Nanoscience & Nanotechnology-Asia - Volume 8, Issue 1, 2018

Introduction: Silver nanoparticles are being explored for their attractive properties which enable them to be used for the development of different hybrid products. Metal nanoparticles are being synthesized through biogenic routes to synthesize nanoparticles which can be more biocompatible and synthesis process is ecofriendly. In previous studies, we have synthesized silver nanoparticles using plant based extract as reducing agent and have developed a number of products utilizing such biosynthesized nanoparticles. Leaf extracts were extracted from weed plants instead of cash crops or beneficial plants. Conclusion: Some of the prominent products which are going to be discussed in this review are antimicrobial membranes (Cellulose acetate and Poly Vinyl Alcohol), hybrid tissue paper, antimicrobial ice, Photo – Enhanced Dye Sensitized Solar Cell (PE-DSSC), bactericidal cold cream.

Introduciton: Alternative medicine, one of the oldest systems of medicine, has given great emphasis to the promotion of health. Formulations of alternative medicine consist of substances of herbal, minerals/metals and animal origin which have processed pharmaceutically to have therapeutic effects. These core concepts allow implementation of ways for not only personalized medicine and treatment but also personalized prevention. In the realm of medicine, Nanotechnology holds promises due to its novel drug formulation routes, site-specific action, better solubility, improved efficacy and reduced side effects. Conclusion: This review was undertaken to consolidate the evidence of such associations which exist between traditional medicine and the Nanotechnology concepts of modern medicine. Traditional medicine with new scientific advancements in medical science and diagnostics along with nanotechnology will be greatly beneficial. This unique combination ushers a new era of affordable, safe and effective medicinal system.

Introduction: Copolymers generally used for the fabrication of organic light emitting devices (OLEDs). Method: In the present study, a soluble copolymer was synthesized using toluene and perylene via Kovacic method and was further characterized using spectroscopic as well as thermogravimetric analysis. Result: The synthesized copolymer showed photoluminescence at 614 nm. OLEDs device was fabricated using ITO/PEDOT/copolymer/Al configuration. Conclusion: The device showed red electroluminescence on applying threshold voltage of ~9 V which shows potential for its application as a light emitting material.

Introduction: The present study aimed at investigating the antimicrobial effect of Ag/SiO2 embedded in (3-mercaptopropyl) trimethoxysilane (TPS) and tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) by employing the sol-gel method. The connection between the Ag/SiO2 and the sol-gel matrix relied on the coordination bonds between the sulfur group at the top of the TPS molecule and the silver atoms on the surface of Ag/SiO2 nanoparticles (NPs). Method: In order to characterize the structure and the morphology of Ag/SiO2 nanocomposite the field emission scanning of electron microscopy (FESEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) were used. The release of Ag+ ions under exposure to water was investigated with the inductively coupled plasma (ICP) method after 21 days. Result: The nanocomposite showed good antibacterial activity against some gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. The amount of silver release as Ag+ ions was found with the accuracy of ICP analysis. Conclusion: Furthermore, the low release new nanocomposite was found to have great potential application in antibacterial activity.

Introduction: The fundamental characteristics of multifunction cavitation were investigated, and the photocatalytic performance of titanium oxide particles was found to be remarkably enhanced following treatment with this technique. Method: In this work, ultrasonic irradiation of a waterjet during floating cavitation was used to generate microjets with hot spots. Hot working can be performed at the nanoscale on a material surface using this multifunction cavitation process, resulting in morphological changes and variations in the surface electrochemical characteristics. The relative extents of hot treatment by hot spots in the microjet and high pressure working of the material can be tuned by varying both the waterjet and ultrasonication power. Result and Conclusion: The quantities of hydrogen and oxygen generated from titanium dioxide particles treated by multifunction cavitation in response to UV and visible light irradiation were remarkably increased compared to the amounts produced by particles treated by conventional water jet processing.

Introduction: Reusability, increased stability and convenience associated with the use of immobilized enzymes make them indispensable for various large scale applications. This technology can be aptly applied to the field of nanotechnology, where growing production of nano scale materials via chemical routes has raised serious environmental concerns. Herein, we have described an easy, economical and environment friendly approach for synthesizing silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using epoxy membrane bound glucose oxidase (GOx). Method: Oxidation of glucose by immobilized GOx released H2O2, which acted as reducing agent for the growth of nanoparticles (NPs). Synthesis of AgNPs was followed by measuring localized surface plasmon resonance between 350-700 nm. The NPs were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Result: Synthesis of AgNPs was optimized with respect to pH, temperature, time of incubation and concentrations of glucose and silver nitrate. Conclusion: NPs formed were quite stable and showed very little agglomeration even after 90 days of storage at 4 °C.

Introduction: The heavy metals toxic waste is an important problem for human health and life. Materials and Method: The removal capacity of Pb (II) and Cd (II) ions in the aqueous solutions of the wastewater was investigated by using the poly acrylamide-co-acrylic acid/clinoptilolite (PAAC) nanocomposite in a fixed-bed column with the controlled time, adsorbent content, pH values, temperature and flow rate. Result: The results showed that this nanocomposite had a great potential for removal of Pb (II) and Cd (II) (90-99 %) at the room temperature by the fixed-bed method when compared with the batch method (70-80%). Conclusion: The adsorption data were fitted to the well-established fixed-bed adsorption model (Thomas model). The results showed well fitted to the Thomas model with a correlation coefficient, R2 ≥ 0.97. In conclusion, PAAC hydrogel can be proposed as a good, safe and efficient absorbent for elimination of Pb (II) and Cd (II) from wastewater.

Introduction: Today, nanofibers are commonly used in filtration, composites, tissue engineering, drug delivery systems and many scientific and industrial applications. Here, investigating of nanofiber mechanical properties is important. Measuring mechanical properties of thin nanofiber is very difficult, time consuming and expensive. In this research, mechanical properties of nanofibers have been studied based on their structural characteristics. Method: From the presented experiments, polymeric structural parameters and mechanical properties of parallel PAN nanofibers were measured for 150 samples in five categories of electrospinning conditions. After that, adaptive back propagation neural network was designed and optimized by genetic algorithm for experimental data. Result: The results presented 0.89% and 0.006% for test and train errors which were acceptable for mechanical properties estimation. Conclusion: The presented intelligent modeling method can be an accurate choice for mechanical properties estimation of nanofibers especially, where the experimental measuring is difficult or unavailable. Also, sensitivity test presented that distance between crystal in L1020 and polymeric crystal size had more effect on the strength of the nanofibers.

Introduction: Bovine serum albumin (BSA) nanoparticles containing apocynin were successfully prepared by the desolvation technique, followed by cross-linking with glutaraldehyde. Method: For characterization of the nanoparticles, analyses of particle size, polydispersity index, zeta potential, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), powder x-ray diffraction (XRD), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) were performed and in vitro drug release profile. Result: All formulations showed suitable encapsulation efficiency values higher than 80% and the mean particle size was 208 nm. FT-IR spectra demonstrated absence of chemical interaction between apocynin and BSA, suggesting that the nanoencapsulation process does not alter the chemical structure of drug. XRD and DSC analyses indicated drug amorphization after nanoencapsulation. In vitro release assay demonstrated after 72 h about 96% of apocynin released from the nanoparticles. Conclusion: Mathematical modeling demonstrated that apocynin release profile was better fitted to biexponential model and indicated drug anomalous transport (diffusion and polymer relaxation) as drug release mechanism. BSA nanoparticles are potential carriers for apocynin.

Introduction: New nanomaterials based on porous amorphous aerogels composed of Al2O3 nanofilaments with a diameter of 5 nm were obtained by oxidation of metallic aluminum. Al2O3 nanofilaments were covered by a TiO2 monolayer to prepare a TiO2/Al2O3 composite aerogel. It has been shown that the hydrogen treatment of inactive aerogel formed by alumina nanofilaments and its composite TiO2/Al2O3 at temperatures of 923-1173 K gave rise to a catalytic activity in the cracking of propane. It was found that the hydrogen treatment at high temperatures resulted in the self-organization of Al2O3 intertwined nanofilaments (5 nm in diameter) and TiO2/Al2O3 composite into the η-Al2O3 nanocrystalline hollow nanotubes with a diameter of 33 nm and 6 nm-thick walls followed by packing these nanotubes into bundles. This transformation was evidenced by electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, low-temperature adsorption of nitrogen vapors, X-ray fluorescence and X-ray diffraction. Method: The high-temperature hydrogen activation of aerogels prepared from Al2O3 and Al2O3/TiO2 nanofilaments significantly added to their efficiency in the cracking of propane compared both to the commercial platinum catalyst supported by alumina and the thermal cracking, as well. Result & Conclusion: The mesoporous crystalline structure of alumina nanotubes ensured a high selectivity (63% ethylene) and a catalytic activity (0.3 mmol/g) in the cracking of propane over the temperature range of 923-1123 K. In the case of TiO2/Al2O3 nanotubes, the reaction products changed from ethylene mainly to propylene with the selectivity of 68% and the catalytic activity of 0.1 mmol/g in the same temperature range.

Introduction: To prepare nano-encapsulated Rutoside ointment (NRO) and studied their topical delivery on diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) rats. Encapsulate the Rutoside with palmitic acid and polyvinyl alcohol using hot homogenization method. Rutoside nanoparticles are characterized with transmission electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy and infrared spectroscopy. NRO develops with absorption ointment ingredients and evaluated their pH, viscosity, and stability. Method: The standardized wound area created on the foot surface of diabetic rats. The foot ulcer healing nature of NRO and Rutoside ointment (RO) determined by wound contraction, histopathological scores, hydroxyl proline and antioxidant levels on the day of 1st, 8th and 16th day. Formulation 5 displayed spherically and rod shape nanoparticles, with excellent encapsulation and stability. NRO presents pH (6.9 ± 03) and viscosity (17.23 ± 0.02). Result: Topical delivery of NRO showed significant wound contraction (p < 0.01), increased antioxidants and hydroxyl proline content than compared with DFU rats treated with RO on the 16th day. Efficient regeneration of dermal tissues, capillary vessels and thickness of granulation tissues also noted in NRO treated rats. Conclusion: The study infers NRO effectively improved wound contraction in the diabetic foot ulcer rats.

Introduction: Polymeric nanoparticles loaded with eprosartan mesylate by nano precipitation technique have been prepared for improving the solubility and dissolution rate. It is a BCS class- II, water insoluble antihypertensive drug with 13% oral bioavailability. Polymeric nanoparticles of such drug were developed using Eudragit L-100 and S-100 as polymers by nano precipitation method. FT-IR and DSC studies reveal that drug is compatible with the selected polymers and it does not show any extra peaks. Materials and Method: PEG 200 was used as a non-volatile, non toxic solvent to dissolve the selected drug and polymers Poloxamer 188 and Gelucire 44/14 were used as surfactant-cum stabilizer for stabilization of formed nano dispersion. Optimization of formulations by 22 central composite design has been employed to find out the robust formulation by selecting concentration of Eudragit L-100 as polymer and polaxamer 188 as stabilizer for the selected responses like entrapment efficiency, particle size, zeta potential and polydispersibility index. Prepared polymeric nanoparticles were further characterized for particle size, zeta potential, entrapment efficiency and in-vitro drug release. Result: From the study, Eudragit L-100 and poloxamer 188 based formulations formed stable nanoparticles with good entrapment efficiency as well as better drug solubility or dissolution rate in PEG 200 as compared to Eudragit S-100 based formulations. Short term stability study for an optimized run (R3) up to 3 months showed stability without significant variation of entrapment efficiency and in vitro dissolution rate. Conclusion: Dissolution kinetic data and diffusion exponent values suggested that optimized formulation followed Higuchi model with non-Fickian transport mechanism.