- Home
- A-Z Publications
- Current Nanoscience
- Previous Issues
- Volume 17, Issue 3, 2021
Current Nanoscience - Volume 17, Issue 3, 2021
Volume 17, Issue 3, 2021
-
-
Properties and Applications of Modified Bacterial Cellulose-Based Materials
Authors: Munair Badshah, Hanif Ullah, Fazli Wahid and Taous KhanBackground: Bacterial cellulose (BC) is the purest form of cellulose as it is free from pectin, lignin, hemicellulose and other active constituents associated with cellulose derived from plant sources. High biocompatibility and easy molding into the desired shape make BC an ideal candidate for applications in the biomedical fields, such as tissue engineering, wound healing and bone regeneration. In addition to this, BC has been widely studied for applications in the delivery of proteins and drugs in various forms via different routes. However, BC lacks therapeutic properties and resistance to the free movement of small molecules, i.e., gases and solvents. Therefore, modification of BC is required to meet the research ad market demand. Methods: We have searched the updated data relevant to as-synthesized and modified BC, properties and applications in various fields using Web of Science, Science direct, Google and PubMed. Results: As-synthesized BC possesses properties such as high crystallinity, well organized fibrous network, higher degree of polymerization, and ability of being produced in swollen form. The large surface area with an abundance of free accessible hydroxyl groups makes BC an ideal candidate for carrying out surface functionalization to enhance its features. The various reported surface modification techniques including, but not limited to, are amination, methylation and acetylation. Conclusion: In this review, we have highlighted various approaches made for BC surface modification. We have also reported enhancement in the properties of modified BC and potential applications in different fields ranging from biomedical science to drug delivery and paper-making to various electronic devices.
-
-
-
Preparation and Applications of Guar Gum Composites in Biomedical, Pharmaceutical, Food, and Cosmetics Industries
Authors: Ahmed Madni, Ayesha Khalid, Fazli Wahid, Humaira Ayub, Romana Khan and Rozina KousarBackground: Guar gum is a water-soluble polysaccharide called galactomannan, obtained from the endosperm of Cyamopsis tetragonolobus, a plant belonging to the Leguminosae family. Galactomannan is a biopolymer rich in functional groups, particularly hydroxyl groups, which expands the possibilities of its chemical modification and, therefore, biological applications. Objective: This review aims to present and discuss various methods used in the preparation of guar gum composites and their applications in the biomedical, pharmaceutical, food, and cosmetic industries. Methods: The published data about the extraction procedure of guar gum and its various physicochemical properties have been collected and analyzed. Further, the published information about various methods used for the preparation of guar gum composite systems, including film, hydrogel, and beads, have been gathered and comprehensively discussed in this review. The applications of guar gum based composites in the field of biomedical, pharmaceutical, food, and cosmetics have also been reviewed in detail. Results: Different guar gum composite systems have shown multifunctional properties, including gelling and emulsifying ability, thickening and binding property, quick solubility in water, good biocompatibility, and biodegradability in the domain of biomedical, pharmaceutical, food, and cosmetic industries. Conclusion: Recent advancements in the preparation and applications of guar gum composites summarized in this review will enhance the practical applications of this polymer in various industries.
-
-
-
Molecularly Imprinted Polymer Particles and Beads: A Survey of Modern Synthetic Techniques
Molecular imprinting technology is based on incorporating template molecules in the polymer matrix, followed by their extraction to leave specific cavities similar in shape and size to the incorporated template molecules. The resultant molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) then show antibody-like and enzyme-like behavior. MIPs are used as selective adsorbents, stationary phases, sensors, drug delivery agents, ultrafiltration systems, catalysts, etc. To achieve a specific function, MIPs are synthesized in various forms like beads, particles, membranes, fibers and composites. MIP beads and particles have prime importance due to their use in multiple applications. In this article, we present a survey of various polymerization techniques used for the synthesis of MIP beads and particles, along with a special focus on the studies presenting their use in separation and purification.
-
-
-
Bacterial Cellulose: A Versatile Material for Fabrication of Conducting Nanomaterials
Nanomaterials such as nanoparticles, nanorods, nanofibers, and nanocomposites have received immense consideration and are widely used for different applications in various fields. The exploration of new synthesis routes, simple processing techniques, and specialized applications are growing to different fields and bringing extra interest to stakeholders. Bacterial cellulose (BC), a biopolymer produced by microbial and cell-free systems, is receiving growing applications in various fields, including medical, energy, environment, food, textile, and optoelectronics. As pristine BC lacks antimicrobial activity, conducting and magnetic properties, and possesses limited biocompatibility and optical transparency, its composites with other materials are developed to bless it with such features as well as improve its existing properties. Herein, we have reviewed the role of BC as a matrix to impregnate conducting nanomaterials (e.g., carbon nanotubes, graphene, and metals and metal oxides) and polymers (polyaniline, polypyrrole, and poly (3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)–poly (styrene sulfonate)) for the development of composite materials. These BC-based composite materials find applications in the development of energy storage devices, wearable electronics, biosensors, and controlled drug delivery systems. We have also highlighted the major hurdles to the industrialization of BC-based composites and provided future projections of such conducting nanomaterials.
-
-
-
Arsenic Trioxide-based Nanomedicines as a Therapeutic Combination Approach for Treating Gliomas: A Review
Authors: Rabeea Siddique, Suliman Khan, Qian Bai, Hongmin Li, Muhammad W. Ullah and Mengzhou XueGlioblastoma is one of the fatal and aggressive types of brain tumors. The current standard treatment for glioblastoma multiform (GBM) is surgical resection coupled with radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Although ample research has been performed, and multiple novel pharmacological approaches have been investigated for developing effective therapeutic drugs for treating GBM, the success of extending the survival of the patient is notably low. The unique barrier limiting GBM treatment is the presence of the blood-brain barrier (BBB), and most of the chemotherapeutic drugs fail to cross it due to their high molecular weight and large size. The currently used chemo drugs for GBM have poor penetration ability to the brain and cause off-target toxicity due to a high dose for maintaining drug concentration at the tumor site. The use of nanomaterial composites for co-delivery of multiple therapeutic drugs offers several advantages by encompassing the aforementioned obstacles. In this review, the first part sheds light on the characteristics of GBM and the major challenges faced by the current pharmacological treatments. The second part emphasizes the application of nanomaterials- based nanotherapeutics to overcome the challenges associated with current GBM therapy. A closer look is given to the use of FDA approved traditional Chinese medicine arsenic trioxide (ATO) and its application as co-delivery nanoparticles (i.e., ATO-NPs) against solid tumors, especially gliomas. In short, a breakthrough in nanotechnology offers a promising platform to treat GBM; however, rigorous efforts need to be devoted in order to develop novel therapeutic drugs with higher therapeutic efficiency and limited side effects.
-
-
-
Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment of COVID-19: A Nanotechnological Perspective
Authors: Pankaj K. Tyagi, Shruti Tyagi, Mansi Mishra and Kavya DashoraBackground: According to the current scenario with millions of deaths worldwide, the outbreak of COVID-19 has created global havoc. The vast spreading of COVID-19 has already challenged the healthcare system and economy of the world. Every country is now putting the best efforts to develop its standards, strategies, and policies to fight against this pandemic. Therefore, a huge amount of research grants is allocated for the diagnosis and treatment of COVID-19 globally. Objective: Scientists/researchers around the world are working in different fields, i.e., biological, physical, and chemical sciences, and have collaborated for an effective outcome to combat this pandemic. In light of the above-mentioned challenges, the researchers of the nanotechnology community can also contribute significantly in this direction. Results: As team members of the nanotechnology community, we suggest various research targets that can be designed/improved, optimized, and developed by nanotechnologists. These research targets include Point-of-care diagnostics (POCD), Surveillance and monitoring, Therapeutics, Vaccine development, Improving existing drugs with potential therapeutic applications, Developing antiviral nanocoating/antimicrobial spray-based coating for PPE, Magnetic nanoparticles and viral RNA (Ribonucleic acid), and Rapid detection kits. Conclusion: It can be concluded that multiple areas, such as the development of nano-biosensor based diagnostic technology (capable to produce fast and accurate results), development of nanoencapsulated drugs/vaccines or other efficient systems, testing/improving existing drugs with potential therapeutic applications, developing antiviral nanocoating/antimicrobial spray-based coating for PPE, etc., need immediate attention.
-
-
-
A Review on Performance Evaluation of Bi2Te3-based and some other Thermoelectric Nanostructured Materials
Authors: Mohammad R. Amin Bhuiyan, Hayati Mamur and Ömer Faruk DilmaçBackground: Future sustainable energy industrialization is a green energy source that has a lower circumstantial impact than traditional energy technologies. The advancement of new energy generation is important to expand the share of renewable energy sources. Objective: Worldwide, for the next generation, future energy demand may be fulfilled by using one of the renewable energy sources such as thermo electricity. Methods: The bismuth telluride–based (Bi2Te3-based) nanostructure material in thermo electricity still has a major part of applications. It is known as the most prospective TE device manufactured from a research arena towards successful commercialization. Results: The Bi2Te3-based nanostructure material is now on commercialization stages that it has some limitations. In order to find out the future direction of research and development of this material, the material will face a challenging way. Conclusion: The review paper provides an effective approach to overcome the limitation of Bi2Te3- based nanostructure. Moreover, in this review paper, the performance evaluation with existing Bi2Te3-based nanostructure and some other TE materials will be discussed in detail.
-
-
-
Ciliary Flow of Casson Nanofluid with the Influence of MHD having Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Adel Alblawi, Saba Keyani, S. Nadeem, Alibek Issakhov and Ibrahim M. AlarifiObjective: In this paper, we consider a model that describes the ciliary beating in the form of metachronal waves along with the effects of Magnetohydrodynamic fluid over a curved channel with slip effects. This work aims at evaluating the effect of Magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) on the steady two dimensional (2-D) mixed convection flow induced in carbon nanotubes. The work is done for both the single wall nanotube and multiple wall nanotube. The right wall and the left wall possess a metachronal wave that is travelling along the outer boundary of the channel. Methods: The wavelength is considered very large for cilia induced MHD flow. The governing linear coupled equations are simplified by considering the approximations of long wavelength and small Reynolds number. Exact solutions are obtained for temperature and velocity profiles. The analytical expressions for the pressure gradient and wall shear stresses are obtained. The term for pressure rise is obtained by applying Numerical integration method. Results: Numerical results of velocity profile are mentioned in a table form, for various values of solid volume fraction, curvature, Hartmann number [M] and Casson fluid parameter [ζ]. The final section of this paper is devoted to discussing the graphical results of temperature, pressure gradient, pressure rise, shear stresses and stream functions. Conclusion: Velocity profile near the right wall of the channel decreases when we add nanoparticles into our base fluid, whereas the opposite behaviour is depicted near the left wall due to ciliated tips, whereas the temperature is an increasing function of B and γ and a decreasing function of Φ.
-
-
-
Drug-free Nanotherapies for Cancer Treatment
Authors: Pravin Shende and Prashant SainiBackground: In the diagnosis, management, and treatment of cancer, numerous technological advancements have been explored in the past few years to find better applications over the conventional treatment approaches. However, their implementation in clinical practice leads to severe and toxic effects on the healthy tissues. Drugs in the form of actives impart cytotoxic effect but concurrently produce undesirable changes on normal tissues. Moreover, serum half-life and intratumor accumulation limit an effective cancer treatment for therapeutic agents. Objective: The objective of this review is to promote the significance of nanotherapy in cancer by strategizing drug-free macromolecules in contrast to conventional methodologies. Methods: This unique concept covers molecularly-imprinted polymers, nanopolymer complex systems, metal nanoparticles, carbon nanotubes, quantum dots, grafted polymer-based systems, and drug-free macromolecular therapeutics for effective and selective therapeutic action. Results: In advanced drug delivery systems, target-specific therapy indicates a great potential to improve the efficacy of therapeutics by reducing adverse events to other parts of the body but is restricted due to adverse reactions at the therapeutic site. To resolve such complications, drug-free nano therapy approaches act as an alternative system against conventional carriers for treating organspecific cancers like head, neck, lung, breast, prostate, kidney, etc. Conclusion: The drug-free approaches in various diseases will provide an entirely new perception to avoid or reduce the side and adverse effects of drugs.
-
-
-
Sol-gel Synthesis of Boron Doped TiO2/hollow Glass Bubbles Composite Powders for Photocatalytic Degradation of Azophloxine
Authors: Wenjie Zhang and Yuxuan LiuBackground: B-TiO2 was supported on the surface of iM16K glass bubbles to achieve a suitable density for the B-TiO2/iM16K composite hollow spheres. Aeration or stirring in the wastewater can lead to thorough mixing of photocatalyst and wastewater. Solid-water separation is relatively easy because the materials can float on the water surface while stopping aeration or stirring. Methods: The iM16K glass bubbles were used to prepare boron-doped B-TiO2/iM16K composite hollow spheres through a sol-gel route. The materials were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope, Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy, UV-Visible diffuse reflectance spectrometry, and N2 adsorption-desorption techniques. The photocatalytic degradation of azophloxine on the composites was determined. Results: The bandgap energy of the B-TiO2/iM16K composite was slightly less than 3.0 eV when the calcination temperature was below 500°C. The sample calcined at 350°C had a BET surface area of 88.6 m2/g, while the value of the sample calcined at 800°C was 1.2 m2/g. The maximum photocatalytic degradation efficiency was obtained for the sample calcined at 450°C, and nearly all of the original azophloxine molecules were decomposed after 120 min of irradiation. Photocatalytic degradation efficiency after 30 min of irradiation was enhanced from 18.8% to 47.9% when the B-TiO2 dosage increased from 100 to 800 mg/L. Conclusion: Crystallization of anatase TiO2 was temperature-dependent, and the properties of BTiO2/ iM16K composite hollow spheres were affected by the phase composition of the boron-doped TiO2 layer. The change in calcination temperature can have a significant effect on the photocatalytic degradation of azophloxine. The production of hydroxyl radical depended on the photocatalytic activity of the B-TiO2/iM16K composite hollow spheres.
-
-
-
Adsorption and Photocatalytic Activity of Nano-magnetic Materials Fe3O4@C@TiO2-AgBr-Ag for Rhodamine B
Authors: Xin Zheng, Xinyue Zhang, Qili Hu, Hongbin Sun, Linshan Wang and Xiaowu LiBackground: TiO2 nanoparticles possess adsorption capacity and photocatalytic activity, and are thus fitted for removal of dyes from water. However, TiO2 nanoparticles are difficult to separate from the bulk solution due to high loss. Moreover, TiO2 can only use light with a wavelength of less than 387.5 nm, so the utilization efficiency of solar energy is very low. The present work prepared Fe3O4@C@TiO2-AgBr-Ag composites to overcome the shortcomings of TiO2. Objective: Adsorptive and photocatalytic performance of nano-magnetic materials Fe3O4@C@TiO2- AgBr-Ag. Methods: Fe3O4@C@TiO2 and Fe3O4@C@TiO2-AgBr-Ag magnetic nanocomposites were prepared by the sol-gel method. Their structure was characterized. Performances of Fe3O4@C@TiO2 and Fe3O4@C@TiO2-AgBr-Ag for removing Rh B were thoroughly investigated and compared. Langmuir– Hinshelwood kinetic model was applied to analyze the heterogeneous processes of adsorption and photodegradation. Results: Removal experiments were carried out with Rhodamine B as the subject. The effects of contacting time, pH, subject concentration, and doses of photocatalyst on the removal performance were studied. The removal of Rh B by Fe3O4@C@TiO2 and Fe3O4@C@TiO2-AgBr-Ag involved both adsorption and photodegradation, and the photocatalytic activity of Fe3O4@C@TiO2-AgBr-Ag was much higher than that of Fe3O4@C@TiO2. The optimum removal conditions were determined. Under the optimal conditions, the removal rate of Rhodamine B with Fe3O4@C@TiO2 was 77.8%, and the removal rate of Rhodamine B with Fe3O4@C@TiO2- AgBr-Ag was 87.3%. Conclusion: The coupling of the nanostructured metal Ag to the outer surface of TiO2 could effectively increase photocatalytic efficiency under visible light. The photocatalysts could be separated from bulk solutions by using a magnet and be easily recycled. The removal reaction kinetics fitted with the first-order model.
-
-
-
Thermal and Mechanical Properties of Epoxy Resin Functionalized Copper and Graphene Hybrids using In-situ Polymerization Method
Objective: In this work, graphene (Gr) or/and Cu particles are used to improve the thermal and mechanical properties of epoxy resin. Methods: Various contents of Gr powder (0.1, 0.3, and 0.5 wt%), and Cu powder (10, 30, and 50 wt%) were loaded to epoxy to form Gr/epoxy and Cu/epoxy composites, respectively. In addition, hybrids epoxy/Cu/Gr samples were prepared with a selection of the lowest (0.1 and 10) and the highest (0.5 and 50) ratios of Gr, and Cu, respectively. Results: The thermal conductivity increased with the increasing weight ratio of Gr and Cu as compared to the pure epoxy. The thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) of epoxy composites and hybrid composites revealed an improvement in the thermal stability. In addition, the mechanical properties such as hardness shore D and the wear resistance were enhanced for both the epoxy composites and hybrids composites. However, the Ep+0.5wt%Gr+50wt%Cu hybrid composite was found to have the maximum hardness 84, with the thermal conductivity of 3.84 W/m.K. It showed the lowest wear resistance 2.70-6 mm3/Nm at loading 10 N. Conclusion: The hybrid composite containing 0.5wt%Gr and 50wt%Cu shows the maximum hardness and thermal conductivity, as well as the lowest wear resistance when compared to other composites. The physical properties of the hybrid composite can be controlled by the host blend, and hence the morphology, and interfacial characteristics.
-
Volumes & issues
-
Volume 20 (2024)
-
Volume 19 (2023)
-
Volume 18 (2022)
-
Volume 17 (2021)
-
Volume 16 (2020)
-
Volume 15 (2019)
-
Volume 14 (2018)
-
Volume 13 (2017)
-
Volume 12 (2016)
-
Volume 11 (2015)
-
Volume 10 (2014)
-
Volume 9 (2013)
-
Volume 8 (2012)
-
Volume 7 (2011)
-
Volume 6 (2010)
-
Volume 5 (2009)
-
Volume 4 (2008)
-
Volume 3 (2007)
-
Volume 2 (2006)
-
Volume 1 (2005)