Materials Proceedings

The comparative study of TiN and VN interaction at mechanical alloying (MA) of the equimolar TiN-VN mixture in a ball mill and after high pressure, high temperature (HPHT) sintering of the cBN-TiN-VN charge, which contains 35 vol.% of this mixture, is presented. MA for five hours or HPHT sintering at 2000–2300 °C results in the formation of Ti_xV_1−xN_y and V_xTi_1−xN_y solid solutions containing 8–10 at.% of vanadium or titanium. Preliminary processing of the initial powder mixture in a ball mill promotes the occurrence of solid-state reactions during HPHT sintering of composites and influences their physical characteristics. Full article

Recycling plant-based materials for various applications not only reduces the harm to the environment but also presents an excellent green source for nanomaterial synthesis. Being chiral and biodegradable makes cellulose, which is an organic polymer, an economic and easy-to-access plant-derived green material. Cellulose can be synthesized into nanostructures for a vast array of high-demand applications, such as drug delivery; biomedicines, which includes “biosensors and diagnostics”; medical implants; skin tissue healing; wastewater treatment; touch screen technology; electronic skin; human–machine interfaces; flexible devices; energy storage devices; clothes; packaging; and cosmetics. The daily newspapers that are delivered to our homes can be one of the best sources of cellulose for us. Our work in this study concentrated on removing nanocrystalline cellulose from newspapers. To begin, we deinked the newspapers and then the deinked pulp was transformed into its nanostructures, or nanocrystalline cellulose, to achieve a high aspect ratio, on the one hand, using chemicals like NaOH, thiourea, etc., and on the other side, via a mechanical process. We used a variety of characterization techniques, including scanning electron microscopy to study morphological properties, X-ray diffraction, and dynamic light scattering for dimensional analysis, Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy for thermogravimetric analysis, and others, to confirm that the synthesized materials had achieved the intended outcomes. A high aspect ratio enables us to create surfaces with a huge surface area with very little synthetic material. The final product, which was created by synthesis, has been discovered to have features that are identical to those of nanocrystalline cellulose, which is available for purchase in the market for use in laboratory purposes. To make nanocomposites, this nanocrystalline cellulose can be combined with various organic and inorganic polymers, which can be further used as a base material for energy storage devices. In this paper, we compared our materials at different time durations used in synthesis. Full article

We have developed a breakthrough strategy for predictive physicochemical performance improvement and unlocking new functionalities of additively manufactured extreme lattice metamaterials. This strategy is being implemented via predictive fine-tuning nanoscale interlayer vibrational interactions among the transition domains of nanocomponents. The developed strategy is founded on the newly discovered collective atomic vibrations phenomenon, which is observed in transition zones of multilayer nanostructures. For the predictive excitation and adjustment of this phenomenon, we propose the incorporation of low-dimensional nanocarbon-based multilayer interfaces into the transition zones of nanocomponents via a multistage technological chain. In particular, this chain includes a combination of a set of techniques: the conversion of all components into the nanoscale; plasma-driven functionalization and assembly with multilayer nano-enhanced interfaces; the initiation of allotropic phase conversions driven by energy; micro- and nanoscale manipulation assisted by surface acoustic waves during ion-assisted pulse plasma processing and functionalizing; pulse plasma doping by atoms of various chemical elements; exciting the oriented self-assembly by using high-frequency electromagnetic fields; the resonant acoustic mixing of all nanocomponents; and growing high-end extreme lattice metamaterial elements through high-precision multi-material additive manufacturing as well as the use of a data-driven nanoscale inverse designing and manufacturing strategy. Full article

Graphene oxide (GO) has attracted significant attention due to its unique optical properties and tunable surface chemistry, making it an excellent platform for optical sensing applications. Combining GO with metallic nanoparticles allows for the fabrication of highly sensitive surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrates for analytical purposes. Here, we report our research on chemical strategies to decorate GO paper with Au nanostars (AuNSs) for the SERS detection of methylene blue, a water pollutant model. Several preparative approaches were employed to evaluate their sensitivity to detect MB molecules, including polyelectrolytes, distinct graphene-based materials, and the deposition method of the AuNSs. Full article

The objective of our work was to study the behavior of glass that is subjected to electronic bombing. In the context of this work, we first studied theoretically the establishment of electrons in a material—in this case, glass. We postponed the penetration of the electrons according to their acceleration and the density of the material, then we established the electric field within the material according to the fluence, thus referring to the conditions enabling the destruction of the material. However, for some materials this breakdown depends on several parameters. In the second step of the study we were interested in the realization of an electron cannon to provide a bundle of focused and energetic electrons; more precisely, we discuss this on basis of the practical design. In this instrument, the electrons are accelerated under high tension. We chose to postpone in this work the thermal current as a function of the tension, and we subsequently discuss the assembly chosen. Full article

One of the most interesting objects in terms of use in biomedicine are hybrid structures based on magnetic nanoparticles (NPs) and NPs of noble metals, which make it possible to simultaneously introduce two types of ligands onto the surface of NPs for their further use for photodynamic cancer therapy (PDT) (a combination of a photosensitizer (PS) for therapy and a fluorophore (FP) for platform detection). The synthesis and research of Fe₃O₄-Au NPs with a “dumbbell” structure as the bifunctional platform for the therapy of oncological diseases was the purpose of this work. Full article

Curcumin, an active ingredient in turmeric, has various biological activities, but its low solubility and limited bioavailability hinder its therapeutic use. To address this, we created dual pH- and thermo-sensitive nanogels (NGs) from poly-N-isopropylacrylamide (PNIPAm) and polyacrylamide (PAAm) [P(NIPAAm-co-AAm) NGs] for delivering curcumin (Cur). We characterized the NGs using various techniques and found them to be biocompatible and low in toxicity. We conducted in vitro experiments to demonstrate the pH- and temperature-sensitive loading and release of Cur by controlling the swelling and deswelling of the NGs. The PNIPAm-co-PAAm copolymer we synthesized showed ~65% Cur loading. The NGs’ zeta potential decreased with increasing pH, and they underwent a phase transition at 40 °C with concentration-dependent properties. Almost 100% of Cur was released from the NGs after four hours at pH 5.5 and 40 °C. Therefore, these newly synthesized NGs have the potential for solid-tumor-targeted therapy by releasing the drug based on physical stimuli such as pH and temperature. Full article

Considering the snowballing of electronic devices with the widespread usage of miniaturized energy storage gadgets, the need for sustainable, flexible, lightweight, and higher-power-density devices to supplement the global fossil fuel challenges and depletion is gathering attention. In this regard, polymer/ceramics nanocomposites have recently accrued more attention as a promising material for future energy storage technology, which requires a breakdown strength and high dielectric constant. High dielectric constant, which is caused by interface polarization and electric polarization, could be created by the inclusion of conductive hybrid fillers of MXene (V₂C) and ZnO particles into the polymers to form a nanocomposite with improved dielectric constant. Herein, quantum mechanical calculations are employed to investigate the charge distribution and the bonding that exist between the ceramic/ceramic boundary area of V₂C Mxene–ZnO in the polypyrrole matrix. The nonuniform distribution of charges is expected to improve the dielectric response for energy storage applications. In addition, the structure of the ternary nanocomposite can also be improved by the interfacial ionic bonding of the hybrid fillers. Furthermore, to understand the electron migration mechanism, the electron localization function and the density of state of the V₂C–ZnO are studied. Full article

Tungsten oxide (WO₃) and zinc oxide (ZnO) are n-type semiconductors with numerous applications in photocatalysis. The objective of this study was to synthesize and characterize different types of nanostructures (WO₃, WO₃-Mo, TiO₂, and TiO₂-ZnO) for a comparison of hybrid and pure nanostructures to use them as a photoanodes for hydrogen production. With the aim of comparing the properties of both samples, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) and confocal laser-Raman spectroscopy have been employed to study the morphology and composition and crystallinity, respectively. Finally, water splitting tests were conducted to compare the photoelectrochemical properties of the photoanodes. Full article

The formation of CaSi₂ films on Si(111) with the molecular-beam epitaxy (MBE) of CaF₂ under fast electron-beam irradiation was investigated. The method of a high-planarity CaSi₂ film synthesis assisted by electron-beam irradiation was developed. We combined two approaches to reduce the film roughness: the post-growth electron irradiation and codeposition of additional Si during CaF₂ growth. The application of the solid-phase epitaxy technique at the initial stage of film growth allowed for us to reduce surface roughness down to 1–2 nm. Full article

The development of bacterial resistance toward existing antibiotics is a universal problem for human and animal health as well as for food security. In an attempt to overcome this problem, nanotechnology has contributed in the form of nanoformulations. However, these are associated with risks and drawbacks including environmental toxicity, cell injury, issues of high production cost and the scarcity of active ingredients. On the other hand, the green synthesis of nanoformulations via biological methods is a simple, innovative, ecofriendly, cost effective and advanced approach for the treatment of lethal infections caused by multidrug-resistant organisms such as staphylococcus aureus. About 30% of humans are asymptomatic carriers of S. aureus in their upper respiratory tract. Clinical diseases caused by S. aureus infections range from mild to severe and may be manifested in the form of pneumonia, osteomyelitis, skin and deep tissue infections. Here, we prepared plant-mediated gold nanoparticles from Camellia sinensis and Cocos nucifera. The green biocompatible nanoparticles were characterized by using UV-Visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis. spectroscopy), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Moreover, these green gold nanoparticles were investigated for their antimicrobial activity by checking their minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs). We found that the newly developed bio-nanoparticles showed strong activity against the multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Full article

It was shown that to obtain reverse microemulsions in lecithin–oleic acid–vaseline oil–vegetable oil–essential oil–water systems, oil from the tropical plant gac (Momordica cochinchinensis) and turmeric essential oil (Curcuma longa) can be used. At least 6.5 wt.% of water can be introduced into the microemulsion at a lecithin concentration of 20 wt.% in the organic phase, with a vaseline oil and gac oil ratio of 1:1 by weight, and an oleic acid and lecithin molar ratio 0.2–0.8. The hydrodynamic diameter of the microemulsion droplets, depending on the content of water and lecithin, was from 3 to 21 nm. Using the dialysis method on the model of the water-soluble dye Rhodamine C, it was shown that the rate of its transfer from the microemulsion to the physiological solution was 15.4 × 10⁻³ g/(m²∙h); approximately 3.2% of the dye was released in 6 h, which allows for the development of drugs with a sustained release of medicinal substances. Full article

Obtaining the characteristics of the dispersions of synthesized nanoparticles such as concentration and particle size is an important task in the nanotechnology and biomedicine industries and in many other fields. A rapidly developing method for such needs is nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA). This technique enables the visualization and recording of nanoparticles sized from dozens of nanometers to a couple of micrometers moving under the Brownian motion. The key point of obtaining precise information about a nanodispersion is video processing, which allows for the quick analysis of the sample without damaging it. Samples of polystyrene and gold nanoparticles with different characteristics were dispersed in water and studied using the NTA device. Dynamic light scattering and transmission electron microscopy were used as the reference methods for nanoparticle characterization. This study also represents the main advantages and drawbacks of using the NTA method in the study of nanoparticle samples of various concentration levels. Full article

Titania nanosheets (TNS) represent 2D photocatalytic material, which can strongly bind with metal nanoparticles, and, therefore, materials based on it are promising in the development of reusable substrates for reproducible SERS. In the present research, titania nanosheets were obtained during cesium titanate exfoliation. Silver nanoparticles were deposited on the surface of nanosheets via AgNO₃ solution reduction. The synthesis of the substrates with optimized parameters allows achieving an enhancement coefficient of up to 1.9 × 10⁶ and the ability to detect molecules of rhodamine 6G with concentration of 10⁻⁸ M. Moreover, the obtained substrates show highly reproducible signals throughout the surface. Due to the photocatalytic properties of titania, the surface of the substrates can be cleaned after SERS measurement by UV irradiation, and the substrates can be used repeatedly. Full article

Oral drug administration is among the most popular options in terms of patient compliance. The absorption window’s influence enables the majority of commercially available modified-release dosage forms to have the desired physiological impact. In order to achieve the desired activity against the body’s challenges, the formulator must keep the dosage form in the stomach, which is the aim of gastroretentive drug delivery (GRDD). In this process of maintaining the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, influenced by the nature of excipients and driven by the type of formulation to achieve therapeutic goals, a GRDD system is comparable to an improvised CDDS (control drug delivery system) before it reaches the absorption site. The most prevalent kind of preferred modified release system in use is solid oral dosage forms. To achieve the desired release profile, fewer doses are required when using these forms. Each drug candidate has a unique GIT absorption window, so there are many challenges. Solvability characteristics, pH-dependent variables, stability, physiological region, etc. Due to the barriers that have been added to this system, many products have been created. This review article contains nanomaterials used in GRDDS as novel drug delivery, factors affecting, and challenges to formulate nanomaterials, evaluation and advance technology used for application of nanomaterials. Full article

Nanotechnology is used today in a wide range of industries. Weakly water-soluble medications have better solubility and bioavailability when delivered by nano-specific drug delivery methods, such as nanocrystals. Another name for ziprasidone is 5-[2-[4-(1,2-benzisothiazol-3-yl)-1-piperazinyl]ethyl]-6-chloro-1,3-dihydro-2H-indol-2-one, and it is a brand-new “atypical” or “second-generation” antipsychotic drug. Its multipotent G-protein-coupled (GPCR) receptor binding profile is distinctive. It is used to treat bipolar-disorder-related acute manic or mixed episodes as well as schizophrenia. Schizophrenia is a serious mental condition in which a person can experience reality in a strange or different way. Ziprasidone is a highly lipophilic and unstable drug. Ziprasidone nanoparticles, another incarnation of this drug, are used to treat diseases. When ziprasidone is present in the form of particles with an effective average crystal size of less than or equal to 100 nm, the term “nanoparticle” is frequently used to characterize them. A colloidal submicron dispersion of ziprasidone particles is what ziprasidone nanosuspensions and nanoemulsions are made of. One formulation that makes use of solubilization technology is a nanosuspension of a crystalline ziprasidone free base. In order to get around the drug’s solubility issue and investigate its potential for nose-to-brain delivery, a buffered nanoemulsion of ziprasidone HCl has been created. We discuss numerous ziprasidone nanoformulations used to treat psychotic illnesses in this review. Full article

Innovative drug delivery systems show how pharmaceuticals are administered to the site of action in order to produce the therapeutic effect. Fungal infections are a problem today on a global scale. There is no medical cover-up in the world regarding the significance of fungi as a human pathogen. According to recent developments, the accurate diagnosis and treatment of these infections are crucial and required. Numerous factors influence the development of modern pharmaceutical products and their methods of administration. For the development of a successful novel antifungal drug delivery system, it is essential to thoroughly investigate the relationships between the formulations, the mode of administration, pharmacological properties, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, stability, efficacy, safety, and clinical indications. This review article discusses various types of nano techniques used in the delivery of antifungal drugs, including dendrimers, polymeric nanoparticles, inorganic nanoparticles, and nanoparticles based on phospholipids (nano-vesicles). Due to their unique properties, nanoparticles can exert more inhibitory power through lower concentrations than conventional dosages when used in the treatment of fungal infections. Reduced drug efficacy, limited penetration through tissue, poor aqueous solubility, decreased bioavailability, and poor drug pharmacokinetics are among the drawbacks to using antifungal medications in delivery systems. Therefore, the incorporation of antifungal medications through the nanoparticles’ drug delivery systems can reduce these undesirable properties. Full article

The aim of this paper was to exactly quantify the amount of pure ketoprofen within a pharmaceutical by a newly developed ultraviolet (UV) spectrophotometric method. The maximum absorption wavelength was determined to be λ = 254 nm for a ketoprofen alcoholic standard solution of 1.4 µg/mL. The applied method was statistically validated. The amount of pure ketoprofen assigned on the pharmaceutical tablet was found to be 146.326 mg ketoprofen/tablet. This obtained value was very close to the official declared content of active substance (150 mg pure ketoprofen/tablet), with an average percentage deviation of 2.45%—below the maximum value (±5%). Full article

This study investigates the electronic properties of a single layer of the novel Janus material GeSnS2 using density functional theory. By utilizing the hybrid functional HSE06 in addition to the standard PBE approximation, the study aims to obtain accurate findings about how changes in strain and electric field affect the material’s electronic properties. The results of the study reveal that the bandgap energy of the GeSnS2 monolayer is 2.15 eV and that it exhibits an indirect bandgap behavior. The study also shows that by applying strain or an electric field, the bandgap of the material can be changed, which has significant implications for the material’s potential applications. The study found that when strain is applied, the bandgap changes significantly. Furthermore, the study discovered that the electric field has a slight effect on changing the bandgap of GeSnS2 monolayer when the electric field is changed from 0 to 8 V/nm, and a band shift occurs under certain conditions. The study provides valuable insight into the potential of GeSnS2 and opens the door for further research in this field. Full article