Volume 13, Issue 1

Mechanical metamaterials with negative Poisson’s ratio (NPR) have emerged as a novel class of engineering material, and have attracted increasing attention in various engineering sectors. Most studies available on the buckling problem of laminated plates with positive or NPR are those under uniaxial compression. Here, we report that the buckling phenomenon may occur for auxetic nanocomposite laminated plates under uniaxial tension when the unloaded edges of the plates are immovable. Two types of nanocomposites are considered, including graphene/Cu and carbon nanotube/Cu composites. Governing equations of the auxetic nanocomposite laminated plates are formulated based on the framework of Reddy’s higher-order shear deformation theory. In modeling, the von Kármán nonlinear strain–displacement relationship, temperature-dependent material properties, thermal effects, and the plate–substrate interaction are considered. The explicit analytical solutions for postbuckling of auxetic nanocomposite laminated plates subjected to uniaxial tension are obtained for the first time by employing a two-step perturbation approach. Numerical investigations are performed for tension buckling and postbuckling behaviors of auxetic nanocomposite laminated rectangular plates with in-plane NPR rested on an elastic substrate under temperature environments. Graphical abstract

In this work, the ability of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP)-stabilised gold nanoparticle (AuNP) coatings to inhibit blood protein adsorption was evaluated by studying time-resolved solid–liquid interactions of the coatings with the model blood protein bovine serum albumin (BSA). Inhibiting unspecific blood protein adsorption is of crucial importance for blood-contacting implant devices, e.g. vascular grafts, stents, artificial joints, and others, as a preventive strategy for bacterial biofilm formation. A quartz crystal microbalance was used in this work to coat the AuNPs on piezoelectric sensors and to follow time-resolved solid–liquid interactions with the proteins. The AuNP coatings were evaluated for their wettability by contact angle measurements, their surface morphology by light- and atomic force microscopy, and their chemical composition by energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Results revealed a homogeneous distribution of AuNPs on the sensor surface with a dry mass coverage of 3.37 ± 1.46 µg/cm 2 and a contact angle of 25.2 ± 1.1°. Solid–liquid interaction studies by quartz crystal microbalance showed a high repellence of BSA from the PVP-stabilised AuNP coatings and the importance of the PVP in the mechanism of repellence. Furthermore, the conformation of the polymer on the coatings as well as its viscoelastic properties were revealed. Finally, the activated partial thrombin time test and fibrinogen adsorption studies revealed that the AuNPs do not accelerate blood coagulation and can partially inhibit the adhesion of fibrinogen, which is a crucial factor in the common blood coagulation cascade. Such AuNPs have the potential to be used in blood-contact medical applications. Graphical abstract

Thermophoretic particle deposition (TPD) and thermal radiation have significant uses in engineering and research, such as projectiles, electrical fuel, and production of coating sheets, thermal transference, nuclear plants, renewable energy, aerospace engineering, and gas turbines. In light of the above applications, the present analysis examines the stagnation point flow of hybrid nanofluid (hnf) around a revolving sphere. The hnf is prepared with the addition of Cu and Al 2 O 3 nanoparticles in the water. The flow is examined under the impact of chemical reaction, thermal radiation, TPD, and activation energy. The flow equations are reformed into a dimensionless set of ordinary differential equations and then solved through the numerical approach parametric continuation method. The graphical and numerical results are demonstrated through graphics and tables. It has been noted that the effects of acceleration and rotational parameters boost the hnf (Cu and Al 2 O 3 /water) velocity. Furthermore, the energy outline reduces with the effect of acceleration parameter and nanoparticle volume friction. The influence of the rotation factor and acceleration parameters boosts the rate of skin friction. The influence of thermal radiation enriches the energy transmission rate.

In this study, surface treatment, using blended materials of nano-silica (NS) and magnesium potassium phosphate cement (MKPC) slurries containing four dosages of NS, was applied to recycled aggregate (RA) with distinct RA maintenance schemes to enhance the RA concrete (RAC) performance and control NS dosage for economy. The results imply that the NS + MKPC slurry can efficiently bolster the bonding with RA and the new interfacial transition zone (ITZ), contributing to a distinct enhancement of RAC’s macro-properties. Besides, the optimal NS dosage and RA maintenance scheme revealed by the simplified linear weighted sum optimization method were 3% and no pre-curing procedure, respectively. On the basis of the aforementioned optimal conditions, the modified RAC (C-3-N) achieved enhanced compressive strength by 40.75%, split tensile strength by 46.26%, and chloride ion penetration resistance by 65.93% in comparison with the untreated RAC0. Moreover, the advantages observed in C-3-N were attributed to the exceptional microstructural characteristics in both the NS + MKPC slurry and the new ITZ. This study establishes the potential to augment the efficacy of nanomaterials in reinforcing RAC and enhance the economic viability and practicability of RAC applications. Simultaneously, these advancements contribute to fostering sustainable development within the construction industry and yielding environmental benefits.

The need for efficiency in nanotechnology has spurred extraordinary development. Hybrid nanofluids, which are base fluids injected with nanoparticles, have a great potential for thermal enhancement in thermal systems. Particularly promising for magnetic thermal engineering are magnetic hybrid nanofluids. Understanding dynamic transport in Graphene Oxide (GO)–Fe 3 O 4 /H 2 O and GO/H 2 O nanofluids over stretching and shrinking surfaces, with severe entropy consequences, is still uncharted territory. To fully grasp this complexity, our study examines the numerical investigation of entropy formation in magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) hybrid nanofluids. The aim of this study is to establish a mathematical framework for understanding entropy production in the context of MHD, unsteady, incompressible flow of hybrid nanofluid flow over surfaces that experience both stretching and shrinking. The investigation encompasses the influence of MHD effects and nonlinear thermal radiation on flow behavior. The governing modeled form is modified into solvable representations in Cartesian configuration and then addressed utilizing the built-in bvp4c approach in MATLAB. For numerous quantities of the relevant parameters, several key features of flow and heat transmission are explored, discussed, and illustrated utilizing tables and graphs. Furthermore, the heat transfer properties in a magnetic field have been improved dramatically. The comprehensive entropy generation rate was condensed by up to 41% as opposed to refined water, according to the findings from the analysis.

Phase change materials (PCMs) are now being extensively used in thermal energy storage (TES) applications. Numerous researchers conducted experiments using various circumstances and materials to optimize storage performance. A study was conducted to compare the numerical research of the melting process of paraffin wax using a hybrid nano-integrated paraffin PCM with graphene oxide (GO) and single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) in a TES unit. Hence, this research focuses on a sustainable TES system using hybrid nanomaterials (PCM + GO, PCM + SWCNTs, PCM + GO + SWCNT) with varying concentrations of nanoparticles. The objective is to improve the thermal characteristics of PCMs. The main aim of this study is to examine the numerical analysis of the system inside a TES that has a rectangular form. The numerical experiments were conducted using the finite-volume solver Ansys Fluent. The obtained findings show the thermophysical characteristics fluctuations with respect to the solid volume fractions, liquid fraction, temperature, and velocity inside the TES system. Implementing an effective heat transfer mechanism from the point of capture to storage and later consumption necessitates the employment of a heat transfer fluid. The inclusion of SWCNT particles at a concentration of just 10% has been seen to expedite the melting phenomenon. Furthermore, incorporating GO in conjunction with SWCNT alleviates this phenomenon, resulting in a melting behavior that resembles that of unadulterated paraffin. Additionally, the introduction of just 1% GO, combined with SWCNT, leads to a rapid alteration in surface heat transfer coefficient compared to the scenario with single SWCNT and paraffin. These insights hold practical relevance for the development of TES systems in various applications.

China’s annual production of ceramic tiles inevitably produces a large amount of ceramic tile waste, which causes environmental and land occupation problems. Using a high-volume ceramic tile waste to fabricate ultra high performance concrete (UHPC) will reduce the workability and mechanical properties but increase the low-carbon properties. Motivated by such mechanical and low-carbon properties, this study introduced inexpensive, spherical, low-carbon nano-CaCO 3 (NC) to improve the workability and mechanical properties of UHPC with a high volume of ceramic tile waste powder and aggregate (UHPCHCTWPA). The results of this study indicated that NC can improve the workability but shortened the setting times of UHPCHCTWPA. NC also significantly increases the mechanical properties including compressive strength, compressive work, flexural strength, fracture energy, and ratio of flexural strength to compressive strength. It is due to that NC enhances the hydration rate and hydration degree, and optimizes hydration product orientation, size, and distribution. Moreover, compared with UHPC, the UHPCHCTWPA with NC reduces energy intensity, CO 2 emission, and cost by more than 20%. Therefore, adding NC can make UHPCHCTWPA with good workability, mechanical and low-carbon properties and can effectively and quickly utilize ceramic tile waste.

In the current study, we focus on the Magneto-Marangoni convective flow of dusty tangent hyperbolic nanofluid (TiO 2 – kerosene oil) over a sheet in the presence of thermophoresis particles deposition and gyrotactic microorganisms. Along with activation energy, heat source, variable viscosity, and thermal conductivity, the Dufour-Soret effects are taken into consideration. Variable surface tension gradients are used to identify Marangoni convection. Melting of drying wafers, coating flow technology, wielding, crystals, soap film stabilization, and microfluidics all depend on Marangoni driven flow. This study’s major objective is to ascertain the thermal mobility of nanoparticles in a fluid with a kerosene oil base. To improve mass transfer phenomena, we inserted microorganisms into the base fluid. By using similarity transformations, the resulting system of nonlinear partial differential equations is converted into nonlinear ordinary differential equations. Using a shooting technique based on RKF-45th order, the numerical answers are obtained. For various values of the physical parameters, the local density of motile microorganisms, Nusselt number, skin friction, and Sherwood number are calculated. The findings demonstrated that as the Marangoni convection parameter is raised, the velocity profiles of the dust and fluid phases increase, but the microorganisms, concentration, and temperature profiles degrade in both phases.

A computational study of Casson sodium alginate–hybrid nanofluid of stagnation point flow through a shrinking/stretching cylinder with radius effect was carried out. Since the hybrid nanofluid is considered more contemporary type of nanofluid, it is currently being employed to enhance the efficiency of heat transmission rates. The aim of this study is to scrutinize the effect of particular parameters, such as the shrinking parameter, the Reynold number, the Casson fluid parameter, the solid copper volume fraction, and the Prandtl number, on the temperature and velocity profiles. Furthermore, the research looked into the variation of skin friction coefficient as well as the Nusselt number according to the Casson fluid parameters, and the copper solid volume fraction against shrinking parameter was investigated as part of this study. By including the appropriate similarity variables in the alteration, the nonlinear partial differential equation has been transformed into a set of ordinary differential equations (ODEs). In the end, the MATLAB bvp4c solver program is used to rectify ODEs. The findings revealed the existence of two solutions for shrinking surface with varying copper volume fractions and Casson fluid parameter values. Furthermore, the temperature profile rate was reduced in both solutions as the strength of the Reynold number, Casson fluid parameter, and copper volume fraction increased. Finally, non-unique solutions were obtained in the range of λ ≥ λ ci \lambda \ge {\lambda }_{{\rm{ci}}} .

Two-dimensional (2D) materials play a crucial role as fundamental electrical components in modern electronics and optoelectronics next-generation artificial intelligent devices. This study presents a methodology for creating a laterally uniform p–n junction by using a partial oxygen plasma-mediated strategy to introduce p-type doping in single channel MoTe 2 device. The MoTe 2 field effect transistors (FETs) show high electron mobility of about ∼23.54 cm 2 V −1 s −1 and a current ON/OFF ratio of ∼10 6 while p-type FETs show hole mobility of about ∼9.25 cm 2 V −1 s −1 and current ON/OFF ratio ∼10 5 along with artificially created lateral MoTe 2 p–n junction, exhibited a rectification ratio of ∼10 2 and ideality factor of ∼1.7 which is proximity to ideal-like diode. Thus, our study showed a diversity in the development of low-power nanoelectronics of next-generation integrated circuits.

The beneficial effect of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) to enhance the electrical conductivity and piezoresistivity of cement-based materials was highly contingent upon its dispersion. To achieve an appropriate dispersion of CNTs, ultrasonication, high-speed stirring, and chemical dispersion were commonly used, which raises the risk of structural damage of CNTs caused by the excessive energy. In this study, electrostatic self-assembly of Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles on CNTs was employed to efficiently disperse CNTs. To optimize the dispersion effect of conductive fillers in cement paste, the mix proportions including sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) concentration, CNTs concentration, and Fe 3 O 4 /CNTs ratios were adjusted. The dispersion degree and electrical property were evaluated by UV–vis absorption and zeta potential. In addition, the effect of self-assembled conductive filler dosage on the electrically conductive property of cement pastes was examined. The results show that the occurrence of electrostatic self-assembly was proved by the change of zeta potential, and the grape-bunch structure was observed by transmission electron microscopy. Further, the optimal proportions of self-assembled conductive fillers were 0.20 wt% SDS concentration, 0.05 wt% CNTs concentration, and 1:1 Fe 3 O 4 /CNTs ratio. The self-assembled conductive filler dosage between 0.02 and 0.10 wt% can effectively improve the electrical conductivity of cement paste with up to 68% reduction of resistivity.

Fabrication of quantum devices by atomic-scale patterning with scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) has led to the development of single/few atom transistors, few-donor/quantum dot devices for spin manipulation, and arrayed few-donor devices for analog quantum simulation. We have developed atomic precision lithography, dopant incorporation, device encapsulation, ex situ device re-location, and contact processes to enable high-yield device fabrication. In this work, we describe a multiscale alignment strategy using Kelvin probe force microscopy to enable the alignment of buried device components to electronic support structures such as source/drain leads, in-plane and top gates, and waveguides while preserving flexibility in the placement of fabricated STM patterns. The required spatial accuracy to bridge the sub-micrometer scale central region of the device to millimeter scale large wire-bond pads is achieved through a multi-step alignment process at various stages of fabrication, including atom-scale device fabrication using STM, re-location and registration, and electron beam lithography for contact leads and pads. This alignment strategy allows imaging small device regions as well as large-scale fiducial marks, thereby bridging the gap from nanometer STM patterns to the millimeter-scale electrical contact fabrication with a 95% yield on more than 150 devices fabricated to date. Graphical abstract

We made nanocomposites with different amounts of hydroxyapatite (HA), cordierite (Cord), and zirconia (ZrO 2 ), then sinterized them and studied them using X-ray diffraction (XRD) technique and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). Additionally, the bioactivity of the sintered samples was assessed in vitro following treatment with simulated bodily fluid (SBF), and FESEM was used to validate the creation of the HA layer on their surfaces. Measurements were also made for mechanical and antibacterial properties. All materials' electrical and dielectric characteristics were assessed before and after being treated with SBF solution. All of the samples that were studies had porosity increases of about 7.14, 22.44, 43.87, and 73.46%. This was because the sintering temperature was lowered while the concentration of ZrO 2 in the samples increased. Also, the microhardness got 5.35, 14.28, 28.57, and 55.35% better because there was more ZrO2 and Cord in the samples than in the sample that did not have them. In addition, the compressive strength of all studied samples followed this trend, as it increased by 2.81, 7.79, 17.74, and 34.32% due to the reasons mentioned above. Furthermore, the electrical conductivity of the tested samples decreased as they increased their ZrO 2 and Cord contents. The bioactivity of the research materials also somewhat decreased as the concentrations of Cord and ZrO 2 were enhanced over time. Due to the magnesium (Mg 2+ ) ions found in Cord's composition and the samples' porousness, which aided in forming an apatite layer on their surface, their bioactivity behavior was slightly reduced. All the samples that were looked at had a strong antibacterial effect on Staphylococcus epidermidis ( S. epidermidis bacteria ), which stopped their growth to a point between 2.33–3.30 mm. These results supported the notion that the generated porous nanocomposites have great potential for use in bone tissue engineering.

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are gaining popularity due to their expanding uses in industrial and technical processes, such as geothermal reservoirs, water and air filters, coatings, solar collection, ceramic material reinforcement, electrostatic dissipation, etc . In addition, the CNTs have superior electrical conductivity and biocompatibility. Based on the aforementioned applications, the current work examines the time-dependent and Darcy–Forchheimer flow of water/glycerin-based Casson hybrid nanofluid formed by single-walled CNTs and multi-walled CNTs over a Riga plate under velocity slip. The energy expression is modeled through nonlinear thermal radiation and viscous dissipation impacts. The incorporation of convective boundary condition into the current model improves its realism. By employing suitable variables, the governing models are re-framed into ordinary differential equations. The bvp4c and the homotopy analysis method are used to find the computational results of the re-framed equations and boundary conditions. The novel characteristics of a variety of physical parameters on velocity, temperature, skin friction coefficient (SFC), and local Nusselt number (LNN) are discussed via graphs, charts, and tables. It is found that the fluid velocity decays when enriching the Forchheimer number, unsteady and porosity parameters. The radiation parameter plays an opposite role in convective heating and cooling cases. The modified Hartmann number enhances the surface drag force, and the Forchheimer number declines the SFC. The unsteady parameter develops the heat transfer rate, and the Forchheimer number suppresses the LNN. The simulated flow problem has many applications in engineering sectors, including ceramic manufacture, heating and cooling systems, energy storage units, thermodynamic processes, and other fields.

In this study, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) fibers and nanoparticles were incorporated to enhance the durability of geopolymer mortar (GM) with metakaolin (MK) and fly ash (FA). The dosage of nano-SiO 2 (NS) was 0–2.5% and that of PVA fiber was 0–1.2%. The durability of GM includes resistance to chloride ion penetration, freeze–thaw cycles, and sulfate erosion. Compared with the single BP neural network (BPNN) model, a particle swarm optimized BPNN (PSO-BPNN) model was utilized to predict the resistance to chloride ion penetration, freeze–thaw cycles, and sulfate erosion of GMs with different dosages of nanoparticles and PVA fibers. In the model, the dosage of NS, PVA fiber, FA, and MK were used as input layers, and the durability parameters of electric flux, mass loss, and compressive strength loss of GMs were used as output layers. The result exhibits that the root mean square errors (RMSEs) of BPNN for resistance to chloride ion penetration, freeze–thaw cycles, and sulfate erosion of GM mixed with nanoparticles and PVA fibers are 145.39, 6.43, and 2.19, whereas RMSEs obtained from PSO-BPNN are 76.33, 2.87, and 1.03, respectively. The NN optimized by particle swarm algorithm has better prediction accuracy. The PSO-BPNN can be utilized for estimating durability of GM reinforced by NS and PVA fiber, which can provide a guide for the proportion design of GM with PVA fiber and NS as well as for the engineering practice in the future.

Bacterial biofilms contribute to increased pathogenesis and bacterial resistance. Biofilms can enhance pathogenicity by shielding bacteria from the immune system and antibiotics, and they are associated with persistent infections. Additionally, the antibiotic resistance mechanisms within biofilms make them challenging to treat, emphasizing the need for strategies to be addressed. Mitigating bacterial virulence is a promising strategy that could ease their eradication by host immunity without stressing bacteria to induce resistance. The merits of this strategy are augmented when using safe anti-virulence candidates in proper formulations. The current study aimed to evaluate the antibiofilm and anti-virulence efficacy of curcumin–zein nanoparticles against Pseudomonas aeruginosa . In vitro investigations were performed to assess the effect of nanoparticles on biofilm formation, bacterial motility, and production of virulence factors, including proteases, hemolysins, and pyocyanin, in comparison to bulk curcumin. Furthermore, the effect on the expression of the genes that encode quorum sensing (QS) systems that regulate bacterial virulence was assessed. An in silico study was done to evaluate the affinity of curcumin to QS receptors. Additionally, an in vivo protection assay was performed to evaluate the inhibitory effect of our preparation on diminishing the P. aeruginosa’s capacity to induce pathogenesis. The results showed significant antibiofilm and anti-virulence activities of the curcumin–zein nanoparticles compared to bulk curcumin. These anti-virulence activities were attributed to the curcumin’s interfering with the P. aeruginosa QS systems that regulate its virulence. In conclusion, curcumin acquires significant anti-QS, anti-virulence, and antibiofilm activities that are vastly enhanced upon loading on zein nanoparticles. Graphical abstract

Dental resin composite materials are widely used as dental fillings; however, the accumulation of microbes and the resulting secondary caries often leads to filling failure. ZnO, an inorganic antibacterial material, exhibits effective antibacterial properties and is considered safe for use. In this study, rod-like ZnO was prepared by using the atmospheric-pressure hydrothermal method, and its microstructure and antibacterial effects on Streptococcus mutans were studied. Subsequently, we created modified resins by incorporating rod-like ZnO at varying mass fractions and analyzed their morphological characteristics and elemental distributions. The antibacterial effectiveness, biocompatibility, and mechanical properties of these materials were examined using in vitro experiments. The results indicated that the rod-like ZnO exhibited a complete hexagonal wurtzite structure, with columnar dimensions of approximately 2.5 μm in length, 0.8 μm in diameter, and a lattice spacing of 0.2544 nm. The growth, biofilm formation, and biofilm destruction of S. mutans were significantly inhibited at 1/4, 1/2, 3/4, and 1 times the minimum inhibitory concentration. The rod-like modified resin, with mass fractions of 2.5, 5, and 7.5 wt%, exhibited evident inhibitory effects on S. mutans biofilm formation. These modified resins demonstrated no cytotoxicity toward HGF-1 cells and exhibited enhanced compressive strength. Therefore, rod-like ZnO modified resin has promising potential for the treatment of dental caries.

Nanofluids are utilized in cancer therapy to boost therapeutic effectiveness and prevent adverse reactions. These nanoparticles are delivered to the cancerous tissues under the influence of radiation through the blood vessels. In the current study, the propagation of nanoparticles within the blood in a divergent/convergent vertical channel with flexible boundaries is elaborated computationally. The base fluid (Carreau fluid model) is speculated to be blood, whereas nanofluid is believed to be an iron oxide–blood mixture. Because of its shear thinning or shear thickening features, the Carreau fluid model more precisely depicts the rheological characteristics of blood. The arterial section is considered a convergent or divergent channel based on its topological configuration (non-uniform cross section). An iron oxide ( F e 2 O 3 {\rm{F}}{{\rm{e}}}_{2}{{\rm{O}}}_{3} ) nanoparticle is injected into the blood (base fluid). To eliminate the viscous effect in the region of the artery wall, a slip boundary condition is applied. An analysis of the transport phenomena is preferred using the melting heat transfer phenomena, which can work in melting plaques or fats at the vessel walls. The effects of thermal radiation, which is advantageous in cancer therapy, biomedical imaging, hyperthermia, and tumor therapy, are incorporated in heat transport mechanisms. The governing equation for the flow model with realistic boundary conditions is numerically tickled using the RK45 mechanism. The findings reveal that the flow dynamism and thermal behavior are significantly influenced by melting effects. Higher Re \mathrm{Re} can produce spots in which the track of the wall shear stress fluctuates. The melting effects can produce agitation and increase the flow through viscous head losses, causing melting of the blockage. The maximum heat transfer of 5 % 5 \% is achieved with We {\rm{We}} when the volume friction is kept at 1 % 1 \% . With higher estimation of inertial forces Re \mathrm{Re}\hspace{1em} and same volume friction, the skin drag coefficient augmented to 34 % 34 \% . The overall temperature is greater for the divergent flow scenario.

Copper nanoparticles are widely used in many sectors and research endeavors owing to their unique properties, including a large surface area, catalytic capabilities, and high thermal and electrical conductivity. The selection of the base fluid for copper nanoparticles should be contingent upon the anticipated application requirements since various fluids exhibit distinct characteristics that could potentially impact the mobility of the nanoparticles. The present investigation analyzes heat transfer phenomena occurring across a radially stretched surface. The research explores the effects of different states of Cu nanoparticles when combined with base fluids, such as water and silicone oil, on the heat transfer process. The momentum and energy equations are transformed into nonlinear ordinary differential equations by applying the similarity transformation. The boundary value problem-fourth-order (BVP4C) method numerically solves the governing ordinary differential equation for the modeled problem. In addition, the influence of various factors such as the slip parameter, solid volume fraction, Eckert number, Prandtl number, and unsteadiness parameter are examined. It has been discovered that blade-shaped nanoparticles transfer heat as quickly as possible via silicone oil and water. However, for platelet-shaped nanoparticles, a minimum heat transfer rate has been noted. The maximum skin friction coefficient is observed in platelet-shaped nanoparticles, while blade-shaped nanoparticles have the lowest skin friction coefficient.

The safety and durability of concrete structures are prone to damage and result in significant harm to human society. Hence, monitoring and estimating the states of concrete structures is of great significance to protecting human safety. Graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are promising candidates to endow cementitious composites with piezoresistivity for the health monitoring of concrete structures. Therefore, the aim of this article is to explore the effect of the hybrid GNPs and CNTs on behavior of cementitious composites with cooperation effects. The cementitious composites containing the hybrid GNPs and CNTs with simplified manufacturing methods are developed first. And then, the mechanical behaviors, electrical conductivities, and piezoresistive performances of the composites are investigated systematically. Finally, the modification mechanisms are also discussed. The results proved that the electrical resistivity of the composites with the hybrid GNPs and CNT concentration of 5.0 wt% is reduced by three orders of magnitudes, and the FCR and sensitivities are reached at 36.0% and 1.1% MPa −1 /177.9, respectively. Its compressive strength/elastic modulus is achieved at 73.3 MPa/16.9 GPa. Therefore, the hybrid GNPs and CNTs modified cementitious composite present great potential application in monitoring and evaluating service states of civil infrastructures.

This article reports on the synthesis, characterization, and application of titanium dioxide quantum dots (TDS) for wastewater treatment. Three TDS samples were synthesized via a low-temperature precipitation method with calcination at 280°C (TDS1), 290°C (TDS2), and 300°C (TDS3). Characterization techniques such as X-ray powder diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy confirmed the high crystallinity, purity, and quantum confinement of the TDS with sizes of 3.1, 5.5, and 8.5 nm, respectively. The photocatalytic activity of TDS was evaluated by degrading Congo red dye under xenon lamp irradiation. TDS1, with the smallest size of 3.1 nm and the largest bandgap of 3.09 eV, showed the highest photodegradation rate of 22.49 × 10 −3  S −1 . TDS1 also showed effective degradation of real industrial textile wastewater under sunlight over nine repeated cycles of use. The antibacterial activity of TDS against Bacillus subtilis and Candida albicans was demonstrated, with the highest inhibition by TDS1 attributed to its higher surface area. Overall, the study shows the high photocatalytic and antimicrobial potential of synthesized TDS, especially the smallest 3.1 nm TDS1 sample. The recycling results also showcase the reusability of TDS for wastewater treatment. Graphical abstract

The current study proposed a novel simple and environmentally friendly approach for producing silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using an extract of Moringa oleifera leaves (MOL) and optimizing the different experimental factors required for the formation and stability of AgNPs. The formation of nanoparticles was confirmed by a color change from yellow to reddish-brown with a surface plasmon resonance band at 412 nm. The morphology, size, and elemental composition of AgNPs were investigated by zeta potential dynamic light scattering, field emission scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray, X-ray diffraction, and transmission electron microscopy analysis, which showed crystalline and spherical AgNPs. The identification of functional groups was supported by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. The photocatalytic activities of AgNPs were assessed in the degradation of organic Malachite green (MG) dye in the aqueous solution. Two kinetic adsorption models, the pseudo-first-order model and the pseudo-second-order model, and three isotherm models, the Langmuir, Freundlich, and Temkin, were used to mathematically characterize the MG degradation process. The pseudo-second-order kinetics and the Freundlich isotherm model were found to be in good agreement with the experimental data. As a result of their synergistic interaction with the MOL extract solution, the photocatalytic activity of AgNPs increases and they can successfully adapt to the photodegradation of organic dyes in industrial effluents.

As the lightest metal structural materials, magnesium (Mg) alloys offer extensive application potential. Gadolinium (Gd), as the primary alloying element in Mg alloys and recognized for its notable thermal neutron capture cross-section, is considered one of the most efficient neutron absorbers. Thus, the Mg–Gd alloy is highly expected to emerge as a material with remarkable neutron absorption capacity. Hence, in this study, the thermal neutron-shielding capabilities of Mg–Gd alloys were comprehensively examined by fabricating four as-cast Mg– x Gd alloys with varying compositions ( x = 0, 5, 10, and 15 wt%). The obtained results were further corroborated by sophisticated modeling and calculations using SuperMC. The results revealed a direct correlation between the thermal neutron absorption capacity of the Mg–Gd alloys and the increase in Gd content, with a noteworthy neutron attenuation factor of 22.33. Moreover, in an Au ion irradiation experiment conducted at 200°C, the Mg–15Gd alloy exhibited exceptional radiation resistance, with a displacement per atom (dpa) of 10. The matrix and second-phase regions were devoid of any cavity formation. Instead, a finite number of dislocation rings were observed, forming both leaf-like and granular Gd-rich nanoscale precipitates. This study underscores the versatility of Mg–Gd alloys as efficient neutron shielding materials and structural materials tailored for applications demanding radiation resistance in diverse environments.

The analysis focuses on investigating the phenomenon of double-diffusive convection using the Sisko nanofluid model. It particularly highlights the impact of induced magnetic flux, viscous dissipation, and heat radiation within an asymmetric geometry having multiple slip conditions. To ascertain the salient of the Brownian diffusion coefficient and thermophoresis, we have incorporated viscous dissipation, heat radiation, and the Buongiorno model. The Soret and Dufour parameters describe the convective double diffusion phenomenon. The mathematical formulation is constructed through equations governing magnetic force function, concentration, temperature, momentum, and continuity. These formulations yield nonlinear partial differential equations to explain the designated flow. To simplify the nonlinear partial differential equations, the lubrication paradigm of mathematical simulations is employed. The subsequent system of coupled nonlinear differential equations is calculated numerically through the NDSolve function, which is a built-in program of Mathematica. Numerical results and graphs give evidence that supports the significance of different flow quantities in physiological contexts. The findings from this investigation are anticipated to contribute to the development of intelligent magneto-peristaltic pumps, particularly in thermal and drug administration applications. The current investigation suggests that the distribution of temperature reduces as the coefficient of radiation increases due to a system’s high heat emission and consequent effects of cooling. Furthermore, the increased influence of heat radiation raises the concentration profile. It is also highlighted that heat radiation has the potential to raise a fluid’s temperature, which raises the volume fraction of nanoparticles.

The boundary-layer flow on a shrinking/contracting sheet has abundant industrial applications, which include continuous glass casting, metal or polymer extrusions, and wire drawing. In this regard, the present analysis focuses the hybrid nanofluid flow on an exponentially extending sheet. The water-based hybrid nanofluid flow contains CoFe 2 O 4 and TiO 2 nanoparticles. Heat transfer rate analysis involves the utilization of the Cattaneo–Christov heat flux model. Moreover, the Brownian motion and thermophoresis effects are used in this novel work. The mathematical model is presented in the form of system of partial differential equations, which is then transformed into system of ordinary differential equations (ODEs) using the similarity variables. The system of ODEs is evaluated by homotopy analysis method. The variation in the flow profiles has been investigated using figures and tables. The conclusions demonstrate that the effect of magnetic parameter is 52% better for hybrid nanofluid flow than for the pure water. Conversely, the increasing magnetic parameter diminishes the thermal transfer rates for water, TiO 2 –H 2 O, CoFe 2 O 4 –H 2 O, and TiO 2 –CoFe 2 O 4 /H 2 O. The increasing thermophoresis parameter upsurges the thermal flow rate of nanofluids and hybrid nanofluid, while the increasing Brownian motion parameter lessens the thermal transfer rates of nanofluids and hybrid nanofluid. The increasing effect of thermophoresis parameter is 39% better for hybrid nanofluid than for the base fluid. However, the declining impression of Brownian motion factor is 48% greater for hybrid nanofluid related to pure water.

In this research article, the viscous, steady, and incompressible two-dimensional hybrid nanofluid flow composed of Fe 3 O 4 and Au nanoparticles on an extending sheet has been presented. An inclined magnetic field impact is used for evaluating the impacts of various factors in that case. Furthermore, the influences of porosity, Brownian motion, thermophoresis, thermal and space-dependent heat sources, and thermal radiation factors are also used in this work. The numerical analysis is done by using the bvp4c technique. Validation of the present results confirms that the present analysis is valid. The outcomes show that the higher magnetic factor reduces velocity distribution while increasing the frictional force at the surface due to Lorentz forces which oppose the fluid flow. The friction force at the sheet’s surface is higher when the sheet stretches as compared to the case when the sheet shrinks. Increase in the magnetic factor increases the skin friction of sheet’s surface which consequently increases the rate of thermal transmission at the surface along with thermal distribution. The higher values of thermal radiation and thermal-dependent heat source increase the thermal transportation rate of sheet’s surface. Insights from this investigation can improve electronics cooling systems, vital for devices prone to overheating. Optimizing heat transfer with magnetohydrodynamic water-based hybrid nanofluids containing Fe 3 O 4 and Au nanoparticles ensures efficient heat dissipation, enhancing device performance and longevity.

Developing a cost-effective industrially scalable manufacturing method that can improve the mechanical properties of nanocomposite foams with higher flexibility, compressibility, and, at the same time, mechanically robustness is of significant interest. In this study, porous thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU)/multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) was fabricated with the chemical blowing agent (CBA) by a combination of compounding-compression molding methods. The effects of CBA and MWCNT contents on the foam morphology, porosity, foam cell size, Young’s modulus, and compressibility of fabricated samples were investigated. Through conducting cyclic compressive tests, it was observed that nanocomposite foams exhibited consistent mechanical responses across multiple compressive cycles and demonstrated notable characteristics, including high compressibility (up to 76.4% compressive strain) and high elastic modulus (up to 8.8 ± 2.6 MPa). Moreover, theoretical approaches were employed to predict the elastic modulus of solid and foam TPU/MWCNT. For solid MWCNT/TPU, a specific micromechanical model based on different modifications of the Halpin-Tsai (HT) approach was used, which showed a good agreement with experimental data at different MWCNT contents. Furthermore, the constant parameters of Gibson and Ashby’s method were found to successfully predict the elastic modulus of foam TPU/MWCNT at different MWCNT and CBA percentages.

This research investigates the effect of kenaf/carbon fiber reinforcement with the addition of nanofillers such as multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) and cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) in the phenolic matrix composite. Three different types of samples were made using short carbon fiber, kenaf fiber (KF), BaSO 4 , Cashew dust, MWCNT, and CNC. Sample 1 contains 40 wt% of carbon fiber with binders reinforced in the phenolic matrix, whereas, in sample 2, carbon fiber has been replaced with KF in the MWCNT-modified phenolic matrix. On the other hand, in sample 3, carbon fiber has been replaced with KF in a CNC-modified phenolic matrix. The physical, mechanical, and tribological properties were investigated and compared. The results showed that sample 1 exhibited higher mechanical performance compared to other samples. On the other hand, the least wear loss and a high coefficient of friction were observed for Sample 2 compared to Samples 1 and 3. Even though KF-based composites exhibited slightly lower mechanical performance, they showed excellent tribological behavior.

Polymer nanocomposite coatings of solar photovoltaic cells that absorb solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation and convert it into visible and near-infrared (NIR) light can increase the operational lifetime and the energy efficiency of the cells. We report a polymer nanocomposite spectrum converting layer (SCL) made of colorless polyimide CORIN impregnated with the nanoparticles (NPs) of fluoride NaYF 4 doped with three-valent ions of Europium at a molar concentration of 60%. The NPs were the nanocrystals (179 ± 35 nm in size) in thermally stable hexagonal beta-phase. The visible-NIR photoluminescence quantum yield of the nano-powder was ∼69%. The SCLs were applied using the open-air multi-beam multi-target pulsed laser deposition method to silicon heterojunction (SHJ), copper-indium-gallium-selenide (CIGS), and inverted metamorphic multijunction (IMM) solar cells. The cells were exposed to UV radiation from a 365 nm light emitting diode. The I – V characteristics of the cells were measured with a solar simulator using AM0 filter. The proposed SCLs improved the UV stability of all three types of the cells: the power degradation of SHJs and IMMs cells was stopped or slightly reversed and the degradation rate of CIGSs decreased by ∼25%. The proposed SCLs have great commercial potential, especially for applications to space power.

The effects of basalt fibers (BF) and nano-silica (NS) on the mechanical properties and microstructure of recycled concrete (RC) in early low-temperature environments were investigated by placing the BF and NS modified RC specimens in the environments of −20, −10, 0, and 25°C for curing for 6 h, followed by standardized maintenance. The damage morphology and mechanical properties of modified RC were analyzed in such environments. The formulae for the compressive strength of RC, which was affected by BF and NS, were fitted using statistical product and service solutions, and a micromorphological analysis of the modified RC was conducted using scanning electron microscope. The mechanical properties of RC decreased owing to the influence of early low temperatures, among which 0°C caused the largest damage crack and the most serious effects. In the early low-temperature environments, the physical properties of RC generally increased and then decreased with the increase in BF dosage; however, increasing NS dosages improved its mechanical properties. The composite doping of BF and NS was more obvious than the single doping of BF or NS to enhance the performance of RC, and the internal pore structure was considerably improved. The preferred doping amounts were 3 kg m −3 of BF and 2% NS.

Herein, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) were used as hybrid modifiers to enhance the mechanical properties of cement mortar and overcome the limitations of modification methods based on only polymers and nanomaterials. The use of PVA latex as a bridging agent with the aid of ultrasound energy effectively improved the dispersion uniformity and stability of CNTs. The results indicate that doping an appropriate amount of PVA in CNT-modified cement mortar, especially those modified with hydroxylated CNTs (h-CNTs), could synergistically improve performance. Amongst the samples, the h-CNT-modified cement mortar incorporated with 1 wt% PVA showed the optimal mechanical properties. The compressive and flexural strengths of this cement mortar increased by 33 and 42%, respectively, compared with those of cement mortars modified with h-CNTs alone. The microscopic characterisation results showed that the formation of a uniformly distributed h-CNT/PVA film network in the matrix effective filling of pores and bridging of cracks were responsible for performance enhancement.

Ternary hybrid nanofluids possess improved thermal characteristics, enhanced stability, better physical strength, and multi-functionality as compared to hybrid or usual nanofluids. The aim of the ongoing study is to explore the novel thermal attributes of hybrid and trihybrid nanofluids through a porous medium. Whereas the nano-composition of cobalt (Co), gold (Au), and zirconium oxide (ZrO 2 ) make amalgamation in the paraffin (Pfin) which is a base fluid. This nano-composition of the proposed nanoparticles, specifically, subject to the base fluid Pfin has not been interpreted before. The analysis not only covers the features of trihybrid nanofluids (Co–Au–ZrO 2 –Pfin) but it also describes the characteristics of hybrid (Co–Au–Pfin) as well as pure nanofluids (Co–Pfin). An efficient numerical algorithm is developed for which the numerical simulations are carried out. The approximations are performed in MATLAB software using “Successive under Relaxation (SUR)” technique. A comparison, under certain limiting conditions, with the established results appraises the efficiency of the numerical code. The outcomes evidently designate that temperature raises with the change in thermal radiation and volume fraction of gold and zirconium oxide in either case of pure, hybrid, or ternary nanofluids. The concentration ϕ 3 {\phi }_{3} of ZrO 2 has a significant impact on Nusselt number rather than the concentration ϕ 1 {\phi }_{1} of cobalt and ϕ 2 {\phi }_{2} of gold. It has been comparatively noticed that the ternary nanofluids (Co–Au–ZrO 2 –Pfin) portray embellished and improvised thermal characteristics as compared to the other two cases.

The magnetohydrodynamics tangent hyperbolic nanofluid (THNF) flow with the mutual impact of melting heat transfer and wedge angle over a permeable wedge is investigated numerically in the present study. Electronic devices generate excessive heat during operations, so THNF is often employed to regulate them. THNF has the ability to neutralize heat with greater efficacy, thereby reducing the probability of overheating. The influence of thermal radiation, Soret and Dufour, and heat source/sink is also observed on the fluid flow. The modeled equations are simplified to the lowest order through the similarity conversion. The obtained set of dimensionless equations is further calculated numerically by employing the parametric continuation method. The computational findings of the present study are compared to the published results for accuracy purposes. It has been detected that the results are precise and reputable. Moreover, from the graphical results, it has been perceived that the effect of permeability factor ( K p ) reduces the fluid flow. The rising effect of wedge angle factor enhances the energy dissemination rate and shearing stress; however the augmentation of Weissenberg number drops skin friction and energy transference rate.

The aim of this study is to explore the potential compatibility of copper oxide nano-powders synthesised via hydrothermal method for solar cell applications by triggering a reaction between copper acetate and various reducing agents derived from natural resources, including Arabic gum, molasses, starch, and vinegar. X-ray diffraction analysis revealed the crystalline phases of the synthesised materials, indicating the successful synthesis of copper oxide material, which was confirmed by identifying patterns that matched specific copper oxide phases. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy was employed to analyse the molecular vibrations and chemical compounds present in the reducing agents. The reducing properties of the selected materials and their capacity to convert copper acetate into copper oxide were validated. Field-emission microscopy and transmission electron microscopy analyses of the synthesised copper oxide nanoparticles (NPs) revealed variations in particle size and morphology. These variations were dependent on the particular reducing agent utilised during synthesis. Moreover, the carrier concentration, mobility, and resistivity were evaluated as the electrical properties of the spin-coated copper oxide thin films. Hall effect analysis determined that the choice of reducing agent significantly influenced the carrier concentration ( n ) and mobility ( µ ) of the films. Remarkably, nano copper oxide films synthesised using starch exhibited irregular spherical grains with porous surfaces. Starch-synthesised samples showed the highest conductivity of n = 1.2 × 10 19  cm −3 when compared with those synthesised with other reducing agents. This suggests that the porous surfaces in the starch-synthesised films may have contributed to their enhanced conductivity compared to films synthesised with alternative reducing agents. In summary, the findings emphasised the influence of the reducing agent on the size, morphology, and electrical conductivity of the copper oxide NPs.

The time-independent and incompressible blood-based hybrid nanofluid flow, including Au and Cu nanoparticles across an expanding sheet, has been studied. To illustrate the non-Newtonian performance of the blood-based hybrid nanofluid flow, a non-Newtonian model known as the Carreau–Yasuda model is used. The hybrid nanofluid flow is studied under the influence of magnetic effects, thermal radiation, Brownian motion, thermophoresis, and chemical reactivity. Homotopy analysis method (HAM) is employed to evaluate the modeled equations. A study is conducted on the convergence analysis of HAM, and the HAM and numerical analyses are compared. From the present analysis, the velocity profile increases with an increase in Weissenberg number and decreases with increasing magnetic factor. The temperature, concentration, and microorganisms profiles increase in tandem with the higher thermal Biot, concentration Biot, and microorganism Biot numbers. The thermal and concentration profiles, respectively, have decreased due to the larger thermal and concentration relaxation time factors. The microorganism profiles have decreased due to the increased bioconvection of Lewis and Peclet populations. The modeled equations can be solved by both the HAM and the numerical approaches, validating both approaches to solution.

A type of reduced graphene oxide (rGO)/SnIn 4 S 8 (SIS) nanocomposites was successfully fabricated by a facile and efficient microwave-assisted method. Their morphology, structure, composition, and optical performance were investigated by different analytical techniques, respectively. The results indicated that rGO had an important effect on the structure of photocatalysts. As the content of rGO increases, the unchin-like microsphere structure of rGO/SIS evolved gradually into aggregated nanosheet structure. The photocatalytic degradation experiments were carried out under visible light irradiation. The results demonstrated rGO/SIS-2 nanocomposites exhibited higher photocatalytic activity toward the degradation of RhodamineB than that of SIS, rGO/SIS-1 as well as rGO/SIS-3. Meanwhile, the mineralization efficiency of Rhodamine B (RhB) can reach up to 73.8% within 30 min. Interestingly, rGO/SIS-2 nanocomposites exhibited excellent recycle stability with 96% removal efficiency of RhB after three cycles. The enhanced photocatalytic activity of rGO/SIS-2 nanocomposites should be attributed to the strong interaction of rGO and SIS, the decrease of band gap energy, the enhanced visible light absorption, and excellent electrons’ mobility of rGO, thereby promoting charge separation. Finally, the mechanism of rGO/SIS nanocomposites for the degradation of RhB has been also proposed. This work provides a facile and efficient pathway to prepare SIS-based nanocomposites with enhanced catalytic efficiency by combining the advantages of microwave-assisted heating and incorporating carbon-based nanomaterials for the degradation of organic pollutants in visible light irradiation.

Polyelectrolyte (PE)-modified synthetic nanopores have gained substantial research attention because molecular modification promotes ion gating and rectification. However, theoretical research on PE-modified nanopores is relatively scarce because it is difficult to establish an elaborate model for PEs, and it accordingly causes a trade-off between the computational resources needed and the accuracy. Therefore, an appropriate simulation method for the PE-modified nanopore is in high demand and still an enormous challenge. Herein, we report the simulation result of ion transport through PE-modified nanopores through a coarse-grained Poisson–Nernst–Planck method. By modeling the stuffed PE molecules as PE particles in a well-established continuum model, adequate computational accuracy can be achieved with acceptable computational cost. Based on this model, we study the ion transport in PE-modified nanofluidic diodes and reveal the PE around ion selectivity, which can explain the previous experimental works. Intriguingly, we found that the ion enrichment state in the nanofluidic diode is sensitive to steric hindrance and charge distribution near the heterojunction region. This property is critical for the ion transport behavior in the PE-modified nanofluidic diodes. Based on this property, we predict a heterogeneous structure that can realize the single molecule response to charged analytes. These findings provide insights for understanding the ion transport in PE-modified nanofluidic systems and bring inspiration to the design and optimization of high-performance chemical sensors.

This study presents a numerical investigation of a viscous and incompressible three-dimensional flow of hybrid nanofluid composed of Ag and Al 2 O 3 nanoparticles over a convectively heated bi-directional extending sheet with a porous medium. The main equations are converted into dimensionless form by using appropriate variables. The effects of magnetic field, porosity, Brownian motion, thermophoresis, and chemical reaction are investigated. Furthermore, the mass flux and zero-mass flux constraints are used to study heat and mass transfer rates. The obtained data show that the growing magnetic factor has reduced the velocity profiles while increasing the thermal profile. The increased porosity factor has decreased the velocity profiles. The increased thermal Biot number has increased the concentration and thermal profiles. When compared to passive control of nanoparticles, the hybrid nanofluid flow profiles are strongly influenced by the embedded factor in the active control of nanoparticles.

Atherosclerosis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory disease that leads to the formation of atherosclerotic plaques in arterial walls, which can eventually result in cardiovascular diseases. It has been confirmed that the imbalance in the polarization of M1-type pro-inflammatory and M2-type anti-inflammatory macrophages in AS plaques is closely related to plaque instability and the development of cardiovascular diseases like AS-related heart and cerebrovascular diseases. Triptolide (TP) is a promising drug for the treatment of AS due to its anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative effects. However, its poor solubility and lack of specificity limit its clinical application. We developed a targeted delivery system for TP to M1-type macrophages using mesoporous polydopamine (MPDA) nanospheres modified with the LyP-1 peptide. We then observed the performance of this targeted delivery system and explored its regulatory effects on macrophage polarization in AS. The results showed that the LYP-1-modified MPDA-TP delivery system had an average encapsulation rate of 66.5%, a drug loading capacity of 4.5%, and an average diameter of 250 nm. It exhibited excellent targeting ability and drug release rate towards target cells. LYP-MPDA-TP was capable of inhibiting the proportion of M1 macrophages induced by oxidized low-density lipoprotein stimulation in mouse macrophages, promoting apoptosis in M1-type macrophages significantly, and demonstrating a significant inhibitory effect on AS in experimental animals. The LYP-1 peptide-modified MPDA delivery system provides a new approach for TP treatment of AS and an important theoretical basis and methodological reference for the design of targeted delivery systems for anti-AS nanoparticles.

Hydroxyapatite/magnetite (HA-Fe 3 O 4 ) nanocomposite materials that have the synergistic ability to produce heat when in direct bonding with a bone through HA are regarded competent hyperthermia therapies of bone carcinoma treatment. HA-Fe 3 O 4 nanocomposites with various magnetite concentrations (10, 20, and 30 wt%) were quickly synthesized using a novel continuous microwave-assisted flow synthesis (CMFS) process in a 5 min residence duration at the conditions of pH 11. In this process, initially, phase pure hydroxyapatite and superparamagnetic magnetite nanoparticles followed by a series of HA-Fe 3 O 4 nanocomposites were formed, without a subsequent aging step. The obtained nano-product was physically analyzed using Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area analysis, transmission electron microscopy, and X-ray powder diffraction analysis. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy was used for the chemical structure analysis of the final nanocomposite product. Zeta potential measurements were carried out to determine colloidal stability associated with the surface charge of the nanocomposites. The magnetic properties were determined using a vibrating sample magnetometer. The results indicated the high magnetization property of the obtained nanoproduct, suitable for hyperthermia application. HA-Fe 3 O 4 nanocomposites have shown remarkable antimicrobial properties against E. coli and S. cerevisiae . Thus, the CMFS system facilitated the rapid production of HA-Fe 3 O 4 nanocomposite particles with fine particle size.

The investigation of thermal radiation and thermophoretic impacts on nano-based liquid circulation in a microchannel has a significant impact on the cooling of microscale equipment, microliquid devices, and many more. These miniature systems can benefit from the improved heat transfer efficiency made possible by the use of nanofluids, which are designed to consist of colloidal dispersion of nanoparticles in a carrier liquid. Understanding and precisely modeling the thermophoretic deposition (TPD) of nanoparticles on the channel surfaces is of utmost importance since it can greatly affect the heat transmission properties. This work examines the complex interaction between quadratic thermal radiation, magnetohydrodynamics, and TPD in a permeable microchannel. It aims to solve a significant knowledge gap in microfluidics and thermal and mass transport. The governing equations are simplified by applying suitable similarity restrictions, and computing solutions to the resulting equations is done using the Runge‒Kutta Fehlberg fourth‒fifth-order scheme. The results are shown using graphs, and significant engineering metrics are analyzed. The outcomes show that increased Eckert number, magnetic, and porous factors will improve the thermal distribution. Quadratic thermal radiation shows the greater thermal distribution in the presence of these parameters, while Linear thermal radiation shows the least thermal distribution. The rate of thermal distribution is higher in the linear thermal distribution case and least in the nonlinear thermal radiation case in the presence of radiation and solid fraction factors. The outcomes of the present research are helpful in improving the thermal performance in microscale devices, electronic devices cooling, health care equipment, and other microfluidic applications.

Ferromagnetic hybrid nanofluids can be employed in electronics and microelectronics cooling applications to minimise the accumulation of heat and effectively eliminate excess heat. By increasing the heat transfer rate, these nanofluids serve to maintain suitable operating temperatures and avoid device overheating. This study examines the influence of convective heating on the fluid flow of a three-dimensional ferromagnetic Casson hybrid nanofluid (composed of Mn-ZnFe 2 O 4 /CoFe 2 O 4 nanoparticles) over a radiative Riga sensor device. The investigation takes place within a permeable medium characterised by Darcy–Forchheimer dynamics. Additionally, the analysis incorporates the assessment of the interaction of viscous dissipation. To establish a standardised set of governing partial differential equations along with their associated boundary circumstances, suitable similarity transformations are implemented. Following this, the resultant transformed ordinary differential equations are efficiently solved using the bvp5c solver. The solution process employs the shooting technique facilitated by MATLAB software. The impact of these influencing factors was carefully observed and thoroughly analysed using graphical representations. Specifically, the effects of pertinent factors on shear stress and heat transfer rates are concisely depicted in tabular formats.

In recent decades, there have been initiatives to incorporate carbon nanomaterials (CNMs) into cement composites, particularly graphene oxide (GO), carbon nanotubes, graphite (GP), and mild carbon (MC). Nevertheless, little is known about how these CNMs interact with the cement matrix itself. In this research, the impact of CNM incorporation at high temperatures (250, 500, 750, and 1,000°C) on cement’s mechanical characteristics and microstructure was investigated. Nine mixes were created with the CNM content (0.1 and 0.3%) being taken into consideration. The microstructure of the CNM composites was further investigated using X-ray diffractometry, thermogravimetry, derivative thermogravimetry, digital microscopy, and micro-computed tomography (micro-CT). Based on research observations, the study demonstrated that the mechanical properties of most specimens could be enhanced through the introduction of CNMs. The recommended proportions of GP-0.1, GO-0.1, and MC-0.1, in accordance with the weight of the binder, and the impact of the CNMs on the elastic modulus were also assessed. As a consequence, the CNM’s porous structure and apparent crack pattern were identified using microstructure analysis.

Roller-compacted concrete pavement (RCCP) is a brittle material with low tensile strength that does not contain steel or dowel bars. This, in addition to the rigidity of the RCCP, causes degradation or cracking before the RCCP reaches its service life. To improve the performance of the RCCP, crumb rubber (CR) can be used as an aggregate. Hence, in this study, CR was used to replace 0, 10, 20, and 30% of the fine aggregate in the RCCP. To mitigate the adverse effect of the CR on the properties of the RCCP, nano-silica (NS) was added by weight of cement in proportions of 0, 1, 2, and 3%. To select an optimal mix based on various performance criteria, multicriteria-based optimization was carried out using techniques such as order of preference by similarity to ideal solution, evaluation based on distance from average solution, weighted sum model, and weighted product model techniques. During experimentation, CR improved the consistency and reduced the mechanical and durability properties of the RCCP, while NS reduced the consistency and improved the mechanical and durability performance of the RCCP. The M2 mix (mix containing 0% CR and 1% NS) is consistently ranked as the best choice for multi-criteria decision-making techniques and sensitivity analyses due to its exceptional physical, mechanical, and durability attributes, ensuring reliability across various decision-making scenarios. This study provides insights into the decision-making process for the choice of appropriate RCCP mix produced with CR and NS for improved performance in pavement applications and the importance of utilizing waste tire rubber in concrete pavements to promote sustainability.

Hydrotalcite materials (HTs) were synthesized by a facile and swift combined mechanochemistry/coprecipitation approach, and their catalytic activity was evaluated and compared with conventionally synthesized hydrotalcites (co-precipitation method) in the Knoevenagel condensation between furfural and ethyl cyanoacetate/malononitrile. Characterization and catalytic activity results clearly demonstrate that the proposed combined mechanochemical/coprecipitation approach provides an improvement in crystallinity, morphology, tunable basicity, and textural properties (higher surface area and enhanced surface properties) as compared to HTs obtained via conventional coprecipitation methods. In addition, mechanochemically synthesized HTs largely improve catalytic activities, including conversion and product selectivity to Knoevenagel condensation products under solventless conditions, short reaction times, or reaction at room temperature as compared to conventional counterparts ( e.g. , 30–40 vs > 99% product yields).

Thermal energy from the Sun comes mostly from sunlight. These energies might be used in photovoltaic cells, sustainable power systems, solar light poles, and water-collecting solar pumps. This age studies solar energy and how direct sunshine might improve solar panel efficiency. Solar energy, especially solar tiles, is widely used in manufacturing today. The literature includes a modified Buongiorno hybrid nanofluid prototype. There are no studies that have examined the impact of tri-hybrid and unique tetra hybridity nanomolecules integrated with the Buongiorno nanofluid prototype on liquid moving on a flexible surface. This study examines the effects of an improved Buongiorno tetra hybrid nanoliquid prototypical with Buongiorno and Tiwari–Das nanofluid on magnetized double-diffusive binary nanofluid with cross fluid and Maxwell liquid flowing with variant thermal conductance over a porous medium. Different profiles include diffusion thermo and thermo diffusion. The LobattoIIIA scheme’s convergence and stability are examined in terms of residual error, mesh points for ordinary differential equations (ODEs), and boundary conditions. Leading equations about liquid flow continuity, impetus, temperature, and concentricity are obtained using continuity, conservation of momentum, the second law of thermodynamics, Fick’s second law of diffusion, and boundary layer expectations. The system of partial differential equations obtained from the given assumption becomes a system of ODEs and well-established LobattoIII. Their numerical solution is obtained using a numerical technique. Statistical charts and tables provide numerical solutions. The heat transport rate of tetra-hybrid nanomolecules increases dramatically, unlike tri- and di-hybrid nanomolecules. The improved Buongiorno tetra hybrid nanofluid (BTHNF) model produces more heat when radiation Rd {\rm{Rd}} , Brownian diffusion Nb {\rm{Nb}} , and thermal conductivity are increased. The data show that the diffusion factor L L , Brinkman number Br {\rm{Br}} , and Reynolds number Re increase entropy production, but Bejan number reduces it owing to an increase in Be {\rm{Be}} and Re \mathrm{Re} . A statistical regression study shows that retaining the Maxwell fluid parameter constant and increasing the Weissenberg number We {\rm{We}} decrease the drag coefficient error. A BTHNF model containing tetra hybrid nanoparticles has not been utilized to examine heat and mass transferences in non-Newtonian fluids, considering diffusion, thermo, and thermo diffusion. Entropy generation in a binary fluid with tetra hybrid nanoparticles and BTHNF has not been studied. Tetra hybrid nanofluid is not mentioned in the literature. This effort aims to create a new tetra-hybrid nanofluid model. This article is novel because it investigates the effects of thermal radiation, thermal conductivity, porosity, Darcy–Forchheimer, and Buongiorno models on a tetra-hybrid nanofluid flow under an extensible sheet.

Given the pressing threat of global warming, it is imperative to promote CO 2 emission reduction within the cement industry which is widely recognized as a major contributor to the overall carbon footprint. Limestone clay cement (LCC) emerges as a promising alternative to Portland cement. However, to facilitate the implementation of LCC technology, it is urgent to address the low early-age compressive strength issue. Inspired by the successful implementation of nano-engineered cementitious material, we hereby introduce a novel nanomaterial, graphene oxide (GO), into unconventional LCC paste (cement:clay:limestone = 65%:20%:15%, water/binder ratio: 0.45). Experimental results revealed that the 0.09% GO by weight of the LCC binder was the optimal dosage in this work, which improved the compressive strength of the LCC paste at 7, 14, and 28 days by 25.6, 21.6, and 20.3%, respectively. Advanced characterizations were then conducted, suggesting that the admixed GO not only enabled a higher polymerization degree of binder hydrates (which benefited the development of compressive strengths) but also improved the carbonation resistance of LCC paste. These findings not only offer valuable insights for researchers but also provide practical guidance for engineers in the field. Notably, the admixed GO converted the unstable orthorhombic crystal systemic aragonite to the stable trigonal crystal systemic calcite, which offers insights into the technology of carbon sequestration in concrete.

In industrial applications, the potential of basalt fibre-reinforced polymer (BFRP) composite pipes as a compelling alternative to glass and carbon fibre-reinforced composite pipes is recognized. Their high recyclability makes them a viable option for aerospace, marine, and automotive applications. In this study, a comparison is made between the mechanical properties of virgin basalt–epoxy composite pipes and graphene-modified counterparts. To conduct the experiments, pipe section specimens were prepared using a flex grinding machine. Graphene nanoplatelets (GnPs), serving as an exceptional reinforcing material, were uniformly incorporated into the basalt–epoxy composites at a specific concentration. The inclusion of these nanoplatelets resulted in significant changes in mechanical stiffness compared to the virgin basalt–epoxy composite pipes. A series of tests, including uniaxial tensile, Charpy impact, microhardness, Shore D hardness, uniaxial 3-point bending, and dynamic displacement transmissibility tests, were carried out to assess the mechanical properties of both graphene-reinforced and virgin basalt–epoxy pipes. The findings indicated that the pure basalt–epoxy composite exhibited lower ductility compared to the graphene basalt–epoxy composites after undergoing uniaxial mechanical loading. Non-destructive dynamic mechanical vibration testing was used to investigate the complex mechanical response of the materials under examination. The observed complex frequency-dependent responses reflected the mutual ductile/brittle mechanical performance of the developed composites.

In this study, sodium titanate (ST)/iron oxide (Fe 2 O 3 ) was successfully prepared as a novel binary photocatalyst for the first time to enhance the photocatalytic activity. The prepared photocatalyst was used in the photodegradation of methylene blue (MB) dye under sunlight and a tungsten lamp. The green synthesis method using orange peel extract was employed to prepare Fe 2 O 3 , while the hydrothermal method was used to synthesize ST. To achieve optimal photocatalytic efficiency, the loading of Fe 2 O 3 onto ST was carefully controlled. The average crystallite size of ST, Fe 2 O 3 , and ST@Fe 2 O 3 (with a 1:1 wt% ratio) was 999.8, 81.9, and 104 nm, respectively, using the Williamson–Hall (W–H) model. Optical analysis revealed that ST@Fe 2 O 3 had a smaller direct bandgap (2.54 eV) compared to ST@0.3 Fe 2 O 3 (2.70 eV) and ST@0.5 Fe 2 O 3 (3.24 eV). The photodegradation of MB was analyzed considering the weight of the photocatalyst, the irradiation time, and the dye concentration. In-depth explanations of stability and kinetic models were also provided. Remarkably, the ST@Fe 2 O 3 photocatalyst demonstrated superior performance compared to the other evaluated photocatalysts, completely degrading MB dye within just 60 min of solar light exposure. Incorporating Fe 2 O 3 into ST effectively reduces the recombination of photo-produced electron/hole (e/h) pairs and broadens the response range of the solar spectrum. Based on these findings, ST@Fe 2 O 3 appears to have a promising future as a practical photocatalyst for degrading various dye pollutants in wastewater. Graphical abstract

Biologically active magnesium oxide (MgO) nanoparticles were synthesised using green reduction with an extract derived from the Vitis vinifera plant. The investigation focused on examining the structure and carbon abundance resulting from the thermal degradation of adsorbed biomolecules. It was accomplished using powder X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, and FT-IR analysis techniques. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy studies conducted on MgO nanoparticles indicate the absence of any supplementary peaks, thereby indicating the purity of the material. The morphological characteristics, which have been examined using field emission scanning electron microscopy and TEM methodologies, demonstrate the presence of particles with a spherical shape, exhibiting minimal agglomeration and a uniform distribution across the surfaces of MgO. The porous structure, porosity, and pore volume of the MgO particles were evaluated using Brunauer-Emmett-Teller surface analysis. The experimental findings reveal that the surface area of the MgO nanoparticles is 23.8742 m 2 /g, while the total pore volume is 0.12528 cm 3 /g. Additionally, the average pore diameter is determined to be 1.7 nm. These observations collectively suggest the presence of microporous structures within the MgO nanoparticles. This article discusses the biological studies to assess the antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and anti-diabetic activities of the synthesised MgO nanoparticles.

The influence of nanoparticle shape, volume fraction, and temperature on the thermal properties of nanofluids plays a pivotal role in engineering applications. However, there remains a considerable lack of systematic research comprehensively considering these factors to study the similarities and differences in the thermal properties of nanofluids composed of metals and their oxides and to conduct in-depth analyses of their internal mechanisms and characteristics. In this study, molecular dynamics simulations were conducted, employing reversing perturbation non-equilibrium molecular dynamics and non-equilibrium molecular dynamics methods. The thermal conductivity and viscosity of Al–Ar and Al 2 O 3 –Ar nanofluids were thoroughly investigated under the various influencing factors. Results reveal that under identical conditions, the thermal conductivity of Al–Ar nanofluid surpasses that of Al 2 O 3 –Ar nanofluid, exemplified by values such as 0.1832 W/m K (Al–Ar, 1.5%, cylinder, 86 K) versus 0.17745 W/m K (Al 2 O 3 –Ar, 1.5%, cylinder, 86 K). Furthermore, the viscosity of Al–Ar nanofluid is lower than that of Al 2 O 3 –Ar nanofluid, demonstrated by values such as 0.0004882 Pa S (Al–Ar nanofluid, 86 K, 2.5%, platelets) compared to 0.008975 Pa S (Al 2 O 3 –Ar nanofluid, 86 K, 2.5%, platelets). Subsequently, this study analyzed the difference in thermal conductivity between the two nanofluids from the perspective of microscale interface heat conduction by comparing the phonon density of states curves of Al, Ar, and Al 2 O 3 in the two nanofluids for overlap. Subsequently, through radial distribution function analysis, the viscosity difference between Al–Ar and Al 2 O 3 –Ar nanofluids is explained based on nanofluid–solid interface and microstructural considerations. This research addresses the comprehensive lack of comparative studies on the thermal properties of nanofluids formed by metals and their oxides. The internal mechanisms underlying the thermal property differences of nanofluids formed by metals and their oxides were revealed from a microscopic perspective, which holds significant implications for the engineering applications of nanofluids.

The significance of fluid flow under hydrothermal conditions within a hexagonal enclosure spans across numerous fields, underlining its broad applicability. However, our understanding of the free convection flow in these geometries is still limited despite its potential importance in science and technology. Therefore, this study numerically examines the heat convection and entropy generation within a porous hexagonal cavity containing a heated obstacle while subjected to a static magnetic field of intensity B 0 . Micropolar hybrid nanofluid, composed of TiO 2 and graphene oxide nanoparticles, was used to fill the hexagonal cavity with water as the base fluid. The finite difference method is associated with successive over-relaxation, successive relaxation, and Gauss–Seidel techniques, which are used to solve the dimensionless governing partial differential equations. The desired outcomes are computed using in-house developed MATLAB codes. A specific result from prior research findings is used to validate the accuracy of these MATLAB codes. The outcomes demonstrate that an upsurge in Ra from 10 4 to 10 6 and ϕ hnf {\phi }_{{\rm{hnf}}} from 0 to 4% leads to an enhancement in Nu ABW to 53.05 and 3.14%, respectively. However, Nu ABW diminishes by approximately 0.797 and 4.135% as Ha increases from 0 to 20 and K 0 increases from 2 to 7.5, respectively. The average Bejan number (Be avg ) consistently decreases as Ra increases, but Be avg improves as Ha, vortex viscosity parameter ( K 0 ), and ϕ hnf {\phi }_{{\rm{hnf}}} increase. The most important finding of the work is that the position of the heated obstacle significantly influences both the heat convection and entropy generation processes.

Nanofluid flooding is a novel technology with potential for enhanced oil recovery. In this study, a biological nanocomposite system was formed by mixing hexamethyldisilazane-modified hydrophobic nano-SiO 2 with a biosurfactant produced by Bacillus . The stability of the system, its influence on rock wettability, and fluid interfacial tension were investigated experimentally. Numerical simulation methods were employed to simulate the displacement efficiency of the biological nanocomposite system and optimize the injection parameters. Finally, the application effects of the system in the field were evaluated. Results indicated that the biological nanocomposite system could change rock wettability and significantly reduce the interfacial tension to 1.8 mN/m at low concentrations. The core flooding results showed that the maximum oil recovery factor of the system reached 47.07%. Numerical simulations optimized the optimal injection concentration to be 7,000 ppm and the volume of injection to be 1.75 × 10 –2 pore volumes, resulting in an oil increment exceeding 10,000 m 3 in field application. This study provides a solution for the green development of oil reservoirs and provides effective technical support for the numerical simulation and process scheme optimization of biological nanocomposite systems. Graphical abstract

The deposition of polypyrrole (PPy) on a Ti surface is commonly employed to enhance the material’s properties for different applications such as supercapacitors, biomedicine, and corrosion resistance. Instead of complex or costly polymerization procedures for the PPy synthesis on the Ti metal surface, we utilized the effect of a simple and inexpensive laser ablation of the Ti surface in the open-air environment to prepare a hydrophilic TiO 2 surface. In this condition, a thin PPy layer with remarkable nanostructures such as nanorings (∼80 nm) and nanotubes (∼245 nm) was deposited on a selective and desired pattern of ablated Ti areas through the chemical vapor deposition process using ferric chloride (FeCl 3 ) solution as a pyrrole oxidizer. Raman and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analyses confirmed the PPy formation on the Ti surface. The creation of these nanostructures was due to the micro/nanomorphology of the ablated Ti substrate. Water contact angle (WCA) measurements indicated the hydrophobic behavior of the PPy/Ti surface by the aging effect after 24 weeks with the change of WCA from 20° to 116°. The change in the surface chemical composition upon adsorption of airborne organic compounds with the long-term storage of PPy/Ti surface in air was studied by the XPS test. Graphical abstract

Cilostazol, an anti-platelet aggregation medicine, is also known to have vasodilation properties and is commonly used for treating muscle soreness and cramps by increasing the muscle oxygen supply. The medication has limited oral bioavailability, is prone to pre-systemic metabolism, and is poorly soluble in aqueous media. A transdermal administration was planned to increase the drug’s solubility and therapeutic efficacy. The current work intended to develop cilostazol niosome-loaded transdermal gel, which was prepared, and with the use of Fourier transform infrared and differential scanning calorimetry analyses, drug-excipient interactions were observed. The medication was formulated utilizing Carbopol-934, Pluronic-F-127, and HPMC gel bases for the transdermally delivered niosomal gels. The produced niosomes had a maximum percentage of drug entrapment at 96.4%, with a particle size of 102 ± 11.30 nm and polydispersity index of 0.29 ± 0.069. The highest percentage of the medication that was entrapped was 96.4%, and the Carbopol-934 gel basis released the major part of the drug under in vitro conditions. A maximum transdermal flux was recorded at 3850.92 μg after 4 h, indicating a 10% increase in cilostazol permeation through rat skin. The flux rate for the niosomal preparation containing the drug ranged from 14.85 to 28.02 μg/cm 2  h −1 . In comparison to the pure cilostazol-loaded gels, the pharmacokinetics investigation showed that the niosomal gel formulations had considerably greater C max , T max , and AUC 0 . The niosomes loaded with cilostazol exhibited greater solubility, higher bioavailability, and improved effectiveness. Better therapeutic results may be achieved with systemic and site-directed delivery of cilostazol using the designed transdermal niosomal gel with appropriate molecular tagging modification/(s).

In this study, V 2 O 5 , 5ZnO/10V 2 O 5 , and ZnO, 10ZnO/10V 2 O 5 nanocomposites were synthesized by the sol–gel method. The sol–gel technique is an important process for the fabrication of advanced oxide materials with desirable catalytic, optical, and structural properties. The varieties and flexibilities of sol–gel techniques help in preparing materials with extremely specific properties. For the presented samples, three types of phases were assessed. The average crystalline size of V 2 O 5 , 5ZnO/10V 2 O 5 and ZnO, 10ZnO/10V 2 O 5 nanocomposites were found to be 25, 26, 14.5, and 15.5 nm, respectively. SEM images showed three different shapes of semi-tube, semi-spherical, and semi-flower. The pure samples of V 2 O 5 and ZnO showed semi-tube shapes. 5ZnO/10V 2 O 5 shows a spherical shape with average dimeter of 0.6 µm. Strong dependence of the direct optical band gap was observed on different compositions that varied within the range of (2.33–2.73 eV). Conversely, the indirect values varied within the range of 2.119–2.35 eV. On the other hand, 10ZnO/10V 2 O 5 has semi flower shape with different layers. Optical parameters, such as optical band gap, extension coefficient, tails of localized states, and refractive index, were gauged for these nanocomposites. In addition, the mean refractive index of ZnO is lower than that of V 2 O 5 , with differences observed between 5ZnO/10V 2 O 5 and 10ZnO/10V 2 O 5 nanocomposites.

This work focuses on the time-variant convective thin-film nanoliquid fluid flow and heat transfer over a stretching, inclined surface under the effect of magnetism for different energy technologies for sustainability. It is crucial to understand how solid materials can be treated with thin films while focusing on the actual ability to improve the body surface features for infiltration, shock resistance, rigidness, brightness, dispersal, absorption, or electrical efficiency. All of these improvements are invaluable, especially in the field of nanotechnology. As with any mass and thermal transport phenomena, the study breaks down important factors such as thermophoresis and Brownian movement, in an attempt to improve the energetic balance and lessen fuel consumption. Utilizing the mathematical model of the temporal evolution on the liquid film flow characteristics over an inclined surface, we obtain a system of nonlinear partial differential equations and convert it to a system of coupled ordinary differential equations appropriately. Finally, the results of the model problem computational analysis are produced using the Laplace Adomian decomposition method (LADM) and are shown both quantitatively and visually. During the flow analysis, the impact of specific flow parameters such as the magnetic, Brownian, and thermophoresis parameters are examined and found to be highly significant. Furthermore, it is found that the effects of ( M M ) and (Nt) factors on ( F F ), ( Φ \Phi ), and ( ϕ \phi ) lead to decreased conduction. Conversely, the thermal gradient within the liquid films rises in proportion to the (Nb) factor. This research is distinguished from similar attempts made in the past in terms of thin-film nanoliquid flow from inclined planes and application of LADM approach toward modeling. The findings have provided tangible use in coming up with new methods of cooling electronics gadgets, energy harvesting for solar energy, and eco-friendly industrial processes.

Fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP) is prone to invisible damage caused by low-velocity impact (LVI) during service. The structural health monitoring system is of great significance for damage monitoring and maintenance of composite materials. In this study, four fiber Bragg grating sensors were employed to collect the time domain strain signals of composite materials subjected to LVIs. Furthermore, a numerical simulation model was established to rapidly obtain impact signal dataset. The signal arrival time, peak time, and peak amplitude were selected as signal features, and the backpropagation neural network was successfully applied to determine the location and energy of LVIs. To address the issue of peak feature extraction in the strain signal processing, a genetic algorithm-based sliding window peak detection optimization method was proposed, which significantly improved the final prediction accuracy. The experimental results indicated that within a position range of 300 mm × 300 mm, the average positioning error can reach 5.1 mm; and in an energy range of 0.5–1 J, the average energy prediction error can reach 0.030 J. The proposed method achieved accurate identification of the LVI location and energy for FRP.

The sodium alginate (SA)-based nanofluid flow comprising alumina nanoparticles on a bi-directional extending sheet has many applications, which include thermal management, automotive radiators, industrial heat exchangers, conductive coatings, flexible electronics, electromagnetic shielding, solar panels, etc. A numerical study based on the SA-based nanofluid flow containing alumina nanoparticles over a bi-directional extending sheet in the presence of variable Darcy porous media has not yet been examined. Therefore, this study focuses on numerically investigating the flow behavior of a nanofluid of SA containing nanoparticles of alumina (Al 2 O 3 ) over a bi-directional extending sheet. The variable Darcy porous media, magnetic field, thermal radiation, and thermal-dependent and space-dependent heat sources are applied to examine heat transfer flow. The velocity and thermal slip conditions have been used in the present model. The model is first shown as partial differential equations and is then converted to ordinary differential equations (ODEs). A numerical technique called bvp4c MATLAB function is applied to solve the modeled ODEs. The model is validated with previously published results. From the obtained results, it is found that high magnetic factor increases the thermal distribution, skin frictions, and heat transfer rate and reduces the velocity profiles along both directions. The Casson factor reduces the skin friction, heat transfer rate, and velocity profiles along both directions while increasing the thermal distribution. High velocities and temperature distributions of a SA-based nanofluid flow containing alumina nanoparticles are found for the scenario of no-slip condition when matched to the slip condition. It is concluded from the observed results that the percentage increase is higher for the no-slip conditions compared to the slip conditions.

It has been studied that both two-dimensional (2D) MoS 2 and V 2 O 5 , which are classified as transition metal dichalcogenides and transition metal oxides, are good photocatalyst materials. For this purpose, the hydrothermal method was practiced to synthesize V 2 O 5(1− x ) MoS 2( x ) ( X = 1–5% w/w) nanocomposites with different 1–5% w/w weight percent of MoS 2 as a prominent photocatalyst under laser irradiation for 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 min to tune photocatalytic degradation of industrial wastage water. The surface of the 2D molybdenum nanolayered matrix was efficaciously decorated with V 2 O 5 nanoparticles. The crystal phase and layered structures of the V 2 O 5(1− x ) MoS 2( x ) ( X = 1–5% w/w) nanocomposites samples were verified by X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy respectively. In the range of the UV visible spectrum, the increment in light absorption from 3.6 to 14.5 Ω −1  cm −1 with an increase of active surface from 108 to 169 μ m 2 {{\rm{\mu }}{\rm{m}}}^{2} with increased MoS 2 doping percentage. Furthermore, dielectric findings like the complex dielectric function, tangent loss, electrical conductivity, quality factors, and impedance of V 2 O 5(1− x ) MoS 2( x ) ( X = 1–5% w/w) nanocomposites are studied. According to photoluminescence studies, the intensity of peaks decreases when laser irradiation time and doping percentages of MoS 2 are increased. As a result, a small peak indicates a decrement rate of electron–hole pair recombination, which increases the capacity for separation. Thermo-gravimetric analysis and differential thermal analysis results revealed that weight loss decreased from 0.69 to 0.35 mg and thermal stability increased with increased doping concentrations. Methylene blue was degraded in 150 min, proving that the prepared MoS 2 -doped V 2 O 5 material was a stable and economically low-cost nanocomposite for photocatalytic activity.

The present study scrutinizes the significance of heat source/sink (HSS), thermophoretic particle deposition, and porous media on the time-dependent ternary nanofluid stream across a stretchable surface in the presence of Newtonian heating (NH) and common wall temperature (CWT) cases. The governing equations of the investigated model are changed into ordinary differential equations by using suitable similarity transformations. The resultant dimensionless equations are solved using the Laguerre polynomial collocation method. For comparison, the Runge Kutta Fehlberg’s fourth-fifth order (RKF-45) method is employed. Graphs are used to illustrate the significant parameters’ impacts on each profile, and relevant physical quantities such as the Sherwood number, skin friction, and Nusselt number are exhibited. The study reveals that the velocity profile drops with an increase in permeable parameters. The thermal profile increases with improvement in porous and HSS constraints. The concentration diminishes as the value of the thermophoretic parameter rises. For better solid volume fraction values, the rate of temperature dispersal is lower in the NH case associated with the CWT case. Additionally, the rate of thermal distribution is enhanced by approximately 2.90% surface drag force, 4.73% in the CWT case and 2.27% in the NH case, and the rate of mass transfer is enhanced by 2.99% when transitioning from ternary the ternary hybrid nanofluid to the (normal) nanofluid. The results of the study will help in heat exchangers, thermal management, chemical engineering, biomedical instruments, and design and optimization of electronic equipment.

The emergence of smart and nanobiosensor (NB) technologies has transformed the monitoring and management of bacterial infections. These developments offer remarkable accuracy and precision for detecting infectious pathogens. Smart artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted and NB-based methods are used as powerful tools in biomedicine for bacterial detection, combatting multidrug resistance, and diagnosing infections. In this study, we delve into the advancements in these technologies, focusing on AI-based techniques for NBs in detecting bacterial infections from 2019 to 2024. We analyze the contributions of machine learning and deep learning techniques to enhance performance and reliability. The new approaches to improve the effectiveness and versatility of antibacterial treatments are critically analyzed. Our study includes the observations of carbon nanoparticles that selectively target bacteria using photothermal properties and the production of hybrid hydrogel composites with capabilities. Furthermore, the study emphasizes the crucial significance of NBs in propelling the progress of diagnostic methods, biosensing technologies, and treatments, thereby transforming the healthcare industry and the way diseases are managed. In addition, we explore pathogen-based infections, bacterial diagnosis, and treatment using engineered NBs enhanced with various modalities such as electrochemistry, acoustics, electromagnetism, and photothermal resonance. Our comprehensive review highlights the potential and throws light on future research directions for effective management and control of bacterial infections.

In this study, atomistic simulations were used to analyze the effects of nonglide stress and temperature on the mobility and structure of pyramidal-I (Pyr-I) and pyramidal-II (Pyr-II) 〈 c + a 〉 screw dislocations in single-crystal Mg. At a very low temperature (10 K), the pyramidal screw dislocations stably exist on Pyr-II planes and tend to glide on Pyr-I planes. The critical resolved shear stresses (CRSSes) of the pyramidal screw dislocations depend on the migration direction. Once a Pyr-II dislocation is transformed into a stuck core, a very high shear stress (243 and 391 MPa) is required to escape from the immobilized structure. Furthermore, their CRSSes increase with increasing compressive strain and decrease with increasing tensile strain normal to the slip planes. At the intermediate temperature range of 200 K ≤ T ≤ 400 K, the CRSSes of Pyr-I screw dislocations are weakly affected, whereas those of Pyr-II screw dislocations drastically decrease. Thus, both Pyr-I and Pyr-II screw dislocations have similar CRSS values at 400 K. At a higher temperature (500 K), Pyr-I screw dislocations frequently emit basal- 〈 a 〉 \langle a\rangle dislocation loops, and the remained dislocations are momentarily immobilized. The basal- 〈 a 〉 \langle a\rangle dislocation loops emitted from the 〈 c + a 〉 dislocations are quickly retracted, and the core structure is recovered as the shear deformation continues. This phenomenon can reduce the mobility of Pyr-I 〈 c + a 〉 screw dislocations at a higher temperature. The emission of basal- 〈 a 〉 \langle a\rangle dislocation loops is enhanced under compression.

Nanofluids (NFDs) are becoming better understood as a result of substantial boost in thermal efficiency advances and the rate of energy exchange employed in requisite fuel dynamics and automotive coolants. Owing to its usage, computational scrutinization examines the cross-flow of an NFD past an expanding/contracting sheet with the impact of suction. In addition, the entropy and irregular generation/absorption effects are induced to compute/estimate the magnificent point of NFD flow. The innovative components of this study are Brinkman number, nanoparticle volume fraction, dimensionless temperature difference, expanding/contracting factor, irregular heat source/sink, and suction parameters. The boundary layers undergo a stream-wise process through expanding and contracting sheets. Also, the study makes use of numerical simulations to scrutinize the aspects of heat transport and cross-flow of NFDs. The fundamental partial differential equations of the current model are converted to ordinary differential equations by using similarity variables, and then they are exercised via the bvp4c approach. Therefore, parametric research has been used to frame the effects of embedded flow variables on the drag force, heat transfer rate, and entropy generation profiles. Multiple solutions are provided for a certain range of shrinking parameters as well as the mass suction parameter. The results suggest that the shear stress enhances due to suction f wa {f}_{\text{wa}} and nanoparticle volume fraction φ TiO 2 {\varphi }_{{\text{TiO}}_{2}} , while the heat transfer accelerates due to φ TiO 2 {\varphi }_{{\text{TiO}}_{\text{2}}} and heat source ( A b ⁎ , B b ⁎ > 0 ) ({A}_{b}^{\ast },{B}_{b}^{\ast }\gt 0) and decelerates due to heat sink ( A b ⁎ , B b ⁎ < 0 ) ({A}_{b}^{\ast },{B}_{b}^{\ast }\lt 0) . In addition, a favorable comparison with the literature that is already out there has been found, and it shows a great deal of similarities.

This article explores the dynamics of nanofluids consisting of copper (TiO 2 ) nanoparticles suspended in water, as they interact with sensor surfaces between two parallel squeezing plates with porous characteristics. This research specifically targets applications involving enhanced heat transfer and magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) control in nanofluid systems. The primary aim is to analyze the effects of nanoparticle aggregation and non-aggregation on sensor surfaces, considering MHD formations and heat transfer in the energy and momentum equations. The research adopts a steady-state fluid condition and utilizes similarity transformations to convert partial differential equations into more manageable ordinary differential equations. The methodology involves shooting methods for solving these nonlinear ordinary differential equations and employs graphical analyses to study the impacts of various parameters such as permeability, magnetic influence, squeeze flow, and radiation on the temperature and velocity profiles of the nanofluid. The results reveal significant dependencies of temperature and velocity profiles on the studied parameters, illustrating varied behaviors in scenarios of both aggregation and non-aggregation of nanoparticles. The findings emphasize how each parameter distinctively influences the heat and flow characteristics of the nanofluid, offering insights into optimizing conditions for better performance and control in practical applications. Future research could focus on extending the model to include transient fluid states and exploring the effects of other nanoparticle materials and shapes. There is also potential to investigate the interactions under different environmental conditions and to incorporate more complex boundary conditions to simulate real-world applications more accurately. Further experimental validation of the theoretical predictions would be beneficial to enhance the reliability and applicability of the findings.

Heat, ultrasonic, microwave, and external energy are the essential conditions in the conventional preparation of nano-cupric oxide (CuO) from copper hydroxide (Cu(OH) 2 ) precursor. In this work, CuSO 4 aqueous solution (0.02 mol) was gradually added dropwise into the methanol/sodium hydroxide (NaOH/CH 3 OH) solution (0.04 mol) in 20 min at normal temperature and then constantly stirred the black solution for about 5 min; nano-CuO was synthesized. The as-prepared CuO had a high purity and a regular nanosize of 4–10 nm. What is more, the by-product sodium sulfate (Na 2 SO 4 ) could be separated using a high-speed centrifuge, indicating that the methanol could be conveniently recycled; thereby, an environmentally friendly sustainable route of the preparation of nano-CuO was developed. In addition, the as-prepared nano-CuO was melt-compounded with polyamide 6 to produce fiber composites. The results showed that the nano-CuO was uniformly dispersed in PA6 fiber composites and presented an excellent antibacterial performance. Most importantly, the function of methanol in the dehydration process was revealed.

The effect of annealing time on the bending properties and microstructure of cold-rolled C19400 alloy was studied by transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and optical microscopy. With the increase in annealing time, the bending properties of the alloy first increased and then decreased, and the elongation increased from 8.33% in cold-rolled state to 11.58% after annealing for 60 min, which increased by 39.02%, and then decreased to 10.0% after annealing for 90 min. Within the experimental range, the bending performance is the best when the annealing time is 60 min. When the relative bending radius is 0.4, the outer surface of the bending part of the alloy changes from a large number of microfine cracks before annealing to the disappearance of cracks after annealing. The analysis shows that the decrease in the dislocation density, the ordering of the dislocation structure, and the refinement of the precipitated phase are the keys to improving the bending performance of the strip after annealing.

Serious consequences including septicemia and amputations can result from complex wounds, which is a serious healthcare concern. In addition, there are currently only a few choices for management, which justifies the search for novel, highly effective wound-healing medications. This research work was aimed at fabricating chitosan-based Alkanna tinctoria and Mupirocin nanoparticles by ionic gelation technique for burn wound management. Preliminary studies were conducted, and the prepared nanoparticles were characterized by various techniques that involve, high-performance liquid chromatography for the detection of components in A. tinctoria root extract, ATR-FTIR, particle size, zeta potential, percent drug content (DC%), percent entrapment efficiency (EE%), scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) for surface morphology. The optimized formulation CS-AT-MU-NPs3 shows a particle size of 340.8 ± 34.46 nm and positive zeta potential 27.3 ± 3.10 mV. In vitro drug release study was also performed, which demonstrated improved and controlled release of the drug from the nanoparticles. The CS-AT-MU-NPs3 exhibited a maximum release up to 92.61% (AT) and 88.35% (MU). Antibacterial and antifungal activities of the formulation were also accessed by utilizing the agar well diffusion technique. The combination of AT and MU in chitosan-based nanoparticles was significantly effective against bacterial and fungal strains like Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa , and Candida albicans as compared to other formulations. The skin irritation study was also conducted, which shows that the prepared formulation did not cause any observable changes to the skin in terms of inflammation, erythema, edema, or any other symptoms associated with skin irritation. All the chitosan-based nanoparticles showed almost 75% reduction in wound contraction, while the optimized formulation CS-AT-MU-NPs3 showed complete wound healing on the 15th day. Based on the results, it can be assumed that chitosan-based nanoparticles containing A. tinctoria and Mupirocin demonstrated good wound healing and could be used to effectively manage burn wounds of any description.

In this study, the electrospinning technique was employed to create a nanofiber membrane by stretching an organic polymer into nanofibers under a high electric field. Metronidazole (MNZ) at a concentration of 3 wt% was loaded into a poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) and silk fibroin (SF)-blended nanofiber membrane. This formulation aims to achieve effective and sustained drug release, enabling the eradication of bacteria for the efficient treatment of periodontitis. Results demonstrated that SF interacted with PLGA molecules, forming dense and uniform nanofibers with a diameter of 570 nm. Excessive SF molecules tended to aggregate, leading to an increased particle size, with the interaction between MNZ and SF contributing to adhesion. The composition of MNZ, SF, and PLGA formed a physical chimera without any chemical reactions. Moreover, as the SF content increased, the tensile properties of the membrane gradually improved. Concurrently, the in vitro degradation rate increased with higher SF content. Among the various groups tested, the 3 wt% MNZ/PLGA/SF 2:1 membrane exhibited superior drug release characteristics, with 71.76% release within 24 h. This formulation demonstrated excellent antibacterial properties, indicated by a bacterial inhibition diameter of 13.5 mm, noteworthy hydrophilicity with a contact angle of 44.3°, and favorable biocompatibility. The membrane holds significant application value in regenerative engineering and drug delivery systems, showcasing substantial potential for the treatment of periodontitis.

In this work, Nd (0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 at%)-doped TiO 2 thin films were synthesized on Si (100) substrates using a sol–gel spin-coating technique. The formation of the anatase phase was demonstrated by X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy. It was also demonstrated that the doping of the Nd element resulted in a TiO 2 crystal structure. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy proved that the doping of Nd element promoted the transfer of Ti 4+ to Ti 3+ , which facilitates the photocatalytic performance of the TiO 2 films. Scanning electron microscope and atomic force microscope demonstrated that all of the Nd-doped film surfaces showed different degrees of aggregation relative to the pure TiO 2 film surface. It was verified that the doping of Nd altered the lattice structure of TiO 2 thin films, resulting in lattice defects on the surface and changing the grain size of the films. Meanwhile, the lattice defects and changes in the chemical state affect the photocatalytic performance of TiO 2 films, and the highest photoactivity was observed for an Nd doping concentration of 1.0 at%. Nd doping causes lattice defects conducive to the formation of more Ti 3+ oxidation centers and reduces the photogenerated electron–hole recombination rate, resulting in the improved photocatalytic performance of TiO 2 films.

Inducing an anti-inflammatory response before neurogenesis is crucial in effectively addressing peripheral nerve damage. Herein, we developed shell-core-structured nanofilms (Cur/PLCL@BDNF/CNT) using poly-( l -Lactide)-Caprolactone (PLCL) and curcumin (Cur, an anti-inflammatory agent) as the shell layer, and carbon nanotubes (CNT) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF, a neurogenic factor) as the core via coaxial electrospinning technology. The resulting Cur/PLCL@BDNF/CNT film exhibited a characteristic fibrous structure with remarkable shell-core architecture, demonstrating unweakened mechanical properties. Notably, it displayed sustained release kinetics with distinct stages: prioritized Cur release within the initial 12 days and delayed BDNF release between 10 to 30 days. Additionally, the Cur/PLCL@BDNF/CNT film demonstrated high biocompatibility with Schwann cells. Subsequent in vitro analysis revealed the potent anti-inflammatory capabilities of the released Cur from the shell layer, while the BDNF released from the core layer effectively induced neurogenic differentiation of Schwann cells. The Cur/PLCL@BDNF/CNT film was rolled into a nerve conduit and then utilized for nerve regeneration in a 10 mm rat sciatic nerve defect model. The staged release of Cur and BDNF facilitated by the Cur/PLCL@BDNF/CNT film established an anti-inflammatory microenvironment before initiating nerve regeneration, resulting in better nerve restoration. This study emphasizes the significance of shell-core-structured nanofilms in temporally regulating anti-inflammation and neurogenesis.

The need for efficient nanotechnology has led to unexpected developments. Conserving continuous thermal propagation is essential in many industrial and thermal systems because it improves the efficiency of thermal engineering engines and machinery. Therefore, a promising platform to increase thermal power energy is the hybridization of magnetic nanoparticles in a heat-supporting, non-Newtonian fluid. In light of the above applications, a mathematical model is established to analyze the variable fluid features of the thermally radiative and chemically reactive flow of a micropolar Williamson ternary hybrid nanofluid with electromagnetohydrodynamic and electroosmosis forces on a porous stretching surface. Stratification boundary conditions and variable fluid properties were used to analyze the thermal and solutal behavior of the fluid flow. Furthermore, to measure the disorder of the flow system, entropy generation was considered by the impact of Joule heating and viscous dissipation. To develop the numerical scheme BVP4C in MATLAB, we first converted the mathematical flow model into two ordinary differential equations using a suitable transformation. The graphical and numerical results were determined against several parameters of a ternary hybrid nanofluid ( MWCNT , A l 2 O 3 , SiC ) ({\rm{MWCNT}},\hspace{0.25em}{\rm{A}}{{\rm{l}}}_{2}{{\rm{O}}}_{3},\hspace{0.25em}{\rm{SiC}}) and unary nanofluid ( A l 2 O 3 ) ({\rm{A}}{{\rm{l}}}_{2}{{\rm{O}}}_{3}) . The results indicate that the heat transfer rate is more prominent in the ternary hybrid nanofluid than in the unary nanofluid because the addition of nanofluids to the base fluid is used to improve the heat transport rate. It can be seen from the figures that a greater estimation of the magnetic and electric field parameters improves the fluid velocity because, for low values of M ≤ 1 M\le 1 , the aiding force is dominant compared to the retarding force, which results in an improvement in the velocity profile. Furthermore, the entropy generation rate increases for higher values of the Brinkman number and temperature ratio parameter because more heat is produced due to the greater values of Br {\rm{Br}} .

Harnessing green hydrogen production from natural Red Sea water offers an innovative solution to address energy challenges. A one-pot fabrication method is used to create novel nanocomposite thin films with open-spherical shapes, utilizing copper sulfide/poly- O -amino benzenethiol decorated on copper oxide as a promising photocathode. After thorough analysis, a unique morphology characterized by open spherical shapes is projected, which contributes to improved optical absorption. The bandgap of the nanocomposite is 1.17 eV, enabling efficient absorption of light across the entire optical spectrum, extending up to 950 nm. Utilizing Red Sea water as an electrolyte, the generated J ph serves as an indicator of H 2 gas production. The substantial J ph value of −0.82 mA cm −2 is achieved at −0.85 V under light illumination. Furthermore, J ph values exhibit variability, starting at −0.58 mA cm −2 (at 730 nm) and increasing to −0.75 mA cm −2 at a wavelength of 340 nm. The estimated hydrogen gas production rate reaches 1.5 µmole h −1  cm −2 , translating to an impressive 15 µmole h −1 for every 10 cm². This remarkable rate underscores the effectiveness of the photocathode, especially given its fabrication through a single-step process that is suitable for mass production. In addition, its cost-effectiveness further enhances its appeal as a viable solution for renewable energy production for hydrogen gas generation from seawater.

The penta-hybrid nanofluid is a nanofluid that contains five different types of nanoparticles. It can achieve higher heat transfer rates than conventional hybrid nanofluids due to the synergistic effects of the nanoparticles. It also has more diverse physical and thermal properties, which make it more adaptable for various applications. Therefore, this research examines the influence of localized magnetic fields on the vortex dynamics in a penta-hybrid nanofluidic flow in a vertical cavity with an aspect ratio of 1:10, driven by a top and bottom lid moving in the opposite direction. The stream-vorticity formulation is used to solve the dimensionless governing partial differential equation. A confined magnetic field in the form of horizontal and vertical strips has been applied instead of a uniform magnetic field throughout the flow domain, which is more realistic. Moreover, MATLAB codes developed by the authors are used to investigate how these parameters affect the flow and thermal properties of the nanofluids. The results suggest that magnetic fields have an impact on how stress, flow patterns, and temperature are distributed. Moreover, the presence of a magnetic field influences the spacing of isotherms, indicating a more even temperature distribution. It has also been observed that stress distribution is affected by the magnetic field, with higher stress levels near walls and regions with velocity-induced stress. However, in certain areas, the magnetic field can decrease shear stress depending on its strength and orientation. These study findings have implications for designing and operating nanofluidic devices. For instance, utilizing a magnetic field can help regulate flow patterns, temperature distribution, and stress distribution within nanofluidic channels. This capability could prove beneficial for a range of applications, such as cell separation, drug delivery, and nanofluidic heat exchange systems.

Nanotechnology holds excessive potential for addressing agricultural challenges such as soil deprivation, nutrient deficiencies, low harvests, and nutrient leaching. Nanofertilizers enable more efficient nutrient absorption by plants due to their enlarged surface area, bestowing viable solutions. Urea–hydroxyapatite hybrid (urea–HA hybrid) was successfully synthesized via a coprecipitation approach by doping nanohydroxyapatite with copper and zinc along with urea. The synthesized nanohybrids were analyzed by applying various techniques such as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), scanning electron microscopy, and X-ray powder diffraction (XRD). The evidence for the crystalline structure of HA was confirmed by peaks present in XRD analysis at 25.89°, 28.77°, and 32.11°, while urea was validated at 39.29°. The nanosized HA hexagonal nanorods were approximately 16 ± 1.5 nm, with the incorporation of urea, Cu, and Zn. The components of urea–HA hybrid (Ca, P, C, O, and N) were confirmed by EDS analysis with traces of Si. Antibacterial and antifungal activities were investigated against phytopathogenic microbes. The nanohybrid significantly inhibits the growth of Clavibacter michiganensis , Xanthomonas campestris , Macrophomina phaseolina , and Sclerotium rolfsii . A fertilization trial using urea–HA hybrid on Citrus limon has demonstrated a growth of 30 cm within 8 weeks of treatment, accompanied by brighter-colored leaves. Thus, the synthesized urea–HA hybrid enabled the slow release of nutrients, which had a significant impact on plant growth and will also effectively manage disease control against phytopathogens. Thus, this innovative approach addresses agricultural challenges regarding nutrient delivery and disease control more effectively. Graphical abstract

Wound healing is a critical process essential for the body’s recovery from injuries, often complicated by bacterial infections. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have gained attention due to their antibacterial and tissue-regenerative properties. However, conventional chemical synthesis methods for AgNPs pose environmental risks. This study utilizes Ziziphus spina-christi (ZSC) extract for the eco-friendly synthesis of AgNPs, evaluating their antibacterial and wound-healing capabilities. The AgNPs-ZSC showed an absorption maximum at λ max of 460 nm, a particle size of 111.2 ± 1.09 nm, a polydispersity index of 0.38 ± 0.006, and a zeta potential of −27.0 ± 0.231 mV. The synthesized AgNPs-ZSC were spherical, non-aggregated, and exhibited potent antibacterial activity superior to chloramphenicol. Furthermore, the AgNPs-ZSC cream significantly promoted wound closure, epithelial tissue proliferation, and granulation tissue formation in rats, showing no signs of toxicity or adverse reactions. In conclusion, AgNPs-ZSC cream demonstrates excellent antibacterial and wound-healing properties, presenting a sustainable alternative to conventional chemical methods for AgNP synthesis.

This study presents an innovative, environmentally friendly method for biosynthesizing copper oxide–silica (Cu 2 O/SiO 2 ) nanocomposites (CSNCs) utilizing an aqueous leaf extract of Callistemon viminalis ( C. viminalis ). The goal of this work is to fabricate CSNCs using a less hazardous and sustainable synthesis approach. Copper acetate and sodium metasilicate were used as precursors, whereas the C. viminalis green leaf extract was used as the reducing and stabilizing agent. Analysis of the plant extract using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy indicated the presence of polyphenolic compounds, primarily phenolic acids, which functioned as both reducing and stabilizing agents in the synthesis of CSNCs. A combination of energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy was used to study the formation of spherical copper–silica hybrid nanostructures. Powder X-ray diffraction analysis revealed the successful integration of silica with copper( i ) oxide (Cu 2 O) through the presence of distinct Cu 2 O peaks and a broad amorphous SiO 2 peak at 2 θ = 22.77°. The thermal stability of the nanocomposites (NCs) was assessed using thermogravimetric analysis and differential thermal analysis under a nitrogen atmosphere. The biogenic NCs also successfully inhibited pathogenic strains of Staphylococcus aureus ( S. aureus ) and Candida albicans ( C. albicans ); however, S. aureus was found to be more susceptible to the biocidal activity of the NCs than P. aeruginosa . These findings suggest that this simple, cost-effective, and eco-friendly method for producing biologically active hybrid nanomaterials holds significant promise for future applications in both biological and materials sciences.

Geopolymer mortar can be used as an environmentally friendly sustainable construction material for the repair and strengthening of already-existing structures with the utilization of various recycled materials, such as fly ash, slag powder, etc. With mature application of fibers and nanoparticles in construction materials, nano-SiO 2 (NS) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) fibers have been utilized to enhance the properties of geopolymer mortar, which has a major impact on the rheological properties of geopolymer mortar. The rheological property tests of geopolymer mortar were carried out in this study, and three indices including dynamic yield stress, static yield stress, and plastic viscosity were studied as rheological parameters. The results of the study were used to establish the relationships between PVA fiber content as well as NS content and rheological parameters. The results showed that a tendency of first decreasing and then increasing was observed in the rheological parameters with the addition of NS content from 0 to 2.5%. Compared with the geopolymer mortar without NS addition, the dynamic yield stress, static yield stress, and the plastic viscosity increased by 22.6, 12.4, and 22.9%, respectively, when NS content was 2.5%. The results showed that the rheological parameters of geopolymer mortar increased linearly with the increment in PVA fiber content which was less than 1.2%. In comparison to the geopolymer mortar without PVA fibers, the dynamic yield stress, static yield stress, and plastic viscosity increased by 65, 56, and 161%, respectively, as the PVA fiber content was 1.2%.

The parabolic trough solar collector is among the most beneficial solar energy production technologies. However, it has comparatively low thermal performance, which can be enhanced with innovative coolant hybrid nanofluids and transmitter tube configuration. In the present investigation, water-based silver and alumina nanoparticles are used to optimize heat transfer in dual-phase flow comprising magnetohydrodynamic Prandtl–Eyring dusty nanofluid under solar radiation by employing the Levenberg–Marquardt technique with back-propagated neural networks (LM-BPNN). By combining the Joule heating phenomenon, viscous dissipation, and heat source in nanofluid, the suggested LM-BPNNs propose to enhance heat transfer. After obtaining the dataset using a numerical method called bvp4c, the Levenberg–Marquardt technique with back-propagated artificial neural networks (LM-BPANN) algorithm is employed. Benchmark datasets are used with the LM-BPANNs methodology; 80% of the dataset is utilized for training and 10% is retained for testing and verification. The generated LM-BPANNs’ accuracy and convergence are verified employing the reliability obtained through effective fitness determined by mean squared error (MSE), thorough regression analysis, and suitable error histogram representations of data. With reduced MSE values of 4.38 × 10 −9 , it demonstrated exceptionally good performance and demonstrated the great reliability of the model’s predictions. The result demonstrates the efficacy of the suggested method and is consistent with producing a low absolute error of around zero. The main conclusions of this study should have a big impact on industries that use heat transmission, such as oil recovery, fluidic cells, solar collectors, and other related fields.

The use of plant extracts as potent reducing agents for the environmentally friendly production of nanoparticles (NPs) has recently attracted the interest of scientists. NPs have received high attention because of their novel properties. The aim of the present study is to biosynthesize zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) using Raphanus sativus and study their effect as antibacterial, anticancer, antiviral, and antidiabetic, agents, NLRP3 inflammasome inhibitors, and inducers of phagocytosis and autophagy. The antibacterial, anticancer, and antiviral activities of ZnO NPs were investigated using different assays: well diffusion assay, MTT assay, reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, reactive oxygen species generation, and apoptosis assay. Meanwhile, immunofluorescent assay, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and flow cytometry were used for detection of autophagy and phagocytosis. Docking was also achieved to study their binding mode as well as affinity within the target enzymes (glucosamine-6-phosphate synthase) (PDB:1MOQ) active site, estrogen receptor (PDB:3ERT) active site, and tubulin receptor (PDB:4O2B) active site. The results demonstrated that the ZnO NPs have an inhibitory role against bacteria and the proliferation of lung cancer cells (A549). IC 50 was 22.78 µg/mL for A549 cells. For MCF-10, was 272.24 µg/mL, antiviral activity against influenza virus, and antidiabetic agent. Conversely, the results showed the ability of ZnO NPs to reduce inflammasome activity via induction of autophagy. The study’s findings show that R. sativus can be easily and effectively used to synthesize ZnO NPs, and they also highlight the ZnO NPs’ considerable potential as antibacterial, antiviral, anticancer, NLRP3 inflammasome inhibitor, antidiabetic agent, and phagocytosis and autophagy inducer. Based on our findings, the green synthesized ZnO NPs could be used as promising therapeutic agents for biomedical applications.

In the design and optimization of nanofluids, it is crucial to investigate and characterize the thermal conductivity enhancement mechanisms and their influencing factors. Although the effect of the “liquid film” on the thermal conductivity of the solid–liquid interface in nanofluids has been extensively studied, most of the research in this area has examined metal–water nanofluids or Ar-based nanofluids. In this work, non-equilibrium molecular dynamics is utilized to explore the mechanism of thermal conductivity enhancement in TiO 2 –water nanofluids. It is noted that a distinct interfacial layer is formed within 5 Å from the nanoparticle surface. As the nanoparticle size increases, the number density also increases, resulting in a corresponding increase in the thermal conductivity. Moreover, adding 1% TiO 2 nanoparticles to water leads to an increase in thermal conductivity of 1.5–3%. Notably, the interfacial layer thickness remains relatively constant with the change in temperature. The Materials Studio analysis results indicated that the water molecule will have stable chemisorption on the titanium dioxide surface with an adsorption energy of approximately −0.96 eV. The findings of this study offer new insights and useful information to support the selection of nanomaterials for the preparation of convective systems.

The heat transfer characteristics of an unsteady magnetohydrodynamic flow through non-conducting infinite vertical parallel plates are presented in this investigation. The flow is subjected to an induced magnetic field, and the base fluid water contains carbon nanotubes (CNTs), in particular multi-wall carbon nanotubes, to present the behaviour of the nanofluid. The aim is to examine the effect of the applied magnetization and CNT concentration on the heat transport performance of the system. However, suitable transformation rules are adopted for the re-designing of the proposed design model into its non-dimensional form. This transformed system is then solved analytically following the standard transformations. The influence of key parameters, including the Hartmann number (Ha), the angle of inclination of the magnetic field, thermal buoyancy, heat source, and the concentration of CNTs in the nanofluid, on the flow phenomena is analysed. The consequences reveal that the occurrence of the inclined magnetic field affects the flow and heat transfer characteristics significantly. Additionally, the introduction of CNTs to the nanofluid enhances the heat transfer performance due to their unique thermal properties. The study demonstrates that enhanced Ha and CNT concentration augments the heat transfer rate.

Co-curing bonding is more efficient than co-bonding and secondary bonding for structural component assembly. This work used novel covered laminas with co-cured joining techniques (CL-CCT) to create carbon fibre-reinforced polymer (CFRP) composite adhesive-bonded joints. Additionally, the researchers evaluated how multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) affect the bending and dynamic properties of CFRP composite joints. The researchers added various weights of MWCNTs to the covered laminas along with co-cured CFRP adhesive-bonded joints. The study revealed that epoxy and 0.25 wt% MWCNT adhesive produced the strongest and most flexible joints. These joints were 118 and 15% stronger than joints made from pure epoxy CL-CC CFRP, respectively. Compared to pure epoxy CC-CFRP composite joints, the strength of CL-CC CFRP composite joints with 0.25 wt% MWCNTs increased by 374 and 109%, respectively. Interestingly, MWCNTs with a wt% of 1.25 had the greatest natural frequency in all three vibration modes, which are 19, 19, and 13% higher than that of the pure epoxy CL-CC CFRP composite joint. There are 28, 30, and 24% more natural frequencies in 1.25 wt% MWCNT-based CL-CC CFRP composite joints than those in pure epoxy-based joints in all three modes. Analysis of variance was employed for statistical investigation. Optimization and prediction were done using an artificial neural network and the Levenberg–Marquardt technique.

The rising demand for ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) necessitates innovations in sustainable materials. This study explores the substitution of ordinary Portland cement (OPC) with thermally and mechanically activated nano-kaolin in varying proportions from 0.5 to 0.25%. A uniform quantity of double-hooked end steel fibers was added to all the mixes. Activated nano-kaolin variants showed significant enhancement in UHPC properties. Specifically, UHPC with 0.20% thermally activated kaolin (B3-TAK-20) exhibited a 21.6% increase in compressive strength and a 25.5% increase in modulus of elasticity at 90 days, with the modulus of rupture doubling compared to the reference mix. These improvements are attributed to the amorphous nature of thermally activated nano-kaolin, resulting in a denser concrete matrix and reduced porosity. Beyond the optimal 0.20% kaolin replacement, an increase to 0.25% diminished compressive strength. Durability tests showed enhanced acid resistance, with only a 6.7% mass loss for the thermally activated nano-kaolin mix and a consistent reduction in water absorption by 14.4% as kaolin proportions increased from 0.5 to 0.25%. The study also noted a decrease in water absorption by 22.9 and 12.3% at 56 and 90 days, respectively, indicating the thermally activated nano-kaolin’s enhanced performance. This research underscores the potential of activated kaolin as a viable alternative to OPC, paving the way for more sustainable UHPC production.

This study presents a novel model for variable fluid properties of a ternary hybrid nanofluid with base fluid polymer suspended on a three-dimensional stretching sheet under the influence of magnetohydrodynamic forces. Viscosity and thermal conductivity are temperature-dependent. This model has potential for use in nanotechnology, particularly in the shaping and design of surfaces for devices that can stretch or contract, wrap, and paint. The nonlinear equations in charge of this physical problem are derived by using similarity transformations. The fluid behavior is examined using the Reynolds viscosity model. The coupled nonlinear governing equations and the necessary boundary conditions are solved using the shooting technique with RK-4. The numerical calculations, including velocity and temperature profiles, are presented graphically to give the results a physical interpretation. The table discusses skin friction and Nusselt numbers at various physical parameters. The study’s findings show that changing the stretching parameter causes a significant change in the flow characteristics. Particularly, the thickness of the boundary layer decreases as the volume fraction of nanoparticles rises. Furthermore, because temperature-dependent viscosity is taken into account, as the viscosity parameter increases, so does the temperature. Key results specify that the Nusselt number Nu {\rm{Nu}} increases with the increase in temperature-dependent viscosity α \alpha , while decreases with the increase in thermal conductivity ϵ \epsilon parameters. Impact of α \alpha shows more convective heat transfer. Greater values of ϵ \epsilon reduce the effectiveness of heat transfer.

The biodegradability of corn starch (CS), CS/nanocellulose fiber (NCF), and CS/NCF/thymol (Thy) films produced via a solvent casting method was investigated by soil burial test (SBT) in two types of soils (compost and planting). The films were evaluated in regard to weight loss, visual appearance, morphological properties, and structural properties. Based on SBT, CS/NCF films exhibited the least weight loss and changes in visual appearance, morphology, and structural properties. The inclusion of Thy into CS/NCF films increased substantially the degree of degradation of films in both soils. The microscopy images of films after SBT show that all of the films had voids, holes, and rough surfaces especially films containing Thy, indicating that the films degraded. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy results revealed shifting of peaks and changes in peak intensity of some functional groups of films, confirming the degradation phenomenon. Compost soil has more organic material, active microbes, nutrients, and humidity than planting soil, thus resulting in films with greater weight loss and changes in visual appearance, morphology, and structural properties. It can be concluded that the films have a high potential for applications and can help to lower the amount of usage of non-degradable materials. Graphical abstract

Abstact Copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) have wide range of application in many fields of industry, agriculture, cosmetics, and health care with probable risk to human health. The present study was conducted to find the chronic toxicity of these nanoparticles in the vital organs. Male healthy Wister Albino rats were subjected on daily bases to 35 intraperitoneal administration of 25 nm CuO NPs (2 mg/kg). All animals were subjected to morphological, histological, histochemical, and ultrastructural examinations. Exposure to CuO NPs induced reduction in body weight gain, urine retention, back arching, and renal calculi formation. The renal tissues demonstrated tubular hydropic degeneration, glomerular hypercellularity, blood vessels congestion and dilatation, renal interstitial oedema, mitochondrial injury, and lysosomal hypertrophy. Conversely, the liver displayed hepatocyte insultation, sinusoidal dilatation, Kupffer cells hyperplasia, inflammatory cell infiltration, hepatocytes mitochondrial cristolysis, mitochondrial swelling, lysosomal hyperplasia, and nuclear alterations. Furthermore, the cardiac tissues demonstrated congestion, cardiocytes disarray, and disorganization. In addition, the neural tissue exhibited Purkinje cells degeneration and cerebral cortex spongiosis. The results suggest that CuO nanomaterials engage with the vital organs’ components, potentially leading to alterations that could affect the organs function. Further research is encouraged for better understanding the mechanisms involved in pathogenesis of CuO NPs.

Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) have been developed as innovative devices for harvesting various forms of mechanical energy generated by our bodies and surroundings, which provide green and sustainable power for increasingly miniaturized and mobile electronics, especially wearables. In this article, the largest possible output energy per cycle of a TENG in the two basic working modes, namely, the vertical contact-separation (CS) mode and the contact-sliding (LS) mode, is analyzed and the energy collected by a capacitor is tested. It is found that more energy output and collected from a vertical CS mode TENG than that from a LS mode TENG with the same size and triboelectric layer materials when the size and displacement range of the TENG are suitable for a wearable energy harvesting device. In order to improve the energy output of a TENG, three methods have been proposed to increase its surface charge density, such as adding a BaTiO 3 film or a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)-BaTiO 3 composite film between the triboelectric layer and the metal electrode, and using a PDMS-BaTiO 3 composite film as a negative triboelectric layer, and corresponding TENGs are fabricated for experimental testing. These measures have effectively enhanced the output of the TENGs.

Adhesive joints are frequently utilized due to their lightweight nature and minimal damage to the substrates. However, their application is constrained by a lack of reliable performance under moist conditions. This study assesses the impact of incorporating varying concentrations (0.25–0.75 wt%) of graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) on moisture uptake, dynamic thermal properties, and tensile behaviour of engineered epoxy adhesives when subjected to water for periods of up to 8 weeks. The objective of this study is to ascertain the optimal concentration from the standpoint of degradation in the thermomechanical performance of the epoxy resulting from water ageing. The addition of GNP results in a 45% reduction in the diffusion coefficient of the 0.25 wt% GNP-modified epoxy relative to the unmodified epoxy. The reduced absorption of water by the GNP-reinforced adhesive results in diminished thermomechanical degradation, particularly during the initial immersion period (less than 14 days). The loss modulus exhibits an increase of up to 21% in comparison with the unmodified epoxy. The reduction in tensile strength of the modified epoxy is 53% less than that of the unmodified epoxy following 14 days of water ageing. Under the same water ageing conditions for 14 days, the epoxy modified with 0.25 wt% GNP exhibited a 75% increase in tensile strength compared to the unmodified epoxy. This work may facilitate the GNP application in epoxy adhesive joints, thereby enhancing their durability under high humidity conditions.

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have received extensive attention due to their exceptional properties and wide range of applications. However, the agglomeration of CNTs in aqueous solutions and organic solvents significantly limits their large-scale application. In this study, the microscopic morphology and dispersion stability of the CNT suspensions were analyzed, and the most suitable surfactant in this study was selected. The preparation parameters of the CNT suspensions were optimized, and uniaxial compression tests were conducted on carbon nanotube concrete (CNTC) prepared using the optimized parameters. Scanning electron microscope analysis was used to investigate the improvement in the microstructure of the concrete by CNTs. Transmission electron microscope micrographs of the polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP)-CNT suspensions exhibited a uniformly distributed CNT cross-linked network. The absorbance reduction ratio of PVP-CNT suspensions after standing for 90 days was 13.75 and 22.41%, respectively. The absorbance reduction ratio of the suspensions first increased and then decreased with increasing dispersant ratio and ultrasonic dispersion time and increased with increasing ultrasonic power ratio. Compared with that of plain concrete, the uniaxial compressive strength of CNTC significantly improved, with a maximum increase of 18.15% when the content was 0.10%, and the failure mode exhibited typical shear failure characteristics. The optimized preparation parameters for the CNT suspensions were a PVP-to-multiwalled carbon nanotube mass ratio of 4:1, an ultrasonic dispersion time of 20 min, and an ultrasonic power of 60%. These optimized parameters are ideal choices for preparing CNT cement-based composite suspensions.

This study investigated the effects of max-phase Ti₃SiC₂ and other nanoparticle reinforcements (graphene, CNTs, and SiN) on the mechanical and dynamic properties of friction stir processed (FSPed) AA5083 aluminum composites. Microstructural analysis revealed the impact of these reinforcements on grain size. Dynamic properties were assessed using a free vibration impact test, while mechanical properties were measured through a compression test. Most composites showed enhancements in damping ratio and natural frequency compared to the base alloy, with the Ti₃SiC₂ leading to a substantial increase in natural frequency. The AA5083/max phase Ti 3 SiC 2 composite demonstrated the most significant improvements across nearly all properties, notably enhancing stiffness (+7.35% in E ), strength (+25.36% in yield strength), and vibration resistance (+5.83% in f ₙ), while significantly reducing damping (−62.76% in ζ ). In contrast, the friction stirred AA5083 offered moderate enhancements in strength (+17.86% in yield strength) and a slight increase in natural frequency (+2.00%) but did not significantly improve stiffness and actually increased damping. The base alloy AA5083 served as the baseline for comparison, exhibiting the lowest performance in all categories. The findings highlight the potential of FSP and reinforcement, especially Ti 3 SiC 2 , for tailoring the properties of AA5083 for enhanced performance in various applications. These findings emphasize the significance of customizing the reinforcement material to attain the intended mechanical characteristics in AA5083 composites.

The article introduces a machine learning-based approach to enhance drug delivery to cancerous tissues via the human cardiovascular system. It addresses the need for improved drug transport in the presence of cardiovascular obstacles, such as foamy structures, which are implicated in cardiovascular diseases. By examining the impact of nanoparticles on drug transport and biomarkers like hydrogen peroxide, the study refines drug delivery strategies. The motivation is to understand how nanoparticles not only facilitate drug delivery to cancer cells but also mitigate hydrogen peroxide concentration in the blood. This study explores the interaction between nanoparticle behavior, hydrogen peroxide concentration, and drug delivery using machine learning techniques. The integration of modern-day approaches, mainly the Levenberg–Marquardt neural network (LM-NN), offers a healthy assessment of drug delivery systems. Blood flow is exhibited numerically as pulsatile flow in a parallel plate channel, incorporating the properties of foamy structures modeled as porous media. Nanostructures are treated as drug carriers by a concentration equation that considers diffusion, convection, and reaction dynamics in the blood flow. The investigation reveals that nanostructures serve a dual function by augmenting drug delivery to cancer cells and reducing hydrogen peroxide levels in the blood. Machine learning techniques, particularly the LM-NN, identify vital factors affecting drug delivery efficiency, offering insights into optimizing physiological parameters, drug properties, and patient-specific variables. This research presents a novel approach by integrating machine learning, specifically LM-NN, to optimize nanoparticle-mediated drug delivery. It exclusively combines modeling blood flow as pulsatile within a parallel plate channel with the contemplation of foamy structures as porous media. This dual-focus approach advances up-to-date methodologies by providing an inclusive understanding of the interplay between drug carriers and biomarkers, leading to potential enhancements in cancer treatment strategies.

In this study, we prepared an inclusion complex of picoplatin (Pc) with 2-hydroxy propyl β cyclodextrin (HPCD) to improve its hydrophilicity, yielding Pc-HPCD. The Pc-HPCD complex was encapsulated into PEG-PLGA nanoparticles (NPs) using the emulsion–solvent evaporation method, yielding Pc-HPCD@PEG-PLGA core–shell NPs. The inclusion complex was assessed using 1 HNMR spectroscopy and a phase solubility study. In addition, the average hydrodynamic diameter, polydispersity index, zeta potential, and encapsulation efficiency (EE%) of the Pc-HPCD@PEG-PLGA NPs were 190.2 ± 8.7 nm, 0.14 ± 0.02, −13.97 ± 0.67 mV, and 80.7 ± 2.4%, respectively. In vitro release study showed a pH-triggered release manner. Furthermore, the biological evaluation of Pc-HPCD@PEG-PLGA NPs revealed a significantly potent cytotoxic activity (IC 50 = 1.6 ± 0.24 µg/ml) against triple-negative breast cancer cells (TNBC), surpassing that of Pc-HPCD (IC 50 = 5.3 ± 0.93 µg/ml) and Pc (IC 50 = 7.5 ± 0.4 µg/ml). Pc-HPCD@PEG-PLGA NPs induced significant apoptosis and the ability to arrest cells at the sub-G1 phase in MDA-MB-231 cells. Moreover, in an in vivo model established using SEC-bearing mice, treatment with Pc-HPCD@PEG-PLGA demonstrated significant inhibition of tumor proliferation (67.2%). This was accompanied by improvements in hematological and biochemical measurements, as well as histopathological examination, which indicated a reduction in cellular and nuclear pleomorphism. Our study demonstrated the potential of Pc-HPCD@PEG-PLGA NPs to be employed as an effective and safe therapy capable of conquering TNBC.

Some models have been proposed for the electrical conductivity of graphene-filled nanocomposites, but they have not reflected the characteristics of an imperfect interphase surrounding the graphene nanosheets. In this article, the size and conductivity of an imperfect interphase are used to develop a model for conductivity of the graphene/polymer system. Also, “ Y ,” the degree of conduction transfer through an imperfect interphase, is expressed as graphene dimensions and interphase conductivity to define the effective converse aspect ratio and effective filler portion in the samples. The developed model for nanocomposite conductivity is examined by the experimental data of some samples. Furthermore, the influences of various factors on “ Y ,” percolation onset, and nanocomposite conductivity are investigated. Thin and large nanosheets, poor filler conductivity, and high interphase conductivity produce a high “ Y. ” Likewise, “ Y ” and graphene volume portion ( φ f ) ({\varphi }_{\text{f}}) significantly govern the conductivity of samples. Y = 9 and φ f {\varphi }_{\text{f}} = 0.03 yield the highest nanocomposite conductivity of 16 S/m, while Y < 2 or φ f {\varphi }_{\text{f}} < 0.022 cannot improve the conductivity of samples.

Terahertz metasurface (THz-MS) biosensor is a hybrid technology that combines terahertz time-domain spectroscopy and metasurface for the detection of biomolecules and cells. Compared with traditional strategies, it is label-free, non-invasive, time-saving, and easy to operate. However, three fundamental issues, namely, low sensitivity, low specificity, and drastic water absorption, hinder the development of THz-MS biosensors for clinical application. Recently, numerous studies of THz-MS biosensors have been performed to solve these problems, and the results show great potential for the sensitive detection of nucleotides, proteins, and cells. Therefore, it is important to summarize the development of THz-MS biosensors in biomedical detection. In this review, we summarized the mechanism, manufacturing, and implementation of THz-MS biosensors. Then, strategies to improve the sensitivity, selectivity, and means to reduce water absorption are presented. Sensitivity can be improved by suppressing electromagnetic radiation and strengthening the interaction between target molecules and meta-atoms. Antibodies and aptamers are the most effective strategies for improving specificity. Microfluidics and hydrogels are two potential ways to reduce the water absorption. Subsequently, the applications of the THz-MS biosensors for the detection of nucleotide, proteins, and cells are summarized. Finally, the prospects for the future development of THz-MS biosensors are outlined.

Carbon-based materials strongly pertain to citizens’ daily life due to their versatile derivatives such as diamond, graphite, fullerenes, carbon nanotube, single-layer graphene, and amorphous carbon (a-C). Compared to other families, a-C exhibits reconfigurable electrical properties by triggering its sp 2 –sp 3 transition and vice versa , which can be readily fabricated by conventional film deposition technologies. For above reasons, a-C has been adopted as a promising memristive material and has given birth to several physical and theoretical prototypes. To further help researchers comprehend the physics behind a-C-based memristors and push forward their development, here we first reviewed the classification of a-C-based materials associated with their respective electrical and thermal properties. Subsequently, several a-C -based memristors with different architectures were presented, followed by their respective memristive principles. We also elucidated the state-of-the-art modeling strategies of a-C memristors, and their practical applications on neuromorphic fields were also described. The possible scenarios to further mitigate the physical performances of a-C memristors were eventually discussed, and their future prospect to rival with other memristors was also envisioned.

Over the past few decades, nanotechnology has developed rapidly and has been applied to various fields. Gold nanoclusters (AuNCs), which are composed of several hundred atoms, are a new type of nanomaterial. AuNCs are often synthesized using ligands or templates. The interaction between the gold atoms and the groups of the ligands or templates results in unexpected physical and chemical properties. In recent studies, natural proteins have often been used as templates to synthesize AuNCs. The unique structure of natural proteins endows AuNCs with biological functions, such as biocompatibility and enzymatic activity. The unique properties of these natural protein-AuNCs have been verified and applied in various fields. In this article, the synthetic strategies used to produce AuNCs have been divided into two categories: animal-derived and plant-derived protein synthesis. The protein types and synthesis strategies used in the current mainstream research are reviewed, and their applications in detection and biological imaging are summarized. Finally, the problems and future development directions of AuNCs synthesized from natural proteins are discussed, laying a foundation for the biological application of protein-AuNCs.

Patchy interactions and heterogeneous charge distribution make nanoclay (NC) a promising biomaterial to interact with different biomolecules, polymers, and biological components. Many researchers have studied the polymer/clay nanocomposites in recent years. However, some deficiencies, such as poor impact strength, limit the application of polymer/clay nanocomposites in different fields. As a result, many attempts have been made to resolve this problem. Also, researchers have developed calcium carbonate (CaCO 3 ) nanoparticles as biomedical materials. The nontoxic properties and biocompatibility of both CaCO 3 and NC make their nanocomposites ideal for biomedical applications. In this article, a detailed review of the ternary polymer nanocomposites containing NC and CaCO 3 is presented. The morphological, thermal, mechanical, and rheological characteristics, in addition to the modeling of behavior and foam properties, are studied in this article. In addition, the potential challenges for ternary nanocomposites and their biomedical applications are discussed.

The development of advanced composite materials based on polyoxometalates (POMs) and fibers has attracted significant attention due to their combination of the unique chemical reactivity of POMs and the flexible wearable properties of fiber materials. The exceptional properties exhibited by those resultant composites have been widely employed in catalysis and optical sensors. In this article, we aim to provide an overview of progress on POMs functionalized fiber materials involving the preparation methods, namely, electrostatic spinning and layer-by-layer self-assembly methods, as well as the developments in the fields of catalysis, photochromism, and photoluminescence. Current applications are critically assessed and promising future target systems are discussed. Graphical abstract In this review, polyoxometalate-based fiber materials, including preparation and application, are introduced, showing promising performances in catalysis and optical property.

Cell death is an important life activity in individual development. Changes in morphological and mechanical properties during cell death are crucial to identify the modes of cell death. However, due to technical limitations, little is known about these characteristics. The emergence of atomic force microscopy (AFM), a nanoscale research tool that integrates imaging and mechanical measurement functions, provides new insights into our understanding of cell death. Based on a brief introduction to the structure, principle, and working modes of AFM, this article elaborates on the contribution of AFM in cell death to detect morphological and mechanical properties, especially in apoptotic cells. Meanwhile, the potential of AFM in distinguishing different cell death modes and visualizing membrane pores (medicated by apoptosis and pyroptosis) is illustrated. In addition, this article states that using single-molecule force spectroscopy by AFM to study the mechanical and adhesive properties of cell death-related molecules. Finally, we discuss the challenges facing and further perspective of AFM. Graphical abstract

Pharmaceutical scientists have long struggled to develop reliable and efficient systems of administering insulin orally due to multiple barriers, including stomach acidity, enzymatic degradation, and mucus barriers. However, various strategies were developed to avoid insulin degradation in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) and promote membrane permeability and biological activity. Among these strategies, chitosan polymer-based carriers are widely researched due to their ability to protect insulin in the alimentary canal and deliver it effectively through the intestinal mucosa, improving its bioavailability. To improve chitosan properties, chemical and physical modifications have been developed, and recently, nanoparticles, microparticles, and beads of chitosan exhibited potential systems for oral insulin delivery (OID). This review facilitates an outline of the types of diabetes mellitus, insulin biosynthesis, and gastrointestinal barriers against oral insulin. Moreover, the limitations of subcutaneous insulin delivery and alternative routes of administration are also discussed. As an ideal and most convenient oral administration route, the challenges of safe insulin delivery through the GIT and strategies to elevate its bioavailability are highlighted. In addition, this review focuses on recent advancements in chitosan based carriers for OID and their potential future applications. Graphical Abstract

The timing and location of senescent cells in vivo is a leading candidate explanation for human aging. A rapidly developing scientific field with the potential to slow the aging process is the creation of pharmacologically active medicines that target senescent cells. Senotherapeutics have been developed to selectively or preferentially target and eliminate senescent cells. Senolytic compounds that delay aging in animal models are being explored in humans with great hope. Nanoparticle (NP) drug delivery strategies for targeting senescent cells are in their infancy, but advancements have been made, and preliminary anti-aging applications are promising. However, using nanomedicine effectively requires an understanding of how NPs behave in senescent cells. Senescence theranostics could offer a variety of information, including a prognostic predictor in cancer patients after treatment. The NPs have a much better outlook for translating it to the clinic for aging. Reversing aging pathologies may only require a percentage reduction in senescent cells to achieve therapeutic success, in contrast to cancer, where it is essential to eradicate the tumor. This review provides an overview of the factors that lead to senescence and different therapeutic approaches, focusing on the use of nanocarriers/particles in senotherapy. Graphical abstract

Cyclodextrin (CD)-block copolymer hybrid systems have recently received great attention from the pharmaceutical and materials research community because this combination can result in new biomaterials and supramolecular structures, which possess the physicochemical and thermotropic properties of both classes of materials. Different structures of CD-block copolymer systems have been described ( i.e. , micelles, vehicles, core-shell structures, nanospheres, and membranes) and they can encapsulate active pharmaceutical ingredients or other bioactive compounds. The aim of this review is to summarize several examples, the properties, the morphological and physicochemical characteristics, the added value, the techniques used for their preparation and characterization, as well as the limitations of CD-block copolymer systems. Taking into consideration the wide variety of block copolymers and CD materials and the expected beneficial characteristics/behavior following their complexation, we could suggest them as new-generation formulations in the upcoming years. Graphical abstract

Cancer treatment often causes adverse effects and toxicity, as chemotherapy drugs affect both cancerous and healthy cells. Scientists seek to target tumor cells specifically and minimize harm to normal cells. Smart nanoparticles (NPs) are a modern technique that can release drugs when triggered by internal or external stimuli, such as temperature, pH, ultrasound, etc . This review covers stimuli-responsive micelle-based nanoparticles (SRM-NPs), a promising drug delivery platform that can enhance drug efficacy and reduce toxicity. It discusses the recent developments and applications of SRM-NPs, their responsiveness to different stimuli, and their potential to overcome drug resistance and adaptive responses. It also addresses the challenges and issues related to their stability, reproducibility, biocompatibility, safety, and optimization. The study concludes that SRM-NPs have great potential for drug delivery, but more research and development are needed to improve their clinical utility.

In the last century, global awareness of the environmental repercussions associated with petroleum-based polymer composites has surged. This realization urged extensive scientific research directed towards plant-based biomass, particularly nanocellulose, as a reinforcing element in polymer matrices. Global market value of nanocellulose is expected to increase considerably by 2025, to a forecast USD 783 million. Despite nanocellulose’s performance benefits, its poor compatibility with hydrophobic polymer matrices poses challenges, limiting thermal stability and impeding widespread commercialization at higher processing temperatures. To overcome these issues, chemical modification or functionalization emerges as a promising solution to enhance nanocellulose-based polymer nanocomposites’ thermal stability. The abundance of hydroxyl groups on nanocellulose enables specific chemical modifications, such as grafting functional molecules or forming covalent/ionic bonds with the polymer matrix. The aim of this study is to validate that integrating chemically functionalized nanocellulose into various polymer matrices, including thermoset, thermoplastic, and bio-polymer, enhances the thermal stability of resulting polymer nanocomposites, supported by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The study also explores six additional factors influencing TGA in nanocomposites, providing a comprehensive understanding of elements impacting the thermal properties of these materials.

Titanium alloys have excellent properties and are widely used in aerospace, medicine, chemical industry, and other fields. With the rapid development of the powder metallurgy and 3D printing industries, the demand for ultra-fine titanium alloy powders has increased significantly. It should be noted that the particle size of titanium alloy powders determines the application process. However, the high melting point of titanium and titanium alloys and the limitation of many factors, such as the prepared powders being easily contaminated by secondary pollution, make the preparation cost higher, which restricts their promotion and application. In this study, the research progress of micro and nano titanium alloy powder preparation process is described, and the existing problems of various processes are analyzed and discussed, and it is proposed that the direct reduction in TiO 2 to obtain micro and nano titanium alloy powder is the key research direction in the future. In particular, the preparation of micro and nano titanium alloy powder by “calciothermic self-propagation process” has great industrial potential.

The problem of antibiotic resistance (AR) in pathogenic bacteria due to the massive use of antibiotics in animals is an underestimated issue. Finding alternatives to reduce or eliminate the appearance and spread of AR is a pressing issue for humanity. Enzymes with antibiotic properties may serve as antimicrobial agents, less prone to generating AR due to their proteic nature and mode of action. Lysozyme is a natural antimicrobial agent, amenable to replacing small-molecule antibiotics in animal farming (poultry and livestock) due to its similar effects on animal health and growth. Moreover, it is safe for human and animal consumption and environmentally friendly due to its biodegradability. The development and testing against pathogens of lysozyme-containing nanomaterials fabricated with biocompatible polymers, particularly polysaccharides is reviewed, focusing on their antimicrobial properties, often superior to lysozyme alone due to a synergistic effect of the nanoscaled materials.

The ability to control the function and structure of some promising nanosystems using an external stimulus is attractive research to develop programmable and reconfigurable intelligent nanomaterials. The focal point of this review is the silicon-based nanoporous materials, and particularly the mesoporous silica materials (MSMs) class (pore size: 2–50 nm), due to their important intrinsic properties, such as high surface area, highly ordered nanostructure, narrow pore size distribution, various dimensions (one-dimensional, two-dimensional, and three-dimensional), and easily functionable. One of the most essential organic components that can be incorporated in MSMs is organic photochromic molecules (OPMs), such as azobenzene, stilbene, dithienylethenes, and spiropyrans. OPMs can be incorporated into MSMs, to form photochromic mesoporous organosilica materials (PMOMs), in two different ways: physical (non-covalent immobilization) or chemical (covalent immobilization) binding. PMOMs are considered smart nanomaterials because they have the ability to undergo reversible changes in the solid state when exposed to an external electromagnetic radiation. PMOMs have been the subject of many research studies during the last decade due to their potential applications, especially as chemosensors. This review discusses the main families of OPMs, their incorporation into MSMs using different methods, and the applications of some PMOMs as chemosensors.

Concrete is the most popular construction material in infrastructure projects due to its numerous natural advantages. Nevertheless, concrete constructions frequently suffer from low tensile strength and poor durability performance which are always urgent tasks to be solved. The concrete reinforced by various nanomaterials, especially graphene and its associated nanostructures (GANS), shows excellent chemical and physical properties for engineering applications. The influence of GANS on cement composites is a multiscale behavior from the nanoscale to the macroscale, which requires a number of efforts to reveal via numerical and experimental approaches. To meet this need, this study provides a comprehensive overview of the numerical modeling for GANS reinforced concrete in various scales. The background and importance of the topic are addressed in this study, along with the review of its methodologies, findings, and applications. Moreover, the study critically summarizes the performance of GANS reinforced concrete, including its mechanical behavior, transport phenomena, and failure mechanism. Additionally, the primary challenges and future prospects in the research field are also discussed. By presenting an extensive overview, this review offers valuable insights for researchers and practitioners interested in numerical simulation to advance concrete science and engineering.

Combination of metal matrix materials with carbon quantum dots (CQDs) can not only optimize the property of metal matrix materials, but also produce novel material systems with ultra-high performance or superior comprehensive performance. The excellent electrical, mechanical, and thermal characteristics of CQDs can compensate for some intrinsic defects of the metal matrices to improve the composite properties. The various interfaces formed through the different degrees of CQDs dispersion in the metal matrices are essential in the mechanism of the composite performance improvement. In this review, the research progress and results of CQDs in metal matrix composites are discussed and summarized, including the recent preparation methods of CQDs and carbon nanostructure-reinforced metal matrix materials, as well as the influences of the preparation methods on the material structures and properties. In addition, by focusing on the interfaces between CQDs and metal matrices in composite materials, the performance improvement and reinforcement mechanisms of the CQD-modified metal matrix composites are described from mechanical, electrical, and thermal aspects. Further studies on CQDs in metal matrix composites are still required to provide theoretical guidance for the preparation of CQDs-reinforced metal matrix composites with intensity and ductility above the average.

Nanocellulose derived from plant cell wall, due to its unlimited sources, is regarded as a next-generation green material for the automotive industry because of its high tensile strength (≥3 GPa), high elasticity modulus (110–220 GPa), and low density (1.6 g/cm 3 ). This study first introduces the structural characteristics, preparation techniques, and mechanical properties of nanocellulose. Then, three types of nanocellulose composites, including nanocellulose directly reinforced polymers, hybrid fiber-cellulose composites, and all cellulose composites (ACCs), are reviewed. The corresponding preparation techniques, material properties, reinforcement mechanisms of nanocellulose, and application limitations are discussed in detail. To overcome the insufficient mechanical properties of nanocellulose directly reinforced polymers and ACCs toward the manufacture of automobile structural components, self-assembly techniques prove to be effective to prepare macroscopic fibers by first aligning nanocellulose and then assembling them into continuous micro-size fibers. We reviewed different self-assembly techniques and multiscale modeling techniques of cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) assembled microfibers. Furthermore, we proposed a finite element or finite volume technique-based micromechanics framework to predict the homogenized responses of CNFs assembled microfibers, which serve as a fundamental layer to construct a multiscale modeling strategy toward CNFs assembled microfiber-based composite structures. The proposed multiscale modeling strategy is expected to greatly facilitate the development of CNFs assembled microfiber-based composite structures and significantly advance the application of nanocellulose in automotive structural applications.

Nowadays, the energy supply market for commercial electrical vehicles and mobiles is highly dominated by Li-ion batteries (LIBs). The layered Li-rich (LLR) oxide MNC (Mn, Ni, and Co)-based cathode is a promising material for next-generation LIBs due to its high energy and power density, cost-effectiveness, and eco-friendliness. However, LLR material’s micrometer-size particles can lead to intergranular cracks during electrochemical cycling at high voltages, resulting in a thick solid electrolyte interphase. Along with this, structural fluctuations, particle agglomeration and non-uniform particles, oxygen loss in initial cycling, Mn dissolution, irreversible cation migration, high internal resistance, and corrosion contribute to issues like low charge–discharge capacities, voltage fade, irreversible capacity loss, poor Coulombic efficiency, and limited rate capability, degrading the electrochemical performance of the LLR cathode. Fortunately, the nanomaterials (NMs) coating, including oxides, phosphates, fluorides, carbon compounds, and polymers, offers solutions through core/shell strategies composed of LLR core and nanoscale shell. This article delves into NM coating advantages and methods for achieving uniform, homogeneous, and ultrathin nanocoatings (less than 40 nm thickness). Additionally, incorporating the ultrathin spinel layer and oxygen vacancies can further enhance the electrochemical activity. Graphical abstract

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) can provide excellent, reliable, and effective solutions for anti-microbial, drug-loading, and other purposes due to their extraordinary physical, chemical, and biological characteristics. Different methods have been used in the synthesis and characterization of AgNPs, and AgNPs have been applied in various fields of biomedicine, including dentistry, oncology, diabetology, neurodegenerative disorders, and so on. However, the cytotoxicity of AgNPs has not been solved during their application, making them controversial. The aim of this review is to summarize the capabilities, synthesis, and characterization methods, and the application of AgNPs in various biomedicine fields. In addition, the toxicity of AgNPs is explicated, and the methods of enhancing the benefit properties and reducing the toxicity of AgNPs are demonstrated. In the end, the perspective of AgNPs’ research and application are proposed for the great potential in biomedicine contributing to human health.

Cold stress has an immediate impact on plant structure and function. A large number of free radicals cause oxidative stress in plants. Cold stress causes altered membrane permeability, lipid peroxidation, and DNA damage. It denatures enzymes and disrupts plant metabolism. Different methods are being investigated for acclimatizing plants subjected to cold stress. Nanobiotechnology and bacterial strains are growing agricultural strategies. Nanoparticles’ (NPs) unique qualities (small size, high mobility, biocompatibility, low cost, and increased reactivity) make them ideal candidates in agriculture. NP and bacterial applications maintain plastid structure and function, enhance antioxidant activities, secondary metabolites, and hormone expression, and reduce electrolyte leakage. They increase the number and content of proteins involved in oxidation–reduction reactions, hormone pathways, stress signaling, and reactive oxygen species detoxification under cold stress conditions. Chitosan, zinc oxide, and titanium dioxide NPs can help plants with cold stress. Meanwhile, bacterial strains in the genus Bacillus and Pseudomonas have been tested for cold tolerance. These strategies also upregulate antifreeze proteins, which are essential for the storage of plant products. Nano-bio-fertilizers should be prepared for the sustainable development of plants under low temperatures.

Most nanoparticles are metabolized and accumulated in the liver; therefore, this review, based on most data collected from PubMed.gov between 2012 and 2023 with the keywords “nanomaterials induced hepatotoxicity,” aims to elucidate the mechanism of nanoparticles leading to liver injury and propose relevant strategies. We discuss the biomedical approaches and strategies for mitigating liver injury, including 1) principle and recommendation of material selection; 2) nanoparticle surface modulation; 3) strategies inspired by virus and other biological phenomenon; and 4) drug and other possible adjunctive strategies. The optimal design of nanomaterials and therapeutic strategies to attenuate hepatotoxicity is critical for the development of nanomedicine. Graphical abstract

Micro-nanobubbles (MNBs) are tiny bubbles of water used in various industries. The production methods and properties of concrete containing MNBs and the applications of MNBs in different industries are reviewed. Then, the effect of MNBs on the properties of fresh and hardened concrete is described. Next, we assessed the advantages and disadvantages of using MNBs in different types of concretes, environmental and economic impact, and research gaps in the concrete containing MNBs. Even though the presence of MNBs in concrete has an undesirable effect on workability and rheology parameters, the results of workability are in the range of the European Guideline for Self-compacting Concrete regulations and the British Standard for conventional concrete. In contrast, using sulfo-aluminate cement instead of Portland cement and MNBs in concrete improves rheological characteristics. The review also shows that MNBs improve the mechanical properties of concrete by up to 31% for compressive strength, 10–20% for tensile, and 3–34% for flexural strength. Furthermore, concrete containing MNBs has performed better than conventional concrete in terms of durability properties such as electrical resistivity, ultrasonic pulse velocity, chloride penetration resistance, and resistance to freezing–thawing cycles (F-T cycle). MNBs in concrete reduce the porosity by 17% and decrease the size of the holes. Water absorption of MNB concrete at 28 days decreased by 20%, and chloride permeability reduced by 20%. MNBs in concrete help to develop the resistance of cement-based materials improve the elastic modulus at early ages and increase the ability to resist cracking, which can reduce the crack width. Still, it is necessary to carry out more experimental work for workability and durability, especially for SCC. Even though a few studies indicate a slight impact on the environment, environmental and economic effects, and production challenges need more investigations.

The rapid expansion of nanotechnology has transformed numerous sectors, with nanoproducts now ubiquitous in everyday life, electronics, healthcare, and pharmaceuticals. Despite their widespread adoption, concerns persist regarding potential adverse effects, necessitating vigilant risk management. This systematic literature review advocates for leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) methodologies to enhance simulations and refine safety assessments for nanomaterials (NMs). Through a comprehensive examination of the existing literature, this study seeks to explain the pivotal role of AI in boosting NMs sustainability efforts across six key research themes. It explores their significance in advancing sustainability, hazard identification, and their diverse applications in this field. In addition, it evaluates the past sustainability strategies for NMs while proposing innovative avenues for future exploration. By conducting this comprehensive analysis, the research aims to illuminate the current landscape, identify challenges, and outline potential pathways for integrating AI and ML to promote sustainable practices within nanotechnology. Furthermore, it advocates for extending these technologies to monitor the real-world behaviour of NMs delivery. Through its thorough investigation, this systematic literature review endeavours to address current obstacles and pave the way for the safe and sustainable utilization of nanotechnology, thereby minimizing associated risks. Graphical abstract

Childhood rhinitis is an inflammatory condition affecting the nasal mucosa of children worldwide. The physical, social, and cognitive performance of children is affected by the chronic symptoms of childhood rhinitis. Effective treatment is essential to avoid long-term effects on children’s lifestyles and well-being. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been used to treat and prevent several illnesses, and it plays a crucial role in healthcare and rehabilitation. TCM has traditionally been used to holistically treat rhinitis. However, the drawbacks of TCMs, such as their poor water solubility, low bioavailability, single-use, and poor targeting ability, severely restrict their use. In recent years, nanotechnology has been used for various drugs to improve their therapeutic effectiveness and reduce their associated adverse effects. Nanomaterials for TCM formulations are synthesized to be compatible with herbal extracts and sustain active component therapeutic qualities. Nanocarrier-based drug delivery improves bioavailability, circulation time, and targeted distribution, resolving TCM administration issues. This review assesses the innovative combination of TCM and nanotechnology developments for the treatment of childhood rhinitis, providing insights into novel therapeutic approaches. This review also provides significant insights into the potential of this multidisciplinary approach to transform treatment techniques in childhood rhinitis and offers a road map for future research initiatives in this promising sector. Graphical abstract

Twisted two-dimensional materials (t2DMs) such as graphene and black phosphorus are transforming the field of photonics, serving as a promising platform for the development of advanced devices that manipulate light. These materials possess multiple photonic properties that are determined by their twist angles. This article explores the profound impact of twist angles on various photonic phenomena, including nonlinear optical responses, optical absorption, plasmonics, and the influence of chirality in t2DMs. We delve into cutting-edge developments explained through Raman spectroscopy and the intriguing world of moiré excitons, as revealed through photoluminescence studies. As we explore device applications, we highlight groundbreaking advancements in photodetection, with a brief look into emerging technologies such as single-photon detectors, ultrafast modulators, light-emitting diodes, and interlayer exciton lasers. Our study extends to depict the promising future of t2DMs, emphasizing their prospective integration with other photonic systems and the discovery of novel optical phenomena in the domain of photonics. This review serves as a comprehensive guide to the dynamic field of photonics in t2DMs, highlighting current achievements and future prospects.

With the continuous development of the medical field, drugs for cancer treatment are emerging in an endless stream. Many kinds of natural plant, animal, and microbial extracts and some specific screened and synthesized drugs have been identified in vitro with anticancer biological activity. However, the application of 90% of newly developed solid drugs with anticancer effects is limited because of their low solubility and low bioavailability. On the one hand, improving the solubility and bioavailability of drugs scientifically and rationally can enhance the therapeutic effect of cancer; on the other hand, it can promote the rational use of resources. At present, great progress has been made in the ways to improve the solubility of drugs, which play an important role in anticancer effects. We will focus on the classification and application of the solubilization methods of anticancer drugs and provide an effective guide for the next drug research in this review. Graphical abstract

Immunotherapy is currently the main treatment for malignant tumors by activating immune cell. Metabolic reprogramming in tumor microenvironment can greatly affect the function of immune cell, and T cell is the main anti-tumor effector cell. Therefore, the T cell-based immunometabolic therapy can improve clinical efficacy. In T cell-based immunometabolic therapy, regular agents in conventional forms are difficult to achieve the intended efficacy due to poor tumor permeability and low cellular uptake. Nanoparticle-based strategy can serve as the optimal targeted drug delivery system due to co-encapsulation of multiple therapeutic agents and stable loading. Here, we intend to summarize examples of nanoparticles in the T cell-based immunometabolic therapy, and provide a comprehensive and helpful review by covering notable and vital applications of nanotechnology-based strategies for T cell-based immunometabolic therapy.

Gold nanoclusters (AuNCs), with sizes below 2 nm, have emerged as remarkable nanomaterials exhibiting unique optical, electronic, and chemical properties. Their ultra-small size imparts advantageous characteristics, including high surface area, tunable fluorescence, and excellent biocompatibility, making AuNCs highly promising for diverse applications. This article explores recent advancements in leveraging AuNCs to address critical challenges in clean energy storage and environmental remediation. For energy storage, AuNCs boost the performance of Li-based batteries by facilitating rapid electron transfer kinetics and limiting polysulfide shuttling. The review delves into mechanistic insights governing AuNC–hydrogen interactions, various synthetic approaches for tailoring AuNCs, and their emerging applications as advanced electrodes, efficient catalysts, and conductive additives enabling improved charge storage capabilities. Additionally, using plasmonic effects and hot carrier generation induced by AuNCs shows tremendous potential in photocatalytic water splitting for clean hydrogen fuel production. For environmental applications, AuNCs enable the degradation of persistent organic pollutants, heavy metal ion detection at part-per-trillion levels, and solar-driven water purification, relying on plasmon-enhanced hot carrier processes. However, the long-term ecological impacts of AuNCs remain unclear. This study thus underscores the need for further toxicological assessments and life cycle analyses to promote sustainable AuNC-based technologies through responsible research and innovation. Overall, it highlights the versatile applicability of AuNCs in addressing critical energy and environmental challenges.

Biological ion channels play an important role in living processes, such as maintaining osmotic pressure, signal transduction, and transmitting nerve impulses, and can selectively regulate the transmembrane transport of substances. Inspired by the structure and function of biological ion channels, researchers have prepared a variety of biomimetic nanochannels using advanced nanofabrication techniques to study the mechanism of ion transport in the nanoconfined space. In this study, we mainly introduce the current materials and preparation methods of nanochannels; compare the advantages and disadvantages of the current mainstream theoretical models and simulation software; clarify the influence of confinement effect and surface interface effect on the hydrogen bond structure characteristics and phase transition behavior of confined water in graphene nanochannels, revealing the driving effect of separation pressure in nanochannels on water transport, the micromechanical nature of the water flow boundary slip of nanochannels, and the dominant micromechanical mechanism behind the confined mass transfer phenomenon of nanochannels at different scales; and expound the regulation of nanomaterials based on ionic bond modification and the influence of ion transport properties in industrial desalination, energy enrichment, and detection. The future applications of nanochannel bionic design and regulation, ion-exchange filtration membranes, and ultra-high-speed water transport mechanisms are prospected.

The alloys composed of magnesium (Mg) are deemed appropriate materials for utilization in the automotive, aerospace, and medical sectors due to their exceptionally high specific strength and density. Due to the strengthening mechanisms and superior mechanical properties, Mg–Gd systems pique the interest of researchers. The property enhancement is enabled by the formation of nano-scale stable (β) and metastable (β′) precipitates in the Mg–Gd system. Additionally, the concentration of the various alloying elements significantly influences the formation of the nano-level precipitates. This article presents an overview of the Mg–Gd system, focusing on its microstructure, mechanical properties, and corrosion behavior. In addition, the variety of manufacturing processes utilized to fabricate the Mg–Gd system is also discussed. Enhanced mechanical properties were attained through the combination of casting/deformation methods and various heat treatment techniques. The mechanical and corrosion behaviors have been extensively discussed, in connection to the effects of the second phase/precipitates. This article provides an overview of recent developments pertaining to Mg–Gd alloy and extrapolates potential future developments.

The COVID-19 pandemic strongly stimulated research on anti-SARS-CoV-2 virus treatments. The present study reviews a nanotechnology approach to this task, i.e. , in other terms, a nanomedicine approach. Nanotechnology aims to create nanostructures or nanoparticles, also called nanoformulations, for targeted delivery of drugs, as well as improved drug release control. This approach is particularly promising to enhance the antiviral effect of natural pro-drugs. Here, we review several nanoformulations developed for the targeted delivery of medications against SARS-CoV-2. We draw special attention to repurposing strategies for known antiviral and natural therapies. Also, functionalized nanoparticles with specific targeting moieties and functional groups were discussed. The summary could motivate researchers to pursue more studies in this exciting area by seeking nanotechnology-based, cutting-edge, tailored delivery strategies for the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

The limitations of traditional drug therapy have driven the creation and development of novel cell membrane-coated nanoparticle (CMNP) platforms. Since the introduction of the CMNP concept and method in 2011, an increasing number of studies focusing on this field have been widely conducted. Despite the growing body of literature, comprehensive bibliometric analysis in this field is still lacking. This study conducted a bibliometric analysis of CMNP-related publications sourced from the Web of Science Core Collection database, covering the period from January 1, 2011, to December 31, 2023. The analysis included co-authorships, co-citations, and co-occurrences of countries, institutions, authors, references, and keywords. Visualized tools such as Citespace, VOSviewer, and R Package Bibliometrix were employed to present the data. A total of 780 studies were included, with China contributing the highest number of publications (75.64%, n = 590). The number of annual publications increased consistently from 2011 to 2023, indicating a growing global interest in the CMNP field. Prof. Liangfang Zhang from the United States is recognized as the founder and leading figure in this area. The top three academic journals in this field, based on publication volume, are ACS Nano (32 publications, IF 2022 = 17.1), ACS Applied Materials Interfaces (32 publications, IF 2022 = 9.5), and Advanced Functional Materials (31 publications, IF 2022 = 19) among 185 scholarly journals. Reference and keyword analysis revealed that erythrocytes and macrophage membranes are significant research hotspots. The primary diseases targeted by CMNP research are cancer and pulmonary inflammation. In addition, CMNPs are frequently studied in conjunction with photothermal and photodynamic therapy. Furthermore, this study also summarized the timelines for various cell membrane coating methods and the three-step preparation process for CMNP. This comprehensive bibliometric analysis provides valuable insights to guide future research in the CMNP field, highlighting the importance of clinical application. Research on cell membrane-coated nanomaterials, particularly those related to cancer and pulmonary inflammation, is expected to remain a focal point. In addition, there is a need for the further development of other potential cell membrane-coated nanomaterials. This bibliometric analysis serves as a resource for researchers to quickly and comprehensively understand the current hotspots and emerging frontiers in this field.

Most patients are at advanced stages when they are diagnosed with hepatocellular carcinoma, leading to poor prognosis and a low 5-year survival rate. Serological markers, ultrasound, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, positron emission tomography, and liver biopsy are the common clinical diagnostic techniques for liver cancer. Effective interventions in the early stage will be beneficial to improve the prognosis of liver cancer patients and reduce the global burden. Therefore, it is urgent to develop new diagnostic methods to improve the diagnosis and management of liver cancer. Nanotechnology has become a new frontier subject in medical detection along with the application of nanomaterials in the manufacture of drug carriers, diagnostic tools, and therapeutic devices. Many studies have shown that nanoparticles (NPs) can be applied to the clinical diagnosis of liver cancer in combination with existing technologies, providing a new method for the early diagnosis of liver cancer. In this review, we elaborate on the theoretical basis and characteristics of NPs in the diagnosis of liver cancer, and the research progress and prospects of NPs in the diagnosis of liver cancer are summarized.

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are one-dimensional nanomaterials exhibiting specialized structures and exceptional mechanical, electrical, and chemical properties. CNTs find application in the fabrication of composite materials, material modification, and hydrogen storage. However, their widespread adoption in material modification is challenging due to their expensive manufacturing and proclivity toward agglomeration. This review expounds the evolution and future directions of in situ growth of CNTs on fly ash substrates through chemical vapor deposition or microwave heating methods. The unique structure and composition of fly ash engenders low-carbon and environmentally friendly properties while facilitating the self-growth of CNTs on its substrate. This paper delves into the characteristics and growth mechanism of the in situ- grown CNTs, with an analysis of mechanical properties, wave absorption, friction, applications, and innovations of fly ash in situ- grown CNTs as modifiers, adsorbents, and additives. The prepared fly ash in situ- grown CNTs have various advantages such as better dispersion properties, lower carbon emissions, and reduced preparation cost, enhancing their applicability in material modification and creation.

Under the turbulence of global change, the production of boards has been influenced by the rising demand and price of wood-based materials. To improve the structural performance of boards, reinforcement materials have been added, such as nanoparticles. The purpose of this review is to explore the application of nanomaterials, including nano-SiO 2 , nano-Al 2 O 3 , nano-ZnO, nano-Fe 2 O 3 , nano-cellulose, nano-lignin, and nano-chitosan, to evaluate the physical and mechanical properties of particleboards. These nanoparticles have demonstrated their ability to reduce formaldehyde emissions, enhance the dimensional stability, bending strength, bending stiffness, fire resistance, and resistance to thermal conductivity in board production. For example, the addition of nano-SiO 2 , known for its hydrophilicity, attracts and holds water molecules and acts as a thermal barrier due to its high melting point and low thermal conductivity. In contrast, nano-Al 2 O 3 is known for its high compressive strength (up to 3 GPa), hardness strength (9 Mohs scale), and high thermal conductivity, which helps to dissipate heat more effectively. This comprehensive evaluation brings together recent advances in producing particleboards and medium density fiberboard reinforced with nanoparticles, which are essential for future research and industry applications. The study emphasizes how innovative nanoparticles can contribute to sustainable urban development and construction practices, reduce deforestation, preserve natural habitats, and provide affordable housing. The research indicates that nanoparticle boards meet ( e.g. , nanoclay and nanoalumina panels) and in some cases exceed the minimum requirement for general-purpose panels set standards such as the ANSI/A208.1-1999, including water absorption of 8%, thickness swelling of 3% and EN 312 for the bending strength (15–16 MPa) and bending stiffness (2.2–2.4 GPa) for P4 and P6 boards, respectively. These results support the transformative power of nanomaterials in promoting a more sustainable and future solution for boards in the building construction industry.

By virtue of the abundant oxygen-functional groups, ultra-high specific surface area and superior mechanical properties, graphene oxide (GO) has been proven as one of the outstanding candidates in cement composites. Compared with the traditional cement pastes, the GO-reinforced cement composites exhibit benefits in pore structure, mechanical properties, and durability. In addition, the abundant oxygen-containing functional groups on GO can promote the hydration rate of cement and combine with hydration products to fill the pores. To further improve the performance of GO-reinforced cement composites and promote the application of composites in practical engineering, it is necessary to comprehensively understand the reinforcing mechanisms of GO on cement composites. In this work, the enhancement mechanisms of GO to improve hydration, nucleation effects, mechanical strengthening mechanisms, antiseepage mechanisms and pore-filling effects of GO are systematically revealed. The optimal dosage range of GO mixing in the current study is calculated by considering the factors of mechanical property and microscopic characterization, but the economic cost also needs to be considered in future development studies. This review will promote the application of the more cost-effective and high-performance GO-reinforced cement composites in practical construction engineering.

Nanotechnology has demonstrated its potential for advancing sustainable agriculture. This article explores new advancements in nanotechnology in agriculture, including plant extraction and validation, by emphasizing nano-fertilizers, nano-pesticides, nano-biosensors, and nanoenergy recycling processes. Nanomaterials are important for the formation, transport, and degradation of soil toxins and are a fundamental starting point for various biotic and abiotic rehabilitation processes. Research on nanoparticles’ remediation applications and soil stay insufficient and are generally restricted. When integrated into agricultural systems, nanomaterials may influence the soil quality and plant development examined by setting their impacts on supplement discharge in target soils, soil biota, soil natural matter, and plant morphological and physiological reactions. The current research works show that the seed coat acts as a barrier to nanomaterial penetration, in which both the seed coat and cell wall allowed easy water passage. Additionally, the uptake, movement, and associated defense mechanisms of nanomaterials within plants have been investigated. Future research directions have been identified to further the study toward the sustainable development of nano-enabled agriculture.

This review investigates the potential of surface-engineered quantum dot (QD) nanocomposites in the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders and their use in neuroimaging. QDs possess distinctive properties such as adjustable fluorescence and adaptable surface modification, making them useful for both targeted drug administration and precise imaging in the complex nervous system. The report provides a concise overview of progress and obstacles, with a particular focus on concerns regarding biocompatibility, potential toxicity, and the ability to cross the blood–brain barrier. The importance of continuous research in surface engineering, biocompatibility investigations, and standardization of synthesis procedures is emphasized as essential measures to overcome these obstacles. Although there are challenges, the review highlights the significant potential of surface-engineered QD nanocomposites to transform our understanding of neurodegenerative disorders and improve neuroimaging techniques. This could lead to better diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for neurological health in the future. Graphical abstract

In this mini-review, we address the properties of graphitic carbon nitride (g-C 3 N 4 ) hybrid thin films and their application, with particular attention to the modification of their photocatalytic or photovoltaic properties by the addition of chalcogenide materials, layered semiconductors, or perovskites. The defect states that give rise to active sites for photocatalysis are studied and related to the modification with the different materials. Bulk defects provided by some configurations are also studied. Moreover, the appropriate changes with perovskite materials, or the addition of carbon nitride to perovskites, boost the efficiency and stability of the devices, a subject that is studied in this work. Specific mechanisms of passivation provided by carbon nitride on photovoltaic devices are explained. Graphical abstract

Currently, liver cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide, with a low 5-year survival rate, which will further decrease if advanced metastasis is present. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the main type. However, due to the lack of specific symptoms in the early stages, it is more difficult to detect HCC, and many patients would have already been diagnosed with advanced liver cancer. At this point, many treatment methods available at early diagnosis would have become ineffective. Therefore, there is an urgent need for more effective treatment methods for HCC. In recent years, nanoparticles have been used in the treatment of HCC due to their good biocompatibility and other advantages. Different types of nanoparticles are modified to play a role in the treatment of HCC, such as regulating tumor microenvironment, enhancing the activity of drug targeting and killing cancer cells, and reducing systemic side effects. It can significantly improve the therapeutic effect of HCC and bring more hope for the treatment of HCC. In this review, several common nanoparticles are introduced, and their characteristics are described in detail. In addition, the construction of a highly efficient drug delivery system by nanoparticles and the combination of nanoparticle-targeted therapy, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy are reviewed.

Fast-charging technology is the inevitable trend for electric vehicles (EVs). Current EVs’ lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) cannot provide ultrafast power input due to the capacity fading and safety hazards of graphite anode at high rates. Lithium vanadate oxide (Li 3 VO 4 ) has been widely studied as fast-charging anode material due to its high capacity and stability at high rates. However, its highly safe characteristic under fast-charging has not been studied. In this study, a fast-charging anode material is synthesized by inserting Li 3 VO 4 in Ti 3 C 2 T x MXene framework. The morphologies of Li 3 VO 4 /Ti 3 C 2 T x electrode after cycling at different rates were studied to analyze the dendrites growth. Electrochemical testing results demonstrate that Li 3 VO 4 /Ti 3 C 2 T x composite displays high capacities of 151.6 mA h g −1 at 5 C and 87.8 mA h g −1 at 10 C, which are much higher than that of commercial graphite anode (51.9 mA h g −1 at 5 C and 17.0 mA h g −1 at 10 C). Moreover, Li 3 VO 4 /Ti 3 C 2 T x electrode does not generate Li dendrite at high rates (5 and 10 C) while commercial graphite electrode grows many Li dendrites under the same conditions, demonstrating fast-charging and high safety of Li 3 VO 4 /Ti 3 C 2 T x composite. Our work inspires promising fast-charging anode material design for LIBs.

The world’s energy demand has significantly increased as a result of the growing population and accompanying rise in energy usage. Fortunately, the innovation of nanomaterials (NMs) and their corresponding processing into devices and electrodes could enhance the functionality and/or advancement of the current battery energy storage systems (BESSs). Patent landscape analysis (PLA) can offer a comprehensive overview of technological development trends and enable discussion in interdisciplinary areas that facilitate more rational technology planning in the future. In this study, PLA of recent advancements in the NM-based BESS was critically analyzed, future technologies forecasted, and potential challenges outlined. A search was performed in the Lens database using “energy storage system,” “battery,” and “nanomaterial,” and related patents under the simple family were extracted. Finally, after excluding duplicates and irrelevant patents, a total of 89 patents were selected for analysis using various parameters. The article provides a current technical overview along with an extensive bibliographic review of the patent family, trends of patent growth, key inventors and owners, patent legal status, patent jurisdiction, top cited patents, etc ., as well as technological updates. Overall, nanotechnology has great potential for the future; however, further research and studies are necessary to accelerate the widespread usage of NMs in energy storage systems using cost-effective and environmentally friendly technologies.

Electrochemical water oxidation reaction (WOR) lies among the most forthcoming approaches toward eco-conscious manufacturing of green hydrogen owing to its environmental favors and high energy density values. Its vast commoditization is restricted by high-efficiency and inexpensive catalysts that are extensively under constant research. Herein, calcium, magnesium, and yttrium doped lithium nickel phosphate olivines (LiNi 1− x M x PO, LNMP; x = 0.1–0.9; M = Ca 2+ , Mg 2+ , and Y 3+ ) were synthesized via non-aqueous sol-gel method and explored for catalytic WOR. Lithium nickel phosphates (LNP) and compositions were characterized via Fourier transform infrared, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and energy dispersive X-ray diffraction techniques for the structural and morphological analyses. Glassy carbon electrode altered with the LNMPs when studied in a standard redox system of 5 mM KMnO 4 , displayed that yttrium doped LNP, i.e. LNYP-3 exhibits the highest active surface area (0.0050 cm 2 ) displaying the lowest average crystallite size ( D avg ) i.e. ∼7 nm. Electrocatalytic behavior monitored in KOH showed that LNMP-2 offers the highest rate constant “ k o ,” value, i.e. 3.9 10 −2  cm s −1 and the largest diffusion coefficient “ D o ,” i.e. 5.2 × 10 −5  cm 2 s −1 . Kinetic and thermodynamic parameters demonstrated the facilitated electron transfer and electrocatalytic properties of proposed nanomaterials. Water oxidation peak current density values were indicative of the robust catalysis and facilitated water oxidation process besides lowering the Faradic onset potential signifying the transformation of less LNP into more conducive LNMP toward water oxidation. Graphical abstract Electrochemical water oxidation over high-efficiency (Ca, Mg, or Y) doped lithium metal (Ni) phosphate electrocatalysts

Slope protection and erosion management are severely hampered by the rapid infrastructure development in mountainous valleys, especially during the monsoon season. While conventional approaches like vegetation, porous concrete, and inorganic procedures have been used, stronger and more ecologically friendly alternatives are still needed. A new kind of concrete called vegetation concrete (VC) allows roots to grow through the concrete frame by combining plant integration with porous concrete. This creative method might be used for environmentally friendly building and planting. The alkalinity of VC significantly impacts its planting capabilities and soil nutrient levels, making it crucial to reduce VC alkalinity. In this study, silica fume (SF) and fly ash (FA) were combined to create low-alkaline VC. The effects of SF and FA on VC’s alkalinity, porosity, compressive strength, and planting characteristics were examined. The study also investigated VC’s influence on soil fertility and its impact on soil nutrients. Test results revealed that SF and FA reduced the pH of the VC by reducing calcium hydroxide (CH) crystals. While SF had a lower basicity coefficient ( M ) than FA, it had a more significant effect on lowering VC alkalinity. The compressive strength decreased with FA but increased with SF, despite SF having a smaller cement component in VC–SF mixes. This suggests that blending VC with SF and FA is feasible, with the SF dosage exceeding the FA dosage for reduced alkalinity and increased strength. Lowering VC alkalinity through SF and FA increased soil nutrients, including hydrolyzable nitrogen (AH-N), extractable phosphorus (P), and potassium (K). It also improved planting properties like root development, stem height, and leaf relative water content. Using VC for soil stabilization did not reduce soil fertility but instead increased the available phosphorus and alkali-hydrolyzable nitrogen in the soil by 32.81 and 52.92%, respectively. The findings of this study open up new avenues for investigation into this technology and have important ramifications for the use of VC technology, particularly in Indian contexts. Graphical abstract

Nano-enhanced membrane technology and deep eutectic solvents (DESs) have demonstrated effectiveness in addressing emerging environmental pollutants. This research centers on purifying water by removing heavy metals employing membranes enhanced with mesoporous silica and DES. Various DESs, including hexanoic acid, octanoic acid, and decanoic acid, were synthesized using tetrabutylammonium bromide (TBABr) as a base. The study combined a polysulfone-based membrane with mesoporous silica, aiming for efficient indigenous crafting to remove heavy metals. Mesoporous silica was blended with the synthesized DES solution, creating diverse membranes for heavy metal separation. The study characterized these membranes using various techniques such as scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and contact angle measurements. Surface mapping confirmed the integration of silicon-based DES, reducing the membrane surface roughness from 4 to 1.4 nm. By adjusting the carboxylic acid chain length with TBABr and adding mesoporous silica, leaching ratios were reduced from 4.2 to 2.3%. Silica-grafted DES-based membranes exhibited a progressive increase in flux from 2.6 to 26.67 L/m 2  h. The synthesized silicon-based membranes demonstrated outstanding performance, achieving rejection rates exceeding 80% for chromium and arsenic, maintaining an impressive 90% flux recovery ratio even at high flux rates. This study will envision the potential of nano-enhanced membrane technology utilizing DES for sustainable water purification and wastewater treatment applications to achieve the sustainable development goal (SDG) of clean water and sanitation (SDG-6). Graphical abstract

Zinc-ion supercapacitors (ZISCs) exhibit great potential to store energy owing to the benefits of high power density and environmentally friendly features. However, solving the drawbacks of low specific energy and poor cyclic performance at high current rates is necessary. Thus, developing better cathode materials is a practical and efficient way to overcome these limitations. This work presents an encouraging design of two-dimensional (2D) graphite ultrathin nanosheets (GUNSs) as a cathode material for ZISCs. The experimental results show that the GUNSs-based cathode material exhibits a wide surface area and rapid charge transformation features. The 2D GUNS as a cathode was tested in three-electrode systems, and it provided an exceptionally high capacitance of 641 F/g at 1 A/g in an aqueous ZnSO 4 electrolyte, better than GUNS-N 2 (462 F/g at 1 A/g) and pristine graphite (225.8 F/g at 1 A/g). The 2D GUNS has a rate performance of 43.8% at a current density of 20 A/g, better than GUNS-N 2 (35.6%) and pristine graphite (8.4%) at the same conditions. Furthermore, a ZISC device was fabricated using GUNSs as cathode and Zn-foil as anode with 1 M ZnSO 4 electrolyte (denoted as GUNSs//Zn). The as-fabricated GUNSs//Zn device exhibits an excellent capacitance of 182.5 F/g at 1 A/g with good capacitance retention of 97.2%, which is better than pristine graphite (94.6%), and nitrogen-doped GUNS (GUNS-N 2 ) cathode (95.7%). In addition, the GUNSs//Zn device demonstrated an ultrahigh cyclic life of 10,000 cycles, and 96.76% of capacitance was maintained. Furthermore, the GUNSs//Zn device delivers a specific energy of 64.88 W h/kg at an ultrahigh specific power of 802.67 W/kg and can run a light-emitting diode for practical applications.

Antibiotics are resistant compounds that become emerging contaminants that cause hazards to human health and the ecological environment due to their wide production and consumption. The present research reveals the remediation of amoxicillin (AMX) antibiotic by catalytic degradation using fabricated zinc oxide (ZnO) and zinc oxide-reduced graphene oxide (ZnO-rGO) catalysts. The characterization of the catalyst was carried out via UV–Vis spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy to evaluate the morphology and composition of synthesised catalyst. The catalytic ability of ZnO-rGO and ZnO was investigated by analysing the degradation of AMX. The ZnO-rGO nanocomposites (NCs) showed improved catalytic performance towards AMX degradation (96%) than pure ZnO nanoparticles (85%), which may be attributed to the incorporation of rGO, which enhanced the adsorption rate and changed the electron–hole recombination rate. The antioxidant potential of synthesised nanomaterials was also analysed by three different methods. The adsorption behaviour was explained through the Langmuir and Freundlich models, and the results revealed that AMX adsorption followed the Freundlich model more closely for both catalysts. The adsorption of AMX was also studied thermodynamically at different temperatures. The negative Gibbs energy change, positive enthalpy change, and entropy change showed the reaction’s spontaneity and endothermic nature. Finally, it can be assumed that the ZnO-rGO NCs could be an effective semiconductor for the degradation of AMX from wastewater.

This research endeavors to advance the anti-corrosive characteristics, mainly the physico-mechanical properties, by incorporating graphene oxide (GO) into a polyimide (PI) matrix. So, a nanocomposite coating is fabricated for an aluminum alloy substrate. Results reveal that the coating was uniformly dispersed across the surface signifying that the inclusion of GO increased the PI dispersion. The π–π stacking interactions between the aromatic rings of PI and GO contribute to their stability and improved anticorrosive properties. The incorporation of GO to PI films significantly enhances hydrophobicity, as evidenced by the increased contact angles. Assessing the corrosion resistance of the coating in a 3.5 wt% NaCl solution through electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and potentio-dynamic polarization establishes a prominent correlation between the percentage of GO and the anticorrosion efficiency of the composite coating. Precisely, the nanocomposite coating containing 5 wt% GO exhibits an impressive impedance modulus value of 10 7 , and the corrosion current density ( I cor ) is drastically reduced by over three orders of magnitude, reaching 4.8 × 10 −9  A cm −2 , as indicated by the polarization curve. Also, prolonged immersion tests confirm the exceptional protective ability of the S 5 coating (5 wt% GO), effectively shielding the metal for up to 100 h. After conducting diagnostic measurements, the hybrid nanocomposites of GO/PI examined in this study showcased their effectiveness as inhibitors in anticorrosive coatings. These composites played a vital role to hinder the oxidation of underlying aluminum alloy when exposed to oxidizing chemicals, water, or air, thereby extending the protective duration.

There are numerous problems in the world, but environmental pollution is the biggest threat to life. Air pollution is the most critical form of environmental pollution because air is the most essential need of life. However, industrialization, population growth, and fossil fuel use increase hazardous and greenhouse gas concentrations daily. Greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) contribute to global warming; hence, efficient, inexpensive, sustainable, and ecologically friendly air purification solutions are required. This study proposed a new method for synthesizing N- and P-rich polyphosphazene-based hyper cross-linked polymer (HCP) for CO 2 adsorption. Due to their persistent porosity, low density, and high surface area, hyper cross-linked porous organic–inorganic hybrid phosphorus and nitrogen-rich polymers are cost-effective and promising gas adsorption materials. We synthesized hybrid organic and inorganic polyphosphazenes with nitrogen and phosphorus backbones and aromatic side groups cross-linked by the Friedel–Crafts alkylation process. HCP-A and HCP-B were cross-linked phosphazene-based microporous hybrid organic–inorganic polymers. HCP-A and HCP-B were produced in two stages. Hexachlorocyclotriphosphazene reacts with 1-napthylamine to form naphthyl amino phosphazene, which is cross-linked under optimum conditions to make cyclic HCP-A. Phosphorous dichlorophosphazene reacts with 1-naphthylamine to form poly[bis(1-naphthylamino) phosphazene] and is cross-linked to form linear HCP-B. HCP-A and HCP-B porous networks were studied with Brunauer–Emmett–Teller surface areas of 170.89 and 492.03 m 2  g −1 and narrow pore sizes of 0.8–1.18 nm. These polymers are promising CO 2 adsorbents due to their easy and cost-effective production, thermal stability, surface area, and CO 2 absorption capacity.

The synthesis of zeolite nanoparticles is studied comprehensively by adding an organic template as a reflux method, extracted from crystals. The zeolite nano-crystals are quite effectively synthesized by incorporating silica, organic template, and alkali metal. The tetrapropylammoniumhydroxide, tetrapropylammoniumbromide and tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) as organic templates are added for the assistance of zeolite (albite) crystals. A cross-linker TEOS is also mixed. Adding carbon nanotubes and graphene oxide made the morphology of albite more interesting. Nucleation time is an important feature for the formation of albite crystals. The albite nano-shaped crystal is developed for instance when reaction time is less than 240 h, after this period crystal size increases with time. Batch 1 of zeolite is prepared with additives for testing its morphology, like surface area, particle size shape, and crystal geometry. The general trend ( e.g. , pore volume, percentage composition, particle size, geometry) of zeolite nano-crystal is explained by the help of robust techniques such as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy.

Electrode materials comprising SnO 2 quantum dots embedded within ZnO hexagonal prisms were successfully synthesized for building cost-effective energy-storage devices. Extensive structural and functional characterizations were performed to assess the electrochemical performance of the electrodes. SEM–EDS results confirm a uniform distribution of SnO 2 quantum dots across ZnO. The integration of SnO 2 quantum dots with ZnO hexagonal prisms markedly improved the electrochemical behavior. The analysis of electrode functionality conducted in a 3 M KOH electrolyte revealed specific capacitances of 949.26 and 700.68 F g⁻ 1 for SnO 2 @ZnO and ZnO electrodes, respectively, under a current density of 2 A g⁻ 1 . After undergoing 5,000 cycles at a current density of 15 A g⁻ 1 , the SnO 2 @ZnO and ZnO electrodes displayed impressive cycling stability, maintaining specific capacitance retention rates of 89.9 and 92.2%, respectively. Additionally, a symmetric supercapacitor (SSC) device constructed using the SnO 2 @ZnO electrode showcased exceptional performance, exhibiting a specific capacitance of 83 F g⁻ 1 at 1.2 A g⁻ 1 . Impressive power and energy densities were achieved by the device, with values reaching 2,808 and 70.2 W kg⁻ 1 , respectively. Notably, the SnO 2 @ZnO SSC device maintained a capacity preservation of 75% throughout 5,000 galvanostatic charge–discharge sequences. The outcomes highlight the potential of SnO 2 @ZnO hexagonal prisms as candidates for energy-storage applications, offering scalability and cost-effectiveness. The proposed approach enhances the electrochemical performance while ensuring affordability, facilitating the creation of effective and financially feasible energy storage solutions.

High voltage (HV) outdoor insulators are subjected to both electrical and environmental stresses, which may lead to their failure. Among the causes, corona discharge, humidity and UV radiation are considered to be the most damaging factors. Efforts are therefore underway to investigate new materials for improving the performance of insulating systems. In this research work, silicone-based room temperature vulcanized samples filled with alumina trihydrate (ATH), silicon dioxide and magnesium hydroxide (MH) were prepared and exposed to AC corona discharge for a duration of 110 h. The electric discharge was also accompanied by UV radiation and two different humidity levels. Following aging of the test samples, diagnosis was conducted to assess their integrity. Measurements based on determining the static contact angle demonstrated the loss of hydrophobicity of all the materials, while hydrophobicity recovery phenomena revealed that ATH-doped materials demonstrated a comparatively higher increase in the contact angle than in samples filled with silicone dioxide (silica) and MH. Scanning electron microscopy analysis revealed deep cracks and block-like structures on their surfaces. Similarly, energy-dispersive X-ray analysis indicated the signs of surface oxidation of the aged samples. However, the data of elemental composition exhibited the loss of filler contents as well as that of carbon from the base matrix. The overall assessment showed that resistance to suppress aging is influenced by both the filler type and its concentration in the investigated composites. The ATH-filled composites exhibited outstanding performance when exposed to the rigors of corona discharge and other environmental stresses. This research contributes to materials science and HV engineering by addressing the development of composites for enhanced insulator performance, with future aspects lying in the utilization of nano-composites for advanced functionality and durability.

The Ni 1− x Cu x Fe 2 O 4 (where x = 0, 0.05, 0.10, 0.15) nano ferrite powder was synthesized through chemical co-precipitation method, NaOH and acid oleic as raw materials. The XRD patterns confirmed the spinal structure phase purity of materials. XRD results showed that lattice parameter decreases with the increase of copper concentration by increasing copper concentration in the parent material. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to determine the morphology and particle size. SEM analysis indicated that all the samples are in nano size and homogeneous. AC electrical properties of nanoparticles were investigated by employing impedance spectroscopy. The real and the imaginary parts of impedance, permittivity, modulus along with the real part of ac conductivity, and tan delta were measured and analyzed for all synthesized samples in 1 Hz to 7 MHz for different voltages at 300 K.

In the last few years, metal nanoparticles (NPs) have become one of the major components in the field of nanotechnology. NPs with fascinating and tunable properties (size and shape) have provided solutions for many problems including water pollution which has now become alarming in the current era. Herein, natural polymer-supported AgSr bimetallic NPs have been synthesized. For this purpose, sodium alginate (Na-Alg) was used as a stabilizer along with sodium borohydride (NaBH 4 ) as a reducing agent. The synthesized Na-Alg-supported AgSr NPs were characterized employing UV–Vis, FTIR, SEM, and XRD techniques. The spectrophotometric analysis confirmed the formation and SEM and XRD confirmed the size of NPs up to 24.18 and 12.95 nm, respectively. These NPs were tested for catalytic degradation potential against malachite green (MG) and methyl orange (MO) dyes in the aqueous medium. The catalytic activity of NPs was evaluated in terms of kinetics and percent removal of the dyes. The results revealed that the MO dye was degraded in 21 min with a removal efficiency of 86.45% and MG dye in 24 min with 91.74%. Catalytic degradation of MO and MG dyes was also monitored in the absence of AgSr NPs which showed no catalytic degradation of dyes even after half an hour. The study has confirmed that biopolymer-supported NPs can be synthesized with suitable morphology for catalytic applications and these NPs can be further used for the removal of dyes from aqueous medium. Graphical abstract

Mallotus philippensis , a novel and mostly unexplored feedstock with a significantly greater oil content of 50%, serves as the foundation of a prospective and sustainable supply for biodiesel synthesis. The most notable aspect of this research is the development and application of a bio-based green nanocatalyst with ingenuity and environmental safety via a method employing an autoclave reactor from raw conventional materials such as rotten fungus fruits infused with a nano-WO 3 catalyst. The obtained catalyst was then subjected to several analyses, including scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray analysis, X-ray diffraction, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. This research focused on the potential of this unique feedstock within the limits of an industrial setting. The synthesized nanocatalyst showed promising long-term performance and great catalytic efficiency. The biodiesel production reached its peak under optimal conditions, which included a methanol-to-oil ratio of 11:1, a reaction period of 120 min at 110°C, and a catalyst concentration of 0.15% by weight. Under precisely optimized conditions, this investigation rigorously examined the effectiveness, environmental stability, reusability, and economic feasibility of this green catalyst. The findings of this study demonstrate the stability and consistency of nanocatalyst performance, particularly throughout reusability cycles. Graphical abstract

High-voltage outdoor insulating materials face formidable challenges emanating from stresses such as electrical discharge, humidity, and UV radiation, propelling them perilously toward potential failure. To combat this, researchers explored novel materials to enhance insulator performance under these stresses. In this study, samples infused with micro-/nano-alumina trihydrate (ATH) and -magnesium hydroxide (MH) were tested with a base polymer (RTV-SR – room-temperature vulcanizing silicone rubber) during a 100 h electrical discharge aging process. They were simultaneously exposed to AC discharges, UV irradiation, and varying humidity levels. The study found a decline in hydrophobicity in all samples post-discharge exposure. Notably, composites with micro- and nano-fillers exhibited prolonged hydrophobic recovery under stresses such as medium humidity and UV irradiation. Scanning electron microscopy analysis displayed deep cracks and block-like structures on surfaces, particularly in samples R 1 (50% micro-MH) and R 2 (50% micro-ATH). Aged sections of R 3 (10% nano-ATH) and R 4 (10% nano-MH) showed heightened surface cracks compared to R 5 and R 6 . Energy-dispersive X-ray analysis detected surface oxidation, emphasizing the severity of electrical and other stresses. FTIR results indicated minimal absorption peak reduction in co-filled samples after aging. These findings highlight the impact of co-filled composite insulators for robust insulating systems to withstand the hostile outdoor environment.

The augmentation of the epoxy (EP) resin surface to advance flashover performance has become a pivotal point of global interest. This research introduces a novel surface modification method and its mechanism for insulation materials. The research follows an electron cyclotron resonance ion implantation system to subject the surface of EP insulation to ion beams with diverse energies, i.e ., 6, 10, 20, 40, 50, and 60 keV for a consistent time of 300 s at an angle of 90°. The experimental phase includes the DC flashover examination under negative polarity. Besides, the simulation phase includes the Monte Carlo model constructed using SRIM software to examine the range and distribution of bombarded ions in the targeted insulation. Results reveal that the flashover properties are affected by the surface potential, surface conductivity, trap distribution, water contact angle, and elemental composition. Likewise, based on the outcomes and theoretical point of view, it is revealed that the bombardment of energetic ions enhances the trap depth, assisting in a reduction in surface conductivity, confining the surface charge movements, and extensively suppressing the secondary electron emission yield. Also, the enhanced trap depth induces homo-charge formation near triple junctions. Synergistically, the factors contribute to high flashover voltages.

Photocatalytic hydrogen (H₂) production is regarded as an efficient method for generating renewable energy. Despite recent advancements in photocatalytic water splitting, the solar-to-hydrogen conversion efficiency of photocatalysts remains well below the 10% target needed for commercial viability due to ongoing scientific challenges. This review comprehensively analyzes recent advancements in nanoscale engineering of photocatalytic materials, emphasizing techniques to enhance photogenerated charge separation for efficient solar hydrogen production. Here we highlight the nanoscale engineering strategies for effective charge separation including crystal engineering, junction engineering, doping-induced charge separation, tailoring optoelectronic properties, hierarchical architecture, defects engineering, various types of heterojunctions, and polarity-induced charge separation, and discuss their unique properties including ferroelectric on spatial charge separation along with the fundamental principles of light-induced charge separation/transfer mechanisms, and the techniques for investigation. This study, critically assesses strategies for effective photogenerated charge separation to enhance photocatalytic hydrogen production and offers guidance for future research to design efficient energy materials for solar energy conversion. Graphical abstract Graphical illustration of various strategies of nanoscale engineering boosting charge separation in semiconductor photocatalysts for photocatalytic hydrogen production.

Three new inorganic–organic hybrid nanocomposites (In–WO 3 @rGO, Mo–WO 3 @rGO, and Mn–WO 4 @rGO) were synthesized by hydrothermal method and applied for recoverable and efficacious ODS process of real oil. The physicochemical analysis of novel nanocatalysts was conducted by various techniques, i.e. , powder X-ray diffraction, fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis. XRD and SEM analyses depicted that the nanoparticles (In–WO 3 , Mn–WO 4 , and Mo–WO 3 ) were well embellished on the exterior of reduced GO with an amazing morphology, having a crystallite size of less than 40 nm. The catalytic activity of nanocomposites was scrutinized for real fuel (diesel and kerosene) and model fuel (DBT) using the radical initiator mechanism of the ODS pathway. Excellent efficiency can be obtained under optimized conditions using 0.1 g catalyst, 1 mL oxidant (H 2 O 2 ), and100 ppm DBT at 40°C with a time duration of 180 min. Various factors such as time, DBT concentration, catalyst amount, oxidant amount, and temperature that affect catalytic activity directly or indirectly were also studied. A pseudo-first-order kinetics model was followed, and due to spontaneous reaction, a negative value of Δ G was observed with an activation energy of 6.54 kJ/mol for Mo–WO 3 @rGO, which is lower than that of the other two hybrids. The synthesized nanohybrids showed remarkable durability and recovery up to five times for the ODS process without significant change in proficiency.

Nanobiofertilizers have emerged as an innovative tool for enhancing crop productivity. In the current research, zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) were mycosynthesized using cell-free supernatant of Trichoderma harzianum and optimized for physical parameters. Characterization using UV-Visible spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering analysis, zeta potential analysis, X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning electron microscopy-EDX, and HR-Transmission electron microscopy confirmed the formation of ZnONPs with flower-like morphology and average size of 314 nm. The average zeta potential value of the ZnONPs was +1.9 mV indicating the formation of neutral NPs. FTIR peak at 401 cm −1 revealed the presence of ZnONPs. XRD analysis confirmed the hexagonal wurtzite crystalline nature of the ZnONPs. The effect of ZnONPs at 10–1,000 ppm combined with liquid bio-slurry (BS) was studied on seed germination and growth of Vigna radiata. Combination of 250 ppm ZnONPs and BS at 1:2 ratio showed 22.6% increase in shoot length as well as 18.4% increase in root length as compared to control in in vitro studies. In Vivo pot experiments showed no significant difference in secondary metabolites after 60 days, but the root length increased by 38.9% and shoot length increased by 46.95% compared to the control. Graphical abstract

Nanomaterials (NMs) have found extensive applications in the realm of ornamental plants due to their unique properties. This article comprehensively discusses four main aspects of NM utilization in ornamental plants: 1) providing new insights into challenging problems in tissue culture, 2) exploring their regulatory effects on the growth of ornamental plants, 3) enhancing the resistance to biotic and abiotic stressors, and 4) discussing their widespread application and mechanisms in cut flower harvesting. Furthermore, potential issues and future directions are explored, providing a deeper theoretical basis for the application of novel NMs in the realm of ornamental plants.

Polydopamine coatings have been shown to allow to coat almost all materials with conformal films having a tunable thickness from a few up to more than 100 nm (and even more in some specific cases). These films are able to reduce metal cations, to be modified with many chemical moieties and advent hence as a “Holy Grail” in surface chemistry with an impressive amount of applicative papers published since 2007. However, the broad application field and ease of deposition from aqueous solutions hidden the complexity of the deposition mechanism(s). The discovery that polydopamine (PDA) films also form at air/water interfaces (in the absence of stirring or in stirring dependent manner) to yield membranes with physicochemical properties different than PDA films deposited at solid/water interfaces highlighted for the first time that the nature of the interfaces plays a major role in the PDA film growth mechanism and in the film properties. More recent research allowed to show that the surface chemistry of the used solid substrate modifies the composition of the thin deposited PDA film during the early stages of the deposition process with further deposition yielding to an almost substrate-independent PDA film. It is the aim of this review to describe complex surface effects occurring in PDA deposition and hence to complement other reviews which described the complexity of the chemistry yielding to PDA coatings.

Glioblastoma (GBM) is one of the most aggressive and hard to treat cancers. Traditional anti-cancer treatment methods have low efficiency and the lifespan after diagnosis is only 12–18 months. Brain tumor cells overexpress many proteins that play an important role in tumor progression and can be used as therapeutic targets. One of the promising approaches in cancer treatment is down-regulation of an extracellular matrix glycoprotein – Tenascin-C (TN-C) through RNA interference therapy. However, the effective delivery of double stranded RNA with one strand complementary to TN-C mRNA sequence is difficult due to rapid degradation by nucleases and low intracellular uptake. Polydopamine (PDA), a biomimetic polymer characterized by high biocompatibility and simple modification ability, is commonly used in nanobiomedicine to create a drug/gene delivery vehicle. Furthermore, photothermal characteristics of this polymer enable its application in photothermal therapy (PTT), which is a great option for cancer treatment. Here we synthesize PDA nanoparticles (NPs) coated with polyamidoamine dendrimers generation 3.0 (DD3.0) for therapeutic anti-TN-C RNA and doxorubicin delivery. As prepared PDA@DD3.0 NPs are then used in combined drug delivery, gene silencing, and PTT of GBM. The obtained materials are analyzed in terms of physicochemical and photothermal properties as well as their cytotoxicity, using human GBM cells. The results demonstrate that the obtained nanocarriers are effective non-viral vehicle for combined therapeutic approach for killing glioma cells via anti-TN-C RNA delivery and combined chemo-PTT therapy (CT-PTT). The application of PDA@DD3.0 NPs contributed to the 3-fold reduction in the proliferation rate of GBM cells, a decrease in the level of TN-C expression (by 30%) and a reduction in the number of viable cells by up to 20%.

In this article, 3,4-dihydroybenzylidenehydrazine is synthesized for the first time, and its properties as a dopamine analogue for polymerization are investigated. Using an oxidative polymerization reaction, the reaction mechanism as well as the coating ability of the new polymer is determined and compared to that of polydopamine. The polymerization reactions were performed in a mixture of methanol–water with NaIO 4 as an oxidation reagent. The polymer was used as a coating on both glass surfaces with a thickness of ∼5 nm as determined by AFM, as well as on TiO 2 nanoparticles. For the latter, SEM/TEM and the pH-dependent variation of zeta potential were measured. As a free polymer, poly-3,4-dihydroxybenzylidenhydrazine was investigated by UV-Vis, ss-NMR, and FTIR, and a variety of monomeric units were found in the polymer matrix. The solubility in methanol or DMSO of the monomer and the slight solubility of the polymer allowed us to study the fluorescence and cyclic voltammetry properties for both the monomer and polymer.

Chiral biomimetic nanostructures were successfully synthesized through the oxidative polymerization of chiral and achiral catecholamines in the presence of optically active 1,2-diaminocyclohexane (DACH). Analysis of these nanostructures using circular dichroism confirmed their chiral nature, demonstrating the feasibility of inducing chirality in achiral polycatecholamine materials. Furthermore, the chiral nanostructures exhibited self-assembly behaviour, forming distinctive patterns or curly carpets-like structures on silicon surfaces. The arrangement and morphology of these structures were closely linked to the amount of DACH and its inherent chirality. Additionally, the self-assembly process was shown to be significantly influenced by the pH of the reaction and the choice of supporting materials. These findings are particularly relevant in the context of molecular self-assembly of nanoaggregates/particles generated during dopamine polymerization, suggesting a promising avenue for the development of novel chiral polycatechols-based materials. Graphical abstract

Recently, there has been a surge of interest in developing new types of photothermal materials driven by the ongoing demand for efficient energy conversion, environmental concerns, and the need for sustainable solutions. However, many existing photothermal materials face limitations such as high production costs or narrow absorption bands, hindering their widespread application. In response to these challenges, researchers have redirected their focus toward harnessing the untapped potential of organic waste-derived and bioderived materials. These materials, with photothermal properties derived from their intrinsic composition or transformative processes, offer a sustainable and cost-effective alternative. This review provides an extended categorization of organic waste-derived and bioderived materials based on their origin. Additionally, we investigate the mechanisms underlying the photothermal properties of these materials. Key findings highlight their high photothermal efficiency and versatility in applications such as water and energy harvesting, desalination, biomedical applications, deicing, waste treatment, and environmental remediation. Through their versatile utilization, they demonstrate immense potential in fostering sustainability and support the transition toward a greener and more resilient future. The authors’ perspective on the challenges and potentials of platforms based on these materials is also included, highlighting their immense potential for real-world implementation. Graphical abstract

To expand the chemotherapeutic potential of platinum complexes, different approaches have been followed, two of the most relevant being their administration as the prodrug Pt( iv ) and encapsulation in nanocarriers. Herein, we demonstrate how neuromelanin may become a good bioinspiration for the synthesis of nanoparticles (NPs), combining both approaches. For this, complex PtBC reacts with sodium periodate, inducing a melanization process and the formation of nanoparticles. In vitro results on non-malignant human fibroblast cells (1Br3G), human cervical cancer, murine glioma (GL261), and human ovarian cancer confirmed its therapeutic efficacy. The role of the Pt( iv ) ion on the cytotoxicity effects was confirmed by comparison with the results obtained for a family of nanoparticles obtained with nordihydroguaiaretic acid under the same experimental conditions. Finally, intranasal administration of the NPs in orthotopic glioblastoma multiforme murine models in female C57BL/6 mice showed excellent in vivo biodistribution and tolerability. Overall, this innovative approach represents a step toward more specific and less toxic therapies in the field of cancer chemotherapy. Graphical abstract

Combining deep learning (DL) with nanotechnology holds promise for transforming key facets of nanoscience and technology. This synergy could pave the way for groundbreaking advancements in the creation of novel materials, devices, and applications, unlocking unparalleled capabilities. In addition, monitoring psychological, emotional, and physical states is challenging, yet recent advancements in the Internet of Nano Things (IoNT), nano robot technology, and DL show promise in collecting and processing such data within home environments. Using DL techniques at the edge enables the processing of Internet of Things device data locally, preserving privacy and low latency. We present an edge IoNT system that integrates nanorobots and DL to identify diseases, generating actionable reports for medical decision-making. Explainable artificial intelligence enhances model transparency, aiding clinicians in understanding predictions. Intensive experiments have been carried out on Kvasir dataset to validate the applicability of the designed framework, where the accuracy of results demonstrated its potential for in-home healthcare management.

Multidrug-resistant wound infections are a global health threat and a leading cause of death, persisting despite available treatments due to antibiotic resistance, biofilms, and ineffective drug delivery systems. The aim of this study is to (i) formulate an innovative nano-drug delivery system (NDDS) based on a Carbopol nanoemulgel (NEG) co-loaded with neomycin-silver/zinc oxide nanocomposite (NC) that could fight clinical MDR and treat biofilm-forming wound pathogens through topical application, and (ii) assess its in vivo wound-healing potential. The silver/zinc oxide (Ag/ZnO) NC was synthesized by co-inoculating the metabolites of Aspergillus welwitschiae and Meyerozyma guilliermondii . The synthesized NC was then conjugated with neomycin and loaded into a Carbopol NEG for efficient topical delivery. The resulting Neo-Ag/ZnO NEG was characterized physicochemically ( e.g. , UV-visible [UV-Vis] spectrophotometry, field emission scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and Fourier transform infrared [FTIR] spectroscopy), biologically ( e.g. , in vitro antimicrobial, antibiofilm, and hemolytic activities), and pharmacologically ( e.g. , drug content, ex vivo drug release behavior, and in vivo wound-healing potential). The physicochemical analysis confirmed the successful mycosynthesis of the Carbopol NEG-loaded Neo-Ag/ZnO NC. SEM depicted a crystalline polyhedral shape of the small NC (average particle size of 38 nm). FTIR studies showed a slight interaction with the drug and other bioactive moieties in the Carbopol NEG. The Neo content in the Carbopol NEG was as high as 98%, and a maximum release of 81% for Neo, Ag, and ZnO ions was noticed after 12 h. The NDDS appeared hemocompatible and displayed a minimal inhibition concentration of 0.002 µg/mL with the greatest antimicrobial potential against S. aureus (an inhibition zone of 46 mm) compared to other tested wound microbes ( p < 0.05). Statistically significant wound-healing activity was found for NDDS ( p = 0.0001) in comparison to the control at a concentration of 100 mg/mL. The results showed that this newly developed Carbopol NEG-loaded neo-Ag/ZnO NC appeared promising for controlling resistant skin infections and boosting wound regeneration.

In this research, we produced copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) using extracts from the entire above-ground portion of plants of genus Inula ( Inula graveolens ). The synthesis of CuO NPs was verified through various physicochemical analytical methods, including UV–visible, Fourier transform infrared, and transmission electron microscopy. The CuO NPs were found to be around 20 nm in size and spherical in shape. Subsequently, the synthesized compounds were evaluated for their anticancer properties. After treating A549 cells with CuO NPs at concentrations of 15 and 30 μg, we examined their cytotoxicity, lipid peroxidation activity (malondialdehyde level), and antioxidant activity (catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione levels). Additionally, we analyzed the expression of apoptotic marker genes (p53, caspase-3, and caspase-9), cytokine levels (IL-6 and TNF-α), and DNA fragmentation. Our findings demonstrated that CuO NPs enhanced the expression of apoptotic genes, suggesting that phytochemical-derived NPs from Inula extracts induce apoptosis by upregulating tumor suppressor genes and downregulating oncogenes in A549 cells. Furthermore, CuO NPs exhibited higher susceptibility toward B. subtilis and S. aureus compared to ampicillin. Using the response surface methodology, we determined that CuO NPs are effective adsorbents for removing Pb 2+ ions from aqueous solutions, making them promising for environmental applications. Overall, our results indicate that CuO NPs have potential as antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anticancer agents and as efficient adsorbents. Graphical abstract

This study explores a novel, eco-friendly approach to silver nanoparticle (AgNP) synthesis by using rose petal (RP) extracts. Unlike traditional chemical synthesis, this method reduces silver ions (Ag + ) to elemental silver (Ag 0 ) with RP, facilitating nanoparticle stabilization. RP-AgNPs were structurally characterized using UV/Vis (ultraviolet/visible) spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering, zeta potential, transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy which confirmed the synthesis of predominantly spherical to oval RP-AgNPs, with a distinct absorption peak at 410 nm as observed in UV/Vis spectra. The NPs demonstrated exceptional antibacterial efficacy against Escherichia coli   and Staphylococcus aureus (inhibitory zones of 12.5  ±  0.20 and 14  ±  0.67 mm at 50 µg) and potent antibiofilm activity. Crucially, they also exhibited selective cytotoxicity toward HeLa cervical cancer cells when assessed by viability assays, fluorescence imaging, and flow cytometry. These findings underscore the potential of green synthesized AgNPs for future biomedical applications in areas such as infection control and cancer treatment.

Graphical abstract Abstract The limitless possibilities of nanotechnology can be explained by the remarkable antimicrobial activity demonstrated by plant-derived biometallic nanoparticles, with a particular focus on their interactions with metal oxides. Plant-derived biomaterials and metal oxides work harmoniously to provide a new dimension in materials science that might lead to ground-breaking applications in environmental remediation and biomedicine. Using sophisticated analytical methods, including transmission electron microscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction, this work consists of a systematic inquiry into the production and characterization of these biometallic nanoparticles. The results highlight the exact control over particle size, shape, and composition, highlighting how important these factors are in determining the resultant nanoparticles’ ability to fight microbes. One of the main themes involves antioxidant activity, as the biometallic nanoparticles made from plants have the natural capacity to scavenge free radicals, which enhances their antimicrobial effectiveness. The work carefully evaluates the processes behind this dual function, providing insight into the complex interactions between metal oxides and chemicals originating from plants. This study delves into possible uses in biological remediation, where the produced nanoparticles show promise in reducing environmental pollutants. It emphasizes how environmentally benign the suggested biometallic nanoparticles are, imagining a long-term strategy to mitigate microbial dangers and concurrently clean up contaminants in various ecosystems. An in-depth understanding of the complex interactions between biometallic nanoparticles generated from plants and metal oxides, as well as the various roles that these materials play in biological remediation and antimicrobial activity, is obtained. Thus, our review offers a paradigm change in the design and use of materials, opening up opportunities for further developments in nanotechnology.

Nanorod and nanosphere hydroxyapatite (HAP) particles were synthesized by the sol–gel hydrothermal method. The size of the synthesized HAP nanoparticles was controlled using cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) as a templating agent with molar concentrations (HAP + 0.01 M CTAB, HAP + 0.03 M CTAB, and HAP + 0.1 M CTAB). The purity, size, shape, and elemental composition of HAP were determined using powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy, which enabled us to determine the nanostructure formation. Further, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller analysis of the samples proves the size of the pores to be 7–10 nm. Thus, by altering the concentration of CTAB, HAP nanorods were induced along the c -axis. The zeta potential values of −34.7 and −28.7 mV confirmed the stability of pure HAP and HAP + 0.01 M CTAB. Further, the biological activities of the HAP nanoparticles were determined. In the anti-microbial activity test, an increase in the inhibition with an increase in the concentration of pure HAP to 0.1 M CTAB + HAP was observed against S. aureus , S. pyrogens , B. subtilis , E. aerogens , K. pneumoniae, and P. vulgaris. About 76% of antioxidant activity was obtained from the experiments. The drug-release behavior of doxorubicin-loaded pure HAP and CTAB-coated HAP also indicates that the % of drug delivery depends on the pores, which further depends on the CTAB concentration. The cytotoxic assay also revealed potential inhibitory effects against human cancer cell lines (MCF-7), with 65% cell viability recorded at a concentration of 500 μg/ml. These findings indicate that the pore size and shape of HAP play significant roles in their biological activities.

Innovative approaches such as photodynamic therapy (PDT) and photothermal therapy (PTT) have made nanomedicines a promising frontier in cancer theranostics. The combination of nanocarriers with photothermal agents and photosensitizers (PSs) has shown excellent promise for the diagnosis and the treatment of cancer, primarily at the cellular, vascular, and tumor microenvironment level. Using nanocarriers in PDT has revolutionized precision and efficacy, allowing the drug to reach cancer cells faster and offering high enhancing PS accumulation. These agents are activated by light of specific wavelengths, leading to localized cytotoxicity, offering highly selective cancer therapy. Nanomaterials such as gold and silver nanoparticles have enabled remarkable progress in cancer hyperthermia using PTT. The unique optical properties of these nanoparticle-based nanomedicines make them ideal candidates for converting light energy into heat, selectively ablating the cancer cells. In this review, nanomedicine-integrated phototherapeutic agents are discussed and the most important recent developments in PDT and PTT are examined, as well as how nanoparticle-based formulations improve diagnosis and treatment. In addition, nanocarriers used in cancer phototherapy and their mode of action are discussed. Nanocarriers are useful for drug delivery as well as for imaging and diagnostic purposes during cancer treatment. In this review, we explore the role of nanoparticles in improving phototherapy precision and selectivity while minimizing collateral tissue damage. It specifies a comprehensive impression of the current research on cancer therapy, underscoring its potential to revolutionize the treatment paradigm by highlighting the current state of research.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) encompasses a group of chronic inflammatory disorders that affect the gastrointestinal tract, with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis being the primary subtypes. Diagnosis and treatment of IBD are challenging due to their unknown etiology and complex pathology. Smart bionanomaterials, which are biocompatible nanometer-sized materials that respond to external stimuli, can be used in the treatment and diagnosis of diseases. In the context of IBD, these materials can deliver drugs, primarily aminosalicylates, and corticosteroids, as well as live probiotics to the inflamed parts of the intestine, with a specific focus on the colon. The controlled release of drugs can be triggered by the conditions present in the IBD-affected intestine, such as inflammation, anaerobic environment, neutral pH, and gut microbiota. This article provides an overview of the use of smart bionanomaterials, including hydrogels, nanoparticles, nanofibers, and hybrid systems. It discusses their manufacturing process and their ability to deliver active ingredients in response to various stimuli, such as pH, temperature, reactive oxygen species, magnetic field, and biomolecules, for the treatment of IBD. We also describe the use of smart probiotics, which have been genetically engineered to recognize specific stimuli and synthesize recombinant proteins for the treatment of IBD. The qualitative or quantitative response to inflammatory stimuli can be exploited in diagnostic applications, with some examples already developed. Smart bionanomaterials offer several advantages, such as encapsulation, targeted delivery, responsiveness to stimuli, and controlled release. These features make them a valuable adjunct tool in the diagnosis and treatment of IBD.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a persistent inflammatory illness that causes joint destruction and dysfunction due to the activation of macrophages and the generation of reactive oxygen species. Current therapy choices frequently limit the effectiveness of targeting the inflammatory areas. To reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in RA, this research will create and assess multifunctional nanoparticles that selectively target inflammatory cells and deliver therapeutic medicines. Tannic acid, ferric chloride hexahydrate, methotrexate (MTX), and bovine serum albumin were conjugated using sonication and centrifugation to create the nanoparticles. Folic acid was added to improve the ability to target. Transmission electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering (DLS), UV-vis spectroscopy, and in vitro release experiments were used to characterize the nanoparticles. RAW 264.7 macrophage cells were used to test the cellular uptake of the nanoparticles using confocal microscopy and fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS). TFMBP-FA achieved 65.56%, and TFMBP reached 68.96%, indicating a high drug delivery rate for the synthesized nanoparticles. Confocal microscopy showed that the TFMBP-FA group had a greater density of fluorescent markers, indicating that the cells effectively targeted and absorbed the inflammatory environment. These results imply that the created nanoparticles may improve how medications are delivered during RA therapy.