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The ZnSO4 doped CeO2 nanoparticles were successfully synthesized by chemical precipitation method and then subjected to structural, optical, and antibacterial activity characterization studies. The powder XRD, scanning electron microscopy, EDAX, FTIR spectroscopy, UV–Visible and Photoluminescence (PL) studies were carried out for the synthesized nano-powders. The XRD analysis reveals the face centered cubic (FCC) structure of the nanoparticles. The spectra of FTIR analysis clearly show seven intense bands confirming the existence of CeO2 phase. Optical activity of the grown nanoparticles was measured through UV–Visible spectrophotometer which shows strong UV absorption from 200 to 800 nm. From the optical spectrum, band value has been calculated using tauc’s plot method. The PL spectrum confirms the optical emission behavior of the synthesized nanoparticles. The samples were tested against two pathogenic bacteria of S. aureus (gram positive) and P. aeruginosa (gram negative) for antibacterial activity analysis. The ZnSO4 doped CeO2 nanoparticles show a good antibacterial activity.

This study is focused on polymeric coatings on fly ash concrete submerged under seawater. The specimens were casted and coated with acrylic resin and epoxy resin of three layers each. The mechanical, durability, and microstructural properties of coated and uncoated fly ash concrete specimen were studied as pre- and post-exposed in seawater. Fly ash concrete coated with epoxy and acrylic had attained more strength compared to uncoated specimens. An increased strength in coated specimens and a decrease in value were observed in uncoated fly ash concrete specimens during split tensile strength. Coated specimens showed less reduction in pH value as compared to uncoated specimens. Rapid chloride permeability test (RCPT) analysis confirmed that epoxy and acrylic-coated concrete specimens appear to be denser than uncoated specimens leading to more resistance against the penetration of aggressive chemicals. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) comparative analysis of 56 and 90 days acrylic resin and epoxy resin-coated and uncoated specimen showed higher intensity in 90 days coated specimens than the uncoated specimens. Field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) investigation of uncoated 56 and 90 days concrete specimens subjected to seawater demonstrated dense appearance of hydrated products, whereas epoxy and acrylic-coated specimens were verified with no visible micro-cracks or holes on the surface, even at higher magnification. The epoxy and acrylic-coated fly ash concrete showed high physical strength and good bonding with concrete and will be appropriate for construction.

Cadmium contamination of agricultural soils is a serious problem due to its toxic effects on health and yield of crop plants. This study investigates the potential of low-dose nano-TiO2 as soil nanoremediation on Cd toxicity in cowpea plants. To achieve this goal, cowpea seeds were germinated on Cd-spiked soils at 10 mg/kg for 14 days and later augmented with 100 mg nTiO2/kg (nTiO2-50 nm and bTiO2-68 nm, respectively). The results showed that chlorophylls were not altered by nano-TiO2 intervention. Cadmium partitioning in roots and leaves was reduced by the applied nano-TiO2 but significantly higher than control. Ascorbate peroxidase and catalase activities in roots and leaves were promoted by nano-TiO2 intervention compared to control and sole Cd, respectively. However, magnitudes of activity of enzyme activities were higher in nTiO2 compared to bTiO2 treatments. The enhanced enzymes activity led to reduced malonaldehyde content in plant tissues. The study concludes that soil application of nano-TiO2 could be a green alternative to ameliorate soil Cd toxicity in cowpea plants.

The study was conducted to investigate the effects of foliar-intervention of nano-TiO2 on Cd toxicity in cowpea plants. Cowpea plants were exposed to Cd toxicity at 10 mg/kg soil for 21 days and afterwards, subjected to six episodes of foliar application of nano-TiO2 intervention. Results showed that foliar-applied nano-TiO2 significantly promoted chlorophyll b and total chlorophyll contents after Cd stress as compared to Cd-stressed plants without the intervention. Interestingly, Cd contents of roots, shoots and grains were significantly reduced (p

The challenges and demands of implant materials are changing as a result of the substantial expansion in the global population. Suitable implants are required for aged people, physical injuries, patients who need revised surgeries, contaminated implants, and accident victims. Hence, the requirement for implants is drastically increasing day by day. Metals, ceramics, and polymers are used as implant materials by biomedical industries for long-term suffering patients. Stainless steel, titanium and its alloys, aluminum alloys, cobalt, zirconium, etc. (metals), hydroxyapatite (ceramic), polyurethane, polyethylene, polyimide, etc. (polymers), are some of the examples that fulfill the implant requirements. There are many other obstructions, such as adhesion, inflammation, and bacterial attack, which minimize the implant’s performance and its activity. However, coatings on ideal implant materials are significant to avoid its failure and to enhance its durability and longevity. Advanced techniques, such as physical and chemical methods, are suitable coating approaches to promote the surface of implants with respect to mechanical, biological, and other multifunctional activities. This review paper focuses on and investigates several strategies for bioactive implants’ coatings, analysis, and emerging applications for biomedical industries.

Oil must be transported by a network of pipelines, laid over various harsh environments. Microbial invasion is more challenging in oil and gas/biofuel pipelines and storage tanks carbon steel (CS). The surfaces of pipeline colonize with the biofilm and form the complex microbial structure which breaks down even the heavy-walled CS pipes, resulting in leaks and catastrophic pipeline failure. Among the various microorganisms, sulfate reducing bacteria (SRB) is the most abundant bacterial species that cause internal corrosion of the pipelines. In the present study, Cu, Zn single layer and Cu-Ni, Zn-Ni and Cu-Zn-Ni coatings were developed by electroless plating and studied their antibacterial effect using SRB which is isolated from diesel garage. For bacterial analysis, total viable count (TVC) and epifluorescence microscope analysis were studied.

Implant materials have significant requirements in medical industries due to orthopedic ailments of elders, fractures caused by accidents, sports injuries, bone replacements, revision in surgeries, change in lifestyle, etc [...]

In the present study, the efficiency of four different strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and their biosurfactants in the bioremediation process were investigated. The strains were found to be capable of metabolizing a wide range of hydrocarbons (HCs) with preference for high molecular weight aliphatic (ALP) over aromatic (ARO) compounds. After treating with individual bacteria and 11 different consortia, the residual crude oils were quantified and qualitatively analyzed. The bacterial strains degraded ALP, ARO, and nitrogen, sulphur, oxygen (NSO) containing fractions of the crude oil by 73–67.5, 31.8–12.3 and 14.7–7.3%, respectively. Additionally, the viscosity of the residual crude oil reduced from 48.7 to 34.6–39 mPa s. Further, consortium designated as 7 and 11 improved the degradation of ALP, ARO, and NSO HCs portions by 80.4–78.6, 42.7–42.4 and 21.6–19.2%, respectively. Moreover, addition of biosurfactant further increased the degradation performance of consortia by 81.6–80.7, 43.8–42.6 and 22.5–20.7%, respectively. Gas chromatographic analysis confirmed the ability of the individual strains and their consortium to degrade various fractions of crude oil. Experiments with biosurfactants revealed that polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are more soluble in the presence of biosurfactants. Phenanthrene had the highest solubility among the tested PAHs, which further increased as biosurfactant doses raised above their respective critical micelle concentrations (CMC). Furthermore, biosurfactants were able to recover 73.5–63.4% of residual oil from the sludge within their respective CMCs. Hence, selected surfactant-producing bacteria and their consortium could be useful in developing a greener and eco-sustainable way for removing crude oil pollutants from soil.

This paper presents a method for enhancing the corrosion resistance of reinforcements through nanophase modification of fly ash concrete. A combination of natural and accelerated corrosion tests were performed to evaluate the corrosion resistance of reinforcements. The tests were conducted on four types of fly ash concrete specimens with and without nanoparticles designated as fly ash concrete with 40 wt% fly ash (FA), fly ash concrete with 2 wt% nano-CaCO3 (FAC), fly ash concrete with 2 wt% nano-TiO2 (FAT) and fly ash concrete with 1 wt% nano-CaCO3 and 1 wt% nano-TiO2 (FATC). Electrochemical measurements showed that reinforcements in nano-CaCO3 modified fly ash concrete (FAC) exhibited noble potential value, high polarization resistance and lower corrosion rate. Impressed voltage test also corroborate the enhanced corrosion resistance of FAC specimens, which was evident from the longer crack initiation time with minimum anodic current as compared to fly ash concrete without nano additives. Corrosion products of cover concrete showed a comparatively lesser amount of detrimental phases like lepidocrocite and goethite which was in agreement with the corrosion results. The least depth of chloride ion penetration indicated the effective plugging of pores by nano-CaCO3 particles that prevent diffusion and movement of chloride ions to surface of the rebar and thereby maintaining the passivity of the thin iron oxide layer around the steel rebar.

Recently, surface tailoring of the metallic implant has taken considerable attention to enhance the longevity of implants. In this study, two different concentrations of silver (Ag) with zi...

Surface coating with superior corrosion resistance properties is indispensable for biomedical implant industries to reduce the cytotoxicity related problems. In this work, microstructure, biocorrosion and biological properties of magnetron sputtered TiC and ZrC coatings on type 316L stainless steel (SS) substrates are studied for biomedical applications. Biocorrosion properties have been examined in the Artificial Blood Plasma (ABP) solution with 1% and 10% of H2O2 to study the corrosion behavior of carbides coated 316L SS. The formation of strong oxide passive layers on ceramic carbide coated substrates could enhance the corrosion resistance properties than uncoated SS substrates. The whole blood protein adsorption behavior of carbides coated and uncoated SS substrates are studied and the bacterial adhesion behavior is measured with Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P.aeruginosa) pathogen. The results revealed that the coatings possess higher protein adsorption and lower bacterial adhesion than that of bare steel substrates. In addition, Alizarin red based assay is done to confirm the biomineralization (calcium precipitation) of osteoblast like cells onto test samples and the results showed that TiC and ZrC coatings could enhance the biomineralization process.

Surface tailoring of titanium (Ti) implant is an effective way to prevent the initial bacterial adhesion and to improve the biocompatibility of the implants. In view of that, single layered silver (Ag)-ceria stabilized zirconia (CeSZ) nanocomposite coatings were developed on titanium substrates by co-evaporation method using electron beam physical vapor deposition (EBPVD) technique. The concentration of silver was varied from 0, 5 and 10 weight percentage and their microstructure, morphology, bacterial adhesion and corrosion properties were analyzed. Silver-ceria stabilized zirconia nanocomposite coatings have shown superior corrosion resistance than uncoated Ti substrate. Antibacterial efficiency of the coated and uncoated Ti substrates were evaluated using E. coli bacterial strain. Cytotoxic behavior of silver doped and undoped CeSZ coating was carried out in 3T3 mouse fibroblast cells. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) analysis indicated that higher corrosion resistance was observed in 5 wt% Ag added CeSZ nanocomposite coating system than other coated and uncoated substrates.

Numerous metallic implant materials have been used to replace various damaged or missed part of the body due to its strength, wear resistance and moderate corrosion resistant properties. However, the ideal implant characteristics such as bioactivity, hemocompatibility, corrosion resistance, mechanical strength, antimicrobial activity, etc are not usually achieved in single metallic implant materials. Hence, the surface tailored ceramics coating onto metallic materials will be a suitable choice to obtain the above ideal biomaterials characteristic properties in a single system. Different phases of zirconia ( m -ZrO 2 , t -ZrO 2 and c -ZrO 2 ) were deposited onto 316L SS substrate by electron beam physical vapor deposition (EBPVD) method. The microstructure and surface topography was analyzed by X-ray diffraction and atomic force microscopy (AFM) respectively. Further, bacterial invasion analysis by total viable count (TVC) and the results showed that different ZrO 2 coating effectively protected the bacterial invasion. Hemolysis behavior was studies and it did not express any hemolytic nature against the test samples. Furthermore, electrochemical behavior of the samples was examined in presence of goat whole blood as electrolyte solution. The EIS results divulged that the coated materials ( m -ZrO 2 , t -ZrO 2 and c -ZrO 2 ) showed higher corrosion resistance nature than that of bare 316L SS substrate. Hence, the overall result\s reveal that ZrO2 coating with three different phases can be used for potential biomedical applications.

Nanomaterials have been widely utilized over the past decade. With the dimension between 1 and 100 nm, nanomaterials have different physicochemical characteristics compared to bulk materials, which are desirable for their application in many areas. There are many methods available for the synthesis, characterization, and modification of nanomaterials. This makes them allure to different industries, such as medical, pharmaceutical, food, agriculture, textile, cosmetics, and construction, to incorporate nanomaterials in their products. It is challenging to recognize the release of nanoparticles from these products to the environments. The hazardous nature of nanomaterials is based on their chemical constituents, shape, size, chemical composition, size distribution, porosity, and other properties. There is a large scope within the research community to understand the safety issue of nanomaterials at their workplace/laboratory.

Contamination of agricultural soil with cadmium (Cd) has become a global concern because of its adverse effects on ecohealth and food safety. Soil amendment with biochar has become one of the phytotechnologies to reduce soil metal phyto-availability and its potential risks along the food chain. Biochar, derived from cocoa pod, was evaluated in soil Cd fractions (exchangeable, reducible, oxidizable, and residual) by modified Commission of the European Communities Bureau of Reference sequential extraction and its efficacy to ameliorate Cd toxicity to soil enzymes and leaf bioactive compounds. A pot experiment was conducted using Cd-spiked soil at 10 mg/kg with tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) at a biochar application rate of 1 and 3% (w/w) for 6 wk. The addition of biochar significantly reduced (p

Recovery and recycle of wastewater are essential because of the need of huge quantities of water everywhere in this world. Presence of heavy metals in wastewater such as iron (Fe), molybdenum (Mo), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), vanadium (V), cobalt (Co), tungsten (W), chromium (Cr), arsenic (As), silver (Ag), antimony (Sb), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), lead (Pd), uranium (U), etc is the serious environmental issues and risk for human and animal health. Adsorbents are simple and low-cost methods to treat the pollutants and heavy metals of wastewater. The adsorbents are capable to treat the wastewater prepared from different wastes such as domestic, agricultural, industrial, animal and marine waste etc. In recent years, novel nanomaterials are also used as adsorbents which enhance the treatment efficiency of wastewater. Adsorption is a mass transfer phenomenon revolving shift of elements from a fluid to a solid phase based on the concentration gradient. The mechanism which helps in separation of contaminants from the effluent and the factors governing the efficiency of adsorption are discussed elaborately.

Sulfate attack on concrete structures is a major durability concern wherein concrete interacts with marine water, swamp water, groundwater, sewage water, freshwater, etc. In this study, the supplementary cementitious materials such as fly ash (FA) and nanoparticles are together incorporated into conventional concrete aiming to enhance the resistance of concrete against the penetration of sulfates. The present work is focused to understand the degradation in FA concrete modified with nanoparticles by surface sulfate attack. Concrete mix such as FA and FA modified with 2 wt% nano-TiO2 (FAT), nano-CaCO3 (FAC), and 1:1 ratio of nano-TiO2 to nano-CaCO3 (FATC) was fabricated. The specimens were exposed in 3% of ammonium and sodium sulfate for 90 days. The deterioration effects and changes in microstructural properties in all the specimens were comparatively studied. Results showed FAT, FAC, and FATC concrete have been deteriorated in ammonium and sodium sulfate solution compared with FA concrete. Partial replacement of cement with fly ash decreases the quantity of freely available reactive aluminates. Consumption of free lime by the fly ash prevents to react with sulfate. The enhanced properties of fly ash concrete against sulfate attack could be achieved with less C3A content thus reducing the available Ca(OH)2 and reducing the possibility of development of deleterious ettringite and gypsum.

The manufacture of cement contributes to about 8%–10% of CO2 emission and globally increases the temperature of the environment. The development of sustainable green concrete by recycling the waste materials minimizes the usage of natural resources used for cement and concrete production and reduces its adverse effect on the environment. There are numerous waste materials from different industries and agriculture which are disposed as landfills, without the knowledge of recycling the materials. To reduce the consumption of raw materials during cement production and other natural resources used during the concrete casting, these waste materials should be replaced in the concrete mix. The selection of materials for concrete mix would be based on the materials performance and cost. The new research trend showed the importance of nanotechnology by replacing existing materials with nanoparticles or nanomaterials. This will lead to the development of eco-friendly Green Concrete as a stronger and more durable concrete. This green concrete mix will have potential for commercialization, by providing developers and contractors with an alternative concrete. In this chapter, the importance of manufacturing Green Concrete using recycled waste materials and nanoparticles with its advantage and scope will be discussed in detail.

Nanomaterials have the potential to improve material properties and functions because of their large surface area. The use of nanomaterials in construction industries is important for enhancing the performance, energy efficiency, strength, and durability of the product materials. The aim of this chapter is to discover the controlled synthesis, design, and characterization of nanoparticles for industrial applications. The inorganic and organic engineered nanomaterials are processed by various techniques such as physical or chemical vapor deposition, electrospinning, chemical reduction, electrochemical or electroless method, dip coating, spin coating, sol–gel method, or biochemical reduction method. The compatibility of nanomaterials is determined by different imaging techniques including field emission scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, epifluorescence microscopy, confocal microscopy, and thermography. In addition, ultraviolet and visible spectroscopy, light-scattering technique, dynamic light scattering, X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, etc. have been used to study nanostructures. The release of nanoparticles into the environment is a health risk and threat to the environment and people. It is important to determine the impacts of engineered nanoparticles for human and environmental safety.

Concrete structures in proximity of water environment whether exposed directly or indirectly undergo physical and chemical changes. The water can be seeping into the porous concrete and this triggers the need to modify the exposed concrete with suitable add-ons. Cow dung ash is having pozzolanic qualities which can produce quality concrete structures. This study is focused on M30 grade concrete mix namely normal concrete and concrete modified with CDA. Concrete modified with CDA was prepared by 15% partial replacement of OPC with CDA. After 28 days of curing, specimens were exposed in fresh water for 56, 90, 180 and 365 days. Result showed that pH, compressive and split tensile strength and better durability was significant. X-ray diffraction studies were done to find out the crystalline structures whereas Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope studies were performed to analyze the structural morphology of concrete specimens. Both studies showed the presence of more calcium silicate hydrate and more cementitious products in concrete modified with CDA. Lesser bacterial density was observed on concrete modified with CDA compared to NC.

Fly ash is used in concrete industry to reduce the amount of cement and to enhance the durability of concrete. Nuclear industry recently adopted fly ash concrete as a government initiative to reduce carbon footprint and also to provide an impermeable skin for the several structures in the cooling water system exposed to marine environment for enhanced durability. Earlier detailed studies on fly ash concrete has shown that despite its superiority over conventional concrete with respect to strength and durability, some concerns such as delayed setting and hydration, low early-age strength, and higher carbonation may pose a problem for its wider application. The present work is an attempt to overcome these deficiencies by nanophase modification of concrete with the incorporation of nano-titania and nano-calcium carbonate at 2% by weight of cement. Four different types of concrete mix were arrived and specimens of different sizes were cast in order to explore the various properties of concrete. After 28 days of curing in potable water, the samples were exposed to seawater at Nuclear Desalination Demonstration Plant (NDDP) sump at Kalpakkam and were withdrawn for testing at different ages like 56, 90, 180 and 365 days. Nanophase modification increased the pozzolanic activity resulting in faster hydration, early-age strength and long-term compressive and split tensile strength, permissible electrical resistivity for corrosion, lower chloride ion penetration, carbonation depth biofilm formation and higher internal pH. Among the different mixes, the synergy of 1% NC and 1% NT emerged superior with excellent concrete properties related to mechanical properties, pore structure, durability and optimum antibacterial activity.

Surface modification is an established technology in biomedical industries to improve the performance of implant materials. In the present study, monoclinic (m-ZrO2) and tetragonal (t-ZrO2) phases of zirconia were deposited on stainless steel (316L SS) by electron beam physical vapor deposition (EBPVD) to enhance several properties of substrate material. m-ZrO2 and t-ZrO2 coatings effectively protected bacterial invasion against pathogenic Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) and subsequent biofilm formation. Superior fibroblast cell viability with improved cells spreading was observed in m-ZrO2 and t-ZrO2 coatings. Furthermore, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) results exhibited enhanced charge transfer resistance (Rct) and thus, strongly improved corrosion protection by m-ZrO2 and t-ZrO2 coatings compared to bare 316L SS substrate in artificial blood plasma (ABP).

Transparent semiconducting nitrides are important materials for many modern technologies. Here, optical transparent semiconducting zinc nitride (Zn3N2) thin films have been developed by reactive RF magnetron sputtering at different nitrogen (N2) contents. The deposited films are found to be cubic with preferred orientation of (3 2 1) plane. High optical transmittance (∼96%) and refractive index (1.32) at the wavelength of 500 nm and optical band gap of 3.1 eV have been observed for the films deposited at 45% nitrogen content. The investigation on other optical constants such as extinction coefficient and dielectric constant as a function of wavelength shows enhanced optical behavior. The Zn3N2 thin films show n-type conductivity with carrier concentration of ∼1020–1021 cm−3, mobility in the range of 4 to 56 cm2/Vs (which is 1–2 times higher than the values of TCOs) and resistivity around 10−4 Ωcm as a function of nitrogen content. These results suggested that Zn3N2 thin films could perform as potential transparent semiconductors for thin film solar cells.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) nonstructural protein 5B (NS5B) is an RNA-dependent RNA polymerase that plays a key role in HCV replication, and, hence, NS5B is an attractive target for hepatitis C drug discovery. Hepatitis C is a chronic liver disease affecting the global population significantly. Many NS5B inhibitors targeting active site were launched in recent years, however, still there exists a pressing need for cost-effective therapies with pan genotypic activity and therapies targeting niche HCV population with comorbities and resistant to earlier therapies. The objective of the current study is to identify potential anti-HCV agents from FDA approved drugs that are already in the market for a different disease-Drug repurposing approach. A combination of computational chemistry and computational biology techniques was used to discover potential therapies for hepatitis C targeting the NS5B Thumb I allosteric site. Computational chemistry analysis emphasized the fact that fluvastatin, a lipid lowering agent, and olopatadine, an antihistamine, exhibited good binding affinity to NS5B. In addition, gene set enrichment analysis brought to light the significant overlap between disease characteristic features and the mechanism of action of fluvastatin and olopatadine. The current study concludes the potentially beneficial use of fluvastatin in niche hepatitis C patient population suffering from nonalcoholic fatty liver diseases.

In this study, pristine nickel oxide (NiO), copper-doped NiO (Cu–NiO) and vanadium-doped NiO (V–NiO) thin films were deposited using reactive RF magnetron co-sputtering as a function of dopant sputtering power. Cu (0–8 at%) and V (0–1 at%) were doped into the NiO lattice by varying the sputtering power of Cu and V in the range of 5–15 W. The effect of dopant concentration on optoelectronic behavior is investigated by UV–Vis–NIR spectrophotometer and Hall measurements. XRD analysis showed that the preferred orientation of the cubic phase for undoped NiO changes from (200) to (111) plane when the sputtering parameters are varied. The observed changes in the lattice parameters and bonding states of the doped NiO indicate the substitution of Ni ions by monovalent Cu and trivalent V ions. The optical bandgap of pristine NiO, Cu–NiO, and V–NiO was found to be 3.6, 3.45, and 3.05 eV, respectively, with decreased transmittance and resistivity. Further analysis using SEM and AFM described the morphological behavior of doped NiO thin films and Raman spectroscopy indicated the structural changes on doping. These findings would be helpful in fabricating solid-state solar cells using doped NiO as efficient hole transporting material.

The process of manufacturing of ordinary Portland cement (OPC) is energy intensive and creates various environmental problems such as pollution and emission of CO2. There is a need for the an alternative eco-friendly Green Concrete. The waste materials from agriculture, industries, bio-waste, marine waste and e-waste can be recycled and used as a supplementary Green Concrete materials. This will reduce environmental impact of the production of OPC and reduces energy consumption. The application of nanotechnology for a Green building in the current and future is very much significant. The production and implementation of Green Concrete is still in its infancy stage. Academicians and R & D need to step in by promoting application at the industry level. The focus of this review paper is to create awareness to utilize the discarded materials as well as to highlight the new technology to manufacture Green Concrete.

In the present study, zirconia (ZrO2) film was deposited onto 316L SS substrate by electron beam physical vapour deposition (EBPVD) technique. The microstructure of the ZrO2 film was studied using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Hydrophilic nature was observed on ZrO2 coated film and least hydrophilic behaviour was found on bare 316L SS substrate. The bacterial adhesion test was performed against Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) and revealed that ZrO2 film protects the bacterial adhesion on its surface. In-vitro cytotoxicity and biocompatibility behaviour of ZrO2 film were investigated using fibroblast cell line, which exhibited high degree of cell viability and proliferation rate rather than bare 316L SS substrate. Electrochemical studies were performed in acidulated artificial saliva (AS) solution containing 0.2% and 2% of sodium fluoride (NaF). The results revealed that ZrO2 coated 316L SS showed excellent corrosion resistant behaviour and can be considered as a potential bioimplant for dental applications.

Surface tailoring of bioimplants is a prerequisite for reducing inflammation and improving durability. In this work, novel calcia stabilized zirconia (CaSZ) and silver-CaSZ nanocomposite coatings were developed on medical grade stainless steel (316L SS). We analyzed their microstructure, mechanical, biological and corrosion resistance performance. Ag-CaSZ nanocomposite coating effectively arrested Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacterial growth without compromising its biocompatibility. Hemolytic behavior was studied and the results confirmed that the samples expressed hemocompatible nature. Further, CaSZ and Ag-CaSZ nanocomposite coatings enhanced osteoblast-like cells (MG-63) adhesion with improved calcite precipitation (biomineralization) using Alizarin red-based assay (ARS). Finally, electrochemical bio-corrosion was performed with Artificial Blood Plasma (ABP) solution. The chemical inertness of ceramics and the formation of the passive layer could enhance corrosion resistance.

Yttria stabilized zirconia (YSZ) was deposited onto titanium (Ti) substrates using electron beam physical vapor deposition (EB-PVD) method. The crystalline nature of as-deposited YSZ coating was evaluated using X-ray diffraction (XRD) technique and cubic phase was noticed. Smooth and uniform surface topography was observed by atomic force microscopy (AFM) analysis. The hardness and scratch resistance of the coating was determined by nanoindentation and scratch test analysis respectively. Wettability studies exhibited more hydrophilic nature on YSZ coating and least hydrophilic on uncoated Ti substrate. Anti-adhesion and antibacterial efficiency were performed against gram (-)ve ( E.coli ) and gram (+)ve ( S. aureus ) bacterial strains and revealed that YSZ coating effectively protected bacterial invasion. Hemocompatibility was evaluated by platelets adhesion and their activation behavior was studied onto uncoated and YSZ coated Ti substrates. YSZ coating exhibited less activated platelets; whereas, platelets activation (large number of pseudopods) were seen on uncoated Ti substrates. Furthermore, superior in vitro biomineralization behavior with increased weight gain, higher protein adsorption and superior biocompatible nature with NIH 3T3 fibroblast cells were observed on YSZ coating. Overall results indicated that surface modification by YSZ coating could become a promising material for biomedical applications.

The study was conducted to investigate the effects of foliar-intervention of nano-TiO

Nonstructural protein 5B (NS5B), the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase of Hepatitis C Virus (HCV), plays a key role in viral amplification and is an attractive and most explored target for discovery of new therapeutic agents for Hepatitis C. Though safe and effective, NS5B inhibitors were launched in 2013 (Sovaldi) and 2014 (Harvoni, Viekira Pak), the high price tags of these medications limit their use among poor people in developing countries. Hence, still there exists a need for cost-effective and short duration anti-HCV agents especially those targeting niche patient population who were non-respondent to earlier therapies or with comorbid conditions. The present study describes the discovery of novel non-nucleoside (NNI) inhibitors of NS5B using a series of rational drug design techniques such as virtual screening, scaffold matching and molecular docking. 2D and 3D structure based virtual screening technique identified 300 hit compounds. Top 20 hits were screened out from identified hits using molecular docking technique. Four molecules, that are representative of 20 hits were evaluated for binding affinity under

β-lactamase inhibitors are potent synergistic drugs to deteriorate the multidrug-resistant bacteria. Here, we report the β-lactamase inhibitory ability of kalafungin isolated from a marine sponge derived Streptomyces sp. SBRK1. The IC50 value of the kalafungin was calculated as 225.37 ± 1.95 μM against β-lactamase. The enzyme kinetic analysis showed the Km value of 3.448 ± 0.7 μM and Vmax value of 215.356 ± 8 μM/min and the inhibition mechanism was identified as uncompetitive type. Along with the antibacterial activity, the cell surface analysis of kalafungin treated Staphylococcus aureus cells revealed destruction of cell membrane in response to β-lactamase inhibition. Molecular docking studies have confirmed the binding property of kalafungin against β-lactamase with two hydrogen bonds. In vivo efficacy studies in the zebrafish model by green fluorescent protein expressing S. aureus infection, survival, safety and behavioral profile were reported. The toxicity and anti-infection revealed that the compound was evidently active and safe to all organs. In conclusion, this is the first report on kalafungin with β- lactamase inhibition and suggests that kalafungin may useful for synergic antibacterial therapy with β-lactam drugs to overcome β-lactamase-based resistance of any bacterial pathogens.

Surface engineered materials are presently used in dental, orthopedic and cardiovascular applications made of titanium, cobalt-chromium, stainless steel alloys, etc. In this perspective, different phases of zirconia (ZrO2; henceforth ZrO2 allotropes) coatings (m-ZrO2, t-ZrO2 and c-ZrO2) were developed by electron beam physical vapor deposition (EBPVD) technique. ZrO2 allotropes obtained a smooth surface with a drastic reduction of human pathogenic bacterial adhesion. t-ZrO2 coating evolved higher surface hardness followed by c-ZrO2 and m-ZrO2 coatings. ZrO2 allotropes showed higher blood plasma protein adherence using a whole blood test. Whilst, the role of proteins in the degradation of ZrO2 allotrope coatings was examined in detail by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) in the presence and absence of bovine serum albumin (BSA) in artificial blood plasma (ABP) solution.