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Gentamicin C1a and the minor isomer C2b have been reported to have favorable properties in terms of antibacterial activity and toxicity compared to the commercial mixture from which they have previously been isolated by preparative high-performance liquid chromatography. We report straightforward syntheses of both compounds from readily available sisomicin by selective oxidation of the side chain in ring I, hydrogenation of the double bond in ring I to give the 5'-epi series, inversion of configuration at position 5' under thermodynamic conditions, and installation of the 6'-amino group by reductive amination.

Halide perovskites have been widely explored for numerous optoelectronic applications among which phototransistors have appeared as one of the most promising light signal detectors. However, it is still a great challenge to endow halide perovskites with both mobility and high photosensitivity because of their high sensitivity to moisture in ambient atmosphere. Here, we explore an FAPbBr3 perovskite quantum dot (QD) phototransistor with bandlike charge transport and measure a dark hole mobility of 14.2 cm2 V-1 s-1 at ambient atmosphere. Attaining both high mobility and good optical figures of merit, a detectivity of ∼1016 Jones is achieved, which is a record for halide perovskite nanocrystals. Simple A-site salt (FABr) treatments offer a mechanism for connecting between perovskite QDs for better charge transfer in high-quality devices. All of these important properties are superior to most advanced inorganic semiconductor phototransistors, indicating a promising future in optoelectronic applications. published

Halide perovskites have been widely explored for numerous optoelectronic applications among which phototransistors have appeared as one of the most promising light signal detectors. However, it is still a great challenge to endow halide perovskites with both mobility and high photosensitivity because of their high sensitivity to moisture in ambient atmosphere. Here, we explore an FAPbBr

In this work, an all-fiber acoustoelectric nanogenerator (AAPNG) is fabricated by the hydrated metal salt (MgCl2·6H2O) (Mg-salt) reinforced polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF–Mg) nanofibers as an active layer and interlocked conducting micro-fiber-based electrode for converting mechanical and acoustic energies into useful electrical power. It has been found that the electroactive phase content (∼84%) is enhanced in PVDF–Mg nanofibers due to the inter-molecular H-bonding moieties, the arrangement of the macromolecular chains of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) in a layer-by-layer fashion, and the existence of an interfacial interaction between the Mg-salt and dimethylformamide (DMF) resonance structure and –CF2 dipoles of PVDF. As a result, PVDF–Mg nanofibers possess superior piezoelectric charge coefficient (d33 ≈ 33.6 pC N−1) and figure of merit (FoM ≈ 12.7 × 10−12 Pa−1) with respect to neat PVDF nanofibers (d33 ≈ 22 pC N−1 and FoM ≈ 9.7 × 10−12 Pa−1). Benefitting from the ultrafast response time of ∼6 ms, AAPNG serves as an acoustoelectric sensor detecting low-frequency sound with an acoustic sensitivity (Sa) of 10 V Pa−1, which is superior to that of neat PVDF nanofibers (Sa ∼ 266 mV Pa−1). With the overall acoustoelectric energy conversion efficiency of ∼1.3%, AAPNG powers a range of commercial electronic gadgets, such as LEDs, capacitors, and LCDs. This makes it perfectly suitable for noise detection purposes as well as self-powered microphone applications. Additionally, AAPNGs can be realized as human motion monitoring systems, such as finger motion sensors that pave the way of futuristic robotic-based applications.

Organolead halide perovskites have drawn significant attention from the scientific community as one of the most attractive materials in optoelectronics, especially in the field of photovoltaics. In this study, we focus on using halide perovskites in processing thin film transistors (TFTs). Halide perovskites have high solution processability and excellent carrier transport characteristics, in particular for holes. The present work aims to fill a gap in oxide-based technology. It concerns the process of using high-stable and reliable p-type oxide-based devices to target CMOS technology (complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor). We report on a solution-processed high-performance TFT based on methylammonium lead iodide (CH3NH3PbI3) perovskite semiconductor films, which shows promise for devices that can be simple to manufacture with high reliability, reproducibility, and excellent stability in atmospheric conditions. To achieve a highly stable perovskite semiconductor film, we introduce diethylsulfide in the perovskite precursor. The TFT shows a stable p-type behavior when operated at low voltages (≤-2 V) and has a current modulation of >104, an almost negligible hysteresis, and average saturation mobility of about 18.8 cm2 V-1 s-1, taken over 50 devices tested (the highest one measured was ∼23.2 cm2 V-1 s-1). This is the highest value until now reported in the literature. In addition, we demonstrate that perovskite TFTs can be fabricated at temperatures as low as 150 °C on flexible substrates with a saturation mobility of ∼11.5 cm2 V-1 s-1. The high-performance perovskite TFT with excellent stability is a promising candidate for the next generation of p-type transistors for a plethora of low-cost electronics applications.

Here, we report an exceptional feature of the one-dimensional threadlike assemblies of a four-monolayer colloidal CdSe nanoplatelet (NPL)-based thin-film transistor. A series of different lengths of threads (200-1200 nm) was used as an active n channel in thin-film transistors (TFTs) to understand the change in mobility with the length of the threads. The film with the longest threads shows the highest conductivity of ∼12 S/cm and electron mobility of ∼14.3 cm

We describe the novel oxidative fragmentation of methyl (5-acetamido-4,7,8,9-tetra-O-acetyl-5-deoxy-3-O-trifluoromethanesulfonyl-β-d-erythro-l-gluco-2-nonulopyranos)onate 2 on stirring with sodium nitrite in DMF to give the novel 3-acetamido-2,5,6,7-tetra-O-acetyl-d-glycero-d-galacto-heptono-1,4-lactone 3 in excellent yield. Stirring of the same triflate with sodium carbonate on the other hand affords the novel methyl (5-acetamido-7,8,9-tri-O-acetyl-3,6-anhydro-5-deoxy-d-manno-3-ene-2-nonulos)onate 19 also in excellent yield. Reduction of the heptono lactone with sodium borohydride followed by acetylation gives a peracetylated aminodeoxyheptitol 6 that adopts the zig zag conformation of its carbon backbone.

Trehalose containing glycolipids have been isolated from various species of mycobacteria, fungi and worms. Owing to their versatile biological roles, and heterogenicity of the natural isolates, there is great interest in the synthesis of trehalose glycolipids. In this review we discuss recent developments in the total synthesis of biologically important and structurally complex trehalose glycoconjugates and oligosaccharides.

Herein, we report a strategy for the total synthesis of a structurally unique fungal glycolipid fusaroside. The first total synthesis of the proposed structure involved construction of the complex, branched lipid chain having a variety of alkenes with

In this work, an all-fiber piezoelectric nanogenerator (A-PNG) is designed by using ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) reinforced poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) electrospun nanofibers as the active layer and interlocked conducting microfiber composite mats as electrodes to convert the mechanical energy into electrical power. Theoretical simulation using finite element analysis on stress distribution shows that the external stress can be concentrated to deform ZnO nanoparticles by 7.2 fold of magnitude compared to the surrounding neat PVDF, improving the stress-induced large polarization in the resulting PVDF-ZnO composite nanofibers, thus enabling improved generation of electricity. Nano-scale investigation revealed superior generation of ferro- and piezo-electricity using the PVDF-ZnO composite nanofibers, showing an excellent piezoelectric charge coefficient of d(33) = -32 pC N-1. As a result, the A-PNG shows a high electrical throughput, with 18 V of open-circuit output voltage, 26.7 mu W cm(-2) of output power density, and 11.52 x 10(-12) Pa-1 for the piezoelectric figure of merit (FoM). In addition, the excellent mechanical to the electrical energy conversion efficiency of 91%, means that the system is suitable for driving a range of consumer electronics components, such as capacitors and light-emitting diodes (LEDs). The quick response time of 10 ms means it is feasible for ultra-fast signal detection in a healthcare monitoring system. Owing to the skin conformable functionality on different body parts, such as wrists, fingers, throat, and knees, the A-PNG was found to be attractive for application in detecting the pulse rate, muscle behavior, and coughing signal characteristics in order to monitor health conditions. The robust device structure means the A-PNG can be used as a weight monitoring sensor as it is able to predict the weight of a person in a weight range between 45 and 80 kg.

Organolead halide perovskites have drawn significant attention from the scientific community as one of the most attractive materials in optoelectronics, especially in the field of photovoltaics. In this study, we focus on using halide perovskites in processing thin film transistors (TFTs). Halide perovskites have high solution processability and excellent carrier transport characteristics, in particular for holes. The present work aims to fill a gap in oxide-based technology. It concerns the process of using high-stable and reliable p

Energy conversion by the surface plasmon effect is considered a promising alternative to an effective transformation of solar energy in photovoltaic devices through the generation of hot electrons in plasmonic nanostructures. Here, we report the direct visualization of the space charge potential profile across the cross-section of perovskite solar cells before and after plasmonic treatment and the nanoscale photoresponses of perovskite thin films to gain key insights into the fundamental mechanism of the charge carrier dynamics inside the cells during operation. Understanding the charge transport dynamics inside the solar cells is important for identifying the basic processes of the photovoltaic mechanism. Plasmon resonances in metal nanostructures and the accelerated charge transfer improved the overall performances of the solar cells. The recorded photocurrent images reveal an enhanced photo-response at the nanoscale for the plasmonic solar cells due to hot electron generation in Au nanoparticles. In addition, the potential-profiling results also indicate enhanced charge separation in the plasmon-based solar cells, which is associated with the better performances of the devices. The results represent a new feature for plasmonic nanostructures in photovoltaics, which could lead to the tuning of the carrier transfer dynamics inside the cells.

Highly luminescent CsPbBr3 perovskite quantum dots (QDs) have gained huge attention in research due to their various applications in optoelectronics, including as a light absorber in photovoltaic solar cells. To improve the performances of such devices, it requires a deeper knowledge on the charge transport dynamics inside the solar cell, which are related to its power-conversion efficiency. Here, we report the successful fabrication of an all-inorganic CsPbBr3 perovskite QD sensitized solar cell and the imaging of anomalous electrical potential distribution across the layers of the cell under different illuminations using Kelvin probe force microscopy. Carrier generation, separation, and transport capacity inside the cells are dependent on the light illumination. Large differences in surface potential between electron and hole transport layers with unbalanced carrier separation at the junction have been observed under white light (full solar spectrum) illumination. However, under monochromatic light (sin...

Progress on smart self-powered electronic skin ( e -skin) presents unique opportunities to detect and discriminate static human physiological signals and dynamic tactile stimuli. Nevertheless, development of piezoelectric materials possessing adequate flexibility, light weight, ease of large-area processing, low cost and environmental safety are attractive but remains a challenging choice for next-generation pressure/force sensors and mechanical energy harvesters. Here, we design a wearable bio-inspired piezoelectric pressure sensor ( i.e. , bio- e -skin) from structurally stable fish gelatin nanofibers (GNFs) using large area compatible electrospining technology. Owing to superior mechanosensitivity (~0.8 V kPa −1 ), the bio- e -skin can mimic spatiotemporal human perception and monitors real-time human physiological signals in non-invasive rational strategy. More importantly, nanoscale ferro– and piezo–electricity (d 33 ~−20 pm/V) in GNFs, realized by piezoresponse force microscopy allow the bio- e -skin to be self-powered with excellent operational stability (over 108,000 cycles) and anti-fatigue (over 6 months) properties which solve the complication of external power supply for pressure sensing applications.

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) serves as the epitome of how lipids-next to proteins-are utilized as central effectors in pathogenesis. It synthesizes an arsenal of structurally atypical lipids (C60-C90) to impact various membrane-dependent steps involved in host interactions. There is a growing precedent to support insertion of these exposed lipids into the host membrane as part of their mode of action. However, the vital role of specific virulence-associated lipids in modulating cellular functions by altering the host membrane organization and associated signaling pathways remain unanswered questions. Here, we combined chemical synthesis, biophysics, cell biology, and molecular dynamics simulations to elucidate host membrane structure modifications and modulation of membrane-associated signaling using synthetic Mycobacterium tuberculosis sulfoglycolipids (Mtb SL). We reveal that Mtb SL reorganizes the host cell plasma membrane domains while showing higher preference for fluid membrane regions. This rearrangement is governed by the distinct conformational states sampled by SL acyl chains. Physicochemical assays with SL analogues reveal insights into their structure-function relationships, highlighting specific roles of lipid acyl chains and headgroup, along with effects on autophagy and cytokine profiles. Our findings uncover a mechanism whereby Mtb uses specific chemical moieties on its lipids to fine-tune host lipid interactions and confer control of the downstream functions by modifying the cell membrane structure and function. These findings will inspire development of chemotherapeutics against Mtb by counteracting their effects on the host-cell membrane.

Fungal glycolipids emmyguyacins A and B inhibit the pH-dependent conformational change of hemaglutinin A during replication of the Influenza virus. Herein, we report the first total synthesis and structure confirmation of emmyguyacins A and B. Our efficient route, which involves regioselective functionalization of trehalose, allows rapid access to adequate amounts of chemically pure emmyguyacin analogues including the desoxylate derivatives for SAR studies.

A novel methodology for the regioselective O6 acylation of the 2,3-diaryl trehaloses to access Mycobacterium tuberculosis sulfolipid SL-3 and related 2,3,6-triester glycolipid analogues is reported for the first time. The methodology was successfully extended to achieve the first total synthesis of the tetraacylated trehalose glycolipid from Mycobacterium paraffinicum. The corresponding 2,3,6'-triesters trehalose glycolipids were also synthesized starting from the common 2,3-diacyl trehalose. These synthetic glycolipids are potential candidates for serodiagnosis and vaccine development for tuberculosis.

International audience; Colloidal CdSe nanoplatelets with monolayer control over their thickness can now be synthesized in solution and display interesting optical properties. From a fundamental point of view, the self-assembly of CdSe nanoplatelets can impact their optical properties through short-range interactions, and achieving control over their dispersion state in solution is of major relevance. The related issue of colloidal stability is important from an applicative standpoint in the perspective of the processing of these materials. Using UV–vis spectroscopy, we assess the colloidal stability of dispersions of CdSe nanoplatelets at different nanoparticle and ligand (oleic acid) concentrations. We unravel an optimum in oleic acid concentration for colloidal stability and show that even moderately concentrated dispersions flocculate on a time scale ranging from minutes to hours. Small-angle X-ray scattering shows that the precipitation proceeds through a face-to-face stacking of the nanoplatelets due to long-ranged van der Waals attraction. To address this issue, we coated the platelets with a carboxylic acid-terminated polystyrene, thus achieving colloidal stability while retaining the optical properties of the platelets.

Highly luminescent CsPbBr

Herein, we report, for the first time, a strategy to differentiate O4/O4′ positions of 1,1′-α,α-trehalose via regioselective protection or site-selective functionalization and its application in the first chemical synthesis of succinoyl trehalose lipids. The biosurfactant glycolipids were obtained in 11–12 steps starting from trehalose in time span of 8–10 days and 11–12% overall yields.

Metaphenoxy Benzyl Chloride (3-PBC; CAS # 53874-66-1) is a commonly used intermediate in organic synthesis and is a widely used chemical building block. There is likelihood of human contact with 3-PBC in the process of organic or pesticide synthesis and even through as impurity in the product. Further, this chemical has been reported to be found in water reservoirs causing a threat to aqueous flaura and fauna. Genotoxic alert has been suspected for the chemical 3-PBC based on its structure hence, the impetus of present work was to assess the mutagenic potential of 3-PBC using Ames bacterial reverse-mutation assay and in vitro micronucleus assay. 3-PBC was tested for mutagenic potential at six different concentrations, with 0.05 (without metabolic activation) and 0.50 (with metabolic activation) µL/plate as the highest concentrations, followed by five lower concentrations with 2-fold spacing. In clastogenic evaluation, 3-PBC was tested at concentrations ranged from 0.31 to 4.88 µL/mL to assess micronucleus induction in mammalian cells viz. Chinese Hamster Ovarian-K1 cells (CHO-K1 cells). In the Ames assay, 3-PBC did not show mutagenicity in all five tester strains of Salmonella typhimurium viz. TA98, TA100, TA102, TA1535 and TA1537 both in the presence and absence of a metabolic activation system and found to be nonclastogenic when evaluated in "CHO-K1 cells".

Due to the prevalent use of polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins in packaging materials and paints for ships, there has been a widespread global contamination of environmental water sources with bisphenol A (BPA). BPA, an endocrine disruptor, has been found to cause tremendous health problems. Therefore, there is an urgent need for detecting BPA in a convenient and sensitive manner to ensure water safety. Herein, we develop a fluorescent turn-on BPA probe, named Bisphenol Orange (BPO), which could conveniently detect BPA in a wide variety of real water samples including sea water, drain water and drinking water. BPO shows superior selectivity toward BPA and up to 70-fold increase in fluorescence emission at 580 nm when mixed with BPA in water. Mechanistic studies suggest a plausible water-dependent formation of hydrophobic BPA clusters which favorably trap and restrict the rotation of BPO and recover its inherent fluorescence.

Antimutagenic potential of Cuminum cyminum seed oil was evaluated using modified bacterial reverse mutation assay. Salmonella typhimurium strains were used for antimutagenic evaluation with pre-, co-, and post-treatment methods with prior cytotoxicity and mutagenicity evaluation. C. cyminum oil produced cytotoxicity in S. typhimurium strains at concentrations ranging from 0.08 to 2.50 and 0.31 to 2.50 μL/plate in the absence and presence of metabolic activation, respectively. C. cyminum was non-mutagenic and exhibited a different range of antimutagenic potential in all the S. typhimurium strains at non-cytotoxic concentrations.

Introduction of intra bandgap state in semiconductor nanocrystals provides an efficient way to control the separation or recombination of charge carriers and enhances their applicability for light emitting, harvesting, and sensing purposes. This manuscript presents the conversion of ternary CIZS nanocrystals to doped binary alloyed nanocrystals and studies the change in the defect/dopant state induced light-emission activities. Adopting an in situ transformation process by facile ion exchange protocol, the ternary CIZS nanocrystals (Cu >10%) are converted to alloyed binary nanocrystals with

The growth of semiconductor nanocrystals in solution is mostly governed by the kinetic and thermal modes of control of the reaction process. In most of the cases, the size of the particles is limited within 5–6 nm, and further annealing mostly defocuses the particles size distribution. But, herein, we report a self-driven growth protocol which supplies the monomer continuously to significant extent and delays the thermal diffusion-controlled ripening process. This has been achieved by choosing appropriate sulfur precursor in the synthesis of metal sulfide nanocrystals which controls the sulfide ion concentration in the reaction medium via establishing an appropriate chemical equilibrium. As a consequence, the monomer concentration retains above their critical limit and it delays the ripening process. Finally, the nanocrystals can grow even larger than 10 nm, which are difficult to obtain from different established synthetic approaches. This has been observed for several semiconductor nanocrystals such as ...

Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) films are filled with various mass fractions (wt%) of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) to fabricate the high performance of a wearable polymer composite nanogenerator (PCNG). The ZnO-NPs can induced a fully γ-crystalline phase in PVDF, where traditional electrical poling is not necessary for the generation of piezoelectric properties. The PCNG delivers up to 28 V of open circuit voltage and 450 nA of short circuit current by simple repeated human finger imparting (under a pressure amplitude of 8.43 kPa) that generates sufficient power to turn on at least 48 commercial blue light emitting diodes (LEDs) instantly. Furthermore, it also successfully charged the capacitors, signifying practical applicability as a piezoelectric based nanogenerator for self-powering devices. The applicability of PCNG by wearable means is clarified when it gives rise to a sensible response, say up to 400 mV of output voltage synchronized with the PCNG embedded human finger in a bending and releasing gesture. UV-visible absorption spectral analysis revealed the possibility of estimating a change in the optical band gap value (E g), refractive index (n) and optical activation energy (E a) in different concentrations of ZnO-NP incorporated PVDF nanocomposite films, and it possesses a useful methodology where ZnO-NPs can be used as an optical probe. Near blue light emission is observed from photoluminescence spectra, which are clearly shown from a Commission Internationale de L'Eclairage (CIE) diagram. The piezoelectric charge coefficient of the nanocomposite film is estimated to be −6.4 pC/N, where even electrical poling treatment is not employed. In addition, dielectric properties have been studied to understand the role of molecular kinetic and interfacial polarization occurring in nanocomposite films at different applied frequencies.

Plasmonic characteristics of graphene-silver (GAg) nanocomposite coupled with piezoelectric property of Poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) have been utilized to realize a new class of self-powered flexible plasmonic nanogenerator (PNG). A few layer graphene has been prepared in a facile and cost-effective method and GAg doped PVDF hybrid nanocomposite (PVGAg) is synthesized in a one-pot method. The PNG exhibits superior piezoelectric energy conversion efficiency (∼15%) under the dark condition. The plasmonic behavior of GAg nanocomposite makes the PNG highly responsive to the visible light illumination that leads to ∼50% change in piezo-voltage and ∼70% change in piezo-current, leading to enhanced energy conversion efficiency up to ∼46.6%. The piezoelectric throughput of PNG (e.g., capacitor charging performance) has been monitored during the detection of the different wavelengths of visible light illumination and showed maximum selectivity to the green light. The simultaneous mechanical energy harvesting and visible-light detection capabilities of the PNG are attractive for futuristic self-powered optoelectronic smart sensors and devices.

Total synthesis of three important trehalose containing tetra-saccharides isolated from Mycobacterium smegmatis is reported for the first time, using regioselective opening of benzylidene acetals and stereoselective glycosylations as key steps. The 1,2-cis stereoselectivity in the glycosylation reactions was achieved using anchimeric assistance from a remote participating group, steric effects and solvent participation. The synthetic strategy can also be utilized for the assembly of structurally related oligosaccharides from M. tuberculosis.

Tacrine was evaluated for its mutagenic and clastogenic activities using the Ames bacterial reverse-mutation assay and the rodent bone marrow micronucleus assay. Tacrine was tested for mutagenic potential at six different concentrations, with 1,250 µg/plate as the highest concentration, followed by five lower concentrations with 2-fold spacing. In clastogenic evaluation, tacrine was administered orally to Wistar rats for 2 days at 5, 10, and 20 mg/kg body weights to assess micronucleus induction in bone marrow erythrocytes. In the Ames assay, tacrine showed nonmutagenicity in four tester strains of Salmonella typhimurium viz. TA98, TA100, TA102, and TA1535, but it was found to be mutagenic in the TA1537 tester strain, both in the presence and absence of a metabolic activation system. Tacrine was found to be nonclastogenic on bone marrow cells of rats at all doses tested and was found to be mutagenic in only the TA1537 strain of Salmonella.

Excitation of a semiconductor nanocrystal generates an electron–hole pair, which on recombination results in band edge excitonic emission. Insertion of impurity or dopant state capable of donating and/or accepting electrons can change the recombination process and leads to new emission called dopant emission. However, the presence of more than one impurity state generates multiple recombination possibilities, and the allowed transition might follow selective, additive, or a new path to get a new emission. To understand this, herein we report the correlation of host bandgap with dopant states in different dual-doped semiconductor nanocrystals. This has been achieved by doping two optically active (Mn and Cu) dopants in one semiconducting nanocrystal and observing the dopant emission changes with continuous variation of host bandgap. It has been observed that Mn d-state emission is predominated in dual-doped ZnS and Cu impurity state emission for ZnSe in spite of presence of both Mn and Cu in each semicondu...

Cu-doped inorganic semiconductors with concomitant optical properties have garnered enormous research interest in the last two decades. However, uncertainties over the origin of Cu emission, its oxidation state, resemblance with trap state emission, position of Cu d-state, emission spectral width, and moreover understanding of the doping mechanism restricted the wide development of the synthetic methodology for high-quality Cu-doped nanocrystals. It has been shown recently that the emission from Cu-doped semiconductor nanocrystals can span over a wide spectral window and could be a potential color tunable dispersed nanocrystal emitter. Herein, we report the size and composition of variable Cu-doped ZnS/Zn(1−x)Cd(x)S zinc-blende (ZB) surface alloyed nanocrystals with intense, stable, and tunable emission covering the blue to red end of the visible spectrum. Further, the Cu dopant emission is distinguished from trap state emission, and the composition variable spectral broadening has been justified on the account of a different environment around the Cu ions in the host lattice. Whereas some findings are in agreement with past reports, several new physical insights presented here would help the community for an in-depth mechanistic study on Cu doping. Moreover, these doped nanocrystal emitters can be a promising candidate for application ranging from optoelectronics to bio-labeling.

Using two types of organic ligands having similar chemical structure but different physical properties and varying their dynamic population at the surface of zinc blende seed nanocrystals, self-assembled zinc blende semicircular-shaped bent nanowires of CdS are synthesized via a colloidal synthetic approach. It is found that the hydrophobic tail interaction of long-chain ligands puts strain on these thin nanowires (< 2 nm diameter) and bend them to some extent, forming strained nanowires.

Following growth doping technique, highly luminescent (quantum yield > 50%) Mn-doped ZnS nanocrystals are synthesized via colloidal synthetic technique. The dopant emission has been optimized with varying reaction parameters and found the ratio of Zn to S as well as the percentage of introduced dopant in the reaction mixture are key factors for controlling the intensity. The method is simple, hassle free, and can be scalable to gram level without hindering the quality of nanocrystals. These nanocrystals retain their emission during various ligand exchange processes and aqueous dispersion.

We report here the Forster resonance energy transfer (FRET) from transition metal ion (Mn and Cu)-doped semiconductor nanocrystal (d-dots) donors to different organic dyes acceptors. Longer excited...

We report an efficient, low-cost in situ poled fabrication strategy to construct a large area, highly sensitive, flexible pressure sensor by electrospun Ce(3+) doped PVDF/graphene composite nanofibers. The entire device fabrication process is scalable and enabling to large-area integration. It can able to detect imparting pressure as low as 2 Pa with high level of sensitivity. Furthermore, Ce(3+)-doped PVDF/graphene nanofiber based ultrasensitive pressure sensors can also be used as an effective nanogenerator as it generating an output voltage of 11 V with a current density ∼6 nA/cm(2) upon repetitive application of mechanical stress that could lit up 10 blue light emitting diodes (LEDs) instantaneously. Furthermore, to use it in environmental random vibrations (such as wind flow, water fall, transportation of vehicles, etc.), nanogenerator is integrated with musical vibration that exhibits to power up three blue LEDs instantly that promises as an ultrasensitive acoustic nanogenerator (ANG). The superior sensing properties in conjunction with mechanical flexibility, integrability, and robustness of nanofibers enabled real-time monitoring of sound waves as well as detection of different type of musical vibrations. Thus, ANG promises to use as an ultrasensitive pressure sensor, mechanical energy harvester, and effective power source for portable electronic and wearable devices.

Multinary nanocrystals (CuInS2, CIS, and AgInS2, AIS) are widely known for their strong defect state emission. On alloying with Zn (CIZS and AIZS), stable and intense emission tunable in visible and NIR windows has already been achieved. In these nanocrystals, the photogenerated hole efficiently moves to the defect-induced state and recombines with the electron in the conduction band. As a result, the defect state emission is predominantly observed without any band edge excitonic emission. Herein, we report the doping of the transition-metal ion Mn in these nanocrystals, which in certain compositions of the host nanocrystals quenches this strong defect state emission and predominantly shows the spin-flip Mn emission. Though several Mn-doped semiconductor nanocrystals are reported in the literature, these nanocrystals are of its first kind that can be excited in the visible window, do not contain the toxic element Cd, and provide efficient emission. Hence, when Mn emission is required, these multinary nanocrystals can be the ideal versatile materials for widespread technological applications.

Multifunctional nanomaterials with combined magnetic and optical properties remain one of the most demanded materials in upcoming research. To obtain these materials, we report here several doped semiconductor nanocrystals that simultaneously show tunable emission in a visible and NIR spectral window, above-room-temperature ferromagnetism, and improved conductivity. These nanocrystals are designed by inserting Ni(II) as a dopant in various semiconducting hosts with binary, alloyed, and ternary composition, and the induced multifunctional properties are observed to be stable and reproducible. These semiconducting materials combined with fluorescence and magnetic properties would be useful for a wide range of applications spanning from life science to modern developing device technology.

Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) films are filled with various mass fractions (wt%) of hydrated metal salt (MgCl2·6H2O) (Mg-salt) to fabricate high performance piezoelectric energy harvesters (PEHs). They deliver up to 4 V of open circuit voltage by simply repeated human finger imparting (under a pressure of ∼4.45 kPa) and also generate sufficient power to turn on at least ten commercial blue light emitting diodes (LEDs) instantly. The enhanced piezo-response is attributed to the combined effect of the change in the inherent dipole moment of the electroactive phase containing PVDF itself and H-bonding arising between the Mg-salt filler and PVDF via electrostatic interactions. Furthermore, it also successfully charged the capacitors, signifying practical applicability as a piezoelectric based energy harvester power source. UV-visible optical absorption spectral analysis revealed the possibility to estimate a change in the optical band gap value at different concentrations of Mg-salt filler added PVDF films that possess a useful methodology where the Mg-salt can be used as an optical probe. In addition dielectric properties have been studied to understand the role of molecular kinetic and interfacial polarization occurs in H-bond PVDF films at different applied frequencies at room temperature.

The first total synthesis of the alpha-L-serine linked consensus disaccharide of Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Neisseria meningitidis was carried out in six linear steps, with 20.6% overall yield.

The advancement of surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) is significantly increasing as an ultra-sensitive sensing technology in biomedical research. In this review, we focus on the most recent developments of biocompatible nanoprobes for cancer research. First, we discuss coating approaches to enhance the biocompatibility of SERS substrate and Raman reporters. Furthermore, interesting ligands such as antibodies, aptamers and polypeptides are attached to the surface of nanotags for targeting the cancerous cells in vitro. The unique multiplexing capabilities of the SERS technique have been applied for simultaneous multiple target recognition. Finally, these noninvasive, ultrasensitive tools are mostly highlighted for in vivo tumor detection. Potential application of SERS nanotags in therapeutic study and the possibility of SERS nanotags in biomedical applications are outlined briefly in this review.

We report here the fabrication of a p–n junction diode in a single nanostructure by synthesizing a heterostructure involving n-type AgInS2 and p-type Ag2S. The quasi type-II band alignment between these ternary–binary semiconductors in the p–n junction heterostructures also slows down the carrier recombination rate and the heterostructures show rectification behavior. Hence, they can be used as an active material for fabrication of bulk heterojunction photovoltaic devices without any additional semiconductor material or dye required for charge separation or formation of a p–n junction.

Adopting the concept of one dopant for one color, all the prominent emitting colors in the visible windows are obtained by doping selective dopants (Ag, Cu, Ni, and Cu) in an appropriate host (alloy of Cdx Zn1-x S) with fixed size/composition and bandgap. Analyzing the origin of these emissions the relative position of respective dopant states are correlated.

An efficient, flexible and unvaryingly porous polymer composite membrane based nanogenerator (PPCNG) without any electrical poling treatment has been realised as wireless green energy source to power up smart electronic gadgets. Owing to self-polarized piezo- and ferro-electretic phenomenon of in situ platinum nanoparticles (Pt-NPs) doped porous poly(vinylidenefluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene)–membrane, a simple, inexpensive and scalable PPCNG fabrication is highlighted. The molecular orientations of the -CH2/-CF2 dipoles that cause self-polarization phenomenon has been realized by angular dependent near edge X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy. The square-like hysteresis loop with giant remnant polarization, Pr ∼ 68 μC/cm2 and exceptionally high piezoelectric charge coefficient, d33 ∼ − 836 pC/N promises a best suited ferro- and piezo-electretic membrane. The PPCNG exhibits a high electrical throughput such as, ranging from 2.7 V to 23 V of open-circuit voltage (Voc) and 2.9 μA to 24.7 μA of sho...

A series of nanocomposite materials were synthesized using multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and NiO nanoparticles by varying the concentration of NiO in the MWCNT host matrix. Such an increment in the NiO particle density actually tunes the degree of isolation among the magnetic nanoparticles. Careful investigation by transmission electron microscopy shows that particle agglomeration increases substantially with NiO particle density. Field dependence of magnetization measurements depict a gradual enhancement of coercivity with increasing NiO concentration, signifying the enhancement of magnetic anisotropy in this nanocomposite system. Furthermore, field cooled and zero field cooled memory effect as well as magnetization relaxation measurements show that a glassy magnetic state gradually develops when the concentration increases. Analysis based on the result of high resolution transmission electron microscopy along with the magnetization data reveals that interparticle magnetic exchange interaction in the presence of interfacial disorders plays the major role in the emergence of the glassy magnetic state in this nanocomposite system.

Doped semiconductor nanocrystals (d‐dots), specifically ones not containing heavy metal ions, have the potential to become a class of mainstream emissive materials. Mn‐ and Cu‐doped ZnSe or ZnS d‐dots can cover an emission window similar to that of the current workhorse of intrinsic quantum dot (q‐dots) emitters, CdSe nanocrystals. We synthesized high quality stable Cu doped ZnSe in nonpolar as well as polar solvent. The emission intensity of these doped nanocrystals is found stable for months under UV irradiation, after different multifunctional ligand which is important for any biological detection. We have also synthesized the stable Mn doped ZnS in nonpolar solvent more than 50% QY.. The doped nanocrystals are characterized by TEM, XRD, EPR and ICP analysis.