Sub 10 nm CoO nanoparticle-decorated graphitic carbon nitride for solar hydrogen generation via efficient charge separation

Bioinspired sustainable development of Ag-CuO/MWCNT nanocomposites for antibacterial applications

This study explores the bioinspired and sustainable synthesis of Ag-CuO/MWCNT nanocomposites for enhanced antibacterial applications. Utilizing a green synthesis approach, Rivina humilis plant extract served as a natural reducing and stabilizing agent during the co-precipitation method to fabricate the nanocomposites. The integration of silver (Ag) and copper oxide (CuO) nanoparticles with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) resulted in a synergistic antibacterial effect. The Ag nanoparticles disrupt bacterial membranes by releasing Ag+ ions, while CuO generates reactive oxygen species (ROS), leading to oxidative stress and bacterial cell death. The MWCNT enhances structural stability and provides additional mechanical damage to the bacterial cells. This multi-mechanistic approach ensures superior antibacterial performance against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The eco-friendly synthesis process aligns with principles of sustainability, offering a promising alternative for developing advanced antimicrobial materials while reducing environmental impact, whereas S. agalactiae showing the largest zone of inhibition (15 mm). These findings highlight the potential of bioinspired nanocomposites in combating bacterial infections effectively.

Poly(N-vinyl imidazole) Cross-Linked β-Cyclodextrin Hydrogel for Rapid Hemostasis in Severe Renal Arterial Hemorrhagic Model

A unique facile process has been adopted for fast assembly of a poly(N-vinyl imidazole) cross-linked β-cyclodextrin hydrogel through microwave-assisted free radical polymerization, using N,N'-methylenebis(acrylamide) cross-linker. The copolymer possesses positive surface charge, one of the characteristic properties of an ideal hemostatic hydrogel. The functionalized imidazole-based hydrogel demonstrates rapid, superior blood coagulation kinetics under in vitro and in vivo conditions. On application to a major renal arterial hemorrhagic model, this hydrogel shows better blood clotting kinetics, leading to complete hemostasis in as few as ∼144 ± 7 s. Additionally, 350 μL of whole blood was clotted instantly, in ∼35 s, and therefore, reinforcing its hemostatic potential. The hydrogel demonstrates excellent biocompatibility, when seeded with human dermal fibroblast cells, retaining the native property of its predecessor. In addition, the hydrogel presents excellent hemocompatibility when tested with whole blood with the highest hemolytic ratio of 1.07 ± 0.05%. Moreover, it also demonstrates potential as a carrier for sustained release of an anesthetic drug, lidocaine hydrochloride monohydrate (∼83% in 24 h). The rapid hemostatic behavior of the hydrogel is coupled with its cytocompatibility and hemocompatibilty properties along with controlled drug release characteristics. These behaviors evidently demonstrate it to be an excellent alternative for a superior hemostatic material for severe hemorrhagic conditions.