Current Nanomaterials - Volume 5, Issue 3, 2020

Background: Weak measurement involves weak coupling between the system and the measuring device (pointer) enables large amplification and high precision measurement of small physical parameters. The outcome of this special measurement procedure involving nearly mutually orthogonal pre- and post-selection of states in such weakly interacting systems leads to weak value that can become exceedingly large and lie outside the eigenvalue spectrum of the measured observable. This unprecedented ability of weak value amplification of small physical parameters has been successfully exploited for various metrological applications in the optical domain and beyond. Even though it is a quantum mechanical concept, it can be understood using the classical electromagnetic theory of light and thus can be realized in classical optics. Objective: Here, we briefly review the basic concepts of weak measurement and weak value amplification, provide illustrative examples of its implementation in various optical domains. The applications involve measuring ultra-sensitive beam deflections, high precision measurements of angular rotation, phase shift, temporal shift, frequency shift and so forth, and expand this extraordinary concept in the domain of nano-optics and plasmonics. Methods: In order to perform weak value amplification, we have used Gaussian beam and spectral response as the pointer subsequently. The polarization state associated with the pointer is used as pre and post-selection device. Results: We reveal the weak value amplification of sub-wavelength optical effects namely the Goos-Hänchen shift and the spin hall shift. Further, we demonstrate weak measurements using spectral line shape of resonance as a natural pointer, enabling weak value amplification beyond the conventional limit, demonstrating natural weak value amplification in plasmonic Fano resonances and so forth. The discussed concepts could have useful implications in various nano-optical systems to amplify tiny signals or effects. Conclusion: The emerging prospects of weak value amplification towards the development of novel optical weak measurement devices for metrological applications are extensively discussed.

Background: Citronella oil is considered one of the effective mosquito- repellent oil and in cooperation of oil into nanosponges will help to prevent its evaporation and enhance its effect. Objective: The objective of the current research was to formulate and characterize CDI cross-linked nanosponges of citronella oil for controlled mosquito-repellent activity. Methods: β-cyclodextrin-based nanosponges were prepared by polymer condensation method and encapsulated with citronella oil by the sonication method. A topical cream containing citronella oil-based nanosponges was formulated by the phase inversion temperature method. Particle size, zeta potential, encapsulation efficiency, stability, in vitro release, FTIR and DSC studies were used as characterization parameters. Results: The particle size of citronella oil encapsulated β-cyclodextrin-based nanosponges was 23.05±3.88 nm. The zeta potential of nanosponges was sufficiently high to prevent aggregation. In vitro studies revealed the controlled release of citronella oil from the nanosponges for 24 h. FTIR and DSC confirmed the interaction of the citronella oil with the nanosponges. Conclusion: Citronella oil encapsulated nanosponges in the topical formulation is an alternative to synthetic marketed creams for controlled mosquito-repellent activity.

Background: Lipid based excipients have increased acceptance nowadays in the development of novel drug delivery systems in order to improve their pharmacokinetic profiles. Drugs encapsulated in lipids have enhanced stability due to the protection they experience in the lipid core of these nano-formulations. Phytosomes are newly discovered drug delivery systems and novel botanical formulation to produce lipophilic molecular complex which imparts stability, increases absorption and bioavailability of phytoconstituent. Curcumin, obtained from turmeric (Curcuma longa), has a wide range of biological activities. The poor solubility and wettability of curcumin are responsible for poor dissolution and this, in turn, results in poor bioavailability. To overcome these limitations, the curcumin-loaded nano phytosomes were developed to improve its physicochemical stability and bioavailability. Objective: The objective of the present research work was to develop nano-phytosomes of curcumin to improve its physicochemical stability and bioavailability. Methods: Curcumin-loaded nano phytosomes were prepared by using phospholipid Phospholipon 90 H using a modified solvent evaporation method. The developed curcumin nano phytosomes were evaluated by particle size analyzer and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Results: Results indicated that phytosomes prepared using curcumin and lipid in the ratio of 1:2 show good entrapment efficiency. The obtained curcumin phytosomes were spherical in shape with a size less than 100 nm. The prepared nano phytosomal formulation of curcumin showed promising potential as an antioxidant. Conclusion: The phytosomal complex showed sustained release of curcumin from vesicles. The sustained release of curcumin from phytosome may improve its absorption and lowers the elimination rate with an increase in bioavailability.

Background: Various interesting consequences are reported on structural, optical, and photoluminescence properties of Zn1-xSmxO (x=0, 0.01, 0.03 and 0.05) nanoparticles synthesized by sol-gel auto-combustion route. Objective: This study aimed to examine the effects of Sm³⁺-doping on structural and photoluminescence properties of ZnO nanoparticles. Methods: Zn1-xSmxO (x=0, 0.01, 0.03 and 0.05) nanoparticles were synthesized by sol-gel auto combustion method. Results: XRD patterns confirmed the Sm³⁺ ion substitution through the undisturbed wurtzite structure of ZnO. The crystallite size was decreased from 24.33 to 18.46 nm with Sm³⁺ doping. The hexagonal and spherical morphology of nanoparticles was confirmed by TEM analysis. UV-visible studies showed that Sm³⁺ ion doping improved the visible light absorption capacity of Sm³⁺ iondoped ZnO nanoparticles. PL spectra of Sm3+ ion-doped ZnO nanoparticles showed an orange-red emission peak corresponding to 4G5/2→6HJ (J=7/2, 9/2 and 11/2) transition of Sm³⁺ ion. Sm³⁺ ion-induced PL was proposed with a substantial increase in PL intensity with a blue shift in peak upon Sm³⁺ content increase. Conclusion: Absorption peaks associated with doped ZnO nanoparticles were moved to a longer wavelength side compared to ZnO, with bandgap declines when Sm³⁺ ions concentration was increased. PL studies concluded that ZnO emission properties could be tuned in the red region along with the existence of blue peaks upon Sm³⁺ ion doping, which also results in enhancing the PL intensity. These latest properties related to Sm³⁺ ion-doped nanoparticles prepared by a cost-efficient process appear to be interesting in the field of optoelectronic applications, which makes them a prominent candidate in the form of red light-emitting diodes.

Background: The textile industrial effluents cause profound imbalances in ecosystems, when released into nature; dyes are oxidized by micro-organisms, resulting in a decrease in the dissolved oxygen, which is necessary for the aquatic life. For this reason, it is important to implement economic, efficient, and green methods ensuring both the discoloration and detoxification of water. Objective: TiO2 and ZnO nanoparticles were synthesized by sol-gel and precipitation methods, respectively. These two nanoparticles were used to compare photocatalytic degradation under UV and solar irradiation for three reactive azoic dyes (trichromatic): Reactive Bezactive Yellow (RBY), Reactive Bezactive Red (RBR), and Reactive Bezactive Blue (RBB). Methods: The structural, i.e., morphological surface properties of the synthesized photocatalysts were characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared, X-ray diffraction, UV-Visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, and Scanning Electron Microscopy. X-ray diffraction shows that TiO2 has a tetragonal structure with an anatase form. The effects of some operational parameters, such as the amount of TiO2 and ZnO, initial dye concentration, dye mixtures, and pH, were examined. The progress of photodegradation reaction was monitored by UV-Visible spectroscopy for decolorization and by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography for degradation, and the efficiency of degradation was confirmed by Chemical Oxygen Demand measurement. Results: The dye degradation was found to be better in the presence of solar irradiation than under UV irradiation. The photocatalytic activity of ZnO was higher than TiO2 when used in its optimal conditions. Conclusion: The percentage of degradation of each dye is different, and the order of degradation of the three reactive dyes is as follows: RBY> RBR> RBB.