthesised samples. The effect of precursors’ concentration on the stability, size and shape of the synthesised samples has also been investigated at constant heating temperature, stirring time, and the pH of the solution. The TEM results showed that all the synthesised samples of nanoparticles demonstrated stability with a size range of 7-70 and 9-48 nm with Aloe barbadensis miller and Ocimum tenuiflorum leaf extracts, respectively. The formation of smaller Ag nanoparticles due to utilisation of different precursor concentration and leaf extracts was also explained. The synthesised samples’ anti-bacterial activity was examined against the pathogens, Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, and Escherichia coli. In general, the green synthesis approach established a prospective for developing highly stable Ag nanoparticles with rigid particle shape/size distribution from different leaf extracts for the development of better anti-bacterial agents.

ZnO nanoparticles, as fabricated using Ocimum tenuiflorum leaf extract, have been investigated for their photocatalytic and antimicrobial activities. However, the ZnO nanoparticles were synthesized using precursor, Zn(CH3COO)2·2H2O at different concentrations (5, 10 and 50 mmol kg−1) at 70 °C and pH 11.5. The synthesized materials were characterized by employing Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, UV–Visible, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy techniques. As recorded from UV–Visible studies, there was a drastic decrease in the energy band gap value (Eg) from 3.63 to 3.20 eV with the concentration of precursor, Zn(CH3COO)2·2H2O. The synthesized materials were examined for their photocatalytic activity towards the degradation of methyl orange dye and also for antibacterial action against Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli pathogenic bacteria.

Aims: Although the human pathogen, Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), is strictly aerobic and requires efficient supply of oxygen, it can survive long stretches of severe hypoxia. The mechanism responsible for this metabolic flexibility is unknown. We have investigated a novel mechanism by which hemoglobin O (HbO), operates and supports its host under oxygen stress. Results: We discovered that the HbO exists in a phospho-bound state in Mtb and remains associated with the cell membrane under hypoxia. Deoxy-HbO carries an autokinase activity that disrupts its dimeric assembly into monomer and facilitates its association with the cell membrane, supporting survival and adaptation of Mtb under low oxygen conditions. Consistent with these observations, deletion of the glbO gene in Mycobacterium bovis bacillus Calmette-Guerin, which is identical to the glbO gene of Mtb, attenuated its survival under hypoxia and complementation of the glbO gene of Mtb rescued this inhibition, but phosphorylation-deficient mutant did not. These results demonstrated that autokinase activity of the HbO modulates its physiological function and plays a vital role in supporting the survival of its host under hypoxia. Innovation and Conclusion: Our study demonstrates that the redox-dependent autokinase activity regulates oligomeric state and membrane association of HbO that generates a reservoir of oxygen in the proximity of respiratory membranes to sustain viability of Mtb under hypoxia. These results thus provide a novel insight into the physiological function of the HbO and demonstrate its pivotal role in supporting the survival and adaptation of Mtb under hypoxia.

A more complete depiction of protein energy landscapes includes the identification of different function-related conformational states and the determination of the pathways connecting them. We used total internal reflection fluorescence (TIRF) imaging to investigate the conformational dynamics of the human A(2A) adenosine receptor (A(2A)AR), a class A GPCR, at the single-molecule level. Slow, reversible conformational exchange was observed among three different fluorescence emission states populated for agonist-bound A(2A)AR. Transitions among these states predominantly occurred in a specific order, and exchange between inactive and active-like conformations proceeded through an intermediate state. Models derived from molecular dynamics simulations with available A(2A)AR structures rationalized the relative fluorescence emission intensities for the highest and lowest emission states but not the transition state. This suggests that the functionally-critical intermediate state required to achieve activation is not currently visualized among available A(2A)AR structures.

SARS-CoV-2 claimed numerous lives and put nations on high alert. The lack of antiviral medications and the small number of approved vaccines, as well as the recurrence of adverse effects, necessitates the development of novel treatment ways to combat COVID-19. In this context, using databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, and Science Direct, we gathered information about nanotechnology’s involvement in the prevention, diagnosis and virus-like particle vaccine development. This review revealed that various nanomaterials like gold, polymeric, graphene and poly amino ester with carboxyl group coated magnetic nanoparticles have been explored for the fast detection of SARS-CoV-2. Personal protective equipment fabricated with nanoparticles, such as gloves, masks, clothes, surfactants, and Ag, TiO2 based disinfectants played an essential role in halting COVID-19 transmission. Nanoparticles are used not only in vaccine delivery, such as lipid nanoparticles mediated transport of mRNA-based Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, but also in the development of vaccine as the virus-like particles elicit an immune response. There are now 18 virus-like particle vaccines in pre-clinical development, with one of them, developed by Novavax, reported being in phase 3 trials. Due to the probability of upcoming COVID-19 waves, and the rise of new diseases, the future relevance of virus-like particles is imperative. Furthermore, psychosocial variables linked to vaccine reluctance constitute a critical problem that must be addressed immediately to avert pandemic.

This research paper is devoted to measure the activity contents of natural radionuclide, like, radium (