Synthesis of Silver-Strontium Titanate Hybrid Nanoparticles by Sol-Gel-Hydrothermal Method.

PubMed

Ueno, Shintaro; Nakashima, Kouichi; Sakamoto, Yasunao; Wada, Satoshi

2015-03-24

Silver (Ag) nanoparticle-loaded strontium titanate (SrTiO₃) nanoparticles were attempted to be synthesized by a sol-gel-hydrothermal method. We prepared the titanium oxide precursor gels incorporated with Ag⁺ and Sr 2+ ions with various molar ratios, and they were successfully converted into the Ag-SrTiO₃ hybrid nanoparticles by the hydrothermal treatment at 230 °C in strontium hydroxide aqueous solutions. The morphology of the SrTiO₃ nanoparticles is dendritic in the presence and absence of Ag⁺ ions. The precursor gels, which act as the high reactive precursor, give rise to high nucleation and growth rates under the hydrothermal conditions, and the resultant diffusion-limited aggregation phenomena facilitate the dendritic growth of SrTiO₃. From the field-emission transmission electron microscope observation of these Ag-SrTiO₃ hybrid nanoparticles, the Ag nanoparticles with a size of a few tens of nanometers are distributed without severe agglomeration, owing to the competitive formation reactions of Ag and SrTiO₃.

An Enhanced Soft Vibrotactile Actuator Based on ePVC Gel with Silicon Dioxide Nanoparticles.

PubMed

Park, Won-Hyeong; Shin, Eun-Jae; Yun, Sungryul; Kim, Sang-Youn

2018-01-01

In this paper, we propose a soft vibrotactile actuator made by mixing silicon dioxide nanoparticles and plasticized PVC gel. The effect of the silicon dioxide nanoparticles in the plasticized PVC gel for the haptic performance is investigated in terms of electric, dielectric, and mechanical properties. Furthermore, eight soft vibrotactile actuators are prepared as a function of the content. Experiments are conducted to examine the haptic performance of the prepared eight soft vibrotactile actuators and to find the best weight ratio of the plasticized PVC gel to the nanoparticles. The experiments should show that the plasticized PVC gel with silicon dioxide nanoparticles improves the haptic performance of the plasticized PVC gel-based vibrotactile actuator, and the proposed vibrotactile actuator can create a variety of haptic sensations in a wide frequency range.

Sol–gel synthesis of SnO{sub 2}–MgO nanoparticles and their photocatalytic activity towards methylene blue degradation

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Bayal, Nisha; Jeevanandam, P., E-mail: jeevafcy@iitr.ernet.in

2013-10-15

Graphical abstract: - Highlights: • A simple sol–gel method for the synthesis of SnO{sub 2}–MgO nanoparticles is reported. • Band gap of SnO{sub 2} can be tuned by varying the magnesium content in SnO{sub 2}–MgO. • SnO{sub 2}–MgO shows good photocatalytic activity towards degradation of methylene blue. - Abstract: SnO{sub 2}–MgO mixed metal oxide nanoparticles were prepared by a simple sol–gel method. The nanoparticles were characterized by power X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive X-ray analysis, transmission electron microscopy and UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. The XRD results indicate the formation of mixed metal oxide nanoparticles and alsomore » a decrease of SnO{sub 2} crystallite size in the mixed metal oxide nanoparticles with increasing magnesium oxide content. The reflectance spectroscopy results show a blue shift of the band gap of SnO{sub 2} in the mixed metal oxide nanoparticles. The photocatalytic activity of the SnO{sub 2}–MgO nanoparticles was tested using the photodegradation of aqueous methylene blue in the presence of sunlight. The results indicate that the mixed metal oxide nanoparticles possess higher efficiency for the photodegradation of methylene blue compared to pure SnO{sub 2} nanoparticles.« less

Design and evaluation of an intravesical delivery system for superficial bladder cancer: preparation of gemcitabine HCl-loaded chitosan–thioglycolic acid nanoparticles and comparison of chitosan/poloxamer gels as carriers

PubMed Central

Ay Şenyiğit, Zeynep; Karavana, Sinem Yaprak; İlem-Özdemir, Derya; Çalışkan, Çağrı; Waldner, Claudia; Şen, Sait; Bernkop-Schnürch, Andreas; Baloğlu, Esra

2015-01-01

This study aimed to develop an intravesical delivery system of gemcitabine HCl for superficial bladder cancer in order to provide a controlled release profile, to prolong the residence time, and to avoid drug elimination via urination. For this aim, bioadhesive nanoparticles were prepared with thiolated chitosan (chitosan–thioglycolic acid conjugate) and were dispersed in bioadhesive chitosan gel or in an in situ gelling poloxamer formulation in order to improve intravesical residence time. In addition, nanoparticle-loaded gels were diluted with artificial urine to mimic in vivo conditions in the bladder and were characterized regarding changes in gel structure. The obtained results showed that chitosanthioglycolic acid nanoparticles with a mean diameter of 174.5±3.762 nm and zeta potential of 32.100±0.575 mV were successfully developed via ionotropic gelation and that the encapsulation efficiency of gemcitabine HCl was nearly 20%. In vitro/ex vivo characterization studies demonstrated that both nanoparticles and nanoparticle-loaded chitosan and poloxamer gels might be alternative carriers for intravesical administration of gemcitabine HCl, prolonging its residence time in the bladder and hence improving treatment efficacy. However, when the gel formulations were diluted with artificial urine, poloxamer gels lost their in situ gelling properties at body temperature, which is in conflict with the aimed formulation property. Therefore, 2% chitosan gel formulation was found to be a more promising carrier system for intravesical administration of nanoparticles. PMID:26508855

Dose of radiation enhancement, using silver nanoparticles in a human tissue equivalent gel dosimeter.

PubMed

Hassan, Muhammad; Waheed, Muhammad Mohsin; Anjum, Muhammad Naeem

2016-01-01

To quantify the radiation dose enhancement in a human tissue-equivalent polymer gel impregnated with silver nanoparticles. The case-control study was conducted at the Bahawalpur Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Oncology, Bahawalpur, Pakistan, in January 2014. Silver nanoparticles used in this study were prepared by wet chemical method. Polymer gel was prepared by known quantity of gelatine, methacrylic acid, ascorbic acid, copper sulphate pentahydrate, hydroquinone and water. Different concentrations of silver nanoparticles were added to the gel during its cooling process. The gel was cooled in six plastic vials of 50ml each. Two vials were used as a control sample while four vials were impregnated with silver nanoparticles. After 22 hours, the vials were irradiated with gamma rays by aCobalt-60 unit. Radiation enhancement was assessed by taking magnetic resonance images of the vials. The images were analysed using Image J software. The dose enhancement factor was 24.17% and 40.49% for 5Gy and 10Gy dose respectively. The dose enhancement factor for the gel impregnated with 0.10mM silver nanoparticles was 32.88% and 51.98% for 5Gy and 10Gy dose respectively. The impregnation of a tissue-equivalent gel with silver nanoparticles resulted in dose enhancement and this effect was magnified up to a certain level with the increase in concentration of silver nanoparticles.

Cross-linked Composite Gel Polymer Electrolyte using Mesoporous Methacrylate-Functionalized SiO2 Nanoparticles for Lithium-Ion Polymer Batteries

PubMed Central

Shin, Won-Kyung; Cho, Jinhyun; Kannan, Aravindaraj G.; Lee, Yoon-Sung; Kim, Dong-Won

2016-01-01

Liquid electrolytes composed of lithium salt in a mixture of organic solvents have been widely used for lithium-ion batteries. However, the high flammability of the organic solvents can lead to thermal runaway and explosions if the system is accidentally subjected to a short circuit or experiences local overheating. In this work, a cross-linked composite gel polymer electrolyte was prepared and applied to lithium-ion polymer cells as a safer and more reliable electrolyte. Mesoporous SiO2 nanoparticles containing reactive methacrylate groups as cross-linking sites were synthesized and dispersed into the fibrous polyacrylonitrile membrane. They directly reacted with gel electrolyte precursors containing tri(ethylene glycol) diacrylate, resulting in the formation of a cross-linked composite gel polymer electrolyte with high ionic conductivity and favorable interfacial characteristics. The mesoporous SiO2 particles also served as HF scavengers to reduce the HF content in the electrolyte at high temperature. As a result, the cycling performance of the lithium-ion polymer cells with cross-linked composite gel polymer electrolytes employing methacrylate-functionalized mesoporous SiO2 nanoparticles was remarkably improved at elevated temperatures. PMID:27189842

Metal chalcogenide nanoparticle gel networks: Their formation mechanism and application for novel material generation and heavy metal water remediation via cation exchange reactions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Palhares, Leticia F.

The dissertation research is focused on (1) uncovering the mechanism of metal chalcogenide nanoparticle gel formation; (2) extending the cation exchange reaction protocol to zinc sulfide gel networks, with the goal of accessing new aerogel chemistries and understanding the factors that drive the process; and (3) conducting a quantitative analysis of the ability of ZnS aerogels to remove heavy metal ions from aqueous solutions. The mechanism of metal chalcogenide nanoparticle gel formation was investigated using Raman spectroscopy and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy to probe the chemical changes that occur during the gelation process. These techniques suggest that the bonding between the particles in the CdSe nanoparticle gels is due to the oxidation of surface selenide species, forming covalent Se--Se bonds. Treating the gel networks with a suitable reducing agent, such as a thiol, breaks the covalent bond and disperses the gel network. The addition of sodium borohydride, a "pure" reducing agent, also breaks down the gel network, strengthening the hypothesis that the reducing character of the thiols, not their ligation ability, is responsible for the gel network breakdown. UV-Vis spectroscopy, Transmission Electron Microscopy and Powder X-ray Diffraction were used to analyze the particles after successive gelation-dispersion cycles. The primary particle size decreases after repeated oxidation-reduction cycles, due to nanoparticle surface etching. This trend is observed for CdSe and CdS gel networks, allowing for the proposition that the oxidative-reductive mechanism responsible for the formation-dispersion of the gels is general, applying to other metal chalcogenide nanocrystals as well. The cation exchange reaction previously demonstrated for CdSe gels was extended to ZnS gel networks. The exchange occurs under mild reaction conditions (room temperature, methanol solvent) with exchanging ions of different size, charge and mobility (Ag+, Pb2+, Cd2+ , Cu2+). The

Anchorage of iron hydro(oxide) nanoparticles onto activated carbon to remove As(V) from water.

PubMed

Nieto-Delgado, Cesar; Rangel-Mendez, Jose Rene

2012-06-01

The adsorption of arsenic (V) by granular iron hydro(oxides) has been proven to be a reliable technique. However, due to the low mechanical properties of this material, it is difficult to apply it in full scale water treatment. Hence, the aim of this research is to develop a methodology to anchor iron hydro(oxide) nanoparticles onto activated carbon, in which the iron hydro(oxide) nanoparticles will give the activated carbon an elevated active surface area for arsenic adsorption and also help avoid the blockage of the activated carbon pores. Three activated carbons were modified by employing the thermal hydrolysis of iron as the anchorage procedure. The effects of hydrolysis temperature (60-120 °C), hydrolysis time (4-16 h), and FeCl(3) concentration (0.4-3 mol Fe/L) were studied by the surface response methodology. The iron content of the modified samples ranged from 0.73 to 5.27%, with the higher end of the range pertaining to the carbons with high oxygen content. The materials containing smaller iron hydro(oxide) particles exhibited an enhanced arsenic adsorption capacity. The best adsorbent material reported an arsenic adsorption capacity of 4.56 mg As/g at 1.5 ppm As at equilibrium and pH 7. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Characterization and enhanced nonlinear optical limiting response in carbon nanodots dispersed in solid-state hybrid organically modified silica gel glasses

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, Li; Zheng, Chan; Guo, Qiaohang; Huang, Dongdong; Wu, Xiukai; Chen, Ling

2018-02-01

Freely dispersed carbon nanodots (CNDs) were introduced into a 3-glycidoxy-propyltrimethoxysilane modified silicate gel glass (i.e. an organically modified silica or ORMOSIL) by a highly efficient and simple sol-gel process, which could be easily extended to prepare functional molecules/nanoparticles solid state optoelectronic devices. Scanning electron microscope imaging, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, pore structure measurements, ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, and fluorescence spectroscopy were used to investigate the surface characteristics, structure, texture, and linear optical properties of the CND/SiO2 ORMOSIL gel glasses. Images and UV/Vis spectra confirmed the successful dispersion of CNDs in the ORMOSIL gel glass. The surface characteristics and pore structure of the host SiO2 matrix were markedly changed through the introduction of the CNDs. The linear optical properties of the guest CNDs were also affected by the sol-gel procedure. The nonlinear optical (NLO) properties of the CNDs were investigated by a nanosecond open-aperture Z-scan technique at 532 nm both in liquid and solid matrices. We found that the NLO response of the CNDs was considerably improved after their incorporation into the ORMOSIL gel glasses. Possible enhancement mechanisms were also explored. The nonlinear extinction coefficient gradually increased while the optical limiting (OL) threshold decreased as the CND doping level was increased. This result suggests that the NLO and OL properties of the composite gel glasses can be optimized by tuning the concentration of CNDs in the gel glass matrix. Our findings show that CND/SiO2 ORMOSIL gel glasses are promising candidates for optical limiters to protect sensitive instruments and human eyes from damage caused by high power lasers.

Plasma methods of obtainment of multifunctional composite materials, dispersion-hardened by nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sizonenko, O. N.; Grigoryev, E. G.; Zaichenko, A. D.; Pristash, N. S.; Torpakov, A. S.; Lipyan, Ye V.; Tregub, V. A.; Zholnin, A. G.; Yudin, A. V.; Kovalenko, A. A.

2016-04-01

The new approach in developed plasma methods consists in that dispersionhardening additives (TiC, TiB2 in particular) are not mechanically added to powder mixture as additional component, as in conventional methods, but are instead synthesized during high voltage electric discharges (HVED) in disperse system “hydrocarbon liquid - powder” preservation of ultrafine structure is ensured due to use of spark plasma sintering (SPS) as a consolidation method. HVED in disperse system “hydrocarbon liquid - powder” due to impact of plasma discharge channel, electromagnetic fields, shock waves mechanical impact, hydro flows and volume microcavitation leads to synthesis of nanocarbon, metal powders dispersion and synthesis of micro- (from 10-6 to 10-7 m) and nanosized (from 10-7 to 10-9 m) composite powders of hardening phases. SPS is the passage of pulsed current (superposition of direct and alternating current) through powder with the simultaneous mechanical compressing. The formation of plasma is initiated in gaseous phase that fills gaps between particles. SPS allows targeted control of grain growth rate and thus allows obtainment of multifunctional composite materials dispersion hardened by nanoparticles. Processes of HVED synthesis of micro- and nanosized powders of new compositions from elemental metal powders and their mixtures with the subsequent application of high-speed SPS of obtained powders create conditions for increase of strength (by 10 - 20%), hardness and wear-resistance (by 30 - 60%) of obtained materials.

Modelling the role of groundwater hydro-refugia in East African hominin evolution and dispersal

PubMed Central

Cuthbert, M. O.; Gleeson, T.; Reynolds, S. C.; Bennett, M. R.; Newton, A. C.; McCormack, C. J.; Ashley, G. M.

2017-01-01

Water is a fundamental resource, yet its spatiotemporal availability in East Africa is poorly understood. This is the area where most hominin first occurrences are located, and consequently the potential role of water in hominin evolution and dispersal remains unresolved. Here, we show that hundreds of springs currently distributed across East Africa could function as persistent groundwater hydro-refugia through orbital-scale climate cycles. Groundwater buffers climate variability according to spatially variable groundwater response times determined by geology and topography. Using an agent-based model, grounded on the present day landscape, we show that groundwater availability would have been critical to supporting isolated networks of hydro-refugia during dry periods when potable surface water was scarce. This may have facilitated unexpected variations in isolation and dispersal of hominin populations in the past. Our results therefore provide a new environmental framework in which to understand how patterns of taxonomic diversity in hominins may have developed. PMID:28556825

Modelling the role of groundwater hydro-refugia in East African hominin evolution and dispersal

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cuthbert, M. O.; Gleeson, T.; Reynolds, S. C.; Bennett, M. R.; Newton, A. C.; McCormack, C. J.; Ashley, G. M.

2017-05-01

Water is a fundamental resource, yet its spatiotemporal availability in East Africa is poorly understood. This is the area where most hominin first occurrences are located, and consequently the potential role of water in hominin evolution and dispersal remains unresolved. Here, we show that hundreds of springs currently distributed across East Africa could function as persistent groundwater hydro-refugia through orbital-scale climate cycles. Groundwater buffers climate variability according to spatially variable groundwater response times determined by geology and topography. Using an agent-based model, grounded on the present day landscape, we show that groundwater availability would have been critical to supporting isolated networks of hydro-refugia during dry periods when potable surface water was scarce. This may have facilitated unexpected variations in isolation and dispersal of hominin populations in the past. Our results therefore provide a new environmental framework in which to understand how patterns of taxonomic diversity in hominins may have developed.

Sol-Gel processing of silica nanoparticles and their applications.

PubMed

Singh, Lok P; Bhattacharyya, Sriman K; Kumar, Rahul; Mishra, Geetika; Sharma, Usha; Singh, Garima; Ahalawat, Saurabh

2014-11-06

Recently, silica nanoparticles (SNPs) have drawn widespread attention due to their applications in many emerging areas because of their tailorable morphology. During the last decade, remarkable efforts have been made on the investigations for novel processing methodologies to prepare SNPs, resulting in better control of the size, shape, porosity and significant improvements in the physio-chemical properties. A number of techniques available for preparing SNPs namely, flame spray pyrolysis, chemical vapour deposition, micro-emulsion, ball milling, sol-gel etc. have resulted, a number of publications. Among these, preparation by sol-gel has been the focus of research as the synthesis is straightforward, scalable and controllable. Therefore, this review focuses on the recent progress in the field of synthesis of SNPs exhibiting ordered mesoporous structure, their distribution pattern, morphological attributes and applications. The mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNPs) with good dispersion, varying morphology, narrow size distribution and homogeneous porous structure have been successfully prepared using organic and inorganic templates. The soft template assisted synthesis using surfactants for obtaining desirable shapes, pores, morphology and mechanisms proposed has been reviewed. Apart from single template, double and mixed surfactants, electrolytes, polymers etc. as templates have also been intensively discussed. The influence of reaction conditions such as temperature, pH, concentration of reagents, drying techniques, solvents, precursor, aging time etc. have also been deliberated. These MSNPs are suitable for a variety of applications viz., in the drug delivery systems, high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), biosensors, cosmetics as well as construction materials. The applications of these SNPs have also been briefly summarized. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

[Effect of stability and dissolution of realgar nano-particles using solid dispersion technology].

PubMed

Guo, Teng; Shi, Feng; Yang, Gang; Feng, Nian-Ping

2013-09-01

To improve the stability and dissolution of realgar nano-particles by solid dispersion. Using polyethylene glycol 6000 and poloxamer-188 as carriers, the solid dispersions were prepare by melting method. XRD, microscopic inspection were used to determine the status of realgar nano-particles in solid dispersions. The content and stability test of As(2)0(3) were determined by DDC-Ag method. Hydride generation atomic absorption spectrometry was used to determine the content of Arsenic and investigated the in vitro dissolution behavior of solid dispersions. The results of XRD and microscopic inspection showed that realgar nano-particles in solid dispersions were amorphous. The dissolution amount and rate of Arsenic from realgar nano-particles of all solid dispersions were increased significantly, the reunion of realgar nano-particles and content of As(2)0(3) were reduced for the formation of solid dispersions. The solid dispersion of realgar nano-particles with poloxamer-188 as carriers could obviously improve stability, dissolution and solubility.

Carbon nanofibers with highly dispersed tin and tin antimonide nanoparticles: Preparation via electrospinning and application as the anode materials for lithium-ion batteries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Zhi; Zhang, Jiwei; Shu, Jie; Chen, Jianping; Gong, Chunhong; Guo, Jianhui; Yu, Laigui; Zhang, Jingwei

2018-03-01

One-dimensional carbon nanofibers with highly dispersed tin (Sn) and tin antimonide (SnSb) nanoparticles are prepared by electrospinning in the presence of antimony-doped tin oxide (denoted as ATO) wet gel as the precursor. The effect of ATO dosage on the microstructure and electrochemical properties of the as-fabricated Sn-SnSb/C composite nanofibers is investigated. Results indicate that ATO wet gel as the precursor can effectively improve the dispersion of Sn nanoparticles in carbon fiber and prevent them from segregation during the electrospinning and subsequent calcination processes. The as-prepared Sn-SnSb/C nanofibers as the anode materials for lithium-ion batteries exhibit high reversible capacity and stable cycle performance. Particularly, the electrode made from Sn-SnSb/C composite nanofibers obtained with 0.9 g of ATO gel has a high specific capacity of 779 mAh·g-1 and 378 mAh·g-1 at the current density of 50 mA·g-1 and 5 A·g-1, respectively, and it exhibits a capacity retention of 97% after 1200 cycles under the current density of 1 A·g-1. This is because the carbon nanofibers can form a continuous conductive network to buffer the volume change of the electrodes while Sn and Sn-SnSb nanoparticles uniformly distributed in the carbon nanofibers are free of segregation, thereby contributing to electrochemical performances of the electrodes.

Immobilization of Magnetic Nanoparticles onto Amine-Modified Nano-Silica Gel for Copper Ions Remediation

PubMed Central

Elkady, Marwa; Hassan, Hassan Shokry; Hashim, Aly

2016-01-01

A novel nano-hybrid was synthesized through immobilization of amine-functionalized silica gel nanoparticles with nanomagnetite via a co-precipitation technique. The parameters, such as reagent concentrations, reaction temperature and time, were optimized to accomplish the nano-silica gel chelating matrix. The most proper amine-modified silica gel nanoparticles were immobilized with magnetic nanoparticles. The synthesized magnetic amine nano-silica gel (MANSG) was established and characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM). The feasibility of MANSG for copper ions’ remediation from wastewater was examined. MANSG achieves a 98% copper decontamination from polluted water within 90 min. Equilibrium sorption of copper ions onto MANSG nanoparticles obeyed the Langmuir equation compared to the Freundlich, Temkin, Elovich and Dubinin-Radushkevich (D-R) equilibrium isotherm models. The pseudo-second-order rate kinetics is appropriate to describe the copper sorption process onto the fabricated MANSG. PMID:28773583

Mechanistic Insight into Nanoparticle Surface Adsorption by Solution NMR Spectroscopy in an Aqueous Gel

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Egner, Timothy K.; Naik, Pranjali; Nelson, Nicholas C.

Engineering nanoparticle (NP) functions at the molecular level requires a detailed understanding of the dynamic processes occurring at the NP surface. Herein we show that a combination of dark-state exchange saturation transfer (DEST) and relaxation dispersion (RD) NMR experiments on gel-stabilized NP samples enables the accurate determination of the kinetics and thermodynamics of adsorption. We used the former approach to describe the interaction of cholic acid (CA) and phenol (PhOH) with ceria NPs with a diameter of approximately 200 nm. Whereas CA formed weak interactions with the NPs, PhOH was tightly bound to the NP surface. Interestingly, we found thatmore » the adsorption of PhOH proceeds via an intermediate, weakly bound state in which the small molecule has residual degrees of rotational diffusion. Here we believe the use of aqueous gels for stabilizing NP samples will increase the applicability of solution NMR methods to the characterization of nanomaterials.« less

Mechanistic Insight into Nanoparticle Surface Adsorption by Solution NMR Spectroscopy in an Aqueous Gel

DOE PAGES

Egner, Timothy K.; Naik, Pranjali; Nelson, Nicholas C.; ...

2017-06-22

Engineering nanoparticle (NP) functions at the molecular level requires a detailed understanding of the dynamic processes occurring at the NP surface. Herein we show that a combination of dark-state exchange saturation transfer (DEST) and relaxation dispersion (RD) NMR experiments on gel-stabilized NP samples enables the accurate determination of the kinetics and thermodynamics of adsorption. We used the former approach to describe the interaction of cholic acid (CA) and phenol (PhOH) with ceria NPs with a diameter of approximately 200 nm. Whereas CA formed weak interactions with the NPs, PhOH was tightly bound to the NP surface. Interestingly, we found thatmore » the adsorption of PhOH proceeds via an intermediate, weakly bound state in which the small molecule has residual degrees of rotational diffusion. Here we believe the use of aqueous gels for stabilizing NP samples will increase the applicability of solution NMR methods to the characterization of nanomaterials.« less

Supramolecular Hydrogel from Nanoparticles and Cyclodextrins for Local and Sustained Nanoparticle Delivery.

PubMed

Xu, Shuxin; Yin, Li; Xiang, Yuzhang; Deng, Hongzhang; Deng, Liandong; Fan, Hongxia; Tang, Hua; Zhang, Jianhua; Dong, Anjie

2016-08-01

Injectable and biodegradable supramolecular hydrogel mPECT NP/α-CD(gel) composed of high-concentration nanoparticle dispersion (≤20% W/V) and α-cyclodextrins (α-CD) are prepared by a two-level physical cross-linking using amphiphilic block polymer methoxy poly(ethylene glycol)-b-poly(ε-caprolactone-co-1,4,8-trioxa[4.6]spiro-9-undecanone) (mPECT) and α-CD. The gelation behavior depends on the concentration of nanoparticles and α-CD. The viscoelasticity and shear thinning of mPECT NP/α-CD(gel) are confirmed. In vitro hydrogel erosion is demonstrated to be mainly a concentration-dependent dissociation process with general release of discrete mPECT nanoparticles about 50 nm that can be easily taken up by cells. The in vitro release behavior can be modulated by changing the concentration of nanoparticles or α-CD. In vitro and in vivo cytotoxicity study demonstrates its biocompatibility and biosafety. Gel formation after subcutaneous injection is also confirmed and mPECT NP/α-CD(gel) shows about 2 weeks retention time. This work validates the potential application for this supramolecular hydrogel in local and sustained delivery of nanoparticles. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Effect of nanoparticles dispersion on viscoelastic properties of epoxy–zirconia polymer nanocomposites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Singh, Sushil Kumar; Kumar, Abhishek; Jain, Anuj

2018-03-01

In the present work zirconia-nanoparticles were dispersed in epoxy matrix to form epoxy-zirconia polymer nanocomposites using ultrasonication and viscoelastic properties of nanocomposites were investigated. For the same spherical zirconia-nanoparticles (45 nm) were dispersed in weight fraction of 2, 4, 6 and 8 % to reinforce the epoxy. DMA results show the significant enhancement in viscoelastic properties with the dispersion of zirconia nanoparticles in the epoxy matrix. The value of storage modulus and glass transition temperature increases from 179 MPa (pristine) to 225 MPa (6 wt.% ZrO2) and 61 °C (pristine) to 70 °C (6 wt.% ZrO2) respectively with the dispersion of zirconia nanoparticles in the epoxy.

Effect of nanoparticles dispersion on viscoelastic properties of epoxy-zirconia polymer nanocomposites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Singh, Sushil Kumar; Kumar, Abhishek; Jain, Anuj

2018-03-01

In the present work zirconia-nanoparticles were dispersed in epoxy matrix to form epoxy-zirconia polymer nanocomposites using ultrasonication and viscoelastic properties of nanocomposites were investigated. For the same spherical zirconia-nanoparticles (45 nm) were dispersed in weight fraction of 2, 4, 6 and 8 % to reinforce the epoxy. DMA results show the significant enhancement in viscoelastic properties with the dispersion of zirconia nanoparticles in the epoxy matrix. The value of storage modulus and glass transition temperature increases from 179 MPa (pristine) to 225 MPa (6 wt.% ZrO2) and 61 °C (pristine) to 70 °C (6 wt.% ZrO2) respectively with the dispersion of zirconia nanoparticles in the epoxy.

Evaluation of cellular influences of platinum nanoparticles by stable medium dispersion.

PubMed

Horie, Masanori; Kato, Haruhisa; Endoh, Shigehisa; Fujita, Katsuhide; Nishio, Keiko; Komaba, Lilian Kaede; Fukui, Hiroko; Nakamura, Ayako; Miyauchi, Arisa; Nakazato, Tetsuya; Kinugasa, Shinichi; Yoshida, Yasukazu; Hagihara, Yoshihisa; Morimoto, Yasuo; Iwahashi, Hitoshi

2011-11-01

Platinum nanoparticles have industrial application, for example in catalysis, and are used in consumer products such as cosmetics and supplements. Therefore, among the many nanoparticles, platinum is one of the more accessible nanoparticles for consumers. Most platinum nanoparticles that are used in cosmetics and supplements which have an anti-oxidant activity are modified particles. However, the cellular influences of pristine platinum nanoparticles are still unclear, although it has been reported that platinum nanoparticles induce oxidative stress. In this study, we investigated the cellular influences induced by pure pristine platinum nanoparticles. Platinum nanoparticles of 100% purity were dispersed in a cell culture medium and stable medium dispersion was obtained. The platinum nanoparticle medium dispersion was applied to two kinds of cultured cells, A549 and HaCaT cells, and the cellular influences were examined. Cell viability (MTT assay), cell proliferation (clonogenic assay), apoptosis induction (caspase-3 activity), intracellular ROS level (DCFH assay), and lipid peroxidation level (DPPP assay) were measured as markers of cellular influences. Transmission electron microscope observation showed cellular uptake of platinum nanoparticles. However, the platinum nanoparticles did not drive any markers. It is known that some metal oxide nanoparticles such as NiO and CuO show severe cytotoxicity via metal ion release. Compared with these toxic nanoparticles, the platinum nanoparticles used in this study did not release platinum ions into the culture media. These results suggest that the physically and chemically inactive cellular influences of platinum nanoparticles are small.

Effects of crystallinity and surface modification of calcium phosphate nanoparticles on the loading and release of tetracycline hydro-chloride

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Huaizhi; Yan, Dong; Menike Korale Gedara, Sriyani; Dingiri Marakkalage, Sajith Sudeepa Fernando; Gamage Kasun Methlal, Jothirathna; Han, YingChao; Dai, HongLian

2017-03-01

The influences of crystallinity and surface modification of calcium phosphate nanoparticles (nCaP) on their drug loading capacity and drug release profile were studied in the present investigation. The CaP nanoparticles with different crystallinity were prepared by precipitation method under different temperatures. CaP nanoparticles with lower crystallinity exhibited higher drug loading capacity. The samples were characterized by XRD, FT-IR, SEM, TEM and BET surface area analyzer respectively. The drug loading capacity of nCaP was evaluated to tetracycline hydro-chloride (TCH). The internalization of TCH loaded nCaP in cancer cell was observed by florescence microscope. nCaP could be stabilized and dispersed in aqueous solution by poly(acrylic acid) surface modification agent, leading to enhanced drug loading capacity. The drug release was conducted in different pH environment and the experimental data proved that nCaP were pH sensitive drug carrier, suggesting that nCaP could achieve the controlled drug release in intracellular acidic environment. Furthermore, nCaP with higher crystallinity showed lower drug release rate than that of lower crystallinity, indicating that the drug release profile could be adjusted by crystallinity of nCaP. nCaP with adjustable drug loading and release properties are promising candidate as drug carrier for disease treatment.

Integration of Fricke gel dosimetry with Ag nanoparticles for experimental dose enhancement determination in theranostics.

PubMed

Vedelago, J; Mattea, F; Valente, M

2018-03-01

The use and implementation of nanoparticles in medicine has grown exponentially in the last twenty years. Their main applications include drug delivery, theranostics, tissue engineering and magneto function. Dosimetry techniques can take advantage of inorganic nanoparticles properties and their combination with gel dosimetry techniques could be used as a first step for their later inclusion in radio-diagnostics or radiotherapy treatments. The present study presents preliminary results of properly synthesized and purified silver nanoparticles integration with Fricke gel dosimeters. Used nanoparticles presented mean sizes ranging from 2 to 20 nm, with a lognormal distribution. Xylenol orange concentration in Fricke gel dosimeter was adjust in order to allow sample's optical readout, accounting nanoparticles plasmon. Dose enhancement was assessed irradiating dosimeters setting X-ray beams energies below and above silver K-edge. Monte Carlo simulations were used to estimate the dose enhancement in the experiments and compare with the trend obtained in the experimental results. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Electrospinning β-SiC fibers from SiC nanoparticles dispersed in various polymer solutions as the electrospinning agents

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fuad, A.; Fatriani, N.; Yogihati, C. I.; Taufiq, A.; Latifah, E.

2018-04-01

Silicon carbide (SiC) fibers were synthesized by electrospinning method from SiC nanoparticles dispersed in polymer solutions, i.e., polyethylene glycol (PEG) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). The SiC nanoparticle used in this research was synthesized from sucrose and natural silica via a sonochemical method. The natural silica was extracted from local pyrophyllite by a sol-gel method. The characterization was performed via x-ray fluorescence (XRF), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The XRD characterization results showed that the sample possessed a β-SiC phase and formed a cubic-structured crystal with a lattice parameter of a = b = c = 4.3448 Å. The use of PEG and PVA in the electrospinning process resulted in fractal and fiber structured SiC, respectively.

Photoactivatable fluorescent probes reveal heterogeneous nanoparticle permeation through biological gels at multiple scales

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Schuster, Benjamin S.; Allan, Daniel B.; Kays, Joshua C.

Diffusion through biological gels is crucial for effective drug delivery using nanoparticles. Here, we demonstrate a new method to measure diffusivity over a large range of length scales – from tens of nanometers to tens of micrometers – using photoactivatable fluorescent nanoparticle probes. We have applied this method to investigate the length-scale dependent mobility of nanoparticles in fibrin gels and in sputum from patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). Nanoparticles composed of poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid), with polyethylene glycol coatings to resist bioadhesion, were internally labeled with caged rhodamine to make the particles photoactivatable. We activated particles within a region of sample usingmore » brief, targeted exposure to UV light, uncaging the rhodamine and causing the particles in that region to become fluorescent. We imaged the subsequent spatiotemporal evolution in fluorescence intensity and observed the collective particle diffusion over tens of minutes and tens of micrometers. We also performed complementary multiple particle tracking experiments on the same particles, extending significantly the range over which particle motion and its heterogeneity can be observed. In fibrin gels, both methods showed an immobile fraction of particles and a mobile fraction that diffused over all measured length scales. In the CF sputum, particle diffusion was spatially heterogeneous and locally anisotropic but nevertheless typically led to unbounded transport extending tens of micrometers within tens of minutes. Lastly, these findings provide insight into the mesoscale architecture of these gels and its role in setting their permeability on physiologically relevant length scales, pointing toward strategies for improving nanoparticle drug delivery.« less

Photoactivatable fluorescent probes reveal heterogeneous nanoparticle permeation through biological gels at multiple scales

DOE PAGES

Schuster, Benjamin S.; Allan, Daniel B.; Kays, Joshua C.; ...

2017-05-31

Diffusion through biological gels is crucial for effective drug delivery using nanoparticles. Here, we demonstrate a new method to measure diffusivity over a large range of length scales – from tens of nanometers to tens of micrometers – using photoactivatable fluorescent nanoparticle probes. We have applied this method to investigate the length-scale dependent mobility of nanoparticles in fibrin gels and in sputum from patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). Nanoparticles composed of poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid), with polyethylene glycol coatings to resist bioadhesion, were internally labeled with caged rhodamine to make the particles photoactivatable. We activated particles within a region of sample usingmore » brief, targeted exposure to UV light, uncaging the rhodamine and causing the particles in that region to become fluorescent. We imaged the subsequent spatiotemporal evolution in fluorescence intensity and observed the collective particle diffusion over tens of minutes and tens of micrometers. We also performed complementary multiple particle tracking experiments on the same particles, extending significantly the range over which particle motion and its heterogeneity can be observed. In fibrin gels, both methods showed an immobile fraction of particles and a mobile fraction that diffused over all measured length scales. In the CF sputum, particle diffusion was spatially heterogeneous and locally anisotropic but nevertheless typically led to unbounded transport extending tens of micrometers within tens of minutes. Lastly, these findings provide insight into the mesoscale architecture of these gels and its role in setting their permeability on physiologically relevant length scales, pointing toward strategies for improving nanoparticle drug delivery.« less

Sol-Gel assembly of CdSe nanoparticles to form porous aerogel networks.

PubMed

Arachchige, Indika U; Brock, Stephanie L

2006-06-21

A detailed study of CdSe aerogels prepared by oxidative aggregation of primary nanoparticles (prepared at room temperature and high temperature conditions, >250 degrees C), followed by CO2 supercritical drying, is described. The resultant materials are mesoporous, with an interconnected network of colloidal nanoparticles, and exhibit BET surface areas up to 224 m2/g and BJH average pore diameters in the range of 16-32 nm. Powder X-ray diffraction studies indicate that these materials retain the crystal structure of the primary nanoparticles, with a slight increase in primary particle size upon gelation and aerogel formation. Optical band gap measurements and photoluminescence studies show that the as-prepared aerogels retain the quantum-confined optical properties of the nanoparticle building blocks despite being connected into a 3-D network. The specific optical characteristics of the aerogel can be further modified by surface ligand exchange at the wet-gel stage, without destroying the gel network.

ARSENIC REMOVAL USING SOL-GEL SYNTHESIZED TITANIUM DIOXIDE NANOPARTICLES

EPA Science Inventory

In this study, the effectiveness of TiO₂ nanoparticles in arsenic adsorption was examined. TiO₂ particles (LS) were synthesized via sol-gel techniques and characterized for their crystallinity, surface area and pore volume. Batch adsorption studies were perf...

Evaluation of hybrid sol-gel incorporated with nanoparticles as nano paint

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Jameel, Zainab N., E-mail: zeinb76-alrekbe@yahoo.com; Haider, Adawiya J., E-mail: adawiyahaider@yahoo.com; Taha, Samar Y., E-mail: samarjam2002@yahoo.com

A coating with self-cleaning characteristics has been developed using a TiO{sub 2}/SiO{sub 2} hybrid sol-gel, TiO{sub 2} nanoparticles and organosilicate nanoparticles (OSNP). A patented technology of the hybrid sol-gel and OSNP was combined with TiO{sub 2} nanoparticles to create the surface chemistry for self-cleaning. Two synthesis methods have been developed to prepare TiO{sub 2} nanoparticles (NPs), resulting in the enhancement of local paint by the addition of anatase and rutile TiO{sub 2} phases. The NPs size as determined by Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) ranges within of (3-4) and (20-42) nm, which was also confirmed by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Themore » nanoparticles showed surface charge (zeta-potential, ζ) of +35 and +25.62 mV for the methods, respectively, and ζ values of +41.31 and 34.02 mV for anatase and rutile phases, respectively. The NPs were mixed with the coating solution (i.e., hybrid sol-gel and OSNP) in different concentrations and thin films were prepared by spin coating. Self-cleaning tests were performed using Rhodamine B (RhB) as a pollution indicator. The effect of UV-irradiation on the films was also studied. Anatase and rutile incorporated as a mixture with different ratios in local paint and washability as well as a contrast ratio tests were performed. It was found that the addition of TiO{sub 2} NPs in combination with irradiation show a great enhancement of RhB degradation (1%) wt. with a decrease in contact angle and improved washability.« less

Interaction of Se{sup 0} nanoparticles stabilized by poly(vinylpyrrolidone) with gel films of cellulose Acetobacter xylinum

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Baklagina, Yu. G.; Khripunov, A. K.; Tkachenko, A. A.

2006-07-15

The sorption and desorption of poly(vinylpyrrolidone)-Se{sup 0} (PVP-Se{sup 0}) nanoparticles on gel films of cellulose Acetobacter xylinum (CAX) are investigated. It is revealed that the hydrodynamic radius R{sub h} of PVP-Se{sup 0} nanoparticles decreases from 57 nm in the initial solution (without CAX gel films) to 25 nm after the sorption of nanostructures on gel films and then increases to approximately 100 nm after the desorption of nanoparticles with water from dry samples of the CAX gel film-PVP-Se{sup 0} nanocomposite. It is found that selenium atoms do not penetrate into crystallites of the cellulose nanofibrils and replace water molecules sorbedmore » by the primary hydroxyl groups of their walls. Poly(vinylpyrrolidone)-Se{sup 0} nanoclusters differ in the number and size upon their sorption inside the cellulose gel film and on the film surface.« less

Investigation of Preparation and Mechanisms of a Dispersed Particle Gel Formed from a Polymer Gel at Room Temperature

PubMed Central

Zhao, Guang; Dai, Caili; Zhao, Mingwei; You, Qing; Chen, Ang

2013-01-01

A dispersed particle gel (DPG) was successfully prepared from a polymer gel at room temperature. The polymer gel system, morphology, viscosity changes, size distribution, and zeta potential of DPG particles were investigated. The results showed that zirconium gel systems with different strengths can be cross-linked within 2.5 h at low temperature. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and atomic force microscopy (AFM) results showed that the particles were polygonal particles with nano-size distribution. According to the viscosity changes, the whole preparation process can be divided into two major stages: the bulk gel cross-linking reaction period and the DPG particle preparation period. A polymer gel with a 3-dimensional network was formed in the bulk gel cross-linking reaction period whereas shearing force and frictional force were the main driving forces for the preparation of DPG particles, and thus affected the morphology of DPG particles. High shearing force and frictional force reduced the particle size distribution, and then decreased the zeta potential (absolute value). The whole preparation process could be completed within 3 h at room temperature. It could be an efficient and energy-saving technology for preparation of DPG particles. PMID:24324817

Surface functionalization of microwave plasma-synthesized silica nanoparticles for enhancing the stability of dispersions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sehlleier, Yee Hwa; Abdali, Ali; Schnurre, Sophie Marie; Wiggers, Hartmut; Schulz, Christof

2014-08-01

Gas phase-synthesized silica nanoparticles were functionalized with three different silane coupling agents (SCAs) including amine, amine/phosphonate and octyltriethoxy functional groups and the stability of dispersions in polar and non-polar dispersing media such as water, ethanol, methanol, chloroform, benzene, and toluene was studied. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy showed that all three SCAs are chemically attached to the surface of silica nanoparticles. Amine-functionalized particles using steric dispersion stabilization alone showed limited stability. Thus, an additional SCA with sufficiently long hydrocarbon chains and strong positively charged phosphonate groups was introduced in order to achieve electrosteric stabilization. Steric stabilization was successful with hydrophobic octyltriethoxy-functionalized silica nanoparticles in non-polar solvents. The results from dynamic light scattering measurements showed that in dispersions of amine/phosphonate- and octyltriethoxy-functionalized silica particles are dispersed on a primary particle level. Stable dispersions were successfully prepared from initially agglomerated nanoparticles synthesized in a microwave plasma reactor by designing the surface functionalization.

Thermosensitive In Situ Gel Based on Solid Dispersion for Rectal Delivery of Ibuprofen.

PubMed

Liu, Yangdan; Wang, Xin; Liu, Youping; Di, Xin

2018-01-01

The objective of this study was to develop a thermosensitive in situ gel based on solid dispersions (SDs) for rectal delivery of ibuprofen (IBU). Thermosensitive (poloxamer 407) and mucoadhesive (hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose E5 and sodium alginate) polymers were used to prepare the in situ gel and the sol-gel transition temperature (T sol-gel ) and gel strength were optimized. The in vitro release performance and in vivo pharmacokinetic properties of the in situ gel after their rectal administration to rabbits were investigated. Compared with the solid suppository, the cumulative release of the IBU SDs loaded in situ gel was significantly increased. The in vivo pharmacokinetics indicated that in situ gel had a higher peak plasma concentration (C max ) and area under the curve (AUC (0-∞) ) in plasma than the solid suppositories. Histopathology results showed that the IBU in situ gel given at a dose of 15 mg/kg did not produce any irritation. In conclusion, this study suggested that the in situ gel could be an effective rectal formulation for IBU.

Development of megestrol acetate solid dispersion nanoparticles for enhanced oral delivery by using a supercritical antisolvent process.

PubMed

Ha, Eun-Sol; Kim, Jeong-Soo; Baek, In-Hwan; Yoo, Jin-Wook; Jung, Yunjin; Moon, Hyung Ryong; Kim, Min-Soo

2015-01-01

In the present study, solid dispersion nanoparticles with a hydrophilic polymer and surfactant were developed using the supercritical antisolvent (SAS) process to improve the dissolution and oral absorption of megestrol acetate. The physicochemical properties of the megestrol acetate solid dispersion nanoparticles were characterized using scanning electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, powder X-ray diffraction, and a particle-size analyzer. The dissolution and oral bioavailability of the nanoparticles were also evaluated in rats. The mean particle size of all solid dispersion nanoparticles that were prepared was <500 nm. Powder X-ray diffraction and differential scanning calorimetry measurements showed that megestrol acetate was present in an amorphous or molecular dispersion state within the solid dispersion nanoparticles. Hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose (HPMC) solid dispersion nanoparticles significantly increased the maximum dissolution when compared with polyvinylpyrrolidone K30 solid dispersion nanoparticles. The extent and rate of dissolution of megestrol acetate increased after the addition of a surfactant into the HPMC solid dispersion nanoparticles. The most effective surfactant was Ryoto sugar ester L1695, followed by D-α-tocopheryl polyethylene glycol 1000 succinate. In this study, the solid dispersion nanoparticles with a drug:HPMC:Ryoto sugar ester L1695 ratio of 1:2:1 showed >95% rapid dissolution within 30 minutes, in addition to good oral bioavailability, with approximately 4.0- and 5.5-fold higher area under the curve (0-24 hours) and maximum concentration, respectively, than raw megestrol acetate powder. These results suggest that the preparation of megestrol acetate solid dispersion nanoparticles using the supercritical antisolvent process is a promising approach to improve the dissolution and absorption properties of megestrol acetate.

Preparation and anti-bacterial properties of a temperature sensitive gel containing silver nanoparticles

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The purpose of this study was to prepare a novel temperature-sensitive spray gel containing silver nanoparticles and investigate its anti-bacterial properties in vitro. Methods: The aqueous complex gel was prepared by Pluronic F127 (18-22%) and Pluronic F68 (3-9%) through a cold method to obtain a p...

Morphology and dispersion of FeCo alloy nanoparticles dispersed in a matrix of IR pyrolized polyvinyl alcohol

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vasilev, A. A.; Dzidziguri, E. L.; Muratov, D. G.; Zhilyaeva, N. A.; Efimov, M. N.; Karpacheva, G. P.

2018-04-01

Metal-carbon nanocomposites consisting of FeCo alloy nanoparticles dispersed in a carbon matrix were synthesized by the thermal decomposition method of a precursor based on polyvinyl alcohol and metals salts. The synthesized powders were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray fluorescent spectrometry (XRFS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Surface characteristics of materials were measured by BET-method. The morphology and dispersity of metal nanoparticles were studied depending on the metals ratio in the composite.

Network Confinement and Heterogeneity Slows Nanoparticle Diffusion in Polymer Gels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Parrish, Emmabeth; Caporizzo, Matthew; Composto, Russell

Nanoparticle (NP) diffusion was measured in polyacrylamide gels (PAG) with a mesh size comparable to NP size, 20nm. The confinement ratio (CR), NP diameter/mesh, increased from 0.4 to 3.8 by increasing crosslinker density and 0.4 to 2 by adding acetone, which collapsed PAG. In all gels, NPs either became localized (<200nm) or diffused microns, as measured by single particle tracking. Mean squared displacements (MSD) of mobile NPs decreased as CR increased. In collapsed gels, the localized NP population increased and MSD of mobile NPs decreased compared to crosslinked PAG. For all CRs, van Hove distributions exhibited non-Gaussian displacements consistent with intermittent localization of NPs. The non-Gaussian parameter increased from a maximum of 1.5 for crosslinked PAG to 5 for collapsed PAG, consistent with greater network heterogeneity. Diffusion coefficients, D, decreased exponentially as CR increased for crosslinked gels, but in collapsed gels D decreased more strongly, suggesting CR alone was insufficient to capture diffusion. Collapsing the gel resulted in an increasingly tortuous pathway for NPs, slowing diffusion at a given CR. Understanding how gel structure affects NP mobility will allow the design of gels with improved ability to separate and release molecules. ACS/PRF 54028-ND7, NSF/MWN DMR-1210379.

Plasma - enhanced dispersion of metal and ceramic nanoparticles in polymer nanocomposite films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maguire, Paul; Liu, Yazi; Askari, Sadegh; Patel, Jenish; Macia-Montero, Manuel; Mitra, Somak; Zhang, Richao; Sun, Dan; Mariotti, Davide

2015-09-01

In this work we demonstrate a facile method to synthesize a nanoparticle/PEDOT:PSS hybrid nanocomposite material in aqueous solution through atmospheric pressure direct current (DC) plasma processing at room temperature. Both metal (Au) and ceramic (TiO2) nanoparticle composite films have been fabricated. Nanoparticle dispersion is enhanced considerable and remains stable. TiO2/polymer hybrid nanoparticles with a distinct core shell structure have been obtained. Increased nanoparticle/PEDOT:PSS nanocomposite electrical conductivity has been observed. The improvement in nanocomposite properties is due to the enhanced dispersion and stability in liquid polymer of microplasma processed Au or TiO2 nanoparticles. Both plasma induced surface charge and nanoparticle surface termination with specific plasma chemical species are thought to provide an enhanced barrier to nanoparticle agglomeration and promote nanoparticle-polymer bonding. This is expected to have a significant benefit in materials processing with inorganic nanoparticles for applications in energy storage, photocatalysis and biomedical sensors. Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC: EP/K006088/1, EP/K006142, Nos. EP/K022237/1).

Network confinement and heterogeneity slows nanoparticle diffusion in polymer gels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Parrish, Emmabeth; Caporizzo, Matthew A.; Composto, Russell J.

2017-05-01

Nanoparticle (NP) diffusion was measured in polyacrylamide gels (PAGs) with a mesh size comparable to the NP size, 21 nm. The confinement ratio (CR), NP diameter/mesh size, increased from 0.4 to 3.8 by increasing crosslinker density and from 0.4 to 2.1 by adding acetone, which collapsed the PAGs. In all gels, NPs either became localized, moving less than 200 nm, diffused microns, or exhibited a combination of these behaviors, as measured by single particle tracking. Mean squared displacements (MSDs) of mobile NPs decreased as CR increased. In collapsed gels, the localized NP population increased and MSD of mobile NPs decreased compared to crosslinked PAGs. For all CRs, van Hove distributions exhibited non-Gaussian displacements, consistent with intermittent localization of NPs. The non-Gaussian parameter increased from a maximum of 1.5 for crosslinked PAG to 5 for collapsed PAG, consistent with greater network heterogeneity in these gels. Diffusion coefficients decreased exponentially as CR increased for crosslinked gels; however, in collapsed gels, the diffusion coefficients decreased more strongly, which was attributed to network heterogeneity. Collapsing the gel resulted in an increasingly tortuous pathway for NPs, slowing diffusion at a given CR. Understanding how gel structure affects NP mobility will allow the design and enhanced performance of gels that separate and release molecules in membranes and drug delivery platforms.

Surfactant-assisted synthesis of mono-dispersed cubic BaTiO{sub 3} nanoparticles

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Hai, Chunxi; Inukai, Koji; Takahashi, Yosuke

2014-09-15

Mono-dispersed BaTiO{sub 3} nanoparticles have been prepared via the assistance of capping agent poly(vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP). - Highlights: • BaTiO{sub 3} nanoparticles with single cubic crystal structure. • Poor dispersibility of nanoparticles has been overcome by in situ modification way. • Growth competition between BaTiO3 core and polymer shell. - Abstract: In this study, poly(vinylpyrrolidone)-assisted synthesis of mono-dispersed BaTiO{sub 3} nanoparticles have been reported. The various processing parameters, namely, refluxing temperature, KOH concentration, and poly(vinylpyrrolidone) concentration, have been varied, and the effects on the growth of BaTiO{sub 3} particles have been analyzed systematically. X-ray diffraction studies indicated that poly(vinylpyrrolidone) did notmore » affect the crystal structure, but rather influenced the crystal lattice structure. In addition, the use of surfactant poly(vinylpyrrolidone) hindered the agglomeration of the nanoparticles, and facilitated the formation of mono-dispersed core–shell organic/inorganic hybrid nanocomposite. Furthermore, the mineralizer KOH promoted the dissolution of reactants and promoted the crystallization of BaTiO{sub 3} particles. Accordingly, the dissolution-precipitation scheme was believed to be the mechanism underlying the formation of BaTiO{sub 3} particles. This was further substantiated by the experimental observations, which indicated that the nucleation and crystallization of the particles was affected by the KOH concentration in the reaction system. Finally, the formation of mono-dispersed core–shell nanocomposites proceeded via reaction limited cluster aggregation. We believe that the method proposed in this study could be extended for the synthesis of mono-dispersed nanoparticles for industrial applications.« less

Radiation dose enhancement of gold nanoparticle on different polymer gel dosimeters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jabaseelan Samuel, E. James; Srinivasan, K.; Poopathi, V.

2017-05-01

In this work, we evaluated the dose enhancement produced by gold nanoparticle on ten different polymer gel dosimeters with a concentration of 7mgAu /g over a wide photon energy range of 15KeV to 20MeV and the results were compared with Soft tissue ICRU-44 produced. Our result showed that maximum DEF was observed at 40KeV, while it was almost negligible at higher energy range. Dose enhancement produced by AuNP on the gel dosimeter medium was varied compared to the reference ICRU-44 tissue, it was ± <1% for PAGAT, NIPAM, nPAG and ± <5% for PABIG, VIPAR, HEAG, BANG1, nMAG & ± <10% for MAGIC, ABAGIC gel dosimeters. Hence, we conclude that choosing the proper gel dosimeter is essential in dose enhancement study.

Fabrication and characterization of sol-gel based nanoparticles for drug delivery

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yadav, Reeta

Nanogels are cross linked polymeric sol-gel based nanoparticles that offer an interior network for incorporation and protection of biomolecules, exhibiting unique advantages for polymer based delivery systems. We have successfully synthesized stable sol-gel nanoparticles by means of [a] silicification reactions using cationic peptides like polylysine as gelating agents, and [b] lyophilization of sol-gels. Macromolecules such as Hemoglobin and Glucose Oxidase and small molecules such as Sodium Nitroprusside (SNP) and antibiotics were encapsulated within the nanogels. We have used transmission electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering, zeta potential analysis, and spectroscopy to perform a physicochemical characterization of the nanogels resulting from the two approaches. Our studies have indicated that the nanogel encapsulated proteins and small molecules remain intact, stable and functional. A Hydrogen Peroxide (H2O2) and Nitric Oxide (NO) generating drug carrier was synthesized using these nanogels and the effect of generation of H2O2 from Glucose Oxidase encapsulated nanogels and NO from SNP encapsulated nanogels was tested on E.coli. The results show that the nanoparticles exert antimicrobial activity against E.Coli, in addition NO generating nanogels potentiated H2O2 generating nanogels induced killing. These data suggest that these NO and H2O2 releasing nanogels have the potential to serve as a novel class of antimicrobials for the treatment of multidrug resistant bacteria. The unique properties of these protein/drug incorporated nanogels raise the prospect of fine tailoring to specific applications such as drug delivery and bio imaging.

Adjustable rheology of fumed silica dispersion in urethane prepolymers: Composition-dependent sol and gel behaviors and energy-mediated shear responses

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Zheng, Zhong, E-mail: 11329038@zju.edu.cn; Song, Yihu, E-mail: s-yh0411@zju.edu.cn; Wang, Xiang, E-mail: 11229036@zju.edu.cn

2015-07-15

Variation of colloidal and interfacial interactions leads to a microstructural diversity in fumed silica dispersions exhibiting absolutely different sol- or gel-like rheological responses. In this study, fumed silicas with different surface areas (200–400 m{sup 2}/g) and surface characteristics (hydrophilic or hydrophobic) are dispersed into moisture-cured polyurethane. The microstructures investigated using transmission electron microscope are associated perfectly with three different rheological behaviors: (i) Sols with well-dispersed silica aggregates, (ii) weak gels with agglomerate-linked networks, and (iii) strong gels with concentrated networks of large agglomerates. Though sols and gels are well distinguished by shear thickening or sustained thinning response through steady shearmore » flow test, it is interesting that the sols and weak gels exhibit a uniform modulus plateau-softening-hardening-softening response with increasing dynamic strain at frequency 10 rad s{sup −1} while the strong gels show a sustained softening beyond the linear regime. Furthermore, the onset of softening and hardening can be normalized: The two softening are isoenergetic at mechanical energies of 0.3 J m{sup −3} and 10 kJ m{sup −3}. On the other hand, the hardening is initiated by a critical strain of 60%. The mechanisms involved in the generation of the sol- and the gel-like dispersions and their structural evolutions during shear are thoroughly clarified in relation to the polyols, the characteristic and content of silica and the curing catalysts.« less

Mangifera Indica leaf-assisted biosynthesis of well-dispersed silver nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Philip, Daizy

2011-01-01

The use of various parts of plants for the synthesis of nanoparticles is considered as a green technology as it does not involve any harmful chemicals. The present study reports a facile and rapid biosynthesis of well-dispersed silver nanoparticles. The method developed is environmentally friendly and allows the reduction to be accelerated by changing the temperature and pH of the reaction mixture consisting of aqueous AgNO 3 and Mangifera Indica leaf extract. At a pH of 8, the colloid consists of well-dispersed triangular, hexagonal and nearly spherical nanoparticles having size ˜20 nm. The UV-vis spectrum of silver nanoparticles gave surface plasmon resonance (SPR) at 439 nm. The synthesized nanocrystals were characterized using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Water soluble organics present in the leaf are responsible for the reduction of silver ions. This green method provides faster synthesis comparable to chemical methods and can be used in areas such as cosmetics, foods and medical applications.

Simulation of heating by optical absorption in nanoparticle dispersions (Conference Presentation)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Olbricht, Benjamin C.

2017-02-01

With the proliferation of highly confined, nanophotonic waveguides and laser sources with increasing intensity, the effects of laser heating will begin to greatly impact the materials used in optical applications. In order to better understand the mechanism of laser heating, its timescales, and the dispersion of heat into the material, simulations of nanoparticles in various media are presented. A generic model to describe a variety of nanoparticle shapes and sizes is desirable to describe complex phenomenon. These particles are dispersed into various solids, liquids, or gases depending on the application. To simulate nanoparticles and their interaction with their host material, the Finite Element Method (FEM) is used. Heat transfer following an absorption event is also described by a parabolic partial differential equation, and transient solutions are generated in response to continuous, pulsed, or modulated laser radiation. The simplest physical system described by FEM is that of a broadly-absorbing round-shaped nanoparticle dispersed in viscous host fluid or solid. Many experimental and theoretical studies conveniently describe a very similar system: a carbon "black" nanoparticle suspended in water. This material is well-known to exhibit nonlinear behavior when a laser pulse carrying 0.7 J/cm2 is incident on the material. For this process the FEM simulations agree with experimental results to show that a pulse of this fluence is capable of heating the solvent elements adjacent to the nanoparticle to their boiling point. This creates nonlinear scattering which is empirically observed as a nonlinear decrease in the transmitted power at this input fluence.

Enhanced bioavailability of sirolimus via preparation of solid dispersion nanoparticles using a supercritical antisolvent process

PubMed Central

Kim, Min-Soo; Kim, Jeong-Soo; Park, Hee Jun; Cho, Won Kyung; Cha, Kwang-Ho; Hwang, Sung-Joo

2011-01-01

Background The aim of this study was to improve the physicochemical properties and bioavailability of poorly water-soluble sirolimus via preparation of a solid dispersion of nanoparticles using a supercritical antisolvent (SAS) process. Methods First, excipients for enhancing the stability and solubility of sirolimus were screened. Second, using the SAS process, solid dispersions of sirolimus-polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) K30 nanoparticles were prepared with or without surfactants such as sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), tocopheryl propylene glycol succinate, Sucroester 15, Gelucire 50/13, and Myrj 52. A mean particle size of approximately 250 nm was obtained for PVP K30-sirolimus nanoparticles. Solid state characterization, kinetic solubility, powder dissolution, stability, and pharmacokinetics were analyzed in rats. Results X-ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, and high-pressure liquid chromatography indicated that sirolimus existed in an anhydrous amorphous form within a solid dispersion of nanoparticles and that no degradation occurred after SAS processing. The improved supersaturation and dissolution of sirolimus as a solid dispersion of nanoparticles appeared to be well correlated with enhanced bioavailability of oral sirolimus in rats. With oral administration of a solid dispersion of PVP K30-SLS-sirolimus nanoparticles, the peak concentration and AUC0→12h of sirolimus were increased by approximately 18.3-fold and 15.2-fold, respectively. Conclusion The results of this study suggest that preparation of PVP K30-sirolimus-surfactant nanoparticles using the SAS process may be a promising approach for improving the bioavailability of sirolimus. PMID:22162657

High-performance 3D printing of hydrogels by water-dispersible photoinitiator nanoparticles.

PubMed

Pawar, Amol A; Saada, Gabriel; Cooperstein, Ido; Larush, Liraz; Jackman, Joshua A; Tabaei, Seyed R; Cho, Nam-Joon; Magdassi, Shlomo

2016-04-01

In the absence of water-soluble photoinitiators with high absorbance in the ultraviolet (UV)-visible range, rapid three-dimensional (3D) printing of hydrogels for tissue engineering is challenging. A new approach enabling rapid 3D printing of hydrogels in aqueous solutions is presented on the basis of UV-curable inks containing nanoparticles of highly efficient but water-insoluble photoinitiators. The extinction coefficient of the new water-dispersible nanoparticles of 2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl-diphenylphosphine oxide (TPO) is more than 300 times larger than the best and most used commercially available water-soluble photoinitiator. The TPO nanoparticles absorb significantly in the range from 385 to 420 nm, making them suitable for use in commercially available, low-cost, light-emitting diode-based 3D printers using digital light processing. The polymerization rate at this range is very fast and enables 3D printing that otherwise is impossible to perform without adding solvents. The TPO nanoparticles were prepared by rapid conversion of volatile microemulsions into water-dispersible powder, a process that can be used for a variety of photoinitiators. Such water-dispersible photoinitiator nanoparticles open many opportunities to enable rapid 3D printing of structures prepared in aqueous solutions while bringing environmental advantages by using low-energy curing systems and avoiding the need for solvents.

Synthesis of water dispersible boron core silica shell (B@SiO2) nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Walton, Nathan I.; Gao, Zhe; Eygeris, Yulia; Ghandehari, Hamidreza; Zharov, Ilya

2018-04-01

Water dispersible boron nanoparticles have great potential as materials for boron neutron capture therapy of cancer and magnetic resonance imaging, if they are prepared on a large scale with uniform size and shape and hydrophilic modifiable surface. We report the first method to prepare spherical, monodisperse, water dispersible boron core silica shell nanoparticles (B@SiO2 NPs) suitable for aforementioned biomedical applications. In this method, 40 nm elemental boron nanoparticles, easily prepared by mechanical milling and carrying 10-undecenoic acid surface ligands, are hydrosilylated using triethoxysilane, followed by base-catalyzed hydrolysis of tetraethoxysilane, which forms a 10-nm silica shell around the boron core. This simple two-step process converts irregularly shaped hydrophobic boron particles into the spherically shaped uniform nanoparticles. The B@SiO2 NPs are dispersible in water and the silica shell surface can be modified with primary amines that allow for the attachment of a fluorophore and, potentially, of targeting moieties. [Figure not available: see fulltext.

Facile, one-pot synthesis, and antibacterial activity of mesoporous silica nanoparticles decorated with well-dispersed silver nanoparticles.

PubMed

Tian, Yue; Qi, Juanjuan; Zhang, Wei; Cai, Qiang; Jiang, Xingyu

2014-08-13

In this study, we exploit a facile, one-pot method to prepare MCM-41 type mesoporous silica nanoparticles decorated with silver nanoparticles (Ag-MSNs). Silver nanoparticles with diameter of 2-10 nm are highly dispersed in the framework of mesoporous silica nanoparticles. These Ag-MSNs possess an enhanced antibacterial effect against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria by preventing the aggregation of silver nanoparticles and continuously releasing silver ions for one month. The cytotoxicity assay indicates that the effective antibacterial concentration of Ag-MSNs shows little effect on human cells. This report describes an efficient and economical route to synthesize mesoporous silica nanoparticles with uniform silver nanoparticles, and these nanoparticles show promising applications as antibiotics.

Synthesis of bi-phase dispersible core-shell FeAu@ZnO magneto-opto-fluorescent nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Xue-Mei; Liu, Hong-Ling; Liu, Xiao; Fang, Ning; Wang, Xian-Hong; Wu, Jun-Hua

2015-11-01

Bi-phase dispersible core-shell FeAu@ZnO magneto-opto-fluorescent nanoparticles were synthesized by a modified nanoemulsion process using poly(ethylene glycol)-block-poly(propylene glycol)-block-poly(ethylene glycol) (PEO-PPO-PEO) as the surfactant. The morphology and crystal structure of the nanoparticles were studied by TEM/HRTEM and XRD. The nanoparticles manifest soft ferromagnetic and/or near superparamagnetic behavior with a small coercivity of ~19 Oe at room temperature. The corresponding magnetic hysteresis curves were elucidated by the modified Langevin equation. The FTIR study confirms the PEO-PPO-PEO molecules on the surface of the nanoparticles. The UV-vis and PL results reveal the well-behaved absorption bands including surface plasmon resonance and multiple visible fingerprint photoluminescent emissions of the nanoparticles dispersed in both hydrophilic and hydrophobic solvents. Moreover, the processes of solvent dispersion-collection of the nanoparticles were demonstrated for application readiness of such core-shell nanostructures.

Synthesis of bi-phase dispersible core-shell FeAu@ZnO magneto-opto-fluorescent nanoparticles

PubMed Central

Li, Xue-Mei; Liu, Hong-Ling; Liu, Xiao; Fang, Ning; Wang, Xian-Hong; Wu, Jun-Hua

2015-01-01

Bi-phase dispersible core-shell FeAu@ZnO magneto-opto-fluorescent nanoparticles were synthesized by a modified nanoemulsion process using poly(ethylene glycol)-block-poly(propylene glycol)-block-poly(ethylene glycol) (PEO-PPO-PEO) as the surfactant. The morphology and crystal structure of the nanoparticles were studied by TEM/HRTEM and XRD. The nanoparticles manifest soft ferromagnetic and/or near superparamagnetic behavior with a small coercivity of ~19 Oe at room temperature. The corresponding magnetic hysteresis curves were elucidated by the modified Langevin equation. The FTIR study confirms the PEO-PPO-PEO molecules on the surface of the nanoparticles. The UV-vis and PL results reveal the well-behaved absorption bands including surface plasmon resonance and multiple visible fingerprint photoluminescent emissions of the nanoparticles dispersed in both hydrophilic and hydrophobic solvents. Moreover, the processes of solvent dispersion-collection of the nanoparticles were demonstrated for application readiness of such core-shell nanostructures. PMID:26548369

Pulmonary toxicity of well-dispersed titanium dioxide nanoparticles following intratracheal instillation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yoshiura, Yukiko; Izumi, Hiroto; Oyabu, Takako; Hashiba, Masayoshi; Kambara, Tatsunori; Mizuguchi, Yohei; Lee, Byeong Woo; Okada, Takami; Tomonaga, Taisuke; Myojo, Toshihiko; Yamamoto, Kazuhiro; Kitajima, Shinichi; Horie, Masanori; Kuroda, Etsushi; Morimoto, Yasuo

2015-06-01

In order to investigate the pulmonary toxicity of titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles, we performed an intratracheal instillation study with rats of well-dispersed TiO2 nanoparticles and examined the pulmonary inflammation and histopathological changes in the lung. Wistar Hannover rats were intratracheally administered 0.2 mg (0.66 mg/kg) and 1.0 mg (3.3 mg/kg) of well-dispersed TiO2 nanoparticles (P90; diameter of agglomerates: 25 nm), then the pulmonary inflammation responses were examined from 3 days to 6 months after the instillation, and the pathological features were examined up to 24 months. Transient inflammation and the upregulation of chemokines in the broncho-alveolar lavage fluid were observed for 1 month. No respiratory tumors or severe fibrosis were observed during the recovery time. These data suggest that transient inflammation induced by TiO2 may not lead to chronic, irreversible legions in the lung, and that TiO2 nanoparticles may not have a high potential for lung disorder.

Fabrication and evaluation of dispersed-Ag nanoparticles-in-polyimide thin films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sonehara, Makoto; Watanabe, Yuki; Yamaguchi, Sota; Kato, Takanori; Yoshisaku, Yasuaki; Sato, Toshiro; Itoh, Eiji

2017-10-01

A thin-film common-mode filter (TF-CMF) for cell phones in the UHF band was fabricated and evaluated. The TF-CMF consisted of multiple metal-insulator-metal (MIM) capacitors and inductors. The sizes of the 0.70-1.0 GHz band-type and 1.8-2.0 GHz band-type TF-CMFs are 1,140 × 1,260 × 10.5 µm3, and 1,060 × 1,060 × 10.5 µm3, respectively. The footprint in both types of TF-CMFs is over 1 mm2. In order to miniaturize the TF-CMF, we proposed to change a polyimide-only to a polyimide with dispersed Ag nanoparticles with high permittivity in the insulator layer for the MIM capacitor of the TF-CMF. A polyimide (\\text{polyimide precursor}:\\text{toluene with dispersed Ag nanoparticles} = 100:1) thin film with dispersed high-density Ag nanoparticles has a relative permittivity of about 8, which is twice as high as that of the polyimide-only thin film. If the capacitance and distance between electrodes are the same, then the capacitor footprint may be halved.

Au nanoparticle monolayers covered with sol-gel oxide thin films: optical and morphological study.

PubMed

Della Gaspera, Enrico; Karg, Matthias; Baldauf, Julia; Jasieniak, Jacek; Maggioni, Gianluigi; Martucci, Alessandro

2011-11-15

In this work, we provide a detailed study of the influence of thermal annealing on submonolayer Au nanoparticle deposited on functionalized surfaces as standalone films and those that are coated with sol-gel NiO and TiO(2) thin films. The systems are characterized through the use of UV-vis absorption, X-ray diffraction (XRD), atomic force microscopy (AFM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and spectroscopic ellipsometry. The surface plasmon resonance peak of the Au nanoparticles was found to red-shift and increase in intensity with increasing surface coverage, an observation that is directly correlated to the complex refractive index properties of Au nanoparticle layers. The standalone Au nanoparticles sinter at 200 °C, and a relationship between the optical properties and the annealing temperature is presented. When overcoated with sol-gel metal oxide films (NiO, TiO(2)), the optical properties of the Au nanoparticles are strongly affected by the metal oxide, resulting in an intense red shift and broadening of the plasmon band; moreover, the temperature-driven sintering is strongly limited by the metal oxide layer. Optical sensing tests for ethanol vapor are presented as one possible application, showing reversible sensing dynamics and confirming the effect of Au nanoparticles in increasing the sensitivity and in providing a wavelength dependent response, thus confirming the potential use of such materials as optical probes.

Stability of Y-Ti-O nanoparticles during laser deposition of oxide dispersion strengthened steel powder

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Euh, Kwangjun; Arkhurst, Barton; Kim, Il Hyun; Kim, Hyun-Gil; Kim, Jeoung Han

2017-11-01

This study investigated the feasibility of a direct energy deposition process for fabrication of oxide dispersion strengthened steel cladding. The effect of the laser working power and scan speed on the microstructural stability of oxide nanoparticles in the deposition layer was examined. Y-Ti-O type oxide nanoparticles with a mean diameter of 45 nm were successfully dispersed by the laser deposition process. The laser working power significantly affected nanoparticle size and number density. A high laser power with a low scan speed seriously induced particle coarsening and agglomeration. Compared with bulk oxide dispersion strengthened steel, the hardness of the laser deposition layer was much lower because of a relatively coarse particle and grain size. Formation mechanism of nanoparticles during laser deposition was discussed.

Hybrid Hydroxyapatite Nanoparticle Colloidal Gels are Injectable Fillers for Bone Tissue Engineering

PubMed Central

Gu, Zhen; Jamal, Syed; Detamore, Michael S.

2013-01-01

Injectable bone fillers have emerged as an alternative to the invasive surgery often required to treat bone defects. Current bone fillers may benefit from improvements in dynamic properties such as shear thinning during injection and recovery of material stiffness after placement. Negatively charged inorganic hydroxyapatite (HAp) nanoparticles (NPs) were assembled with positively charged organic poly(d,l-lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) NPs to create a cohesive colloidal gel. This material is held together by electrostatic forces that may be disrupted by shear to facilitate extrusion, molding, or injection. Scanning electron micrographs of the dried colloidal gels showed a well-organized, three-dimensional porous structure. Rheology tests revealed that certain colloidal gels could recover after being sheared. Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells were also highly viable when seeded on the colloidal gels. HAp/PLGA NP colloidal gels offer an attractive scheme for injectable filling and regeneration of bone tissue. PMID:23815275

Chemical synthesis of narrowly dispersed SmCo5 nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gu, Hongwei; Xu, Bing; Rao, Jiancun; Zheng, R. K.; Zhang, X. X.; Fung, K. K.; Wong, Catherine Y. C.

2003-05-01

In this article we report a chemical synthetic means for generating a high Ku magnetic material—narrowly dispersed nanoparticles of SmCo5. Using Co2(CO)8 and Sm(acac)3 as the precursors under air-free conditions, we produced SmCo5 nanoparticles according to the procedure reported by Sun et al. [Science 287, 1981 (2000)] but with some modifications. The nanoparticles, with diameters of 6-8 nm, have a SmCo5 composition, as indicated by transmission electron microscopy, electron diffraction, and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The magnetization measurement of the nanoparticles, exhibits superparamagnetism, which is blocked for temperatures below ˜110 K, suggesting Ku to be ˜2.1×106 erg/cm3 for the as-prepared particles.

Shellac/nanoparticles dispersions as protective materials for wood

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Weththimuni, Maduka L.; Capsoni, Doretta; Malagodi, Marco; Milanese, Chiara; Licchelli, Maurizio

2016-12-01

Wood is a natural material that finds numerous and widespread applications, but is subject to different decay processes. Surface coating is the most common method used to protect wood against deterioration and to improve and stabilize its distinctive appearance. Shellac is a natural resin that has been widely used as a protective material for wooden artefacts (e.g. furniture, musical instruments), due to its excellent properties. Nevertheless, diffusion of shellac-based varnishes has significantly declined during the last decades, because of some limitations such as the softness of the coating, photo-degradation, and sensitivity to alcoholic solvents and to pH variations. In the present study, different inorganic nanoparticles were dispersed into dewaxed natural shellac and the resulting materials were investigated even after application on wood specimens in order to assess variations of the coating properties. Analyses performed by a variety of experimental techniques have shown that dispersed nanoparticles do not significantly affect some distinctive and desirable features of the shellac varnish such as chromatic aspect, film-forming ability, water repellence, and adhesion. On the other hand, the obtained results suggested that some weak points of the coating, such as low hardness and poor resistance to UV-induced ageing, can be improved by adding ZrO2 and ZnO nanoparticles, respectively.

High-performance 3D printing of hydrogels by water-dispersible photoinitiator nanoparticles

PubMed Central

Pawar, Amol A.; Saada, Gabriel; Cooperstein, Ido; Larush, Liraz; Jackman, Joshua A.; Tabaei, Seyed R.; Cho, Nam-Joon; Magdassi, Shlomo

2016-01-01

In the absence of water-soluble photoinitiators with high absorbance in the ultraviolet (UV)–visible range, rapid three-dimensional (3D) printing of hydrogels for tissue engineering is challenging. A new approach enabling rapid 3D printing of hydrogels in aqueous solutions is presented on the basis of UV-curable inks containing nanoparticles of highly efficient but water-insoluble photoinitiators. The extinction coefficient of the new water-dispersible nanoparticles of 2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl-diphenylphosphine oxide (TPO) is more than 300 times larger than the best and most used commercially available water-soluble photoinitiator. The TPO nanoparticles absorb significantly in the range from 385 to 420 nm, making them suitable for use in commercially available, low-cost, light-emitting diode–based 3D printers using digital light processing. The polymerization rate at this range is very fast and enables 3D printing that otherwise is impossible to perform without adding solvents. The TPO nanoparticles were prepared by rapid conversion of volatile microemulsions into water-dispersible powder, a process that can be used for a variety of photoinitiators. Such water-dispersible photoinitiator nanoparticles open many opportunities to enable rapid 3D printing of structures prepared in aqueous solutions while bringing environmental advantages by using low-energy curing systems and avoiding the need for solvents. PMID:27051877

Dispersion and stability of bare hematite nanoparticles: effect of dispersion tools, nanoparticle concentration, humic acid and ionic strength

PubMed Central

Dickson, Dionne; Liu, Guangliang; Li, Chenzhong; Tachiev, Georgio; Cai, Yong

2012-01-01

The aggregation and sedimentation of iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) can significantly affect the mobility and reactivity of IONPs and subsequently influence the interaction between IONPs and environmental contaminants. Dispersing bare IONPs into a stable suspension within nanoscale range is an important step for studying the interaction of IONPs with contaminants (e.g., toxic metals). In this study, different techniques to disperse bare IONPs (vortex, bath sonication and probe ultrasonication) and the effects of important environmental factors such as dissolved organic matter and ionic strength on the stability of IONPs dispersions were investigated. Vortex minimally dispersed IONPs with hydrodynamic diameter outside the “nanosize range” (698–2400nm). Similar to vortex, bath sonication could not disperse IONPs efficiently. Probe ultrasonication was more effective at dispersing IONPs (50% or more) with hydrodynamic diameters ranging from 120–140 nm with minimal changes in size and sedimentation of IONPs for a prolonged period of time. Over the course of 168 hours, considerable amounts of IONPs remained dispersed in the presence and absence of low ionic strength (0.1 mM of NaCl) and 100 mg/L of humic acid (HA). These results indicate that IONPs can be broken down efficiently into “nanosize range” by probe ultrasonication and a degree of stability can be achieved without the use of synthetic modifiers to enhance colloidal stability. This dispersion tool could be used to develop a laboratory method to study the adsorption mechanism between dispersed bare IONPs and toxic contaminants. PMID:22289174

Magneto-optical characterization of colloidal dispersions. Application to nickel nanoparticles.

PubMed

Pascu, Oana; Caicedo, José Manuel; Fontcuberta, Josep; Herranz, Gervasi; Roig, Anna

2010-08-03

We report here on a fast magneto-optical characterization method for colloidal liquid dispersions of magnetic nanoparticles. We have applied our methodology to Ni nanoparticles with size equal or below 15 nm synthesized by a ligand stabilized solution-phase synthesis. We have measured the magnetic circular dichroism (MCD) of colloidal dispersions and found that we can probe the intrinsic magnetic properties within a wide concentration range, from 10(-5) up to 10(-2) M, with sensitivity to concentrations below 1 microg/mL of magnetic Ni particles. We found that the measured MCD signal scales up with the concentration thus providing a means of determining the concentration values of highly diluted dispersions. The methodology presented here exhibits large flexibility and versatility and might be suitable to study either fundamental problems related to properties of nanosize particles including surface related effects which are highly relevant for magnetic colloids in biomedical applications or to be applied to in situ testing and integration in production lines.

Effects of dispersion solvent on the formation of silicon nanoparticles synthesized via microemulsion route

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liong, W. L.; Sreekantan, S.; Hutagalung, S. D.

2010-05-01

Silicon nanoparticles are synthesized by microemulsion route. Silicon tetrachloride (SiCl4) is used as a silicon source. Meanwhile, hydrazine (N2H5OH), sodium hydroxide (NaOH), and polyethylene glycol (PEG) are used as reduction agent, stabilizer, and capping agent, respectively. In this study, the effects of different solvents (methanol, 1-butanol, 2-propanol, ethanol, acetone, and toluene) on the dispersion and the stabilization of silicon nanoparticles are studied intensively. The results in this study show that ethanol solvent has given smaller particle size, better size distribution, stable suspension and well dispersion of silicon nanoparticles. The diameter of synthesized silicon nanoparticles is in the range of 30-100 nm. Moreover, the absorption edge of silicon nanoparticles in ethanol is observed at a shorter wavelength compared to the others solvent.

Curvature dependence of the effect of ionic functionalization on the attraction among nanoparticles in dispersion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jabes, B. Shadrack; Bratko, Dusan; Luzar, Alenka

2018-06-01

Solubilization of nanoparticles facilitates nanomaterial processing and enables new applications. An effective method to improve dispersibility in water is provided by ionic functionalization. We explore how the necessary extent of functionalization depends on the particle geometry. Using molecular dynamics/umbrella sampling simulations, we determine the effect of the solute curvature on solvent-averaged interactions among ionizing graphitic nanoparticles in aqueous dispersion. We tune the hydrophilicity of molecular-brush coated fullerenes, carbon nanotubes, and graphane platelets by gradually replacing a fraction of the methyl end groups of the alkyl coating by the ionizing -COOK or -NH3Cl groups. To assess the change in nanoparticles' dispersibility in water, we determine the potential-of-mean-force profiles at varied degrees of ionization. When the coating comprises only propyl groups, the attraction between the hydrophobic particles intensifies from spherical to cylindrical to planar geometry. This is explained by the increasing fraction of surface groups that can be brought into contact and the reduced access to water molecules, both following the above sequence. When ionic groups are added, however, the dispersibility increases in the opposite order, with the biggest effect in the planar geometry and the smallest in the spherical geometry. These results highlight the important role of geometry in nanoparticle solubilization by ionic functionalities, with about twice higher threshold surface charge necessary to stabilize a dispersion of spherical than planar particles. At 25%-50% ionization, the potential of mean force reaches a plateau because of the counterion condensation and saturated brush hydration. Moreover, the increase in the fraction of ionic groups can weaken the repulsion through counterion correlations between adjacent nanoparticles. High degrees of ionization and concomitant ionic screening gradually reduce the differences among surface

Nanoparticle dispersion in environmentally relevant culture media: a TiO2 case study and considerations for a general approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Horst, Allison M.; Ji, Zhaoxia; Holden, Patricia A.

2012-08-01

Nanoparticle exposure in toxicity studies requires that nanoparticles are bioavailable by remaining highly dispersed in culture media. However, reported dispersion approaches are variable, mostly study-specific, and not transferable owing to their empirical basis. Furthermore, many published approaches employ proteinaceous dispersants in rich laboratory media, both of which represent end members in environmental scenarios. Here, a systematic approach was developed to disperse initially agglomerated TiO2 nanoparticles (Aeroxide® TiO2 P25, Evonik, NJ; primary particle size range 6.4-73.8 nm) in oligotrophic culture medium for environmentally relevant bacterial toxicity studies. Based on understanding particle-particle interactions in aqueous media and maintaining environmental relevance, the approach involves (1) quantifying the relationship between pH and zeta potential to determine the point of zero charge of select nanoparticles in water; (2) nominating, then testing and selecting, environmentally relevant stabilizing agents; and (3) dispersing via "condition and capture" whereby stock dry powder nanoparticles are sonicated in pre-conditioned (with base, or acid, plus stabilizing agent) water, then diluted into culture media. The "condition and capture" principle is transferable to other nanoparticle and media chemistries: simultaneously, mechanically and electrostatically, nanoparticles can be dispersed with surrounding stabilizers that coat and sterically hinder reagglomeration in the culture medium.

Highly dispersible diamond nanoparticles for pretreatment of diamond films on Si substrate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, Shenjie; Huang, Jian; Zhou, Xinyu; Ren, Bing; Tang, Ke; Xi, Yifan; Wang, Lin; Wang, Linjun; Lu, Yicheng

2018-03-01

High quality diamond film on Si substrate was synthesized by coating diamond nanoparticles prepared by polyglycerol grafting (ND-PG) dispersion as pre-treatment method. Transmission electron microscope indicates that ND-PG is much more dispersible than untreated nanoparticles in organic solvents. The surface morphology was characterized by scanning electron microscope while atomic force microscope was conducted to measure the surface roughness. Microstructure properties were carried out by Raman spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction. The results revealed an increase in nucleation density, an acceleration of growth rate and an improvement of film crystalline quality by using spin-coating ND-PG pretreatment.

Evaluation of tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) sol-gel coatings, modified with green synthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles for combating microfouling.

PubMed

Krupa, A Nithya Deva; Vimala, R

2016-04-01

Green synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) is gaining importance as an eco-friendly alternative to conventional methods due to its enormous applications. The present work reports the synthesis of ZnO-NPs using the endosperm of Cocos nucifera (coconut water) and the bio-molecules responsible for nanoparticle formation have been identified. The synthesized nanoparticles were characterized using UV-Visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and Zeta potential measurement. The results obtained reveal that the synthesized nanoparticles are moderately stable with the size ranging from 20 to 80 nm. The bactericidal effect of the nanoparticles was proved by well diffusion assay and determination of minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) against marine biofilm forming bacteria. Further the green synthesized ZnO-NPs were doped with TEOS sol-gels (TESGs) in order to assess their antimicrofouling capability. Different volumes of liquid sol-gels were coated on to 96-well microtitre plate and cured under various conditions. The optimum curing conditions were found to be temperature 60 °C, time 72 h and volume 200 μl. Antiadhesion test of the undoped (SG) and ZnO-NP doped TEOS sol-gel (ZNSG) coatings were evaluated using marine biofilm forming bacteria. ZNSG coatings exhibited highest biofilm inhibition (89.2%) represented by lowest OD value against Pseudomonasotitidis strain NV1. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Nanoparticles in ionic liquids: interactions and organization.

PubMed

He, Zhiqi; Alexandridis, Paschalis

2015-07-28

Ionic liquids (ILs), defined as low-melting organic salts, are a novel class of compounds with unique properties and a combinatorially great chemical diversity. Ionic liquids are utilized as synthesis and dispersion media for nanoparticles as well as for surface functionalization. Ionic liquid and nanoparticle hybrid systems are governed by a combined effect of several intermolecular interactions between their constituents. For each interaction, including van der Waals, electrostatic, structural, solvophobic, steric, and hydrogen bonding, the characterization and quantitative calculation methods together with factors affecting these interactions are reviewed here. Various self-organized structures based on nanoparticles in ionic liquids are generated as a result of a balance of these intermolecular interactions. These structures, including colloidal glasses and gels, lyotropic liquid crystals, nanoparticle-stabilized ionic liquid-containing emulsions, ionic liquid surface-functionalized nanoparticles, and nanoscale ionic materials, possess properties of both ionic liquids and nanoparticles, which render them useful as novel materials especially in electrochemical and catalysis applications. This review of the interactions within nanoparticle dispersions in ionic liquids and of the structure of nanoparticle and ionic liquid hybrids provides guidance on the rational design of novel ionic liquid-based materials, enabling applications in broad areas.

Experimental and theoretical investigation of intratumoral nanoparticle distribution to enhance magnetic nanoparticle hyperthermia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Attaluri, Anilchandra

Magnetic nanoparticles have gained prominence in recent years for use in clinical applications such as imaging, drug delivery, and hyperthermia. Magnetic nanoparticle hyperthermia is a minimally invasive and effective approach for confined heating in tumors with little collateral damage. One of the major problems in the field of magnetic nanoparticle hyperthermia is irregular heat distribution in tumors which caused repeatable heat distribution quite impossible. This causes under dosage in tumor area and overheating in normal tissue. In this study, we develop a unified approach to understand magnetic nanoparticle distribution and temperature elevations in gel and tumors. A microCT imaging system is first used to visualize and quantify nanoparticle distribution in both tumors and tissue equivalent phantom gels. The microCT based nanoparticle concentration is related to specific absorption rate (SAR) of the nanoparticles and is confirmed by heat distribution experiments in tissue equivalent phantom gels. An optimal infusion protocol is identified to generate controllable and repeatable nanoparticle distribution in tumors. In vivo animal experiments are performed to measure intratumoral temperature elevations in PC3 xenograft tumors implanted in mice during magnetic nanoparticle hyperthermia. The effect of nanofluid injection parameters on the resulted temperature distribution is studied. It shows that the tumor temperatures can be elevated above 50°C using very small amounts of ferrofluid with a relatively low magnetic field. Slower ferrofluid infusion rates result in smaller nanoparticle distribution volumes in the tumors, however, it gives the much required controllability and repeatability when compared to the higher infusion rates. More nanoparticles occupy a smaller volume in the vicinity of the injection site with slower infusion rates, causing higher temperature elevations in the tumors. Based on the microCT imaging analyses of nanoparticles in tumors, a mass

Harnessing Thermoresponsive Aptamers and Gels To Trap and Release Nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Ya; Kuksenok, Olga; He, Ximin; Aizenberg, Michael; Aizenberg, Joanna; Balazs, Anna

We use computational modeling to design a device that can controllably trap and release particles in solution in response to variations in temperature. The system exploits the thermoresponsive properties of end-grafted fibers and the underlying gel substrate. The fibers mimic the temperature-dependent behavior of biological aptamers, which form a hairpin structure at low temperatures (T) and unfold at higher T, consequently losing their binding affinity. The gel substrate exhibits a lower critical solution temperature and thus, expands at low tempertures and contracts at higher T. By developing a new dissipative particle dynamics simulation, we examine the behavior of this hybrid system in a flowing fluid that contains buoyant nanoparticles. Our findings provide guidelines for creating fluidic devices that are effective at purifying contaminated solutions or trapping cells for biological assays.

Theoretical Insight into Dispersion of Silica Nanoparticles in Polymer Melts.

PubMed

Wei, Zhaoyang; Hou, Yaqi; Ning, Nanying; Zhang, Liqun; Tian, Ming; Mi, Jianguo

2015-07-30

Silica nanoparticles dispersed in polystyrene, poly(methyl methacrylate), and poly(ethylene oxide) melts have been investigated using a density functional approach. The polymers are regarded as coarse-grained semiflexible chains, and the segment sizes are represented by their Kuhn lengths. The particle-particle and particle-polymer interactions are calculated with the Hamaker theory to reflect the relationship between particles and polymer melts. The effects of particle volume fraction and size on the particle dispersion have been quantitatively determined to evaluate their dispersion/aggregation behavior in these polymer melts. It is shown that theoretical predictions are generally in good agreement with the corresponding experimental results, providing the reasonable verification of particle dispersion/agglomeration and polymer depletion.

Phase and electrical properties of PZT thin films embedded with CuO nano-particles by a hybrid sol-gel route

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sreesattabud, Tharathip; Gibbons, Brady J.; Watcharapasorn, Anucha; Jiansirisomboon, Sukanda

2013-07-01

Pb(Zr0.52Ti0.48)O3 or PZT thin films embedded with CuO nano-particles were successfully prepared by a hybrid sol-gel process. In this process, CuO (0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5 and 1 wt. %) nanopowder was suspended in an organometallic solution of PZT, and then coated on platinised silicon substrate using a spin-coating technique. The influence of CuO nano-particles' dispersion on the phase of PZT thin films was investigated. XRD results showed a perovskite phase in all films. At the CuO concentration of 0.4-1 wt. %, a second phase was observed. The addition of CuO nano-particles affected the orientation of PZT thin films. The addition was also found to reduce the ferroelectric properties of PZT thin films. However, at 0.2 wt. % CuO concentration, the film exhibited good ferroelectric properties similar to those of PZT films. In addition, the fatigue retention properties of the PZT/CuO system was observed, and it showed 14% fatigue at 108 switching bipolar pulse cycles while the fatigue in PZT thin films was found to be 17% at the same switching bipolar pulse cycles.

Reduced Graphene Oxide-Based Silver Nanoparticle-Containing Composite Hydrogel as Highly Efficient Dye Catalysts for Wastewater Treatment

PubMed Central

Jiao, Tifeng; Guo, Haiying; Zhang, Qingrui; Peng, Qiuming; Tang, Yongfu; Yan, Xuehai; Li, Bingbing

2015-01-01

New reduced graphene oxide-based silver nanoparticle-containing composite hydrogels were successfully prepared in situ through the simultaneous reduction of GO and noble metal precursors within the GO gel matrix. The as-formed hydrogels are composed of a network structure of cross-linked nanosheets. The reported method is based on the in situ co-reduction of GO and silver acetate within the hydrogel matrix to form RGO-based composite gel. The stabilization of silver nanoparticles was also achieved simultaneously within the gel composite system. The as-formed silver nanoparticles were found to be homogeneously and uniformly dispersed on the surface of the RGO nanosheets within the composite gel. More importantly, this RGO-based silver nanoparticle-containing composite hydrogel matrix acts as a potential catalyst for removing organic dye pollutants from an aqueous environment. Interestingly, the as-prepared catalytic composite matrix structure can be conveniently separated from an aqueous environment after the reaction, suggesting the potentially large-scale applications of the reduced graphene oxide-based nanoparticle-containing composite hydrogels for organic dye removal and wastewater treatment. PMID:26183266

Evaluation of in vitro percutaneous absorption of lorazepam and clonazepam from hydro-alcoholic gel formulations.

PubMed

Puglia, C; Bonina, F; Trapani, G; Franco, M; Ricci, M

2001-10-09

Clonazepam and lorazepam are two anxiolytics, antidepressant agents, having suitable features for transdermal delivery. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the in vitro percutaneous absorption of these drugs through excised human skin (stratum corneum and epidermis, SCE) and to determine their in vitro permeation behavior from a series of hydro-alcoholic gel formulations containing various enhancing agents. The best permeation profile was obtained for both drugs applying them together with Azone in combination with propylene glycol (PG): these enhancers were able to increase the clonazepam and lorazepam percutaneous fluxes at steady-state about threefold, compared to the free enhancer formulations (Control). To explain the mechanism of the used promoters, the benzodiazepine diffusion and partitioning coefficients from the gel containing the enhancers were calculated. The results indicated that the Azone in combination with PG could act by increasing the benzodiazepine diffusion coefficients, Transcutol increased only the SC/vehicle partition coefficients, limonene in combination with PG appeared to increase both partition and diffusion coefficients moderately, while PG did not increase both the parameters. Furthermore, to evaluate the potential application of tested benzodiazepine formulations containing Azone in combination with PG using the flux values from the in vitro experiments, the corresponding steady-state plasma concentrations (C(SS)) were calculated. The obtained calculated C(SS) values are within the lorazepam therapeutic range and suggest that transdermal delivery of this drug could be regarded as feasible.

Additive-free carbon nanotube dispersions, pastes, gels, and doughs in cresols.

PubMed

Chiou, Kevin; Byun, Segi; Kim, Jaemyung; Huang, Jiaxing

2018-05-29

Cresols are a group of naturally occurring and massively produced methylphenols with broad use in the chemical industry. Here, we report that m -cresol and its liquid mixtures with other isomers are surprisingly good solvents for processing carbon nanotubes. They can disperse carbon nanotubes of various types at unprecedentedly high concentrations of tens of weight percent, without the need for any dispersing agent or additive. Cresols interact with carbon nanotubes by charge transfer through the phenolic hydroxyl proton and can be removed after processing by evaporation or washing, without altering the surface of carbon nanotubes. Cresol solvents render carbon nanotubes polymer-like rheological and viscoelastic properties and processability. As the concentration of nanotubes increases, a continuous transition of four states can be observed, including dilute dispersion, thick paste, free-standing gel, and eventually a kneadable, playdough-like material. As demonstrated with a few proofs of concept, cresols make powders of agglomerated carbon nanotubes immediately usable by a broad array of material-processing techniques to create desirable structures and form factors and make their polymer composites.

Facile synthesis and photocatalytic activity of bi-phase dispersible Cu-ZnO hybrid nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Xiao; Liu, HongLing; Zhang, WenXing; Li, XueMei; Fang, Ning; Wang, XianHong; Wu, JunHua

2015-04-01

Bi-phase dispersible Cu-ZnO hybrid nanoparticles were synthesized by one-pot non-aqueous nanoemulsion with the use of poly(ethylene glycol)-block-poly(propylene glycol)-block-poly(ethylene glycol) (PEO-PPO-PEO) as the surfactant. The transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) show high crystallinity of the Cu-ZnO hybrid nanoparticles and an average particle size of ~19.4 nm. The ultraviolet-visible light absorbance spectrometry (UV-vis) and photoluminescence spectrophotometry (PL) demonstrate well dispersibility and excellent optical performance of Cu-ZnO hybrid nanoparticles both in organic and aqueous solvent. The X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) confirms Cu1+ and Cu2+ in ZnO. The observation using Sudan red (III) as probe molecule reveals that the Cu-ZnO hybrid nanoparticles possess enhanced photocatalytic activity and stability which are promising for potential applications in photocatalysis.

Hydrologic and Agent-based Modelling of Hydro-refugia in East Africa, Insights into the Importance of Water Resources in Hominin Evolution and Dispersal

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ashley, G. M.; Cuthbert, M. O.; Gleeson, T. P.; Reynolds, S. R.; Bennett, M. R.; Newton, A. C.; McCormack, C. J.

2017-12-01

Hominin evolution and climate variability have often been linked because of the apparent coincidence of climate fluctuations and speciation or extinctions, although the cause and effect of climate on natural selection is not clear. Climate in the EARS (East African Rift System) where most hominin first occurrences are located experienced an overall drying over the last 7 myr. Superimposed on this trend, Milankovitch cycles generated wet-dry precession cycles ( 23 kyr) that changed both water and food resource availability. During dry periods, lakes became more alkaline and rivers ephemeral but, groundwater, buffered from surface climate effects, remained a potential resource during the driest of times. The possibility of widespread groundwater sources hydro-refugia, such as springs, wetlands and groundwater-fed perennial streams has received little attention with respect to the paleoenvironmental context of hominin evolution or dispersal. We demonstrate that hydrogeological modelling of the modern landscape in East Africa coupled with ABM (agent-based modelling) of hominin movement yields new insight into potential correlates of hominin survival and dispersal. Digitized hydrological mapping of present day rivers, lakes and springs along the EARS (2000 km) from northern Tanzania to Ethiopia provided the modelling framework. Present day conditions are considered analogous to past dry periods; wet period conditions are an expanded hydrologic network including all surface water bodies. Our focus was on perennial springs discharging at 1,000 m3/y (volume to sustain a small wetland). 450 such springs occur and were found to be significantly controlled by geology, not just climate. The ABM was designed to determine if it was possible for humans to walk between hydro-refugia in 3 days. Four climate scenarios were run on ABM: wet, wet-to-dry, dry and dry-to-wet. During dry periods our results suggest that groundwater availability would have been critical to supporting

Photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue dye by zinc oxide nanoparticles obtained from precipitation and sol-gel methods.

PubMed

Balcha, Abebe; Yadav, Om Prakash; Dey, Tania

2016-12-01

Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles were synthesized by precipitation and sol-gel methods. The aim of this study was to understand how different synthetic methods can affect the photocatalytic activity of ZnO nanoparticles. As-synthesized ZnO nanoparticles were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and UV-Visible spectroscopic techniques. XRD patterns of ZnO powders synthesized by precipitation and sol-gel methods revealed their hexagonal wurtzite structure with crystallite sizes of 30 and 28 nm, respectively. Their photocatalytic activities were evaluated by photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue, a common water pollutant, under UV radiation. The effects of operational parameters such as photocatalyst load and initial concentration of the dye on photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue were investigated. While the degradation of dye decreased over the studied dye concentration range of 20 to 100 mg/L, an optimum photocatalyst load of 250 mg/L was needed to achieve dye degradation as high as 81 and 92.5 % for ZnO prepared by precipitation and sol-gel methods, respectively. Assuming pseudo first-order reaction kinetics, this corresponded to rate constants of 8.4 × 10 -3 and 12.4 × 10 -3  min -1 , respectively. Hence, sol-gel method is preferred over precipitation method in order to achieve higher photocatalytic activity of ZnO nanostructures. Photocatalytic activity is further augmented by better choice of capping ligand for colloidal stabilization, starch being more effective than polyethylene glycol (PEG).

Computer Optimization of Biodegradable Nanoparticles Fabricated by Dispersion Polymerization.

PubMed

Akala, Emmanuel O; Adesina, Simeon; Ogunwuyi, Oluwaseun

2015-12-22

Quality by design (QbD) in the pharmaceutical industry involves designing and developing drug formulations and manufacturing processes which ensure predefined drug product specifications. QbD helps to understand how process and formulation variables affect product characteristics and subsequent optimization of these variables vis-à-vis final specifications. Statistical design of experiments (DoE) identifies important parameters in a pharmaceutical dosage form design followed by optimizing the parameters with respect to certain specifications. DoE establishes in mathematical form the relationships between critical process parameters together with critical material attributes and critical quality attributes. We focused on the fabrication of biodegradable nanoparticles by dispersion polymerization. Aided by a statistical software, d-optimal mixture design was used to vary the components (crosslinker, initiator, stabilizer, and macromonomers) to obtain twenty nanoparticle formulations (PLLA-based nanoparticles) and thirty formulations (poly-ɛ-caprolactone-based nanoparticles). Scheffe polynomial models were generated to predict particle size (nm), zeta potential, and yield (%) as functions of the composition of the formulations. Simultaneous optimizations were carried out on the response variables. Solutions were returned from simultaneous optimization of the response variables for component combinations to (1) minimize nanoparticle size; (2) maximize the surface negative zeta potential; and (3) maximize percent yield to make the nanoparticle fabrication an economic proposition.

An overview of experimental results and dispersion modelling of nanoparticles in the wake of moving vehicles.

PubMed

Carpentieri, Matteo; Kumar, Prashant; Robins, Alan

2011-03-01

Understanding the transformation of nanoparticles emitted from vehicles is essential for developing appropriate methods for treating fine scale particle dynamics in dispersion models. This article provides an overview of significant research work relevant to modelling the dispersion of pollutants, especially nanoparticles, in the wake of vehicles. Literature on vehicle wakes and nanoparticle dispersion is reviewed, taking into account field measurements, wind tunnel experiments and mathematical approaches. Field measurements and modelling studies highlighted the very short time scales associated with nanoparticle transformations in the first stages after the emission. These transformations strongly interact with the flow and turbulence fields immediately behind the vehicle, hence the need of characterising in detail the mixing processes in the vehicle wake. Very few studies have analysed this interaction and more research is needed to build a basis for model development. A possible approach is proposed and areas of further investigation identified. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Enhanced emission of nile red fluorescent nanoparticles embedded in hybrid sol-gel glasses.

PubMed

Ferrer, Maria L; del Monte, Francisco

2005-01-13

Highly fluorescent Nile Red (NR) nanoparticles embedded in a hybrid sol-gel glass are reported. The crystallite growth within the confined system created by the porous hybrid matrix results in NR nanoparticles of averaged dimensions below 36 nm. The preparation process allows for the control of both the conformation adopted by single NR molecules prior to aggregation (e.g., near planar) and the configuration of the aggregates (e.g., oblique with phi < 54.7 degrees) prior to their assembly in the supramolecular architecture which ultimately forms the nanoparticles. The full preservation of the fluorescent configuration of the aggregates in the nanoparticles is confirmed through the application of the exciton theory, and it is responsible for the significant increase of the fluorescence emission intensity (e.g., up to 525- and 70-fold as compared to that obtained for single NR molecules embedded in pure and hybrid silica glasses, respectively).

Investigation of Monodisperse Dendrimeric Polysaccharide Nanoparticle Dispersions Using Small Angle Neutron Scattering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Atkinson, John; Nickels, Jonathan; Papp-Szabo, Erzsi; Katsaras, John; Dutcher, John

2015-03-01

Phytoglycogen is a highly branched polysaccharide that is very similar to the energy storage molecule glycogen. We have isolated monodisperse phytoglycogen nanoparticles from corn and these particles are attractive for applications in the cosmetic, food and beverage, and biomedical industries. Many of these promising applications are due to the special interaction between the nanoparticles and water, which results in: (1) high solubility; (2) low viscosity and high stability in aqueous dispersions; and (3) a remarkable capacity to sequester and retain water. Our rheology measurements indicate that the nanoparticles behave like hard spheres in water, with the viscosity diverging for concentrations >25% (w/w). Because of this, aqueous suspensions of phytoglycogen provide an ideal platform for detailed testing of theories of colloidal glasses and jamming. To further explore the interaction of the phytoglycogen particles and water, we have performed small angle neutron scattering (SANS) measurements on the Extended Q-Range SANS (EQ-SANS) diffractometer at the Spallation Neutron Source at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. Measurements performed on phytoglycogen dispersions in mixtures of hydrogenated and deuterated water have allowed us to determine the particle size and average particle spacing as a function of the phytoglycogen concentration in the limits of dilute and concentrated dispersions.

Ceria nanoparticles vis-à-vis cerium nitrate as corrosion inhibitors for silica-alumina hybrid sol-gel coating

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lakshmi, R. V.; Aruna, S. T.; Sampath, S.

2017-01-01

The present work provides a comparative study on the corrosion protection efficiency of defect free sol-gel hybrid coating containing ceria nanoparticles and cerium nitrate ions as corrosion inhibitors. Less explored organically modified alumina-silica hybrid sol-gel coatings are synthesized from 3-glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane and aluminium-tri-sec-butoxide. The microemulsion derived nanoparticles and the hybrid coatings are characterized and compared with coatings containing cerium nitrate. Corrosion inhibiting capability is assessed using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Scanning Kelvin probe measurements are also conducted on the coatings for identifying the apparent corrosion prone regions. Detailed X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis is carried out to comprehend the bonding and corrosion protection rendered by the hybrid coatings.

Separation of pharmacologically active nitrogen-containing compounds on silica gels modified with 6,10-ionene, dextran sulfate, and gold nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ioutsi, A. N.; Shapovalova, E. N.; Ioutsi, V. A.; Mazhuga, A. G.; Shpigun, O. A.

2017-12-01

New stationary phases for HPLC are obtained via layer-by-layer deposition of polyelectrolytes and studied: (1) silica gel modified layer-by-layer with 6,10-ionene and dextran sulfate (Sorbent 1); (2) silica gel twice subjected to the above modification (Sorbent 2); and (3) silica gel modified with 6,10-ionene, gold nanoparticles, and dextran sulfate (Sorbent 3). The effect the content of the organic solvent in the mobile phase and the concentration and pH of the buffer solution have on the chromatographic behavior of several pharmacologically active nitrogen-containing compounds is studied. The sorbents are stable during the process and allow the effective separation of beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, alpha-agonists, and antihistamines. A mixture of caffeine, nadolol, tetrahydrozoline, pindolol, orphenadrine, doxylamine, carbinoxamine, and chlorphenamine is separated in 6.5 min on the silica gel modified with 6,10-ionene, gold nanoparticles, and dextran sulfate.

Surface modification of zinc oxide nanoparticle by PMAA and its dispersion in aqueous system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tang, Erjun; Cheng, Guoxiang; Ma, Xiaolu; Pang, Xingshou; Zhao, Qiang

2006-05-01

Commercial zinc oxide nanoparticles were modified by polymethacrylic acid (PMAA) in aqueous system. The hydroxyl groups of nano-ZnO particle surface can interact with carboxyl groups (COO-) of PMAA and form poly(zinc methacrylate) complex on the surface of nano-ZnO. The formation of poly(zinc methacrylate) complex was testified by Fourier-transform infrared spectra (FT-IR). Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) indicated that PMAA molecules were absorbed or anchored on the surface of nano-ZnO particle, which facilitated to hinder the aggregation of nano-ZnO particles. Through particle size analysis and transmission electron micrograph (TEM) observation, it was found that PMAA enhanced the dispersibility of nano-ZnO particles in water. The dispersion stabilization of modified ZnO nanoparticles in aqueous system was significantly improved due to the introduction of grafted polymer on the surface of nanoparticles. The modification did not alter the crystalline structure of the ZnO nanoparticles according to the X-ray diffraction patterns.

Characterization of rabies pDNA nanoparticulate vaccine in poloxamer 407 gel.

PubMed

Bansal, Amit; Wu, Xianfu; Olson, Victoria; D'Souza, Martin J

2018-07-10

Plasmid DNA (pDNA) vaccines have the potential for protection against a wide range of diseases including rabies but are rapid in degradation and poor in uptake by antigen-presenting cells. To overcome the limitations, we fabricated a pDNA nanoparticulate vaccine. The negatively charged pDNA was adsorbed onto the surface of cationic PLGA (poly (d, l-lactide-co-glycolide))-chitosan nanoparticles and were used as a delivery vehicle. To create a hydrogel for sustainable vaccine release, we dispersed the pDNA nanoparticles in poloxamer 407 gel which is liquid at 4 °C and turns into soft gels at 37 °C, providing ease of administration and preventing burst release of pDNA. Complete immobilization of pDNA to cationic nanoparticles was achieved at a pDNA to nanoparticles ratio (P/N) of 1/50. Cellular uptake of nanoparticles was both time and concentration dependent and followed a saturation kinetics with V max of 11.389 µg/mL h and K m of 139.48 µg/mL. The in vitro release studies showed the nanoparticulate vaccine has a sustained release for up to 24 days. In summary, pDNA PLGA-chitosan nanoparticles were non-cytotoxic, their buffering capacity and cell uptake were enhanced, and sustained the release of pDNA. We expect our pDNA vaccine's potency will be greatly improved in the animal studies. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Thermoelectric properties of SrTiO3 nano-particles dispersed indium selenide bulk composites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Min Ho; Rhyee, Jong-Soo; Vaseem, Mohammad; Hahn, Yoon-Bong; Park, Su-Dong; Jin Kim, Hee; Kim, Sung-Jin; Lee, Hyeung Jin; Kim, Chilsung

2013-06-01

We investigated the thermoelectric properties of the InSe, InSe/In4Se3 composite, and SrTiO3 (STO) nano-particles dispersed InSe/In4Se3 bulk composites. The electrical conductivity of the InSe/In4Se3 composite with self-assembled phase separation is significantly increased compared with those of InSe and In4Se3-δ implying the enhancement of surface conductivity between grain boundaries. The thermal conductivity of InSe/In4Se3 composite is decreased compared to those of InSe. When the STO nano-particle dispersion was employed in the InSe/In4Se3 composite, a coherent interface was observed between nano-particle precipitates and the InSe bulk matrix with a reduction of the thermal conductivity.

Effect of aging temperature on formation of sol-gel derived fluor-hydroxyapatite nanoparticles.

PubMed

Joughehdoust, S; Behnamghader, A; Jahandideh, R; Manafi, S

2010-04-01

Synthetic hydroxyapatite (HA) has been recognized as one of the most important bone substitute materials in orthopaedics and dentistry over past few decades because of its chemical and biological similarity to the mineral phase of human bone. One solution for reduction the solubility of HA in biological environments is replacing F- by OH in HA structure and forming fluor-hydroxyapatite (FHA) solid solution. In this paper, FHA nanoparticles were successfully synthesized by a sol-gel method. Also, the influence of aging temperature on formation of FHA powder was studied. Equimolar solutions of calcium nitrate tetrahydrate, triethyl phosphite and ammonium fluoride in ethanol were used as Ca, P and F precursors. After aging at different temperatures, the synthesized powders were heat treated at 550 degrees C. The powders were investigated with X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), selected area electron diffraction pattern (SAED), energy dispersive analysis of X-ray (EDAX) and zetasizer measurement. The results of XRD proved the presence of fluorapatite (FA) and HA in all samples. In addition, the formation of FHA was confirmed by FT-IR results. XRD studies also showed that the crystallites were in nanometric scale. At the same time, this result was in good agreement with the result of zetasizer analysis.

Processing and properties of magnesium containing a dense uniform dispersion of nanoparticles.

PubMed

Chen, Lian-Yi; Xu, Jia-Quan; Choi, Hongseok; Pozuelo, Marta; Ma, Xiaolong; Bhowmick, Sanjit; Yang, Jenn-Ming; Mathaudhu, Suveen; Li, Xiao-Chun

2015-12-24

Magnesium is a light metal, with a density two-thirds that of aluminium, is abundant on Earth and is biocompatible; it thus has the potential to improve energy efficiency and system performance in aerospace, automobile, defence, mobile electronics and biomedical applications. However, conventional synthesis and processing methods (alloying and thermomechanical processing) have reached certain limits in further improving the properties of magnesium and other metals. Ceramic particles have been introduced into metal matrices to improve the strength of the metals, but unfortunately, ceramic microparticles severely degrade the plasticity and machinability of metals, and nanoparticles, although they have the potential to improve strength while maintaining or even improving the plasticity of metals, are difficult to disperse uniformly in metal matrices. Here we show that a dense uniform dispersion of silicon carbide nanoparticles (14 per cent by volume) in magnesium can be achieved through a nanoparticle self-stabilization mechanism in molten metal. An enhancement of strength, stiffness, plasticity and high-temperature stability is simultaneously achieved, delivering a higher specific yield strength and higher specific modulus than almost all structural metals.

Room temperature ferromagnetism in Mg-doped ZnO nanoparticles

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Singh, Jaspal, E-mail: jaspal0314@gmail.com; Vashihth, A.; Gill, Pritampal Singh

Zn{sub 1-x}Mg{sub x}O (x = 0, 0,10) nanoparticles were successfully synthesized using sol-gel method. X-ray diffraction (XRD) confirms that the synthesized nanoparticles possess wurtzite phase having hexagonal structure. Morphological analysis was carried out using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) which depicts the spherical morphology of ZnO nanoparticles. Energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) showed the presence of Mg in ZnO nanoparticles. Electron spin resonance (ESR) signal was found to be decreasing with increasing of Mg-doping concentration. The room temperature ferromagnetism was observed in undoped and Mg-doped ZnO nanoparticles. The increase of Mg-doping concentration resulted in decrease of saturation magnetization value which could bemore » attributed to decrease of oxygen vacancies present in host nanoparticles.« less

Sol-gel processing of bioactive glass nanoparticles: A review.

PubMed

Zheng, Kai; Boccaccini, Aldo R

2017-11-01

Silicate-based bioactive glass nanoparticles (BGN) are gaining increasing attention in various biomedical applications due to their unique properties. Controlled synthesis of BGN is critical to their effective use in biomedical applications since BGN characteristics, such as morphology and composition, determining the properties of BGN, are highly related to the synthesis process. In the last decade, numerous investigations focusing on BGN synthesis have been reported. BGN can mainly be produced through the conventional melt-quench approach or by sol-gel methods. The latter approaches are drawing widespread attention, considering the convenience and versatility they offer to tune the properties of BGN. In this paper, we review the strategies of sol-gel processing of BGN, including those adopting different catalysts for initiating the hydrolysis and condensation of silicate precursors as well as those combining sol-gel chemistry with other techniques. The processes and mechanism of different synthesis approaches are introduced and discussed in detail. Considering the importance of the BGN morphology and composition to their biomedical applications, strategies put forward to control the size, shape, pore structure and composition of BGN are discussed. BGN are particularly interesting biomaterials for bone-related applications, however, they also have potential for other biomedical applications, e.g. in soft tissue regeneration/repair. Therefore, in the last part of this review, recently reported applications of BGN in soft tissue repair and wound healing are presented. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Structural and photoluminescence properties of Ni doped CdS nanoparticles synthesis by sol gel method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mahdi, Hadeel Salih; Parveen, Azra; Azam, Ameer

2018-05-01

Ni doped CdS nanoparticles have been successfully synthesized by sol-gel method. Nickel nitrate, cadmium nitrate, sodium sulfide has been used as precursors for the preparation of these Ni-doped CdS nanoparticles. The structural properties were studied by X-ray diffraction analysis. Surface morphology and the composition of the samples were studied by scanning electron microscope (SEM). The X-ray diffraction results revealed that the Ni-doped CdS nanoparticles were in hexagonal structure. The crystallite size was determined from Debye-Scherer equation and showed that the particle size increases with the doping of Ni. Optical absorption spectra of Ni doped CdS also was studied by Photoluminescence spectroscopy in the range of 200-600 nm.

Stabilization of Silicon Carbide (SiC) micro- and nanoparticle dispersions in the presence of concentrated electrolyte.

PubMed

Vilinska, Annamaria; Ponnurangam, Sathish; Chernyshova, Irina; Somasundaran, Ponisseril; Eroglu, Damla; Martinez, Jose; West, Alan C

2014-06-01

Achieving a stable and robust dispersion of ultrafine particles in concentrated electrolytes is challenging due to the shielding of electrostatic repulsion. Stable dispersion of ultrafine particles in concentrated electrolytes is critical for several applications, including electro-codeposition of ceramic particles in protective metal coatings. We achieved the steric stabilization of SiC micro- and nano-particles in highly concentrated electroplating Watts solutions using their controlled coating with linear and branched polyethyleneimines (PEI) as dispersants. Branched polyethyleneimine of 60,000 MW effectively disperses both microparticles and nanoparticles at a concentration of 1000 ppm. However, lower polymer dosages and smaller polymers fail to disperse, presumably due to insufficient coverage and bridging flocculation. Dispersion stability correlates well with the adsorption density of PEI on microparticles. We discuss the results in the framework of DLVO theory and suggest possible dispersion mechanisms. However, though the dispersion is enhanced with extended adsorption time, the residual PEI in solution adversely affects electroplating. We overcome this drawback by precoating the particles with the polymer and resuspending them in Watts solution. With this novel approach, we obtained robust dispersions. These results offer new possibilities to control dispersion at high electrolyte concentration, as well as bring new insights into the dispersion phenomenon. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Depositing laser-generated nanoparticles on powders for additive manufacturing of oxide dispersed strengthened alloy parts via laser metal deposition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Streubel, René; Wilms, Markus B.; Doñate-Buendía, Carlos; Weisheit, Andreas; Barcikowski, Stephan; Henrich Schleifenbaum, Johannes; Gökce, Bilal

2018-04-01

We present a novel route for the adsorption of pulsed laser-dispersed nanoparticles onto metal powders in aqueous solution without using any binders or surfactants. By electrostatic interaction, we deposit Y2O3 nanoparticles onto iron-chromium based powders and obtain a high dispersion of nano-sized particles on the metallic powders. Within the additively manufactured component, we show that the particle spacing of the oxide inclusion can be adjusted by the initial mass fraction of the adsorbed Y2O3 particles on the micropowder. Thus, our procedure constitutes a robust route for additive manufacturing of oxide dispersion-strengthened alloys via oxide nanoparticles supported on steel micropowders.

Dispersion and surface functionalization of oxide nanoparticles for transparent photocatalytic and UV-protecting coatings and sunscreens

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Faure, Bertrand; Salazar-Alvarez, German; Ahniyaz, Anwar; Villaluenga, Irune; Berriozabal, Gemma; De Miguel, Yolanda R.; Bergström, Lennart

2013-04-01

This review describes recent efforts on the synthesis, dispersion and surface functionalization of the three dominating oxide nanoparticles used for photocatalytic, UV-blocking and sunscreen applications: titania, zinc oxide, and ceria. The gas phase and liquid phase synthesis is described briefly and examples are given of how weakly aggregated photocatalytic or UV-absorbing oxide nanoparticles with different composition, morphology and size can be generated. The principles of deagglomeration are reviewed and the specific challenges for nanoparticles highlighted. The stabilization of oxide nanoparticles in both aqueous and non-aqueous media requires a good understanding of the magnitude of the interparticle forces and the surface chemistry of the materials. Quantitative estimates of the Hamaker constants in various media and measurements of the isoelectric points for the different oxide nanoparticles are presented together with an overview of different additives used to prepare stable dispersions. The structural and chemical requirements and the various routes to produce transparent photocatalytic and nanoparticle-based UV-protecting coatings, and UV-blocking sunscreens are described and discussed.

Dispersion and surface functionalization of oxide nanoparticles for transparent photocatalytic and UV-protecting coatings and sunscreens

PubMed Central

Faure, Bertrand; Salazar-Alvarez, German; Ahniyaz, Anwar; Villaluenga, Irune; Berriozabal, Gemma; De Miguel, Yolanda R; Bergström, Lennart

2013-01-01

This review describes recent efforts on the synthesis, dispersion and surface functionalization of the three dominating oxide nanoparticles used for photocatalytic, UV-blocking and sunscreen applications: titania, zinc oxide, and ceria. The gas phase and liquid phase synthesis is described briefly and examples are given of how weakly aggregated photocatalytic or UV-absorbing oxide nanoparticles with different composition, morphology and size can be generated. The principles of deagglomeration are reviewed and the specific challenges for nanoparticles highlighted. The stabilization of oxide nanoparticles in both aqueous and non-aqueous media requires a good understanding of the magnitude of the interparticle forces and the surface chemistry of the materials. Quantitative estimates of the Hamaker constants in various media and measurements of the isoelectric points for the different oxide nanoparticles are presented together with an overview of different additives used to prepare stable dispersions. The structural and chemical requirements and the various routes to produce transparent photocatalytic and nanoparticle-based UV-protecting coatings, and UV-blocking sunscreens are described and discussed. PMID:27877568

In-vitro release and permeation studies of ketoconazole from optimized dermatological vehicles using powder, nanoparticles and solid dispersion forms of drug

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mohammed, Irfan A.

To optimize the clinical efficacy of Ketoconazole from an externally applied product, this project was undertaken to evaluate the drug release/permeation profile from various dermatological vehicles using regular powder, nanoparticles and solid dispersion forms with reduced level of drug. Nanoparticles of drug were prepared by wet media milling method using Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP-10K) as a stabilizer. The nanoparticles were in the size range of 250-300nm. Solid dispersion was prepared by solvent evaporation method using drug to PVP-10K at a weight ratio of (1:2). Formulations containing 1% w/w drug were developed using HPMC gel, Carbomer gel and a cationic cream as the vehicles. Penetration enhancers including propylene glycol (PG), dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) and polyethylene glycol 400 (PEG-400) at various levels were evaluated. A commercial 2% w/w ketoconazole product was included as a control for comparison. Studies were carried out with Franz Diffusion Cells using cellulose membrane and human cadaver skin for two and six hour studies. Among the formulations evaluated, the general rank order of the drug release through the cellulose membrane was observed to be: HPMC gel base > Anionic gel base > Cationic gel base > Commercial product. The addition of penetration enhancers showed variable effects in all samples evaluated. However, the HPMC gel-based vehicle showed significant effect in enhancing the drug release in the presence of DMSO. The formulation containing 1% w/w ketoconazole and 20% w/w DMSO gave a maximum drug release of 20.21% when compared to only 1.60% from the commercial product. This represents a twelve fold increase in the release of ketoconazole from the formulation. Furthermore, when the optimum gel-based formulation containing 1% w/w ketoconazole was studied over an extended period of 6 hours, it gave 36.01% drug release from the sample formulation compared to only 2.00% from the commercial product. Finally, this formulation was selected to

Study of ZnO and Mg doped ZnO nanoparticles by sol-gel process

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ansari, Mohd Meenhaz, E-mail: meenhazphysics@gmail.com; Arshad, Mohd; Tripathi, Pushpendra

Nano-crystalline undoped and Mg doped ZnO (Mg-ZnO) nanoparticles with compositional formula Mg{sub x}Zn{sub 1-x}O (x=0,1,3,5,7,10 and 12 %) were synthesized using sol-gel process. The XRD diffraction peaks match with the pattern of the standard hexagonal structure of ZnO that reveals the formation of hexagonal wurtzite structure in all samples. SEM images demonstrates clearly the formation of spherical ZnO nanoparticles, and change of the morphology of the nanoparticles with the concentration of the magnesium, which is in close agreement with that estimated by Scherer formula based on the XRD pattern. To investigate the doping effect on optical properties, the UV–VIS absorptionmore » spectra was obtained and the band gap of the samples calculated.« less

Polyethylene glycol (PEG) assisted size-controlled SnO{sub 2} nanoparticles by sol-gel process

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Tripathi, P., E-mail: ptrip71@yahoo.com; Ahmed, Ateeq; Ali, Tinku

2016-05-23

Tetragonal phase tin oxide (SnO{sub 2}) nanoparticles have been synthesized by sol–gel method using SnCl{sub 4}.5H{sub 2}O and polyethylene glycol (PEG) of different concentration. The phase, size and purity of the final products are characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD). The morphology is confirmed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis. There exists relationship between the concentration of PEG and particle size of SnO{sub 2} nanoparticles. Increase in concentration of PEG caused the reduction of particle size of tin oxide nanoparticles. The results suggest that the concentration of PEG plays a significant role in determining the size of SnO{sub 2} nanoparticles synthesizedmore » via this method. The optical property of the product has been explored by Ultraviolet (UV-visible) and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopic techniques.« less

Formulation and evaluation of voriconazole ophthalmic solid lipid nanoparticles in situ gel.

PubMed

Pandurangan, Dinesh Kumar; Bodagala, Prathima; Palanirajan, Vijayaraj Kumar; Govindaraj, Saravanan

2016-01-01

In the present investigation, solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs)-loaded in situ gel with voriconazole drug was formulated. Further, the formulation was characterized for pH, gelling capacity, entrapment efficiency, in vitro drug release, drug content, and viscosity. Voriconazole is an antifungal drug used to treat various infections caused by yeast or other types of fungi. Film hydration technique was used to prepared SLNs from lecithin and cholesterol. Based on the entrapment efficiency 67.2-97.3% and drug release, the optimized formulation NF1 of SLNs was incorporated into in situ gels. The in situ gels were prepared using viscosity-enhancing polymers such as Carbopol and (hydroxypropyl)methyl cellulose (HPMC). Formulated SLN in situ gel formulations were characterized, which showed pH 4.9-7.1, drug content 65.69-96.3%, and viscosity (100 rpm) 120-620 cps. From the characterizations given above, F6 was optimized and evaluated for microbial assay and ocular irritation studies. Microbial assay was conducted by the cup-plate method using Candida albicans as the test organism. An ocular irritation study was conducted on albino rabbits. The results revealed that there was no ocular damage to the cornea, conjunctiva, or iris. Stability studies were carried out on the F6 formulation for 3 months, which showed that the formulation had good stability. These results indicate that the studied SLNs-loaded in situ gel is a promising vehicle for ocular delivery.

Dispersing nanoparticles in a polymer film via solvent evaporation

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Cheng, Shengfeng; Grest, Gary S.

Large-scale molecular dynamics simulations are used to study the dispersion of nanoparticles (NPs) in a polymer film during solvent evaporation. As the solvent evaporates, a dense polymer-rich skin layer forms at the liquid/vapor interface, which is either NP rich or poor depending on the strength of the NP/polymer interaction. When the NPs are strongly wet by the polymer, the NPs accumulate at the interface and form layers. However, when the NPs are only partially wet by the polymer, most NPs are uniformly distributed in the bulk of the polymer film, with the dense skin layer serving as a barrier tomore » prevent the NPs from moving to the interface. Furthermore, our results point to a possible route to employ less favorable NP/polymer interactions and fast solvent evaporation to uniformly disperse NPs in a polymer film, contrary to the common belief that strong NP/polymer attractions are needed to make NPs well dispersed in polymer nanocomposites.« less

Dispersing nanoparticles in a polymer film via solvent evaporation

DOE PAGES

Cheng, Shengfeng; Grest, Gary S.

2016-05-19

Large-scale molecular dynamics simulations are used to study the dispersion of nanoparticles (NPs) in a polymer film during solvent evaporation. As the solvent evaporates, a dense polymer-rich skin layer forms at the liquid/vapor interface, which is either NP rich or poor depending on the strength of the NP/polymer interaction. When the NPs are strongly wet by the polymer, the NPs accumulate at the interface and form layers. However, when the NPs are only partially wet by the polymer, most NPs are uniformly distributed in the bulk of the polymer film, with the dense skin layer serving as a barrier tomore » prevent the NPs from moving to the interface. Furthermore, our results point to a possible route to employ less favorable NP/polymer interactions and fast solvent evaporation to uniformly disperse NPs in a polymer film, contrary to the common belief that strong NP/polymer attractions are needed to make NPs well dispersed in polymer nanocomposites.« less

Protonation of epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) results in massive aggregation and reduced oral bioavailability of EGCG-dispersed selenium nanoparticles.

PubMed

Wu, Shanshan; Sun, Kang; Wang, Xin; Wang, Dongxu; Wan, Xiaochun; Zhang, Jinsong

2013-07-31

The current results show that epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), in the form of phenolic anions at pH 8.0, can effectively disperse selenium nanoparticles. However, at gastric juice pH (1.0), the EGCG-dispersed selenium nanoparticles (referred to as E-Se) extensively aggregated, so that nano features largely disappeared. This demonstrates that deprotonated phenolic anions of EGCG play an important role in maintaining E-Se stability and suggests that E-Se would suffer from reduced oral bioavailability. To validate this conjecture, size-equivalent E-Se and bovine serum albumin (BSA)-dispersed selenium nanoparticles (B-Se), whose physicochemical properties were not altered at pH 1.0, were orally administered to selenium-deficient mice. In comparison to B-Se, the bioavailabilities of E-Se as indicated with hepatic and renal glutathione peroxidase activity and hepatic selenium levels were significantly (p < 0.01) reduced by 39, 32, and 31%, respectively. Therefore, the present study reveals that size-equivalent selenium nanoparticles prepared by different dispersers do not necessarily guarantee equivalent oral bioavailability.

Spectroscopic and magnetic studies of highly dispersible superparamagnetic silica coated magnetite nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tadyszak, Krzysztof; Kertmen, Ahmet; Coy, Emerson; Andruszkiewicz, Ryszard; Milewski, Sławomir; Kardava, Irakli; Scheibe, Błażej; Jurga, Stefan; Chybczyńska, Katarzyna

2017-07-01

Superparamagnetic behavior in aqueously well dispersible magnetite core-shell Fe3O4@SiO2 nanoparticles is presented. The magnetic properties of core-shell nanoparticles were measured with use of the DC, AC magnetometry and EPR spectroscopy. Particles where characterized by HR-TEM and Raman spectroscopy, showing a crystalline magnetic core of 11.5 ± 0.12 nm and an amorphous silica shell of 22 ± 1.5 nm in thickness. The DC, AC magnetic measurements confirmed the superparamagnetic nature of nanoparticles, additionally the EPR studies performed at much higher frequency than DC, AC magnetometry (9 GHz) have confirmed the paramagnetic nature of the nanoparticles. Our results show the excellent magnetic behavior of the particles with a clear magnetite structure, which are desirable properties for environmental remediation and biomedical applications.

Ultra-pure, water-dispersed Au nanoparticles produced by femtosecond laser ablation and fragmentation

PubMed Central

Kubiliūtė, Reda; Maximova, Ksenia A; Lajevardipour, Alireza; Yong, Jiawey; Hartley, Jennifer S; Mohsin, Abu SM; Blandin, Pierre; Chon, James WM; Sentis, Marc; Stoddart, Paul R; Kabashin, Andrei; Rotomskis, Ričardas; Clayton, Andrew HA; Juodkazis, Saulius

2013-01-01

Aqueous solutions of ultra-pure gold nanoparticles have been prepared by methods of femtosecond laser ablation from a solid target and fragmentation from already formed colloids. Despite the absence of protecting ligands, the solutions could be (1) fairly stable and poly size-dispersed; or (2) very stable and monodispersed, for the two fabrication modalities, respectively. Fluorescence quenching behavior and its intricacies were revealed by fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy in rhodamine 6G water solution. We show that surface-enhanced Raman scattering of rhodamine 6G on gold nanoparticles can be detected with high fidelity down to micromolar concentrations using the nanoparticles. Application potential of pure gold nanoparticles with polydispersed and nearly monodispersed size distributions are discussed. PMID:23888114

Dispersion of ceria nanoparticles on γ-alumina surface functionalized using long chain carboxylic acids

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ledwa, Karolina Anna; Kępiński, Leszek

2017-04-01

Dispersion and stability of nanoparticles on a support is determined by the interaction between these phases. In case of hydrophobic nanoparticles (e.g. synthesized by reverse microemulsion method) the interaction with hydrophilic support (e.g. γ-Al2O3) is weak and agglomeration as well as poor resistance to sintering may cause problems. The bonding of the particles to the support may be effectively strengthened by proper modification of the support, e.g. by adsorption of hydrophobic compounds on its surface. In this work decanoic, myristic, stearic and oleic acid were used for the first time to cover γ-Al2O3 surface in order to enhance the dispersion of ceria nanoparticles deposited afterward by impregnation on such support. TGA and FTIR methods revealed that at monolayer coverage (1.1-2.5 molecules per nm2) the acid molecules are firmly bounded to the alumina surface. Morphology, textural properties, phase composition and reducibility of the CeO2/γ-Al2O3 samples were investigated using TEM, SEM, BET, XRD and H2-TPR methods. It has been shown that deposition of CeO2 nanoparticles on γ-Al2O3 surface covered with all studied acids enhances its dispersion, stability and reducibility. The most effective modification of the γ-Al2O3 surface was obtained at loading of 2.3 molecules of decanoic acid per nm2 of the support.

Green and ecofriendly synthesis of silver nanoparticles: Characterization, biocompatibility studies and gel formulation for treatment of infections in burns.

PubMed

Jadhav, Kiran; Dhamecha, Dinesh; Bhattacharya, Debdutta; Patil, Mrityunjaya

2016-02-01

The current study summarizes a unique green process for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) by simple treatment of silver nitrate with aqueous extract of Ammania baccifera. Phytosynthesized AgNPs were characterized by various advanced analytical methods and studied for its use against infections associated with burns. Formation of AgNPs was observed by visual color change from colorless to dark brown and confirmed by UV-visible characteristic peak at 436 nm. Zeta potential, particle size and polydispersity index of nano-silver were found to be -33.1 ± 1.12, 112.6 ± 6.8 nm and 0.3 ± 0.06 respectively. XRD spectra revealed crystalline nature of AgNPs whereas TEM confirmed the presence of mixed morphology of AgNPs. The overall approach designated in the present research investigation for the synthesis of AgNPs is based on all 12 principles of green chemistry, in which no man-made chemical other than the silver nitrate was used. Synthesized nano-silver colloidal dispersion was initially tested for minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) against a panel of organisms involved in infections associated with burns (Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA), Staphylococcus aureus (SA) and methicillin resistant S. aureus (MRSA)). MIC and MBC were found to be in range of 0.992 to 7.93 and 7.93 to 31.75 μg/mL respectively. MBC was used for formulation of AgNP gel and tested for its efficacy using agar well diffusion method against PA, SA and MRSA. Comparative bactericidal efficacy of formulated gel (0.03% w/w) and marked formulation Silverex™ ionic (silver nitrate gel 0.2% w/w) showed equal zone of inhibition against all pathogenic bacteria. Formulated AgNP gel consisting of 95% lesser concentration of silver compared to marketed formulation was found to be equally effective against all organisms. Hence, the formulated AgNP gel could serve as a better alternative with least toxicity towards the treatment presently available for

Dissecting the structure of surface stabilizer on the dispersion of inorganic nanoparticles in aqueous medium

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ding, Yong; Yu, Zongzhi; Zheng, Junping

2017-03-01

Dispersing inorganic nanoparticles in aqueous solutions is a key requirement for a great variety of products and processes, including carriers in drug delivery or fillers in polymers. To be highly functional in the final product, inorganic particles are required to be finely dispersed in nanoscale. In this study, silica was selected as a representative inorganic particle. Surface stabilizers with different chain length and charged group were designed to reveal the influence of electrostatic and van der Waals forces between silica and stabilizer on the dispersion of silica particles in aqueous medium. Results showed surface stabilizer with longer alkyl chain and charged group exerted best ability to deaggregate silica, leading to a hydrodynamic size of 51.1 nm. Surface stabilizer designing with rational structure is a promising solution for deagglomerating and reducing process time and energy. Giving the designability and adaptability of surface stabilizer, this method is of potential for dispersion of other inorganic nanoparticles.

Seed mediated synthesis of highly mono-dispersed gold nanoparticles in the presence of hydroquinone

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kumar, Dhiraj; Mutreja, Isha; Sykes, Peter

2016-09-01

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) are being studied for several biomedical applications, including drug delivery, biomedical imaging, contrast agents and tumor targeting. The synthesis of nanoparticles with a narrow size distribution is critical for these applications. We report the synthesis of highly mono-dispersed AuNPs by a seed mediated approach, in the presence of tri-sodium citrate and hydroquinone (HQ). AuNPs with an average size of 18 nm were used for the synthesis of highly mono-dispersed nanocrystals of an average size 40 nm, 60 nm, 80 nm and ˜100 nm; but the protocol is not limited to these sizes. The colloidal gold was subjected to UV-vis absorbance spectroscopy, showing a red shift in lambda max wavelength, peaks at 518.47 nm, 526.37 nm, 535.73 nm, 546.03 nm and 556.50 nm for AuNPs seed (18 nm), 40 nm, 60 nm, 80 nm and ˜100 nm respectively. The analysis was consistent with dynamic light scattering and electron microscopy. Hydrodynamic diameters measured were 17.6 nm, 40.8 nm, 59.8 nm, 74.1 nm, and 91.4 nm (size by dynamic light scattering—volume %); with an average poly dispersity index value of 0.088, suggesting mono-dispersity in the size distribution, which was also confirmed by transmission electron microscopy analysis. The advantage of a seed mediated approach is a multi-step growth of nanoparticle size that enables us to control the number of nanoparticles in the suspension, for size ranging from 24.5 nm to 95.8 nm. In addition, the HQ-based synthesis of colloidal nanocrystals allowed control of the particle size and size distribution by tailoring either the number of seeds, amount of gold precursor or reducing agent (HQ) in the final reaction mixture.

Preparation of hydroxyapatite nanoparticles by sol-gel method with optimum processing parameters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yusoff, Yusriha Mohd; Salimi, Midhat Nabil Ahmad; Anuar, Adilah

2015-05-01

Many studies have been carried out in order to prepare hydroxyapatite (HAp) by various methods. In this study, we focused on the preparation of HAp nanoparticles by using sol-gel technique in which few parameters are optimized which were stirring rate, aging time and sintering temperature. HAp nanoparticles were prepared by using precursors of calcium nitrate tetrahydrate, Ca(NO3)2.4H2O and phosphorous pentoxide, P2O5. Both precursors are mixed in ethanol respectively before they were mixed together in which it formed a stable sol. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used for its characterization in terms of functional group, phase composition, crystallite size and morphology of the nanoparticles produced. FTIR spectra showed that the functional groups that present in all five samples were corresponding to the formation of HAp. Besides, XRD shows that only one phase was formed which was hydroxyapatite. Meanwhile, SEM shows that the small particles combine together to form agglomeration.

Viscosity of alumina nanoparticles dispersed in car engine coolant

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kole, Madhusree; Dey, T.K.

The present paper, describes our experimental results on the viscosity of the nanofluid prepared by dispersing alumina nanoparticles (<50 nm) in commercial car coolant. The nanofluid prepared with calculated amount of oleic acid (surfactant) was tested to be stable for more than 80 days. The viscosity of the nanofluids is measured both as a function of alumina volume fraction and temperature between 10 and 50 C. While the pure base fluid display Newtonian behavior over the measured temperature, it transforms to a non-Newtonian fluid with addition of a small amount of alumina nanoparticles. Our results show that viscosity of themore » nanofluid increases with increasing nanoparticle concentration and decreases with increase in temperature. Most of the frequently used classical models severely under predict the measured viscosity. Volume fraction dependence of the nanofluid viscosity, however, is predicted fairly well on the basis of a recently reported theoretical model for nanofluids that takes into account the effect of Brownian motion of nanoparticles in the nanofluid. The temperature dependence of the viscosity of engine coolant based alumina nanofluids obeys the empirical correlation of the type: log ({mu}{sub nf}) = A exp(BT), proposed earlier by Namburu et al. (author)« less

Enhanced Dispersion of TiO2 Nanoparticles in a TiO2/PEDOT:PSS Hybrid Nanocomposite via Plasma-Liquid Interactions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Yazi; Sun, Dan; Askari, Sadegh; Patel, Jenish; Macias-Montero, Manuel; Mitra, Somak; Zhang, Richao; Lin, Wen-Feng; Mariotti, Davide; Maguire, Paul

2015-10-01

A facile method to synthesize a TiO2/PEDOT:PSS hybrid nanocomposite material in aqueous solution through direct current (DC) plasma processing at atmospheric pressure and room temperature has been demonstrated. The dispersion of the TiO2 nanoparticles is enhanced and TiO2/polymer hybrid nanoparticles with a distinct core shell structure have been obtained. Increased electrical conductivity was observed for the plasma treated TiO2/PEDOT:PSS nanocomposite. The improvement in nanocomposite properties is due to the enhanced dispersion and stability in liquid polymer of microplasma treated TiO2 nanoparticles. Both plasma induced surface charge and nanoparticle surface termination with specific plasma chemical species are proposed to provide an enhanced barrier to nanoparticle agglomeration and promote nanoparticle-polymer binding.

Enhancement of Dose Response and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Image of PAGAT Polymer Gel Dosimeter by Adding Silver Nanoparticles

PubMed Central

Sabbaghizadeh, Rahim; Shamsudin, Roslinda; Deyhimihaghighi, Najmeh; Sedghi, Arman

2017-01-01

In the present study, the normoxic polyacrylamide gelatin and tetrakis hydroxy methyl phosphoniun chloride (PAGAT) polymer gel dosimeters were synthesized with and without the presence of silver (Ag) nanoparticles. The amount of Ag nanoparticles varied from 1 to 3 ml with concentration 3.14 g/l, thus forming two types of PAGAT polymer gel dosimeters before irradiating them with 6 to 25 Gy produced by 1.25-MeV 60Co gamma rays. In this range, the predominant gamma ray interaction with matter is by Compton scattering effect, as the photoelectric absorption effect diminishes. MRI was employed when evaluating the polymerization of the dosimeters and the gray scale of the MRI film was determined via an optical densitometer. Subsequent analyses of optical densities revealed that the extent of polymerization increased with the increase in the absorbed dose, while the increase of penetration depth within the dosimeters has a reverse effect. Moreover, a significant increase in the optical density-dose response (11.82%) was noted for dosimeters containing 2 ml Ag nanoparticles. PMID:28060829

Nanostructured Silica/Gold-Cellulose-Bonded Amino-POSS Hybrid Composite via Sol-Gel Process and Its Properties.

PubMed

Ramesh, Sivalingam; Kim, Heung Soo; Lee, Young-Jun; Hong, Gwang-Wook; Kim, Joo-Hyung

2017-12-01

It is demonstrated in this paper that silica nanoparticles coated with core/shell gold provide efficient thermal, optical, and morphological properties with respect to the cellulose-polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes (POSS) hybrid system. The one-step synthesis of a silica/gold nanocomposite is achieved with a simultaneous hydrolysis and reduction of gold chloride in the presence of formic acid, and the trimethoxysilane group acts as a silica precursor. The focus here comprises the synthesis of cellulose-POSS and silica/gold hybrid nanocomposites using the following two methods: (1) an in situ sol-gel process and (2) a polyvinyl alcohol/tetrakis (hydroxymethyl)phosphonium chloride process. Accordingly, the silica/gold core/shell nanoparticles are synthesized. The growth and attachment of the gold nanoparticles onto the functionalized surface of the silica at the nanometer scale is achieved via both the sol-gel and the tetrakis (hydroxymethyl) phosphonium chloride processes. The cellulose-POSS-silica/gold nanocomposites are characterized according to Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy, Raman, X-ray diffraction, UV, photoluminescence, SEM, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, TEM, thermogravimetric, and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller analyses.

Nanostructured Silica/Gold-Cellulose-Bonded Amino-POSS Hybrid Composite via Sol-Gel Process and Its Properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ramesh, Sivalingam; Kim, Heung Soo; Lee, Young-June; Hong, Gwang-Wook; Kim, Joo-Hyung

2017-06-01

It is demonstrated in this paper that silica nanoparticles coated with core/shell gold provide efficient thermal, optical, and morphological properties with respect to the cellulose-polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes (POSS) hybrid system. The one-step synthesis of a silica/gold nanocomposite is achieved with a simultaneous hydrolysis and reduction of gold chloride in the presence of formic acid, and the trimethoxysilane group acts as a silica precursor. The focus here comprises the synthesis of cellulose-POSS and silica/gold hybrid nanocomposites using the following two methods: (1) an in situ sol-gel process and (2) a polyvinyl alcohol/tetrakis (hydroxymethyl)phosphonium chloride process. Accordingly, the silica/gold core/shell nanoparticles are synthesized. The growth and attachment of the gold nanoparticles onto the functionalized surface of the silica at the nanometer scale is achieved via both the sol-gel and the tetrakis (hydroxymethyl) phosphonium chloride processes. The cellulose-POSS-silica/gold nanocomposites are characterized according to Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy, Raman, X-ray diffraction, UV, photoluminescence, SEM, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, TEM, thermogravimetric, and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller analyses.

Synthesis and antibacterial activity of water-dispersible silver nanoparticles via micellar nanoreactors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pofali, Prasad; Shirolikar, Seema; Borde, Lalit; Pattani, Aditya; Dandekar, Prajakta; Jain, Ratnesh

2018-04-01

We have synthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using micelles of sugar fatty acid ester by dissolving the surfactant in a mixture of iso-octane and n-butanol, with solid-liquid extraction. Highly concentrated, water-dispersible AgNPs were obtained after thorough washing with alcohol, to remove excess of sucrose fatty acid ester DK SS and salt, followed by drying. The particles were characterized for their size, morphology and crystallinity using UV-Visible spectrophotometry, Transmission Electron Microscopy and x-ray diffractometry. Antibacterial study, confirmed the activity of nanoparticles against E. coli, P. aeruginosa and S. aureus, which causes diseases including diarrhoea and several life-threatening infections. Antibacterial activity of E. coli and P. aeruginosa was found to be 2.5 fold and for S. aureus 1.6 fold compared to 50 ppm conc. of Silver Nitrate. Our method of producing nanoparticles is employed as a platform technology for synthesizing other inorganic nanoparticles. This is the first report discussing the use of micellar carriers for obtaining silver nanopowder, to the best of our knowledge, which has the potential to overcome limitations during fabrication of AgNPs using reverse/inverse micelles. Our method yielded nano-sized, water-dispersible AgNPs via an easy and economic approach. The one-pot approach possesses advantages in terms of cost and simplicity, as compared with traditional methods of producing powdered AgNPs using energy intensive and expensive techniques like lyophilisation. The developed method, thus, possesses immense potential for commercial synthesis of AgNPs.

Antibacterial Properties of Copper Nanoparticle Dispersions: Influence of Synthesis Conditions and Physicochemical Characteristics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Godymchuk, A.; Frolov, G.; Gusev, A.; Zakharova, O.; Yunda, E.; Kuznetsov, D.; Kolesnikov, E.

2015-11-01

The production of bactericidal plasters, bandages and medicines with the inclusion of copper nanoparticles and copper ions may have a great potential in terms of their biomedical application. The work considers the influence of the synthesis conditions, size, aggregation status, and charge of nanoparticles in aqueous solutions as well as the type of microorganisms to the antibacterial properties of water suspensions of electroexplosive copper nanoparticles in the conditions in vitro in relation to strains Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and Bacillus cereus. Water dispersions of copper nanoparticles were shown to inhibit the growth of test cells for both G+ and G- microbacteria but the degree of such an influence strongly depended on the type of a test strain. The authors have demonstrated that use of deeply purified water and alcohol-containing stabilizers at the synthesis of nanoparticles via metals electric erosion in the liquid prevents the copper nanoparticles coagulation and significantly influences on their physicochemical characteristics and, consequently, antibacterial properties.

Unusual multiscale mechanics of biomimetic nanoparticle hydrogels

DOE PAGES

Zhou, Yunlong; Damasceno, Pablo F.; Somashekar, Bagganahalli S.; ...

2018-01-12

Viscoelastic properties are central for gels and other materials. Simultaneously, high storage and loss moduli are difficult to attain due to their contrarian requirements to chemical structure. Biomimetic inorganic nanoparticles offer a promising toolbox for multiscale engineering of gel mechanics, but a conceptual framework for their molecular, nanoscale, mesoscale, and microscale engineering as viscoelastic materials is absent. Here we show nanoparticle gels with simultaneously high storage and loss moduli from CdTe nanoparticles. Viscoelastic figure of merit reaches 1.83 MPa exceeding that of comparable gels by 100–1000 times for glutathione-stabilized nanoparticles. The gels made from the smallest nanoparticles display the highestmore » stiffness, which was attributed to the drastic change of GSH configurations when nanoparticles decrease in size. A computational model accounting for the difference in nanoparticle interactions for variable GSH configurations describes the unusual trends of nanoparticle gel viscoelasticity. These observations are generalizable to other NP gels interconnected by supramolecular interactions and lead to materials with high-load bearing abilities and energy dissipation needed for multiple technologies.« less

Unusual multiscale mechanics of biomimetic nanoparticle hydrogels

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Zhou, Yunlong; Damasceno, Pablo F.; Somashekar, Bagganahalli S.

Viscoelastic properties are central for gels and other materials. Simultaneously, high storage and loss moduli are difficult to attain due to their contrarian requirements to chemical structure. Biomimetic inorganic nanoparticles offer a promising toolbox for multiscale engineering of gel mechanics, but a conceptual framework for their molecular, nanoscale, mesoscale, and microscale engineering as viscoelastic materials is absent. Here we show nanoparticle gels with simultaneously high storage and loss moduli from CdTe nanoparticles. Viscoelastic figure of merit reaches 1.83 MPa exceeding that of comparable gels by 100–1000 times for glutathione-stabilized nanoparticles. The gels made from the smallest nanoparticles display the highestmore » stiffness, which was attributed to the drastic change of GSH configurations when nanoparticles decrease in size. A computational model accounting for the difference in nanoparticle interactions for variable GSH configurations describes the unusual trends of nanoparticle gel viscoelasticity. These observations are generalizable to other NP gels interconnected by supramolecular interactions and lead to materials with high-load bearing abilities and energy dissipation needed for multiple technologies.« less

Studies on the formation of polymeric nano-emulsions obtained via low-energy emulsification and their use as templates for drug delivery nanoparticle dispersions.

PubMed

Calderó, G; Montes, R; Llinàs, M; García-Celma, M J; Porras, M; Solans, C

2016-09-01

Ethylcellulose nanoparticles have been obtained from O/W nano-emulsions of the water/polyoxyethylene 10 oleyl ether/[ethyl acetate+4wt% ethylcellulose] system by low energy-energy emulsification at 25°C. Nano-emulsions with droplet sizes below 200nm and high kinetic stability were chosen for solubilising dexamethasone (DXM). Phase behaviour, conductivity and optical analysis studies of the system have evidenced for the first time that both, the polymer and the drug play a role on the structure of the aggregates formed along the emulsification path. Nano-emulsion formation may take place by both, phase inversion and self-emulsification. Spherical polymeric nanoparticles containing surfactant, showing sizes below 160nm have been obtained from the nano-emulsions by organic solvent evaporation. DXM loading in the nanoparticles was high (>90%). The release kinetics of nanoparticle dispersions with similar particle size and encapsulated DXM but different polymer to surfactant ratio were studied and compared to an aqueous DXM solution. Drug release from the nanoparticle dispersions was slower than from the aqueous solution. While the DXM solution showed a Fickian release pattern, the release behaviour from the nanoparticle dispersions was faster than that expected from a pure Fickian release. A coupled diffusion/relaxation model fitted the results very well, suggesting that polymer chains undergo conformational changes enhancing drug release. The contribution of diffusion and relaxation to drug transport in the nanoparticle dispersions depended on their composition and release time. Surfactant micelles present in the nanoparticle dispersion may exert a mild reservoir effect. The small particle size and the prolonged DXM release provided by the ethylcellulose nanoparticle dispersions make them suitable vehicles for controlled drug delivery applications. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Iron-based soft magnetic composites with Mn-Zn ferrite nanoparticles coating obtained by sol-gel method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Shen; Sun, Aizhi; Xu, Wenhuan; Zhang, Qian; Zhai, Fuqiang; Logan, Philip; Volinsky, Alex A.

2012-11-01

This paper focuses on iron-based soft magnetic composites which were synthesized by utilizing Mn-Zn ferrite nanoparticles to coat iron powder. The nanocrystalline iron powders, with an average particle diameter of 20 nm, were obtained via the sol-gel method. Scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and distribution maps show that the iron particle surface is covered with a thin layer of Mn-Zn ferrites. Mn-Zn ferrite uniformly coated the surface of the powder particles, resulting in a reduced imaginary permeability, increased electrical resistivity and a higher operating frequency of the synthesized magnets. Mn-Zn ferrite coated samples have higher permeability and lower magnetic loss when compared with the non-magnetic epoxy resin coated compacts. The real part of permeability increases by 33.5% when compared with the epoxy resin coated samples at 10 kHz. The effects of heat treatment temperature on crystalline phase formation and on the magnetic properties of the Mn-Zn ferrite were investigated via X-ray diffraction and a vibrating sample magnetometer. Ferrites decomposed to FeO and MnO after annealing above 400 °C in nitrogen; thus it is the optimum annealing temperature to attain the desired permeability.

Rosemary Essential Oil-Loaded Lipid Nanoparticles: In Vivo Topical Activity from Gel Vehicles

PubMed Central

Montenegro, Lucia; Zappalà, Agata; Parenti, Carmela

2017-01-01

Although rosemary essential oil (EO) shows many biological activities, its topical benefits have not been clearly demonstrated. In this work, we assessed the effects on skin hydration and elasticity of rosemary EO after topical application via gel vehicles in human volunteers. To improve its topical efficacy, rosemary EO was loaded into lipid nanoparticles (NLCs) consisting of cetyl palmitate as a solid lipid, and non-ionic surfactants. Such NLCs were prepared using different ratios of EO/solid lipid and those containing EO 3% w/w and cetyl pamitate 7% w/w were selected for in vivo studies, showing the best technological properties (small particle size, low polydispersity index and good stability). Gels containing free EO or EO-loaded NLCs were applied on the hand skin surface of ten healthy volunteers twice a day for one week. Skin hydration and elasticity changes were recorded using the instrument Soft Plus. Gels containing EO-loaded NLCs showed a significant increase in skin hydration in comparison with gels containing free EO. Skin elasticity increased, as well, although to a lesser extent. The results of this study point out the usefulness of rosemary EO-loaded NLCs for the treatment of cutaneous alterations involving loss of skin hydration and elasticity. PMID:29065483

Optimized dispersion of ZnO nanoparticles and antimicrobial activity against foodborne pathogens and spoilage microorganisms

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Espitia, Paula Judith Perez; Soares, Nilda de Fátima Ferreira; Teófilo, Reinaldo F.; Vitor, Débora M.; Coimbra, Jane Sélia dos Reis; de Andrade, Nélio José; de Sousa, Frederico B.; Sinisterra, Rubén D.; Medeiros, Eber Antonio Alves

2013-01-01

Single primary nanoparticles of zinc oxide (nanoZnO) tend to form particle collectives, resulting in loss of antimicrobial activity. This work studied the effects of probe sonication conditions: power, time, and the presence of a dispersing agent (Na4P2O7), on the size of nanoZnO particles. NanoZnO dispersion was optimized by response surface methodology (RSM) and characterized by the zeta potential (ZP) technique. NanoZnO antimicrobial activity was investigated at different concentrations (1, 5, and 10 % w/w) against four foodborne pathogens and four spoilage microorganisms. The presence of the dispersing agent had a significant effect on the size of dispersed nanoZnO. Minimum size after sonication was 238 nm. An optimal dispersion condition was achieved at 200 W for 45 min of sonication in the presence of the dispersing agent. ZP analysis indicated that the ZnO nanoparticle surface charge was altered by the addition of the dispersing agent and changes in pH. At tested concentrations and optimal dispersion, nanoZnO had no antimicrobial activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Lactobacillus plantarum, and Listeria monocytogenes. However, it did have antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli, Salmonella choleraesuis, Staphylococcus aureus, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and Aspergillus niger. Based on the exhibited antimicrobial activity of optimized nanoZnO against some foodborne pathogens and spoilage microorganisms, nanoZnO is a promising antimicrobial for food preservation with potential application for incorporation in polymers intended as food-contact surfaces.

DNA hydrogel as a template for synthesis of ultrasmall gold nanoparticles for catalytic applications.

PubMed

Zinchenko, Anatoly; Miwa, Yasuyuki; Lopatina, Larisa I; Sergeyev, Vladimir G; Murata, Shizuaki

2014-03-12

DNA cross-linked hydrogel was used as a matrix for synthesis of gold nanoparticles. DNA possesses a strong affinity to transition metals such as gold, which allows for the concentration of Au precursor inside a hydrogel. Further reduction of HAuCl4 inside DNA hydrogel yields well dispersed, non-aggregated spherical Au nanoparticles of 2-3 nm size. The average size of these Au nanoparticles synthesized in DNA hydrogel is the smallest reported so far for in-gel metal nanoparticles synthesis. DNA hybrid hydrogel containing gold nanoparticles showed high catalytic activity in the hydrogenation reaction of nitrophenol to aminophenol. The proposed soft hybrid material is promising as environmentally friendly and sustainable material for catalytic applications.

Ultra-small dye-doped silica nanoparticles via modified sol-gel technique.

PubMed

Riccò, R; Nizzero, S; Penna, E; Meneghello, A; Cretaio, E; Enrichi, F

2018-01-01

In modern biosensing and imaging, fluorescence-based methods constitute the most diffused approach to achieve optimal detection of analytes, both in solution and on the single-particle level. Despite the huge progresses made in recent decades in the development of plasmonic biosensors and label-free sensing techniques, fluorescent molecules remain the most commonly used contrast agents to date for commercial imaging and detection methods. However, they exhibit low stability, can be difficult to functionalise, and often result in a low signal-to-noise ratio. Thus, embedding fluorescent probes into robust and bio-compatible materials, such as silica nanoparticles, can substantially enhance the detection limit and dramatically increase the sensitivity. In this work, ultra-small fluorescent silica nanoparticles (NPs) for optical biosensing applications were doped with a fluorescent dye, using simple water-based sol-gel approaches based on the classical Stöber procedure. By systematically modulating reaction parameters, controllable size tuning of particle diameters as low as 10 nm was achieved. Particles morphology and optical response were evaluated showing a possible single-molecule behaviour, without employing microemulsion methods to achieve similar results. Graphical abstractWe report a simple, cheap, reliable protocol for the synthesis and systematic tuning of ultra-small (< 10 nm) dye-doped luminescent silica nanoparticles.

Fast adsorption kinetics of highly dispersed ultrafine nickel/carbon nanoparticles for organic dye removal

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Taek-Seung; Song, Hee Jo; Dar, Mushtaq Ahmad; Lee, Hack-Jun; Kim, Dong-Wan

2018-05-01

Magnetic metal/carbon nano-materials are attractive for pollutant adsorption and removal. In this study, ultrafine nickel/carbon nanoparticles are successfully prepared via electrical wire explosion processing in ethanol media for the elimination of pollutant organic dyes such as Rhodamine B and methylene blue in aqueous solutions. High specific surface areas originating from both the nano-sized particles and the existence of carbon on the surface of Ni nanoparticles enhance dye adsorption capacity. In addition to this, the excellent dispersity of Ni/C nanoparticles in aqueous dye solutions leads to superior adsorption rates. The adsorption kinetics for the removal of organic dyes by Ni/C nanoparticles agree with a pseudo-second-order model and follow Freundlich adsorption isotherm behavior.

A comparison of dispersing media for various engineered carbon nanoparticles.

PubMed

Buford, Mary C; Hamilton, Raymond F; Holian, Andrij

2007-07-27

With the increased manufacture and use of carbon nanoparticles (CNP) there has been increasing concern about the potential toxicity of fugitive CNP in the workplace and ambient environment. To address this matter a number of investigators have conducted in vitro and in vivo toxicity assessments. However, a variety of different approaches for suspension of these particles (culture media, Tween 80, dimethyl sulfoxide, phosphate-buffered saline, fetal calf serum, and others), and different sources of materials have generated potentially conflicting outcomes. The quality of the dispersion of nanoparticles is very dependent on the medium used to suspend them, and this then will most likely affect the biological outcomes. In this work, the distributions of different CNP (sources and types) have been characterized in various media. Furthermore, the outcome of instilling the different agglomerates, or size distributions, was examined in mouse lungs after one and seven days. Our results demonstrated that CNP suspended in serum produced particle suspensions with the fewest large agglomerates, and the most uniform distribution in mouse lungs. In addition, no apparent clearance of instilled CNP took place from lungs even after seven days. This work demonstrates that CNP agglomerates are present in all dispersing vehicles to some degree. The vehicle that contains some protein, lipid or protein/lipid component disperses the CNP best, producing fewer large CNP agglomerates. In contrast, vehicles absent of lipid and protein produce the largest CNP agglomerates. The source of the CNP is also a factor in the degree of particle agglomeration within the same vehicle.

A comparison of dispersing media for various engineered carbon nanoparticles

PubMed Central

Buford, Mary C; Hamilton, Raymond F; Holian, Andrij

2007-01-01

Background With the increased manufacture and use of carbon nanoparticles (CNP) there has been increasing concern about the potential toxicity of fugitive CNP in the workplace and ambient environment. To address this matter a number of investigators have conducted in vitro and in vivo toxicity assessments. However, a variety of different approaches for suspension of these particles (culture media, Tween 80, dimethyl sulfoxide, phosphate-buffered saline, fetal calf serum, and others), and different sources of materials have generated potentially conflicting outcomes. The quality of the dispersion of nanoparticles is very dependent on the medium used to suspend them, and this then will most likely affect the biological outcomes. Results In this work, the distributions of different CNP (sources and types) have been characterized in various media. Furthermore, the outcome of instilling the different agglomerates, or size distributions, was examined in mouse lungs after one and seven days. Our results demonstrated that CNP suspended in serum produced particle suspensions with the fewest large agglomerates, and the most uniform distribution in mouse lungs. In addition, no apparent clearance of instilled CNP took place from lungs even after seven days. Conclusion This work demonstrates that CNP agglomerates are present in all dispersing vehicles to some degree. The vehicle that contains some protein, lipid or protein/lipid component disperses the CNP best, producing fewer large CNP agglomerates. In contrast, vehicles absent of lipid and protein produce the largest CNP agglomerates. The source of the CNP is also a factor in the degree of particle agglomeration within the same vehicle. PMID:17655771

Structure and optical properties of noble metal and oxide nanoparticles dispersed in various polysaccharide biopolymers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Djoković, V.; Božanic, D. K.; Vodnik, V. V.; Krsmanović, R. M.; Trandafilovic, L. V.; Dimitrijević-Branković, S.

2011-10-01

We present the results on the structure and the optical properties of noble metal (Ag, Au) and oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles synthesized by various methods in different polysaccharide matrices such as chitosan, glycogen, alginate and starch. The structure of the obtained nanoparticles was studied in detail with microscopic techniques (TEM, SEM), while the XPS spectroscopy was used to investigate the effects at the nanoparticle-biomolecule interfaces. The antimicrobial activity of the nanocomposite films with Ag nanoparticles was tested against the Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Candida albicans pathogens. In addition, we will present the results on the structure and optical properties of the tryptophan amino acid functionalized silver nanoparticles dispersed in water soluble polymer matrices.

Transport characteristics of nanoparticle-based ferrofluids in a gel model of the brain

PubMed Central

Basak, Soubir; Brogan, David; Dietrich, Hans; Ritter, Rogers; Dacey, Ralph G; Biswas, Pratim

2009-01-01

A current advance in nanotechnology is the selective targeting of therapeutics by external magnetic field-guided delivery. This is an important area of research in medicine. The use of magnetic forces results in the formation of agglomerated structures in the field region. The transport characteristics of these agglomerated structures are explored. A nonintrusive method based on in situ light-scattering techniques is used to characterize the velocity of such particles in a magnetic field gradient. A transport model for the chain-like agglomerates is developed based on these experimental observations. The transport characteristics of magnetic nanoparticle drug carriers are then explored in gel-based simulated models of the brain. Results of such measurements demonstrate decreased diffusion of magnetic nanoparticles when placed in a high magnetic field gradient. PMID:19421367

Structural, morphological and magnetic properties of pure and Ni-doped ZnO nanoparticles synthesized by sol-gel method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Undre, Pallavi G.; Birajdar, Shankar D.; Kathare, R. V.; Jadhav, K. M.

2018-05-01

In this work pure and Ni-doped ZnO nanoparticles have been prepared by sol-gel method. Influence of nickel doping on structural, morphological and magnetic properties of prepared nanoparticles was investigated by X-ray diffraction technique (XRD), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Pulse field magnetic hysteresis loop. X-ray diffraction pattern shows the formation of a single phase with hexagonal wurtzite structure of both pure and Ni-doped ZnO nanoparticles. The lattice parameters `an' and `c' of Ni-doped ZnO is slightly less than that of pure ZnO nanoparticles. The crystalline size of prepared nanoparticles is found to be in 29 and 31 nm range. SEM technique used to examine the surface morphology of samples, SEM image confirms the nanocrystalline nature of present samples. From the pulse field hysteresis loop technique pure and Ni-doped ZnO nanoparticles show diamagnetic and ferromagnetic behavior at room temperature respectively.

Tapioca starch: An efficient fuel in gel-combustion synthesis of photocatalytically and anti-microbially active ZnO nanoparticles

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ramasami, Alamelu K.; Raja Naika, H.; Nagabhushana, H.

Zinc oxide nanoparticles were synthesized by gel-combustion method using novel bio-fuel tapioca starch pearls, derived from the tubers of Manihotesculenta. The product is characterized using various techniques. The X-ray diffraction pattern correspond to a hexagonal zincite structure. Fourier transform infrared spectrum showed main absorption peaks at 394 and 508 cm{sup −} {sup 1} due to stretching vibration of Zn–O. Ultravoilet–visible spectrum of zinc oxide nanoparticles showed absorption maximum at 373 nm whereas the maximum of the bulk zinc oxide was 377 nm. The morphology of the product was studied using scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The scanning electronmore » microscopic images showed that the products are agglomerated and porous in nature. The transmission electron microscopic images revealed spherical particles of 40–50 nm in diameter. The photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue was examined using zinc oxide nanoparticles and found more efficient in sunlight than ultra-violet light due to reduced band gap. The antibacterial properties of zinc oxide nanoparticles were investigated against four bacterial strains Klebsiella aerogenes, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aereus, where Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aereus exhibited significant antibacterial activity in agar well diffusion method when compared to positive control. - Highlights: • ZnO nanoparticles have been prepared from a new bio-fuel, tapioca starch by gel combustion method. • XRD pattern revealed hexagonal zincite crystal structure with crystallite size 33 nm. • ZnO nanoparticles exhibited a band gap of 2.70 eV. • The ZnO nanoparticles exhibited superior degradation in sunlight in comparison with UV light. • The product showed a good anti-bacterial activity against two bacterial strains.« less

Nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) versus solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) for topical delivery of meloxicam.

PubMed

Khalil, Rawia M; Abd-Elbary, A; Kassem, Mahfoz A; Ghorab, Mamdouh M; Basha, Mona

2014-05-01

The aim of this study was to develop nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) as well as solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) and evaluate their potential in the topical delivery of meloxicam (MLX). The effect of various compositional variations on their physicochemical properties was investigated. Furthermore, MLX-loaded lipid nanoparticles-based hydrogels were formulated and the gels were evaluated as vehicles for topical application. The results showed that NLC and SLN dispersions had spherical shapes with an average size between 215 and 430 nm. High entrapment efficiency was obtained ranging from 61.94 to 90.38% with negatively charged zeta potential in the range of -19.1 to -25.7 mV. The release profiles of all formulations exhibited sustained release characteristics over 48 h and the release rates increased as the amount of liquid lipid in lipid core increased. Finally, Precirol NLC with 50% Miglyol® 812 and its corresponding SLN were incorporated in hydrogels. The gels showed adequate pH, non-Newtonian flow with shear-thinning behavior and controlled release profiles. The biological evaluation revealed that MLX-loaded NLC gel showed more pronounced effect compared to MLX-loaded SLN gel. It can be concluded that lipid nanoparticles represent promising particulate carriers for topical application.

In situ gel-to-crystal transition and synthesis of metal nanoparticles obtained by fluorination of a cyclic β-aminoalcohol gelator.

PubMed

Xu, Yang; Kang, Chuanqing; Chen, Yu; Bian, Zheng; Qiu, Xuepeng; Gao, Lianxun; Meng, Qingxin

2012-12-21

A new fluorinated version of a cyclic β-aminoalcohol gelator derived from 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline is presented. The gelator is able to gel various nonprotic solvents through OH⋅⋅⋅N hydrogen bonds and additional CH⋅⋅⋅F interactions due to the introduction of fluorine. A bimolecular lamellar structure is formed in the gel phase, which partly preserves the pattern of molecular organization in the single crystal. The racemate of the chiral gelator shows lower gelation ability than its enantiomer because of a higher tendency to form microcrystals, as shown by X-ray diffraction analysis. The influence of fluorination on the self-assembly of the gelator and the properties of the gel was investigated in comparison to the original fluorine-free gel system. The introduction of fluorine brings two new features. The first is good recognition of o-xylene by the gelator, which induces an in situ transition from gels of o-xylene and of an o-xylene/toluene mixture to identical single crystals with unique tubular architecture. The second is the enhanced stability of the toluene gel towards ions, including quaternary ammonium salts, which enables the preparation of a stable toluene gel in the presence of chloroaurate or chloroplatinate. The gel system can be used as a template for the synthesis of spherical gold nanoparticles with a diameter of 5 to 9 nm and wormlike platinum nanostructures with a diameter of 2 to 3 nm and a length of 5 to 12 nm. This is the first example of a synthesis of platinum nanoparticles in an organogel medium. Therefore, the appropriate introduction of a fluorine atom and corresponding nonbonding interactions into a known gelator to tune the properties and functions of a gel is a simple and effective tactic for design of a gel system with specific targets. Copyright © 2012 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Ocular Sustained Release Nanoparticles Containing Stereoisomeric Dipeptide Prodrugs of Acyclovir

PubMed Central

Jwala, Jwala; Boddu, Sai H.S.; Shah, Sujay; Sirimulla, Suman; Pal, Dhananjay

2011-01-01

Abstract Purpose The objective of this study was to develop and characterize polymeric nanoparticles of appropriate stereoisomeric dipeptide prodrugs of acyclovir (L-valine-L-valine-ACV, L-valine-D-valine-ACV, D-valine-L-valine-ACV, and D-valine-D-valine-ACV) for the treatment of ocular herpes keratitis. Methods Stereoisomeric dipeptide prodrugs of acyclovir (ACV) were screened for bioreversion in various ocular tissues, cell proliferation, and uptake across the rabbit primary corneal epithelial cell line. Docking studies were carried out to examine the affinity of prodrugs to the peptide transporter protein. Prodrugs with optimum characteristics were selected for the preparation of nanoparticles using various grades of poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA). Nanoparticles were characterized for the entrapment efficiency, surface morphology, size distribution, and in vitro release. Further, the effect of thermosensitive gels on the release of prodrugs from nanoparticles was also studied. Results L-valine-L-valine-ACV and L-valine-D-valine-ACV were considered to be optimum in terms of enzymatic stability, uptake, and cytotoxicity. Docking results indicated that L-valine in the terminal position increases the affinity of the prodrugs to the peptide transporter protein. Entrapment efficiency values of L-valine-L-valine-ACV and L-valine-D-valine-ACV were found to be optimal with PLGA 75:25 and PLGA 65:35 polymers, respectively. In vitro release of prodrugs from nanoparticles exhibited a biphasic release behavior with initial burst phase followed by sustained release. Dispersion of nanoparticles in thermosensitive gels completely eliminated the burst release phase. Conclusion Novel nanoparticulate systems of dipeptide prodrugs of ACV suspended in thermosensitive gels may provide sustained delivery after topical administration. PMID:21500985

Coating and dispersion of ceramic nanoparticles by UV-ozone etching assisted surface-initiated living radical polymerization.

PubMed

Arita, Toshihiko

2010-10-01

Commercially available unmodified ceramic nanoparticles (NPs) in dry powder state were surface-modified and dispersed in almost single-crystal size. The surface-initiated living radical polymerization after just UV-ozone soft etching enables one to graft polymers onto the surface of ceramic NPs and disperse them in solvents. Furthermore, a number of NPs were dispersed with single-crystal sizes. The technique developed here could be applied to almost all ceramic NPs including metal nitrides.

Sol-gel preparation of Ag-silica nanocomposite with high electrical conductivity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ma, Zhijun; Jiang, Yuwei; Xiao, Huisi; Jiang, Bofan; Zhang, Hao; Peng, Mingying; Dong, Guoping; Yu, Xiang; Yang, Jian

2018-04-01

Sol-gel derived noble-metal-silica nanocomposites are very useful in many applications. Due to relatively low price, higher conductivity, and higher chemical stability of silver (Ag) compared with copper (Cu), Ag-silica has gained much more research interest. However, it remains a significant challenge to realize high loading of Ag content in sol-gel Ag-silica composite with high structural controllability and nanoparticles' dispersity. Different from previous works by using multifunctional silicon alkoxide to anchor metal ions, here we report the synthesis of Ag-silica nanocomposite with high loading of Ag nanoparticles by employing acetonitrile bi-functionally as solvent and metal ions stabilizer. The electrical conductivity of the Ag-silica nanocomposite reached higher than 6800 S/cm. In addition, the Ag-silica nanocomposite could simultaneously possess high electrical conductivity and positive conductivity-temperature coefficient by properly controlling the loading content of Ag. Such behavior is potentially advantageous for high-temperature devices (like phosphoric acid fuel cells) and inhibiting the thermal-induced increase of devices' internal resistance. The strategy proposed here is also compatible with block-copolymer directed self-assembly of mesoporous material, spin-coating of film and electrospinning of nanofiber, making it more charming in various practical applications.

Au Nanoparticle Sub-Monolayers Sandwiched between Sol-Gel Oxide Thin Films

PubMed Central

Della Gaspera, Enrico; Menin, Enrico; Sada, Cinzia

2018-01-01

Sub-monolayers of monodisperse Au colloids with different surface coverage have been embedded in between two different metal oxide thin films, combining sol-gel depositions and proper substrates functionalization processes. The synthetized films were TiO2, ZnO, and NiO. X-ray diffraction shows the crystallinity of all the oxides and verifies the nominal surface coverage of Au colloids. The surface plasmon resonance (SPR) of the metal nanoparticles is affected by both bottom and top oxides: in fact, the SPR peak of Au that is sandwiched between two different oxides is centered between the SPR frequencies of Au sub-monolayers covered with only one oxide, suggesting that Au colloids effectively lay in between the two oxide layers. The desired organization of Au nanoparticles and the morphological structure of the prepared multi-layered structures has been confirmed by Rutherford backscattering spectrometry (RBS), Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (SIMS), and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) analyses that show a high quality sandwich structure. The multi-layered structures have been also tested as optical gas sensors. PMID:29538338

Transition metal-substituted cobalt ferrite nanoparticles for biomedical applications.

PubMed

Sanpo, Noppakun; Berndt, Christopher C; Wen, Cuie; Wang, James

2013-03-01

Transition metals of copper, zinc, chromium and nickel were substituted into cobalt ferrite nanoparticles via a sol-gel route using citric acid as a chelating agent. The microstructure and elemental composition were characterized using scanning electron microscopy combined with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Phase analysis of transition metal-substituted cobalt ferrite nanoparticles was performed via X-ray diffraction. Surface wettability was measured using the water contact angle technique. The surface roughness of all nanoparticles was measured using profilometry. Moreover, thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry were performed to determine the temperature at which the decomposition and oxidation of the chelating agents took place. Results indicated that the substitution of transition metals influences strongly the microstructure, crystal structure and antibacterial property of the cobalt ferrite nanoparticles. Copyright © 2012 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Enhancement of in-vitro drug dissolution of ketoconazole for its optimal in-vivo absorption using Nanoparticles and Solid Dispersion forms of the drug

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Syed, Mohammed Irfan

Ketoconazole is one of the most widely prescribed oral antifungal drugs for the systemic treatment of various fungal infections. However, due its hydrophobic nature and poor solubility profiles in the gastro-intestinal fluids, variations in its bioavailability have been documented. Therefore, to enhance its dissolution in the biological fluids, this study was initiated to develop and evaluate Nanoparticles and Solid Dispersion forms of the drug. Nanoparticles of ketoconazole were developed by Wet Bead Milling technique using PVP-10k as the stabilizing material at a weight ratio of (2:1). Solid dispersion powder was prepared by Hot Melt method using PEG-8000 at a weight ratio of (1:2). A commercial product containing 200mg of ketoconazole tablet and pure drug powder were used as the control for comparison purposes. The dissolution studies were carried out in SGF, SIF, USP; and SIF with 0.2% sodium lauryl sulfate using the USP-II method for a 2 hours period. Physical characterizations were carried out using SEM, DSC, XRD and FTIR studies. Wet Bead Milling method yielded nanoparticles in the particles size range of (100-300nm.). First all samples were evaluated for their in-vitro dissolution in SGF at pH=1.2. After 15 minutes, the amounts of drug dissolved were observed to be 27% from both the pure powder and commercial tablet (control), 29% from solid dispersion and 100% from the Nanoparticles dosage form. This supports the fact that Nanoparticles had a strong influence on the dissolution rate of the drug and exhibited much faster dissolution of ketoconazole. When the same formulations were studied in the SIF, USP medium, the control formulation gave 3%, solid dispersion 8% and Nanoparticles 8% drug dissolution after 2 hours period. This could be because the weakly basic ketoconazole drug remained un-dissociated in the alkaline medium. Since this medium was unable to clearly distinguish the dissolution profiles from different formulation of the drug, the SIF solution

Antimicrobial polyethyleneimine-silver nanoparticles in a stable colloidal dispersion.

PubMed

Lee, Hyun Ju; Lee, Se Guen; Oh, Eun Jung; Chung, Ho Yun; Han, Sang Ik; Kim, Eun Jung; Seo, Song Yi; Ghim, Han Do; Yeum, Jeong Hyun; Choi, Jin Hyun

2011-11-01

Excellent colloidal stability and antimicrobial activity are important parameters for silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) in a range of biomedical applications. In this study, polyethyleneimine (PEI)-capped silver nanoparticles (PEI-AgNPs) were synthesized in the presence of sodium borohydride (NaBH(4)) and PEI at room temperature. The PEI-AgNPs had a positive zeta potential of approximately +49 mV, and formed a stable nanocolloid against agglomeration due to electrostatic repulsion. The particle size and hydrodynamic cluster size showed significant correlations with the amount of PEI and NaBH(4). PEI-AgNPs and even PEI showed excellent antimicrobial activity against Staphylococus aureus and Klebsiella pneumoniae. The cytotoxic effects of PEI and PEI-AgNPs were confirmed by an evaluation of the cell viability. The results suggest that the amount of PEI should be minimized to the level that maintains the stability of PEI-AgNPs in a colloidal dispersion. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The interfacial orientation relationship of oxide nanoparticles in a hafnium-containing oxide dispersion-strengthened austenitic stainless steel

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Miao, Yinbin, E-mail: miao2@illinois.edu; Mo, Kun; Cui, Bai

2015-03-15

This work reports comprehensive investigations on the orientation relationship of the oxide nanoparticles in a hafnium-containing austenitic oxide dispersion-strengthened 316 stainless steel. The phases of the oxide nanoparticles were determined by a combination of scanning transmission electron microscopy–electron dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, atom probe tomography and synchrotron X-ray diffraction to be complex Y–Ti–Hf–O compounds with similar crystal structures, including bixbyite Y{sub 2}O{sub 3}, fluorite Y{sub 2}O{sub 3}–HfO{sub 2} solid solution and pyrochlore (or fluorite) Y{sub 2}(Ti,Hf){sub 2−x}O{sub 7−x}. High resolution transmission electron microscopy was used to characterize the particle–matrix interfaces. Two different coherency relationships along with one axis-parallel relation between themore » oxide nanoparticles and the steel matrix were found. The size of the nanoparticles significantly influences the orientation relationship. The results provide insight into the relationship of these nanoparticles with the matrix, which has implications for interpreting material properties as well as responses to radiation. - Highlights: • The oxide nanoparticles in a hafnium-containing austenitic ODS were characterized. • The nanoparticles are Y–Hf–Ti–O enriched phases according to APT and STEM–EDS. • Two coherency and an axis-parallel orientation relationships were found by HR-TEM. • Particle size has a prominent effect on the orientation relationship (OR). • Formation mechanism of the oxide nanoparticles was discussed based on the ORs.« less

Impact of ultrasonic assisted triangular lattice like arranged dispersion of nanoparticles on physical and mechanical properties of epoxy-TiO2 nanocomposites.

PubMed

Goyat, M S; Ghosh, P K

2018-04-01

Emerging ex-situ technique, ultrasonic dual mixing (UDM) offers unique and hitherto unapproachable opportunities to alter the physical and mechanical properties of polymer nanocomposites. In this study, triangular lattice-like arranged dispersion of TiO 2 nanoparticles (average size ∼ 48 nm) in the epoxy polymer has been attained via concurrent use of a probe ultra-sonicator and 4 blades pitched impeller which collectively named as UDM technique. The UDM processing of neat epoxy reveals the generation of triangular lattice-like arranged nanocavities with nanoscale inter-cavity spacing. The UDM processing of epoxy-TiO 2 nanocomposites reveals two unique features such as partial and complete entrapping of the nanoparticles by the nanocavities leading the arranged dispersion of particles in the epoxy matrix. Pristine TiO 2 nanoparticles were dispersed in the epoxy polymer at loading fractions of up to 20% by weight. The results display that the arranged dispersion of nanoparticles is very effective at enhancing the glass transition temperature (T g ) and tensile properties of the epoxy at loading fractions of 10 wt%. We quantify a direct relationship among three important parameters such as nanoparticle content, cluster size, and inter-particle spacing. Our results offer a novel understanding of these parameters on the T g and tensile properties of the epoxy nanocomposites. The tensile fracture surfaces revealed several toughening mechanisms such as particle pull-out, plastic void growth, crack deflection, crack bridging and plastic deformation. We show that a strong nanoparticle-matrix interface led to the enhanced mechanical properties due to leading toughening mechanisms such as crack deflection, plastic deformation and particle pull-out. We showed that the UDM has an inordinate prospective to alter the dispersion state of nanoparticles in viscous polymer matrices. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Multiple dynamic regimes in colloid-polymer dispersions: New insight using X-ray photon correlation spectroscopy

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Srivastava, Sunita; Kishore, Suhasini; Narayanan, Suresh

We present an X-ray photon correlation spectros- copy (XPCS) study of dynamic transitions in an anisotropic colloid-polymer dispersion with multiple arrested states. The results provide insight into the mechanism for formation of repulsive glasses, attractive glasses, and networked gels of col- loids with weakly adsorbing polymer chains. In the presence of adsorbing polymer chains, we observe three distinct regimes: a state with slow dynamics consisting of finite particles and clusters, for which interparticle interactions are predominantly repulsive; a second dynamic regime occurring above the satu- ration concentration of added polymer, in which small clusters of nanoparticles form via a short-rangemore » depletion attraction; and a third regime above the overlap concentration in which dynamics of clusters are independent of polymer chain length. The observed complex dynamic state diagram is primarily gov- erned by the structural reorganization of a nanoparticle cluster and polymer chains at the nanoparticle-polymer surface and in the concentrated medium, which in turn controls the dynamics of the dispersion« less

Efficient One-Pot Synthesis of Colloidal Zirconium Oxide Nanoparticles for High-Refractive-Index Nanocomposites.

PubMed

Liu, Chao; Hajagos, Tibor Jacob; Chen, Dustin; Chen, Yi; Kishpaugh, David; Pei, Qibing

2016-02-01

Zirconium oxide nanoparticles are promising candidates for optical engineering, photocatalysis, and high-κ dielectrics. However, reported synthetic methods for the colloidal zirconium oxide nanoparticles use unstable alkoxide precursors and have various other drawbacks, limiting their wide application. Here, we report a facile one-pot method for the synthesis of colloidally stable zirconium oxide nanoparticles. Using a simple solution of zirconium trifluoroacetate in oleylamine, highly stable zirconium oxide nanoparticles have been synthesized with high yield, following a proposed amidization-assisted sol-gel mechanism. The nanoparticles can be readily dispersed in nonpolar solvents, forming a long-term stable transparent solution, which can be further used to fabricate high-refractive-index nanocomposites in both monolith and thin-film forms. In addition, the same method has also been extended to the synthesis of titanium oxide nanoparticles, demonstrating its general applicability to all group IVB metal oxide nanoparticles.

Shape-dependent dispersion and alignment of nonaggregating plasmonic gold nanoparticles in lyotropic and thermotropic liquid crystals.

PubMed

Liu, Qingkun; Tang, Jianwei; Zhang, Yuan; Martinez, Angel; Wang, Shaowei; He, Sailing; White, Timothy J; Smalyukh, Ivan I

2014-05-01

We use both lyotropic liquid crystals composed of prolate micelles and thermotropic liquid crystals made of rod-like molecules to uniformly disperse and unidirectionally align relatively large gold nanorods and other complex-shaped nanoparticles at high concentrations. We show that some of these ensuing self-assembled orientationally ordered soft matter systems exhibit polarization-dependent plasmonic properties with strongly pronounced molar extinction exceeding that previously achieved in self-assembled composites. The long-range unidirectional alignment of gold nanorods is mediated mainly by anisotropic surface anchoring interactions at the surfaces of gold nanoparticles. Polarization-sensitive absorption, scattering, and extinction are used to characterize orientations of nanorods and other nanoparticles. The experimentally measured unique optical properties of these composites, which stem from the collective plasmonic effect of the gold nanorods with long-range order in a liquid crystal matrix, are reproduced in computer simulations. A simple phenomenological model based on anisotropic surface interaction explains the alignment of gold nanorods dispersed in liquid crystals and the physical underpinnings behind our observations.

Estimation of electron–phonon coupling and Urbach energy in group-I elements doped ZnO nanoparticles and thin films by sol–gel method

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Vettumperumal, R.; Kalyanaraman, S., E-mail: mayura_priya2003@yahoo.co.in; Santoshkumar, B.

Highlights: • Comparison of group-I elements doped ZnO nanoparticles and thin films. • Calculation of electron–phonon coupling and phonon lifetime from Raman spectroscopy. • Estimation of interband states from Urbach energy. - Abstract: Group-I (Li, Na, K & Cs) elements doped ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) and thin films were prepared using sol–gel method. XRD data and TEM images confirm the absence of any other secondary phase different from wurtzite type ZnO. Spherical shapes of grains are observed from the surfaces of doped ZnO films by atomic force microscope images (AFM) and presences of dopants are confirmed from energy dispersive X-ray spectra.more » The Raman active E{sub 2} (high), E{sub 2} (low), E{sub 1} and A{sub 1} (LO) modes are observed from both ZnO NPs and thin films. First-order longitudinal optical (LO) phonon is found to have contributions from direct band transition and localized excitons. Electron–phonon coupling, phonon lifetime and deformation energy of ZnO are calculated based on the effect of dopants with respect to the multiple Raman LO phonon scattering. Presence of localized interbands states in doped ZnO NPs and thin films are found from the Urbach energy calculations.« less

Silica coating of nanoparticles by the sonogel process.

PubMed

Chen, Quan; Boothroyd, Chris; Tan, Gim Hong; Sutanto, Nelvi; Soutar, Andrew McIntosh; Zeng, Xian Ting

2008-02-05

A modified aqueous sol-gel route was developed using ultrasonic power for the silica coating of indium tin oxide (ITO) nanoparticles. In this approach, organosilane with an amino functional group was first used to cover the surface of as-received nanoparticles. Subsequent silica coating was initiated and sustained under power ultrasound irradiation in an aqueous mixture of surface-treated particles and epoxy silane. This process resulted in a thin but homogeneous coverage of silica on the particle surface. Particles coated with a layer of silica show better dispersability in aqueous and organic media compared with the untreated powder. Samples were characterized by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and the zeta potential.

Improving nanoparticle dispersion and charge transfer in cadmium telluride tetrapod and conjugated polymer blends.

PubMed

Monson, Todd C; Hollars, Christopher W; Orme, Christine A; Huser, Thomas

2011-04-01

The dispersion of CdTe tetrapods in a conducting polymer and the resulting charge transfer is studied using a combination of confocal fluorescence microscopy and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The results of this work show that both the tetrapod dispersion and charge transfer between the CdTe and conducting polymer (P3HT) are greatly enhanced by exchanging the ligands on the surface of the CdTe and by choosing proper solvent mixtures. The ability to experimentally probe the relationship between particle dispersion and charge transfer through the combination of AFM and fluorescence microscopy provides another avenue to assess the performance of polymer/semiconductor nanoparticle composites. © 2011 American Chemical Society

Palladium and platinum-based nanoparticle functional sensor layers for selective H2 sensing

DOEpatents

Ohodnicki, Jr., Paul R.; Baltrus, John P.; Brown, Thomas D.

2017-07-04

The disclosure relates to a plasmon resonance-based method for H.sub.2 sensing in a gas stream utilizing a hydrogen sensing material. The hydrogen sensing material is comprises Pd-based or Pt-based nanoparticles having an average nanoparticle diameter of less than about 100 nanometers dispersed in an inert matrix having a bandgap greater than or equal to 5 eV, and an oxygen ion conductivity less than approximately 10.sup.-7 S/cm at a temperature of 700.degree. C. Exemplary inert matrix materials include SiO.sub.2, Al.sub.2O.sub.3, and Si.sub.3N.sub.4 as well as modifications to modify the effective refractive indices through combinations and/or doping of such materials. The hydrogen sensing material utilized in the method of this disclosure may be prepared using means known in the art for the production of nanoparticles dispersed within a supporting matrix including sol-gel based wet chemistry techniques, impregnation techniques, implantation techniques, sputtering techniques, and others.

Comparison of chitosan and chitosan nanoparticles on the performance and charge recombination of water-based gel electrolyte in dye sensitized solar cells.

PubMed

Khalili, Malihe; Abedi, Mohammad; Amoli, Hossein Salar; Mozaffari, Seyed Ahmad

2017-11-01

In commercialization of liquid dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs), whose leakage, evaporation and toxicity of organic solvents are limiting factors, replacement of organic solvents with water-based gel electrolyte is recommended. This work reports on utilizing and comparison of chitosan and chitosan nanoparticle as different gelling agents in preparation of water-based gel electrolyte in fabrication of dye sensitized solar cells. All photovoltaic parameters such as open circuit voltage (V oc ), fill factor (FF), short circuit current density (J sc ) and conversion efficiency (η) were measured. For further characterization, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) was used to study the charge transfer at Pt/electrolyte interface and charge recombination and electron transport at TiO 2 /dye/electrolyte interface. Significant improvements in conversion efficiency and short circuit current density of DSSCs fabricated by chitosan nanoparticle were observed that can be attributed to the higher mobility of I 3 - due to the lower viscosity and smaller size of chitosan nanoparticles. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Microscopic evolution of dielectric nanoparticles at different calcination temperatures synthesized via sol-gel auto-combustion

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Adil, Muhammad, E-mail: muhammadadil86@hotmail.com; Zaid, Hasnah Mohd, E-mail: hasnamz@petronas.com.my; Chuan, Lee Kean, E-mail: lee.kc@petronas.com.my

2015-07-22

Dielectric nano powder synthesis is carried by a simple and fast sol-gel auto-combustion method. The transformation of crystalline phases of as-synthesized nano powders is investigated through the detailed transmission electron microscopy (TEM), revealed the crystallographic alterations and morphological information even at lattice scale. From specific area electron diffraction (SAED) pattern, has specified the d-spacing and corresponding planes supported by the observed lattice fringes. The morphological characterization of nanoparticles is performed through field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), exhibiting the increment in particle size due to agglomeration with the increase in annealing temperature. Furthermore, EDX pattern has been used to verify themore » formation of nanoparticles by revealing the presence of required elements.« less

Formation and enhanced biocidal activity of water-dispersable organic nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Haifei; Wang, Dong; Butler, Rachel; Campbell, Neil L.; Long, James; Tan, Bien; Duncalf, David J.; Foster, Alison J.; Hopkinson, Andrew; Taylor, David; Angus, Doris; Cooper, Andrew I.; Rannard, Steven P.

2008-08-01

Water-insoluble organic compounds are often used in aqueous environments in various pharmaceutical and consumer products. To overcome insolubility, the particles are dispersed in a medium during product formation, but large particles that are formed may affect product performance and safety. Many techniques have been used to produce nanodispersions-dispersions with nanometre-scale dimensions-that have properties similar to solutions. However, making nanodispersions requires complex processing, and it is difficult to achieve stability over long periods. Here we report a generic method for producing organic nanoparticles with a combination of modified emulsion-templating and freeze-drying. The dry powder composites formed using this method are highly porous, stable and form nanodispersions upon simple addition of water. Aqueous nanodispersions of Triclosan (a commercial antimicrobial agent) produced with this approach show greater activity than organic/aqueous solutions of Triclosan.

Structural and magnetic properties of sol-gel derived CaFe2O4 nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Das, Arnab Kumar; Govindaraj, Ramanujan; Srinivasan, Ananthakrishnan

2018-04-01

Calcium ferrite nanoparticles with average crystallite size of ∼11 nm have been synthesized by sol-gel method by mixing calcium and ferric nitrates in stoichiometric ratio in the presence of ethylene glycol. As-synthesized nanoparticles were annealed at different temperatures and their structural and magnetic properties have been evaluated. X-ray diffraction studies showed that unlike most ferrites, as-synthesized cubic calcium ferrite showed a slow transformation to orthorhombic structure when annealed above 400 °C. Single phase orthorhombic CaFe2O4 was obtained upon annealing at 1100 °C. Divergence of zero field cooled and field cooled magnetization curves at low temperatures indicated superparamagnetic behavior in cubic calcium ferrite particles. Superparamagnetism persisted in cubic samples annealed up to 500 °C. As-synthesized nanoparticles heat treated at 1100 °C exhibited mixed characteristics of antiferromagnetic and paramagnetic grains with saturation magnetization of 0.4 emu/g whereas nanoparticles calcined at 400 °C exhibited superparamagnetic characteristics with saturation magnetization of 22.92 emu/g. An antiferromagnetic to paramagnetic transition was observed between 170 and 190 K in the sample annealed at 1100 °C, which was further confirmed by Mössbauer studies carried out at different temperatures across the transition.

Electrochemical and spectroscopic characterization of surface sol-gel processes.

PubMed

Chen, Xiaohong; Wilson, George S

2004-09-28

(3-Mercaptopropyl)trimethoxysilane (MTS) forms a unique film on a platinum substrate by self-assembly and sol-gel cross-linking. The gelating and drying states of the self-assembled MTS sol-gel films were probed by use of electrochemical and spectroscopic methods. The thiol moiety was the only active group within the sol-gel network. Gold nanoparticles were employed to detect the availability of the thiol group and their interaction further indicated the physicochemical states of the sol-gel inner structure. It was found that the thiol groups in the open porous MTS aerogel matrix were accessible to the gold nanoparticles while thiol groups in the compact MTS xerogel network were not accessible to the gold nanoparticles. The characteristics of the sol-gel matrix change with time because of its own irreversible gelating and drying process. The present work provides direct evidence of gold nanoparticle binding with thiol groups within the sol-gel structures and explains the different permeability of "aerogel" and "xerogel" films of MTS on the basis of electrochemical and spectroscopic results. Two endogenous species, hydrogen peroxide and ascorbic acid, were used to test the permeability of the self-assembled sol-gel film in different states. The MTS xerogel film on the platinum electrode was extremely selective against ascorbic acid while maintaining high sensitivity to hydrogen peroxide in contrast to the relatively high permeability of ascorbic acid in the MTS aerogel film. This study showed the potential of the MTS sol-gel film as a nanoporous material in biosensor development.

Diffusion of rod-like nanoparticles in non-adhesive and adhesive porous polymeric gels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Jiuling; Yang, Yiwei; Yu, Miaorong; Hu, Guoqing; Gan, Yong; Gao, Huajian; Shi, Xinghua

2018-03-01

It is known that rod-like nanoparticles (NPs) can achieve higher diffusivity than their spherical counterparts in biological porous media such as mucus and tumor interstitial matrix, but the underlying mechanisms still remain elusive. Here, we present a joint experimental and theoretical study to show that the aspect ratio (AR) of NPs and their adhesive interactions with the host medium play key roles in such anomalous diffusion behaviors of nanorods. In an adhesive polymer solution/gel (e.g., mucus), hopping diffusion enables nanorods to achieve higher diffusivity than spherical NPs with diameters equal to the minor axis of the rods, and there exists an optimal AR that leads to maximum diffusivity. In contrast, the diffusivity of nanorods decreases monotonically with increasing AR in a non-adhesive polymer solution/gel (e.g., hydroxyethyl cellulose, HEC). Our theoretical model, which captures all the experimental observations, generalizes the so-called obstruction-scaling model by incorporating the effects of the NPs/matrix interaction via the mean first passage time (MFPT) theory. This work reveals the physical origin of the anomalous diffusion behaviors of rod-like NPs in biological gels and may provide guidelines for a range of applications that involve NPs diffusion in complex porous media.

Spreading of dispersions of lipid nanoparticles on hydrophobic and superhydrophobic surfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kumaraswamy, Guruswamy; Kumar, Manoj; Kulkarni, Mayuresh; Narendiran, Cg; Orpe, Ashish; Banpurkar, Arun

Glycerol monooleate is a hydrophobic lipid that exhibits a rich phase behavior. At high water concentrations, it organizes to form a bicontinuous phase with Pn3m symmetry that is stable with excess water. It is therefore possible to obtain stable aqueous dispersions of polymer stabilized, lipid nanoparticles with internal Pn3m symmetry. Such particles, termed cubosomes, can carry payloads of both hydrophobic as well as hydrophilic molecules and hold promise for delivery of pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, etc. We describe the behaviour of aqueous drops of cubosome dispersions as they impinge on hydrophobic and superhydrophobic surfaces. On impingement, the spreading of these drop is similar to that of water drops. However, while water drops retract and rebound from the surface, cubosome dispersions do not retract. We demonstrate that this can be attributed to rapid adsorption of cubosomes on the surface and their reorganization to form a thin, approximately 3 nm layer on the substrate. Remarkably, we show that while drops of water roll off inclined superhydrophobic lotus leaf surfaces, drops of cubosome dispersions do not. These results have implications for the delivery of agrochemicals to plant surfaces. Funding from DST, India is acknowledged.

Ultra-small dye-doped silica nanoparticles via modified sol-gel technique

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Riccò, R.; Nizzero, S.; Penna, E.; Meneghello, A.; Cretaio, E.; Enrichi, F.

2018-05-01

In modern biosensing and imaging, fluorescence-based methods constitute the most diffused approach to achieve optimal detection of analytes, both in solution and on the single-particle level. Despite the huge progresses made in recent decades in the development of plasmonic biosensors and label-free sensing techniques, fluorescent molecules remain the most commonly used contrast agents to date for commercial imaging and detection methods. However, they exhibit low stability, can be difficult to functionalise, and often result in a low signal-to-noise ratio. Thus, embedding fluorescent probes into robust and bio-compatible materials, such as silica nanoparticles, can substantially enhance the detection limit and dramatically increase the sensitivity. In this work, ultra-small fluorescent silica nanoparticles (NPs) for optical biosensing applications were doped with a fluorescent dye, using simple water-based sol-gel approaches based on the classical Stöber procedure. By systematically modulating reaction parameters, controllable size tuning of particle diameters as low as 10 nm was achieved. Particles morphology and optical response were evaluated showing a possible single-molecule behaviour, without employing microemulsion methods to achieve similar results. [Figure not available: see fulltext.

Magnetic studies of nickel ferrite nanoparticles prepared by sol-gel technique

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Anumol, C. N.; Chithra, M.; Sahoo, Subasa C., E-mail: subasa@cukerala.ac.in

2016-05-06

Ni-ferrite nanoparticles were synthesized by sol–gel technique by varying the solvent concentration. X-ray diffraction studies confirmed the phase purity in the samples. The lattice constant and grain size were found to be in the range of 0.833-0.834 nm and 14-26 nm respectively. There was no systematic variation in magnetization value with the solvent concentration and grain size. The highest magnetization, remanence and coercivity values of 60 emu/g, 12 emu/g and 180 Oe respectively were observed at 300K in the present study for the sample prepared in 75ml of solvent. The observed magnetization value is 20% higher than the bulk value of 50more » emu/g. The magnetization, coercivity and remanence values were enhanced at 60K compared to those at 300K. The observed high magnetization value in the nanoparticles can be explained on the basis of modified cation distribution in the lattice sites. The enhanced magnetic properties at 60K may be understood due to the reduced thermal fluctuation and increased anisotropy at low temperature.« less

Green synthesis and characterization of size tunable silica-capped gold core-shell nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wangoo, Nishima; Shekhawat, Gajendra; Wu, Jin-Song; Bhasin, Aman K. K.; Suri, C. R.; Bhasin, K. K.; Dravid, Vinayak

2012-08-01

Silica-coated gold nanoparticles (Au@SiO2) with controlled silica-shell thickness were prepared by a modified Stober's method using 10-nm gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) as seeds. The AuNPs were silica-coated with a sol-gel reaction using tetraethylorthosilicate (TEOS) as a silica source and ammonia as a catalyst. An increase in TEOS concentration resulted in an increase in shell thickness. The NPs were characterized by transmission electron microscopy, selected area electron diffraction, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, scanning near-field ultrasound holography and scanning transmission electron microscopy. The method required no surface modification and the synthesized core shell nanoparticles can be used for various types of biological applications.

Dispersion of iron nano-particles on expanded graphite for the shielding of electromagnetic radiation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Zheng; Huang, Yu'an; Yang, Yang; Shen, Jianyi; Tang, Tao; Huang, Runsheng

2010-10-01

Composite materials containing electrically conductive expanded graphite (EG) and magnetic iron nano-particles for electromagnetic shielding were prepared by impregnating EG with an ethanol solution containing iron nitrate and acetic acid, followed by drying and reduction in H 2. Magnetic nano-iron particles were found to be highly dispersed on the surface of EG in the Fe/EG composites, and played the role of enhancing the electromagnetic shielding effectiveness (SE) at low frequencies (0.3-10 MHz), which seemed to depend proportionally on magnetic hysteresis loss of loaded iron nano-particles.

Mechanical Failure in Colloidal Gels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kodger, Thomas Edward

When colloidal particles in a dispersion are made attractive, they aggregate into fractal clusters which grow to form a space-spanning network, or gel, even at low volume fractions. These gels are crucial to the rheological behavior of many personal care, food products and dispersion-based paints. The mechanical stability of these products relies on the stability of the colloidal gel network which acts as a scaffold to provide these products with desired mechanical properties and to prevent gravitational sedimentation of the dispersed components. Understanding the mechanical stability of such colloidal gels is thus of crucial importance to predict and control the properties of many soft solids. Once a colloidal gel forms, the heterogeneous structure bonded through weak physical interactions, is immediately subject to body forces, such as gravity, surface forces, such as adhesion to a container walls and shear forces; the interplay of these forces acting on the gel determines its stability. Even in the absence of external stresses, colloidal gels undergo internal rearrangements within the network that may cause the network structure to evolve gradually, in processes known as aging or coarsening or fail catastrophically, in a mechanical instability known as syneresis. Studying gel stability in the laboratory requires model colloidal system which may be tuned to eliminate these body or endogenous forces systematically. Using existing chemistry, I developed several systems to study delayed yielding by eliminating gravitational stresses through density matching and cyclic heating to induce attraction; and to study syneresis by eliminating adhesion to the container walls, altering the contact forces between colloids, and again, inducing gelation through heating. These results elucidate the varied yet concomitant mechanisms by which colloidal gels may locally or globally yield, but then reform due to the nature of the physical, or non-covalent, interactions which form

Determination of the size and phase composition of silver nanoparticles in a gel film of bacterial cellulose by small-angle X-ray scattering, electron diffraction, and electron microscopy

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Volkov, V. V.; Klechkovskaya, V. V., E-mail: klechvv@ns.crys.ras.ru; Shtykova, E. V.

2009-03-15

The nanoscale structural features in a composite (gel film of Acetobacter Xylinum cellulose with adsorbed silver nanoparticles, stabilized by N-polyvinylpyrrolidone) have been investigated by small-angle X-ray scattering. The size distributions of inhomogeneities in the porous structure of the cellulose matrix and the size distributions of silver nanoparticles in the composite have been determined. It is shown that the sizes of synthesized nanoparticles correlate with the sizes of inhomogeneities in the gel film. Particles of larger size (with radii up to 100 nm) have also been found. Electron microscopy of thin cross sections of a dried composite layer showed that largemore » particles are located on the cellulose layer surface. Electron diffraction revealed a crystal structure of silver nanoparticles in the composite.« less

Preparation and evaluation of miconazole nitrate-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles for topical delivery.

PubMed

Bhalekar, Mangesh R; Pokharkar, Varsha; Madgulkar, Ashwini; Patil, Nilam; Patil, Nilkanth

2009-01-01

The purpose of this study was to prepare miconazole nitrate (MN) loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (MN-SLN) effective for topical delivery of miconazole nitrate. Compritol 888 ATO as lipid, propylene glycol (PG) to increase drug solubility in lipid, tween 80, and glyceryl monostearate were used as the surfactants to stabilize SLN dispersion in the SLN preparation using hot homogenization method. SLN dispersions exhibited average size between 244 and 766 nm. All the dispersions had high entrapment efficiency ranging from 80% to 100%. The MN-SLN dispersion which showed good stability for a period of 1 month was selected. This MN-SLN was characterized for particle size, entrapment efficiency, and X-ray diffraction. The penetration of miconazole nitrate from the gel formulated using selected MN-SLN dispersion as into cadaver skins was evaluated ex-vivo using franz diffusion cell. The results of differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) showed that MN was dispersed in SLN in an amorphous state. The MN-SLN formulations could significantly increase the accumulative uptake of MN in skin over the marketed gel and showed a significantly enhanced skin targeting effect. These results indicate that the studied MN-SLN formulation with skin targeting may be a promising carrier for topical delivery of miconazole nitrate.

Room Temperature Ferromagnetism of Fe Doped Indium Tin Oxide Based on Dispersed Fe3O4 Nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Okada, Koichi; Kohiki, Shigemi; Nishi, Sachio; Shimooka, Hirokazu; Deguchi, Hiroyuki; Mitome, Masanori; Bando, Yoshio; Shishido, Toetsu

2007-09-01

Transmission electron microscopy revealed that Fe3O4 nanoparticles with diameter of ≈200 nm dispersed in Fe doped indium tin oxide (Fe@ITO) powders exhibiting co-occurrence of room temperature ferromagnetism and superparamagnetism. Although we observed no X-ray diffraction peak from Fe related compounds for Fe0.19@ITO (ITO: In1.9Sn0.1O3) powders, the powders showed both hysteresis loop in field dependent magnetization at 300 K and divergence of zero-field-cooled magnetization from field-cooled magnetization. Scanning transmission electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy demonstrated that the nanoparticle with diameter of ≈200 nm consists of Fe and oxygen. Transmission electron diffraction revealed that crystal structure of the nanoparticle is inverse spinel type Fe3O4. The Fe3O4 crystalline phase by electron diffraction is consistent with the saturation magnetization of 1.3 μB/Fe and magnetic anomaly at ≈110 K observed for the powders.

Dielectric relaxation behavior of colloidal suspensions of palladium nanoparticle chains dispersed in PVP/EG solution.

PubMed

Chen, Zhen; Zhao, Kong-Shuang; Guo, Lin; Feng, Cai-Hong

2007-04-28

Dielectric measurements were carried out on colloidal suspensions of palladium nanoparticle chains dispersed in poly(vinyl pyrrolidone)/ethylene glycol (PVP/EG) solution with different particle volume fractions, and dielectric relaxation with relaxation time distribution and small relaxation amplitude was observed in the frequency range from 10(5) to 10(7) Hz. By means of the method based on logarithmic derivative of the dielectric constant and a numerical Kramers-Kronig transform method, two dielectric relaxations were confirmed and dielectric parameters were determined from the dielectric spectra. The dielectric parameters showed a strong dependence on the volume fraction of palladium nanoparticle chain. Through analyzing limiting conductivity at low frequency, the authors found the conductance percolation phenomenon of the suspensions, and the threshold volume fraction is about 0.18. It was concluded from analyzing the dielectric parameters that the high frequency dielectric relaxation results from interfacial polarization and the low frequency dielectric relaxation is a consequence of counterion polarization. They also found that the dispersion state of the palladium nanoparticle chain in PVP/EG solution is dependent on the particle volume fraction, and this may shed some light on a better application of this kind of materials.

Sol-gel NiFe2O4 nanoparticles: Effect of the silica coating

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Larumbe, S.; Pérez-Landazábal, J. I.; Pastor, J. M.; Gómez-Polo, C.

2012-05-01

NiFe2O4 and NiFe2O4-SiO2 nanoparticles were synthesized by a sol-gel method using citric acid as fuel, giving rise its combustion to the crystallization of the spinel phase. Different synthesis conditions were analyzed with the aim of obtaining stoichiometric NiFe2O4 nanoparticles. The spinel structure in the calcined nanoparticles (400 °C, 2 h) was evaluated by x-ray diffraction. Their nanometer size (mean diameters around 10-15 nm) was confirmed through electron microscopy (field emission scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy). Rietveld refinement indicates the existence of a small percentage of NiO and Fe3O4 phases and a certain degree of structural disorder. The main effect of the silica coating is to enhance the disorder effects and prevent the crystalline growth after post-annealing treatments. Due to the small particle size, the nanoparticles display characteristic superparamagnetic behaviour and surface effects associated to a spin-glass like state: i.e., reduction in the saturation magnetization values and splitting of the zero field cooled (ZFC)-field cooled (FC) high field magnetization curves. The fitting of the field dependence of the ZFC-FC irreversibility temperatures to the Almeida—Thouless equation confirms the spin-glass nature of the detected magnetic phenomena. Exchange bias effects (shifts in the FC hysteresis loops) detected below the estimated freezing temperature support the spin-glass nature of the spin disorder effects.

Preparation and application of conducting polymer/Ag/clay composite nanoparticles formed by in situ UV-induced dispersion polymerization

PubMed Central

Zang, Limin; Qiu, Jianhui; Yang, Chao; Sakai, Eiichi

2016-01-01

In this work, composite nanoparticles containing polypyrrole, silver and attapulgite (PPy/Ag/ATP) were prepared via UV-induced dispersion polymerization of pyrrole using ATP clay as a templet and silver nitrate as photoinitiator. The effects of ATP concentration on morphology, structure and electrical conductivity were studied. The obtained composite nanoparticles with an interesting beads-on-a-string morphology can be obtained in a short time (10 min), which indicates the preparation method is facile and feasible. To explore the potential applications of the prepared PPy/Ag/ATP composite nanoparticles, they were served as multifunctional filler and blended with poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) matrix to prepare biodegradable composite material. The distribution of fillers in polymer matrix and the interfacial interaction between fillers and PBS were confirmed by scanning electron microscope, elemental mapping and dynamic mechanical analysis. The well dispersed fillers in PBS matrix impart outstanding antibacterial property to the biodegradable composite material as well as enhanced storage modulus due to Ag nanoparticles and ATP clay. The biodegradable composite material also possesses modest surface resistivity (106 ~ 109 Ω/◻). PMID:26839126

Preparation and application of conducting polymer/Ag/clay composite nanoparticles formed by in situ UV-induced dispersion polymerization.

PubMed

Zang, Limin; Qiu, Jianhui; Yang, Chao; Sakai, Eiichi

2016-02-03

In this work, composite nanoparticles containing polypyrrole, silver and attapulgite (PPy/Ag/ATP) were prepared via UV-induced dispersion polymerization of pyrrole using ATP clay as a templet and silver nitrate as photoinitiator. The effects of ATP concentration on morphology, structure and electrical conductivity were studied. The obtained composite nanoparticles with an interesting beads-on-a-string morphology can be obtained in a short time (10 min), which indicates the preparation method is facile and feasible. To explore the potential applications of the prepared PPy/Ag/ATP composite nanoparticles, they were served as multifunctional filler and blended with poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) matrix to prepare biodegradable composite material. The distribution of fillers in polymer matrix and the interfacial interaction between fillers and PBS were confirmed by scanning electron microscope, elemental mapping and dynamic mechanical analysis. The well dispersed fillers in PBS matrix impart outstanding antibacterial property to the biodegradable composite material as well as enhanced storage modulus due to Ag nanoparticles and ATP clay. The biodegradable composite material also possesses modest surface resistivity (10(6)~ 10(9) Ω/◻).

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2011-10-31

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Gilded nanoparticles for plasmonically enhanced fluorescence in TiO2:Sm3+ sol-gel films

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Abstract Silica-gold core-shell nanoparticles were used for plasmonic enhancement of rare earth fluorescence in sol-gel-derived TiO2:Sm3+ films. Local enhancement of Sm3+ fluorescence in the vicinity of separate gilded nanoparticles was revealed by a combination of dark field microscopy and fluorescence spectroscopy techniques. An intensity enhancement of Sm3+ fluorescence varies from 2.5 to 10 times depending on the used direct (visible) or indirect (ultraviolet) excitations. Analysis of fluorescence lifetimes suggests that the locally stronger fluorescence occurs because of higher plasmon-coupled direct absorption of exciting light by the Sm3+ ions or due to plasmon-assisted non-radiative energy transfer from the excitons of TiO2 host to the rare earth ions. PACS 78; 78.67.-n; 78.67.Bf PMID:24666921

Gilded nanoparticles for plasmonically enhanced fluorescence in TiO2:Sm3+ sol-gel films.

PubMed

Pikker, Siim; Dolgov, Leonid; Heinsalu, Siim; Mamykin, Sergii; Kiisk, Valter; Kopanchuk, Sergei; Lõhmus, Rünno; Sildos, Ilmo

2014-03-25

Silica-gold core-shell nanoparticles were used for plasmonic enhancement of rare earth fluorescence in sol-gel-derived TiO2:Sm3+ films. Local enhancement of Sm3+ fluorescence in the vicinity of separate gilded nanoparticles was revealed by a combination of dark field microscopy and fluorescence spectroscopy techniques. An intensity enhancement of Sm3+ fluorescence varies from 2.5 to 10 times depending on the used direct (visible) or indirect (ultraviolet) excitations. Analysis of fluorescence lifetimes suggests that the locally stronger fluorescence occurs because of higher plasmon-coupled direct absorption of exciting light by the Sm3+ ions or due to plasmon-assisted non-radiative energy transfer from the excitons of TiO2 host to the rare earth ions. 78; 78.67.-n; 78.67.Bf.

Light sensitive polymer obtained by dispersion of azo-functionalized POSS nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Miniewicz, A.; Tomkowicz, M.; Karpinski, P.; Sznitko, L.; Mossety-Leszczak, B.; Dutkiewicz, M.

2015-07-01

Hybrid inorganic-organic nanoparticles based on cubic siloxane cage (RSiO3/2)8, known as polyhedral oligosilsesquioxane (POSS), have been functionalized by eight groups of azo-benzene mesogens and dispersed in poly(methyl methacrylate) PMMA matrix. Presence of azo-benzene units adds an important light-driven functionality to the system due to their photoisomerization resulting in refractive index and/or absorption changes of the whole system. The polymer films containing various concentrations of azo-POSS nanoparticles show remarkable changes of surface morphology being either transparent (at low POSS concentration) or highly scattering (at high POSS concentration) for visible light. Surface structures were examined by optical microscopy as well as by atomic force microscopy (AFM). Results of photoinduced alignment are discussed in the framework of light-induced modification of the aliphatic chains containing azo-benzene photoisomerizing moieties and self-organization process.

Lipid nanoparticles for transdermal delivery of flurbiprofen: formulation, in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo studies

PubMed Central

Bhaskar, Kesavan; Anbu, Jayaraman; Ravichandiran, Velayutham; Venkateswarlu, Vobalaboina; Rao, Yamsani Madhusudan

2009-01-01

The aim of the study is to prepare aqueous dispersions of lipid nanoparticles – flurbiprofen solid lipid nanoparticles (FLUSLN) and flurbiprofen nanostructured lipid carriers (FLUNLC) by hot homogenization followed by sonication technique and then incorporated into the freshly prepared hydrogels for transdermal delivery. They are characterized for particle size, for all the formulations, more than 50% of the particles were below 300 nm after 90 days of storage at RT. DSC analyses were performed to characterize the state of drug and lipid modification. Shape and surface morphology were determined by TEM which revealed fairly spherical shape of the formulations. Further they were evaluated for in vitro drug release characteristics, rheological behaviour, pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic studies. The pharmacokinetics of flurbiprofen in rats following application of SLN gel (A1) and NLC gel (B1) for 24 h were evaluated. The Cmax of the B1 formulation was 38.67 ± 2.77 μg/ml, which was significantly higher than the A1 formulation (Cmax = 21.79 ± 2.96 μg/ml). The Cmax and AUC of the B1 formulation were 1.8 and 2.5 times higher than the A1 gel formulation respectively. The bioavailability of flurbiprofen with reference to oral administration was found to increase by 4.4 times when gel formulations were applied. Anti-inflammatory effect in the Carrageenan-induced paw edema in rat was significantly higher for B1 and A1 formulation than the orally administered flurbiprofen. Both the SLN and NLC dispersions and gels enriched with SLN and NLC possessed a sustained drug release over period of 24 h but the sustained effect was more pronounced with the SLN and NLC gel PMID:19243632

Nanoparticle-Reinforced Associative Network Hydrogels

PubMed Central

Agrawal, Sarvesh K.; Sanabria-DeLong, Naomi; Tew, Gregory N.; Bhatia, Surita R.

2009-01-01

ABA triblock copolymers in solvents selective for the midblock are known to form associative micellar gels. We have modified the structure and rheology of ABA triblock copolymer gels comprising poly(lactide)-poly(ethylene oxide)-poly(lactide) (PLA-PEO-PLA) through addition of a clay nanoparticle, laponite. Addition of laponite particles resulted in additional junction points in the gel via adsorption of the PEO corona chains onto the clay surfaces. Rheological measurements showed that this strategy led to a significant enhancement of the gel elastic modulus with small amounts of nanoparticles. Further characterization using SAXS and DLS confirmed that nanoparticles increase the intermicellar attraction and result in aggregation of PLA-PEO-PLA micelles. PMID:18947244

Microstructural and optical properties of CdS nanoparticles synthesized by sol gel method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mahdi, Hadeel Salih; Parveen, Azra; Agrawal, Shraddha; Azam, Ameer

2018-05-01

Semiconductor nanoparticles of CdS are of great interest for both fundamental research and industrial development due to their unique size-dependent optical and electronic properties and their exciting utilization in the fields of light-emitting diode, electro-chemical cells, laser, hydrogen producing catalyst, biological label. We present a scheme to measure the optical properties of CdS nanoparticles The peaks were indexed by powder-x software. The XRD pattern analysis showed that CdS composition was found to have hexagonal structure with well crystalline nature. the surface morphology and the composition of the samples were investigated by SEM (JEOL, japan). The image shows the presence of large spherical aggregates of smaller individual nanoparticles of various sizes for pure cds. to check the chemical composition of the material, energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopic analysis was also performed which further confirmed the presence of cd and s ions in the matrix. The optical absorption spectra of CdS sample was recorded by uv-vis spectrophotometer in the range of 200 to 800 nm.

Rapid, quantitative analysis of ppm/ppb nicotine using surface-enhanced Raman scattering from polymer-encapsulated Ag nanoparticles (gel-colls).

PubMed

Bell, Steven E J; Sirimuthu, Narayana M S

2004-11-01

Rapid, quantitative SERS analysis of nicotine at ppm/ppb levels has been carried out using stable and inexpensive polymer-encapsulated Ag nanoparticles (gel-colls). The strongest nicotine band (1030 cm(-1)) was measured against d(5)-pyridine internal standard (974 cm(-1)) which was introduced during preparation of the stock gel-colls. Calibration plots of I(nic)/I(pyr) against the concentration of nicotine were non-linear but plotting I(nic)/I(pyr) against [nicotine](x)(x = 0.6-0.75, depending on the exact experimental conditions) gave linear calibrations over the range (0.1-10 ppm) with R(2) typically ca. 0.998. The RMS prediction error was found to be 0.10 ppm when the gel-colls were used for quantitative determination of unknown nicotine samples in 1-5 ppm level. The main advantages of the method are that the gel-colls constitute a highly stable and reproducible SERS medium that allows high throughput (50 sample h(-1)) measurements.

Electrochemiluminescence detection of NADH and ethanol based on partial sulfonation of sol-gel network with gold nanoparticles.

PubMed

Deng, Liu; Zhang, Lihua; Shang, Li; Guo, Shaojun; Wen, Dan; Wang, Fuan; Dong, Shaojun

2009-03-15

We developed a stable, sensitive electrochemiluminescence (ECL) biosensor based on the synthesis of a new sol-gel material with the ion-exchange capacity sol-gel to coimmobilize the Ru(bpy)(3)(2+) and enzyme. The partial sulfonated (3-mercaptopropyl)-trimethoxysilane sol-gel (PSSG) film acted as both an ion exchanger for the immobilization of Ru(bpy)(3)(2+) and a matrix to immobilize gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). The AuNPs/PSSG/Ru(bpy)(3)(2+) film modified electrode allowed sensitive the ECL detection of NADH as low as 1 nM. Such an ability of AuNPs/PSSG/Ru(bpy)(3)(2+) film to promote the electron transfer between Ru(bpy)(3)(2+) and the electrode suggested a new, promising biocompatible platform for the development of dehydrogenase-based ECL biosensors. With alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) as a model, we then constructed an ethanol biosensor, which had a linear range of 5 microM to 5.2 mM with a detection limit of 12nM.

Direct analysis of in-gel proteins by carbon nanotubes-modified paper spray ambient mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Han, Feifei; Yang, Yuhan; Ouyang, Jin; Na, Na

2015-02-07

The in situ and direct extraction, desorption and ionization of in-gel intact proteins after electrophoresis has been achieved by carbon nanotubes (CNTs)-modified paper spray mass spectrometry at ambient conditions. Characteristics of CNTs (including larger surface area, smaller pore diameter and enhanced conductivity) were endowed to the porous filter paper substrate by uniformly dispersing the CNTs on the filter paper. Upon applying electric potential to the CNTs-modified paper, the in-gel proteins were extracted from the gel and subsequently migrated to the tip of the filter paper by electrophoresis-like behavior for paper spray ionization, which was monitored by extracted ion chronograms. The characterizations of modified filter papers and CNTs nanoparticles further confirmed the role of CNTs in in-gel protein extraction, protein migration as well as spray ionization at the paper tip. Under optimized conditions, a mixture of cytochrome c, lysozyme and myoglobin was successfully separated by native electrophoresis and subsequently analysed by the present method, showing a limit of detection of 10 ng per gel band. The present strategy offers a new pathway for the direct detection of in-gel intact proteins at ambient conditions without any pre-treatment (e.g. digestion, chemical extraction and desalting), which exhibits potential applications in top-down proteomics.

Phase study of titanium dioxide nanoparticle prepared via sol-gel process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Oladeji Araoyinbo, Alaba; Bakri Abdullah, Mohd Mustafa Al; Salleh, Mohd Arif Anuar Mohd; Aziz, Nurul Nadia Abdul; Iskandar Azmi, Azwan

2018-03-01

In this study, titanium dioxide nanoparticles have been prepared via sol-gel process using titanium tetraisopropoxide as a precursor with hydrochloric acid as a catalyst, and ethanol with deionized water as solvents. The value of pH used is set to 3, 7 and 8. The sols obtained were dried at 100 °C for 1 hr and calcined at 350, 550, and 750 °C for 3 hrs to observe the phase transformation of titanium dioxide nanoparticle. The samples were characterized by x-ray diffraction and field emission scanning electron microscope. The morphology analysis is obtained from field emission scanning electron microscope. The phase transformation was investigated by x-ray diffraction. It was found that the pH of the solution affect the agglomeration of titanium dioxide particle. The x-ray diffraction pattern of titanium dioxide shows the anatase phase most abundant at temperature of 350 °C. At temperature of 550 °C the anatase and rutile phase were present. At temperature of 750 °C the rutile phase was the most abundant for pH 3, 7 and 8. It was confirmed that at higher temperature the rutile phase which is the stable phase are mostly present.

Method and apparatus for controlled size distribution of gel microspheres formed from aqueous dispersions. [Patent application

DOEpatents

Ryon, A.D.; Haas, P.A.; Vavruska, J.S.

1982-01-19

The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for making a population of dense, closely size-controlled microspheres by sol-gel procedures wherein said microspheres are characterized by a significant percentage of said population being within a predetermined, relatively narrow size range. This is accomplished by subjecting aqueous dispersions of a sol, within a water-immiscible organic liquid to a turbulent flow. Microsphere populations thus provided are useful in vibratory-packed processes for nuclear fuels to be irradiated in LWR- and FBR-type nuclear reactors.

Oxide nanoparticles in an Al-alloyed oxide dispersion strengthened steel: crystallographic structure and interface with ferrite matrix

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Zhenbo; Pantleon, Wolfgang

2017-07-01

Oxide nanoparticles are quintessential for ensuring the extraordinary properties of oxide dispersion strengthened (ODS) steels. In this study, the crystallographic structure of oxide nanoparticles, and their interface with the ferritic steel matrix in an Al-alloyed ODS steel, i.e. PM2000, were systematically investigated by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. The majority of oxide nanoparticles were identified to be orthorhombic YAlO3. During hot consolidation and extrusion, they develop a coherent interface and a near cuboid-on-cube orientation relationship with the ferrite matrix in the material. After annealing at 1200 °C for 1 h, however, the orientation relationship between the oxide nanoparticles and the matrix becomes arbitrary, and their interface mostly incoherent. Annealing at 1300 °C leads to considerable coarsening of oxide nanoparticles, and a new orientation relationship of pseudo-cube-on-cube between oxide nanoparticles and ferrite matrix develops. The reason for the developing interfaces and orientation relationships between oxide nanoparticles and ferrite matrix under different conditions is discussed.

Spectroscopic characterization of zirconium(IV) and hafniumf(IV) gallate phthalocyanines in monolithic silica gels obtained by sol gel method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gerasymchuk, Y. S.; Chernii, V. Ya.; Tomachynski, L. A.; Legendziewicz, J.; Radzki, St.

2005-07-01

The Zr(IV) and Hf(IV) phthalocyanines, with gallate as axial ligand coordinated to the central metal atom of phthalocyanine, were incorporated in silica gels during sol-gel process with using tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) as precursor. The obtained mixed inorganic-organic composites were transparent and homogeneous. The absorption and emission properties of these materials in comparison with the spectra of the Zr(IV) and Hf(IV) phthalocyanines in various solvents were investigated. The spectra were correlated with various stage of the sol-gel process. It was established that in the gels concurrence of the monomer and dimer form is different in sol, alco-, hydro- and xerogels. The intensive 700-725 nm fluorescence emission upon relatively long-wavelength excitation and unusually large (about 45 nm) Stokes shift in the Q region, suggest that Zr(IV) and Hf(IV) phthalocyanines could be considered as photosensitizers in the PDT method (photodynamic therapy).

Monolayer nanoparticle-covered liquid marbles derived from a sol-gel coating

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Xiaoguang; Wang, Yiqi; Huang, Junchao; Yang, Yao; Wang, Renxian; Geng, Xingguo; Zang, Duyang

2017-12-01

A sol-gel coating consisting of hydrophobic SiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) was used to produce monolayer NP-covered (mNPc) liquid marbles. The simplest approach was rolling a droplet on this coating, and an identifiable signet allowed determination of the coverage ratio of the resulting liquid marble. Alternatively, the particles were squeezed onto a droplet surface with two such coatings, generating surface buckling from interfacial NP jamming, and then a liquid marble was produced via a jamming-relief process in which water was added into the buckled droplet. This process revealed an ˜7% reduction in particle distance after interfacial jamming. The mNPc liquid marbles obtained by the two methods were transparent with smooth profiles, as naked droplets, and could be advantageously used in fundamental and applied researches for their unique functions.

Virus templated metallic nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aljabali, Alaa A. A.; Barclay, J. Elaine; Lomonossoff, George P.; Evans, David J.

2010-12-01

Plant viruses are considered as nanobuilding blocks that can be used as synthons or templates for novel materials. Cowpea mosaic virus (CPMV) particles have been shown to template the fabrication of metallic nanoparticles by an electroless deposition metallization process. Palladium ions were electrostatically bound to the virus capsid and, when reduced, acted as nucleation sites for the subsequent metal deposition from solution. The method, although simple, produced highly monodisperse metallic nanoparticles with a diameter of ca. <=35 nm. CPMV-templated particles were prepared with cobalt, nickel, iron, platinum, cobalt-platinum and nickel-iron.Plant viruses are considered as nanobuilding blocks that can be used as synthons or templates for novel materials. Cowpea mosaic virus (CPMV) particles have been shown to template the fabrication of metallic nanoparticles by an electroless deposition metallization process. Palladium ions were electrostatically bound to the virus capsid and, when reduced, acted as nucleation sites for the subsequent metal deposition from solution. The method, although simple, produced highly monodisperse metallic nanoparticles with a diameter of ca. <=35 nm. CPMV-templated particles were prepared with cobalt, nickel, iron, platinum, cobalt-platinum and nickel-iron. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available: Additional experimental detail, agarose gel electrophoresis results, energy dispersive X-ray spectra, ζ-potential measurements, dynamic light scattering data, nanoparticle tracking analysis and an atomic force microscopy image of Ni-CPMV. See DOI: 10.1039/c0nr00525h

Effect of synthesis route on electrical and ethanol sensing characteristics for LaFeO3-δ nanoparticles by citric sol-gel method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cao, Ensi; Yang, Yuqing; Cui, Tingting; Zhang, Yongjia; Hao, Wentao; Sun, Li; Peng, Hua; Deng, Xiao

2017-01-01

LaFeO3-δ nanoparticles were prepared by citric sol-gel method with different raw material choosing and calcination process. The choosing of polyethylene glycol instead of ethylene glycol as raw material and additional pre-calcination at 400 °C rather than direct calcination at 600 °C could result in the decrease of resistance due to the reduction of activation energy Ea. Meanwhile, the choosing of ethylene glycol as raw material and additional pre-calcination leads to the enhancement of sensitivity to ethanol. Comprehensive analysis on the sensitivity and XRD, SEM, TEM, XPS results indicates that the sensing performance of LaFeO3-δ should be mainly determined by the adsorbed oxygen species on Fe ions, with certain contribution from native active oxygen. The best sensitivity of 46.1-200 ppm ethanol at prime working temperature of 112 °C is obtained by the sample using ethylene glycol as raw material with additional pre-calcination, which originates from its uniformly-sized and well-dispersed particles as well as high atomic ratio of Fe/La at surface region.

The influence of the use of viscosifying agents as dispersion media on the drug release properties from PLGA nanoparticles.

PubMed

Dillen, Kathleen; Weyenberg, Wim; Vandervoort, Jo; Ludwig, Annick

2004-11-01

Poly(lactide-co-glycolide) nanoparticles incorporating ciprofloxacin HCl were prepared by means of a W/O/W emulsification solvent evaporation method. The physicochemical properties of these particles were evaluated by measuring particle size, zeta potential and drug loading efficiency. Gamma-sterilised nanoparticles were dispersed in different isoviscous polymer solutions, commonly used as vehicles in eye drops. The influence of gamma-irradiation of the viscosifying agents on the drug release properties of the dispersed nanoparticles was evaluated with respect to release in mannitol solution. The viscosity of the polymer solutions prepared was measured by flow rheometry and thereby the influence of temperature and sterilisation by autoclaving on viscosity was examined. Before and after freeze-drying and subsequent sterilisation by gamma-irradiation, the polymer solutions were also characterised by dynamic stress sweep and dynamic frequency sweep oscillation measurements to deduce possible structural changes. A possible relationship between the differences in ciprofloxacin release from the nanoparticles suspended in the various media and the network structure or rheological behaviour of the polymers was investigated.

Generation of a mesoporous silica MSU shell onto solid core silica nanoparticles using a simple two-step sol-gel process.

PubMed

Allouche, Joachim; Dupin, Jean-Charles; Gonbeau, Danielle

2011-07-14

Silica core-shell nanoparticles with a MSU shell have been synthesized using several non-ionic poly(ethylene oxide) based surfactants via a two step sol-gel method. The materials exhibit a typical worm-hole pore structure and tunable pore diameters between 2.4 nm and 5.8 nm.

Superparamagnetic IPN gels of carrageenan/PHEMA excelling in shape retention.

PubMed

Tsuru, Takahiro; Sugimura, Kazuki; Nishio, Yoshiyuki

2017-12-15

Iron oxide nanoparticles-incorporated carrageenan (CAR)/PHEMA composites of interpenetrating network (IPN) type were successfully prepared by in situ ferrite synthesis in the polymer network. The IPN structure was constructed at CAR/PHEMA compositions of 15/85 and 40/60 (wt/wt) by polymerization and cross-linking of 2-hydroxyethylmethacrylate as an impregnating solvent of CAR gels. As a result of this IPN construction, the composites were firm and showed a good shape-retentivity in their gelatinous state. SQUID magnetometry and X-ray diffractometry were conducted for evaluation of the magnetic property of the inorganic-hybridized IPN composites. Magnetite particles with 10-30nm sizes were distributed inside the IPNs treated with the repeatable ferrite synthesis; thereby, the hybrids displayed a superparamagnetic character at ambient temperature. Specifically, the 40/60 CAR/PHEMA IPN imparted a practically passable value (10-15emu (g sample) -1 ) of saturation magnetization. The present IPN system offers a potential for application as a biocompatible magnetic material used in hydro-surroundings. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Microstructure and rheology of thermoreversible nanoparticle gels.

PubMed

Ramakrishnan, S; Zukoski, C F

2006-08-29

Naïve mode coupling theory is applied to particles interacting with short-range Yukawa attractions. Model results for the location of the gel line and the modulus of the resulting gels are reduced to algebraic equations capturing the effects of the range and strength of attraction. This model is then applied to thermo reversible gels composed of octadecyl silica particles suspended in decalin. The application of the model to the experimental system requires linking the experimental variable controlling strength of attraction, temperature, to the model strength of attraction. With this link, the model predicts temperature and volume fraction dependencies of gelation and modulus with five parameters: particle size, particle volume fraction, overlap volume of surface hairs, and theta temperature. In comparing model predictions with experimental results, we first observe that in these thermal gels there is no evidence of clustering as has been reported in depletion gels. One consequence of this observation is that there are no additional adjustable parameters required to make quantitative comparisons between experimental results and model predictions. Our results indicate that the naïve mode coupling approach taken here in conjunction with a model linking temperature to strength of attraction provides a robust approach for making quantitative predictions of gel mechanical properties. Extension of model predictions to additional experimental systems requires linking experimental variables to the Yukawa strength and range of attraction.

Development of Octyl Methoxy Cinnamates (OMC)/Silicon Dioxide (SiO₂) Nanoparticles by Sol-Gel Emulsion Method.

PubMed

Wu, Pey-Shiuan; Lee, Yi-Ching; Kuo, Yi-Ching; Lin, Chih-Chien

2017-12-07

Although octyl methoxy cinnamates (OMC) is the most used Ultraviolet B (UVB) filter in sunscreen, it has poor light stability in emulsion system. In this study, OMC/SiO₂ nanoparticles were prepared via sol-gel emulsion method. Tetraethoxy silane (TEOS) was used as the silica source to encapsulate OMC. Modification of experimental parameters such as stirring speed of condensation reaction and emulsion condition, pH value of acid-catalyzed, surfactant and different percentage of TEOS and OMC, adding of OMC and surfactant to different phase may affect the particle size, and yield and entrapment efficiency in preparation process of OMC/SiO₂ nanoparticles. Concluding all the parameter, we found that when condensation reaction and emulsion conditions are at 1000 rpm, pH 1.5, Span 80/Tween 20, TEOS/OMC ratios 1:1, OMC and surfactants added in oil phase, resulting in smaller particle sizes 476.5 nm, higher yield 95.8%, and higher entrapment efficiency 61.09%. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis demonstrated that OMC/SiO₂ nanoparticles were successfully prepared. In vitro release profile supposed that OMC/SiO₂ nanoparticles can delay OMC releasing and had 60.83% decreasing of cumulative amount. Therefore, the OMC/SiO₂ nanoparticles have the potential to develop as new sunscreen materials in the use for cosmetics field in the future.

Spectral features and antibacterial properties of Cu-doped ZnO nanoparticles prepared by sol-gel method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alireza, Samavati; A, F. Ismail; Hadi, Nur; Z, Othaman; M, K. Mustafa

2016-07-01

Zn1-x Cu x O (x = 0.00, 0.01, 0.03, and 0.05) nanoparticles are synthesized via the sol-gel technique using gelatin and nitrate precursors. The impact of copper concentration on the structural, optical, and antibacterial properties of these nanoparticles is demonstrated. Powder x-ray diffraction investigations have illustrated the organized Cu doping into ZnO nanoparticles up to Cu concentration of 5% (x = 0.05). However, the peak corresponding to CuO for x = 0.01 is not distinguishable. The images of field emission scanning electron microscopy demonstrate the existence of a nearly spherical shape with a size in the range of 30-52 nm. Doping Cu creates the Cu-O-Zn on the surface and results in a decrease in the crystallite size. Photoluminescence and absorption spectra display that doping Cu causes an increment in the energy band gap. The antibacterial activities of the nanoparticles are examined against Escherichia coli (Gram negative bacteria) cultures using optical density at 600 nm and a comparison of the size of inhibition zone diameter. It is found that both pure and doped ZnO nanoparticles indicate appropriate antibacterial activity which rises with Cu doping. Project supported by the Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) (Grant No. R. J1300000.7809.4F626). Dr. Samavati is thankful to RMC for postdoctoral grants.

Formation of curcumin nanoparticles via solution-enhanced dispersion by supercritical CO2

PubMed Central

Zhao, Zheng; Xie, Maobin; Li, Yi; Chen, Aizheng; Li, Gang; Zhang, Jing; Hu, Huawen; Wang, Xinyu; Li, Shipu

2015-01-01

In order to enhance the bioavailability of poorly water-soluble curcumin, solution-enhanced dispersion by supercritical carbon dioxide (CO2) (SEDS) was employed to prepare curcumin nanoparticles for the first time. A 24 full factorial experiment was designed to determine optimal processing parameters and their influence on the size of the curcumin nanoparticles. Particle size was demonstrated to increase with increased temperature or flow rate of the solution, or with decreased precipitation pressure, under processing conditions with different parameters considered. The single effect of the concentration of the solution on particle size was not significant. Curcumin nanoparticles with a spherical shape and the smallest mean particle size of 325 nm were obtained when the following optimal processing conditions were adopted: P =20 MPa, T =35°C, flow rate of solution =0.5 mL·min−1, concentration of solution =0.5%. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy measurement revealed that the chemical composition of curcumin basically remained unchanged. Nevertheless, X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD) and thermal analysis indicated that the crystalline state of the original curcumin decreased after the SEDS process. The solubility and dissolution rate of the curcumin nanoparticles were found to be higher than that of the original curcumin powder (approximately 1.4 μg/mL vs 0.2 μg/mL in 180 minutes). This study revealed that supercritical CO2 technologies had a great potential in fabricating nanoparticles and improving the bioavailability of poorly water-soluble drugs. PMID:25995627

Formation of curcumin nanoparticles via solution-enhanced dispersion by supercritical CO2.

PubMed

Zhao, Zheng; Xie, Maobin; Li, Yi; Chen, Aizheng; Li, Gang; Zhang, Jing; Hu, Huawen; Wang, Xinyu; Li, Shipu

2015-01-01

In order to enhance the bioavailability of poorly water-soluble curcumin, solution-enhanced dispersion by supercritical carbon dioxide (CO2) (SEDS) was employed to prepare curcumin nanoparticles for the first time. A 2(4) full factorial experiment was designed to determine optimal processing parameters and their influence on the size of the curcumin nanoparticles. Particle size was demonstrated to increase with increased temperature or flow rate of the solution, or with decreased precipitation pressure, under processing conditions with different parameters considered. The single effect of the concentration of the solution on particle size was not significant. Curcumin nanoparticles with a spherical shape and the smallest mean particle size of 325 nm were obtained when the following optimal processing conditions were adopted: P = 20 MPa, T = 35°C, flow rate of solution = 0.5 mL·min(-1), concentration of solution = 0.5%. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy measurement revealed that the chemical composition of curcumin basically remained unchanged. Nevertheless, X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD) and thermal analysis indicated that the crystalline state of the original curcumin decreased after the SEDS process. The solubility and dissolution rate of the curcumin nanoparticles were found to be higher than that of the original curcumin powder (approximately 1.4 μg/mL vs 0.2 μg/mL in 180 minutes). This study revealed that supercritical CO2 technologies had a great potential in fabricating nanoparticles and improving the bioavailability of poorly water-soluble drugs.

D-Optimal mixture experimental design for stealth biodegradable crosslinked docetaxel-loaded poly-ε-caprolactone nanoparticles manufactured by dispersion polymerization.

PubMed

Ogunwuyi, O; Adesina, S; Akala, E O

2015-03-01

We report here our efforts on the development of stealth biodegradable crosslinked poly-ε-caprolactone nanoparticles by free radical dispersion polymerization suitable for the delivery of bioactive agents. The uniqueness of the dispersion polymerization technique is that it is surfactant free, thereby obviating the problems known to be associated with the use of surfactants in the fabrication of nanoparticles for biomedical applications. Aided by a statistical software for experimental design and analysis, we used D-optimal mixture statistical experimental design to generate thirty batches of nanoparticles prepared by varying the proportion of the components (poly-ε-caprolactone macromonomer, crosslinker, initiators and stabilizer) in acetone/water system. Morphology of the nanoparticles was examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Particle size and zeta potential were measured by dynamic light scattering (DLS). Scheffe polynomial models were generated to predict particle size (nm) and particle surface zeta potential (mV) as functions of the proportion of the components. Solutions were returned from simultaneous optimization of the response variables for component combinations to (a) minimize nanoparticle size (small nanoparticles are internalized into disease organs easily, avoid reticuloendothelial clearance and lung filtration) and (b) maximization of the negative zeta potential values, as it is known that, following injection into the blood stream, nanoparticles with a positive zeta potential pose a threat of causing transient embolism and rapid clearance compared to negatively charged particles. In vitro availability isotherms show that the nanoparticles sustained the release of docetaxel for 72 to 120 hours depending on the formulation. The data show that nanotechnology platforms for controlled delivery of bioactive agents can be developed based on the nanoparticles.

Energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry study of the protective effects of fluoride varnish and gel on enamel erosion.

PubMed

De Carvalho Filho, Antonio Carlos Belfort; Sanches, Roberto Pizarro; Martin, Airton Abrahão; Do Espírito Santo, Ana Maria; Soares, Luís Eduardo Silva

2011-09-01

Dental erosion is a risk factor for dental health, introduced by today's lifestyle. Topical fluoride applications in the form of varnishes and gel may lead to deposition of fluoride on enamel. This in vitro study aimed to evaluate the effect of two fluoride varnishes and one fluoride gel on the dissolution of bovine enamel by acids. Enamel samples (72) were divided (n = 8): artificial saliva (control-G1), Pepsi Twist® (G2), orange juice (G3), Duraphat® + Pepsi Twist® (G4), Duraphat® + orange juice (G5), Duofluorid® + Pepsi Twist® (G6), Duofluorid® + orange juice (G7), fluoride gel + Pepsi Twist® (G8), and fluoride gel + orange juice (G9). Fluoride gel was applied for 4 min and the varnishes were applied and removed after 6 h. The samples were submitted to six cycles (demineralization: Pepsi Twist® or orange juice, 10 min; remineralization: saliva, 1 h). Samples were analyzed by energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence (144 line-scanning). The amount of Ca and P decreased significantly in the samples of G2 and G3, and the Ca/P ratio decreased in G3. Mineral gain (Ca) was greater in G9 samples than in G4 > G3 > G5 > G1, and (P) greater in G7 samples than in G9 > G4-6 > G2-3. The protective effect of Duofluorid® was significantly lower than fluoride gel against orange juice. The fluoride varnishes can interfere positively with the dissolution of dental enamel in the presence of acidic beverages. Fluoride gel showed the best protection level to extrinsic erosion with low costs. Copyright © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Preparation and brain delivery of nasal solid lipid nanoparticles of quetiapine fumarate in situ gel in rat model of schizophrenia

PubMed Central

Li, Jian-Chun; Zhang, Wen-Jing; Zhu, Jin-Xiu; Zhu, Na; Zhang, Hong-Min; Wang, Xiu; Zhang, Jin; Wang, Qing-Qing

2015-01-01

To investigate the brain delivery in rat by nasal Quetiapine fumarate (QF) loaded with solid lipid nanoparticles in situ gel (QF-SLN-gel). QF-SLN-gel was prepared through micro-emulsion technique. The rat model of schizophrenia was established by intraperitoneal injection of (+)-MK-801, evaluated by stereotypic behavior, Mori’s Water Maze (MWM) test and hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining of hippocampus. The animals were administrated with QF via oral, nasal or tail vein approach and the concentration of QF in blood and brain was determined using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The QF-SLN-gel was even and transparent, having size of 117.8±2.67 d.nm, potential of 57.2±0.24 mV and EF of 97.6±0.58%. After administration of QF-SLN-gel, the concentration of QF in blood and brain of rats in nasal QF-SLN-gel group was similar with that of rats in tail vein QF group, but significantly higher than that of rats in oral QF group. The hippocampal morphology changes induced by (+)-MK-801 were ameliorated by QF, with advantage of nasal QF-SLN-gel over tail vein QF. The nasal QF-SLN-gel had stable and good brain delivery and could ameliorate the damages in rat model of schizophrenia induced by (+)-MK-801. PMID:26770349

Implications of the stability behavior of zinc oxide nanoparticles for toxicological studies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Meißner, Tobias; Oelschlägel, Kathrin; Potthoff, Annegret

2014-08-01

The increasing use of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles in sunscreens and other cosmetic products demands a risk assessment that has to be done in toxicological studies. Such investigations require profound knowledge of the behavior of ZnO in cell culture media. The current study was performed to get well-dispersed suspensions of a hydrophilic (ZnO-hydro) and a lipophilic coated (ZnO-lipo) ZnO nanomaterial for use in in vitro tests. Therefore, systematic tests were carried out with common dispersants (phosphate, lecithin, proteins) to elucidate chemical and physical changes of ZnO nanoparticles in water and physiological solutions (PBS, DMEM). Non-physiological stock suspensions were prepared using ultrasonication. Time-dependent changes of pH, conductivity, zeta potential, particle size and dissolution were recorded. Secondly, the stock suspensions were added to physiological media with or without albumin (BSA) or serum (FBS), to examine characteristics such as agglomeration and dissolution. Stable stock suspensions were obtained using phosphate as natural and physiological electrostatic stabilizing agent. Lecithin proved to be an effective wetting agent for ZnO-lipo. Although the particle size remained constant, the suspension changed over time. The pH increased as a result of ZnO dissolution and formation of zinc phosphate complexes. The behavior of ZnO in physiological media was found to depend strongly on the additives used. Applying only phosphate as additive, ZnO-hydro agglomerated within minutes. In the presence of lecithin or BSA/serum, agglomeration was inhibited. ZnO dissolution was higher under physiological conditions than in the stock suspension. Serum especially promoted this process. Using body-related dispersants (phosphate, lecithin) non-agglomerating stock suspensions of hydrophilic and lipophilic ZnO were prepared as a prerequisite to perform meaningful toxicological investigation. Both nanomaterials showed a non-negligible dissolution behavior

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Diamond nanoparticles as a way to improve electron transfer in sol-gel L-lactate biosensing platforms.

PubMed

Briones, M; Casero, E; Vázquez, L; Pariente, F; Lorenzo, E; Petit-Domínguez, M D

2016-02-18

In the present work, we have included for the first time diamond nanoparticles (DNPs) in a sol-gel matrix derived from (3-mercaptopropyl)-trimethoxysilane (MPTS) in order to improve electron transfer in a lactate oxidase (LOx) based electrochemical biosensing platform. Firstly, an exhaustive AFM study, including topographical, surface potential (KFM) and capacitance gradient (CG) measurements, of each step involved in the biosensing platform development was performed. The platform is based on gold electrodes (Au) modified with the sol-gel matrix (Au/MPTS) in which diamond nanoparticles (Au/MPTS/DNPs) and lactate oxidase (Au/MPTS/DNPs/LOx) have been included. For the sake of comparison, we have also characterized a gold electrode directly modified with DNPs (Au/DNPs). Secondly, the electrochemical behavior of a redox mediator (hydroxymethyl-ferrocene, HMF) was evaluated at the platforms mentioned above. The response of Au/MPTS/DNPs/LOx towards lactate was obtained. A linear concentration range from 0.053 mM to 1.6 mM, a sensitivity of 2.6 μA mM(-1) and a detection limit of 16 μM were obtained. These analytical properties are comparable to other biosensors, presenting also as advantages that DNPs are inexpensive, environment-friendly and easy-handled nanomaterials. Finally, the developed biosensor was applied for lactate determination in wine samples. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Fabrication of transparent ceramics using nanoparticles

DOEpatents

Cherepy, Nerine J; Tillotson, Thomas M; Kuntz, Joshua D; Payne, Stephen A

2012-09-18

A method of fabrication of a transparent ceramic using nanoparticles synthesized via organic acid complexation-combustion includes providing metal salts, dissolving said metal salts to produce an aqueous salt solution, adding an organic chelating agent to produce a complexed-metal sol, heating said complexed-metal sol to produce a gel, drying said gel to produce a powder, combusting said powder to produce nano-particles, calcining said nano-particles to produce oxide nano-particles, forming said oxide nano-particles into a green body, and sintering said green body to produce the transparent ceramic.

Gel Electrophoresis of Gold-DNA Nanoconjugates

DOE PAGES

Pellegrino, T.; Sperling, R. A.; Alivisatos, A. P.; ...

2007-01-01

Gold-DNA conjugates were investigated in detail by a comprehensive gel electrophoresis study based on 1200 gels. A controlled number of single-stranded DNA of different length was attached specifically via thiol-Au bonds to phosphine-stabilized colloidal gold nanoparticles. Alternatively, the surface of the gold particles was saturated with single stranded DNA of different length either specifically via thiol-Au bonds or by nonspecific adsorption. From the experimentally determined electrophoretic mobilities, estimates for the effective diameters of the gold-DNA conjugates were derived by applying two different data treatment approaches. The first method is based on making a calibration curve for the relation between effectivemore » diameters and mobilities with gold nanoparticles of known diameter. The second method is based on Ferguson analysis which uses gold nanoparticles of known diameter as reference database. Our study shows that effective diameters derived from gel electrophoresis measurements are affected with a high error bar as the determined values strongly depend on the method of evaluation, though relative changes in size upon binding of molecules can be detected with high precision. Furthermore, in this study, the specific attachment of DNA via gold-thiol bonds to Au nanoparticles is compared to nonspecific adsorption of DNA. Also, the maximum number of DNA molecules that can be bound per particle was determined.« less

Drying-induced atomic structural rearrangements in sodium-based calcium-alumino-silicate-hydrate gel and the mitigating effects of ZrO2 nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Kengran; Özçelik, V. Ongun; Garg, Nishant; Gong, Kai; White, Claire E.

Conventional drying of colloidal materials and gels (including cement) can lead to detrimental effects due to the buildup of internal stresses as water evaporates from the nano/microscopic pores. However, the underlying nanoscopic alterations in these gel materials that are, in part, responsible for macroscopically-measured strain values, especially at low relative humidity, remain a topic of open debate in the literature. In this study, sodium-based calcium-alumino-silicate-hydrate (C-(N)-A-S-H) gel, the major binding phase of silicate-activated blast furnace slag (one type of low-CO$_2$ cement), is investigated from a drying perspective, since it is known to suffer extensively from drying-induced microcracking. By employing in situ synchrotron X-ray total scattering measurements and pair distribution function (PDF) analysis we show that the significant contributing factor to the strain development in this material at extremely low relative humidity (0%) is the local atomic structural rearrangement of the C-(N)-A-S-H gel, including collapse of interlayer spacing and slight disintegration of the gel. Moreover, analysis of the medium range (1.0 - 2.2 nm) ordering in the PDF data reveals that the PDF-derived strain values are in much closer agreement (same order of magnitude) with the macroscopically measured strain data, compared to previous results based on reciprocal space X-ray diffraction data. From a mitigation standpoint, we show that small amounts of ZrO$_2$ nanoparticles are able to actively reinforce the structure of silicate-activated slag during drying, preventing atomic level strains from developing. Mechanistically, these nanoparticles induce growth of a silica-rich gel during drying, which, via density functional theory calculations, we show is attributed to the high surface reactivity of tetragonal ZrO$_2$.

In situ generation of highly dispersed metal nanoparticles on two-dimensional layered SiO2 by topotactic structure conversion and their superior catalytic activity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Zhe; Jia, Da-Shuang; Zhou, Yue; Hao, Jiang; Liang, Yu; Cui, Zhi-Min; Song, Wei-Guo

2018-03-01

Metal nanoparticles such as Ag, Cu and Fe are effective catalysts for many reactions, whereas a facile method to prepare metal nanoparticles with high uniformed dispersion is still desirable. Herein, the topotactic structure conversion of layered silicate, RUB-15, was utilized to support metal nanoparticles. Through simple ion-exchange and following calcination step, metal nanoparticles were generated in situ inside the interlayer space of layered silica, and the topotactic structure conversion process assured nano-sized and highly uniformed dispersion of metal nanoparticles. The obtained Ag/SiO2 composite showed superior catalytic activity for the reduction of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) and methylene blue (MB), with a rate constant as high as 0.0607 s-1 and 0.0778 s-1. The simple and universal synthesis method as well as high activity of the product composite endow the strategy good application prospect.

Effect of Zirconia Nanoparticles in Epoxy-Silica Hybrid Adhesives to Join Aluminum Substrates.

PubMed

Figueroa-Lara, José de Jesús; Torres-Rodríguez, Miguel; Gutiérrez-Arzaluz, Mirella; Romero-Romo, Mario

2017-09-27

This research presents the interaction of the epoxy polymer diglicydil ether of bisphenol-A (DGEBA) with silica (SiO₂) nanoparticles plus zirconia (ZrO₂) nanoparticles obtained via the sol-gel method in the synthesis of an epoxy-silica-zirconia hybrid adhesive cured with polyamide. ZrO₂ nanoparticles were added to the epoxy-silica hybrid adhesive produced in situ to modify the apparent shear strength of two adhesively bonded aluminum specimens. The results showed that the addition of different amounts of ZrO₂ nanoparticles increased the shear strength of the adhesively bonded aluminum joint, previously treated by sandblasting, immersion in hot water and silanized with a solution of hydrolyzed 3-glycidoxipropyltrimethoxysilane (GPTMS). The morphology and microstructure of the nanoparticles and aluminum surfaces were examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and elemental analysis was performed with the Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) detector; the chemical groups were investigated during the aluminum surface modification using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR).

Effect of Zirconia Nanoparticles in Epoxy-Silica Hybrid Adhesives to Join Aluminum Substrates

PubMed Central

Figueroa-Lara, José de Jesús; Torres-Rodríguez, Miguel

2017-01-01

This research presents the interaction of the epoxy polymer diglicydil ether of bisphenol-A (DGEBA) with silica (SiO2) nanoparticles plus zirconia (ZrO2) nanoparticles obtained via the sol-gel method in the synthesis of an epoxy-silica-zirconia hybrid adhesive cured with polyamide. ZrO2 nanoparticles were added to the epoxy-silica hybrid adhesive produced in situ to modify the apparent shear strength of two adhesively bonded aluminum specimens. The results showed that the addition of different amounts of ZrO2 nanoparticles increased the shear strength of the adhesively bonded aluminum joint, previously treated by sandblasting, immersion in hot water and silanized with a solution of hydrolyzed 3-glycidoxipropyltrimethoxysilane (GPTMS). The morphology and microstructure of the nanoparticles and aluminum surfaces were examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and elemental analysis was performed with the Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) detector; the chemical groups were investigated during the aluminum surface modification using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). PMID:28953243

Magnetic properties of Magneto-Rheological fluids with uniformly dispersed Fe nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Poddar, P.; Wilson, J. L.; Srikanth, H.; Wereley, N. M.; Radhakrishnan, R.

2003-03-01

A systematic study of the magnetic properties of MR fluids containing micron-size and nano-size iron particles is presented. Nano-particles with a size range of 15-20 nm were prepared using microwave plasma technique. The MR-fluids were prepared with hydraulic oil as the carrier liquid and lecithin as an effective surfactant medium that promotes uniform particle dispersion. Static and dynamic magnetic measurements clearly indicate that the replacement of the micron-size particles by nano-particles results in a much better suspension. The magnetization in the nanoparticulate MR fluid is dominated by superparamagnetic particle response. In addition, collective behavior due to strong dipolar interactions associated with chaining of the particles in the field direction was also observed. A sharp drop in susceptibility at 250K was noted and this is ascribed to the carrier fluid freezing transition. We also present optical micrographs of showing chain formation and rheological performance as measured by field-dependent yield stress experiments. Sharper magnetic response to applied fields and lower field requirement for saturation make nano-particles attractive candidates for improved MR-fluid based sensors, actuators and microfluidics for clinical diagnostics. HS acknowledges support from NSF through grants ECS-0140047 and ECS-0102622. NMW and RR acknowledge support from NSF grant DMI-0110447.

Correction: Influence of particle size and dielectric environment on the dispersion behaviour and surface plasmon in nickel nanoparticles.

PubMed

Sharma, Vikash; Chotia, Chanderbhan; Tarachand; Ganesan, Vedachalaiyer; Okram, Gunadhor S

2017-07-21

Correction for 'Influence of particle size and dielectric environment on the dispersion behaviour and surface plasmon in nickel nanoparticles' by Vikash Sharma et al., Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2017, 19, 14096-14106.

Investigation of the Profile Control Mechanisms of Dispersed Particle Gel

PubMed Central

Zhao, Guang; Dai, Caili; Zhao, Mingwei

2014-01-01

Dispersed particle gel (DPG) particles of nano- to micron- to mm-size have been prepared successfully and will be used for profile control treatment in mature oilfields. The profile control and enhanced oil recovery mechanisms of DPG particles have been investigated using core flow tests and visual simulation experiments. Core flow test results show that DPG particles can easily be injected into deep formations and can effectively plug the high permeability zones. The high profile improvement rate improves reservoir heterogeneity and diverts fluid into the low permeability zone. Both water and oil permeability were reduced when DPG particles were injected, but the disproportionate permeability reduction effect was significant. Water permeability decreases more than the oil permeability to ensure that oil flows in its own pathways and can easily be driven out. Visual simulation experiments demonstrate that DPG particles can pass directly or by deformation through porous media and enter deep formations. By retention, adsorption, trapping and bridging, DPG particles can effectively reduce the permeability of porous media in high permeability zones and divert fluid into a low permeability zone, thus improving formation profiles and enhancing oil recovery. PMID:24950174

Dispersions of Semiconductor Nanoparticles in Thermotropic Liquid Crystal: From Optical Modification to Assisted Self-Assembly

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rodarte, Andrea L.

The interaction of semiconducting quantum dot nanoparticles (QDs) within thermotropic liquid crystalline (LC) materials are studied in this thesis. LC materials are ideal for bottom-up organization of nanoparticles as an active matrix that can be externally manipulated via electric or magnetic fields. In addition, the optical properties of QDs can be modified by the surrounding LC resulting in novel devices such as a quantum dot/liquid crystal laser. The first system studies the dispersion of spherical nanoparticles in the phase. The dispersion is investigated with the use of polarized optical microscopy, fluorescence microscopy and confocal scanning microscopy. Quantum dots well dispersed in the isotropic phase are expelled from ordered domains of LC at the phase transition. Under controlled conditions, the majority of QDs in the system can form ordered three dimensional assemblies that are situated at defect points in the liquid crystal. The internal order of the assemblies is probed utilizing Forster resonance energy transfer (FRET), combined with small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS). Furthermore, the location of these assemblies can be predetermined with the use of beads as defect nucleation points in the cell. The interaction of QDs in a cholesteric liquid crystal (CLC) is also investigated. The reflection band created by the periodic change of index of refraction in a planar aligned CLC acts as a 1-D photonic cavity when the CLC is doped with a low concentration of QDs. A Cano-wedge cell varies the pitch of the CLC leading to the formation of Grandjean steps. This spatially tunes the photonic stop band, changing the resonance condition and continuously altering both the emission wavelength and polarization state of the QD ensemble. Using high resolution spatially and spectrally resolved photoluminescence measurements, the emission is shown to be elliptically polarized and that the tilt of the ellipse, while dependent on the emission wavelength, additionally

Water-dispersible silver nanoparticles-decorated carbon nanomaterials: synthesis and enhanced antibacterial activity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dinh, Ngo Xuan; Chi, Do Thi; Lan, Nguyen Thi; Lan, Hoang; Van Tuan, Hoang; Van Quy, Nguyen; Phan, Vu Ngoc; Huy, Tran Quang; Le, Anh-Tuan

2015-04-01

In recent years, a growing number of outbreak of infectious diseases have emerged all over the world. The outbreak of re-emerging and emerging infectious diseases is a considerable burden on global economies and public health. Nano-antimicrobials have been studied as an effective solution for the prevention of infectious diseases. In this work, we demonstrated a modified photochemical approach for the preparation of carbon nanotubes-silver nanoparticles (CNTs-Ag) and graphene oxide-silver nanoparticles (GO-Ag) nanocomposites, which can be stably dispersible in aqueous solution. The formation of silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) on the functionalized CNTs and GO nanosheets was analyzed by X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy and UV-Vis measurements. These analyses indicated that the average particle sizes of Ag-NPs deposited on GO/CNTs nanostructures were ~6-7 nm with nearly uniform size distribution. Moreover, these nanocomposites were found to exhibit enhanced antibacterial activity against two strains of infectious bacteria including Gram-negative Escherichia coli and Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus bacteria as compared to bare Ag-NPs. Our obtained studies showed a high potential of GO-Ag and CNTs-Ag nanocomposites as effective and long-term disinfection solution to eliminate infectious bacterial pathogens.

Self-Assembling Nanoclay Diffusion Gels for Bioactive Osteogenic Microenvironments.

PubMed

Shi, Pujiang; Kim, Yang-Hee; Mousa, Mohamed; Sanchez, Roxanna Ramnarine; Oreffo, Richard O C; Dawson, Jonathan I

2018-06-17

Laponite nanoparticles have attracted attention in the tissue engineering field for their protein interactions, gel-forming properties, and, more recently, osteogenic bioactivity. Despite growing interest in the osteogenic properties of Laponite, the application of Laponite colloidal gels to host the osteogenic differentiation of responsive stem cell populations remains unexplored. Here, the potential to harness the gel-forming properties of Laponite to generate injectable bioactive microenvironments for osteogenesis is demonstrated. A diffusion/dialysis gelation method allows the rapid formation of stable transparent gels from injectable, thixotropic Laponite suspensions in physiological fluids. Upon contact with buffered saline or blood serum, nanoporous gel networks exhibiting, respectively, fivefold and tenfold increases in gel stiffness are formed due to the reorganization of nanoparticle interactions. Laponite diffusion gels are explored as osteogenic microenvironments for skeletal stem cell containing populations. Laponite films support cell adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation of human bone marrow stromal cells in 2D. Laponite gel encapsulation significantly enhances osteogenic protein expression compared with 3D pellet culture controls. In both 2D and 3D conditions, cell associated mineralization is strongly enhanced. This study demonstrates that Laponite diffusion gels offer considerable potential as biologically active and clinically relevant bone tissue engineering scaffolds. © 2018 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Cyclodextrin-Based Magnetic Nanoparticles for Cancer Therapy

PubMed Central

Jędrzak, Artur; Szutkowski, Kosma; Grześkowiak, Bartosz F.; Markiewicz, Roksana; Jesionowski, Teofil; Jurga, Stefan

2018-01-01

Polydopamine (PDA)-coated magnetic nanoparticles functionalized with mono-6-thio-β-cyclodextrin (SH-βCD) were obtained and characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Nuclear and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (NMR and MRI), and doxorubicin (DOXO)-loading experiments. The liver cancer cellular internalization of DOXO-loaded nanoparticles was investigated by confocal imaging microscopy. Synthesized nanomaterials bearing a chemotherapeutic drug and a layer of polydopamine capable of absorbing near-infrared light show high performance in the combined chemo- and photothermal therapy (CT-PTT) of liver cancer due to the synergistic effect of both modalities as demonstrated in vitro. Moreover, our material exhibits improved T2 contrast properties, which have been verified using Carr-Purcell-Meiboom-Gill pulse sequence and MRI Spin-Echo imaging of the nanoparticles dispersed in the agarose gel phantoms. Therefore, the presented results cast new light on the preparation of polydopamine-based magnetic theranostic nanomaterials, as well as on the proper methodology for investigation of magnetic nanoparticles in high field MRI experiments. The prepared material is a robust theranostic nanoasystem with great potential in nanomedicine. PMID:29547559

Nanoparticle enhanced ionic liquid heat transfer fluids

DOEpatents

Fox, Elise B.; Visser, Ann E.; Bridges, Nicholas J.; Gray, Joshua R.; Garcia-Diaz, Brenda L.

2014-08-12

A heat transfer fluid created from nanoparticles that are dispersed into an ionic liquid is provided. Small volumes of nanoparticles are created from e.g., metals or metal oxides and/or alloys of such materials are dispersed into ionic liquids to create a heat transfer fluid. The nanoparticles can be dispersed directly into the ionic liquid during nanoparticle formation or the nanoparticles can be formed and then, in a subsequent step, dispersed into the ionic liquid using e.g., agitation.

Antiretroviral Drugs-Loaded Nanoparticles Fabricated by Dispersion Polymerization with Potential for HIV/AIDS Treatment

PubMed Central

Ogunwuyi, Oluwaseun; Kumari, Namita; Smith, Kahli A.; Bolshakov, Oleg; Adesina, Simeon; Gugssa, Ayele; Anderson, Winston A.; Nekhai, Sergei; Akala, Emmanuel O.

2016-01-01

Highly active antiretroviral (ARV) therapy (HAART) for chronic suppression of HIV replication has revolutionized the treatment of HIV/AIDS. HAART is no panacea; treatments must be maintained for life. Although great progress has been made in ARV therapy, HIV continues to replicate in anatomical and intracellular sites where ARV drugs have restricted access. Nanotechnology has been considered a platform to circumvent some of the challenges in HIV/AIDS treatment. Dispersion polymerization was used to fabricate two types (PMM and ECA) of polymeric nanoparticles, and each was successfully loaded with four ARV drugs (zidovudine, lamivudine, nevirapine, and raltegravir), followed by physicochemical characterization: scanning electron microscope, particle size, zeta potential, drug loading, and in vitro availability. These nanoparticles efficiently inhibited HIV-1 infection in CEM T cells and peripheral blood mononuclear cells; they hold promise for the treatment of HIV/AIDS. The ARV-loaded nanoparticles with polyethylene glycol on the corona may facilitate tethering ligands for targeting specific receptors expressed on the cells of HIV reservoirs. PMID:27013886

Translational and rotational diffusion of flexible PEG and rigid dendrimer probes in sodium caseinate dispersions and acid gels.

PubMed

Salami, Souad; Rondeau-Mouro, Corinne; Barhoum, Myriam; van Duynhoven, John; Mariette, François

2014-09-01

The dynamics of rigid dendrimer and flexible PEG probes in sodium caseinate dispersions and acid gels, including both translational diffusion and rotational diffusion, were studied by NMR. Above the onset of the close-packing limit (C ∼ 10 g/100 g H2 O), translational diffusion of the probe depended on its flexibility and on the fluctuations of the matrix chains. The PEG probe diffused more rapidly than the spherical dendrimer probe of corresponding hydrodynamic radius. The greater conformational flexibility of PEG facilitated its motion through the crowded casein matrix. Rotational diffusion was, however, substantially less hindered than the translational diffusion and depended on the local protein-probe friction which became high when the casein concentration increased. The coagulation of the matrix led to the formation of large voids, which resulted in an increase in the translational diffusion of the probes, whereas the rotational diffusion of the probes was retarded in the gel, which could be attributed to the immobilized environment surrounding the probe. Quantitative information from PFG-NMR and SEM micrographs have been combined for characterizing microstructural details in SC acid gels. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Synthesis, characterization and assembly of metal pnictide nanoparticles, and evaluation of their physicochemical (catalytic, magnetic, and semiconducting) properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Senevirathne, Keerthisinghe

Synthesis of transition metal phosphide (Ni2P) and arsenide (MnAs) discrete nanoparticles was conducted by following a solution-phase arrested precipitation route and the size- and structure-dependent physicochemical properties of these materials were explored. Furthermore, the assembly of metal phosphide nanoparticles into a network structure via a sol-gel process and the evaluation of their structure related properties also was conducted. The surface ligation chemistry of unsupported Ni2P nanoparticles prepared by arrested precipitation was found to strongly impact the structural integrity and the hydrodesulfurization (HDS) catalytic activity of Ni 2P nanoparticles. The HDS activity of unsupported surface modified Ni2P nanoparticles is higher than that of unsupported Ni2P prepared by temperature programmed reduction (TPR) but considerably lower than silica-supported Ni2P prepared by TPR. However, by supporting the pre-formed Ni 2P nanoparticles on silica, activity comparable to that of silica-supported Ni2P prepared by TPR can be achieved. The synthetic control offered by the Ni2P nanoparticle preparation, not achieved by TPR methods, is expected to enable a systematic study of particle size and shape effects on HDS activity. By using arrested precipitation reactions, for the first time, discrete and dispersible MnAs nanoparticles have been prepared and their magnetic properties evaluated. Syntheses were developed to target both the thermodynamically stable alpha-type (hexagonal) and the metastable beta-type (orthorhombic) MnAs nanoparticles. Surprisingly, both types of ˜25 nm particles exhibit nearly identical ferromagnetic behavior with blocking temperatures, T B, in the region ˜275-310 K, TC's of 315 K and room temperature coercivities of HC ˜ 190-320 Oe. No evidence of the expected structural transition from alpha to beta-MnAs at TC is observed. Oxidative sol-gel assembly of nanoparticles to make nanoparticulate gels was successfully employed to Ni2P

A review of fundamental drivers governing the emissions, dispersion and exposure to vehicle-emitted nanoparticles at signalised traffic intersections

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Goel, Anju; Kumar, Prashant

2014-11-01

Signalised traffic intersections (TIs) are considered as pollution hot-spots in urban areas, but the knowledge of fundamental drivers governing emission, dispersion and exposure to vehicle-emitted nanoparticles (represented by particle number concentration, PNC) at TIs is yet to be established. A number of following key factors, which are important for developing an emission and exposure framework for nanoparticles at TIs, are critically evaluated as a part of this review article. In particular, (i) how do traffic- and wind-flow features affect emission and dispersion of nanoparticles? (ii) What levels of PNCs can be typically expected under diverse signal- and traffic-conditions? (iii) How does the traffic driving condition affect the particle number (PN) emissions and the particle number emission factors (PNEF)? (iv) What is the relative importance of particle transformation processes in affecting the PNCs? (v) What are important considerations for the dispersion modelling of nanoparticles? (vi) What is extent of exposure at TIs with respect to other locations in urban settings? (vii) What are the gaps in current knowledge on this topic where the future research should focus? We found that the accurate consideration of dynamic traffic flow features at TIs is essential for reliable estimates of PN emissions. Wind flow features at TIs are generally complex to generalise. Only a few field studies have monitored PNCs at TIs until now, reporting over an order of magnitude larger peak PNCs (0.7-5.4 × 105 cm-3) compared with average PNCs at typical roadsides (˜0.3 × 105 cm-3). The PN emission and thus the PNEFs can be up to an order of magnitude higher during acceleration compared with steady speed conditions. The time scale analysis suggests nucleation as the fastest transformation process, followed by dilution, deposition, coagulation and condensation. Consideration of appropriate flow features, PNEFs and transformation processes emerged as important parameters for

Silica nanoparticles and biological dispersants: genotoxic effects on A549 lung epithelial cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brown, David M.; Varet, Julia; Johnston, Helinor; Chrystie, Alison; Stone, Vicki

2015-10-01

Silica nanoparticle exposure could be intentional (e.g. medical application or food) or accidental (e.g. occupational inhalation). On entering the body, particles become coated with specific proteins depending on the route of entry. The ability of silica particles of different size and charge (non-functionalized 50 and 200 nm and aminated 50 and 200 nm) to cause genotoxic effects in A549 lung epithelial cells was investigated. Using the modified comet assay and the micronucleus assay, we examined the effect of suspending the particles in different dispersion media [RPMI or Hanks' balanced salt solution (HBSS), supplemented with bovine serum albumin (BSA), lung lining fluid (LLF) or serum] to determine if this influenced the particle's activity. Particle characterisation suggested that the particles were reasonably well dispersed in the different media, with the exception of aminated 50 nm particles which showed evidence of agglomeration. Plain 50, 200 nm and aminated 50 nm particles caused significant genotoxic effects in the presence of formamidopyrimidine-DNA glycosylase when dispersed in HBSS or LLF. These effects were reduced when the particles were dispersed in BSA and serum. There was no significant micronucleus formation produced by any of the particles when suspended in any of the dispersants. The data suggest that silica particles can produce a significant genotoxic effect according to the comet assay in A549 cells, possibly driven by an oxidative stress-dependent mechanism which may be modified depending on the choice of dispersant employed.

Deposition of GdVO4:Eu3+ nanoparticles on silica nanospheres by a simple sol gel method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Guixia; Hong, Guangyan; Wang, Jinxian; Dong, Xiangting

2006-07-01

The deposition and coating of GdVO4:Eu3+ nanoparticles on spherical silica was carried out using a simple sol-gel method at low temperature. The GdVO4:Eu3+-coated silica composites obtained were characterized by differential thermal analysis (DTA), thermogravimetric (TG) analysis, x-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform IR spectroscopy (FT-IR), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), photoluminescence spectra, and kinetic decay. It is found that the ~5 nm GdVO4:Eu3+ nanoparticles coating the silica spheres are crystal in the as-prepared samples and the crystallinity increases with increasing annealing temperature. The composites obtained are spherical in shape with an average size of 100 nm. The GdVO4:Eu3+ nanoparticles are linked with silica cores by a chemical bond. The photoluminescence spectra of the obtained GdVO4:Eu3+-coated silica composites are similar to those of the bulk GdVO4:Eu3+ phosphors. The strongest peak is near 617 nm, which indicates that Eu3+ is located in the low symmetry site with non-inversion centre.

Aqueous Dispersions of Silica Stabilized with Oleic Acid Obtained by Green Chemistry.

PubMed

Nistor, Cristina Lavinia; Ianchis, Raluca; Ghiurea, Marius; Nicolae, Cristian-Andi; Spataru, Catalin-Ilie; Culita, Daniela Cristina; Pandele Cusu, Jeanina; Fruth, Victor; Oancea, Florin; Donescu, Dan

2016-01-05

The present study describes for the first time the synthesis of silica nanoparticles starting from sodium silicate and oleic acid (OLA). The interactions between OLA and sodium silicate require an optimal OLA/OLANa molar ratio able to generate vesicles that can stabilize silica particles obtained by the sol-gel process of sodium silicate. The optimal molar ratio of OLA/OLANa can be ensured by a proper selection of OLA and respectively of sodium silicate concentration. The titration of sodium silicate with OLA revealed a stabilization phenomenon of silica/OLA vesicles and the dependence between their average size and reagent's molar ratio. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) measurements emphasized the successful synthesis of silica nanoparticles starting from renewable materials, in mild condition of green chemistry. By grafting octadecyltrimethoxysilane on the initial silica particles, an increased interaction between silica particles and the OLA/OLANa complex was achieved. This interaction between the oleyl and octadecyl chains resulted in the formation of stable gel-like aqueous systems. Subsequently, olive oil and an oleophylic red dye were solubilized in these stable aqueous systems. This great dispersing capacity of oleosoluble compounds opens new perspectives for future green chemistry applications. After the removal of water and of the organic chains by thermal treatment, mesoporous silica was obtained.

Fabrication of luminescent CdS nanoparticles on short-peptide-based hydrogel nanofibers: tuning of optoelectronic properties.

PubMed

Palui, Goutam; Nanda, Jayanta; Ray, Sudipta; Banerjee, Arindam

2009-07-13

The pH-induced self-assembly of three synthetic tripeptides in water medium is used to immobilize luminescent CdS nanoparticles. These peptides form a nanofibrillar network structure upon gelation in aqueous medium at basic pH values (pH 11.0-13.0), and the fabrication of CdS nanoparticles on the gel nanofiber confers the luminescent property to these gels. Atomic force microscopy, field-emission scanning electron microscopy, and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy clearly reveal the presence of CdS nanoparticles in a well-defined array on the gel nanofibers. This is a convenient way to make organic nanofiber-inorganic nanoparticle hybrid nanocomposite systems. The size of the CdS nanoparticles remains almost same before and after deposition on the gel nanofiber. Photoluminescence (PL) measurement of the CdS nanoparticles upon deposition on the gel nanofibers shows a significant blue shift in the emission spectrum of the nanoparticles, and there is a considerable change in the PL gap energy of the CdS nanoparticles after immobilization on different gel nanofibrils. This finding suggests that the optoelectronic properties of CdS nanoparticles can be tuned upon deposition on gel nanofibers without changing the size of the nanoparticles.

Effects of gold nanoparticles on the electro-optical properties of a polymer dispersed liquid crystal

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hinojosa, A.; Shive, C.; Sharma, Suresh

2010-03-01

We have studied the electro-optical properties of a polymer-dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) as functions of relative concentrations of gold nanoparticles. PDLC samples were synthesized between indium-tin-oxide (ITO) coated glass slides, separated by SiO2 spacers, by using liquid crystal E44, a monofunctional acrylic oligomer (CN135), and a tetrafunctional crosslinker (SR295). A UV photoinitiator (SR1124) was used to facilitate the curing of the monomer exposed to UV radiation from a Hg spectral lamp. A He-Ne laser was used to measure optical transmission through the PDLC as a function of applied ac electric field (1 kHz). The PDLC without gold nanoparticles shows the expected behavior; transmission through the PDLC increases from a minimum (opaque) to a maximum (transparent) with increasing electric field. The electro-optical behavior of the PDLC is altered significantly (e. g., relatively low switching field) upon addition of relatively low concentrations of gold nanoparticles into the starting PDLC syrup. We present electro-optical data as functions of gold nanoparticle concentration and discuss possible mechanism to understand our results.

Nanostructured DPA-MPC-DPA triblock copolymer gel for controlled drug release of ketoprofen and spironolactone.

PubMed

Azmy, Bahaa; Standen, Guy; Kristova, Petra; Flint, Andrew; Lewis, Andrew L; Salvage, Jonathan P

2017-08-01

Uncontrolled rapid release of drugs can reduce their therapeutic efficacy and cause undesirable toxicity; however, controlled release from reservoir materials helps overcome this issue. The aims of this study were to determine the release profiles of ketoprofen and spironolactone from a pH-responsive self-assembling DPA-MPC-DPA triblock copolymer gel and elucidate underlying physiochemical properties. Drug release profiles from DPA 50 -MPC 250 -DPA 50 gel (pH 7.5), over 32 h (37 °C), were determined using UV-Vis spectroscopy. Nanoparticle size was measured by dynamic light scattering (DLS) and critical micelle concentration (CMC) by pyrene fluorescence. Polymer gel viscosity was examined via rheology, nanoparticle morphology investigated using scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) and the gel matrix observed using cryo-scanning electron microscopy (Cryo-SEM). DPA 50 -MPC 250 -DPA 50 copolymer (15% w/v) formed a free-standing gel (pH 7.5) that controlled drug release relative to free drugs. The copolymer possessed a low CMC, nanoparticle size increased with copolymer concentration, and DLS data were consistent with STEM. The gel displayed thermostable viscosity at physiological temperatures, and the gel matrix was a nanostructured aggregation of smaller nanoparticles. The DPA 50 -MPC 250 -DPA 50 copolymer gel could be used as a drug delivery system to provide the controlled drug release of ketoprofen and spironolactone. © 2017 Royal Pharmaceutical Society.

Genotoxicity of TiO2 nanoparticles assessed by mini-gel comet assay and micronucleus scoring with flow cytometry

PubMed Central

Di Bucchianico, Sebastiano; Cappellini, Francesca; Le Bihanic, Florane; Zhang, Yuning; Dreij, Kristian; Karlsson, Hanna L.

2017-01-01

The widespread production and use of nanoparticles calls for faster and more reliable methods to assess their safety. The main aim of this study was to investigate the genotoxicity of three reference TiO2 nanomaterials (NM) within the frame of the FP7-NANoREG project, with a particular focus on testing the applicability of mini-gel comet assay and micronucleus (MN) scoring by flow cytometry. BEAS-2B cells cultured under serum-free conditions were exposed to NM100 (anatase, 50–150nm), NM101 (anatase, 5–8nm) and NM103 (rutile, 20–28nm) for 3, 24 or 48h mainly at concentrations 1–30 μg/ml. In the mini-gel comet assay (eight gels per slide), we included analysis of (i) DNA strand breaks, (ii) oxidised bases (Fpg-sensitive sites) and (iii) light-induced DNA damage due to photocatalytic activity. Furthermore, MN assays were used and we compared the results of more high-throughput MN scoring with flow cytometry to that of cytokinesis-block MN cytome assay scored manually using a microscope. Various methods were used to assess cytotoxic effects and the results showed in general no or low effects at the doses tested. A weak genotoxic effect of the tested TiO2 materials was observed with an induction of oxidised bases for all three materials of which NM100 was the most potent. When the comet slides were briefly exposed to lab light, a clear induction of DNA strand breaks was observed for the anatase materials, but not for the rutile. This highlights the risk of false positives when testing photocatalytically active materials if light is not properly avoided. A slight increase in MN formation for NM103 was observed in the different MN assays at the lower doses tested (1 and 5 μg/ml). We conclude that mini-gel comet assay and MN scoring using flow cytometry successfully can be used to efficiently study cytotoxic and genotoxic properties of nanoparticles. PMID:27382040

Nanoparticles prepared by the sol gel method and their use in the formation of nanocomposites with polypropylene

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Moncada, E.; Quijada, R.; Retuert, J.

2007-08-01

Hybrid layered aluminosilicate nanoparticles (HLNP) containing octadecylamine (ODA) as the organic part, and silica nanoparticles with spherical morphology containing ODA (HSNP) or without ODA (SNP) were prepared by the sol-gel method and used for the formation of nanocomposites with polypropylene. The polypropylene matrices, of different molecular weight and polydispersity, were prepared using polymers obtained via Ziegler-Natta or metallocene catalysts. A strong influence of the morphology and the presence of ODA on the surface of the nanoparticles was found on the formation and characteristics of the nanocomposites. The mechanical properties and thermal stability of these materials were determined and compared with those of nanocomposites prepared with 2:1 phylosilicate clays such as montmorillonite and hectorite in similar polymer matrices. X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and the study of mechanical properties showed that the use of HLNP allows nanocomposites with considerably improved mechanical properties to be obtained, compared with nanocomposites prepared with exfoliated clays. In the case of nanocomposites prepared with spherical particles functionalized with ODA (HSNP), materials with high specific strength combined with high elongation before rupture were obtained. The thermal stabilization of polypropylene matrices containing the synthesized nanoparticles (HLNP, HSNP or SNP) occurs about 50 °C higher than that attained with clays.

Engineered silica nanoparticles as additives in lubricant oils

PubMed Central

López, Teresa Díaz-Faes; González, Alfonso Fernández; Del Reguero, Ángel; Matos, María; Díaz-García, Marta E; Badía-Laíño, Rosana

2015-01-01

Silica nanoparticles (SiO2 NPs) synthesized by the sol–gel approach were engineered for size and surface properties by grafting hydrophobic chains to prevent their aggregation and facilitate their contact with the phase boundary, thus improving their dispersibility in lubricant base oils. The surface modification was performed by covalent binding of long chain alkyl functionalities using lauric acid and decanoyl chloride to the SiO2 NP surface. The hybrid SiO2 NPs were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, simultaneous differential thermal analysis, nuclear magnetic resonance and dynamic light scattering, while their dispersion in two base oils was studied by static multiple light scattering at low (0.01% w/v) and high (0.50%w/v) concentrations. The nature of the functional layer and the functionalization degree seemed to be directly involved in the stability of the suspensions. The potential use of the functional SiO2 NPs as lubricant additives in base oils, specially designed for being used in hydraulic circuits, has been outlined by analyzing the tribological properties of the dispersions. The dendritic structure of the external layer played a key role in the tribological characteristics of the material by reducing the friction coefficient and wear. These nanoparticles reduce drastically the waste of energy in friction processes and are more environmentally friendly than other additives. PMID:27877840

Agar/gelatin bilayer gel matrix fabricated by simple thermo-responsive sol-gel transition method.

PubMed

Wang, Yifeng; Dong, Meng; Guo, Mengmeng; Wang, Xia; Zhou, Jing; Lei, Jian; Guo, Chuanhang; Qin, Chaoran

2017-08-01

We present a simple and environmentally-friendly method to generate an agar/gelatin bilayer gel matrix for further biomedical applications. In this method, the thermally responsive sol-gel transitions of agar and gelatin combined with the different transition temperatures are exquisitely employed to fabricate the agar/gelatin bilayer gel matrix and achieve separate loading for various materials (e.g., drugs, fluorescent materials, and nanoparticles). Importantly, the resulting bilayer gel matrix provides two different biopolymer environments (a polysaccharide environment vs a protein environment) with a well-defined border, which allows the loaded materials in different layers to retain their original properties (e.g., magnetism and fluorescence) and reduce mutual interference. In addition, the loaded materials in the bilayer gel matrix exhibit an interesting release behavior under the control of thermal stimuli. Consequently, the resulting agar/gelatin bilayer gel matrix is a promising candidate for biomedical applications in drug delivery, controlled release, fluorescence labeling, and bio-imaging. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Magnetic SiO2 gel microspheres for arterial embolization hyperthermia.

PubMed

Li, Zhixia; Kawashita, Masakazu; Araki, Norio; Mitsumori, Michihide; Hiraoka, Masahiro; Doi, Masaaki

2010-12-01

We have prepared magnetic SiO(2) microspheres with a diameter of 20-30 µm as thermoseeds for hyperthermia of cancer. These were prepared by directly introducing preformed magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) into microspheres of a SiO(2) gel matrix derived from the hydrolysis of tetramethoxysilane (TMOS) in a water-in-oil (W/O) emulsion. Dimethylformamide (DMF) was used as a stabilizer, methanol (CH(3)OH) as a dispersant and ammonia (NH(4)OH) as the catalyst for the formation of the spherical particles in the aqueous phase of the W/O emulsion. The magnetic IONPs were synthesized hydrochemically in an aqueous system composed of ferrous chloride, sodium nitrate and sodium hydroxide. Mono-dispersed magnetic SiO(2) gel microspheres with a diameter of approximately 20 µm were successfully obtained by adding a determined amount of solution with a molar ratio of TMOS/DMF/CH(3)OH/H(2)O/NH(4)OH = 1:1.4:9:20:0.03 to kerosene with a surfactant (sorbitan monooleate/sorbitan monostearate = 3:1 by weight ratio) that was 30 wt% of the total amount of the oil phase. These were estimated to contain up to 60 wt% of IONPs that consisted mainly of Fe(3)O(4) and showed a higher specific absorption rate (SAR = 27.9-43.8 W g(-1)) than that of the starting IONPs (SAR = 25.3 W g(-1)) under an alternating current magnetic field of 300 Oe and 100 kHz.

Modified Au nanoparticles-imprinted sol-gel, multiwall carbon nanotubes pencil graphite electrode used as a sensor for ranitidine determination.

PubMed

Rezaei, B; Lotfi-Forushani, H; Ensafi, A A

2014-04-01

A new, simple, and disposable molecularly imprinted electrochemical sensor for the determination of ranitidine was developed on pencil graphite electrode (PGE) via cyclic voltammetry (CV). The PGEs were coated with MWCNTs containing the carboxylic functional group (f-MWCNTs), imprinted with sol-gel and Au nanoparticle (AuNPs) layers (AuNP/MIP-sol-gel/f-MWCNT/PGE), respectively, to enhance the electrode's electrical transmission and sensitivity. The thin film of molecularly imprinted sol-gel polymers with specific binding sites for ranitidine was cast on modified PGE by electrochemical deposition. The AuNP/MIP-sol-gel/f-MWCNT/PGE thus developed was characterized by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and CV. The interaction between the imprinted sensor and the target molecule was also observed on the electrode by measuring the current response of 5.0mMK3[Fe(CN)6] solution as an electrochemical probe. The pick currents of ranitidine increased linearly with concentration in the ranges of 0.05 to 2.0μM, with a detection limit of (S/N=3) 0.02μM. Finally, the modified electrode was successfully employed to determine ranitidine in human urine samples. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Electrical properties of samarium cobaltite nanoparticles synthesized using Sol–Gel autocombustion route

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Sathyamoorthy, B.; Md Gazzali, P.M.; Murugesan, C.

2014-05-01

Highlights: • The structural evolution and its electrical properties of samarium cobaltite nanograins are discussed. • Optimization of SmCoO{sub 3} nanograins is achieved by post sintering as-prepared gel at 800 °C. • The impedance spectra indicate the semiconducting behavior SmCoO{sub 3} nanograins. - Abstract: Nanograins of SmCoO{sub 3} are prepared by citric acid assisted Sol–Gel autocombustion route. The characterizations of crystal structure, surface morphology and electrical properties of SmCoO{sub 3} powder are done using XRD, HRSEM, FTIR and BDS. The structural evolution of SmCoO{sub 3} upon increasing the annealing temperature is followed using XRD and FTIR analyses. The powder samplemore » contains polycrystalline grains with average size equal to 35 nm and orthorhombic perovskite structure with Pbnm space group. The vibrational bands observed in FTIR spectrum at 545 cm{sup −1} and 439 cm{sup −1} correspond to Co-O stretching modes in cobaltite system. HRSEM images of the sample show the formation of hexagonal shaped grains of samarium cobaltite. The AC electrical conductivity of 4.914 × 10{sup −5} S cm{sup −1} at 295 K is measured for SmCoO{sub 3} nanoparticles. The impedance spectra bring out the semiconducting behavior of the material.« less

The nano-particle dispersion strengthening of V-4Cr-4Ti alloys for high temperature application in fusion reactors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zheng, Pengfei; Chen, Jiming; Xu, Zengyu; Duan, Xuru

2013-10-01

V-4Cr-4Ti was identified as an attractive structural material for Li blanket in fusion reactors. However, both high temperature and irradiation induced degradation are great challenges for this material. It was thought that the nano-particles with high thermal stability can efficiently strengthen the alloy at elevated temperatures, and accommodate the irradiation induced defects at the boundaries. This study is a starting work aiming at improving the creep resistance and reducing the irradiation induced degradation for V-4Cr-4Ti alloy. Currently, we focus on the preparation of some comparative nano-particle dispersion strengthened V-4Cr-4Ti alloys. A mechanical alloying (MA) route is used to fabricate yttrium and carbides added V-4Cr-4Ti alloys. Nano-scale yttria, carbides and other possible particles have a combined dispersion-strengthening effect on the matrices of these MA-fabricated V-4Cr-4Ti alloys. High-temperature annealing is carried out to stabilize the optimized nano-particles. Mechanical properties are tested. Microstructures of the MA-fabricated V-4Cr-4Ti alloys with yttrium and carbide additions are characterized. Based on these results, the thermal stability of different nano-particle agents are classified. ITER related China domestic project 2011GB108007.

Effects of SiO2 nano-particles on tribological and mechanical properties of aluminum matrix composites by different dispersion methods

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Azadi, Mahboobeh; Zolfaghari, Mehrdad; Rezanezhad, Saeid; Azadi, Mohammad

2018-05-01

This study has been presented with mechanical properties of aluminum matrix composites, reinforced by SiO2 nano-particles. The stir casting method was employed to produce various aluminum matrix composites. Different composites by varying the SiO2 nano-particle content (including 0.5 and 1 weight percents) and two dispersion methods (including ball-milling and pre-heating) were made. Then, the density, the hardness, the compression strength, the wear resistance and the microstructure of nano-composites have been studied in this research. Besides, the distribution of nano-particles in the aluminum matrix for all composites has been also evaluated by the field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). Obtained results showed that the density, the elongation and the ultimate compressive strength of various nano-composites decreased by the presence of SiO2 nano-particles; however, the hardness, the wear resistance, the yield strength and the elastic modulus of composites increased by auditioning of nano-particles to the aluminum alloy. FESEM images indicated better wetting of the SiO2 reinforcement in the aluminum matrix, prepared by the pre-heating dispersion method, comparing to ball-milling. When SiO2 nano-particles were added to the aluminum alloy, the morphology of the Si phase and intermetallic phases changed, which enhanced mechanical properties. In addition, the wear mechanism plus the friction coefficient value were changed for various nano-composites with respect to the aluminum alloy.

Self-Supporting Nanodiamond Gels: Elucidating Colloidal Interactions Through Rheology_

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Adhikari, Prajesh; Tripathi, Anurodh; Vogel, Nancy A.; Rojas, Orlando J.; Raghavan, Sriunivasa R.; Khan, Saad A.

This work investigates the colloidal interactions and rheological behavior of nanodiamond (ND) dispersions. While ND represents a promising class of nanofiller due to its high surface area, superior mechanical strength, tailorable surface functionality and biocompatibility, much remains unknown about the behavior of ND dispersions. We hypothesize that controlling interactions in ND dispersions will lead to highly functional systems with tunable modulus and shear response. Steady and dynamic rheology techniques are thus employed to systematically investigate nanodiamonds dispersed in model polar and non-polar media. We find that low concentrations of ND form gels almost instantaneously in a non-polar media. In contrast, ND's in polar media show a time-dependent behavior with the modulus increasing with time. We attribute the difference in behavior to variations in inter-particle interactions as well as the interaction of the ND with the media. Large steady and oscillatory strains are applied to ND colloidal gels to investigate the role of shear in gel microstructure breakdown and recovery. For colloidal gels in non-polar medium, the incomplete recovery of elastic modulus at high strain amplitudes indicates dominance of particle-particle interactions; however, in polar media the complete recovery of elastic modulus even at high strain amplitudes indicates dominance of particle-solvent interactions. These results taken together provide a platform to develop self-supporting gels with tunable properties in terms of ND concentration, and solvent type.

Thin Film Coating with Highly Dispersible Barium Titanate-Polyvinylpyrrolidone Nanoparticles.

PubMed

Li, Jinhui; Inukai, Koji; Takahashi, Yosuke; Tsuruta, Akihiro; Shin, Woosuck

2018-05-01

Thin BaTiO₃ (BT) coating layers are required in various multilayer ceramic technologies, and fine nanosized BT particles with good dispersion in solution are essential for this coating process. In this work, cubic and tetragonal phase monodispersed BT nanoparticles—which were referred to as LBT and HBT-PVP coated on their surface by polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) polymer—were prepared by low temperature synthesis (LTS) and hydrothermal method (HT) at 80 and 230 °C, respectively. They were applied for the thin film coating on polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and Si wafer substrates by a simple bar coating. The thickness of BT, LBT-PVP, and HBT-PVP films prepared by their 5 wt % coating agent on Si are around 268, 308, and 263 nm, and their surface roughness are 104.6, 91.6, and 56.1 nm, respectively. The optical transmittance of BT, LBT-PVP, and HBT-PVP films on PET are 55, 66, and 73% at 550 nm wavelength and the haze values are 34.89, 24.70, and 20.53% respectively. The mechanism of dispersant adsorbed on the BT surface for densification of thin film during the drying process of the film was discussed.

Molecular inclusion complex of curcumin-β-cyclodextrin nanoparticle to enhance curcumin skin permeability from hydrophilic matrix gel.

PubMed

Rachmawati, Heni; Edityaningrum, Citra Ariani; Mauludin, Rachmat

2013-12-01

Curcumin (CUR) has various pharmacological effects, but its extensive first-pass metabolism and short elimination half-life limit its bioavailability. Therefore, transdermal application has become a potential alternative to delivery CUR. To increase CUR solubility for the development of a transparent homogenous gel and also enhance the permeation rate of CUR into the skin, β-cyclodextrin-curcumin nanoparticle complex (BCD-CUR-N) was developed. CUR encapsulation efficiency was increased by raising the percentage of CUR to BCD up to 20%. The mean particle size of the best CUR loading formula was 156 nm. All evaluation data using infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, powder X-ray diffractometry, differential thermal analysis and scanning electron microscopy confirmed the successful formation of the inclusion complex. BCD-CUR-N increased the CUR dissolution rate of 10-fold (p < 0.01). In addition, the improvement of CUR permeability acrossed skin model tissue was observed in gel containing the BCD-CUR-N and was about 1.8-fold when compared with the free CUR gel (p < 0.01). Overall, CUR in the form of the BCD-CUR-N improved the solubility further on the penetration of CUR.

Fabrication of mesoporous silica nanoparticles by sol gel method followed various hydrothermal temperature

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Purwaningsih, Hariyati; Pratiwi, Vania Mitha; Purwana, Siti Annisa Bani; Nurdiansyah, Haniffudin; Rahmawati, Yenny; Susanti, Diah

2018-04-01

Rice husk is an agricultural waste that is potentially used as natural silica resources. Natural silica claimed to be safe in handling, cheap and can be generate from cheap resource. In this study mesoporous silica was synthesized using sodium silicate extracted from rice husk ash. This research's aim are to study the optimization of silica extraction from rice husk, characterizing mesoporous silica from sol-gel method and surfactant templating from rice husk and the effect of hydrothermal temperature on mesoporous silica nanoparticle (MSNp) formation. In this research, rice husk was extracted with sol-gel method and was followed by hydrothermal treatment; several of hydrothermal temperatures were 85°C, 100°C, 115°C, 130°C and 145° for 24 hours. X-ray diffraction analysis was identified of α-SiO2 phase and NaCl compound impurities. Scherer's analysis method for crystallite size have resulted 6.27-40.3 nm. FTIR results of silica from extraction and MSNp indicated Si-O-Si bonds on the sample. SEM result showed the morphology of the sample that has spherical shape and smooth surface. TEM result showed particle size ranged between 69,69-84,42 nm. BET showed that the pore size classified as mesoporous with pore diameter size is 19,29 nm.

Evaluation of agarose gel electrophoresis for characterization of silver nanoparticles in industrial products.

PubMed

Jimenez, Maria S; Luque-Alled, Jose M; Gomez, Teresa; Castillo, Juan R

2016-05-01

Agarose gel electrophoresis (AGE) has been used extensively for characterization of pure nanomaterials or mixtures of pure nanomaterials. We have evaluated the use of AGE for characterization of Ag nanoparticles (NPs) in an industrial product (described as strong antiseptic). Influence of different stabilizing agents (PEG, SDS, and sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate), buffers (TBE and Tris Glycine), and functionalizing agents (mercaptosuccinic acid (TMA) and proteins) has been investigated for the characterization of AgNPs in the industrial product using different sizes-AgNPs standards. The use of 1% SDS, 0.1% TMA, and Tris Glycine in gel, electrophoresis buffer and loading buffer led to the different sizes-AgNPs standards moved according to their size/charge ratio (obtaining a linear relationship between apparent mobility and mean diameter). After using SDS and TMA, the behavior of the AgNPs in the industrial product (containing a casein matrix) was completely different, being not possible their size characterization. However we demonstrated that AGE with LA-ICP-MS detection is an alternative method to confirm the protein corona formation between the industrial product and two proteins (BSA and transferrin) maintaining NPs-protein binding (what is not possible using SDS-PAGE). © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Physical and anti-microbial characteristics of carbon nanoparticles prepared from lamp soot

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mohanty, B.; Verma, Anita K.; Claesson, P.; Bohidar, H. B.

2007-11-01

Soot originating from the burning of butter and mustard oil in a lamp with a cotton wick was collected on a brass plate and dispersed in water and carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) as naked, and as Gum Arabic (GA, a anionic polyelectrolyte)-coated nanoparticles in water. They were physically characterized, and their anti-bacterial activities were probed on gram positive and negative bacterial colonies. TEM data revealed the presence of 35-55 nm diameter spherical carbon nanoparticles in water and CCl4. The dynamic light scattering determined the average hydrodynamic diameter for the same samples, which was found to be ≈100 nm (in CCl4) and ≈240 nm (in water), implying the packing of these nanoparticles into clusters. GA-coated particles yielded stable suspensions in water, but the clusters were almost the same in size (≈250 nm). The zeta potential distributions of the naked and the GA-coated nanoparticles were found to be unimodal and bimodal, respectively, with both yielding mean zeta potential values nearly equal to zero. Results of energy-dispersive x-ray analysis (EDAX) confirmed the absence of toxic metallic elements inside the specimen. X-ray diffraction study confirmed the presence of amorphous as well as graphitized carbon in these nanostructures. The anti-microbial activities in terms of growth inhibition for the carbon nanoparticles against Staphylococcus aureus, ATCC 13709 (native strain) and Klebsiella pneumonia ATCC 29655 (native strain) were assayed in agar gel. In vitro testing revealed significant anti-microbial activity against Klebsiella pneumonia, but carbon nanoparticles were unable to kill Staphylococcus aureus.

Synthesis of hydroxyapatite nanoparticles from egg shells by sol-gel method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Azis, Y.; Adrian, M.; Alfarisi, C. D.; Khairat; Sri, R. M.

2018-04-01

Hydroxyapatite, [Ca10(PO4)6(OH)2, (HAp)] is widely used in medical fields especially as a bone and teeth substitute. Hydroxyapatite nanoparticles have been succesfully synthesized from egg shells as a source of calcium by using sol-gel method. The egg shells were calcined, hydrated (slaking) and undergone carbonation to form Precipitated Calcium Carbonate (PCC).Then the PCC was added (NH4)2HPO4 to form HAp with variation the mole ratio Ca and P (1.57; 1.67 and 1.77), aging time (24, 48, and 72 hr) and under basic condition pH (9, 10 and 11). The formation of hydroxyapatite biomaterial was characterized using XRD, FTIR, SEM-EDX. The XRD patterns showed that the products were hydroxyapatite crystals. The best result was obtained at 24 hr aging time, pH 9 with hexagonal structure of hydroxyapatite. Particle size of HAp was 35-54 nm and the morphology of hydroxyapatite observed using SEM, it showed that the uniformity crystal of hydroxyapatite.

Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles aimed at improving theranostics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vedelago, José; Gomez, Cesar G.; Valente, Mauro; Mattea, Facundo

2018-05-01

Nowadays, the combination of diagnosis and therapy, known as theranostics, is one of the keys for an optimal treatment for cancer diseases. Theranostics can be significantly improved by incorporating metallic nanoparticles that are specifically delivered and accumulated in cancerous tissue. In this context, precise knowledge about dosimetric effects in nanoparticle-infused tissues as well as the detection and processing of emerging radiation are extremely important issues. In the last years the first studies on theranostic nanomaterials in gel dosimetry have been presented but there is still a broad field of study to explore. Most of gel dosimetric materials are extremely sensible to modifications in their composition, the addition of enhancers, metallic or inorganic charges can alter their stability and dosimetric properties; therefore, thorough studies must be made before the incorporation of any type of modifier. In this work, the synthesis of metallic nanoparticles suitable for gel dosimetry for x-ray applications is presented. A green synthesis process of silver nanoparticles coated with porcine skin gelatin by thermal reduction of silver nitrate is presented. Nanoparticles were obtained and purified for their application in gel dosimetry. Also, nanoparticles size distribution, reaction yield and the preliminar application as theranostic agents were tested in Fricke gel dosimetry in the keV range. The obtained nanoparticles were successfully used in theranostic applications acting as fluorescent agents and dose enhancers in X-ray beam irradiation simultaneously.

Frequency-Dependent Magnetic Susceptibility of Magnetite and Cobalt Ferrite Nanoparticles Embedded in PAA Hydrogel

PubMed Central

van Berkum, Susanne; Dee, Joris T.; Philipse, Albert P.; Erné, Ben H.

2013-01-01

Chemically responsive hydrogels with embedded magnetic nanoparticles are of interest for biosensors that magnetically detect chemical changes. A crucial point is the irreversible linkage of nanoparticles to the hydrogel network, preventing loss of nanoparticles upon repeated swelling and shrinking of the gel. Here, acrylic acid monomers are adsorbed onto ferrite nanoparticles, which subsequently participate in polymerization during synthesis of poly(acrylic acid)-based hydrogels (PAA). To demonstrate the fixation of the nanoparticles to the polymer, our original approach is to measure low-field AC magnetic susceptibility spectra in the 0.1 Hz to 1 MHz range. In the hydrogel, the magnetization dynamics of small iron oxide nanoparticles are comparable to those of the particles dispersed in a liquid, due to fast Néel relaxation inside the particles; this renders the ferrogel useful for chemical sensing at frequencies of several kHz. However, ferrogels holding thermally blocked iron oxide or cobalt ferrite nanoparticles show significant decrease of the magnetic susceptibility resulting from a frozen magnetic structure. This confirms that the nanoparticles are unable to rotate thermally inside the hydrogel, in agreement with their irreversible fixation to the polymer network. PMID:23673482

Dispersion and Filtration of Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs) and Measurement of Nanoparticle Agglomerates in Diesel Exhaust.

PubMed

Wang, Jing; Pui, David Y H

2013-01-14

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) tend to form bundles due to their geometry and van der Walls forces, which usually complicates studies of the CNT properties. Dispersion plays a significant role in CNT studies and we summarize dispersion techniques to generate airborne CNTs from suspensions or powders. We describe in detail our technique of CNT aerosolization with controlled degree of agglomeration using an electrospray system. The results of animal inhalation studies using the electrosprayed CNTs are presented. We have performed filtration experiments for CNTs through a screen filter. A numerical model has been established to simulate the CNT filtration experiments. Both the modeling and experimental results show that the CNT penetration is less than the penetration for a sphere with the same mobility diameter, which is mainly due to the larger interception length of the CNTs. There is a need for instruments capable of fast and online measurement of gas-borne nanoparticle agglomerates. We developed an instrument Universal NanoParticle Analyzer (UNPA) and the measurement results for diesel exhaust particulates are presented. The results presented here are pertinent to non-spherical aerosol particles, and illustrate the effects of particle morphology on aerosol behaviors.

High-energy X-ray detection by hafnium-doped organic-inorganic hybrid scintillators prepared by sol-gel method

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Sun, Yan; Koshimizu, Masanori, E-mail: koshi@qpc.che.tohoku.ac.jp; Yahaba, Natsuna

2014-04-28

With the aim of enhancing the efficiency with which plastic scintillators detect high-energy X-rays, hafnium-doped organic-inorganic hybrid scintillators were fabricated via a sol-gel method. Transmission electron microscopy of sampled material reveals the presence of Hf{sub x}Si{sub 1−x}O{sub 2} nanoparticles, dispersed in a polymer matrix that constitutes the active material of the X-ray detector. With Hf{sub x}Si{sub 1−x}O{sub 2} nanoparticles incorporated in the polymer matrix, the absorption edge and the luminescence wavelength is shifted, which we attribute to Mie scattering. The detection efficiency for 67.4-keV X-rays in a 0.6-mm-thick piece of this material is two times better than the same thicknessmore » of a commercial plastic scintillator-NE142.« less

Pyrene As a New Detector for Determining the Composition of Silver Nanoparticle Dispersions in Aqueous Solutions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Romanovskaya, G. I.; Kazakova, S. Yu.; Koroleva, M. V.; Zuev, B. K.

2018-03-01

It is proposed that the fluorescence of monomeric molecules of pyrene in solid matrices or in concentrated micellar solutions be used as a detector for determining the compositional homogeneity of silver nanoparticle (NP) dispersions in aqueous solutions synthesized in different ways. It is found that the morphology of silver NPs affects the change in the fluorescence intensity of monomeric molecules of pyrene in a certain (violet or blue) region of the pyrene optical spectrum. The observed phenomenon is attributed to the resonance of electronic transitions in the monomeric molecules of pyrene in regions with plasmon oscillations in silver nanoparticles. A new way of obtaining fluorescent silver NPs is found.

Structural and optical properties of chromium doped zinc oxide nanoparticles synthesized by sol-gel method

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Naqvi, Syed Mohd. Adnan, E-mail: adiaks2004@yahoo.co.in; Irshad, Kashif, E-mail: alig.kashif@gmail.com; Soleimani, Hassan, E-mail: hassan.soleimani@petronas.com.my, E-mail: noorhana-yahya@petronas.com.my

2014-10-24

Nanosized Cr-doped ZnO nano particles were synthesized by facile sol-gel auto combustion method. The structural and optical properties of Cr-doped ZnO nanoparticles have been investigated by XRD and UV-Vis spectroscopy at room temperature for 0% to 8% concentration. X-ray diffraction analysis reveals that the Cr-doped ZnO crystallizes in a single phase polycrystalline nature with wurtzite lattice. With every % of doping, the peaks are shifting scarcely and doping of Cr is possible up to 7%. After that, the last peak vanishes, that signifies its structure is transmuted from 8% doping. The average crystallite size decreases with increase in Cr concentrationmore » (i.e. 28.9 nm for 0% to 25.8 nm for 8%). The UV-Vis spectra of the nanoparticles betoken an incrementation in the band gap energy from 3.401, 3.415, 3.431, 3.437,3.453, 3.514,3.521, 3.530 and 3.538 eV respectively, for 0,1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 % doping concentration.« less

Compound Method to Disperse CaCO3 Nanoparticles to Nano-Size in Water.

PubMed

Gu, Sui; Cai, Jihua; Wang, Jijun; Yuan, Ye; Chang, Dewu; Chikhotkin, Viktor F

2015-12-01

The invalidation of CaCO3 nanoparticles (nCaCO3) is often caused by the fact of agglomeration and inhomogeneous dispersion which limits its application into water-based drilling muds for low permeability reservoirs such as coalbed methane reservoir and shale gas/oil reservoir. Effective methods to disperse nCaCO3 to nano-size (≤ 100 nm) in water have seldom been reported. Here we developed a compound method containing mechanical stirring, ultrasonic treatment, the use of surfactant and stabilizer to disperse nCaCO3 in water. It comprises the steps adding 2% nCaCO3, 1% sodium dodecyl sulfonate (SDS), 2% cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB), 2% OP-10, 3% to 4% biopolymer (XC) in water successively, stirring it at a shear rate of 6000 to 8000 r/min for 15 minutes and treating it with ultrasonic at a frequency of 28 KHz for 30 to 40 minutes. The dispersed nCaCO3 was characterized with scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM) and particle size distribution (PSD) tests. We found that nCaCO3 could be dispersed to below 100 nm in water and the medium value of nCaCO3 was below 50 nm. This method paved the way for the utilization of nCaCO3 in drilling fluid and completion fluid for low permeability reservoirs such as coal seams and shale gas/oil formations.

Utilizing whey protein isolate and polysaccharide complexes to stabilize aerated dairy gels.

PubMed

O'Chiu, Emily; Vardhanabhuti, Bongkosh

2017-05-01

Heated soluble complexes of whey protein isolate (WPI) with polysaccharides may be used to modify the properties of aerated dairy gels, which could be formulated into novel-textured high-protein desserts. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of polysaccharide charge density and concentration within a WPI-polysaccharide complex on the physical properties of aerated gels. Three polysaccharides having different degrees of charge density were chosen: low-methoxyl pectin, high-methoxyl type D pectin, and guar gum. Heated complexes were prepared by heating the mixed dispersions (8% protein, 0 to 1% polysaccharide) at pH 7. To form aerated gels, 2% glucono-δ-lactone was added to the dispersions of skim milk powder and heated complex and foam was generated by whipping with a handheld frother. The foam set into a gel as the glucono-δ-lactone acidified to a final pH of 4.5. The aerated gels were evaluated for overrun, drainage, gel strength, and viscoelastic properties. Without heated complexes, stable aerated gels could not be formed. Overrun of aerated gel decreased (up to 73%) as polysaccharide concentration increased from 0.105 to 0.315% due to increased viscosity, which limited air incorporation. A negative relationship was found between percent drainage and dispersion viscosity. However, plotting of drainage against dispersion viscosity separated by polysaccharide type revealed that drainage decreased most in samples with high-charge-density, low-methoxyl pectin followed by those with low-charge-density, high-methoxyl type D pectin. Aerated gels with guar gum (no charge) did not show improvement to stability. Rheological results showed no significant difference in gelation time among samples; therefore, stronger interactions between WPI and high-charge-density polysaccharide were likely responsible for increased stability. Stable dairy aerated gels can be created from WPI-polysaccharide complexes. High-charge-density polysaccharides, at

Synthesis of Environmentally Friendly Highly Dispersed Magnetite Nanoparticles Based on Rosin Cationic Surfactants as Thin Film Coatings of Steel

PubMed Central

Atta, Ayman M.; El-Mahdy, Gamal A.; Al-Lohedan, Hamad A.; Al-Hussain, Sami A.

2014-01-01

This work presents a new method to prepare monodisperse magnetite nanoparticles capping with new cationic surfactants based on rosin. Core/shell type magnetite nanoparticles were synthesized using bis-N-(3-levopimaric maleic acid adduct-2-hydroxy) propyl-triethyl ammonium chloride (LPMQA) as capping agent. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was employed to characterize the nanoparticles chemical structure. Transmittance electron microscopies (TEM) and X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) were used to examine the morphology of the modified magnetite nanoparticles. The magnetite dispersed aqueous acid solution was evaluated as an effective anticorrosion behavior of a hydrophobic surface on steel. The inhibition effect of magnetite nanoparticles on steel corrosion in 1 M HCl solution was investigated using potentiodynamic polarization curves and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Results obtained from both potentiodynamic polarisation and EIS measurements reveal that the magnetite nanoparticle is an effective inhibitor for the corrosion of steel in 1.0 M HCl solution. Polarization data show that magnetite nanoparticles behave as a mixed type inhibitor. The inhibition efficiencies obtained from potentiodynamic polarization and EIS methods are in good agreement. PMID:24758936

Synthesis of environmentally friendly highly dispersed magnetite nanoparticles based on rosin cationic surfactants as thin film coatings of steel.

PubMed

Atta, Ayman M; El-Mahdy, Gamal A; Al-Lohedan, Hamad A; Al-Hussain, Sami A

2014-04-22

This work presents a new method to prepare monodisperse magnetite nanoparticles capping with new cationic surfactants based on rosin. Core/shell type magnetite nanoparticles were synthesized using bis-N-(3-levopimaric maleic acid adduct-2-hydroxy) propyl-triethyl ammonium chloride (LPMQA) as capping agent. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was employed to characterize the nanoparticles chemical structure. Transmittance electron microscopies (TEM) and X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) were used to examine the morphology of the modified magnetite nanoparticles. The magnetite dispersed aqueous acid solution was evaluated as an effective anticorrosion behavior of a hydrophobic surface on steel. The inhibition effect of magnetite nanoparticles on steel corrosion in 1 M HCl solution was investigated using potentiodynamic polarization curves and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Results obtained from both potentiodynamic polarisation and EIS measurements reveal that the magnetite nanoparticle is an effective inhibitor for the corrosion of steel in 1.0 M HCl solution. Polarization data show that magnetite nanoparticles behave as a mixed type inhibitor. The inhibition efficiencies obtained from potentiodynamic polarization and EIS methods are in good agreement.

76 FR 4892 - Lock+ Hydro Friends Fund XXXIX, FFP Missouri 3, LLC, Allegheny 3 Hydro, LLC, Three Rivers Hydro...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-01-27

... DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [Project Nos. 13740-000, 13749-000, 13775-000, 13781-000] Lock+ Hydro Friends Fund XXXIX, FFP Missouri 3, LLC, Allegheny 3 Hydro, LLC, Three..., Pennsylvania.\\1\\ The applications were filed by Lock+ Hydro Friends Fund XXXIX, for Project No. 13740-000, FFP...

Sol-gel encapsulation for controlled drug release and biosensing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fang, Jonathan

The main focus of this dissertation is to investigate the use of sol-gel encapsulation of biomolecules for controlled drug release and biosensing. Controlled drug release has advantages over conventional therapies in that it maintains a constant, therapeutic drug level in the body for prolonged periods of time. The anti-hypertensive drug Captopril was encapsulated in sol-gel materials of various forms, such as silica xerogels and nanoparticles. The primary objective was to show that sol-gel silica materials are promising drug carriers for controlled release by releasing Captopril at a release rate that is within a therapeutic range. We were able to demonstrate desired release for over a week from Captopril-doped silica xerogels and overall release from Captopril-doped silica nanoparticles. As an aside, the antibiotic Vancomycin was also encapsulated in these porous silica nanoparticles and desired release was obtained for several days in-vitro. The second part of the dissertation focuses on immobilizing antibodies and proteins in sol-gel to detect various analytes, such as hormones and amino acids. Sol-gel competitive immunoassays on antibody-doped silica xerogels were used for hormone detection. Calibration for insulin and C-peptide in standard solutions was obtained in the nM range. In addition, NASA-Ames is also interested in developing a reagentless biosensor using bacterial periplasmic binding proteins (bPBPs) to detect specific biomarkers, such as amino acids and phosphate. These bPBPs were doubly labeled with two different fluorophores and encapsulated in silica xerogels. Ligand-binding experiments were performed on the bPBPs in solution and in sol-gel. Ligand-binding was monitored by fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) between the two fluorophores on the bPBP. Titration data show that one bPBP has retained its ligand-binding properties in sol-gel.

Magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (MIONs) cross-linked natural polymer-based hybrid gel beads: Controlled nano anti-TB drug delivery application.

PubMed

Kesavan, Mookkandi Palsamy; Ayyanaar, Srinivasan; Vijayakumar, Vijayaparthasarathi; Dhaveethu Raja, Jeyaraj; Annaraj, Jamespandi; Sakthipandi, Kathiresan; Rajesh, Jegathalaprathaban

2018-04-01

The nanosized rifampicin (RIF) has been prepared to increase the solubility in aqueous solution, which leads to remarkable enhancement of its bioavailability and their convenient delivery system studied by newly produced nontoxic, biodegradable magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (MIONs) cross-linked polyethylene glycol hybrid chitosan (mCS-PEG) gel beads. The functionalization of both nano RIF and mCS-PEG gel beads were studied using various spectroscopic and microscopic techniques. The size of prepared nano RIF was found to be 70.20 ± 3.50 nm. The mechanical stability and swelling ratio of the magnetic gel beads increased by the addition of PEG with a maximum swelling ratio of 38.67 ± 0.29 g/g. Interestingly, this magnetic gel bead has dual responsive assets in the nano drug delivery application (pH and the magnetic field). As we expected, magnetic gel beads show higher nano drug releasing efficacy at acidic medium (pH = 5.0) with maximum efficiency of 71.00 ± 0.87%. This efficacy may also be tuned by altering the external magnetic field and the weight percentage (wt%) of PEG. These results suggest that such a dual responsive magnetic gel beads can be used as a potential system in the nano drug delivery applications. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 106A: 1039-1050, 2018. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Synthesis of Titania-supported Copper Nanoparticles via Refined Alkoxide Sol-gel Process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Jeffrey C. S.; Tseng, I.-Hsiang; Chang, Wan-Chen

2001-06-01

Nanoparticles of titania and copper-loaded titania were synthesized by a refined sol-gel method using titanium butoxide. Unlike the conventional sol-gel procedure of adding water directly, the esterification of anhydrous butanol and glacial acetic acid provided the hydrolyzing water. In addition, acetic acid also served as a chelating ligand to stabilize the hydrolysis-condensation process and minimize the agglomeration of titania. Following the hydrolysis, Cu/TiO2 was prepared by adding copper chloride to titania sol. The sol was dried, then calcined at 500°C to remove organics and transformed to anatase titania which was verified by XRD. Cu/TiO2 was further hydrogen-reduced at 300°C. The recovery of Ti was exceeded by an average of 95% from titanium butoxide. TEM micrographs show that the Cu/TiO2 particles are near uniform. The average crystallite sizes are 17-20 nm estimated from the peak broadening of XRD spectra. The bandgaps of TiO2 and reduced Cu/TiO2 range from 2.70 to 3.15 eV estimated from the diffusive reflective UV-Vis spectra. XPS analysis shows that Cu 2p3/2 is 933.4 eV indicating primary Cu2O form on the TiO2 supports. The binding energy of Ti does not exhibit chemical shift suggesting negligible interaction of Cu cluster and TiO2 support.

Techniques and Protocols for Dispersing Nanoparticle Powders in Aqueous Media-Is there a Rationale for Harmonization?

PubMed

Hartmann, Nanna B; Jensen, Keld Alstrup; Baun, Anders; Rasmussen, Kirsten; Rauscher, Hubert; Tantra, Ratna; Cupi, Denisa; Gilliland, Douglas; Pianella, Francesca; Riego Sintes, Juan M

2015-01-01

Selecting appropriate ways of bringing engineered nanoparticles (ENP) into aqueous dispersion is a main obstacle for testing, and thus for understanding and evaluating, their potential adverse effects to the environment and human health. Using different methods to prepare (stock) dispersions of the same ENP may be a source of variation in the toxicity measured. Harmonization and standardization of dispersion methods applied in mammalian and ecotoxicity testing are needed to ensure a comparable data quality and to minimize test artifacts produced by modifications of ENP during the dispersion preparation process. Such harmonization and standardization will also enhance comparability among tests, labs, and studies on different types of ENP. The scope of this review was to critically discuss the essential parameters in dispersion protocols for ENP. The parameters are identified from individual scientific studies and from consensus reached in larger scale research projects and international organizations. A step-wise approach is proposed to develop tailored dispersion protocols for ecotoxicological and mammalian toxicological testing of ENP. The recommendations of this analysis may serve as a guide to researchers, companies, and regulators when selecting, developing, and evaluating the appropriateness of dispersion methods applied in mammalian and ecotoxicity testing. However, additional experimentation is needed to further document the protocol parameters and investigate to what extent different stock dispersion methods affect ecotoxicological and mammalian toxicological responses of ENP.

Multi-functional Magnetic Nanoparticles for Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Cancer Therapy

PubMed Central

Yallapu, Murali M.; Othman, Shadi F.; Curtis, Evan T.; Gupta, Brij K.; Jaggi, Meena; Chauhan, Subhash C.

2010-01-01

We have developed a multi-layer approach for the synthesis of water-dispersible superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles for hyperthermia, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and drug delivery applications. In this approach, iron oxide core nanoparticles were obtained by precipitation of iron salts in the presence of ammonia and provided β-cyclodextrin and pluronic polymer (F127) coatings. This formulation (F127250) was highly water dispersible which allowed encapsulation of the anti-cancer drug(s) in β-cyclodextrin and pluronic polymer for sustained drug release. The F127250 formulation has exhibited superior hyperthermia effects over time under alternating magnetic field compared to pure magnetic nanoparticles (MNP) and β-cyclodextrin coated nanoparticles (CD200). Additionally, the improved MRI characteristics were also observed for the F127250 formulation in agar gel and in cisplatin resistant ovarian cancer cells (A12780CP) compared to MNP and CD200 formulations. Furthermore, the drug loaded formulation of F127250 exhibited many folds of imaging contrast properties. Due to the internalization capacity of the F127250 formulation, its curcumin loaded formulation (F127250-CUR) exhibited almost equivalent inhibition effects on A2780CP (ovarian), MDA-MB-231 (breast), and PC3 (prostate) cancer cells even though curcumin release was only 40%. The improved therapeutic effects were verified by examining molecular effects using Western blotting and transmission electron microscopic (TEM) studies. F127250-CUR also exhibited haemocompatibility, suggesting a nanochemo-therapuetic agent for cancer therapy. PMID:21167595

Multi-functional magnetic nanoparticles for magnetic resonance imaging and cancer therapy.

PubMed

Yallapu, Murali M; Othman, Shadi F; Curtis, Evan T; Gupta, Brij K; Jaggi, Meena; Chauhan, Subhash C

2011-03-01

We have developed a multi-layer approach for the synthesis of water-dispersible superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles for hyperthermia, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and drug delivery applications. In this approach, iron oxide core nanoparticles were obtained by precipitation of iron salts in the presence of ammonia and provided β-cyclodextrin and pluronic polymer (F127) coatings. This formulation (F127250) was highly water dispersible which allowed encapsulation of the anti-cancer drug(s) in β-cyclodextrin and pluronic polymer for sustained drug release. The F127250 formulation has exhibited superior hyperthermia effects over time under alternating magnetic field compared to pure magnetic nanoparticles (MNP) and β-cyclodextrin coated nanoparticles (CD200). Additionally, the improved MRI characteristics were also observed for the F127250 formulation in agar gel and in cisplatin resistant ovarian cancer cells (A12780CP) compared to MNP and CD200 formulations. Furthermore, the drug-loaded formulation of F127250 exhibited many folds of imaging contrast properties. Due to the internalization capacity of the F127250 formulation, its curcumin-loaded formulation (F127250-CUR) exhibited almost equivalent inhibition effects on A2780CP (ovarian), MDA-MB-231 (breast), and PC-3 (prostate) cancer cells even though curcumin release was only 40%. The improved therapeutic effects were verified by examining molecular effects using Western blotting and transmission electron microscopic (TEM) studies. F127250-CUR also exhibited haemocompatibility, suggesting a nanochemo-therapeutic agent for cancer therapy. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Linear and nonlinear optical studies of bare and copper doped TiO2 nanoparticles via sol gel technique

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rajamannan, B.; Mugundan, S.; Viruthagiri, G.; Praveen, P.; Shanmugam, N.

2014-01-01

In general, the nanoparticles of TiO2 may exist in the phases of anatase, rutile and brookite. In the present work, we used titanium terta iso propoxide and 2-propanol as a common starting material to prepare the precursors of bare and copper doped nanosized TiO2. Then the synthesized products were calcinated at 500 °C and after calcination the pure TiO2 nanoparticles in anatase phase were harvested. The crystallite sizes of bare and copper doped TiO2 nanoparticles were calculated from X-ray diffraction analysis. The existence of functional groups of the samples was identified by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The optical properties of bare and doped samples were carried out using UV-DRS and photoluminescence measurements. The surface morphology and the element constitution of the copper doped TiO2 nanoparticles were studied by scanning electron microscope fitted with energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer arrangement. The nonlinear optical properties of the products were confirmed by Kurtz second harmonic generation (SHG) test and the output power generated by the nanoparticle was compared with that of potassium di hydrogen phosphate (KDP).

Linear and nonlinear optical studies of bare and copper doped TiO2 nanoparticles via sol gel technique.

PubMed

Rajamannan, B; Mugundan, S; Viruthagiri, G; Praveen, P; Shanmugam, N

2014-01-24

In general, the nanoparticles of TiO2 may exist in the phases of anatase, rutile and brookite. In the present work, we used titanium terta iso propoxide and 2-propanol as a common starting material to prepare the precursors of bare and copper doped nanosized TiO2. Then the synthesized products were calcinated at 500°C and after calcination the pure TiO2 nanoparticles in anatase phase were harvested. The crystallite sizes of bare and copper doped TiO2 nanoparticles were calculated from X-ray diffraction analysis. The existence of functional groups of the samples was identified by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The optical properties of bare and doped samples were carried out using UV-DRS and photoluminescence measurements. The surface morphology and the element constitution of the copper doped TiO2 nanoparticles were studied by scanning electron microscope fitted with energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer arrangement. The nonlinear optical properties of the products were confirmed by Kurtz second harmonic generation (SHG) test and the output power generated by the nanoparticle was compared with that of potassium di hydrogen phosphate (KDP). Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Surface modification of titanium substrates with silver nanoparticles embedded sulfhydrylated chitosan/gelatin polyelectrolyte multilayer films for antibacterial application.

PubMed

Li, Wen; Xu, Dawei; Hu, Yan; Cai, Kaiyong; Lin, Yingcheng

2014-06-01

To develop Ti implants with potent antibacterial activity, a novel "sandwich-type" structure of sulfhydrylated chitosan (Chi-SH)/gelatin (Gel) polyelectrolyte multilayer films embedding silver (Ag) nanoparticles was coated onto titanium substrate using a spin-assisted layer-by-layer assembly technique. Ag ions would be enriched in the polyelectrolyte multilayer films via the specific interactions between Ag ions and -HS groups in Chi-HS, thus leading to the formation of Ag nanoparticles in situ by photo-catalytic reaction (ultraviolet irradiation). Contact angle measurement and field emission scanning electron microscopy equipped with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy were employed to monitor the construction of Ag-containing multilayer on titanium surface, respectively. The functional multilayered films on titanium substrate [Ti/PEI/(Gel/Chi-SH/Ag) n /Gel] could efficiently inhibit the growth and activity of Bacillus subtitles and Escherichia coli onto titanium surface. Moreover, studies in vitro confirmed that Ti substrates coating with functional multilayer films remained the biological functions of osteoblasts, which was reflected by cell morphology, cell viability and ALP activity measurements. This study provides a simple, versatile and generalized methodology to design functional titanium implants with good cyto-compatibility and antibacterial activity for potential clinical applications.

75 FR 17706 - FPL Energy Maine Hydro LLC, Complainant v. Great Lakes Hydro America LLC Rumford Falls Hydro LLC...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-04-07

... DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [Docket No. EL10-53-000] FPL Energy Maine Hydro LLC, Complainant v. Great Lakes Hydro America LLC Rumford Falls Hydro LLC, Respondents; Notice of Complaint March 29, 2010. Take notice that on March 26, 2010, pursuant to section 206 of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's (Commission...

Assembly of phosphide nanocrystals into porous networks: formation of InP gels and aerogels.

PubMed

Hitihami-Mudiyanselage, Asha; Senevirathne, Keerthi; Brock, Stephanie L

2013-02-26

The applicability of sol-gel nanoparticle assembly routes, previously employed for metal chalcogenides, to phosphides is reported for the case of InP. Two different sizes (3.5 and 6.0 nm) of InP nanoparticles were synthesized by solution-phase arrested precipitation, capped with thiolate ligands, and oxidized with H₂O₂ or O₂/light to induce gel formation. The gels were aged, solvent-exchanged, and then supercritically dried to obtain aerogels with both meso- (2-50 nm) and macropores (>50 nm) and accessible surface areas of ∼200 m²/g. Aerogels showed higher band gap values relative to precursor nanoparticles, suggesting that during the process of assembling nanoparticles into 3D architectures, particle size reduction may have taken place. In contrast to metal chalcogenide gelation, InP gels did not form using tetranitromethane, a non-oxygen-transferring oxidant. The requirement of an oxygen-transferring oxidant, combined with X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy data showing oxidized phosphorus, suggests gelation is occurring due to condensation of phosphorus oxoanionic moieties generated at the interfaces. The ability to link discrete InP nanoparticles into a 3D porous network while maintaining quantum confinement is expected to facilitate exploitation of nanostructured InP in solid-state devices.

Genotoxicity of TiO2 nanoparticles assessed by mini-gel comet assay and micronucleus scoring with flow cytometry.

PubMed

Di Bucchianico, Sebastiano; Cappellini, Francesca; Le Bihanic, Florane; Zhang, Yuning; Dreij, Kristian; Karlsson, Hanna L

2017-01-01

The widespread production and use of nanoparticles calls for faster and more reliable methods to assess their safety. The main aim of this study was to investigate the genotoxicity of three reference TiO 2 nanomaterials (NM) within the frame of the FP7-NANoREG project, with a particular focus on testing the applicability of mini-gel comet assay and micronucleus (MN) scoring by flow cytometry. BEAS-2B cells cultured under serum-free conditions were exposed to NM100 (anatase, 50-150nm), NM101 (anatase, 5-8nm) and NM103 (rutile, 20-28nm) for 3, 24 or 48h mainly at concentrations 1-30 μg/ml. In the mini-gel comet assay (eight gels per slide), we included analysis of (i) DNA strand breaks, (ii) oxidised bases (Fpg-sensitive sites) and (iii) light-induced DNA damage due to photocatalytic activity. Furthermore, MN assays were used and we compared the results of more high-throughput MN scoring with flow cytometry to that of cytokinesis-block MN cytome assay scored manually using a microscope. Various methods were used to assess cytotoxic effects and the results showed in general no or low effects at the doses tested. A weak genotoxic effect of the tested TiO 2 materials was observed with an induction of oxidised bases for all three materials of which NM100 was the most potent. When the comet slides were briefly exposed to lab light, a clear induction of DNA strand breaks was observed for the anatase materials, but not for the rutile. This highlights the risk of false positives when testing photocatalytically active materials if light is not properly avoided. A slight increase in MN formation for NM103 was observed in the different MN assays at the lower doses tested (1 and 5 μg/ml). We conclude that mini-gel comet assay and MN scoring using flow cytometry successfully can be used to efficiently study cytotoxic and genotoxic properties of nanoparticles. © The Author 2016. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the UK Environmental Mutagen Society.

76 FR 6612 - Lock+ Hydro Friends Fund XL; FFP Missouri 4, LLC; Allegheny 4 Hydro, LLC; Three Rivers Hydro, LLC...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-02-07

... DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [Project No. 13746-000; Project No. 13750-000; Project No. 13776-000; Project No. 13782-000] Lock+ Hydro Friends Fund XL; FFP Missouri 4..., LLC--Project No. 13750-000 3. Allegheny 4 Hydro, LLC--Project No. 13776-000 4. Lock+ Hydro Friends...

Experimental investigation of the influence of nanoparticles on water-based mud

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dhiman, Paritosh; Cheng, Yaoze; Zhang, Yin; Patil, Shirish

2018-03-01

This study has investigated the influence of nanoparticles including nanoparticle concentration, size, and type on water-based mud (WBM) properties including rheology, filtration, and lubricity through experimental tests, while the influence of temperature and aging on these properties have been investigated. It has been found that adding SiO2 nanoparticles increase the plastic viscosity and decrease the yield points and gel strengths with the increase of nanoparticle concentration. At fixed 0.5 wt%, the plastic viscosity decreases with the increase of TiO2 nanoparticle size, but the influence of TiO2 nanoparticle size on yield points and gel strengths is not monotonous. In general, adding negative charged SiO2 nanoparticles reduce the yield points and gel strengths, while adding positively charged TiO2, Al2O3, and Fe3O4 nanoparticles increase yield points and gel strengths. Adding lower concentrations (< 0.05 wt%) of SiO2 nanoparticles improved mud filtration and lubricity properties, but higher concentrations are adverse to these properties and adding 0.5 wt% TiO2, Al2O3 and Fe3O4 nanoparticles impaired these properties. Besides, it is found that there is no consistent influence of aging on mud properties and adding nanoparticles cannot improve aging resistance of mud. Although adding nanoparticles can significantly affect WBM properties, their influences are not consistency, depending on the integrated impact of the nanoparticle properties, such as surface electrical property, specific surface area, concentration, and size.

Effect of Silver or Copper Nanoparticles-Dispersed Silane Coatings on Biofilm Formation in Cooling Water Systems

PubMed Central

Ogawa, Akiko; Kanematsu, Hideyuki; Sano, Katsuhiko; Sakai, Yoshiyuki; Ishida, Kunimitsu; Beech, Iwona B.; Suzuki, Osamu; Tanaka, Toshihiro

2016-01-01

Biofouling often occurs in cooling water systems, resulting in the reduction of heat exchange efficiency and corrosion of the cooling pipes, which raises the running costs. Therefore, controlling biofouling is very important. To regulate biofouling, we focus on the formation of biofilm, which is the early step of biofouling. In this study, we investigated whether silver or copper nanoparticles-dispersed silane coatings inhibited biofilm formation in cooling systems. We developed a closed laboratory biofilm reactor as a model of a cooling pipe and used seawater as a model for cooling water. Silver or copper nanoparticles-dispersed silane coating (Ag coating and Cu coating) coupons were soaked in seawater, and the seawater was circulated in the laboratory biofilm reactor for several days to create biofilms. Three-dimensional images of the surface showed that sea-island-like structures were formed on silane coatings and low concentration Cu coating, whereas nothing was formed on high concentration Cu coatings and low concentration Ag coating. The sea-island-like structures were analyzed by Raman spectroscopy to estimate the components of the biofilm. We found that both the Cu coating and Ag coating were effective methods to inhibit biofilm formation in cooling pipes. PMID:28773758

An antibacterial coating based on a polymer/sol-gel hybrid matrix loaded with silver nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rivero, Pedro José; Urrutia, Aitor; Goicoechea, Javier; Zamarreño, Carlos Ruiz; Arregui, Francisco Javier; Matías, Ignacio Raúl

2011-12-01

In this work a novel antibacterial surface composed of an organic-inorganic hybrid matrix of tetraorthosilicate and a polyelectrolyte is presented. A precursor solution of tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) and poly(acrylic acid sodium salt) (PAA) was prepared and subsequently thin films were fabricated by the dip-coating technique using glass slides as substrates. This hybrid matrix coating is further loaded with silver nanoparticles using an in situ synthesis route. The morphology and composition of the coatings have been studied using UV-VIS spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) was also used to confirm the presence of the resulting silver nanoparticles within the thin films. Finally the coatings have been tested in bacterial cultures of genus Lactobacillus plantarum to observe their antibacterial properties. It has been experimentally demonstrated that these silver loaded organic-inorganic hybrid films have a very good antimicrobial behavior against this type of bacteria.

Dispersion of Nanoparticles in Different Media Importantly Determines the Composition of Their Protein Corona.

PubMed

Strojan, Klemen; Leonardi, Adrijana; Bregar, Vladimir B; Križaj, Igor; Svete, Jurij; Pavlin, Mojca

2017-01-01

Protein corona of nanoparticles (NPs), which forms when these particles come in to contact with protein-containing fluids, is considered as an overlooked factor in nanomedicine. Through numerous studies it has been becoming increasingly evident that it importantly dictates the interaction of NPs with their surroundings. Several factors that determine the compositions of NPs protein corona have been identified in recent years, but one has remained largely ignored-the composition of media used for dispersion of NPs. Here, we determined the effect of dispersion media on the composition of protein corona of polyacrylic acid-coated cobalt ferrite NPs (PAA NPs) and silica NPs. Our results confirmed some of the basic premises such as NPs type-dependent specificity of the protein corona. But more importantly, we demonstrated the effect of the dispersion media on the protein corona composition. The differences between constituents of the media used for dispersion of NPs, such as divalent ions and macromolecules were responsible for the differences in protein corona composition formed in the presence of fetal bovine serum (FBS). Our results suggest that the protein corona composition is a complex function of the constituents present in the media used for dispersion of NPs. Regardless of the dispersion media and FBS concentration, majority of proteins from either PAA NPs or silica NPs coronas were involved in the process of transport and hemostasis. Interestingly, corona of silica NPs contained three complement system related proteins: complement factor H, complement C3 and complement C4 while PAA NPs bound only one immune system related protein, α-2-glycoprotein. Importantly, relative abundance of complement C3 protein in corona of silica NPs was increased when NPs were dispersed in NaCl, which further implies the relevance of dispersion media used to prepare NPs.

Dispersion of Nanoparticles in Different Media Importantly Determines the Composition of Their Protein Corona

PubMed Central

Strojan, Klemen; Leonardi, Adrijana; Bregar, Vladimir B.; Križaj, Igor; Svete, Jurij; Pavlin, Mojca

2017-01-01

Protein corona of nanoparticles (NPs), which forms when these particles come in to contact with protein-containing fluids, is considered as an overlooked factor in nanomedicine. Through numerous studies it has been becoming increasingly evident that it importantly dictates the interaction of NPs with their surroundings. Several factors that determine the compositions of NPs protein corona have been identified in recent years, but one has remained largely ignored—the composition of media used for dispersion of NPs. Here, we determined the effect of dispersion media on the composition of protein corona of polyacrylic acid-coated cobalt ferrite NPs (PAA NPs) and silica NPs. Our results confirmed some of the basic premises such as NPs type-dependent specificity of the protein corona. But more importantly, we demonstrated the effect of the dispersion media on the protein corona composition. The differences between constituents of the media used for dispersion of NPs, such as divalent ions and macromolecules were responsible for the differences in protein corona composition formed in the presence of fetal bovine serum (FBS). Our results suggest that the protein corona composition is a complex function of the constituents present in the media used for dispersion of NPs. Regardless of the dispersion media and FBS concentration, majority of proteins from either PAA NPs or silica NPs coronas were involved in the process of transport and hemostasis. Interestingly, corona of silica NPs contained three complement system related proteins: complement factor H, complement C3 and complement C4 while PAA NPs bound only one immune system related protein, α-2-glycoprotein. Importantly, relative abundance of complement C3 protein in corona of silica NPs was increased when NPs were dispersed in NaCl, which further implies the relevance of dispersion media used to prepare NPs. PMID:28052135

78 FR 21931 - Pelzer Hydro Company, Inc. Consolidated Hydro Southeast, Inc.; Notice of Intent To File License...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-04-12

...] Pelzer Hydro Company, Inc. Consolidated Hydro Southeast, Inc.; Notice of Intent To File License.... Submitted by: Pelzer Hydro Company, Inc. and Consolidated Hydro Southeast, Inc., both fully owned... at [email protected] . j. Pelzer Hydro Company, Inc. and Consolidated Hydro Southeast, Inc., filed...

A Dispersion-Dominated Chromogenic Strategy for Colorimetric Sensing of Glutathione at the Nanomolar Level Using Gold Nanoparticles.

PubMed

Xianyu, Yunlei; Xie, Yangzhouyun; Wang, Nuoxin; Wang, Zhuo; Jiang, Xingyu

2015-11-04

A dispersion-dominated chromogenic strategy for glutathione sensing is developed. Glutathione prevents the aggregation of arginine-modified gold nanoparticles via mercury-thiol interaction, which allows for glutathione sensing at the nanomolar level (10.9 × 10(-9) m) with facile operation and naked-eye readout. © 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Effect of platinum dispersion on photocatalytic performance of Pt-TiO2

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hou, Lili; Zhang, Min; Guan, Zhongjie; Li, Qiuye; Yang, Jianjun

2018-03-01

Noble metal Pt nanoparticles have been considered as the most effective co-catalyst to improve the photocatalytic hydrogen production activity of TiO2. In this study, the effect of the dispersion of Pt nanoparticles on the photoactivity of TiO2 nanotubes was investigated. Compared with the samples that the co-catalyst of Pt nanoparticles agglomerated or freely dispersed, the sample with the uniformly dispersion of Pt nanoparticles showed a higher performance for photocatalytic hydrogen production. The photocatalysts were characterized systematically by TEM, BET, UV-Vis, XPS, and PL techniques, and the relationship between the structure and the photoactivity was investigated in detail. The results demonstrated that the dispersion status of Pt nanoparticles had a crucial effect on the photocatalytic activity.

76 FR 24471 - Qualified Hydro 26, LLC; Lock+ Hydro Friends Fund VII; Western Minnesota Municipal Power Agency...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-05-02

...; 14113-000] Qualified Hydro 26, LLC; Lock+ Hydro Friends Fund VII; Western Minnesota Municipal Power... Hydro), Lock+ Hydro Friends Fund VII (Hydro Friends) and Western Minnesota Municipal Power Agency (WMMPA... 02114; (978) 283-2822. Hydro Friends' proposed Lock and Dam 11 Hydropower Project No. 14112 would...

Atomic layer deposited highly dispersed platinum nanoparticles supported on non-functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes for the hydrogenation of xylose to xylitol

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liang, Xinhua; Jiang, Chengjun

2013-09-01

Highly dispersed platinum nanoparticles were deposited on gram quantities of non-functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) by atomic layer deposition (ALD) in a fluidized bed reactor at 300 °C. (Methylcyclopentadienyl) trimethylplatinum and oxygen were used as precursors. The results of TEM analysis showed that 1.3 nm Pt nanoparticles were highly dispersed on non-functionalized MWCNTs. The porous structures of MWCNTs did not change with the deposition of Pt nanoparticles. For comparison, the commercial 3 wt% Pt/C catalyst was also characterized. The ALD-prepared Pt/MWCNT was used for the hydrogenation of xylose to xylitol. The ALD-prepared Pt/MWCNT showed the best catalytic performance with 100 % conversion of xylose and 99.3 % selectivity to xylitol, compared to commercially available Pt/C, Ru/C, and Raney Ni catalysts. The stability of ALD produced Pt/MWCNT catalyst was higher than that of the commercial Pt/C, due to the presence of surface defects on the MWCNTs and the strong metal-support interaction for the ALD-prepared Pt/MWCNT catalyst.

(ZrO 2) 0.85( REO 1.5) 0.15 ( RE=Sc, Y) solid solutions prepared via three Pechini-type gel routes: 1—gel formation and calcination behaviors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Yawen; Li, Ang; Yan, Zhengguang; Xu, Gang; Liao, Chunsheng; Yan, Chunhua

2003-02-01

(ZrO2)0.85(REO1.5)0.15 (RE=Sc, Y) nanoparticles with pure cubic fluorite structure have been synthesized by three Pechini-type gel routes, viz. poly(vinyl alcohol) containing-process (route I), poly(ethylene glycol) and formic acid-containing process (route II), and in situ polymerizable complex method (route III). The coordination modes between metal ions and polymers in the gels are shown to be highly correlative with the synthesis route used. The gels prepared by route III have the strongest coordination throughout their network and therefore the best chemical homogeneity. The altered variety of polymer and cross-linking within the gels adopted by these three routes has made the as-synthesized samples show appreciable differences in thermal behavior, powder reactivity and nanoparticle properties.

Determination of endocrine-disrupting compounds in water samples by magnetic nanoparticle-assisted dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction combined with gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Pérez, Rosa Ana; Albero, Beatriz; Tadeo, José Luis; Sánchez-Brunete, Consuelo

2016-11-01

A rapid extraction procedure is presented for the determination of five endocrine-disrupting compounds, estrone, ethinylestradiol, bisphenol A, triclosan, and 2-ethylhexylsalicylate, in water samples. The analysis involves a two-step extraction procedure that combines dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction (DLLME) with dispersive micro-solid phase extraction (D-μ-SPE), using magnetic nanoparticles, followed by in situ derivatization in the injection port of a gas chromatograph coupled to triple quadrupole mass spectrometry. The use of uncoated or oleate-coated Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles as sorbent in the extraction process was evaluated and compared. The main parameters involved in the extraction process were optimized applying experimental designs. Uncoated Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles were selected in order to simplify and make more cost-effective the procedure. DLLME was carried out at pH 3, during 2 min, followed by the addition of the nanoparticles for D-μ-SPE employing 1 min in the extraction. Analysis of spiked water samples of different sources gave satisfactory recovery results for all the compounds with detection limits ranging from 7 to 180 ng l -1 . Finally, the procedure was applied in tap, well, and river water. Graphical abstract Diagram of the extraction method using magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs).

Well-dispersed NiO nanoparticles supported on nitrogen-doped carbon nanotube for methanol electrocatalytic oxidation in alkaline media

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Pengcheng; Zhou, Yingke; Hu, Min; Chen, Jian

2017-01-01

Nitrogen-doped carbon nanotube supporting NiO nanoparticles were synthesized by a chemical precipitation process coupled with subsequent calcination. The morphology and structure of the composites were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and the electrochemical performance was evaluated using cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometric technique. The effects of nitrogen doping, calcination temperature and content of NiO nanoparticles on the electrocatalytic activity toward methanol oxidation were systematically studied. The results show that the uniformly dispersed ultrafine NiO nanoparticles supported on nitrogen-doped carbon nanotube are obtained after calcination at 400 °C. The optimized composite catalysts present high electrocatalytic activity, fast charge-transfer process, excellent accessibility and stability for methanol oxidation reaction, which are promising for application in the alkaline direct methanol fuel cells.

Structural and multiferroic properties of Ba2+ doped BiFeO3 nanoparticles synthesized via sol-gel method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shisode, M. V.; Kharat, Prashant B.; Bhoyar, Dhananjay N.; Vinayak, Vithal; Babrekar, M. K.; Jadhav, K. M.

2018-05-01

Ba2+ doped Bismuth ferrite nanoparticles having general formula Bi1-xBaxFeO3 (where, x = 0.00 and 0.20) were successfully synthesized by sol gel method, using nitrates as a starting material. Ethylene glycol was used as a solvent. The synthesized powder was sintered at 650°C for 4 hours to obtain pure phase BFO. Leaching with dilute nitric acid (HNO3) and distilled water (H2O) is done to remove the impurities. The structural, morphological, magnetic and ferroelectric properties were systematically investigated using standard characterization techniques like X-ray diffraction (XRD), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE-SEM) and room temperature magnetic behavior of the samples was studied using pulse field hysteresis loop tracer technique showing increase in saturation magnetizaion. P-E loop confirms the ferroelectric behavior of prepared nanoparticles. The coexistence of ferromagnetic and ferroelectric hysteresis loops in BFO and Bi0.8Ba0.2FeO3 nanoparticles samples at room temperature; it indicates that the samples are potential candidates for information storage and spintronics devices. The increase in magnetic properties may be important for practical application at room temperature.

State of dispersion of magnetic nanoparticles in an aqueous medium: experiments and Monte Carlo simulation.

PubMed

Kumar, Santosh; Ravikumar, Chettiannan; Bandyopadhyaya, Rajdip

2010-12-07

Monte Carlo simulation results predicting the state of dispersion (single, dimer, trimer, and so on) of coated superparamagnetic iron oxide (Fe(3)O(4)) nanoparticles in an aqueous medium are compared with our experimental data for the same. Measured values of the volume percentage of particles in the dispersion, core particle diameter, coating-shell thickness, grafting density of the coating agent, saturation magnetization, and zeta potential for the citric acid-coated and poly(acrylic acid) [PAA]-coated particles have been used in our simulation. The simulation was performed by calculating the total interaction potential between two nanoparticles as a function of their interparticle distance and applying a criterion for the two particles to aggregate, with the criterion being that the minimum depth of the secondary minima in the total interaction potential must be at least equal to k(B)T. Simulation results successfully predicted both experimental trends-aggregates for citric acid-coated particles and an individual isolated state for PAA-coated particles. We have also investigated how this state changes for both kind of coating agents by varying the particle volume percentage from 0.01 to 25%, the particle diameter from 2 to 19 nm, the shell thickness from 1 to 14 nm, and grafting density from 10(15) to 10(22) molecules/m(2). We find that the use of a lower shell thickness and a higher particle volume percentage leads to the formation of larger aggregates. The possible range of values of these four variables, which can be used experimentally to prepare a stable aqueous dispersion of isolated particles, is recommended on the basis of predictions from our simulation.

Gold nanoparticles coated polystyrene/reduced graphite oxide microspheres with improved dispersibility and electrical conductivity for dopamine detection.

PubMed

Qian, Tao; Yu, Chenfei; Wu, Shishan; Shen, Jian

2013-12-01

Gold nanoparticles coated polystyrene/reduced graphite oxide (AuNPs@PS/RGO) microspheres have been successfully prepared via a facile process, and the decorative gold nanoparticles could prevent the aggregation of RGO by electrostatic repulsive interaction, and lead to high dispersibility of the composite. The prepared composite has a highly increased conductivity of 129Sm(-1) due to the unique electrical properties of citrate reduced gold nanoparticles. Being employed as an electrochemical sensor for detection of dopamine, the modified electrode exhibits remarkable sensitivity (3.44μA/μM) and lower detection limit (5nM), with linear response in a range of 0.05-20μM. Moreover, valid response to dopamine obtained in present work also indicates the prospective performances of AuNPs@PS/RGO microspheres to other biological molecules, such as nucleic acids, proteins and enzymes. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Supramolecular Gel-Templated In Situ Synthesis and Assembly of CdS Quantum Dots Gels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhu, Lili; He, Jie; Wang, Xiaoliang; Li, Dawei; He, Haibing; Ren, Lianbing; Jiang, Biwang; Wang, Yong; Teng, Chao; Xue, Gi; Tao, Huchun

2017-01-01

Although many studies have attempted to develop strategies for spontaneously organizing nanoparticles (NPs) into three-dimensional (3D) geometries, it remains a fascinating challenge. In this study, a method for in situ synthesis and self-assembly of a CdS quantum dots (QDs) gel using a Cd supramolecular gel as a scaffold was demonstrated. During the QDs formation process, the Cd ions that constituted the Cd gels served as the precursors of the CdS QDs, and the oleic acid (OA) that ligated with the Cd in the supramolecular gels was capped on the surface of the CdS QDs in the form of carboxylate. The OA-stabilized CdS QDs were in situ synthesized in the entangled self-assembled fibrillar networks (SAFIN) of the Cd gels through reactions between the gelator and H2S. As a result, the QDs exactly replicated the framework of the SAFIN in the CdS QD gels instead of simply assembling along the SAFIN of the supramolecular gels. Moreover, the CdS QDs showed extraordinary sensitivity in the fluorescence detection of IO4 - anions. The facile one-step method developed here is a new approach to assembling nanostructured materials into 3D architectures and has general implications for the design of low molecular mass gelators to bring desired functionality to the developed supramolecular gels.

Synthesis and antibacterial properties of water-dispersible silver nanoparticles stabilized by metal-carbon σ-bonds

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kawai, Koji; Narushima, Takashi; Kaneko, Kotaro; Kawakami, Hayato; Matsumoto, Miyuki; Hyono, Atsushi; Nishihara, Hiroshi; Yonezawa, Tetsu

2012-12-01

The synthesis of 4-diazoniumcarboxylbenzene fluoroborate, a new water-soluble stabilizer for metal nanoparticles (NPs), is described. A stable dispersion of Ag NPs in water was successfully produced by a simultaneous aqueous reduction of this diazonium salt and silver nitrate by NaBH4. UV-vis spectra, TEM images, XRD patterns, and XPS spectra of the obtained Ag NPs revealed that they were stabilized by Ag-C σ-bonds. These NPs showed excellent antimicrobial properties against Staphylococcus aureus.

Ordered mesoporous ferrosilicate materials with highly dispersed iron oxide nanoparticles and investigation of their unique magnetic properties.

PubMed

Srinivasu, Pavuluri; Suresh, Koppoju; Datt, Gopal; Abhayankar, Ashutosh C; Rao, Pothuraju Nageswara; Lakshmi Kantam, Mannepalli; Bhargava, Suresh K; Tang, Jing; Yamauchi, Yusuke

2014-11-07

Ordered mesoporous ferrosilicate materials with highly dispersed iron oxide nanoparticles are directly synthesized through a hydrothermal approach under acidic conditions. The obtained samples possess a high surface area (up to 1236 m(2) g(-1)) and a large pore volume (up to 1.1 cm(3) g(-1)). By changing the amount of iron content, the magnetic properties can be tuned.

Pyrene-based fluorescent ambidextrous gelators: scaffolds for mechanically robust SWNT-gel nanocomposites.

PubMed

Mandal, Deep; Kar, Tanmoy; Das, Prasanta Kumar

2014-01-27

With the rapid progress in the development of supramolecular soft materials, examples of low-molecular-weight gelators (LMWGs) with the ability to immobilise both water and organic solvents by the same structural scaffold are very limited. In this paper, we report the development of pyrene-containing peptide-based ambidextrous gelators (AGs) with the ability to efficiently gelate both organic and aqueous solvents. The organo- and hydrogelation efficiencies of these gelators are in the range 0.7-1.1% w/v in various organic solvents and 0.5-5% w/v in water at certain acidic pH values (pH 2.0-4.0). Moreover, for the first time, AGs have been utilised to prepare single-walled carbon-nanotube (SWNT)-included soft nanocomposites in both hydro- and organogel matrices. The influence of different non-covalent interactions such as hydrogen bonding, hydrophobic, π-π and van der Waals interactions in self-assembled gelation has been studied in detail by circular dichroism, FTIR, variable-temperature NMR, 2D NOESY and luminescence spectroscopy. Interestingly, the presence of the pyrene moiety in the structure rendered these AGs intrinsically fluorescent, which was quenched upon successful integration of the SWNTs within the gel. The prepared hydro- and organogels along with their SWNT-integrated nanocomposites are thermoreversible in nature. The supramolecular morphologies of the dried gels and SWNT-gel nanocomposites have been studied by transmission electron microscopy, fluorescence microscopy and polarising optical microscopy, which confirmed the presence of three-dimensional self-assembled fibrillar networks (SAFINs) as well as the integrated SWNTs. Importantly, rheological studies revealed that the inclusion of SWNTs within the ambidextrous gels improved the mechanical rigidity of the resulting soft nanocomposites up to 3.8-fold relative to the native gels. Copyright © 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Dispersion Behaviour of Silica Nanoparticles in Biological Media and Its Influence on Cellular Uptake.

PubMed

Halamoda-Kenzaoui, Blanka; Ceridono, Mara; Colpo, Pascal; Valsesia, Andrea; Urbán, Patricia; Ojea-Jiménez, Isaac; Gioria, Sabrina; Gilliland, Douglas; Rossi, François; Kinsner-Ovaskainen, Agnieszka

2015-01-01

Given the increasing variety of manufactured nanomaterials, suitable, robust, standardized in vitro screening methods are needed to study the mechanisms by which they can interact with biological systems. The in vitro evaluation of interactions of nanoparticles (NPs) with living cells is challenging due to the complex behaviour of NPs, which may involve dissolution, aggregation, sedimentation and formation of a protein corona. These variable parameters have an influence on the surface properties and the stability of NPs in the biological environment and therefore also on the interaction of NPs with cells. We present here a study using 30 nm and 80 nm fluorescently-labelled silicon dioxide NPs (Rubipy-SiO2 NPs) to evaluate the NPs dispersion behaviour up to 48 hours in two different cellular media either supplemented with 10% of serum or in serum-free conditions. Size-dependent differences in dispersion behaviour were observed and the influence of the living cells on NPs stability and deposition was determined. Using flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy techniques we studied the kinetics of the cellular uptake of Rubipy-SiO2 NPs by A549 and CaCo-2 cells and we found a correlation between the NPs characteristics in cell media and the amount of cellular uptake. Our results emphasize how relevant and important it is to evaluate and to monitor the size and agglomeration state of nanoparticles in the biological medium, in order to interpret correctly the results of the in vitro toxicological assays.

Dispersion Behaviour of Silica Nanoparticles in Biological Media and Its Influence on Cellular Uptake

PubMed Central

Halamoda-Kenzaoui, Blanka; Ceridono, Mara; Colpo, Pascal; Valsesia, Andrea; Urbán, Patricia; Ojea-Jiménez, Isaac; Gioria, Sabrina; Gilliland, Douglas; Rossi, François; Kinsner-Ovaskainen, Agnieszka

2015-01-01

Given the increasing variety of manufactured nanomaterials, suitable, robust, standardized in vitro screening methods are needed to study the mechanisms by which they can interact with biological systems. The in vitro evaluation of interactions of nanoparticles (NPs) with living cells is challenging due to the complex behaviour of NPs, which may involve dissolution, aggregation, sedimentation and formation of a protein corona. These variable parameters have an influence on the surface properties and the stability of NPs in the biological environment and therefore also on the interaction of NPs with cells. We present here a study using 30 nm and 80 nm fluorescently-labelled silicon dioxide NPs (Rubipy-SiO2 NPs) to evaluate the NPs dispersion behaviour up to 48 hours in two different cellular media either supplemented with 10% of serum or in serum-free conditions. Size-dependent differences in dispersion behaviour were observed and the influence of the living cells on NPs stability and deposition was determined. Using flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy techniques we studied the kinetics of the cellular uptake of Rubipy-SiO2 NPs by A549 and CaCo-2 cells and we found a correlation between the NPs characteristics in cell media and the amount of cellular uptake. Our results emphasize how relevant and important it is to evaluate and to monitor the size and agglomeration state of nanoparticles in the biological medium, in order to interpret correctly the results of the in vitro toxicological assays. PMID:26517371

Spatially resolved speckle-correlometry of sol-gel transition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Isaeva, A. A.; Isaeva, E. A.; Pantyukov, A. V.; Zimnyakov, D. A.

2018-04-01

Sol-gel transition was studied using the speckle correlometry method with a localized light source and spatial filtering of backscattered radiation. Water solutions of technical or food gelatin with added TiO2 nanoparticles were used as studied objects. Structural transformation of "sol-gel" system was studied at various temperatures from 25°C to 50°C using analysis of the correlation and structure functions of speckle intensity fluctuations. The characteristic temperatures of "sol - gel" transition were evaluated for studied systems. Obtained results can be used for various applications in biomedicine and food industry.

Optimization of the fabrication of novel stealth PLA-based nanoparticles by dispersion polymerization using D-optimal mixture design

PubMed Central

Adesina, Simeon K.; Wight, Scott A.; Akala, Emmanuel O.

2015-01-01

Purpose Nanoparticle size is important in drug delivery. Clearance of nanoparticles by cells of the reticuloendothelial system has been reported to increase with increase in particle size. Further, nanoparticles should be small enough to avoid lung or spleen filtering effects. Endocytosis and accumulation in tumor tissue by the enhanced permeability and retention effect are also processes that are influenced by particle size. We present the results of studies designed to optimize crosslinked biodegradable stealth polymeric nanoparticles fabricated by dispersion polymerization. Methods Nanoparticles were fabricated using different amounts of macromonomer, initiators, crosslinking agent and stabilizer in a dioxane/DMSO/water solvent system. Confirmation of nanoparticle formation was by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Particle size was measured by dynamic light scattering (DLS). D-optimal mixture statistical experimental design was used for the experimental runs, followed by model generation (Scheffe polynomial) and optimization with the aid of a computer software. Model verification was done by comparing particle size data of some suggested solutions to the predicted particle sizes. Results and Conclusion Data showed that average particle sizes follow the same trend as predicted by the model. Negative terms in the model corresponding to the crosslinking agent and stabilizer indicate the important factors for minimizing particle size. PMID:24059281

Optimization of the fabrication of novel stealth PLA-based nanoparticles by dispersion polymerization using D-optimal mixture design.

PubMed

Adesina, Simeon K; Wight, Scott A; Akala, Emmanuel O

2014-11-01

Nanoparticle size is important in drug delivery. Clearance of nanoparticles by cells of the reticuloendothelial system has been reported to increase with increase in particle size. Further, nanoparticles should be small enough to avoid lung or spleen filtering effects. Endocytosis and accumulation in tumor tissue by the enhanced permeability and retention effect are also processes that are influenced by particle size. We present the results of studies designed to optimize cross-linked biodegradable stealth polymeric nanoparticles fabricated by dispersion polymerization. Nanoparticles were fabricated using different amounts of macromonomer, initiators, crosslinking agent and stabilizer in a dioxane/DMSO/water solvent system. Confirmation of nanoparticle formation was by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Particle size was measured by dynamic light scattering (DLS). D-optimal mixture statistical experimental design was used for the experimental runs, followed by model generation (Scheffe polynomial) and optimization with the aid of a computer software. Model verification was done by comparing particle size data of some suggested solutions to the predicted particle sizes. Data showed that average particle sizes follow the same trend as predicted by the model. Negative terms in the model corresponding to the cross-linking agent and stabilizer indicate the important factors for minimizing particle size.

Synthesis of In2O3nanoparticles by thermal decomposition of a citrate gel precursor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rey, J. F. Q.; Plivelic, T. S.; Rocha, R. A.; Tadokoro, S. K.; Torriani, I.; Muccillo, E. N. S.

2005-06-01

This paper describes the synthesis of indium oxide by a modified sol-gel method, and the study of thermal decomposition of the metal complex in air. The characterization of the intermediate as well as the final compounds was carried out by thermogravimetry, differential thermal analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and small angle X-ray scattering. The results show that the indium complex decomposes to In2O3 with the formation of an intermediate compound. Nanoparticles of cubic In2O3 with crystallite sizes in the nanosize range were formed after calcination at temperatures up to 900°C. Calcined materials are characterized by a polydisperse distribution of spherical particles with sharp and smooth surfaces.

Synthesis of an excellent electrocatalyst for oxygen reduction reaction with supercritical fluid: Graphene cellular monolith with ultrafine and highly dispersive multimetallic nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhou, Yazhou; Cheng, Xiaonong; Yen, Clive H.; Wai, Chien M.; Wang, Chongmin; Yang, Juan; Lin, Yuehe

2017-04-01

Graphene cellular monolith (GCM) can be used as an excellent support for nanoparticles in widespread applications. However, it's still a great challenge to deposit the desirable nanoparticles in GCM that have small size, controllable structure, composition, and high dispersion using the current methods. Here we demonstrate a green, efficient and large-scale method to address this challenge using supercritical fluid (SCF). By this superior method, graphene hydrogel can be transferred into GCM while being deposited with ultrafine and highly dispersive nanoparticles. Specifically, the bimetallic PtFe/GCM and the trimetallic PtFeCo/GCM catalysts are successfully synthesized, and their electrocatalytic performances toward oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) are also studied. The resultant PtFe/GCM shows the significant enhancement in ORR activity, including a factor of 8.47 enhancement in mass activity (0.72 A mgPt-1), and a factor of 7.67 enhancement in specific activity (0.92 mA cm-2), comparing with those of the commercial Pt/C catalyst (0.085 A mgPt-1, 0.12 mA cm-2). Importantly, by introducing the Co, the trimetallic PtFeCo/GCM exhibits the further improved ORR activities (1.28 A mgPt-1, 1.80 mA cm-2). The high ORR activity is probably attributed to the alloying structure, ultrafine size, highly dispersive, well-defined, and a better interface with 3D porous graphene support.

In situ gelling dorzolamide loaded chitosan nanoparticles for the treatment of glaucoma.

PubMed

Katiyar, Shefali; Pandit, Jayamanti; Mondal, Rabi S; Mishra, Anil K; Chuttani, Krishna; Aqil, Mohd; Ali, Asgar; Sultana, Yasmin

2014-02-15

The most important risk associated with glaucoma is the onset and progression of intraocular pressure. The objective of this study was to formulate in situ gel of chitosan nanoparticles to enhance the bioavailability and efficacy of dorzolamide in the glaucoma treatment. Optimized nanoparticles were spherical in shape (particle size: 164 nm) with a loading efficiency of 98.1%. The ex vivo release of the optimized in situ gel nanoparticle formulation showed a sustained drug release as compared to marketed formulation. The gamma scintigraphic study of prepared in situ nanoparticle gel showed good corneal retention compared to marketed formulation. HET-CAM assay of the prepared formulation scored 0.33 in 5 min which indicates the non-irritant property of the formulation. Thus in situ gel of dorzolamide hydrochloride loaded nanoparticles offers a more intensive treatment of glaucoma and a better patient compliance as it requires fewer applications per day compared to conventional eye drops. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Coercivity enhancement mechanism in Dy-substituted Nd-Fe-B nanoparticles synthesized by sol-gel base method followed by a reduction-diffusion process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rahimi, Hamed; Ghasemi, Ali; Mozaffarinia, Reza; Tavoosi, Majid

2017-05-01

In current work, Nd15-xDyxFe77.5B7.5 (at%) nanoparticles with different Dy-content (x=0.0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0) were synthesized by sol-gel method followed by a reduction-diffusion process. The effects of Dy on the magnetic properties and the relations between the microstructure and the coercivity of Dy-substituted Nd-Fe-B nanoparticles have been studied. The coercivity of Nd-Fe-B nanoparticles with the addition of Dy first increase, reaches a maximum, and then starts to decrease. The coercivity of Dy-substituted Nd-Fe-B nanoparticle synthesized by sol-gel method increased from 938.9 to 1663.9 kA/m while the remanence decreased slightly from 1.16 to 1.06 T. The results show that with an increase in Dy content the variation of maximum energy product ((BH)max), lowest-order uniaxial magnetocrystalline anisotropy constant (Ku1), and Curie temperature (Tc) had a trend as same as the coercivity. The Henkel plot showed that the existence of exchange coupling interaction between grains, and the exchange coupling interactions increased with increasing x from 0.0 to 2.0 and then decrease with further increasing x≥2.5. The optimum magnetic properties of Nd-Fe-B nanoparticles with (BH)max =40.38 MGOe, Hc=1663.9 kA/m, Br=1.08 T were obtained by substituted 2.0 at% Dy. The effects of increasing temperature on magnetic properties of Dy-substituted Nd-Fe-B nanoparticle magnets with 2.0 at% Dy was investigated. The reduced spin-reorientation temperature was obtained for Dy-substituted Nd-Fe-B nanoparticles with 2.0 at% Dy. Below 100 K a spin-reorientation transition was takes place. The temperature coefficient of coercivity (β) was -0.36, -0.46, -0.41, -0.34, -0.29, -0.24, -0.25%/°C at different temperature 50, 100, 150, 200, 250, 300, 350 °C, respectively. Mössbauer spectroscopy was applied to study the composition and properties of Dy-substituted Nd-Fe-B magnet. Microstructure analysis showed a homogeneous distribution of Dy in produced samples. The possible

Sol-gel synthesis of Cu-doped p-CdS nanoparticles and their analysis as p-CdS/n-ZnO thin film photodiode

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Arya, Sandeep; Sharma, Asha; Singh, Bikram; Riyas, Mohammad; Bandhoria, Pankaj; Aatif, Mohammad; Gupta, Vinay

2018-05-01

Copper (Cu) doped p-CdS nanoparticles have been synthesized via sol-gel method. The as-synthesized nanoparticles were successfully characterized and implemented for fabrication of Glass/ITO/n-ZnO/p-CdS/Al thin film photodiode. The fabricated device is tested for small (-1 V to +1 V) bias voltage. Results verified that the junction leakage current within the dark is very small. During reverse bias condition, the maximum amount of photocurrent is obtained under illumination of 100 μW/cm2. Electrical characterizations confirmed that the external quantum efficiency (EQE), gain and responsivity of n-ZnO/p-CdS photodiode show improved photo response than conventional p-type materials for such a small bias voltage. It is therefore revealed that the Cu-doped CdS nanoparticles is an efficient p-type material for fabrication of thin film photo-devices.

One-step synthesis of water-dispersible ultra-small Fe3O4 nanoparticles as contrast agents for T1 and T2 magnetic resonance imaging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Guannan; Zhang, Xuanjun; Skallberg, Andreas; Liu, Yaxu; Hu, Zhangjun; Mei, Xifan; Uvdal, Kajsa

2014-02-01

Uniform, highly water-dispersible and ultra-small Fe3O4 nanoparticles were synthesized via a modified one-step coprecipitation approach. The prepared Fe3O4 nanoparticles not only show good magnetic properties, long-term stability in a biological environment, but also exhibit good biocompatibility in cell viability and hemolysis assay. Due to the ultra-small sized and highly water-dispersibility, they exhibit excellent relaxivity properties, the 1.7 nm sized Fe3O4 nanoparticles reveal a low r2/r1 ratio of 2.03 (r1 = 8.20 mM-1 s-1, r2 = 16.67 mM-1 s-1) and the 2.2 nm sized Fe3O4 nanoparticles also appear to have a low r2/r1 ratio of 4.65 (r1 = 6.15 mM-1 s-1, r2 = 28.62 mM-1 s-1). This demonstrates that the proposed ultra-small Fe3O4 nanoparticles have great potential as a new type of T1 magnetic resonance imaging contrast agents. Especially, the 2.2 nm sized Fe3O4 nanoparticles, have a competitive r1 value and r2 value compared to commercial contrasting agents such as Gd-DTPA (r1 = 4.8 mM-1 s -1), and SHU-555C (r2 = 69 mM-1 s-1). In vitro and in vivo imaging experiments, show that the 2.2 nm sized Fe3O4 nanoparticles exhibit great contrast enhancement, long-term circulation, and low toxicity, which enable these ultra-small sized Fe3O4 nanoparticles to be promising as T1 and T2 dual contrast agents in clinical settings.Uniform, highly water-dispersible and ultra-small Fe3O4 nanoparticles were synthesized via a modified one-step coprecipitation approach. The prepared Fe3O4 nanoparticles not only show good magnetic properties, long-term stability in a biological environment, but also exhibit good biocompatibility in cell viability and hemolysis assay. Due to the ultra-small sized and highly water-dispersibility, they exhibit excellent relaxivity properties, the 1.7 nm sized Fe3O4 nanoparticles reveal a low r2/r1 ratio of 2.03 (r1 = 8.20 mM-1 s-1, r2 = 16.67 mM-1 s-1) and the 2.2 nm sized Fe3O4 nanoparticles also appear to have a low r2/r1 ratio of 4.65 (r1 = 6.15 mM-1 s

Electrodeposition of gold nanoparticles on mesoporous TiO{sub 2} photoelectrode to enhance visible region photocurrent

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Supriyono,; Krisnandi, Yuni Krisyuningsih; Gunlazuardi, Jarnuzi, E-mail: jarnuzi@ui.ac.id

2016-04-19

Electrodeposition of gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) on the mesoporous TiO{sub 2} photoelectrode to enchance visible region photocurrent have been investigated. Mesoporous TiO{sub 2} was prepared by a sol gel method and immobilized to the fluorine doped tin oxide (FTO) substrate by dip coating technique. Gold nanoparticles were electrodeposited on the TiO{sub 2} surface and the result FTO/TiO{sub 2}/Au was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The generated photocurrent was evaluated with an electrochemical workstation (e-DAQ/e-recorder 401) using 60 W wolfram lamp as visible lightmore » source. The photoelectrochemical evaluation indicated that the presence of gold nanoparticles on TiO{sub 2} photoelectrode shall enhance the photocurrent up to 50%.« less

75 FR 73064 - Lock Hydro Friends Fund XLI; Allegheny 7 Hydro, LLC; Notice of Competing Preliminary Permit...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-11-29

.... 13777-000] Lock Hydro Friends Fund XLI; Allegheny 7 Hydro, LLC; Notice of Competing Preliminary Permit..., 2010, Lock Hydro Friends Fund XLI, and Allegheny 7 Hydro, LLC filed applications, pursuant to section 4.... 7 Projects Lock Hydro Friends Fund XLI's project (Project No. 13736-000) would consist of: (1) Two...

Sub-10 nm Water-Dispersible β-NaGdF4:X% Eu3+ Nanoparticles with Enhanced Biocompatibility for in Vivo X-ray Luminescence Computed Tomography.

PubMed

Zhang, Wenli; Shen, Yingli; Liu, Miao; Gao, Peng; Pu, Huangsheng; Fan, Li; Jiang, Ruibin; Liu, Zonghuai; Shi, Feng; Lu, Hongbing

2017-11-22

As a novel molecular and functional imaging modality, X-ray luminescence computed tomography (XLCT) has shown its potentials in biomedical and preclinic applications. However, there are still some limitations of X-ray-excited luminescent materials, such as low luminescence efficiency, poor biocompatibility, and cytotoxicity, making in vivo XLCT imaging quite challenging. In this study, for the very first time, we present on using sub-10 nm β-NaGdF 4 :X% Eu 3+ nanoparticles with poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) surface modification, which demonstrate outstanding luminescence efficiency, uniform size distribution, water dispersity, and biosafety, as the luminescent probes for in vivo XLCT application. The pure hexagonal phase (β-) NaGdF 4 has been successfully synthesized and characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and then the results of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry  (EDX), and elemental mapping further confirm Eu 3+ ions doped into NaGdF 4 host. Under X-ray excitation, the β-NaGdF 4 nanoparticles with a doping level of 15% Eu 3+ exhibited the most efficient luminescence intensity. Notably, the doping level of Eu 3+ has no effect on the crystal phase and morphology of the NaGdF 4 -based host. Afterward, β-NaGdF 4 :15% Eu 3+ nanoparticles were modified with PAA to enhance the water dispersity and biocompatibility. The compatibility of in vivo XLCT imaging using such nanoparticles was systematically studied via in vitro cytotoxicity, physical phantom, and in vivo imaging experiments. The ultralow cytotoxicity of PAA-modified nanoparticles, which is confirmed by over 80% cell viability of SH-SY5Y cells when treated by high nanoparticle concentration of 200 μg/mL, overcome the major obstacle for in vivo application. In addition, the high luminescence intensity of PAA-modified nanoparticles enables the location error of in vivo XLCT imaging less than 2 mm, which is

A review of the irradiation evolution of dispersed oxide nanoparticles in the b.c.c. Fe-Cr system: Current understanding and future directions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wharry, Janelle P.; Swenson, Matthew J.; Yano, Kayla H.

2017-04-01

Thus far, a number of studies have investigated the irradiation evolution of oxide nanoparticles in b.c.c. Fe-Cr based oxide dispersion strengthened (ODS) alloys. But given the inconsistent experimental conditions, results have been widely variable and inconclusive. Crystal structure and chemistry changes differ from experiment to experiment, and the total nanoparticle volume fraction has been observed to both increase and decrease. Furthermore, there has not yet been a comprehensive review of the archival literature. In this paper, we summarize the existing studies on nanoparticle irradiation evolution. We note significant observations with respect to oxide nanoparticle crystallinity, composition, size, and number density. We discuss four possible contributing mechanisms for nanoparticle evolution: ballistic dissolution, Ostwald ripening, irradiation-enhanced diffusion, and homogeneous nucleation. Finally, we propose future directions to achieve a more comprehensive understanding of irradiation effects on oxide nanoparticles in ODS alloys.

Sol-gel based oxidation catalyst and coating system using same

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Leighty, Bradley D. (Inventor); Watkins, Anthony N. (Inventor); Patry, JoAnne L. (Inventor); Schryer, Jacqueline L. (Inventor); Oglesby, Donald M. (Inventor)

2010-01-01

An oxidation catalyst system is formed by particles of an oxidation catalyst dispersed in a porous sol-gel binder. The oxidation catalyst system can be applied by brush or spray painting while the sol-gel binder is in its sol state.

Flexible, ferroelectric nanoparticle doped polymer dispersed liquid crystal devices for lower switching voltage and nanoenergy generation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nimmy John, V.; Varanakkottu, Subramanyan Namboodiri; Varghese, Soney

2018-06-01

Flexible polymer dispersed liquid crystal (F-PDLC) devices were fabricated using transparent conducting ITO/PET film. Polymerization induced phase separation (PIPS) method was used for pure and ferroelectric BaTiO3 (BTO) and ZnO doped PDLC devices. The distribution of nanoparticles in the PDLC and the formation of micro cavities were studied using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). It was observed that the addition of ferroelectric BTO nanoparticles has reduced the threshold voltage (Vth) and saturation voltage (Vsat) of FNP-PDLC by 85% and 41% respectively due to the spontaneous polarization of ferroelectric nanoparticles. The ferroelectric properties of BTO and ZnO in the fabricated devices were investigated using dynamic contact electrostatic force microscopy (DC EFM). Flexing the device can generate a potential due to the piezo-tribo electric effect of the ferroelectric nanomaterial doped in the PDLC matrix, which could be utilized as an energy generating system. The switching voltage after multiple flexing was also studied and found to be in par with non-flexing situations.

Facile and green fabrication of electrospun poly(vinyl alcohol) nanofibrous mats doped with narrowly dispersed silver nanoparticles.

PubMed

Lin, Song; Wang, Run-Ze; Yi, Ying; Wang, Zheng; Hao, Li-Mei; Wu, Jin-Hui; Hu, Guo-Han; He, Hua

2014-01-01

Submicrometer-scale poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) nanofibrous mats loaded with aligned and narrowly dispersed silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are obtained via the electrospinning process from pure water. This facile and green procedure did not need any other chemicals or organic solvents. The doped AgNPs are narrowly distributed, 4.3±0.7 nm and their contents on the nanofabric mats can be easily tuned via in situ ultraviolet light irradiation or under preheating conditions, but with different particle sizes and size distributions. The morphology, loading concentrations, and dispersities of AgNPs embedded within PVA nanofiber mats are characterized by transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, ultraviolet-visible spectra, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction, respectively. Moreover, the biocidal activities and cytotoxicity of the electrospun nanofiber mats are determined by zone of inhibition, dynamic shaking method, and cell counting kit (CCK)-8 assay tests.

A Large Response Range Reflectometric Urea Biosensor Made from Silica-Gel Nanoparticles

PubMed Central

Alqasaimeh, Muawia; Heng, Lee Yook; Ahmad, Musa; Raj, A.S. Santhana; Ling, Tan Ling

2014-01-01

A new silica-gel nanospheres (SiO2NPs) composition was formulated, followed by biochemical surface functionalization to examine its potential in urea biosensor development. The SiO2NPs were basically synthesized based on sol–gel chemistry using a modified Stober method. The SiO2NPs surfaces were modified with amine (-NH2) functional groups for urease immobilization in the presence of glutaric acid (GA) cross-linker. The chromoionophore pH-sensitive dye ETH 5294 was physically adsorbed on the functionalized SiO2NPs as pH transducer. The immobilized urease determined urea concentration reflectometrically based on the colour change of the immobilized chromoionophore as a result of the enzymatic hydrolysis of urea. The pH changes on the biosensor due to the catalytic enzyme reaction of immobilized urease were found to correlate with the urea concentrations over a linear response range of 50–500 mM (R2 = 0.96) with a detection limit of 10 mM urea. The biosensor response time was 9 min with reproducibility of less than 10% relative standard deviation (RSD). This optical urea biosensor did not show interferences by Na+, K+, Mg2+ and NH4+ ions. The biosensor performance has been validated using urine samples in comparison with a non-enzymatic method based on the use of p-dimethylaminobenzaldehyde (DMAB) reagent and demonstrated a good correlation between the two different methods (R2 = 0.996 and regression slope of 1.0307). The SiO2NPs-based reflectometric urea biosensor showed improved dynamic linear response range when compared to other nanoparticle-based optical urea biosensors. PMID:25054632

A large response range reflectometric urea biosensor made from silica-gel nanoparticles.

PubMed

Alqasaimeh, Muawia; Heng, Lee Yook; Ahmad, Musa; Raj, A S Santhana; Ling, Tan Ling

2014-07-22

A new silica-gel nanospheres (SiO2NPs) composition was formulated, followed by biochemical surface functionalization to examine its potential in urea biosensor development. The SiO2NPs were basically synthesized based on sol-gel chemistry using a modified Stober method. The SiO2NPs surfaces were modified with amine (-NH2) functional groups for urease immobilization in the presence of glutaric acid (GA) cross-linker. The chromoionophore pH-sensitive dye ETH 5294 was physically adsorbed on the functionalized SiO2NPs as pH transducer. The immobilized urease determined urea concentration reflectometrically based on the colour change of the immobilized chromoionophore as a result of the enzymatic hydrolysis of urea. The pH changes on the biosensor due to the catalytic enzyme reaction of immobilized urease were found to correlate with the urea concentrations over a linear response range of 50-500 mM (R2 = 0.96) with a detection limit of 10 mM urea. The biosensor response time was 9 min with reproducibility of less than 10% relative standard deviation (RSD). This optical urea biosensor did not show interferences by Na+, K+, Mg2+ and NH4+ ions. The biosensor performance has been validated using urine samples in comparison with a non-enzymatic method based on the use of p-dimethylaminobenzaldehyde (DMAB) reagent and demonstrated a good correlation between the two different methods (R2 = 0.996 and regression slope of 1.0307). The SiO2NPs-based reflectometric urea biosensor showed improved dynamic linear response range when compared to other nanoparticle-based optical urea biosensors.

ZnFe2O4 nanoparticles dispersed in a highly porous silica aerogel matrix: a magnetic study.

PubMed

Bullita, S; Casu, A; Casula, M F; Concas, G; Congiu, F; Corrias, A; Falqui, A; Loche, D; Marras, C

2014-03-14

We report the detailed structural characterization and magnetic investigation of nanocrystalline zinc ferrite nanoparticles supported on a silica aerogel porous matrix which differ in size (in the range 4-11 nm) and the inversion degree (from 0.4 to 0.2) as compared to bulk zinc ferrite which has a normal spinel structure. The samples were investigated by zero-field-cooling-field-cooling, thermo-remnant DC magnetization measurements, AC magnetization investigation and Mössbauer spectroscopy. The nanocomposites are superparamagnetic at room temperature; the temperature of the superparamagnetic transition in the samples decreases with the particle size and therefore it is mainly determined by the inversion degree rather than by the particle size, which would give an opposite effect on the blocking temperature. The contribution of particle interaction to the magnetic behavior of the nanocomposites decreases significantly in the sample with the largest particle size. The values of the anisotropy constant give evidence that the anisotropy constant decreases upon increasing the particle size of the samples. All these results clearly indicate that, even when dispersed with low concentration in a non-magnetic and highly porous and insulating matrix, the zinc ferrite nanoparticles show a magnetic behavior similar to that displayed when they are unsupported or dispersed in a similar but denser matrix, and with higher loading. The effective anisotropy measured for our samples appears to be systematically higher than that measured for supported zinc ferrite nanoparticles of similar size, indicating that this effect probably occurs as a consequence of the high inversion degree.

Dispersion of microemulsion drops in HEMA hydrogel: a potential ophthalmic drug delivery vehicle.

PubMed

Gulsen, Derya; Chauhan, Anuj

2005-03-23

Approximately 90% of all ophthalmic drug formulations are now applied as eye-drops. While eye-drops are convenient and well accepted by patients, about 95% of the drug contained in the drops is lost due to absorption through the conjunctiva or through the tear drainage. A major fraction of the drug eventually enters the blood stream and may cause side effects. The drug loss and the side effects can be minimized by using disposable soft contact lenses for ophthalmic drug delivery. The essential idea is to encapsulate the ophthalmic drug formulations in nanoparticles, and disperse these drug-laden particles in the lens material. Upon insertion into the eye, the lens will slowly release the drug into the pre lens (the film between the air and the lens) and the post-lens (the film between the cornea and the lens) tear films, and thus provide drug delivery for extended periods of time. This paper focuses on dispersing stabilized microemulsion drops in poly-2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (p-HEMA) hydrogels. The results of this study show that the p-HEMA gels loaded with a microemulsion that is stabilized with a silica shell are transparent and that these gels release drugs for a period of over 8 days. Contact lenses made of microemulsion-laden gels are expected to deliver drugs at therapeutic levels for a few days. The delivery rates can be tailored by controlling the particle and the drug loading. It may be possible to use this system for both therapeutic drug delivery to eyes and the provision of lubricants to alleviate eye problems prevalent in extended lens wear.

Dispersed-nanoparticle loading synthesis for monodisperse Au-titania composite particles and their crystallization for highly active UV and visible photocatalysts.

PubMed

Sakamoto, Takeshi; Nagao, Daisuke; Noba, Masahiro; Ishii, Haruyuki; Konno, Mikio

2014-06-24

Submicrometer-sized amorphous titania spheres incorporating Au nanoparticles (NPs) were prepared in a one-pot synthesis consisting of a sol-gel reaction of titanium(IV) isopropoxide in the presence of chloroauric acid and a successive reduction with sodium borohydride in a mixed solvent of ethanol/acetonitrile. The synthesis was allowed to prepare monodisperse titania spheres that homogeneously incorporated Au NPs with sizes of ca. 7 nm. The Au NP-loaded titania spheres underwent different crystallization processes, including 500 °C calcination in air, high-temperature hydrothermal treatment (HHT), and/or low-temperature hydrothermal treatment (LHT). Photocatalytic experiments were conducted with the Au NP-loaded crystalline titania spheres under irradiation of UV and visible light. A combined process of LHT at 80 °C followed by calcination at 500 °C could effectively crystallize titania spheres maintaining the dispersion state of Au NPs, which led to photocatalytic activity higher than that of commercial P25 under UV irradiation. Under visible light irradiation, the Au NP-titania spheres prepared with a crystallization process of LHT at 80 °C for 6 h showed photocatalytic activity much higher than a commercial product of visible light photocatalyst. Structure analysis of the visible light photocatalysts indicates the importance of prevention of the Au NPs aggregation in the crystallization processes for enhancement of photocatalytic activity.

Water-dispersible hydroxyapatite nanoparticles synthesized in aqueous solution containing grape seed extract

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhou, Ruchao; Si, Shaoxiong; Zhang, Qiyi

2012-02-01

A novel and effective method for the preparation of water-dispersible nano-hydroxyapatite (nHAp) particles was reported. nHAp was prepared in the presence of grape seed polyphenol (GSP) solution with different concentrations. Chemical precipitation method was adopted to produce pure nHAp and modified nHAp (nHAp-GSP) at 60 °C for 2 h. The chemical nature of the products was detected by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA). Moreover, the crystal structure and morphology of particles was confirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results indicated that the spherical nHAp particles with a diameter of 20-50 nm could be synthesized at 60 °C. The zeta potential values of pure nHAp and nHAp-GSP are -0.36 mV and -26.1 mV respectively. According to the sedimentary time, the colloidal stability of nHAp-GSP in water could be improved dramatically with the increase of GSP content and the particles tended to exist as dispersive nanoparticles without aggregation. All the results indicated that GSP exhibited strong binding to nHAp and enhanced the colloidal stability of nHAp particles.

Physicochemical fabrication of antibacterial calcium phosphate submicrospheres with dispersed silver nanoparticles via coprecipitation and photoreduction under laser irradiation.

PubMed

Nakamura, Maki; Oyane, Ayako; Shimizu, Yoshiki; Miyata, Saori; Saeki, Ayumi; Miyaji, Hirofumi

2016-12-01

We achieved rapid, surfactant-free, and one-pot fabrication of antibacterial calcium phosphate (CaP) submicrospheres containing silver nanoparticles by combining physical laser and chemical coprecipitation processes. In this physicochemical process, weak pulsed laser irradiation (20min) was performed on a labile CaP reaction mixture supplemented with silver ions as a light-absorbing agent. The silver content in the submicrospheres was controlled for a wide range (Ag/P elemental ratio varied from 0.60 to 62.0) by tuning the initial concentration of silver ions (from 5 to 20mM) in the CaP reaction mixture. At the silver concentration of 5mM, we obtained unique nanocomposite particles: CaP submicrospheres (average diameter of approximately 500nm) containing metallic silver nanoparticles dispersed throughout, as a result of CaP and silver coprecipitation with simultaneous photoreduction of silver ions and spheroidization of the coprecipitates. These CaP submicrospheres containing silver nanoparticles (ca. 0.3mg silver per 1mg submicrospheres) exhibited antibacterial activity against major pathogenic oral bacteria, i.e., Streptococcus mutans, Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, and Porphyromonas gingivalis. Moreover, the CaP submicrospheres dissolved and neutralized the acidic environment generated by Streptococcus mutans, demonstrating their potential as acid-neutralizing and remineralizing agents. The present process and resulting antibacterial CaP-based submicrospheres are expected to be useful in dental healthcare and infection control. Nano- and microsized spheres of calcium phosphate (CaP) containing silver nanoparticles have great potential in dental applications. Conventional fabrication processes were time-consuming or weak regarding the size/shape control of the spheres. In this study, we achieved a simple (one-pot), rapid (20-min irradiation), and surfactant-free fabrication of CaP submicrospheres containing silver nanoparticles by pulsed laser irradiation

Enhancement of Ce/Cr Codopant Solubility and Chemical Homogeneity in TiO2 Nanoparticles through Sol-Gel versus Pechini Syntheses.

PubMed

Chen, Wen-Fan; Mofarah, Sajjad S; Hanaor, Dorian Amir Henry; Koshy, Pramod; Chen, Hsin-Kai; Jiang, Yue; Sorrell, Charles Christopher

2018-06-18

Ce/Cr codoped TiO 2 nanoparticles were synthesized using sol-gel and Pechini methods with heat treatment at 400 °C for 4 h. A conventional sol-gel process produced well-crystallized anatase, while Pechini synthesis yielded less-ordered mixed-phase anatase + rutile; this suggests that the latter method enhances Ce solubility and increases chemical homogeneity but destabilizes the TiO 2 lattice. Greater structural disruption from the decomposition of the Pechini precursor formed more open agglomerated morphologies, while the lower levels of structural disruption from pyrolysis of the dried sol-gel precursor resulted in denser agglomerates of lower surface areas. Codoping and associated destabilization of the lattice reduced the binding energies in both powders. Cr 4+ formation in sol-gel powders and Cr 6+ formation in Pechini powders suggest that these valence changes derive from synergistic electron exchange from intervalence and/or multivalence charge transfer. Since Ce is too large to allow either substitutional or interstitial solid solubility, the concept of integrated solubility is introduced, in which the Ti site and an adjacent interstice are occupied by the large Ce ion. The photocatalytic performance data show that codoping was detrimental owing to the effects of reduced crystallinity from lattice destabilization and surface area. Two regimes of mechanistic behavior are seen, which are attributed to the unsaturated solid solutions at lower codopant levels and supersaturated solid solutions at higher levels. The present work demonstrates that the Pechini method offers a processing technique that is superior to sol-gel because the former facilitates solid solubility and consequent chemical homogeneity.

Stable tetragonal phase and magnetic properties of Fe-doped HfO2 nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sales, T. S. N.; Cavalcante, F. H. M.; Bosch-Santos, B.; Pereira, L. F. D.; Cabrera-Pasca, G. A.; Freitas, R. S.; Saxena, R. N.; Carbonari, A. W.

2017-05-01

In this paper, the effect in structural and magnetic properties of iron doping with concentration of 20% in hafnium dioxide (HfO2) nanoparticles is investigated. HfO2 is a wide band gap oxide with great potential to be used as high-permittivity gate dielectrics, which can be improved by doping. Nanoparticle samples were prepared by sol-gel chemical method and had their structure, morphology, and magnetic properties, respectively, investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with electron back scattering diffraction (EBSD), and magnetization measurements. TEM and SEM results show size distribution of particles in the range from 30 nm to 40 nm with small dispersion. Magnetization measurements show the blocking temperature at around 90 K with a strong paramagnetic contribution. XRD results show a major tetragonal phase (94%).

Improved Mechanical and Tribological Properties of Metal-Matrix Composites Dispersion-Strengthened by Nanoparticles 

PubMed Central

Levashov, Evgenii; Kurbatkina, Victoria; Alexandr, Zaytsev

2009-01-01

Co- and Fe-based alloys produced by powder technology are being widely used as a matrix for diamond-containing composites in cutting, drilling, grinding pplications, etc. The severe service conditions demand that the mechanical and tribological properties of these alloys be improved. Development of metal-matrix composites (MMCs) and alloys reinforced with nanoparticles is a promising way to resolve this problem. In this work, we have investigated the effect of nano-sized WC, ZrO2, Al2O3, and Si3N4 additives on the properties of sintered dispersion-strengthened Co- and Fe-based MMCs. The results show an increase in the hardness (up to 10 HRB), bending strength (up to 50%), wear resistance (by a factor of 2–10) and a decrease in the friction coefficient (up to 4-fold) of the dispersion-strengthened materials. The use of designed alloys as a binder of cutting diamond tools gave a 4-fold increment in the service life, without reduction in their cutting speed.

78 FR 56224 - Hydro Nelson, Ltd.; Hydro-WM, LLC; Notice of Transfer of Exemption

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-09-12

... DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [Project No. 3401-049] Hydro Nelson, Ltd.; Hydro-WM, LLC; Notice of Transfer of Exemption 1. By documentation filed July 8, 2013 and supplemented on September 4, 2013, Hydro-WM, LLC informed the Commission that the exemption from licensing for the...

Whey protein isolate modified by transglutaminase aggregation and emulsion gel properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Qi, Weiwei; Chen, Chong; Liu, Mujun; Yu, Guoping; Cai, Xinghang; Guo, Peipei; Yao, Yuxiu; Mei, Sijie

2015-07-01

Whey protein isolate and commercial soybean salad oil were used to produce the WPI emulsion dispersions. The properties of TG-catalyzed emulsion gelation produced from WPI emulsion dispersions were investigated by the amount of TG, temperature, pH and reaction time. Specifically, the texture properties (hardness and springiness), water-holding capacity and rheological properties (G' and G") were assessed. The result of Orthogonal tests showed WPI emulsion can form better hardness and springiness gel when the ratio of TG and WPI was 20U/g, pH 7.5, treatment temperature and time were 50°C and 3 h, respectively. The microstructure of TG emulsion gels was more compact, gel pore is smaller, distribution more uniform, the oil droplets size smaller compared with untreated emulsion gels. Compared to the control of rheological properties, G' and G" were significantly increased and G' > G", results showed that the gel was solid state, and TG speeded up the process of gelation.

Silica Coating of Nonsilicate Nanoparticles for Resin-Based Composite Materials

PubMed Central

Kaizer, M.R.; Almeida, J.R.; Gonçalves, A.P.R.; Zhang, Y.; Cava, S.S.; Moraes, R.R.

2016-01-01

This study was designed to develop and characterize a silica-coating method for crystalline nonsilicate ceramic nanoparticles (Al2O3, TiO2, and ZrO2). The hypothesis was that the coated nonsilicate nanoparticles would stably reinforce a polymeric matrix due to effective silanation. Silica coating was applied via a sol-gel method, with tetraethyl orthosilicate as a silica precursor, followed by heat treatment. The chemical and microstructural characteristics of the nanopowders were evaluated before and after silica coating through x-ray diffraction, BET (Brunauer-Emmett-Teller), energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy analyses. Coated and noncoated nanoparticles were silanated before preparation of hybrid composites, which contained glass microparticles in addition to the nanoparticles. The composites were mechanically tested in 4-point bending mode after aging (10,000 thermal cycles). Results of all chemical and microstructural analyses confirmed the successful obtaining of silica-coated nanoparticles. Two distinct aspects were observed depending on the type of nanoparticle tested: 1) formation of a silica shell on the surface of the particles and 2) nanoparticle clusters embedded into a silica matrix. The aged hybrid composites formulated with the coated nanoparticles showed improved flexural strength (10% to 30% higher) and work of fracture (35% to 40% higher) as compared with composites formulated with noncoated nanoparticles. The tested hypothesis was confirmed: silanated silica-coated nonsilicate nanoparticles yielded stable reinforcement of dimethacrylate polymeric matrix due to effective silanation. The silica-coating method presented here is a versatile and promising novel strategy for the use of crystalline nonsilicate ceramics as a reinforcing phase of polymeric composite biomaterials. PMID:27470069

Constructing of DNA vectors with controlled nanosize and single dispersion by block copolymer coating gold nanoparticles as template assembly

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Junbo; Wu, Wenlan; Gao, Jiayu; Liang, Ju; Zhou, Huiyun; Liang, Lijuan

2017-03-01

Synthesized vectors with nanoscale size and stable colloid dispersion are highly desirable for improving gene delivery efficiency. Here, a core-shell template particle was constructed with polyethylene glycol- b-poly1-(3-aminopropyl)-3-(2-methacryloyloxy propylimidazolium bromine) (PEG- b-PAMPImB) coating gold nanoparticles (PEG- b-PAMPImB-@-Au NPs) for loading DNA and delivering in vitro. Data from transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and dynamic light scattering (DLS) suggest that these nanoplexes, by forming an electrostatic complex with DNA at the inner PAMPImB shell, offer steric protection for the outer PEG corona leading to single dispersion and small size. Notably, higher colloid stability and lower cytotoxicity were achieved with these nanoplexes when compared with PAMPImB monolayer-coated gold nanoparticles (Au NPs). Confocal laser scanning microscopy and intracellular trafficking TEM further indicate that the nanoplexes can translocate across the cell membrane and partly enter the nucleus for high efficient expression. Thus, template assembly represents a promising approach to control the size and colloid stability of gene vectors and ensure safety and efficiency of DNA delivery.

Synthesis of an excellent electrocatalyst for oxygen reduction reaction with supercritical fluid: Graphene cellular monolith with ultrafine and highly dispersive multimetallic nanoparticles

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Zhou, Yazhou; Cheng, Xiaonong; Yen, Clive H.

Graphene cellular monolith (GCM) can be used as an excellent support for nanoparticles in widespread applications. However, it's still a great challenge to deposit the desirable nanoparticles in GCM that have small size, controllable structure, composition, and high dispersion using the current methods. Here we demonstrate a green, efficient and large-scale method to address this challenge using supercritical fluid (SCF). By this superior method, graphene hydrogel can be transferred into GCM while being deposited with ultrafine and highly dispersive nanoparticles. Specifically, the bimetallic PtFe/GCM and the trimetallic PtFeCo/GCM catalysts are successfully synthesized, and their electrocatalytic performances toward oxygen reduction reactionmore » (ORR) are also studied. The resultant PtFe/GCM shows the significant enhancement in ORR activity, including a factor of 8.47 enhancement in mass activity (0.72 A mgPt-1), and a factor of 7.67 enhancement in specific activity (0.92 mA cm-2), comparing with those of the commercial Pt/C catalyst (0.085 A mgPt-1, 0.12 mA cm-2). Importantly, by introducing the Co, the trimetallic PtFeCo/GCM exhibits the further improved ORR activities (1.28 A mgPt-1, 1.80 mA cm-2). The high ORR activity is probably attributed to the alloying structure, ultrafine size, highly dispersive, well-defined, and a better interface with 3D porous graphene support.« less

Incorporation of polyoxotungstate complexes in silica spheres and in situ formation of tungsten trioxide nanoparticles.

PubMed

Zhao, Yuanyuan; Fan, Haimei; Li, Wen; Bi, Lihua; Wang, Dejun; Wu, Lixin

2010-09-21

In this paper, we demonstrated a new convenient route for in situ fabrication of well separated small sized WO(3) nanoparticles in silica spheres, through a predeposition of surfactant encapsulated polyoxotungates as tungsten source, and followed by a calcination process. In a typical procedure, selected polyoxotungates with different charges were enwrapped with dioctadecyldimethylammonium cations through electrostatic interaction. Elemental analysis, thermogravimetric analysis, and spectral characterization confirmed the formation of prepared complexes with the anticipated chemical structure. The complexes were then phase-transferred into aqueous solution that predissolved surfactant cetyltrimethylammonium bromide, and finally incorporated into silica spheres through a joint sol-gel reaction with tetraethyl orthosilicate in a well dispersed state under the protection of organic layer for polyoxotungates from the alkaline reaction condition. Transmission electron microscopic images illustrated the well dispersed WO(3) nanoparticles in the size range of ca. 2.2 nm in the silica spheres after the calcination at 465 °C. The sizes of both the silica spheres and WO(3) nanoparticles could be adjusted independently through changing the doping content to a large extent. Meanwhile, the doped polyoxotungate complexes acted as the template for the mesoporous structure in silica spheres after the calcination. Along with the increase of doping content and surfactant, the mesopore size changed little (2.0-2.9 nm), but the specific surface areas increased quite a lot. Importantly, the WO(3)-nanoparticle-doped silica spheres displayed an interesting photovoltaic property, which is favorable for the funtionalization of these nanomaterials.

Magnetic properties and bio-medical applications in hyperthermia of lithium zinc ferrite nanoparticles integrated with reduced graphene oxide

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mallick, A.; Mahapatra, A. S.; Mitra, A.; Greneche, J. M.; Ningthoujam, R. S.; Chakrabarti, P. K.

2018-02-01

Nanoparticles of Zn substituted lithium ferrite (Li0.31Zn0.38Fe2.31O4, LZFO) synthesized by the sol-gel route are successfully dispersed in layers of reduced graphene oxide (RGO) during the course of preparation. The analysis of X-ray diffractograms confirms the desired crystallographic phase of the nanocomposite sample of LZFO-RGO. The results of field emission scanning electron microscopy and high resolution transmission electron microscopy are consistent with the presence of dispersed nanoparticles in different layers of graphene oxide. Structural information obtained from selected area electron diffraction and nanocrystalline fringe patterns agree well with those obtained from X-ray diffractogram analysis. Mössbauer spectra recorded at 300 and 77 K suggest the presence of a fraction of superparamagnetic particles together with ferrimagnetic particles. Static magnetic measurements include observation of hysteresis loops at 300 and 5 K, magnetization vs. temperature curves under zero field cooling and field cooling conditions. Saturation magnetizations, coercive field, and saturation to remanence ratio are also evaluated. To explore the suitability of this nanocomposite for hyperthermia application, inductive heating of LZFO and LZFO-RGO is measured at different concentrations of nanoparticles. Interestingly, the inductive heating rate of LZFO nanoparticles is enhanced in the nanocomposite phase of LZFO-RGO, suggesting their high potential for hyperthermia therapy in cancer treatment.

78 FR 929 - TransCanada Hydro Northeast Inc.; FirstLight Hydro Generating Company; Notice of Intent To File...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-01-07

... P-1904-073; Project Nos. P- 1889-081 and P-2485-063] TransCanada Hydro Northeast Inc.; FirstLight.... Submitted By: TransCanada Hydro Northeast Inc. (P-1892-026, P- 1855-045, and P-1904-073); FirstLight Hydro... Projects--John S. Howard, Director--FERC Hydro Compliance, FirstLight Hydro Generating Company, Northfield...

Co-dispersion of plasmonic nanorods in thermotropic nematic liquid crystals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sheetah, Ghadah; Liu, Qinkun; Smalukh, Ivan

Colloidal dispersions of plasmonic metal nanoparticles in liquid crystals promise the capability of pre-engineering tunable optical properties of mesostructured metal-dielectric composites. Recently, concentrated dispersions of anisotropic gold, silver, and metal alloy nanoparticles in nematic hosts have been achieved and successfully controlled by low-voltage fields. However, to enable versatile designs of material behavior of the composites, simultaneous co-dispersion of anisotropic particles with different shapes, alignment properties, and compositions are often needed. We achieve such co-dispersions and explore their switching characteristics in response to external stimuli like light and electric fields. We demonstrated that spectral characteristics of co-dispersions of multiple types of anisotropic nanoparticles in a common nematic host provides unprecedented variety of electrically- and optically-tunable material behavior, with a host of potential practical applications in electro-optic devices and displays Ghadah acknowledges support from the King Faisal University (KFU) graduate fellowship.

77 FR 37035 - Goose River Hydro, Inc.; Independence Hydro, LLC; Notice of Application for Transfer of License...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-06-20

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Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-10-31

... DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [Project Nos. 14130-000; 14137-000; 14149-000] Riverbank Hydro No. 2 LLC, Lock Hydro Friends Fund XXXVI, Arkansas Electric Cooperative Corp... Lock Hydro Friends Fund XXXVI (Lock Hydro) and on April 11, 2011, Arkansas Electric Cooperative Corp...

Casting technology for ODS steels - dispersion of nanoparticles in liquid metals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sarma, M.; Grants, I.; Kaldre, I.; Bojarevics, A.; Gerbeth, G.

2017-07-01

Dispersion of particles to produce metal matrix nanocomposites (MMNC) can be achieved by means of ultrasonic vibration of the melt using ultrasound transducers. However, a direct transfer of this method to produce steel composites is not feasible because of the much higher working temperature. Therefore, an inductive technology for contactless treatment by acoustic cavitation was developed. This report describes the samples produced to assess the feasibility of the proposed method for nano-particle separation in steel. Stainless steel samples with inclusions of TiB2, TiO2, Y2O3, CeO2, Al2O3 and TiN have been created and analyzed. Additional experiments have been performed using light metals with an increased value of the steady magnetic field using a superconducting magnet with a field strength of up to 5 T.

Syntheses of Eu-Activated Alkaline Earth Fluoride MF2 (M=Ca, Sr) Nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hong, Byung-Chul; Kawano, Katsuyasu

2007-09-01

The Eu2+ ion-activated CaF2 and SrF2 nanoparticles were prepared by the sol-gel technique assisted with the trifluoro-acetic acid (TFA), and were evaluated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), photoluminescence (PL), photoluminescence excitation (PLE) measurements and atomic force microscopy (AFM) observation. A modified reducing method based on the thermal-carbon reducing atmosphere (TCRA) treatment using activated carbon was proposed to realize the effective reduction from Eu3+ to Eu2+ ions, in which the nanoparticles showed a strong and broad luminescence due to the parity allowed 4f7-4f65d1 transition. From the XRD results, it was found that the average particle size proportionally increased in the range of 15 to 120 nm and 10 to 100 nm for CaF2 and SrF2, respectively, with increasing sintering temperatures 300-700 °C. The surface images of nanoparticles obtained by the AFM revealed that the grains with high uniformity grew with increasing TCRA temperatures. It was confirmed that the reduced Eu2+ ions were homogeneously dispersed with the critical distance 16-17 Å in the fluoride nanoparticles from the concentration quenching results.

Photocatalytic degradation of methyl orange and bromophenol blue dyes in water using sol-gel synthesized TiO2 nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dhanalakshmi, J.; Pathinettam Padiyan, D.

2017-09-01

TiO2 nanoparticles were prepared by a sol-gel method using titanium tetra isopropoxide as a precursor. The structural, optical, morphological and electrical properties were studied by x-ray diffraction (XRD), diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), a high resolution scanning electron microscope (HR-SEM), a transmission electron microscope (TEM), Raman analysis, Photoluminescence (PL) and impedance spectroscopy. The XRD and Raman spectra revealed that the synthesized samples are in pure anatase phase with an average crystallite size of 18 nm. Photocatalytic activity of the TiO2 nanoparticles was investigated for the degradation of 10 ppm methyl orange (MO) and bromophenol blue (BPB) dye using 10 mg of catalyst. Anatase TiO2 exhibited the removal of 67.12% and 85.51% of MO and BPB, respectively, within 240 min. The photocatalytic degradation process is explained using pseudo second order kinetics and fits well with the higher correlation coefficient.

Gel Electrophoresis of Gold-DNA Nano-Conjugates

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Pellegrino, T.; Sperling, R.A.; Alivisatos, A.P.

2006-01-10

Single stranded DNA of different lengths and different amounts was attached to colloidal phosphine stabilized Au nanoparticles. The resulting conjugates were investigated in detail by a gel electrophoresis study based on 1200 gels. We demonstrate how these experiments help to understand the binding of DNA to Au particles. In particular we compare specific attachment of DNA via gold-thiol bonds with nonspecific adsorption of DNA. The maximum number of DNA molecules that can be bound per particle was determined. We also compare several methods to used gel electrophoresis for investigating the effective diameter of DNA-Au conjugates, such as using a calibrationmore » curve of particles with known diameters and Ferguson plots.« less

Catalytic activity of acid and base with different concentration on sol-gel kinetics of silica by ultrasonic method.

PubMed

Das, R K; Das, M

2015-09-01

The effects of both acid (acetic acid) and base (ammonia) catalysts in varying on the sol-gel synthesis of SiO2 nanoparticles using tetra ethyl ortho silicate (TEOS) as a precursor was determined by ultrasonic method. The ultrasonic velocity was received by pulsar receiver. The ultrasonic velocity in the sol and the parameter ΔT (time difference between the original pulse and first back wall echo of the sol) was varied with time of gelation. The graphs of ln[ln1/ΔT] vs ln(t), indicate two region - nonlinear region and a linear region. The time corresponds to the point at which the non-linear region change to linear region is considered as gel time for the respective solutions. Gelation time is found to be dependent on the concentration and types of catalyst and is found from the graphs based on Avrami equation. The rate of condensation is found to be faster for base catalyst. The gelation process was also characterized by viscosity measurement. Normal sol-gel process was also carried out along with the ultrasonic one to compare the effectiveness of ultrasonic. The silica gel was calcined and the powdered sample was characterized with scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectra, X-ray diffractogram, and FTIR spectroscopy. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Gyroscopic behavior exhibited by the optical Kerr effect in bimetallic Au-Pt nanoparticles suspended in ethanol

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fernández-Valdés, D.; Torres-Torres, C.; Martínez-González, C. L.; Trejo-Valdez, M.; Hernández-Gómez, L. H.; Torres-Martínez, R.

2016-07-01

The modification in the third-order nonlinear optical response exhibited by rotating bimetallic Au-Pt nanoparticles in an ethanol solution was analyzed. The samples were prepared by a sol-gel processing route. The anisotropy associated to the elemental composition of the nanoparticles was confirmed by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy measurements. The size of the nanoparticles varies in the range from 9 to 13 nm, with an average size of 11 nm. Changes in the spatial orientation of the nanomaterials automatically generated a variation in their plasmonic response evaluated by UV-Vis spectroscopy. A two-wave mixing experiment was conducted to explore an induced birefringence at 532 nm wavelength with nanosecond pulses interacting with the samples. A strong optical Kerr effect was identified to be the main responsible effect for the third-order nonlinear optical phenomenon exhibited by the nanoparticles. It was estimated that the rotation of inhomogeneous nanostructures can provide a remarkable change in the participation of different surface plasmon resonances, if they correspond to multimetallic nanoparticles. Potential applications for developing low-dimensional gyroscopic systems can be contemplated.

Synthesis and nonlinear optical properties of zirconia-protected gold nanoparticles embedded in sol-gel derived silica glass

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Le Rouge, A.; El Hamzaoui, H.; Capoen, B.; Bernard, R.; Cristini-Robbe, O.; Martinelli, G.; Cassagne, C.; Boudebs, G.; Bouazaoui, M.; Bigot, L.

2015-05-01

A new approach to dope a silica glass with gold nanoparticles (GNPs) is presented. It consisted in embedding zirconia-coated GNPs in a silica sol to form a doped silica gel. Then, the sol-doped nanoporous silica xerogel is densified leading to the formation of a glass monolith. The spectral position and shape of the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) reported around 520 nm remain compatible with small spherical GNPs in a silica matrix. The saturable absorption behavior of this gold/zirconia-doped silica glass has been evidenced by Z-scan technique. A second-order nonlinear absorption coefficient β of about -13.7 cm GW-1 has been obtained at a wavelength near the SPR of the GNPs.

Flexible all-solid-state supercapacitors based on graphene/carbon black nanoparticle film electrodes and cross-linked poly(vinyl alcohol)-H2SO4 porous gel electrolytes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fei, Haojie; Yang, Chongyang; Bao, Hua; Wang, Gengchao

2014-11-01

Flexible all-solid-state supercapacitors (SCs) are fabricated using graphene/carbon black nanoparticle (GCB) film electrodes and cross-linked poly(vinyl alcohol)-H2SO4 porous gel electrolytes (gPVAP-H2SO4). The GCB composite films, with carbon black (CB) nanoparticles uniformly distributed in the graphene nanosheets, greatly improve the active surface areas and ion transportation of pristine graphene film. The porous structure of as-prepared gPVAP-H2SO4 membrane improves the equilibrium swelling ratio in electrolyte and provides interconnected ion transport channels. The chemical crosslinking solves the fluidity problem of PVA-H2SO4 gel electrolyte at high temperature. As-fabricated GCB//gPVAP(20)-H2SO4//GCB flexible SC displays an increased specific capacitance (144.5 F g-1 at 0.5 A g-1) and a higher specific capacitance retention (67.9% from 0.2 to 4 A g-1). More importantly, the flexible SC possesses good electrochemical performance at high temperature (capacitance retention of 78.3% after 1000 cycles at 70 °C).

Non-aqueous synthesis of water-dispersible Fe3O4-Ca3(PO4)2 core-shell nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, HongLing; Wu, JunHua; Min, Ji Hyun; Hou, Peng; Song, Ah-Young; Kim, Young Keun

2011-02-01

The Fe3O4-Ca3(PO4)2 core-shell nanoparticles were prepared by one-pot non-aqueous nanoemulsion with the assistance of a biocompatible triblock copolymer, poly(ethylene glycol)-block-poly(propylene glycol)-block-poly(ethylene glycol) (PEO-PPO-PEO), integrating the magnetic properties of Fe3O4 and the bioactive functions of Ca3(PO4)2 into single entities. The Fe3O4 nanoparticles were pre-formed first by thermal reduction of Fe(acac)3 and then the Ca3(PO4)2 layer was coated by simultaneous deposition of Ca2 + and PO43 - . The characterization shows that the combination of the two materials into a core-shell nanostructure retains the magnetic properties and the Ca3(PO4)2 shell forms an hcp phase (a = 7.490 Å, c = 9.534 Å) on the Fe3O4 surface. The magnetic hysteresis curves of the nanoparticles were further elucidated by the Langevin equation, giving an estimation of the effective magnetic dimension of the nanoparticles and reflecting the enhanced susceptibility response as a result of the surface covering. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis provides the characteristic vibrations of Ca3(PO4)2 and the presence of the polymer surfactant on the nanoparticle surface. Moreover, the nanoparticles could be directly transferred to water and the aqueous dispersion-collection process of the nanoparticles was demonstrated for application readiness of such core-shell nanostructures in an aqueous medium. Thus, the construction of Fe3O4 and Ca3(PO4)2 in the core-shell nanostructure has conspicuously led to enhanced performance and multi-functionalities, offering various possible applications of the nanoparticles.

Supramolecular gel-assisted synthesis of double shelled Co@CoO@N-C/C nanoparticles with synergistic electrocatalytic activity for the oxygen reduction reaction

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Wu, Zexing; Wang, Jie; Han, Lili

2016-01-19

Investigating active, stable, and low-cost materials for the oxygen reduction reaction is one of the key challenges in fuel-cell research. In this work, we describe the formation of N-doped carbon shell coated Co@CoO nanoparticles supported on Vulcan XC-72 carbon materials (Co@CoO@N–C/C) based on a simple supramolecular gel-assisted method. The double-shelled Co@CoO@N–C/C core–shell nanoparticles exhibit superior electrocatalytic activities for the oxygen reduction reaction compared to N-doped carbon and cobalt oxides, demonstrating the synergistic effect of the hybrid nanomaterials. Notably, the Co@CoO@N–C/C nanoparticles give rise to a comparable four-electron selectivity, long-term stability, and high methanol tolerance; all show a multi-fold improvement overmore » the commercial Pt/C catalyst. As a result, the progress is of great importance in exploring advanced non-precious metal-based electrocatalysts for fuel cell applications.« less

Transparent, Flexible, Conformal Capacitive Pressure Sensors with Nanoparticles.

PubMed

Kim, Hyeohn; Kim, Gwangmook; Kim, Taehoon; Lee, Sangwoo; Kang, Donyoung; Hwang, Min-Soo; Chae, Youngcheol; Kang, Shinill; Lee, Hyungsuk; Park, Hong-Gyu; Shim, Wooyoung

2018-02-01

The fundamental challenge in designing transparent pressure sensors is the ideal combination of high optical transparency and high pressure sensitivity. Satisfying these competing demands is commonly achieved by a compromise between the transparency and usage of a patterned dielectric surface, which increases pressure sensitivity, but decreases transparency. Herein, a design strategy for fabricating high-transparency and high-sensitivity capacitive pressure sensors is proposed, which relies on the multiple states of nanoparticle dispersity resulting in enhanced surface roughness and light transmittance. We utilize two nanoparticle dispersion states on a surface: (i) homogeneous dispersion, where each nanoparticle (≈500 nm) with a size comparable to the visible light wavelength has low light scattering; and (ii) heterogeneous dispersion, where aggregated nanoparticles form a micrometer-sized feature, increasing pressure sensitivity. This approach is experimentally verified using a nanoparticle-dispersed polymer composite, which has high pressure sensitivity (1.0 kPa -1 ), and demonstrates excellent transparency (>95%). We demonstrate that the integration of nanoparticle-dispersed capacitor elements into an array readily yields a real-time pressure monitoring application and a fully functional touch device capable of acting as a pressure sensor-based input device, thereby opening up new avenues to establish processing techniques that are effective on the nanoscale yet applicable to macroscopic processing. © 2018 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Nanocrystal/sol-gel nanocomposites

DOEpatents

Klimov, Victor L.; Petruska, Melissa A.

2010-05-25

The present invention is directed to a process for preparing a solid composite having colloidal nanocrystals dispersed within a sol-gel matrix, the process including admixing colloidal nanocrystals with an amphiphilic polymer including hydrophilic groups selected from the group consisting of --COOH, --OH, --SO.sub.3H, --NH.sub.2, and --PO.sub.3H.sub.2 within a solvent to form an alcohol-soluble colloidal nanocrystal-polymer complex, admixing the alcohol-soluble colloidal nanocrystal-polymer complex and a sol-gel precursor material, and, forming the solid composite from the admixture. The present invention is also directed to the resultant solid composites and to the alcohol-soluble colloidal nanocrystal-polymer complexes.

Sol-gel processing with inorganic metal salt precursors

DOEpatents

Hu, Zhong-Cheng

2004-10-19

Methods for sol-gel processing that generally involve mixing together an inorganic metal salt, water, and a water miscible alcohol or other organic solvent, at room temperature with a macromolecular dispersant material, such as hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC) added. The resulting homogenous solution is incubated at a desired temperature and time to result in a desired product. The methods enable production of high quality sols and gels at lower temperatures than standard methods. The methods enable production of nanosize sols from inorganic metal salts. The methods offer sol-gel processing from inorganic metal salts.

Method of synthesizing tungsten nanoparticles

DOEpatents

Thoma, Steven G; Anderson, Travis M

2013-02-12

A method to synthesize tungsten nanoparticles has been developed that enables synthesis of nanometer-scale, monodisperse particles that can be stabilized only by tetrahydrofuran. The method can be used at room temperature, is scalable, and the product concentrated by standard means. Since no additives or stabilizing surfactants are required, this method is particularly well suited for producing tungsten nanoparticles for dispersion in polymers. If complete dispersion is achieved due to the size of the nanoparticles, then the optical properties of the polymer can be largely maintained.

Cells on Gels: Cell Behavior at the Air-Gel Interface

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

O'Bryan, Christopher; Hormel, Tristan; Bhattacharjee, Tapomoy; Sawyer, W.; Angelini, Thomas

Numerous different types of cells are often grown at air-liquid interfaces. For example, a common way to create cell spheroids is to disperse cells in a droplet of liquid media that hangs from the lid of a culture dish - the ``hanging drop'' method. Some types of epithelial cells form monolayers at the bottom of hanging drops, instead of spheroids. Corneal epithelial cells stratify and exhibit a tissue-like phenotype when attached to liquid permeable culture surfaces positioned at the air-liquid media interface (air-lifted culture). These widely used culture methods make experimentation challenging - imaging through hanging drops and air-lifted culture dishes is prohibitive. However, similar results may be achieved by culturing cells on hydrogel surfaces at the air-gel interface. In this talk we will describe a method for culturing cells at air-gel interfaces. We seed human corneal epithelial cells (hTCEpi) onto the surfaces of hydrogel networks and jammed microgels, exposed to air. Preliminary observations of cell behavior at the air-gel interface will be presented.

Nanoparticle guests in lyotropic liquid crystals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dölle, Sarah; Park, Ji Hyun; Schymura, Stefan; Jo, Hyeran; Scalia, Giusy; Lagerwall, Jan P. F.

In this chapter we discuss the benefits, peculiarities and main challenges related to nanoparticle templating in lyotropic liquid crystals. We first give a brief bird's-eye view of the field, discussing different nanoparticles as well as different lyotropic hosts that have been explored, but then quickly focus on the dispersion of carbon nanotubes in surfactant-based lyotropic nematic phases. We discuss in some detail how the transfer of orientational order from liquid crystal host to nanoparticle guest can be verified and which degree of ordering can be expected, as well as the importance of choosing the right surfactant and its concentration for the stability of the nanoparticle suspension. We introduce a method for dispersing nanoparticles with an absolute minimum of stabilizing surfactant, based on dispersion below the Krafft temperature, and we discuss the peculiar phenomenon of filament formation in lyotropic nematic phases with a sufficient concentration of well-dispersed carbon nanotubes. Finally, we describe how the total surfactant concentration in micellar nematics can be greatly reduced by combining cat- and anionic surfactants, and we discuss how nanotubes can help in inducing the liquid crystal phase close to the isotropic-nematic boundary.

76 FR 73612 - Lock Hydro Friends Fund XVIII; Upper Hydroelectric LLC; FFP Project 95 LLC; Riverbank Hydro No...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-11-29

... DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [Project Nos. 14261-000; 14268-000; 14277-000; 14281-000] Lock Hydro Friends Fund XVIII; Upper Hydroelectric LLC; FFP Project 95 LLC... Friends Fund XVIII (Lock Hydro), Upper Hydroelectric LLC (Upper Hydro), Riverbank Hydro No. 25 LLC...

Preparation of uranium fuel kernels with silicon carbide nanoparticles using the internal gelation process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hunt, R. D.; Silva, G. W. C. M.; Lindemer, T. B.; Anderson, K. K.; Collins, J. L.

2012-08-01

The US Department of Energy continues to use the internal gelation process in its preparation of tristructural isotropic coated fuel particles. The focus of this work is to develop uranium fuel kernels with adequately dispersed silicon carbide (SiC) nanoparticles, high crush strengths, uniform particle diameter, and good sphericity. During irradiation to high burnup, the SiC in the uranium kernels will serve as getters for excess oxygen and help control the oxygen potential in order to minimize the potential for kernel migration. The hardness of SiC required modifications to the gelation system that was used to make uranium kernels. Suitable processing conditions and potential equipment changes were identified so that the SiC could be homogeneously dispersed in gel spheres. Finally, dilute hydrogen rather than argon should be used to sinter the uranium kernels with SiC.

Co-encapsulation of CdSe/ZnS and CeO2 nanoparticles in waterborne polymer dispersions: enhancement of fluorescence emission under sunlight.

PubMed

De San Luis, Alicia; Paulis, Maria; Leiza, Jose Ramon

2017-11-15

Hybrid core/shell polymer particles with co-encapsulated quantum dots (QDs) (CdSe/ZnS) and CeO 2 nanoparticles have been synthesized in a two stage semi-batch emulsion polymerization process. In the first stage, both inorganic nanoparticles are incorporated into cross-linked polystyrene (PS) particles by miniemulsion polymerization. This hybrid dispersion is then used as the seed to produce the core/shell particles by starved feeding of methyl methacrylate and divinylbenzene (MMA/DVB) monomers. The core/shell hybrid dispersions maintained in the dark exhibit stable fluorescence emission over time, and notably their fluorescence intensity increases under sunlight, likely due to the effect of the co-encapsulated CeO 2 nanoparticles that change the optical properties of the environment of the quantum dot particles. The fluorescence increase depends on the QD : CeO 2 ratio, with the 1 : 2 ratio resulting in the highest increase (280%). Furthermore, a film forming hybrid latex has been synthesized using the former core/shell PS/QD/CeO 2 /PMMA particles as seeds and feeding under semi-batch conditions methyl methacrylate, butyl acrylate and acrylic acid. Films cast from this core/shell/shell hybrid dispersion also exhibit fluorescence, and as for the core/shell latex the fluorescence increases under sunlight exposure. Interestingly, the increase in the film is at least two times higher than that in the latex, which is attributed to the additional effect of the neighboring coalesced particles containing CeO 2 affecting the environment of the QDs.

Efficacy of Imiquimod-Based Transcutaneous Immunization Using a Nano-Dispersed Emulsion Gel Formulation

PubMed Central

Tenzer, Stefan; Schild, Hansjörg; Stevanovic, Stefan; Langguth, Peter; Radsak, Markus P.

2014-01-01

Background Transcutaneous immunization (TCI) approaches utilize skin associated lymphatic tissues to elicit specific immune responses. In this context, the imidazoquinoline derivative imiquimod formulated in Aldara applied onto intact skin together with a cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) epitope induces potent CTL responses. However, the feasibility and efficacy of the commercial imiquimod formulation Aldara is limited by its physicochemical properties as well as its immunogenicity. Methodology/Principal Findings To overcome these obstacles, we developed an imiquimod-containing emulsion gel (IMI-Gel) and characterized it in comparison to Aldara for rheological properties and in vitro mouse skin permeation in a Franz diffusion cell system. Imiquimod was readily released from Aldara, while IMI-Gel showed markedly decreased drug release. Nevertheless, comparing vaccination potency of Aldara or IMI-Gel-based TCI in C57BL/6 mice against the model cytotoxic T-lymphocyte epitope SIINFEKL, we found that IMI-Gel was equally effective in terms of the frequency of peptide-specific T-cells and in vivo cytolytic activity. Importantly, transcutaneous delivery of IMI-Gel for vaccination was clearly superior to the subcutaneous or oral route of administration. Finally, IMI-Gel based TCI was at least equally effective compared to Aldara-based TCI in rejection of established SIINFEKL-expressing E.G7 tumors in a therapeutic setup indicated by enhanced tumor rejection and survival. Conclusion/Significance In summary, we developed a novel imiquimod formulation with feasible pharmaceutical properties and immunological efficacy that fosters the rational design of a next generation transcutaneous vaccination platform suitable for the treatment of cancer or persistent virus infections. PMID:25025233

Facile Synthesis of ZnO Nanoparticles on Nitrogen-Doped Carbon Nanotubes as High-Performance Anode Material for Lithium-Ion Batteries

PubMed Central

Li, Haipeng; Liu, Zhengjun; Yang, Shuang; Zhao, Yan; Feng, Yuting; Zhang, Chengwei; Yin, Fuxing

2017-01-01

ZnO/nitrogen-doped carbon nanotube (ZnO/NCNT) composite, prepared though a simple one-step sol-gel synthetic technique, has been explored for the first time as an anode material. The as-prepared ZnO/NCNT nanocomposite preserves a good dispersity and homogeneity of the ZnO nanoparticles (~6 nm) which deposited on the surface of NCNT. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) reveals the formation of ZnO nanoparticles with an average size of 6 nm homogeneously deposited on the surface of NCNT. ZnO/NCNT composite, when evaluated as an anode for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), exhibits remarkably enhanced cycling ability and rate capability compared with the ZnO/CNT counterpart. A relatively large reversible capacity of 1013 mAh·g−1 is manifested at the second cycle and a capacity of 664 mAh·g−1 is retained after 100 cycles. Furthermore, the ZnO/NCNT system displays a reversible capacity of 308 mAh·g−1 even at a high current density of 1600 mA·g−1. These electrochemical performance enhancements are ascribed to the reinforced accumulative effects of the well-dispersed ZnO nanoparticles and doping nitrogen atoms, which can not only suppress the volumetric expansion of ZnO nanoparticles during the cycling performance but also provide a highly conductive NCNT network for ZnO anode. PMID:28934141

Facile Synthesis of ZnO Nanoparticles on Nitrogen-Doped Carbon Nanotubes as High-Performance Anode Material for Lithium-Ion Batteries.

PubMed

Li, Haipeng; Liu, Zhengjun; Yang, Shuang; Zhao, Yan; Feng, Yuting; Bakenov, Zhumabay; Zhang, Chengwei; Yin, Fuxing

2017-09-21

ZnO/nitrogen-doped carbon nanotube (ZnO/NCNT) composite, prepared though a simple one-step sol-gel synthetic technique, has been explored for the first time as an anode material. The as-prepared ZnO/NCNT nanocomposite preserves a good dispersity and homogeneity of the ZnO nanoparticles (~6 nm) which deposited on the surface of NCNT. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) reveals the formation of ZnO nanoparticles with an average size of 6 nm homogeneously deposited on the surface of NCNT. ZnO/NCNT composite, when evaluated as an anode for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), exhibits remarkably enhanced cycling ability and rate capability compared with the ZnO/CNT counterpart. A relatively large reversible capacity of 1013 mAh·g -1 is manifested at the second cycle and a capacity of 664 mAh·g -1 is retained after 100 cycles. Furthermore, the ZnO/NCNT system displays a reversible capacity of 308 mAh·g -1 even at a high current density of 1600 mA·g -1 . These electrochemical performance enhancements are ascribed to the reinforced accumulative effects of the well-dispersed ZnO nanoparticles and doping nitrogen atoms, which can not only suppress the volumetric expansion of ZnO nanoparticles during the cycling performance but also provide a highly conductive NCNT network for ZnO anode.

76 FR 67170 - Riverbank Hydro No. 12 LLC; Lock Hydro Friends Fund XXXVI; Notice of Competing Preliminary Permit...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-10-31

... DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [Project Nos. 14175-000; 14183-000] Riverbank Hydro No. 12 LLC; Lock Hydro Friends Fund XXXVI; Notice of Competing Preliminary Permit... May 2, 2011, Riverbank Hydro No. 12 LLC (Riverbank), and on May 3, 2011, Lock Hydro Friends Fund XXXVI...

Compatibility between weak gel and microorganisms in weak gel-assisted microbial enhanced oil recovery.

PubMed

Qi, Yi-Bin; Zheng, Cheng-Gang; Lv, Cheng-Yuan; Lun, Zeng-Min; Ma, Tao

2018-03-20

To investigate weak gel-assisted microbial flooding in Block Wang Long Zhuang in the Jiangsu Oilfield, the compatibility of weak gel and microbe was evaluated using laboratory experiments. Bacillus sp. W5 was isolated from the formation water in Block Wang Long Zhuang. The rate of oil degradation reached 178 mg/day, and the rate of viscosity reduction reached 75.3%. Strain W5 could produce lipopeptide with a yield of 1254 mg/L. Emulsified crude oil was dispersed in the microbial degradation system, and the average diameter of the emulsified oil particles was 18.54 μm. Bacillus sp. W5 did not affect the rheological properties of the weak gel, and the presence of the weak gel did not significantly affect bacterial reproduction (as indicated by an unchanged microbial biomass), emulsification (surface tension is 35.56 mN/m and average oil particles size is 21.38 μm), oil degradation (162 mg/day) and oil viscosity reduction (72.7%). Core-flooding experiments indicated oil recovery of 23.6% when both weak gel and Bacillus sp. W5 were injected into the system, 14.76% when only the weak gel was injected, and 9.78% with strain W5 was injected without the weak gel. The results demonstrate good compatibility between strains W5 and the weak gel and highlight the application potential of weak gel-assisted microbial flooding. Copyright © 2018 The Society for Biotechnology, Japan. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Structural phase analysis and photoluminescence properties of Mg-doped TiO2 nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ali, T.; Ashraf, M. Anas; Ali, S. Asad; Ahmed, Ateeq; Tripathi, P.

2018-05-01

In this paper, we report the synthesis, characterization and photoluminescence properties of Mg-doped TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs). The samples were synthesized by sol-gel method and characterized using the standard analytical techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), Transmission electron microscope (TEM), Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), UV-visible and photoluminescence spectroscopy. The powder XRD spectra revealed that the synthesized samples are pure and crystalline in nature and showing tetragonal anatase phase of TiO2 NPs. UV-visible spectrum illustrates that an absorption edge shifts toward the visible region. This study may provide a new insight for making the nanomaterials which can be used in photocatalytic applications.

The investigation of smart magnetic nanoparticles for use in the hyperthermia treatment of cancer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Allyn, Megan; Kharel, Parashu; Vaishnava, Prem; Tackett, Ronald

The magnetic fluid hyperthermia (MFH) treatment of cancer has emerged as a possible low-side-effect alternative to traditional chemotherapy- and radiation-based therapy. As the nanoparticles absorb energy from a low amplitude RF magnetic field they heat up; however, currently used hyperthermia systems require external temperature monitoring as the nanoparticles can easily heat to temperature greater than the desired window between 42C and 46C. To combat this, we are investigating ``smart'' magnetic nanoparticles whose Curie temperatures fall within the desired range. In order to do this, we have doped non-magnetic cations onto the structure of the AFM LaMnO3. We report synthesis of LaxM1-xMnO3 (M = Ba, Ca, Sr; x = 0.10 - 0.25) nanoparticles via sol-gel method for use in temperature-controlled MFH. These nanoparticles were characterized via powder x-ray diffraction and found to have the expected R -3 c perovskite structure. For elemental analysis, energy dispersive spectroscopy was performed using scanning electron microscopy. The temperature dependence of the magnetization was investigated using vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM) to determine the Curie temperature of the ensembles. The results of the change in temperature vs time and SAR values will be presented.

78 FR 2985 - Moretown Hydro Energy Company; Ampersand Moretown Hydro, LLC; Notice of Application for Transfer...

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2013-01-15

... DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [Project No. 5944-021] Moretown Hydro Energy Company; Ampersand Moretown Hydro, LLC; Notice of Application for Transfer of License, and Soliciting Comments and Motions To Intervene On September 25, 2012, Moretown Hydro Energy Company (transferor...

Rheology and microstructure of kefiran and whey protein mixed gels.

PubMed

Kazazi, Hosayn; Khodaiyan, Faramarz; Rezaei, Karamatollah; Pishvaei, Malihe; Mohammadifar, Mohammad Amin; Moieni, Sohrab

2017-04-01

The effect of kefiran on cold-set gelation of whey protein isolate (WPI) at 25 °C was studied using rheological measurements and environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM). The gelation of samples was induced by the addition of glucono-δ-lactone to the dispersions. WPI concentration was maintained at 8% (w/v) and the concentration of kefiran varied from 0 to 0.08% (w/v). According to rheological measurements, the addition of kefiran into WPI dispersions resulted in a significant increase in the gel strength, the yield stress, and the shear stress values at the flowing point. The gelling point and gelation pH of samples decreased significantly with an increase in kefiran concentration. ESEM micrographs showed that the presence of kefiran played an important role in the microstructure formation of gels. The microstructure of kefiran-WPI mixed gels was more compact and dense, compared to the WPI gel. Depletion interactions between kefiran and whey protein aggregates can be regarded as the chief factor which was responsible for these effects. The present work demonstrated that rheological and microstructural properties of acid-induced whey protein gels were improved by the addition of kefiran.

76 FR 67720 - Lock+ Hydro Friends Fund XXXV; Riverbank Hydro No. 4, LLC; Notice Announcing Filing Priority for...

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2011-11-02

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Laser-induced transfer of gel microdroplets for cell printing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yusupov, V. I.; Zhigar'kov, V. S.; Churbanova, E. S.; Chutko, E. A.; Evlashin, S. A.; Gorlenko, M. V.; Cheptsov, V. S.; Minaev, N. V.; Bagratashvili, V. N.

2017-12-01

We study thermal and transport processes involved in the transfer of gel microdroplets under the conditions of laser cell microprinting. The specific features of the interaction of pulsed laser radiation ( λ = 1.064 µm, pulse duration 4 - 200 ns, energy 2 µJ - 1 mJ) with the absorbing gold film deposited on the glass donor substrate are determined. The investigation of the dynamics of transport processes by means of fast optical video recording and optoacoustic methods makes it possible to determine the characteristics of the produced gel jets as functions of the laser operation regimes. The hydrodynamic process of interaction between the laser radiation and the gold coating with the hydrogel layer on it is considered and the temperature in the region of the laser pulse action is estimated. It is shown that in the mechanism of laser-induced transfer a significant role is played by the processes of explosive boiling of water (in gel) and gold. The amount of gold nanoparticles arriving at the acceptor plate in the process of the laser transfer is determined. For the laser pulse duration 8 ns and small energies (less than 10 µJ), the fraction of gold nanoparticles in the gel microdroplets is negligibly small, and their quantity linearly grows with increasing pulse energy. The performed studies offer a base for optimising the processes of laser transfer of gel microdroplets in the rapidly developing technologies of cell microprinting.

Combinatorial Discovery of Cosolvent Systems for Production of Narrow Dispersion Thiolate-Protected Gold Nanoparticles

PubMed Central

2015-01-01

The effect of aqueous solvent concentration in the synthesis of water-soluble thiolate-protected gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) was investigated for 13 water-miscible solvents and three thiolate ligands (p-mercaptobenzoic acid, thiomalic acid, and glutathione). The results were analyzed by construction of heat maps that rank each reaction result for polydispersity. When solvents were organized in the heat map according to their Dimroth–Reichardt ET parameter (an approximate measure of polarity), two “hot spots” become apparent that are independent of the ligand used. We speculate that one hot spot may arise in part from the metal chelation or coordination ability of solvents that include diglyme, 1,2-dimethoxyethane, 1,4-dioxane, and tetrahydrofuran. The second hot spot arises at concentrations of alcohols including 2-propanol and 1-butanol that appear to selectively precipitate a growing product, presumably stopping its growth at a certain size. We observe some tightly dispersed products that appear novel. Overall, this study expands the number of tightly dispersed water-soluble AuNPs that can be directly synthesized. PMID:25459632

Combinatorial discovery of cosolvent systems for production of narrow dispersion thiolate-protected gold nanoparticles.

PubMed

Wong, O Andrea; Compel, W Scott; Ackerson, Christopher J

2015-01-12

The effect of aqueous solvent concentration in the synthesis of water-soluble thiolate-protected gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) was investigated for 13 water-miscible solvents and three thiolate ligands (p-mercaptobenzoic acid, thiomalic acid, and glutathione). The results were analyzed by construction of heat maps that rank each reaction result for polydispersity. When solvents were organized in the heat map according to their Dimroth-Reichardt ET parameter (an approximate measure of polarity), two "hot spots" become apparent that are independent of the ligand used. We speculate that one hot spot may arise in part from the metal chelation or coordination ability of solvents that include diglyme, 1,2-dimethoxyethane, 1,4-dioxane, and tetrahydrofuran. The second hot spot arises at concentrations of alcohols including 2-propanol and 1-butanol that appear to selectively precipitate a growing product, presumably stopping its growth at a certain size. We observe some tightly dispersed products that appear novel. Overall, this study expands the number of tightly dispersed water-soluble AuNPs that can be directly synthesized.

Gadolinium-loaded gel scintillators for neutron and antineutrino detection

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Riddle, Catherine Lynn; Akers, Douglas William; Demmer, Ricky Lynn

A gadolinium (Gd) loaded scintillation gel (Gd-ScintGel) compound allows for neutron and gamma-ray detection. The unique gel scintillator encompasses some of the best features of both liquid and solid scintillators, yet without many of the disadvantages associated therewith. Preferably, the gel scintillator is a water soluble Gd-DTPA compound and water soluble fluorophores such as: CdSe/ZnS (or ZnS) quantum dot (Q-dot) nanoparticles, coumarin derivatives 7-hydroxy-4-methylcoumarin, 7-hydroxy-4-methylcoumarin-3-acetic acid, 7-hydroxycoumarin-3-carboxylic acid, and Alexa Fluor 350 as well as a carbostyril compound, carbostyril 124 in a stable water-based gel, such as methylcellulose or polyacrylamide polymers. The Gd-loaded ScintGel allows for a homogenious distribution ofmore » the Gd-DTPA and the fluorophores, and yields clean fluorescent emission peaks. A moderator, such as deuterium or a water-based clear polymer, can be incorporated in the Gd-ScintGel. The gel scintillators can be used in compact detectors, including neutron and antineutrino detectors.« less

Preparation, structural, photoluminescence and magnetic studies of Cu doped ZnO nanoparticles co-doped with Ni by sol-gel method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Theyvaraju, D.; Muthukumaran, S.

2015-11-01

Zn0.96-xNi0.04CuxO nanoparticles have been synthesized by varying different Cu concentrations between 0% and 4% using simple sol-gel method. X-ray diffraction studies confirmed the hexagonal structure of the prepared samples. The formation of secondary phases, CuO (111) and Zn (101) at higher Cu content is due un-reacted Cu2+ and Zn2+ ions present in the solution which reduces the interaction between precursor ions and surfaces of ZnO. Well agglomerated and rod-like structure noticed at Cu=4% greatly de-generate and enhanced the particle size. The nominal elemental composition of Zn, Cu, Ni and O was confirmed by energy dispersive X-ray analysis. Even though energy gap was increased (blue-shift) from Cu=0-2% by quantum size effect, the s-d and p-d exchange interactions between the band electrons of ZnO and localized d electrons of Cu and Ni led to decrease (red-shift) the energy gap at Cu=4%. Presence of Zn-Ni-Cu-O bond was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared analysis. Ultraviolet emission by band to band electronic transition and defect related blue emission were discussed by photoluminescence spectra. The observed optical properties concluded that the doping of Cu in the present system is useful to tune the emission wavelength and hence acting as the important candidates for the optoelectronic device applications. Ferromagnetic ordering of Cu=2% sample was enhanced by charge carrier concentration where as the antiferromagnetic interaction between neighboring Cu-Cu ions suppressed the ferromagnetism at higher doping concentrations of Cu.

The effect of ultrasonic irradiation on the structure, morphology and photocatalytic performance of ZnO nanoparticles by sol-gel method.

PubMed

Mahdavi, Reza; Ashraf Talesh, S Siamak

2017-11-01

In this research, the effect of ultrasonic irradiation power (0, 75, 150 and 200W) and time (0, 5, 15 and 20min) on the structure, morphology and photocatalytic activity of zinc oxide nanoparticles synthesized by sol-gel method was investigated. Crystallographic structures and the morphologies of the resultant powders were determined by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The XRD patterns showed that ZnO samples were crystallized in their pure phase. The purity of samples was increased by increasing the ultrasonic irradiation power and time. Not only did ultrasonic irradiation unify both the structure and the morphology, but also it reduced the size and prohibited particles from aggregation. The optical behavior of the samples was studied by UV-vis spectroscopy. Photocatalytic activity of particles was measured by degradation of methyl orange under radiation of ultraviolet light. Ultrasound nanoparticles represented higher degradation compared to non-ultrasound ones. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Enhancement of ethanol oxidation at Pt and PtRu nanoparticles dispersed over hybrid zirconia-rhodium supports

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rutkowska, Iwona A.; Koster, Margaretta D.; Blanchard, Gary J.; Kulesza, Pawel J.

2014-12-01

A catalytic material for electrooxidation of ethanol that utilizes PtRu nanoparticles dispersed over thin films of rhodium-free and rhodium-containing zirconia (ZrO2) supports is described here. The enhancement of electrocatalytic activity (particularly in the potential range as low as 0.25-0.5 V vs. RHE), that has been achieved by dispersing PtRu nanoparticles (loading, 100 μg cm-2) over the hybrid Rh-ZrO2 support composed of nanostructured zirconia and metallic rhodium particles, is clearly evident from comparison of the respective voltammetric and chronoamperometric current densities recorded at room temperature (22 °C) in 0.5 mol dm-3 H2SO4 containing 0.5 mol dm-3 ethanol. Porous ZrO2 nanostructures, that provide a large population of hydroxyl groups in acidic medium in the vicinity of PtRu sites, are expected to facilitate the ruthenium-induced removal of passivating CO adsorbates from platinum, as is apparent from the diagnostic experiments with a small organic molecule such as methanol. Although Rh itself does not show directly any activity toward ethanol oxidation, the metal is expected to facilitate C-C bond splitting in C2H5OH. It has also been found during parallel voltammetric and chronoamperometric measurements that the hybrid Rh-ZrO2 support increases activity of the platinum component itself toward ethanol oxidation in the low potential range.

Superparamagnetic behavior in Sn0.95Mg0.05O2 nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ahmed, Ateeq; Siddique, M. Naseem; Ali, Tinku; Tripathi, P.

2018-04-01

We have studied structural, optical and magnetic properties of Sn0.95Mg0.05O2 nanoparticles synthesized by sol-gel process. Single phase tetragonal structure of Mg doped SnO2 nanoparticles (NPs) have been inferred by X-ray diffraction, which involves Rietveld refinement analysis and average crystallite size is found to be 20.4 nm. Energy dispersive X -ray analysis confirmed the presence of Mg into host SnO2 lattice. The energy band gap is found to be wider (Eg = 3.73 eV) compared to the bulk (3.6 eV) which is due to the quantum confinement effect. The observed defects due to oxygen vacancies are studied by the photoluminescence study. The SQUID magnetometer measurements shows superparamagnetic behavior of Mg-doped SnO2 NPs at room temperature and they are single domain NPs. Our results suggest that it is possible to control the superparamagnetic properties through chemical composition.

Highly dispersed Pt-Ni nanoparticles on nitrogen-doped carbon nanotubes for application in direct methanol fuel cells.

PubMed

Jiang, Shujuan; Ma, Yanwen; Tao, Haisheng; Jian, Guoqiang; Wang, Xizhang; Fan, Yining; Zhu, Jianmin; Hu, Zheng

2010-06-01

Binary Pt-Ni alloyed nanoparticles supported on nitrogen-doped carbon nanotubes (NCNTs) have been facilely constructed without pre-modification by making use of the active sites in NCNTs due to the N-participation. So-obtained binary Pt-Ni alloyed nanoparticles have been highly dispersed on the outer surface of the support with the size of about 3-4 nm. The electrochemical properties of the catalysts for methanol oxidation have been systematically evaluated. Binary Pt-Ni alloyed composites with molar ratio (Pt:Ni) of 3:2 and 3:1 present enhanced electrocatalytic activities and improved tolerance to CO poisoning as well as the similar stability, in comparison with the commercial Pt/C catalyst and the monometallic Pt/NCNTs catalysts. These results imply that so-constructed nanocomposite catalysts have the potential for applications in direct methanol fuel cells.

Structural, magnetic, dielectric, and electrical properties of NiFe2O4 spinel ferrite nanoparticles prepared by honey-mediated sol-gel combustion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yadav, Raghvendra Singh; Kuřitka, Ivo; Vilcakova, Jarmila; Havlica, Jaromir; Masilko, Jiri; Kalina, Lukas; Tkacz, Jakub; Enev, Vojtěch; Hajdúchová, Miroslava

2017-08-01

In this study, NiFe2O4 nanoparticles were synthesized using a honey-mediated sol-gel combustion method. The synthesized nanoparticles and samples annealed at 800 °C and 1100 °C were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission-scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM). XRD and Raman spectroscopy confirmed the formation of a cubic spinel ferrite structure. FE-SEM demonstrated the octahedral morphology of the NiFe2O4 spinel ferrite nanoparticles with sizes ranging from 10 to 70 nm. Quantitative analysis based on XPS suggested a mixed spinel structure comprising NiFe2O4 nanoparticles. XPS analysis determined occupation formulae of (Ni0.212+ Fe0.443+)[Ni0.792+ Fe1.563+]O4 and (Ni0.232+ Fe0.503+)[Ni0.772+ Fe1.503+]O4, for the as-prepared NiFe2O4 nanoparticles and those annealed at 1100 °C, respectively. Magnetic measurements showed that the saturation magnetization increased with the crystallite size from 32.3 emu/g (20 nm) to 49.9 emu/g (163 nm), whereas the coercivity decreased with the crystallite size from 162 Oe (20 nm) to 47 Oe (163 nm). Furthermore, the dielectric constant, dielectric loss tangent, and AC conductivity of the NiFe2O4 nanoparticles were dependent on the frequency (1-107 Hz) and grain size. The influence of the grain size was also observed by modulus spectroscopy based on the Cole-Cole plot.

Induced nanoparticle aggregation for short nucleic acid quantification by depletion isotachophoresis.

PubMed

Marczak, Steven; Senapati, Satyajyoti; Slouka, Zdenek; Chang, Hsueh-Chia

2016-12-15

A rapid (<20min) gel-membrane biochip platform for the detection and quantification of short nucleic acids is presented based on a sandwich assay with probe-functionalized gold nanoparticles and their separation into concentrated bands by depletion-generated gel isotachophoresis. The platform sequentially exploits the enrichment and depletion phenomena of an ion-selective cation-exchange membrane created under an applied electric field. Enrichment is used to concentrate the nanoparticles and targets at a localized position at the gel-membrane interface for rapid hybridization. The depletion generates an isotachophoretic zone without the need for different conductivity buffers, and is used to separate linked nanoparticles from isolated ones in the gel medium and then by field-enhanced aggregation of only the linked particles at the depletion front. The selective field-induced aggregation of the linked nanoparticles during the subsequent depletion step produces two lateral-flow like bands within 1cm for easy visualization and quantification as the aggregates have negligible electrophoretic mobility in the gel and the isolated nanoparticles are isotachophoretically packed against the migrating depletion front. The detection limit for 69-base single-stranded DNA targets is 10 pM (about 10 million copies for our sample volume) with high selectivity against nontargets and a three decade linear range for quantification. The selectivity and signal intensity are maintained in heterogeneous mixtures where the nontargets outnumber the targets 10,000 to 1. The selective field-induced aggregation of DNA-linked nanoparticles at the ion depletion front is attributed to their trailing position at the isotachophoretic front with a large field gradient. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Development of ibuprofen-loaded nanostructured lipid carrier-based gels: characterization and investigation of in vitro and in vivo penetration through the skin

PubMed Central

Sütő, Blanka; Berkó, Szilvia; Kozma, Gábor; Kukovecz, Ákos; Budai-Szűcs, Mária; Erős, Gábor; Kemény, Lajos; Sztojkov-Ivanov, Anita; Gáspár, Róbert; Csányi, Erzsébet

2016-01-01

An ibuprofen-loaded nanostructured lipid carrier (IBU-NLC) was developed for enhanced skin penetration to improve the treatment of osteoarthritis and other musculoskeletal diseases. The mean particle size was 106 nm, with a spherical morphology, a smooth surface, and a zeta potential of −18.4 mV. X-ray diffraction studies revealed the amorphous state of the lipid matrix. Both Raman spectroscopy and Fourier transformation infrared analysis indicated no major shifts in the spectra of the formulations, which suggest rapid drug dissolution from the nanoparticles. The drug loading was 9.85%, and the entrapment efficiency was 98.51%. In vitro release of the NLC dispersion, in vitro permeation, and in vivo animal studies of IBU-NLC gel all confirmed that the permeation of IBU was significantly better than that of a reference after 6 hours. In conclusion, IBU-NLC gel is of great potential to enhance drug permeation through the skin and hence the efficacy of the treatment of chronic joint inflammation. PMID:27099487

A subtle calculation method for nanoparticle’s molar extinction coefficient: The gift from discrete protein-nanoparticle system on agarose gel electrophoresis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhong, Ruibo; Yuan, Ming; Gao, Haiyang; Bai, Zhijun; Guo, Jun; Zhao, Xinmin; Zhang, Feng

2016-03-01

Discrete biomolecule-nanoparticle (NP) conjugates play paramount roles in nanofabrication, in which the key is to get the precise molar extinction coefficient of NPs. By making best use of the gift from a specific separation phenomenon of agarose gel electrophoresis (GE), amphiphilic polymer coated NP with exact number of bovine serum albumin (BSA) proteins can be extracted and further experimentally employed to precisely calculate the molar extinction coefficient of the NPs. This method could further benefit the evaluation and extraction of any other dual-component NP-containing bio-conjugates.

Preparation and characterization of marine sponge collagen nanoparticles and employment for the transdermal delivery of 17beta-estradiol-hemihydrate.

PubMed

Nicklas, Martina; Schatton, Wolfgang; Heinemann, Sascha; Hanke, Thomas; Kreuter, Jörg

2009-09-01

Transdermal administration of estradiol offers advantages over oral estrogens for hormone replacement therapy regarding side effects by bypassing the hepatic presystemic metabolism. The objective of this study was to develop nanoparticles of Chondrosia reniformis sponge collagen as penetration enhancers for the transdermal drug delivery of 17beta-estradiol-hemihydrate in hormone replacement therapy. Collagen nanoparticles were prepared by controlled alkaline hydrolysis and characterized using atomic force microscopy and photon correlation spectroscopy. Estradiol-hemihydrate was loaded to the nanoparticles by adsorption to their surface, whereupon a drug loading up to 13.1% of sponge collagen particle mass was found. After incorporation of drug-loaded nanoparticles in a hydrogel, the estradiol transdermal delivery from the gel was compared with that from a commercial gel that did not contain nanoparticles. Saliva samples in postmenopausal patients showed significantly higher estradiol levels after application of the gel with nanoparticles. The area under the curve (AUC) for estradiol time-concentration curves over 24 hours was 2.3- to 3.4-fold higher and estradiol levels 24 hours after administration of estradiol were at least twofold higher with the nanoparticle gel. The hydrogel with estradiol-loaded collagen nanoparticles enabled a prolonged estradiol release compared to a commercial gel and yielded a considerably enhanced estradiol absorption. Consequently, sponge collagen nanoparticles represent promising carriers for transdermal drug delivery.

Size-selective separation of polydisperse gold nanoparticles in supercritical ethane.

PubMed

Williams, Dylan P; Satherley, John

2009-04-09

The aim of this study was to use supercritical ethane to selectively disperse alkanethiol-stabilized gold nanoparticles of one size from a polydisperse sample in order to recover a monodisperse fraction of the nanoparticles. A disperse sample of metal nanoparticles with diameters in the range of 1-5 nm was prepared using established techniques then further purified by Soxhlet extraction. The purified sample was subjected to supercritical ethane at a temperature of 318 K in the pressure range 50-276 bar. Particles were characterized by UV-vis absorption spectroscopy, TEM, and MALDI-TOF mass spectroscopy. The results show that with increasing pressure the dispersibility of the nanoparticles increases, this effect is most pronounced for smaller nanoparticles. At the highest pressure investigated a sample of the particles was effectively stripped of all the smaller particles leaving a monodisperse sample. The relationship between dispersibility and supercritical fluid density for two different size samples of alkanethiol-stabilized gold nanoparticles was considered using the Chrastil chemical equilibrium model.

Tailoring metal oxide nanoparticle dispersions for inkjet printing.

PubMed

Gebauer, J S; Mackert, V; Ognjanović, S; Winterer, M

2018-05-04

There is a growing interest in science and industry for printed electronics. Printed electronics enable the production of large quantities of electronic components at low cost. Even though organic semiconductors are already widely used for printed components, inorganic materials may be advantageous due to their higher durability and superior device performance. Nevertheless, inorganic materials still remain difficult to print making the development of printable and functional inks a necessity. In this work we present the formulation, inkjet printing and processing of newly developed inks based on ethylene glycol as dispersion medium. Different metal oxide nanoparticles (ZnO, TiO 2 , CuO, SnO 2 and In 2 O 3 ) with high crystallinity and narrow size distribution were produced by chemical vapor synthesis. The particles were stabilized and the colloidal stability was evaluated by a combination of DLVO simulations and dynamic light scattering measurements. Measurements of rheological and interfacial properties, like viscosity and surface tension, are used to determine the printability on the basis of the inverse Ohnesorge number. Inks, developed in this work, have adjustable rheological properties as well as long-term stabilities without particle sedimentation over a period of several months. They are suitable for printing on different substrate materials like silicon and flexible polymeric substrates. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

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Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-10-31

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Nano-particle doped hydroxyapatite material evaluation using spectroscopic polarization sensitive optical coherence tomography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Strąkowska, Paulina; Trojanowski, Michał; Gardas, Mateusz; Głowacki, Maciej J.; Kraszewski, Maciej; Strąkowski, Marcin R.

2015-03-01

Bio-ceramics such as hydroxyapatite (HAp) are widely used materials in medical applications, especially as an interface between implants and living tissues. There are many ways of creating structures from HAp like electrochemical assisted deposition, biomimetic, electrophoresis, pulsed laser deposition or sol-gel processing. Our research is based on analyzing the parameters of the sol-gel method for creating thin layers of HAp. In order to achieve this, we propose to use Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) for non-destructive and non-invasive evaluation. Our system works in the IR spectrum range, which is helpful due to the wide range of nanocomposites being opaque in the VIS range. In order to use our method we need to measure two samples, one which is a reference HAp solution and second: a similar HAp solution with nanoparticles introduced inside. We use silver nanoparticles below 300 nm. The aim of this research is to analyze the concentration and dispersion of nanodopants in the bio-ceramic matrix. Furthermore, the quality of the HAp coating and deposition process repetition have been monitored. For this purpose the polarization sensitive OCT with additional spectroscopic analysis is being investigated. Despite the other methods, which are suitable for nanocomposite materials evaluation, the OCT with additional features seems to be one of the few which belong to the NDE/NDT group. Here we are presenting the OCT system for evaluation of the HAp with nano-particles, as well as HAp manufacturing process. A brief discussion on the usefulness of OCT for bio-ceramics materials examination is also being presented.

Functionalization of surfactant wrapped graphenenanosheets with alkylazides for enhanced dispersibility

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vadukumpully, Sajini; Gupta, Jhinuk; Zhang, Yongping; Xu, Guo Qin; Valiyaveettil, Suresh

2011-01-01

A facile and simple approach for the covalent functionalization of surfactant wrapped graphene sheets is described. The approach involves functionalization of dispersible graphene sheets with various alkylazides and 11-azidoundecanoic acid proved the best azide for enhanced dispersibility. The functionalization was confirmed by infrared spectroscopy and scanning tunneling microscopy. The free carboxylic acidgroups can bind to gold nanoparticles, which were introduced as markers for the reactive sites. The interaction between gold nanoparticles and the graphene sheets was followed by UV-vis spectroscopy. The gold nanoparticle-graphene composite was characterized by transmission electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy, demonstrating the uniform distribution of gold nanoparticles all over the surface. Our results open the possibility to control the functionalization on graphene in the construction of composite nanomaterials.A facile and simple approach for the covalent functionalization of surfactant wrapped graphene sheets is described. The approach involves functionalization of dispersible graphene sheets with various alkylazides and 11-azidoundecanoic acid proved the best azide for enhanced dispersibility. The functionalization was confirmed by infrared spectroscopy and scanning tunneling microscopy. The free carboxylic acidgroups can bind to gold nanoparticles, which were introduced as markers for the reactive sites. The interaction between gold nanoparticles and the graphene sheets was followed by UV-vis spectroscopy. The gold nanoparticle-graphene composite was characterized by transmission electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy, demonstrating the uniform distribution of gold nanoparticles all over the surface. Our results open the possibility to control the functionalization on graphene in the construction of composite nanomaterials. Electronic Supplementary Information (ESI) available: Synthesis and characterization details of dodecylazide

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Serum Proteins Enhance Dispersion Stability and Influence the Cytotoxicity and Dosimetry of ZnO Nanoparticles in Suspension and Adherent Cancer Cell Models.

PubMed

Anders, Catherine B; Chess, Jordan J; Wingett, Denise G; Punnoose, Alex

2015-12-01

Agglomeration and sedimentation of nanoparticles (NPs) within biological solutions is a major limitation in their use in many downstream applications. It has been proposed that serum proteins associate with the NP surface to form a protein corona that limits agglomeration and sedimentation. Here, we investigate the effect of fetal bovine serum (FBS) proteins on the dispersion stability, dosimetry, and NP-induced cytotoxicity of cationic zinc oxide nanoparticles (nZnO) synthesized via forced hydrolysis with a core size of 10 nm. Two different in vitro cell culture models, suspension and adherent, were evaluated by comparing a phosphate buffered saline (PBS) nZnO dispersion (nZnO/PBS) and an FBS-stabilized PBS nZnO dispersion (nZnO - FBS/PBS). Surface interactions of FBS on nZnO were analyzed via spectroscopic and optical techniques. Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) confirmed the adsorption of negatively charged protein components on the cationic nZnO surface through the disappearance of surfaced-adsorbed carboxyl functional groups and the subsequent detection of vibrational modes associated with the protein backbone of FBS-associated proteins. Further confirmation of these interactions was noted in the isoelectric point shift of the nZnO from the characteristic pH of 9.5 to a pH of 6.1. In nZnO - FBS/PBS dispersions, the FBS reduced agglomeration and sedimentation behaviors to impart long-term improvements (>24 h) to the nZnO dispersion stability. Furthermore, mathematical dosimetry models indicate that nZnO - FBS/PBS dispersions had consistent NP deposition patterns over time unlike unstable nZnO/PBS dispersions. In suspension cell models, the stable nZnO - FBS/PBS dispersion resulted in a ~33 % increase in the NP-induced cytotoxicity for both Jurkat leukemic and Hut-78 lymphoma cancer cells. In contrast, the nZnO - FBS/PBS dispersion resulted in 49 and 71 % reductions in the cytotoxicity observed towards the adherent breast (T-47D) and prostate

Serum Proteins Enhance Dispersion Stability and Influence the Cytotoxicity and Dosimetry of ZnO Nanoparticles in Suspension and Adherent Cancer Cell Models

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Anders, Catherine B.; Chess, Jordan J.; Wingett, Denise G.; Punnoose, Alex

2015-11-01

Agglomeration and sedimentation of nanoparticles (NPs) within biological solutions is a major limitation in their use in many downstream applications. It has been proposed that serum proteins associate with the NP surface to form a protein corona that limits agglomeration and sedimentation. Here, we investigate the effect of fetal bovine serum (FBS) proteins on the dispersion stability, dosimetry, and NP-induced cytotoxicity of cationic zinc oxide nanoparticles (nZnO) synthesized via forced hydrolysis with a core size of 10 nm. Two different in vitro cell culture models, suspension and adherent, were evaluated by comparing a phosphate buffered saline (PBS) nZnO dispersion (nZnO/PBS) and an FBS-stabilized PBS nZnO dispersion (nZnO - FBS/PBS). Surface interactions of FBS on nZnO were analyzed via spectroscopic and optical techniques. Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) confirmed the adsorption of negatively charged protein components on the cationic nZnO surface through the disappearance of surfaced-adsorbed carboxyl functional groups and the subsequent detection of vibrational modes associated with the protein backbone of FBS-associated proteins. Further confirmation of these interactions was noted in the isoelectric point shift of the nZnO from the characteristic pH of 9.5 to a pH of 6.1. In nZnO - FBS/PBS dispersions, the FBS reduced agglomeration and sedimentation behaviors to impart long-term improvements (>24 h) to the nZnO dispersion stability. Furthermore, mathematical dosimetry models indicate that nZnO - FBS/PBS dispersions had consistent NP deposition patterns over time unlike unstable nZnO/PBS dispersions. In suspension cell models, the stable nZnO - FBS/PBS dispersion resulted in a ~33 % increase in the NP-induced cytotoxicity for both Jurkat leukemic and Hut-78 lymphoma cancer cells. In contrast, the nZnO - FBS/PBS dispersion resulted in 49 and 71 % reductions in the cytotoxicity observed towards the adherent breast (T-47D) and prostate

Rheology and stability kinetics of bare silicon nanoparticle inks for low-cost direct printing

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

More, Priyesh V.; Jeong, Sunho; Seo, Yeong-Hui

2013-12-16

Highly dispersed and stable silicon nanoparticles ink is formulated for its application in direct printing or printable electronics. These dispersions are prepared from free-standing silicon nanoparticles which are not capped with any organic ligand, making it suitable for electronic applications. Silicon nanoparticles dispersions are prepared by suspending the nanoparticles in benzonitrile or ethanol by using polypropylene glycol (PPG) as a binder. All the samples show typical shear thinning behavior while the dispersion samples show low viscosities signifying good quality dispersion. Such thinning behavior favors in fabrication of dense films with spin-coating or patterns with drop casting. The dispersion stability ismore » monitored by turbiscan measurements showing good stability for one week. A low-cost direct printing method for dispersion samples is also demonstrated to obtain micro-sized patterns. Low electrical resistivity of resulting patterns, adjustable viscosity and good stability makes these silicon nanoparticles dispersions highly applicable for direct printing process.« less

Biodegradable in situ gelling system for subcutaneous administration of ellagic acid and ellagic acid loaded nanoparticles: evaluation of their antioxidant potential against cyclosporine induced nephrotoxicity in rats.

PubMed

Sharma, G; Italia, J L; Sonaje, K; Tikoo, K; Ravi Kumar, M N V

2007-03-12

Ellagic acid (EA) is a potent antioxidant marketed as a nutritional supplement. Its pharmacological activity has been reported in wide variety of disease models; however its use has been limited owing to its poor biopharmaceutical properties, thereby poor bioavailability. The objective of the current study was to develop chitosan-glycerol phosphate (C-GP) in situ gelling system for sustained delivery of ellagic acid (EA) via subcutaneous route. EA was incorporated in the system employing propylene glycol (PG) and triethanolamine (TEA) as co-solvents; on the other hand EA loaded PLGA nanoparticles (np) were dispersed in the gelling system using water. These in situ gelling systems were thoroughly characterized for mechanical, rheological and swelling properties. These systems are liquid at room temperature and gels at 37 degrees C. The EA C-GP system showed an initial burst release in vitro with about 85% drug released in 12 h followed by a steady release till 160 h, on the other hand EA nanoparticles entrapped in the C-GP system displayed sustained release till 360 h. The histopathological analysis indicates the absence of inflammation on administration, suggesting that these formulations are safe during the studied period. Furthermore, the antioxidant potential of EA C-GP and EA np C-GP gels has been evaluated against cyclosporine induced nephrotoxicity in rats. The data indicates that formulations were effective against cyclosporine induced nephrotoxicity, where the EA C-GP gels showed activity at 10 times lower dose and the EA np C-GP gels at 150 times lower dose when compared to orally given EA. Formulating nanoparticles of EA and incorporating them in C-GP system results in 15 times lowering of dose in comparison EA C-GP gels which is quite significant. Together, these results indicate that the bioavailability of ellagic acid can be improved by subcutaneous formulations administered as simple EA or EA nps.

Experimental study on thermal conductivity of solution combustion synthesized MgO nanoparticles dispersed in water and ethylene glycol (50:50) binary mixture

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Suseel Jai Krishnan, S.; P. K., Nagarajan

2017-05-01

In this present investigation, experiments were conducted on the magnesia nanoparticles (8-18 nm) synthesized by the solution combustion method, which was dispersed in the binary mixture of water-ethylene glycol (50:50) to prepare stable MgO-water-ethylene glycol (50:50) nanofluids through continuous 26h ultrasonication. The effect of nanoparticle concentration (0 to 0.2 vol%) and temperature (25°C to 60°C) on the thermal conductivity of the nanofluids was investigated. The results clearly indicate that an increase in the nanoparticle concentration increases the thermal conductivity of the nanofluid. Similarly the thermal conductivity of the nanofluid increases with increase in temperature. The enhanced thermal conductivity in the nanofluids may be due to either or both, the Brownian movement and the nano-interfacial layering. The maximum enhancement of 16% was obtained at 0.2 vol% nanoparticle concentration and at 60°C. An accurate correlation, modeling the thermal conductivity as a function of nanoparticle concentration and temperature was also proposed based on the experimental data.

Hybrid organic-inorganic sol-gel materials and components for integrated optoelectronics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lu, Dong

On the technical platform of hybrid organic-inorganic sol-gel, the integrated optoelectronics in the forms of heterogeneous integration between the hybrid sol-gel waveguide and the high refractive index semiconductors and the nonlinear functional doping of disperse red chromophore into hybrid sol-gel is developed. The structure of hybrid sol-gel waveguide on high index semiconductor substrate is designed with BPM-CAD software. A hybrid sol-gel based on MAPTMS and TEOS suitable for lower cladding for the waveguide is developed. The multi-layer hybrid sol-gel waveguide with good mode confinement and low polarization dependence is fabricated on Si and InP. As proof of concept, a 1 x 12 beam splitter based on multimode interference is fabricated on silicon substrate. The device shows excess loss below 0.65 dB and imbalance below 0.28 dB for both TE and TM polarization. A nonlinear active hybrid sol-gel doped with disperse red 13 has been developed by simple co-solvent method. It permits high loading concentration and has low optical loss at 1550 nm. The second-order nonlinear property of the active sol-gel is induced with corona poling and studied with second harmonic generation. A 3-fold of enhancement in the poling efficiency is achieved by blue light assisted corona poling. The chromophore alignment stability is improved by reducing the free volume of the formed inorganic network from the sol-gel condensation reaction. An active sol-gel channel waveguide has been fabricated using active and passive hybrid sol-gel materials by only photopatterning and spin-coating. An amplitude modulator based on the active sol-gel containing 30 wt.% of DR13 shows an electro-optic coefficient of 14 pm/V at 1550 nm and stable operation within the observation time of 24 days.

Stimulus Responsive Nanoparticles

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sierros, Konstantinos A. (Inventor); Cairns, Darran Robert (Inventor); Huebsch, Wade W. (Inventor); Shafran, Matthew S. (Inventor)

2017-01-01

Disclosed are various embodiments of methods and systems related to stimulus responsive nanoparticles. In one embodiment including a stimulus responsive nanoparticle system, the system includes a first electrode, a second electrode, and a plurality of elongated electro-responsive nanoparticles dispersed between the first and second electrodes, the plurality of electro-responsive nanorods configured to respond to an electric field established between the first and second electrodes.

Stimulus responsive nanoparticles

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cairns, Darren Robert (Inventor); Shafran, Matthew S. (Inventor); Huebsch, Wade W. (Inventor); Sierros, Konstantinos A. (Inventor)

2013-01-01

Disclosed are various embodiments of methods and systems related to stimulus responsive nanoparticles. In one embodiment includes a stimulus responsive nanoparticle system, the system includes a first electrode, a second electrode, and a plurality of elongated electro-responsive nanoparticles dispersed between the first and second electrodes, the plurality of electro-responsive nanorods configured to respond to an electric field established between the first and second electrodes.

Stimulus Responsive Nanoparticles

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cairns, Darran Robert (Inventor); Huebsch, Wade W. (Inventor); Sierros, Konstantinos A. (Inventor); Shafran, Matthew S. (Inventor)

2015-01-01

Disclosed are various embodiments of methods and systems related to stimulus responsive nanoparticles. In one embodiment includes a stimulus responsive nanoparticle system, the system includes a first electrode, a second electrode, and a plurality of elongated electro-responsive nanoparticles dispersed between the first and second electrodes, the plurality of electro-responsive nanorods configured to respond to an electric field established between the first and second electrodes.

Epoxy and Silicone Optical Nanocomposites Filled with Grafted Nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tao, Peng

Polymer nanocomposites, as a technologically important class of materials, exhibit diverse functional properties, and are used for applications ranging from structural and biomedical to electronic and optical. The properties of polymer nanocomposites are determined, in part, by the chemical composition of the polymer matrix and the nanofillers. Their properties are also sensitive to the geometry and size of the nanofillers, and to spatial distribution of the fillers. Control of the nanoparticle size and dispersion within a given polymer provides opportunities to tailor and optimize the properties of nanocomposites for specific application. For optical applications such as encapsulation of light emitting diodes (LEDs), polymer nanocomposites filled with homogeneously dispersed nanoparticles would endow the polymer encapsulant with new functionality without sacrificing optical transparency. To this end, this thesis focuses on developing a simple and versatile approach towards the fabrication of epoxy and silicone transparent nanocomposites using matrix compatible chain-grafted nanoparticles as fillers, and studying the optical properties of the nanocomposites. The surface chemistry and grafted polymer chain design have been shown to play an important role in determining the dispersion state of the grafted nanoparticles and hence the final optical properties of the nanocomposites. To prepare transparent epoxy nanocomposites, poly (glycidyl methacrylate) (PGMA) chains were grafted onto the optical nanoparticle surfaces via a combined phosphate ligand exchange process and azide-alkyne "click" chemistry. The dispersion behavior of PGMA-grafted nanoparticles within the epoxy matrix was investigated by systematically varying the grafting density and grafted chain length. It was found that within the small molecular weight epoxy resins, the dispersion states are more sensitive to the grafting density than the molecular weight of grafted chains. With high grafting densities

Titanium Dioxide Nanofibers and Microparticles Containing Nickel Nanoparticles.

PubMed

Sheikh, Faheem A; Macossay, Javier; Kanjwal, Muzafar A; Abdal-Hay, Abdalla; Tantry, Mudasir A; Kim, Hern

2012-10-12

The present study reports on the introduction of various nanocatalysts containing nickel (Ni) nanoparticles (NPs) embedded within TiO 2 nanofibers and TiO 2 microparticles. Typically, a sol-gel consisting of titanium isopropoxide and Ni NPs was prepared to produce TiO 2 nanofibers by the electrospinning process. Similarly, TiO 2 microparticles containing Ni were prepared using a sol-gel syntheses process. The resultant structures were studied by SEM analyses, which confirmed well-obtained nanofibers and microparticles. Further, the XRD results demonstrated the crystalline feature of both TiO 2 and Ni in the obtained composites. Internal morphology of prepared nanofibers and microparticles containing Ni NPs was characterized by TEM, which demonstrated characteristic structures with good dispersion of Ni NPs. In addition, the prepared structures were studied as a model for hydrogen production applications. The catalytic activity of the prepared materials was studied by in situ hydrolysis of NaBH 4 , which indicated that the nanofibers containing Ni NPs can lead to produce higher amounts of hydrogen when compared to other microparticles, also reported in this paper. Overall, these results confirm the potential use of these materials in hydrogen production systems.

Titanium Dioxide Nanofibers and Microparticles Containing Nickel Nanoparticles

PubMed Central

Sheikh, Faheem A.; Macossay, Javier; Kanjwal, Muzafar A.; Abdal-hay, Abdalla; Tantry, Mudasir A.; Kim, Hern

2013-01-01

The present study reports on the introduction of various nanocatalysts containing nickel (Ni) nanoparticles (NPs) embedded within TiO2 nanofibers and TiO2 microparticles. Typically, a sol-gel consisting of titanium isopropoxide and Ni NPs was prepared to produce TiO2 nanofibers by the electrospinning process. Similarly, TiO2 microparticles containing Ni were prepared using a sol-gel syntheses process. The resultant structures were studied by SEM analyses, which confirmed well-obtained nanofibers and microparticles. Further, the XRD results demonstrated the crystalline feature of both TiO2 and Ni in the obtained composites. Internal morphology of prepared nanofibers and microparticles containing Ni NPs was characterized by TEM, which demonstrated characteristic structures with good dispersion of Ni NPs. In addition, the prepared structures were studied as a model for hydrogen production applications. The catalytic activity of the prepared materials was studied by in situ hydrolysis of NaBH4, which indicated that the nanofibers containing Ni NPs can lead to produce higher amounts of hydrogen when compared to other microparticles, also reported in this paper. Overall, these results confirm the potential use of these materials in hydrogen production systems. PMID:24436780

Nanoparticles Incorporated inside Single-Crystals: Enhanced Fluorescent Properties

DOE PAGES

Liu, Yujing; Zang, Huidong; Wang, Ling; ...

2016-09-25

Incorporation of guest materials inside single-crystalline hosts leads to single-crystal composites that have become more and more frequently seen in both biogenic and synthetic crystals. The unique composite structure together with long-range ordering promises special properties that are, however, less often demonstrated. In this study, we examine the fluorescent properties of quantum dots (QDs) and polymer dots (Pdots) encapsulated inside the hosts of calcite single-crystals. Two CdTe QDs and two Pdots are incorporated into growing calcite crystals, as the QDs and Pdots are dispersed in the crystallization media of agarose gels. As a result, enhanced fluorescent properties are obtained frommore » the QDs and Pdots inside calcite single-crystals with greatly improved photostability and significantly prolonged fluorescence lifetime, compared to those in solutions and gels. Particularly, the fluorescence lifetime increases by 0.5-1.6 times after the QDs or Pdots are incorporated. The enhanced fluorescent properties indicate the advantages of encapsulation by single-crystal hosts that provide dense shells to isolate the fluorescent nanoparticles from atmosphere. As such, this work has implications for advancing the research of single-crystal composites toward their functional design.« less

76 FR 65720 - Lock+ Hydro Friends Fund XXXV, Riverbank Hydro No. 4, LLC; Notice Announcing Preliminary Permit...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-10-24

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Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-09-20

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Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-02-21

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In Vivo Assessment of Clobetasol Propionate-Loaded Lecithin-Chitosan Nanoparticles for Skin Delivery.

PubMed

Şenyiğit, Taner; Sonvico, Fabio; Rossi, Alessandra; Tekmen, Işıl; Santi, Patrizia; Colombo, Paolo; Nicoli, Sara; Özer, Özgen

2016-12-26

The aim of this work was to assess in vivo the anti-inflammatory efficacy and tolerability of clobetasol propionate (CP) loaded lecithin/chitosan nanoparticles incorporated into chitosan gel for topical application (CP 0.005%). As a comparison, a commercial cream (CP 0.05% w / w ), and a sodium deoxycholate gel (CP 0.05% w / w ) were also evaluated. Lecithin/chitosan nanoparticles were prepared by self-assembling of the components obtained by direct injection of soybean lecithin alcoholic solution containing CP into chitosan aqueous solution. Nanoparticles obtained had a particle size around 250 nm, narrow distribution (polydispersity index below 0.2) and positive surface charge, provided by a superficial layer of the cationic polymer. The nanoparticle suspension was then loaded into a chitosan gel, to obtain a final CP concentration of 0.005%. The anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated using carrageenan-induced hind paw edema test on Wistar rats, the effect of formulations on the barrier property of the stratum corneum were determined using transepidermal water loss measurements (TEWL) and histological analysis was performed to evaluate the possible presence of morphological changes. The results obtained indicate that nanoparticle-in-gel formulation produced significantly higher edema inhibition compared to other formulations tested, although it contained ten times less CP. TEWL measurements also revealed that all formulations have no significant disturbance on the barrier function of skin. Furthermore, histological analysis of rat abdominal skin did not show morphological tissue changes nor cell infiltration signs after application of the formulations. Taken together, the present data show that the use of lecithin/chitosan nanoparticles in chitosan gel as a drug carrier significantly improves the risk-benefit ratio as compared with sodium-deoxycholate gel and commercial cream formulations of CP.