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ZnO nanowire (NW), ZnO/CeO 2 solid solution nanowire (SSNW) and composite nanowire (CNW) were resulted by varying the proportions of CeO 2 , synthesized by bio-morphing. The nano sized cellulosic fibrils present inside the micro fiber bundles of banana (Musa Balbisiana Colla) pseudo stem were used as bio-morphing template. The high aspect ratio of NW imitates the internal morphology of the cellulosic micro fiber bundles (CMFB) used. Raw CMFB and synthesized NWs morphology, composition, crystallinity, band gap energy and functionalities were examined by FESEM, EDX, TEM, XRD, UV–visible DRS and FTIR respectively. The formation mechanism of NW within the natural CMFB also proposed with the help of TG-DTA. Reaction kinetics and mechanism of dye degradation of Direct Red dye (DRD) was investigated under UV and solar light irradiation, the effects of DRD concentration, catalyst dosage and pH were also explored using the synthesized SSNW. The degradation studies substantiated the enhanced photocatalytic degradation under solar light. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The biosorption of methyl orange dye from an aqueous solution onto Acalypha indica (A. indica) was examined using batch and continuous processes. The equilibrium dye uptake limit of A. indica was determined by analyzing the impact of different working parameters like adsorbent dose, pH, and time. The biosorbent was exemplified by scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, surface area analyzer, point of zero charge, and Boehm titration. In batch experiments, the maximum uptake capacity of sorbent (82 mg g-1) was achieved with the biosorbent dosage of 0.03 g 100 mL-1 and at pH 3.0. Henry's isotherm model was (R² = 0.997) proved to be a better fit than Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms. The data acquired from kinetic studies were found to fit well with the Elovich's model (R² > 0.99) when compared with pseudo-first-order, pseudo-second-order equation, and intraparticle diffusion model. Optimized parameters from batch studies were further employed for column studies. Maximum uptake capacity of biosorbent (244 mg g-1) was obtained at the bed height of 3 cm and at the flow rate of 5 mL min-1. Breakthrough curves showed that the chosen biosorbent reduced the concentration of dye from 30 mg L-1 to appreciable level. Gravitational search algorithm (GSA) was employed to predict the optimal combination of the process parameters. It was observed from the GSA results that the equilibrium uptake capacity of the biosorbent should be maintained at the concentration level of 11.3921 mg L-1 and at the time of 47.35 min. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In present study, estimation and characterization of Psoralen were done for Jasmonic Acid treated in vitro plants of Psoralea corylifolia L. The elicitor Jasmonic Acid at different concentrations (50,100,150, 200 and 250 µM/L) was used along with 6% sucrose and plant growth regulators to enhance psoralen content in leaves and roots of P. corylifolia . Shoot tip explant cultured on MSB 5 medium containing 2.0 mg/L BAP showed higher induction and proliferation of multiple shoots with 82.2% of response and 16.3 shoots/explant. In vitro rooting was best achieved with 82.6% of response and 18.6 roots/shoot at 0.8 mg/L IAA. JA at 150 µM/L concentration was found to enhance Psoralen content in leaves and roots of in vitro regenerated plants of P. corylifolia . The presence and structure of psoralen in methanolic extract of leaves and roots were confirmed through HPLC (retention time 21.007 in root, 20.659 in leaf sample), UV (213 nm), FT-IR, and NMR (C 11 H 6 O 3 ). The amount of Psoralen in JA treated leaf and root sample were found to be higher 1.17 mg/mL and 3.93 mg/mL respectively when compared to naturally growing P. corylifolia (0.56 mg/mL). The methanolic extract of root sample showed effective antimicrobial activity against tested bacterial and fungal pathogens. The present work provides the possibility of increasing production of psoralen in in vitro plants of P. corylifolia using Jasmonic Acid as an elicitor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was designed to investigate the protective effects of the chelating agents desferrioxamine (DFO) and deferiprone (DFP) in aluminum intoxicated liver tissue of mice by Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. The finding reveals the alterations on the major biochemical constituents, such as lipids, proteins, collagen, glycogen and nucleic acids of liver tissue at molecular level. The significant decreased in the peak areas of CH3 asymmetric and CH2 symmetric groups from control 0.120±0.073 and 0.924±0.041 to aluminum intoxicated 0.023±0.003 and 0.111±0.006, but treated with chelating agents DFP and DFO+DFP improved from 0.055±0.006 and 0.345±0.077 to 0.091±0.005 and 0.671±0.046 respectively for near to control values. This result suggests that due to aluminum poisoning decreased the lipids contents in the biological system. The bands ratio at I2958/I2850 significantly decreased from control (0.380±0.003) to aluminum (0.292±0.013), but improved it by DFP (0.323±0.002) and DFO+DFP (0.370±0.001) respectively. This decreased ratio indicates a decrease in the number of methyl groups in protein fibers compared to methylene groups in aluminum intoxicated liver tissue. The significant decreased in the peak areas of amide I and amide II groups from control 3.362±0.152 and 1.980±0.225 to aluminum intoxicated 0.713±0.022 and 0.258±0.020, but treated with DFP and DFO+DFP enhanced from 1.428±0.140 and 0.763±0.024 to 2.281±0.144 and 1.283±0.046 respectively for near to control values. This result suggests an alteration in the protein profile. Further, the absence of olefinic CH stretching band in aluminium exposure liver suggests an altered lipid levels. Therefore, FTIR can be used successfully applied to toxicological studies at molecular level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The present study was designed to study aluminum chloride which caused marked alterations in biochemical parameters such as glutathione peroxidase, catalase, superoxide dismutase, and TBARS in brain tissues of mice. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy spectra reflect the alterations on major biochemical constituents in brain tissues of mice such as proteins, lipids and nucleic acids due to the overproduction of ROS. Furthermore, administration of deferiprone and deferoxamine significantly improved the level of protein and shifted back the peak positions of amide I and II to near control values indicating tau protein, β-amyloid, amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles decreased, consequently protected from Alzheimer's disease and other major risk factor of many neuronal dysfunctions in brain tissues. Therefore, aluminum toxicity is a widespread crisis to all living organisms, including both flora and fauna. Furthermore, it causes widespread degradation of the environment and health. Therefore, the present investigation suggested that DFO and DFP are efficient chelators for aluminum poisoning and they reduced the aluminum concentration. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Nickel ferrite (NiFe2O4) nanoparticles were prepared by a simple and cost-effective method using nickel nitrate, ferric nitrate, ethylene glycol and citric acid via polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) assisted sol–gel auto-combustion method. The structure, composition, morphology and magnetic properties of the gel precursor were characterised XRD confirmed the formation of single phase NiFe2O4 with space group Fd3m and inverse spinel structure and the crystallite size was found to be 29nm. The FT-IR showed absorption bands, which were assigned to the vibration of tetrahedral and octahedral complexes. The thermal decomposition of the gel precursors was investigated by TGA. HR-SEM and TEM images showed sheet-like nanostructure. The magnetic properties of these nanosheets were studied for the enlightening ferromagnetic behaviour at room temperature. The magnetic saturation (M s =41.70emug−1), remanent magnetisation (M r =7.57emug−1) and coercive force (H c =162.47Oe), were determined. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Sulfonated polyether ether ketone (SPEEK) is prepared by the sulfonation of polyether ether ketone (PEEK). Five of the composite membranes (PSW1-PSW5) with various percentage compositions of the SPEEK, PVA-co-ethylene, and silicotungstic acid (SWA) were prepared. The prepared composite membranes were characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Surface morphology of the composite membranes was analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Other evaluations related to conductivities (ion exchange capacity, IEC), proton conductivity), absorptivity (water and methanol absorption), durability and mechanical properties (tensile strength and percentage elongation) were also evaluated for the composite membranes. Among the five composite membranes, composite membrane with higher SWA content, PSW5 (which has 10% SWA) showed more conductivity compared to other membranes. These composites also showed very good conductivities, mechanical properties, and durabilities. Hence, these composite membranes have the potential to be used in the development of newer proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a novel nanocomposite of bimetallic Ag–Co nanoparticles supported on cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) was synthesised using the ultrasound-assisted wet-impregnation method for catalytic applications. CNFs were prepared from cellulose acetate using the electrospinning technique. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis confirmed the successful synthesis of CNFs. Further, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX) revealed a uniform dispersion of Ag and Co metals on the CNFs. At the same time, X-Ray diffraction (XRD) spectra indicated the highly crystalline nature of the as-produced composite. The hydrogenation of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) was used to study the efficiency of the synthesised nanocomposite. The progress of the reaction was examined via UV–visible spectroscopy. It was noted that Ag-Co nanoparticles supported on CNFs catalysed the hydrogenation of 4-NP (0.1 mM) to 4-aminophenol within just 110 s with an apparent rate constant of 0.0172 s−1. This study proved that the obtained catalysts have superior stability and reusability with about 100% conversion up to 5 cycles. The excellent activity of the as-synthesised Ag-Co/CNFs nanocomposites makes it a promising nanocatalyst for catalytic applications. [Display omitted] • An ecological, cellulose based Ag–Co/CNF nanocomposite catalyst was developed. • Uniform distribution of spherical Ag and Co nanoparticles (15 nm) over CNF were obtained. • Catalytic potential of the as-prepared catalyst was tested for the 4-NP hydrogenation. • Complete conversion of 4-NP with k app = 0.0172 s−1 within 110 s was obtained. • The nanocomposite offers better stability and efficiency even up to five cycles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In our laboratory, we recently developed a new technique to measure cell proliferation that is based on infrared spectro-photometry and the density of cell culture medium. The fluid exchange between intra and extra cellular environments is the key to our method. Using this technique, we found that cell proliferation assessment may be performed much faster than presently existing methods, using two separate pieces of equipment (a cell culture incubator and an interferometer). We confirmed the viability of our method using five different cell lines, breast cancer cells (BT20), mouse normal embryonic fibroblast (NEF) as well as those expressing E6/E7 onco-proteins of human papillomavirus (HPV) type 16, and a human cervical cancer cell line (HeLa). Based on our findings, we propose the design of a mini-incubator allowing cell culture as well as infrared spectra collection of the culture medium, as an accessory to the FTIR work bench, which would become a promising arrangement for continuous cell proliferation monitoring. Moreover, the use of the collected culture medium will be highly efficient in terms of reducing both experimental time and cost. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Sheet-like nickel ferrite (NiFe2O4) has been synthesised with PVA matrices using co-precipitation technique. The sheet is formed from the oriented aggregation of single crystalline NiFe2O4 nanoparticles with PVA as the structure directing template. The synthesised materials are characterised based on X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), high-resolution scanning electron microscopy (HRSEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM). The XRD results show that the nanocrystal contains single phase spinel structure of Fd3m space group. The existence of PVA with nanoparticles has been confirmed by FTIR spectra. The room temperature ferromagnetic property is exhibited by the as synthesised sample with high saturation magnetisation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]