Current Materials Science - Volume 18, Issue 6, 2025
Volume 18, Issue 6, 2025
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Superhydrophobic Materials for Self-cleaning Applications: A Review
More LessAuthors: Zijie Li, Jinjing Tang, Youtao Xia, Jiangnan Liu, Haichao Duan and Daolong YangSince the discovery of the “lotus effect,” the superhydrophobic structure of the research is more and more profound. When the droplets fall on the surface, it will not occur as a wetting phenomenon. Making full use of this feature will achieve the self-cleaning effect of the object surface. In the dust filtration problem, it is possible to spray superhydrophobic materials on the surface of the equipment using superhydrophobic self-cleaning characteristics to change the filtering method and to improve the self-cleaning efficiency. This paper describes the methods of preparing superhydrophobic materials, self-cleaning methods, and the application of superhydrophobic materials in the field of self-cleaning. Based on the summary of patents and papers, this paper focuses on the filtration and self-cleaning effect of superhydrophobic materials on dust particles in humid environments. With a simple structure, high filtration efficiency, and long service life, the super sparse/hydrophilic hybrid mesh can work continuously without manual operation. It can effectively filter dust particles and improve air quality in humid environments. Coal powder condensation experiments in this paper proved that the application of superhydrophobic materials in the field of self-cleaning yielded significant results. When superhydrophobic materials are sprayed on copper-based filters, the hydrophilic line mixes with the hydrophobic region, greatly improving the self-cleaning efficiency.
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Exploring the Potential Characteristics of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles: A Review
More LessAuthors: Aakriti Patel, Astha Singh and Neha MinochaMetal nanoparticles have been a topic of interest between research scholars for decades now. Since these nanoparticles show tremendous effects against bacterial invasion in the body they are widely in demand. ZnO nanoparticles have emerged as one of the most promising candidates for preventing bacterial invasions within the human body. Owing to their small particulate size and increased surface area, they exhibit excellent antimicrobial characteristics. A number of pathogens have the ability to form biofilms which further increases bacterial activity. Biofilms are complex and resilient bacterial communities that adhere to surfaces and are encased in a protective extracellular matrix. They offer enhanced resistance to antibiotics and the host immune system on bacteria. ZnO nanoparticles have demonstrated excellent anti-biofilm properties, making them promising candidates for the treatment of biofilm-related infections. ZnO nanoparticles have also shown remarkable anti-microbial activity against a wide variety of pathogens. ZnO nanoparticles release zinc ions (Zn2+) when exposed to bacteria which helps in degrading the cellular membrane thus disrupting the bacterial integrity. This review article aims to understand the different aspects of Zinc NPs. Thirteen relevant studies were included, focusing on three distinct preparation methods: polyol synthesis, green synthesis, and precipitation. Each of these methods provides useful insights into the efficient development of ZnO nanoparticles, ensuring their optimal performance and applicability in a variety of scenarios. It also focuses on exploring the antibacterial activity as well as the antibiofilm activity of ZnO.
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Integrative Approaches to Tackle Multidisciplinary Challenges: A Review of Multi-science Problem Analysis
More LessIn the field of science, multi-disciplinary analysis is a flexible and comprehensive approach to tackling difficult issues by combining data, expertise, and techniques from different areas of study. This article examines the importance, techniques, and results of cooperative endeavors that bring together different disciplines. The article also focuses on the moral and societal consequences of combining and analyzing data, with particular attention to safeguarding data privacy, minimizing biases, and promoting responsible use of AI. For instance, stringent steps are required to de-identify the data and guarantee that people's personal information is preserved in medical research that integrates patient data from several sources. Another important consideration is minimizing biases. To provide equitable employment chances, efforts are made to eradicate racial or gender prejudices in AI-driven recruiting procedures. The present article delves into the most recent breakthroughs in multi-science analysis, specifically the integration of artificial intelligence, cross-sector collaborations, and a growing emphasis on sustainable development. Furthermore, we underscore the critical significance of clear and open communication and the overall societal impact of this type of research. By working together and pursuing interdisciplinary approaches, multi-science analysis can pave the way towards a more interconnected and sustainable future, empowering society to tackle global challenges and bolster resilience in the face of intricate problems. Multi-science analysis often faces hurdles related to data heterogeneity, as integrating data from various sources with differing formats and quality standards can be technically demanding. Moreover, navigating the differing terminologies and methodologies across disciplines can sometimes lead to communication barriers and conflicts, requiring effective coordination and translation efforts. Additionally, ensuring equitable collaboration and recognition among diverse researchers and stakeholders can be a challenge, particularly in competitive academic or industry environments.
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A Review on Hydrogels for Smart Drug Delivery Systems and their Mathematical Modelling
More LessSince the last few decades, smart hydrogels have become a vibrant research area in biomedical science and engineering. Nowadays, smart hydrogels can be used in drug delivery systems due to their biocompatibility, physicochemical properties, and high stability. External factors like temperature, pH, ionic concentration, light, magnetic fields, electrical fields, and chemicals can alter smart hydrogels' chemical and biological characteristics. Furthermore, there have been sophisticated advancements in polymer science that combine two or more responsive mechanisms to create polymers with multiple responsive properties. In this review article, we discussed the recent advancements in the field of smart hydrogels, their preparation methods, important properties, and multifunctional applications. The FDA approval for clinical purposes is also given for specific commercial applications. Various mathematical models have also been discussed to simulate and optimize the drug release behavior from hydrogels and to provide valuable insight into the drug release profile over time. The latest advancement in the field of stimuli-responsive drug-loaded hydrogels and the contributions of the researchers in this field are also highlighted. Finally, the advantages and disadvantages of smart hydrogels and their future challenges are also discussed.
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Potential Biomolecule Fisetin: Molecular and Pharmacological Perspectives
More LessAuthors: Ashu Kamboj, Anjoo Kamboj, Hitesh Malhotra and Peeyush KaushikThe naturally occurring, bioactive dietary flavonoid known as fisetin, also known as a tetrahydroxy flavone, is widely present in foods like apples, strawberries, grapes, persimmons, onions, kiwi, kale, and others. In addition, due to their increased safety, affordability, and practicality for oral administration, dietary flavonoids are the focus of intense research. The configuration, quantity, and kind of hydroxyl groups it contains in relation to functional groups in the nuclear structure determine its bioavailability, metabolism, and biological activity. Fisetin exerts its wide range of pharmacological activities by modulating various pathways, making it useful for diverse biological conditions. These pathways include PI-3 kinase/AKT/p38, TFEB and Nrf2, suppression of EGF-induced MMP-9 & sp-1 transcription, AKT/MAPK, JAK-STAT/NF-kB, MEK/ERK, COX-2/iNOS, NF-kB/p300/IKK, VEGFR1/p-ERK1/2/p38/pJNK, NF-κB/I-κBα, COX-2/WNT/EGFR/NF-κB, CDKN1B/P70S6K, PI3K/ AKT/CREB, PI3K/AKT/GSK3β, TLR4/NF-κB, and TXNIP/MAPKs, contributing to apoptotic cell death and potential therapeutic applications, making it a valuable molecule in various health contexts. Pleiotropic pharmacological properties of the polyphenol fisetin, make the molecule effective as antihyperalgesic, antileishmanial, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, antihypertensive & cardioprotective, anti-photo inflammatory, antiproliferative, anti-cancer drug and used in psoriasis, ACD, AMD, SCI, hair growth promoter, SLE, AOM, SS2 infections, UL, PVR, Huntington’s, Alzheimer’s diseases. This study explores the flavone molecule fisetin and its structural, chemical, biological, pharmacological, and molecular properties.
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Unleashing the Power of Green Chemistry in Phytoconstituent Extraction by Hydrotropic Solubilization
More LessThe extraction of natural products is a critical area of focus in the interdisciplinary domain of applied chemistry, biology, and technology, with an emphasis on the development of eco-friendly and sustainable methodologies driven by increasing consumer demand for environmentally friendly alternatives and industry concerns about sustainable, non-toxic extraction techniques. The yield and composition of natural extracts are contingent upon the extraction method employed and the solvent selected. Emerging technologies are designed to reduce extraction time, increase extraction yield, eliminate the use of solvents, and lessen environmental impact. The pharmaceutical industry has conducted extensive research into the application of innovative extraction technologies, including green technologies. In line with the development of “green technology,” the use of green solvents for the extraction of phytochemicals, as opposed to conventional non-eco-friendly solvents, is of paramount importance. Hydrotropes are one such class of green solvents that enhance the solubility of poorly water-soluble or hydrophobic compounds in aqueous solutions by reducing toxicity, cost-effectiveness, and pH independence. These compounds have the potential to enhance the bioavailability, solubility, dissolution rate, extraction yield, and purity of extracted phytoconstituents. Their use minimizes energy consumption and costs, making them an efficient and sustainable choice in the extraction process. This review highlights the extensive use of hydrotropes in the innovative extraction of phytoactive compounds. It provides a comprehensive overview of hydrotrope chemistry, addresses toxicological concerns, and discusses state-of-the-art extraction technologies. The review also examines factors affecting the yield of phytoconstituents and explores available drug delivery systems. The potential of hydrotropes in this context is promising, paving the way for more efficient and environmentally friendly extraction methodologies.
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A Comprehensive Review on Novel Polymer Biomaterials for Hydrogel-Based Drug Delivery System
More LessHydrogel biomaterials, which are formed from polymers generated from either natural or synthetic sources, are characterized by their mechanical stability as well as their biological acceptability. Hydrogels are characterized by properties such as a high swelling index, biocompatibility, the ability to be easily manipulated, flexibility, and rapid degradation. Hydrogels are commonly used as drug carriers due to the fact that they are simple to produce and may be applied by themselves. Using hydrogels in drug delivery applications, where gel-based nanocarriers delivery drug molecules to the area of interest in living tissues. The research community is interested in preparing hydrogel because of the unique physical and chemical properties that hydrogels possess. It has been discussed that several new hydrogel-based solutions are being employed for the administration of drugs that are not taken orally. Hydrogel systems can be developed for use in either passive or active drug administration, making them suitable for a broad variety of settings and applications. In addition to possessing essential biocompatible properties, hydrogels are able to move freely within the human body without having any visible impact on the surrounding environment. The present review has been developed to examine novel concepts linked to hydrogels and their delivery mechanism. This is due to the fact that hydrogels possess qualities that are both unique and novel. In this article, the mechanics of drug delivery systems that are based on hydrogels are detailed. These processes include loading, releasing, and targeting. For these components, the development and investigation of cutting-edge hydrogel-based delivery systems is necessary.
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Green Synthesis of Nanoparticles for Forensic Applications: A Comprehensive Review on Latent Fingerprint Development
More LessGreen nanoparticle synthesis has recently gained popularity due to its sustainability and environmental friendliness. This technology employs natural resources such as plants, fungi, bacteria, and algae to produce nanoparticles with beneficial properties. This study aims to investigate the ecologically friendly production of nanoparticles and their potential use in forensic investigation. Green nanoparticle synthesis methods provide several advantages over standard chemical synthesis processes, including less environmental impact, cheaper costs, and the lack of toxic compounds. Nanoparticles have been successfully manufactured utilizing a wide range of plant extracts, including those obtained from medicinal plants. Furthermore, nanoparticles with enhanced properties have been developed employing microorganisms and their metabolites. Nanoparticles made with environmentally benign technology have shown significant promise in the realm of forensic study. These nanoparticles can be employed in forensic analysis methods such as document authentication, DNA profiling, and fingerprint identification. They are ideal candidates for boosting the sensitivity and selectivity of forensic investigations because of their unique physicochemical properties, which include a large surface area, variable size, and great stability. Furthermore, to enable specialized detection and imaging of Latent fingerprints (forensic evidence), green-synthesized nanoparticles can be functionalized with certain ligands or biomolecules. This paper provides an overview of metal, metal oxide, and fluorescent green nanoparticle manufacturing and their uses in forensic science as latent fingerprint development.
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Study and Review of Shear Deformation Theories for Analysis of Deep Beams
More LessAuthors: Rafat Ali and S.K. HirdeThis work explores shear deformation theories related to beams in detail and provides a careful analytical evaluation. There are various theories related to the Deformation in Shear action that are painstakingly traced throughout the review in detail. Every hypothesis is systematically assessed, taking into account both its advantages and disadvantages. The study thoroughly examines the results generated by each theory and explores the general approaches to solving problems that result from their use. The evaluation also offers a thorough overview and recommendations for further lines of inquiry. The primary goals of this review are to encourage the continued application of higher-order theories in deep beam behavior prediction and to further our understanding of their development.
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Theoretical and Numerical Investigation of the Effective Mechanical Properties of an Arc Star-Shaped Auxetic Honeycomb
More LessAuthors: Q.W. Huang, H.H. Zhang, X.L. Ji and S.Y. HanBackgroundAuxetic honeycombs have attracted a lot of attention due to their excellent properties, including lightweight, and outstanding impact resistance and energy absorption.
MethodsThis study focuses on a new type of arc star-shaped honeycomb (ASSH) by replacing the tip angles of the classical star-shaped honeycomb (SSH) with curved edges. The theoretical expressions of the effective Poisson’s ratio and Young’s modulus are deduced by using the Timoshenko beam theory and energy method. Furthermore, the numerical model is also established through the Finite Element Method (FEM); then, both the analytical and computational approaches are adopted to conduct parametric analysis.
ResultsIt was found that the effective mechanical properties obtained by theoretical analysis and the FEM are consistent with each other, and ASSH bears tunable effective Poisson’s ratio and Young’s modulus under varying geometric configurations.
ConclusionThe present work may provide some guidance for the design and analysis of future auxetic honeycombs.
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Synthesis of Form-stable Phase Change Materials for Application in Lunch Box to Keep the Food Warm
More LessAuthors: Nidhi Agrawal and Bharti AroraIntroductionThe invention of a lunch box with phase-change materials incorporated to keep food warm throughout work hours is the subject of this paper. Since harmful chemicals render the food unfit for consumption when they come into contact with it, the choice of phase change material is essential.
MethodsAdopting a healthy lifestyle now includes carrying electronic lunch boxes and ordering takeaways. Nevertheless, utilizing the electric lunch box at work is a bother. Therefore, this study discusses a prototype of a lunch box that has been created and can keep food warm after it has been packed at home for 4-5 hours. The method of preparing the PCM FS65 is discussed and its stability over thermal cycling is analyzed.
ResultsThe thermal resistance of the insulating materials and the quantity of PCM are the two design considerations for the lunch box that have been covered in this study. To explore these, a warm food criterion at a temperature of 45°C has been used.
ConclusionThis research article has discussed the ideal PCM weight required for a 5-hour retention time as well as the ideal insulating material to make the least bulky lunch box design.
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Characterization and Comparative Study on Pt-Doped TiO2 and TiO2 Nanoparticle Thin Film for Sensor Application
More LessAuthors: Shalini and Karunesh TiwariIntroductionThis research delves into the comprehensive characterization and comparative analysis of platinum (Pt)-doped titanium dioxide (TiO2) and TiO2 nanoparticle thin films by focusing on their potential for sensor applications.
MethodThis research encompasses a thorough exploration of the structural, morphological, optical, and sensing properties of these thin films and evaluates their suitability and performance in various sensing scenarios.
ResultsIt discusses the synthesis methodology, characterization techniques employed, and experimental setups for gas sensing evaluations and presents detailed results and discussions highlighting the key findings regarding the sensor capabilities of Pt-doped TiO2 and TiO2 nanoparticle thin films.
ConclusionPowder X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis of the prepared samples confirms the formation of a crystalline structure. This method is low-cost, extremely simple, and effective for producing TiO2 nanomaterials on a large scale.
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Experimental and Statistical Assessment of the Interaction of Ether and Naphthalene-based Superplasticizers with Concrete
More LessAuthors: Sanchit Anand and Priyansha MehraBackgroundThe significant concerns surrounding the interaction between cement and superplasticizers have led to several challenges in the performance of concrete in real-world applications. This study investigates the interaction between different types of cement and superplasticizers and presents findings on their compatibility. Additionally, various interactions between cement and superplasticizers are utilized to assess the strength and durability properties of concrete.
MethodsThree distinct types of superplasticizers were utilized: sulfonated naphthalene (SNF), polycarboxylic ether (PCE), and polymeric ether (PME) based superplasticizers, in combination with Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) and Portland Pozzolana Cement (PPC). Multiple concrete mixes with varying addition times of these superplasticizers were prepared and evaluated for their fresh and hardened concrete characteristics, including workability, strength, and sorptivity, among others. Moreover, statistical analyses concerning different combinations of superplasticizers and cement, as well as varying addition times, were conducted to assess their respective impacts on concrete qualities.
ResultsThe findings of the hypothesis testing indicated a substantial correlation between the delayed addition time of PPC mixes and variables, such as compressive strength and workability, with correlation coefficients ranging from 0.95 to 0.98. Conversely, the correlation between these variables and OPC mixes was not found to be entirely significant (r; 0.85-0.89).
DiscussionThe established relationship indicated an improvement in the properties of fresh concrete due to enhanced compatibility between different superplasticizers and cement, potentially aiding in the selection of optimal superplasticizer-cement combinations and addition times for superplasticizers.
ConclusionIn the present study, numerous interactions between cement and superplasticizer are utilized to assess the strength and durability characteristics of the concrete.
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