Template-mediated self-assembly of magnetite-gold nanoparticle superstructures at the water-oil interface of AOT reverse microemulsions

Superior functionality of niobium pentoxide nano-rod/tripod photocatalyst synthesized using polyethyleneimine as a soft template for the abatement of methylene blue under UV and visible irradiation

Polyethyleneimine (PEI) capping agent-cum-template-mediated synthesis of niobium oxide nanoparticles is reported to explore its impact on the resultant morphology, porosity, crystallinity, phase complexation, and thus on the photocatalytic activity. The resultant niobium oxides calcined at 800°C and 1000°C crystallized into highly ordered nano-rod/tripod nanostructure with inter-rod angle <120° having orthorhombic phase and heavily agglomerated rod-like nanostructures having monoclinic crystal phase, respectively. Contrary to the expectations, the nano-rod/tripods showed superior photocatalytic degradation kinetics and high adsorption of methylene blue dye in the hydrocolloid than formerly reported monoclinic nanoparticles. The best adsorption capability and photocatalytic activity are observed for the sample calcined at 800°C, resulting in a combined degradation efficiency of 98.8% of methylene blue dye. The adsorption characteristics, stability of the hydrocolloid system, the existence of oxygen vacancies, and the distinct morphology of the photocatalytic nano-rod/tripods are mainly responsible for this behavior. The process and the performance of unique nanostructure over others presents a superior alternative.

Topical Microemulsions: Skin Irritation Potential and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Herbal Substances

Microemulsions (MEs) have gained prominence as effective drug delivery systems owing to their optical transparency, low viscosity, and thermodynamic stability. MEs, when stabilized with surfactants and/or co-surfactants, exhibit enhanced drug solubilization, prolonged shelf life, and simple preparation methods. This review examines the various types of MEs, explores different preparation techniques, and investigates characterization approaches. Plant extracts and bioactive compounds are well established for their utilization as active ingredients in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. Being derived from natural sources, they serve as preferable alternatives to synthetic chemicals. Furthermore, they have demonstrated a wide range of therapeutic effects, including anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant activities. However, the topical application of plant extracts and bioactive compounds has certain limitations, such as low skin absorption and stability. To overcome these challenges, the utilization of MEs enables enhanced skin absorption, thereby making them a valuable mode of administration. However, considering the significant surfactant content in MEs, this review evaluates the potential skin irritation caused by MEs containing herbal substances. Additionally, the review explores the topical application of MEs specifically for herbal substances, with an emphasis on their anti-inflammatory properties.

Highly sensitive and selective rGO based Non-Enzymatic electrochemical sensor for propamocarb fungicide pesticide detection

In this study, reduced graphene oxide (rGO) was prepared using a green ultrasonic microwave assisted method and investigated rGO based non-enzymatic electrochemical sensor for detecting a synthetic fungicide as a propamocarb (PM) pesticide. The rGO-based sensor exhibited rapid response within 1 min, low detection limit of 0.6 μM and wide linear range of (1-5) μM with a high sensitivity of 101.1 μAμM^-1 cm^-2 for PM. Besides this, the sensor detected the propamocarb pesticide on the real cucumber sample with high sensitivity in the concentration range of (1-5) μM within a 1-minute cycle. The sensor is highly selective against propamocarb pesticide. The prepared non-enzymatic electrochemical sensor exhibited high sensitivity, high selectivity, reproducibility, and rapid response.

Emerging Applications of Silica Nanoparticles as Multifunctional Modifiers for High Performance Polyester Composites

Nano-modification of polyester has become a research hotspot due to the growing demand for high-performance polyester. As a functional carrier, silica nanoparticles show large potential in improving crystalline properties, enhancing strength of polyester, and fabricating fluorescent polyester. Herein, we briefly traced the latest literature on synthesis of silica modifiers and the resultant polyester nanocomposites and presented a review. Firstly, we investigated synthesis approaches of silica nanoparticles for modifying polyester including sol-gel and reverse microemulsion technology, and their surface modification methods such as grafting silane coupling agent or polymer. Then, we summarized processing technics of silica-polyester nanocomposites, like physical blending, sol-gel processes, and in situ polymerization. Finally, we explored the application of silica nanoparticles in improving crystalline, mechanical, and fluorescent properties of composite materials. We hope the work provides a guideline for the readers working in the fields of silica nanoparticles as well as modifying polyester.

From Nanoparticle Heteroclusters to Filament Networks by Self-Assembly at the Water-Oil Interface of Reverse Microemulsions

Surface self-assembly of spherical nanoparticles of sizes below 10 nm into hierarchical heterostructures is under arising development despite the inherent difficulties of obtaining complex ordering patterns on a larger scale. Due to template-mediated interactions between oil-dispersible superparamagnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) and polyethylenimine-stabilized gold nanoparticles (Au(PEI)NPs) at the water-oil interface of microemulsions, complex nanostructured films can be formed. Characterization of the reverse microemulsion phase by UV-vis absorption revealed the formation of heteroclusters from Winsor type II phases (WPII) using Aerosol-OT (AOT) as the surfactant. SAXS measurements verify the mechanism of initial nanoparticle clustering in defined dimensions. XPS suggested an influence of AOT at the MNP surface. Further, cryo-SEM and TEM visualization demonstrated the elongation of the reverse microemulsions into cylindrical, wormlike structures, which subsequently build up larger nanoparticle superstructure arrangements. Such WPII phases are thus proven to be a new form of soft template, mediating the self-assembly of different nanoparticles in hierarchical network-like filaments over a substrate during solvent evaporation.

Controllable fabrication and self-assembly of Cu nanostructures: the role of Cu2+ complexes

The controllable fabrication of low dimensional nanostructures and the assembly of nanostructures into hierarchical higher order structures at the atomic or molecular level have been two hot-spots of current nano research. In this work, the fabrication and self-assembly of Cu nanostructures were carried out by reducing Cu²⁺ complexes in a mixed aqueous solution of NaOH and hydrazine hydrate at a water bath temperature of 60 °C. The reduction products were characterized using a metalloscope, a scanning electron microscope, a transmission electron microscope and a powder X-ray diffractometer. It was found that the fabrication and self-assembly of Cu nanostructures can be easily realized by controlling the types of Cu²⁺ complexes such as [Cu(OH)₄]²⁻, [Cu(EDA)₂]²⁺ and [Cu(EDA)(OH)₂]. The authors further analyzed the important roles of Cu²⁺ complexes in the fabrication and self-assembly of Cu nanostructures. It was concluded that the Cu²⁺ complexes in the aqueous solution would spontaneously arrange into a certain soft template according to the principle of “like dissolves like” and the action of electrostatic forces of positive and negative charges. The as-formed templates determine the fabrication and self-assembly routes and the final products of the Cu nanostructures. Therefore, it provides a controllable and universal method for both fabrication and self-assembly of Cu nanostructures, which may have potential applications in the fields of electronic and optoelectronic nanodevices in the future.

Cu²⁺ complexes in aqueous solution would spontaneously arrange into a certain soft template, which determines the fabrication and self-assembly routes and the final products of Cu nanostructures.