This work reports a fully biodegradable, flexible ammonia sensor engineered through the synergistic integration of complete biomass (BM) conversion and in-situ interfacial hybridization. Pine-leaf biomass is directly transformed into a mechanically robust film through mild base hydrolysis, enabling full utilization of the natural cellulose-hemicellulose-lignin matrix without extraction steps or waste generation. To impart selective gas responsiveness, ZIF-67 nanocrystals are nucleated in situ on carbon black (CB), resulting in a coherent ZIF-67@CB network with strong interfacial coupling, a high electroactive surface area, and continuous electron-transport pathways. Embedded within the hydrophilic biomass matrix, this hierarchical architecture exhibits enhanced redox kinetics and efficient NH3 adsorption, enabling sensitive, room-temperature electrochemical detection. The optimized BM-CB-ZIF_0.5 film achieves sub-ppm ammonia sensing down to 9 ppb (8.95 +/- 0.7 ppb), exhibits excellent operational stability over 3500 s, and demonstrates strong selectivity against structurally similar or food-derived interferents. Real-sample tests using shrimp eluates demonstrate a clear correlation between electrochemical output, pH drift, and total volatile basic nitrogen (TVBN) accumulation during spoilage, confirming early-stage detection capability. This study establishes a sustainable pathway for high-performance chemical sensors by coupling total biomass valorization with interface-engineered nanoarchitectures for intelligent food-packaging applications.
a pH-responsive cellulose nano fiber (CNF) -entrapped thyme essential oil (TEO) system within a shellac (Sh) matrix that couples high barrier performance with triggered release aligned to spoilage-related pH shifts. TEO-CNF (1:1 ratio) with shellac was electrosprayed onto the paper surface using the electrospraying technique. The developed composite-coated paper exhibited higher (98.5 %) TEO entrapment using CNF with a 70 % increase in mechanical properties of paper, and lower loss of TEO (similar to 9 % at 40 degrees C and similar to 6 % at 27 degrees C) along with a controlled release profile. The water vapor transmission values obtained were 122.45 +/- 16.09 g.m(-2).day(-1), along with a Cobb 180 (grams of water absorbed per square meter) of 5.7 +/- 0.81 g.m(-2), and a significantly improved oil-grease resistant value. The release kinetics models explained the diffusion-driven release of TEO at pH 4, and surface diffusion and shellac dissolution predominated the release at pH 7 and pH 10. The release of TEO exhibited high antibacterial and antioxidant properties against E. coli and S. aureus bacteria. Prolonging the freshness of strawberries and shrimp, comparable to polyethylene film, was achieved for the developed composite-coated paper. 30 % TEO-CNF in Sh composite-coated paper displayed 10.7 % and 16 % degradation in soil and water, respectively, in 28 days, and a 100 % plant germination rate in 22 days.
Coated paper with bio-based components has sparked attention as a food packaging alternative to plastic. This study focusses on development of environmentally friendly packaging solution by electrospraying shellac over paper's surface. The goal of the study is to reduce the time of fabrication, by optimising the process parameters, concentration; 20, 30, and 40%w/v, flow rate; 10, 20, and 30 ml/h, and coating time; 100, 200, and 300 s (Concentration (% w/v))/ Flow rate (ml/h)/ time (sec)), in order to get better GSM (grams per square meter), COBB (grams of water absorbed per square meter), KIT (oil resistance ability), and WVTR (water vapor transmission rate). The developed material shows tensile strength >20 MPa with a 90 % drop in water absorption. Furthermore, when exposed to 100 % relative humidity for 48 h, the sample absorbs only 7-9 % moisture and showing minimal reduction in tensile strength of 3-5 %, indicating superior moisture resistance compared to paper. Cherry tomato (CT) freshness was tested and found to be maintained for up to 28 days, which was comparable to polyethylene packaging with mass loss during storage of 7, 4, and 20 %, respectively. In 28 days, the developed films decomposed similarly to paper in soil (23.67 %) and water (5.44 %), with no significant change in quality of water.
The 3D aerogel structured two-dimensional (2D) materials such as graphene and transition metal chalcogenides have received considerable attention in the arena of advanced materials due to their distinctive features such as hexagonal planar structure, high surface area, exceptional mechanical strength, electrical conductivity, and optical transparency. These properties make them ideal candidates for various applications including energy storage, hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), gas sensing and adsorption, water remediation, and more. This paper offers a thorough examination of 2D materials conducting polymer (2DCP) composite aerogels, covering different production methods, interactions, and applications. The paper discusses fabrication methods for composite aerogels, highlighting the significance of exact morphology, controlled mechanical strength, porosity, and architecture to obtain desired properties. The versatility of these composites is demonstrated in varied disciplines such as electrodes in supercapacitors, lithium-ion batteries, and fuel cells in energy storage and conversion applications because of their superior specific surface area, outstanding electrical conductivity, and chemical stability. Additionally, their adaptability in solving environmental and energy-related concerns is comprehensively examined, particularly in gas sensing applications, water remediation, HER, and gas adsorption. The study investigates the fundamental principles responsible for the exceptional qualities and performance of these composite materials, offering valuable insights for further optimisation and design. The article highlights the existing challenges and future prospects in this growing subject, highlighting the necessity for ongoing research to fully exploit the promise of 2DCP aerogel composites for many practical uses.
Molybdenum diselenide (MoSe2) exhibits exceptional catalytic properties in dye sensitized solar cells (DSSC), however, the complete potential of this material is limited by the low electrical conductivity, high over-potential, and inertness of basal sites hamper tri-iodide ion reduction, resulting in poor photo conversion efficiency (PCE). This study shows the potential of substitutional doping in the generation of in plane defects which leads to increase in-plane conductivity and active sites toward iodide reduction. Herein, Chromium (Cr) and Tungsten (W) are used to generate defect engineered MoSe2 using a facile hydrothermal method. The XRD and Raman results confirm the successful substitutional doping of Cr and W atoms. The morphological deformation in MoSe2 nanostructures on the incorporation of the dopants further confirm their presence. The electrochemical evidence shows the reduction of charge transfer resistance (Rct) by 76 % in 7.5 % W doping. The cathodic slope of-1.46 mV.dec- 1 suggested faster electron transfer kinetics. A photoconversion efficiency of 7.14 % was achieved due to enhancement of J sc up to 23.2 mAcm- 2 simultaneously retaining the fill factor (FF) 0f 0.56. The study puts forward substitutional doping as an efficient approach for improving the catalytic efficiency of non-precious MoSe2 counter electrodes in DSSC.
Polymers have consistently proven to be a convenient option for enhancing the catalytic characteristics of Molybdenum diselenide. Opting for the correct choice facilitates permanent exfoliation, enhances the available space on the surface, and improves the adaptability of the dichalcogenide. In this study, the researchers utilized two highly advantageous conducting polymers, namely poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PD) and polyaniline (Pn), to enhance the efficiency of MoSe2 in the dye-sensitized solar cell. Optimal percentage is crucial for achieving a uniformly distributed, consistent, and well-separated system that improves the electrocatalytic sites and conductive properties while providing flexibility through PD. Furthermore, PD is employed independently, without the assistance of a secondary polymer. The produced composite's purity, morphology, and surface area were examined using X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy, and Brunauer-EmmettTeller analysis. Electrochemical investigations reveal that composites display outstanding electrocatalytic performance, rapid electron transfer rate, and enhanced current flow compared to unadorned materials. The devices' photovoltaic performance was assessed by employing a typical solar simulator set at an intensity of 1 Sun (AM 1.5 G). The electrochemical investigation of the fabricated hybrid system demonstrates the efficacy of a high level of electrocatalysis and excellent device performance with a photoconversion efficiency of 8.65 %. This makes it an effective and affordable choice for a counter electrode in DSSCs.
Essential oil (EO) as an active component is a novel way to ensure food safety in packaging. Nevertheless, consistently retaining EO during package storage (SR) and release kinetics (RK) poses a major challenge. In this study, isotropic shellac: EO particles monophasic, biphasic (Bf), and core-shell were fabricated by loading EO into shellac-based electrosprayed microparticles. The particles were coated on paper, and SR (14 days at 40 °C), loading efficiency (LE), and RK were found to be 77.7 %, 86.3 %, and 76.5 %, respectively. Furthermore, by storing strawberries (SB) and shrimp for 28 days, coated paper was tested for its ability to preserve food and found Bf 30 (shellac 40 %w/v)/EO: shellac 4:6(v/w)). The coated paper significantly reduced moisture loss (85.4 % for SB and 58.8 % for shrimp), slowed down the growth of fungus and redness (100 % and 400 %, respectively), and kept the SB and shrimp fresher for 300 % and 100 %, respectively, compared to uncoated paper. Additionally, the biological studies indicated that the material exhibited a > 10 mm inhibitory zone, as well as robust radical scavenging. The packaging films' sustainability was validated by a soil burial and water immersion degradation test, which revealed that they disintegrated 200 % faster than uncoated paper and had potential applicability in sustainable food packaging.
Contaminated alkaline water and oil disposal wastewater are major concerns caused by textile industries. The rapid oxide formation on the reactive metal particle in alkaline medium makes it difficult to decontaminate whereas the presence of oil in wastewater is difficult to separate. In our work we fabricated zerovalent iron encapsulated shellac polymer particles of size 6.7 +/- 1.8 mu m using electrospraying, targeting decontamination of dyes present in wastewater in alkaline conditions and oil-water separation. The decontamination of methyl orange > 99 % was achieved at pH 8, 10 and 12 at particles concentration 1 mg/ml, 2 mg/ml and 5 mg/ml due to dissolution of shellac in basic conditions. The reusability up to 5 cycles at pH 12 and 4 cycles for pH 8 and 10 was achieved at particle concentration of 5 mg/ml. The magnetic separation of oil phase from the silicon oil-water emulsion was obtained for the polymer composite particles using bar magnet.
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurological ailment characterized by the degeneration of neurons in specific areas of the brain, resulting in memory loss, cognitive decline, and eventually dementia. AD is both lethal and currently incurable since the demise of brain cells cannot be reversed or stopped; however, ongoing advancements and research offer hope, aiming to uncover effective clinical and therapeutic strategies that could slow down the progression and improve patient outcomes. Surveys indicate that the treatment of AD is significantly expensive, with the global annual cost of treating AD amounting to US$1 trillion. Therefore, the early identification of this condition is of the utmost importance, as it can assist in slowing down the advancement of Alzheimer's and enable proper diagnosis. Biosensors are analytical instruments utilized for the early identification of AD and are in great demand due to their exceptional selectivity, sensitivity, and affordability. Biosensors integrated with transition-metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs) enhance the efficiency of a biosensor by significantly amplifying biosensing signals. This study examines AD and its underlying biochemical mechanisms, explicitly focusing on several hypotheses linked to AD, the biomarkers involved, and the use of TMDC-based biosensors for early detection of the illness with greater precision.
Abstract Glipizide, a low-cost antidiabetic drug, is known for its fast-acting nature and reduced risk of hypoglycemia. Its non-selectivity and short-acting nature, however, restrict its use. In this study, the core-shell particle of glycidyl trimethyl ammonium chloride modified dextran-coated glipizide polylactic acid has been fabricated capable of targeted drug release in the intestinal region with acidic pH resistivity and mucoadhesive properties. To achieve this glipizide-encapsulated polylactic acid (PLA), microspheres of size 27.09 ± 6.55 µm were fabricated using emulsion solvent evaporation followed by GT-dextran surface coating using the dipping method. NMR and FT-IR confirmed the presence of GT-dextran, and SEM confirmed the presence of a coating on the surface of PLA particles. The GT-dextran coating increases the size of the GI-PLA particles by 14.01%, with a size of 17.17 ±1.33 µm, along with 57.47 ± 2.7% encapsulation efficiency. The release behavior showed that the particle was slowly released at 8.76 ± 0.93% at an acidic pH of 1.5 and normally released at 92.4 ± 7.32% at a pH of 7.2. This shows that the particle is resistant to acid. The desired controlled release profile was achieved, with 68.45 ± 11.01% at pH 9.2 over a time of 48 h and best fits the Korsmeyer-Peppas model and follows zero-order kinetics, which exhibited great potential as a targeted and controlled drug delivery system for antidiabetic therapy.
Abstract Glipizide, a low-cost antidiabetic drug, known for its fast-acting nature and reduced risk of hypoglycemia. However, its usage is limited by its short acting nature and non-selectivity. In our study we demonstrate modified dextran coated glipizide loaded PLA (Polylactic acid) microspheres capable of targeted drug release at intestinal region. These particles show improved mucoadhesion in presence of glycidyltrimethyl ammonium chloride modified dextran (GT-dextran) as an outer coating. To achieve this glipizide encapsulated PLA, microspheres of size 27.09 ± 6.55 µm were fabricated using emulsion solvent evaporation followed by GT-dextran surface coating using dipping method. NMR, FT-IR, FESEM, TGA, and Zeta Potential confirmed the presence of GT-dextran coating on the surface of PLA particles. Controlled release of glipizide from the PLA matrix was achieved for the fabricated polymer particles. GT-dextran coating increases the size of the GI-PLA particles by 14.01 % with size 17.17 ±1.33 µm, along with 57.47 ± 2.7% encapsulation efficiency. The release behavior was assessed at three different pH, demonstrating slow release at of 8.76 ± 0.93 % low pH (1.5) and fast release of 92.4 ± 7.32 % at pH 7.2. The desired controlled release profile was achieved, with 68.45 ± 11.01% at pH 9.2 over a time of 48-hours. The fabricated pH-responsive core-shell type microspheres exhibit great potential as a targeted and controlled drug delivery system for antidiabetic therapy.
Smart packaging exhibiting long-term food freshness without harming the environment is a highly demanded product. Shellac is a promising biopolymer which is biodegradable and specifically introduces high water barrier properties. We demonstrate shellac: ZIF-67 (zeolitic imidazolate framework-67) coated paper using electrospraying, a simple method for coating commercial paper with microparticles that are 1.8 +/- 0.03 mu m in size and spread out evenly on the surface of the paper. The particles formed a defect-free coating after four coats of electrospraying and heating simultaneously. 150 min 4x shellac (20 % wt): ZIF 67 (1 %w/w) was optimised conditions for coating paper (ShZ_150x4_P) used for seafood packaging. Coated paper significantly improves water vapor transmittance rates for moisture (WVTR 91.7 %) and water (COBB 88.43 %) with a 27.2 % change in energy Delta E value. Soil burrier degradation confirmed the further sustainability of the packaging films, achieving 18.16 % weight loss and 92.8 % germination of cherry tomatoes within a 13-day time interval.