An injectable hydrogel hemostat composed of bacterial cellulose (BC), polydopamine and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) is presented as a biocompatible alternative to generally cytotoxic commercial hemostats.

Biocompatible CaCO3 nanoclusters were prepared by using a simple biomineralization technique. Employing CaCO3 nanoclusters in breast cancer treatment provides an exciting avenue for theranostics, which merges precise imaging with individualized treatment plans. They were highly suitable for improving the efficacy and precision of breast cancer detection and therapy with minimal adverse effects due to their biocompatibility, controlled drug release, pH sensitivity, and adaptability. In our current study, we proposed a palbociclib (PBB)-loaded fluorescent calcium nanocluster-based redox-sensitive drug delivery system for efficient breast cancer imaging and therapy. The developed nanoparticles were analyzed for their morphology and various physicochemical properties. The particle sizes of the formulated FNC-PBB-CS-NPs (nonredox-sensitive) and FNC-PBB-CS-SS-NPs (redox-sensitive) nanoparticles were 150.2 +/- 2.1 and 160.4 +/- 1.4 nm, respectively. The zeta potential of nonredox-sensitive nanoparticles was measured to be +17.12 +/- 1.34 mV, while the zeta potential of redox-sensitive nanoparticles was +14.32 +/- 1.17 mV. The entrapment efficiencies of FNC-PBB-CS-NPs and FNC-PBB-CS-SS-NPs were determined to be 88.74 +/- 2.34 and 89.26 +/- 1.21%, respectively. FNC-PBB-CS-SS-NPs demonstrated quicker drug release at acidic pH compared to FNC-PBB-CS-NPs. The cytotoxicity assay conducted on MCF-7 and T-47D cells indicated that FNC-PBB-CS-NPs and FNC-PBB-CS-SS-NPs exhibited greater cytotoxicities than free PBB. Furthermore, the Hoechst/PI dual-staining experiment demonstrated the superior activity of FNC-PBB-CS-SS-NPs over FNC-PBB-CS-NPs and free PBB. Ultrasound/photoacoustic imaging revealed that FNC-PBB-CS-SS-NPs effectively reduced tumor size, hypoxic tumor regions, and tumor vascularity compared to FNC-PBB-CS-NPs and free PBB. Additionally, in vivo optical imaging showed that the FNC-PBB-CS-SS-NPs accumulated more specifically in tumors than the other formulations.

This work focuses on developing microporous-activated carbon from the cost-effective Madhuca Longifolia flower using the potassium hydroxide activator at an activation temperature of 750 degrees C to remove methylene blue dye from an aqueous medium. The pore size, morphology, elemental composition, and specific surface area were analyzed using field emission scanning electron microscopy and the Brunauer-Emmett-Teller method. The prepared activated carbon showed a well-developed microstructure with a specific surface area of 764.68 m2/g. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic study confirmed the alcoholic and carboxylic hydroxyl groups, which play a vital role in the adsorption kinetics. The pseudo-second-order kinetic model investigation revealed that chemical adsorption was the most important factor in this adsorption study. The Langmuir isotherm model fits this study's equilibrium data well and concludes that the Methylene Blue adsorption process might be a homogeneous monolayer adsorption. The developed activated carbon exhibited high absorptivity, with a maximum adsorption capacity of 168.54 mg/g for methylene blue dye in the aqueous medium. These findings confirmed that the sustainable and low-cost Madhuca Longifolia flower-derived activated carbon has a promising potential for removing pollutants such as methylene blue dye in drinking water.

Rational design of active and stable bifunctional electrocatalysts for the generation of hydrogen and oxygen is crucial for clean and renewable energy. Herein, we developed a robust method for the preparation of electrocatalysts from RuO 2 and phosphomolybdic acid (PMA)-encapsulated multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT). It involves a low-temperature thermal encapsulation of PMA followed by anchoring of RuO 2 at phosphomolybdic acid sites by ion exchange. RuO 2 @PMA/MWCNTs showed an exceptionally low overpotential of 41 mV for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) with a Tafel slope of 71 mV d −1 ec −1 in an alkaline medium. Thermal sintering of RuO 2 @PMA/MWCNTs resulted in rutile T-RuO 2 @PMA/MWCNTs. It showed an overpotential of 320 mV for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) with an 81 mV/dec Tafel slope in 1 M KOH solution. In continuous operation for 24 h, the electrocatalyst exhibited good stability for HER and OER. The electrocatalytic activity was supported by density functional theory (DFT) simulations. The electronic state near the Fermi level exhibits the metallic character of the RuO 2 @PMA/MWCNTs system, supporting charge transfer from the PMA/MWCNTs to RuO 2 . The qualitative magnitude of the simulated overpotential for the HER and OER matching the experimental data suggests that the combined effect of RuO 2 and PMA on the MWCNTs host offers efficient water splitting activity.

This research delves into the critical role of high temperature in overcoming both thermodynamic and kinetic barriers, essential for evaluating nucleation rates and interfacial energy during the formation of a large number of subatomic-sized nuclei from the heating of nanoclusters, a key factor in the synthesis and optimization of advanced materials. Therefore, herein, for the first time, we demonstrate a mathematical framework to compute and understand the nucleation rate and interfacial energy patterns under elevated temperature conditions for ultrasmall cobalt oxide nanoclusters (CONCs), which is also visualized through 2D mathematical simulations via MATLAB software. Further, to achieve this, a combination of precise isoconversional techniques, such as the Kissinger-Akahira-Sunose method and the advanced Vyazovkin approach, was employed to determine key kinetic parameters, including the pre-exponential factor (A alpha) and apparent activation energy (E alpha), using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) data. These results were integrated to obtain the interfacial energy and nucleation rate of approximately 2 nm-sized CONCs over 555-780 K temperature range. The Z(alpha) master plot revealed that random nucleation predominantly occurred at higher temperatures, surpassing low conversion thresholds, within a chitosan matrix. To further enhance the understanding of the nucleation process, four distinct mathematical models were developed, linking the interfacial energy and nucleation rate with temperature and conversion. A logarithmic scale was adopted in the current work for a 2D simulation plot of predicted J with conversion and temperature, which typically helped to visualize a wide range of data effectively into a small segment and making nucleation rate patterns and differences more observable, with maxima and minima evinced through light yellow and blue coloration, respectively. Therefore, these models with visual representation provide valuable insights for predicting real-time process optimization, enabling controlled nucleation and advancing the design of CONCs for advanced material design applications investigated through TGA.

The development of high-performance membranes to address the issue of vanadium ion crossover in vanadium redox flow batteries (VRFB) is a significant area of focus. Current commercial perfluorinated membranes suffer from economic impracticality, poor ion selectivity, and electrolyte leakage. In this report, we present a composite membrane called PANI-Si@PP, which exhibits exceptional selectivity for protons over vanadium ions due to Donnan exclusion by the positively charged polyaniline backbone and the presence of well-defined proton conductive channels. To begin, we successfully synthesized and characterized a composite of polyaniline and silica (PANI-Si). Subsequently, we coated a porous polypropylene (PP) film with the PANI-Si composite using the phase inversion technique followed by acid functionalization. We assessed the surface characteristics and extent of pore filling through microscopic analysis and water flux measurements. The resulting membrane displayed excellent electrochemical and physicochemical properties. In a single-cell commercial VRFB, the PANI-Si@PP membrane achieved a Coulombic efficiency and energy efficiency of approximately similar to 99 and similar to 70%, respectively, over 300 cycles at a current density of 200 mA cm(-2), while retaining a high capacity of similar to 70%. Additionally, the membrane exhibited a peak power density of 322 mW cm(-2) at a current density of 350 mA cm(-2). This work highlights that the synergy of effective material selection and proper fabrication techniques is a successful approach to develop cutting-edge separators for battery applications.

In this work, we have demonstrated agar and oxidized bacterial cellulose cryogels as a potential hemostatic dressing material. TEMPO-oxidized bacterial cellulose (OBC) was incorporated into the agar matrix, improving its mechanical and hemostatic properties. The oxidation of bacterial cellulose (BC) was evidenced by chemical characterization studies, confirming the presence of carboxyl groups. The in vitro blood clotting test conducted on agar/OBC composite cryogels demonstrated complete blood clotting within 90 seconds, indicating their excellent hemostatic efficacy. The cryogels exhibited superabsorbent properties with a swelling degree of 4200%, enabling them to absorb large amounts of blood. Moreover, the compressive strength of the composite cryogels was appreciably improved compared to pure agar, resulting in a more stable physical structure. The platelet adhesion test proved the significant ability of the composite cryogels to adhere to and aggregate platelets. Hemocompatibility and cytocompatibility tests have verified the safety of these cryogels for hemostatic applications. Finally, the material exhibited remarkable in vivo hemostatic performance, achieving clotting times of 64 seconds and 35 seconds when tested in the rat tail amputation model and the liver puncture model, respectively. The experiment results were compared with those of commercial hemostat, Axiostat, and Surgispon, affirming the potential of agar/OBC composite cryogel as a hemostatic dressing material. Agar and oxidized bacterial cellulose based cryogels are promising biomaterials in the field of hemostatic dressing, offering superabsorbent properties, rapid blood clotting, and excellent biocompatibility.

58S bioactive glass (BG) has effective biocompatibility and bioresorbable properties for bone tissue engineering; however, it has limitations regarding antibacterial, antioxidant, and mechanical properties. Therefore, we have developed BGAC biocomposites by reinforcing 58S BG with silver and ceria nanoparticles, which showed effective bactericidal properties by forming inhibited zones of 2.13 mm (against Escherichia coli) and 1.96 mm (against Staphylococcus aureus; evidenced by disc diffusion assay) and an increment in the antioxidant properties by 39.9%. Moreover, the elastic modulus, hardness, and fracture toughness were observed to be increased by ∼84.7% (∼51.9 GPa), ∼54.5% (∼3.4 GPa), and ∼160% (∼1.3 MPam1/2), whereas the specific wear rate was decreased by ∼55.2% (∼1.9 × 10-11 m3/Nm). X-ray diffraction, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, and field emission scanning electron microscopy confirmed the fabrication of biocomposites and the uniform distribution of the nanomaterials in the BG matrix. The addition of silver nanoparticles in the 58S BG matrix (in BGA) increased mechanical properties by composite strengthening and bactericidal properties by damaging the cytoplasmic membrane of bacterial cells. The addition of nanoceria in 58S BG (BGC) increased the antioxidant properties by 44.5% (as evidenced by the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl assay). The resazurin reduction assay and MTT assay confirmed the effective cytocompatibility for BGAC biocomposites against mouse embryonic fibroblast cells (NIH3T3) and mouse bone marrow stromal cells. Overall, BGAC resulted in mechanical properties comparable to those of cancellous bone, and its effective antibacterial and cytocompatibility properties make it a good candidate for bone healing.

Amidst the growing need for sustainable energy solutions, the vanadium redox flow battery (VRFB) emerges as a promising technology for large-scale grid energy storage. Compared to conventional aqueous electrolyte system, deep eutectic solvents (DES) have the potential to be considered as the smart electrolyte system for VRFB, owing to its exceptional features such as broad electrochemical window, facile synthesis, low vapor pressure, and economically viable. Unfortunately, original DES have inherently low ionic conductivity and high viscosity, limiting their applicability in flow batteries. To address this issue, we propose deep eutectic solvent (DES)-based vanadium electrolytes containing an optimal amount of aqueous acid and dispersed sulfonated multi-walled carbon nanotubes (sMWCNT) in a 1:6 choline chloride:ethylene glycol mixture (Eu-sMWCNT VIII/VIV) and in detail, evaluate the performance of a single-cell VRFB using this electrolyte. In this work, it is demonstrated that DES electrolyte can be made more conducting and less viscous with subtle modifications. The prepared electrolyte exhibits excellent electrochemical properties, showcasing high-capacity retention (90.0 % over 400 charge/discharge cycles at an applied current density of 30 mA cm-2) and efficiencies (average Coulombic and energy efficiencies of 84.0 % and 70.0 % over 400 cycles, respectively). This modified DES system holds potential as the future electrolyte for various flow battery technologies, enabling operation at higher applied current densities compared to reported DES-based flow batteries.

This study investigates the synergistic effects of the incorporation of various plasticizers and reinforcing agents on the characteristics of kappa-carrageenan (kC) film. Different plasticizers, including polyols and glycols, were used to improve elongation at break, whereas nanoclay, urea and varied forms of cellulose were used as reinforcing agents. The physicochemical and morphological properties of kappa-carrageenan films plasticized and reinforced with various additives were quantified for their swelling behavior, mechanical strength, chemical composition, and structural features. Among the plasticizers used in the study, glycerol (30% with respect to kC) plasticized films showed better elongation properties (48.7%) as compared to the other plasticizers. In the reinforced carrageenan films, without plasticizer, oxidized bacterial cellulose demonstrated the best mechanical strength of 89.5 MPa as compared to other reinforcement agents. Moreover, 5% bacterial cellulose modified carrageenan film significantly maintained the mechanical properties (58.3 MPa) of the kC films plasticized with 30% glycerol, providing 15% elongation. The addition of glycerol to the reinforced films also influenced the water absorption and water vapor transmission rates of the polymer matrix. In addition, additives like halloysite nanoclay in plasticized carrageenan films demonstrated 16% improved barrier properties. This comprehensive analysis of different additives in kappa-carrageenan films broadens the potential for food packaging and biomedical applications. image

A prolonged and compromised wound healing process poses a significant clinical challenge, necessitating innovative solutions. This research investigates the potential application of nanotechnology-based formulations, specifically nanofiber (NF) scaffolds, in addressing this issue. The study focuses on the development and characterization of multifunctional nanofibrous scaffolds (AZL-CS/PVA-NF) composed of azilsartan medoxomil (AZL) enriched chitosan/polyvinyl alcohol (CS/PVA) through electrospinning. The scaffolds underwent comprehensive characterization both in vitro and in vivo. The mean diameter and tensile strength of AZL-CS/PVA-NF were determined to be 240.42 ± 3.55 nm and 18.05 ± 1.18 MPa, respectively. A notable drug release rate of 93.86 ± 2.04

In the present study, we have developed an agar-based asymmetric Janus nanofibrous wound dressing comprising a support and an electrospun layer with antibacterial and antioxidant properties, respectively, to facilitate healing effectively. The support layer containing agar and silver nitrate was fabricated by using solvent casting for sustained release, combating the dose-dependent cytotoxicity of silver nanoparticles, where nanoparticles were synthesized using a one-pot reduction method. The electrospun layer, fabricated with a mixture of agar and polycaprolactone infused with gallic acid, was electrospun over the support layer to impart antioxidant properties. Characterizations using UV-vis spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy validated the synthesis of nanoparticles in 10-20 nm diameter and the asymmetric Janus dressing. The developed Janus nanofibrous structure exhibited 98% porosity, excellent fluid-handling properties, a moisture permeability of 1200 g/m2/day, and a water absorption of similar to 250%. Moreover, the time-kill assay confirmed potent bacteriostatic effect against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, and sustained release of silver nanoparticles followed the Korsmeyer-Peppas model. With over 90% free radical scavenging efficacy, 37% degradation in 7 days, and less than 2% hemolysis, the dressings demonstrated exceptional antioxidant, biodegradable, and hemocompatible properties. The biocompatibility assessment further confirmed its cytocompatible efficacy, with more than 79% wound closure in the wound scratch assay. Most importantly, in vivo studies demonstrated the efficacy of the developed Janus dressing, promoting over 97% healing within 12 days of injury with higher epithelial formation. Overall, the in vitro and in vivo assessment of the developed Janus dressing confirmed its potential to function as a versatile and effective material for wound care applications.

An economically viable thermally annealed cation exchange membrane for polysulfide-based redox flow batteries.

Excessive bleeding presents a grave risk to life, especially in scenarios involving deep wounds such as those inflicted by gunshots and accidental stabs. Despite advancements in wound care management, existing commercial hemostatic agents have limitations, necessitating the development of enhanced solutions. In this study, we developed cryogels using agarose and polydopamine microspheres as a hemostatic dressing to effectively manage profuse bleeding. The resulting cryogels demonstrated impressive attributes, such as high absorption capacity (>4000%), shape recovery ability, antioxidant properties, and excellent biocompatibility in mammalian cell lines. Particularly noteworthy was the rapid blood clotting observed in vitro, with the agarose/PDA cryogels achieving complete clotting within just 90 s. Subsequent validation in the rat trauma model further underscored their hemostatic efficacy, with clotting times of 40 and 53 s recorded in tail amputation and liver puncture models, respectively. The porous structure and hydrophilicity of the cryogels facilitated superior blood absorption and retention, while the amine groups of polydopamine played a pivotal role in enhancing blood clotting activity. This study represents a significant step forward in utilizing agarose/polydopamine cryogels as advanced materials for hemostatic wound dressings, promising an impactful contribution to wound therapy.

In the performed study, a novel fabrication of agar-based nanofibers was electrospun in an asymmetric bilayer dressing for biomedical transdermal patches. The optimal parameters for the fabrication of agar-based nanofibers after optimization were a feed rate of 10 μL/min, a 7 cm collector-to-nozzle distance, a 15 kV applied voltage, and a 700-rpm rotating collector speed. Coaxial nanofibers, as a second asymmetric layer, were produced using polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) with cephalexin hydrate, an antibacterial drug, as the core and agar-PCL as the sheath. The morphology of the developed uniaxial and coaxial nanofibrous layers was analysed using a scanning electron microscope and transmission electron microscopy, respectively. For the formation of bilayer asymmetric structures, the agar-PCL uniaxial layer was fabricated over the layer of coaxial PVA and agar-PCL layers for sustained drug release. The agar-based nanofibrous mats exhibited tensile strength of 7 MPa with 40 % elongation failure, 8-fold increased swelling, enhanced wettability (60° contact angle), and a moisture transmission rate of 2174 g/m2/day. The developed coaxial bilayer mats exhibited antimicrobial activity, hemocompatibility, and cytocompatibility. Overall, this novel agar nanofibrous dressing offers promising potential for advanced biomedical applications, particularly as transdermal patches for efficient drug delivery systems.

Diabetes is a major health concern and is approaching epidemic proportions worldwide. In 2021, diabetes mellitus was responsible for 6.7 million deaths across the globe. Mortality due to diabetes is predicted to rise nearly 10-fold by 2030 and 783 million by 2045. Wheat starch, which constitutes about 70% of the endosperm, is a key component of wheat grain. The rapid hydrolysis of wheat starch can result in elevated postprandial glucose levels, leading to diabetes. The increase in blood glucose levels is primarily due to carbohydrate hydrolysis, catalyzed by the enzymes alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase. Although various medications are available for treating diabetes, most of them are costly and may lead to adverse effects. Natural herbs like fenugreek are recommended in traditional medicine for regulating blood glucose levels. This investigation aimed to study the effect of fenugreek seed extract (FSE) on in vitro starch hydrolysis by pancreatic alpha-amylase and the ultrastructure of starch. Wheat cultivars were characterized for their total starch, amylose content, and resistant starch content, and were screened for their predicted glycemic index. Microscopic studies were conducted to analyze the size and shape of starch granules and to compare native starch with starch treated with FSE. Significant inhibition of enzymatic starch hydrolysis was observed with FSE, with the maximum inhibitory effect caused by 0.2% FSE. These findings suggest that fenugreek could play a role in controlling blood glucose levels by reducing wheat starch hydrolysis and could be effective in managing diabetes.

In this study, we have developed agar, a seaweed derived polysaccharide based green adsorbent for the removal of heavy metal ions (Pb2+, Cu2+, Cr3+ and Cd2+) from multimetal solution. Porous cryogels of agar grafted with 3-aminopropyl triethoxysilane (APTES) were prepared by freeze-drying. The adsorption capacity and selectivity of the optimized APTES-agar cryogel for heavy metal ions (Cu2+, Cr3+, Pb2+, Cd2+) were investigated in multimetal solutions. >95 % of all the cationic metal ions were removed from 400 mg/L multimetal metal solutions having equal concentrations of each metal at pH 5.5. The experimental adsorption capacities of Cr3+, Cu2+, Pb2+, and, Cd2+ were changed from 39.14, 39.0, 39.20, 37.93 mg/g, to 52.58, 52.70, 45.53, 31.10 mg/g, respectively, for the 400 mg/L and 800 mg/L multimetal solutions suggesting competitive adsorption of the metal ions for active sites. The competitive adsorption studies showed that Cd ions had lower affinity than other metal ions for active sites on APTES grafted agar surface, and adsorption followed in the order of Cu2+ ≈ Cr3+ > Pb2+ > Cd2+. The developed seaweed-derived agar-based porous adsorbent exhibits promise in the removal of several heavy metal ions from wastewater, and this approach would increase the use of natural polysaccharides that are sustainable.

The present work aims to assess the age hardening of microalloyed Mg-Zn-Mn alloy reinforced with Ca10(PO4)6(OH)2 (hydroxyapatite, HAp) particles to impart mechanical strength without deteriorating their degradation and biocompatibility behavior for their suitability toward resorbable fixation devices. The hydroxyapatite powder was synthesized with high purity. Mg-Zn-Mn (ZM31) and Mg-Zn-Mn/HAp (ZM31/HAp) were stir-cast, homogenized, and solution-treated to achieve uniform dissolution. Further, they were given a range of aging treatments (175 °C for 0, 5, 10, 25, 50, and 100 h), and the age hardening was measured as Vickers microhardness. The solution-treated and peak-aged (175 °C × 50 h) samples were further investigated using optical and electron microscopy, tensile testing, electrochemical corrosion testing, dynamic mechanical analysis, and biocompatibility. The peak-aged ZM31 sample revealed the highest ultimate strength (134.09 ± 5.46 MPa). The aging treatment resulted in notable improvement in ductility in ZM31 (8.72 ± 1.38%) and yield strength in ZM31/HAp (82.50 ± 1.43 MPa). The rapid strain-hardening behavior was distinctly visible in peak-aged samples in the initial stage of deformation. The amplitude-dependent internal friction confirmed the active solute and age-hardening mechanisms in agreement with the Granato-Lücke model. All samples displayed favorable cell viability (>80%) and cell adhesion behavior; however, their hemocompatibility and biodegradation need further consideration.