Current Nanomaterials - Online First

Ultra-nanocrystalline diamond (UNCD) films, in the context of semiconductor and optoelectronic devices, represent a promising avenue for developing highly versatile and efficient technologies, leveraging their unique properties for versatile applications. The development of the unique morphology of UNCD films that could be used in versatile semiconductor/optoelectronics devices.

In this study, a microwave plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition process was used to grow the UNCD thin films on silicon (100) substrates. The process was performed under various gas composition plasma atmospheres (H2, N2, Ar, and CH4) at a pressure of 120 Torr and the substrate temperature of 700°C after the creation of nano-sized diamond powder nucleation sites with a seeding density of ≈2×10¹²cm⁻². Scanning electron microscopy images and X-ray diffraction techniques were used to study the surface morphology and crystal structure. For the Raman spectroscopy technique, four different excitation wavelengths of LASER light (448, 515, 647 and 785 nm) were used to confirm the formation of higher sp³-content, grain boundaries, structural diamond phase, and their dispersive/non-dispersive spectral components. C1s, O 1s, and N 1s X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy technique was employed to study the electronic/bonding structure of UNCD thin films, whereas ultra-violet (UV) photoemission technique was used to determine the work functions (Φ) and valence band maximum (VBM) of the UNCD films.

Structural, electrical and electron field emission behaviours are strictly dependent on sp3-content presence in UNCD films structure.

It was observed that the nano-structured UNCD film was dependent on the sp³-content presence in the film structure along with sp³-content and grain boundaries. The lowest Φ and VBM were obtained when the H2 introduction was 8 sccm and 5 sccm, respectively. Electron field emission results showed that the turn-on electric field (E0) is increased with an increase in the introduction of H2 flow rate during the preparation of UNCD films, resulting in an increase in the sp³-content in the film structure. The current-voltage (I-V) characteristics indicated that the conductivity of the films was low, with a current of ~10^-10 A.

The prepared UNCD films were found suitable for the fabrication of transient testing, memristors, and other versatile semiconductor/optoelectronics devices.

Polymeric nanoparticles (PNPs) have emerged as promising drug delivery systems to overcome the limitations of conventional chemotherapeutics. Capecitabine, a prodrug of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), is widely used in cancer therapy but suffers from poor bioavailability and systemic toxicity. The application of the Quality by Design (QbD) framework in PNP development provides a structured approach to address these challenges. This review examines the QbD principles in the formulation and optimization of capecitabine-loaded PNPs, focusing on strategies to enhance therapeutic efficacy and minimize adverse effects.

The QbD approach encompasses defining a Quality Target Product Profile (QTPP), identifying Critical Quality Attributes (CQAs), and conducting risk assessments to pinpoint Critical Material Attributes (CMAs) and Critical Process Parameters (CPPs). Techniques such as Design of Experiments (DoE) facilitate systematic optimization.

Incorporating QbD principles ensures the development of robust PNP formulations with improved encapsulation efficiency, controlled drug release, and targeted delivery. Studies highlight the use of biodegradable polymers like PLGA, chitosan, and PEG for superior biocompatibility and stability. Analytical methods validate the consistency and quality of the nanoparticles.

The QbD framework enables the rational design of capecitabine-loaded PNPs with enhanced bioavailability and reduced toxicity, contributing to safer and more effective cancer treatments. Future research should explore novel polymeric systems and advanced manufacturing technologies to expand the therapeutic potential of PNPs in oncology.

Stainless steel 17-4 PH is said to be a challenging material to cut due to its limited thermal conductivity. Early tool failure and inadequate surface finishing were observed because excessive cutting temperatures have a negative impact on productivity when machining 17-4 PH steel.

Therefore, the present study explored the viability of alumina-reinforced ricebran oil (Al2O3 (80 nm)) nanoparticles with ricebran oil and divyol oil as lubricants. A diverse volume fraction of alumina was mixed with 5 vol. % rice bran oil ordivyol oil. Subsequently, twenty-seven turning operations were performed on the 17-4PH material in the optimal lubricating medium. When Al2O3 nanoparticles are added to rice bran oil, there is an 18.22% improvement in surface roughness.

The particle volumetric range that the authors chose was 0.25 vol.% to 1.25 vol.% to achieve equilibrium between the benefits of higher heat conductivity and the reduced pumping power resulting from high viscosity.The machining values were statistically analyzed via analysis of variance. In addition, response surface methodology (RSM) was employed to develop a mathematical equation linking the input and machining responses.

A comparison of the two analyzed fluid systems revealed that the cutting force (Fz), feed force (Fx), thrust force (Fy), and surface roughness (Ra) of the Al2O3 mixed Rice Bran Oil cutting fluid were considerably lower than those of the other methods (8.89%, 4.659%, 9.1416%, and 18.22%, respectively).

Present years have witnessed an unprecedented growth of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) with limited scope for conventional therapeutics. Plant-derived active components (PACs) are being widely utilized as alternate, compatible, efficacious, eco-friendly strategies to ameliorate therapeutic benefits in AD while minimizing toxic effects. However, delivery of PACs in the regular dosage form often faces challenges due to low stability and bioavailability, brain-specific delivery, dose-related toxic effects, etc., which can be subsided by experimentally fabricated lipid nanodrug carriers (LNCs). The objective of this study is to provide a comprehensive, evidence-based review on recent progress in the PACs-loaded lipid nanocarriers (PLNs)-based therapeutic strategies for AD.

For the study implementation, a systematic literature review was carried out from various scientific potential databases like Scopus, Pubmed, Web of Science, etc., and relevant evidence-based pre-clinical research data was pooled to draw conclusive outcomes.

LNCs are treated as promising avenues to effectively deliver various PACs into the brain due to their high lipophilicity with ultra-micron size and tunable surface features, which make them eligible to pass through the blood-brain barrier. Both passive and active targeting of PLNs has been explored to target AD by overcoming the off-target bio delivery problems.

The review provided updated preclinical study-based data on the potentialities of PLNs in overcoming AD. Simultaneously, equal weightage was devoted to the issues faced beyond the laboratory in their successful technology transfer. The study would be beneficial in unveiling important insights into the implications of PLNs for their futuristic clinical applicability.