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Due to the amphiphilic structure of surfactants, aqueous surfactant solutions can behave like very good solvents and dissolve both polar and non-polar solutes. This study reports on the solubilisation of a direct dye (Direct Blue 86) in a micellar medium using the cationic surfactant cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB). Solubilisation of dyes is important for their subsequent removal from aqueous media. UV spectroscopy and conductometry, among others, were used to quantitatively evaluate this process. The extent of solubilisation, the interaction between the molecules and the stability of the processes were checked using the partition coefficient (K x), the binding constant (K b) and the corresponding thermodynamic parameters. From the results, it could be concluded that the solubilisation of Direct Blue 86 is a spontaneous process supported by an increase in entropy. It was also found that the micellar medium CTAB is efficient for solubilisation and binding of the dye and can be used economically.

Purpose Present study aimed to nanosilver-treat some commercially dyed denim fabric using an eco-friendly cross-linker of citric acid for possible application in the fabrication of sustainable antibacterial and nontoxic surgical gowns. Design/methodology/approach The conventional untreated surgical gowns are prone to bacterial attack making them unprotective and infection carriers. Thereby, nanosilver finishing of the surgical-grade dyed denim fabric was achieved via citrate cross-linking under the pad-dry-cure method. The hence treated denim fabrics were characterized for surface chemical, crystalline, textile, color and antibacterial attributes using both conventional and advanced analytical approaches. Findings The results expressed that the prepared denim specimens contained surface roughness at the nanoscale besides some alterations in their textile and color parameters. Both textile and comfort properties of the finished fabric remained in the acceptable range with effective antibacterial activity. Practical implications The silver nano-finished dyed denim expressed broad-spectrum antibacterial activity and qualified as a potential substrate in the fabrication of surgical gowns. Such sustainable application of nanosilver finishing could be perused for industrial implications. Originality/value This study presents citric acid as a crosslinking agent to impregnate the commercially dyed denim fabric for potential application in the fabrication of surgical gowns. The application of nanosilver on prior citrated dyed-grown fabrics could be a novel approach. This study used approximately all the reagents and auxiliaries as bio-based to ensure the nontoxicity and sustainability of the resultant fabric.

Sodium alginate and hyaluronic acid are being used extensively in wound care applications for their exceptional properties, including gelation, biocompatibility, exudate absorption, and the ability to provide a moist environment to the wound bed that accelerates healing. This research work presents the potential of developing silver and zinc ions loaded bioactive fibers for wound care applications with improved absorption, swelling (gelling), and antibacterial properties. The effect of loading silver and zinc on alginate/hyaluronic acid biofiber absorption, swelling (gelation), tensile and antibacterial activity were analyzed. It was found that the addition of silver and zinc salts improved the absorption, tensile, and gelation properties of alginate/hyaluronic acid fibers. Zinc-containing fibers exhibited superior properties to silver-containing fibers. The presence of hyaluronic acid influenced the release of silver and zinc ions in various liquid media with a maximum of 26 g/g absorption was observed which suggested the good wound exudate absorption capacity of the developed fibers. The developed fibers showed good antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli strains.

Purpose This study aims to present a sustainable approach in the natural dyeing of cellulose fabric followed by nanosilver finishing through a green crosslinker of citric acid for potential antibacterial surgical gown fabrication. Design/methodology/approach The nanosilver finish was reproduced using the chemical reduction method. The fabric dyeing was performed on a lab-scale dyeing machine, whereas silver nano-finishing through a pad-dry-cure approach. Citric acid was used as an eco-friendly crosslinker. The specimens were characterized for antibacterial activity, surface chemical, textile, color properties and finish release trend. Findings The results demonstrated the successful application of curcumin dye followed by silver nano-finishing. The resultant fabric exhibited appropriate textile, dyeing performance indicators, hydrophobic behavior and sustainable broad-spectrum antibacterial activity. Practical implications The prepared nanosilver-finished/curcumin-treated fabric expressed desirable properties for potential applications in the fabrication of surgical gowns. Originality/value The authors found no reports on an extensive examination of nanosilver finishing on the color parameters of curcumin-dyed cellulose fabric while retaining its textile and comfort properties for possible surgical gown fabrication.

Researchers are using different statistical techniques for process optimisation and product development both in academia and industries. Similarly, several statistical tools are being employed in the textile industry for process optimisation during the manufacturing of different products. The purpose of this study was to analyse different Taguchi-based techniques in the multi-response optimisation of selected industrial processes and then to generalise the outcomes. Herein, six different Taguchi-based multi-response optimisation techniques, including grey relational analysis (GRA), the weighted signal-to-noise (WSN) ratio, principal component analysis, VIKOR (VlseKriterijumska Optimizacija I Kompromisno Resenje), the multiple response signal-to-noise ratio, and Fuzzy logic were compared against three data sets of industrial processes. The researchers herein optimised cotton dyeing, the finishing of textile to make them oleo-hydrophobic, and the production of rhamnolipids (bio-surfactants). The results demonstrated that the Fuzzy logic-based Taguchi method gave the best optimisation amongst all the other approaches, followed by GRA and WSN for all the selected processes. The said statistical techniques were applied to specific textile and biotechnological processes. The outcomes of this study can help researchers in practical implementation in industrial sectors. In this study, a comparative analysis of the performances of six Taguchi-based multi-response optimisation techniques was conducted for potential industrial processes, particularly textile processing .

Purpose The purpose of this study is to apply silver nanoparticles on the cellulosic fabric via a green cross-linking approach to obtain antibacterial textiles. The cellulosic fabrics may provide an ideal enclave for microbial growth due to their biodegradable nature and retention of certain nutrients and moisture usually required for microbial colonization. The application of antibacterial finish on the textile surfaces is usually done via synthetic cross-linkers, which, however, may cause toxic effects and halt the biodegradation process. Design/methodology/approach Herein, we incorporated citrate moieties on the cellulosic fabric as eco-friendly crosslinkers for the durable and effective application of nanosilver finish. The nanosilver finish was then applied on the citrate-treated cellulosic fabric under the pad-dry-cure method and characterized the specimens for physicochemical, textile and antibacterial properties. Findings The results expressed that the as-prepared silver particles possessed spherical morphology with their average size in the nano range and zeta potential being −40 ± 5 mV. The results of advanced analytical characterization demonstrated the successful application of nanosilver on the cellulosic surface with appropriate dispersibility. Practical implications The nanosilver-treated fabric exhibited appropriate textile and comfort and durable broad-spectrum antibacterial activity. Originality/value The treated cellulosic fabric expressed that the cross-linking, crystalline behavior, surface chemistry, roughness and amphiphilicity could affect some of its comfort and textile properties yet be in the acceptable range for potential applications in medical textiles and environmental sectors.

The COVID-19 outbreak has brought the world, at least, to one consensus that cleanliness is unavoidable under all circumstances. Hands are the main body part to interact with the environment and thus are prone to receive, initiate and propagate the chain of infection. Hand hygiene has, therefore, been most emphasized by experts to interrupt the spread of infection. Various harsh chemicals like synthetic surfactants and alcoholic preparations have been in practice to eradicate and disinfect the germs. This choice may be unsafe and cause a subsequent chain of adversities. Thereby, biosurfactants have been proposed as sustainable, non-toxic and safe surface cleaners cum disinfectants under a wide range of physiological and environmental conditions. The amphiphilic micellar behavior of biosurfactants makes them promising candidates as hygienic surface cleaners and therapeutic carriers. We overview the possibilities of using biosurfactants in different ways against microbial pathogens, in general, and the SARS COV-2, in specific.

PurposeChitosan is widely considered as a natural polymer and a diverse finish to impart antibacterial property and enhanced dye uptake of textiles. Herein, the authors have investigated the feasibility of using chitosan/starch blend as a thickener in screen printing of cellulosic fabrics with some natural dyes.Design/methodology/approachThe polymeric blend of chitosan/starch was prepared and used as a thickener for screen printing with three natural dye extracts, namely, Curcuma tinctoria (turmeric), Beta vulgaris (beet) roots and Lawsonia alba (henna) leaves on cellulosic fabrics like cotton and viscose. The viscosity and rheological properties of print paste as a fresh and after overnight shelving were examined. The influence of polymeric blends on cellulosic fabrics' print properties was inspected by determining their colorfastness, rubbing fastness, tensile strength and antibacterial activity.FindingsThe results depicted that chitosan/starch blend as printing thickener increased the shade depth with good wet and dry rubbing fastness for all the test natural dyes. The antibacterial activity of resultant printed cellulosic fabrics was found to be satisfactory against broad-spectrum bacterial strains.Practical implicationsThis study's outcome is the development of chitosan blend thickeners to print the cellulosic fabrics with indigenous natural dyes.Originality/valueThe authors found no previous report on the synthesis of chitosan-based antibacterial blend thickeners with three distinct natural dyes and their application in screen printing of native and regenerated cellulosic fabrics of cotton and viscose, respectively.

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has badly hit human life on the globe. Although the COVID-19 infection transmits on physical closeness, yet the staff of several public and private sectors are bound ...

The present study dealt with the fabrication of zinc sulfide (ZnS) nanoparticles (NPs), prepared using the chemical precipitation method, mediated poly(hydroxybutyrate) (PHB)/poly(lactic acid) (PLA) composite films employing the solution casting approach. The films were characterized based on structural, surface, chemo-physical, thermal, electrical, antibacterial, UV protection and degradation profiles. The results demonstrated the successful formation of nanobiocomposite films with good intercalation of the constituents. The surface morphology results expressed the placement of ZnS NPs in the polymeric blend as supported by elemental analysis. The XRD analysis exhibited the crystalline behavior of the nanobiocomposite films. The surface wettability analysis indicated that with the inclusion of ZnS NPs, the water contact angle of the resultant film was observed to be 119.57°. The prepared nanobiocomposite film exhibited thermal stability up to 214 °C and tensile strength of 25.0 ± 2.4 MPa as compared to that of native PHB (as 15.0 ± 1.5 MPa) and PLA (as 20.0 ± 2 MPa) films. The nanobiocomposite films expressed good antibacterial properties as compared to the control. The prepared films expressed the degradability trends in the natural environment. The ZnS NPs inclusion in the PLA/PHB blend could enhance the AC conductivity of the resultant nanobiocomposite film with acceptable UV protection properties applicable for UV protective packings.

A chitosan-based composite named poly(1-vinylimidazole)-chitosan (PVI-CS) was fabricated employing a microwave-assisted protocol to be used as a novel composite for CdII contaminated water. The prepared PVI-CS composite was evaluated using SEM-coupled EDX, FTIR and zeta potential analyses. Under certain experimental conditions of the batch process, the binding behavior of PVI-CS sorbent against CdII ions was investigated. Results demonstrate that the optimized experimental conditions for CdII ions removal by PVI-CS composite sorbent were to be pH 7.2, the PVI-CS dose 2.5 g/L and the CdII concentration 25 mg/L at 30 °C. The Langmuir qmax of the PVI-CS turned out to be 204.92 mg/g for CdII ions. The kinetics analysis revealed that the process was best-fitted for pseudo-first-order kinetics with R2 > 0.999. The CdII ions removal efficiency of PVI-CS sorbent remained satisfactory even after five cycles, which establish that PVI-CS is a sustainability composite for an effective water purification system.

Objective: Polysaccharide-based biomaterials are extensively used in wound care healing due to their unique liquid absorption, gelling properties and biocompatibility properties. They play an important role in controlling infections of highly exuding hard-to-heal wounds. The main objective of this study was to develop silver-containing polysaccharide-based tricomponent antibacterial fibres for use in these complex wounds. Method: The fibres were developed by coating silver-containing alginate and psyllium fibres with hydrolysed chitosan. Dope solution containing alginate, psyllium and silver carbonate was extruded into a coagulation bath containing calcium chloride and hydrolysed chitosan. The developed fibres were tested for liquid absorption, swelling and antibacterial properties against a control fibre (of alginate and psyllium). Results: The developed fibres showed comparatively better liquid absorption, gelling and antibacterial properties than the control fibres. Conclusion: The study concluded that developed fibres could be a preferred choice for application on hard-to-heal wounds with high levels of exudate, to support infection control and faster healing.

We report the preparation of both control chitosan and magnetic chitosan beads as biosorbents using chitosan as matrix and magnetite (Fe3O4) nanoparticles as reinforcement followed by detailed advanced characterization. The batch trials were performed to study the adsorption kinetics of biosorbents by removing As(III) and As(V) species from water systems. The experimental data was inserted into Langmuir and Freundlich's isotherms to undertake the mechanism and adsorption capacity of the test biosorbents. Under Langmuir's isotherm, maximum monolayer adsorption capacity (qmax) of the biosorbent was observed to be 73.69 and 79.49 mg/g for As(III) and As(V) species, respectively, under specified conditions. The optimum doses of 1.5 and 2 g/L of MCBB at pH 6.7 showed 99.5 and 99% removal of As(V) and As(III), respectively. The analysis demonstrated that the biosorption process obeyed pseudo 2nd order kinetics with linear regression coefficient (R2) of >0.999. The regeneration and reusability of biosorbents were also assessed.

Poly(hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) has been considered as a promising biopolymer produced in certain microbes under specific fermentative and physiological conditions. Being less functional, hydrophobic and brittle, the processability of PHB is difficult which limits its widespread applications. However, its blends with suitable biopolymers, for instance biopolyesters, may impart in them desirable structural functionalities and properties, such as surface reactivity, amphiphilicity, controlled degradation and mechanical strength; thus making them inevitable candidates for biomedical applications. Herein, various chemical modification approaches have been discussed and analyzed including hydroxylation, aminolysis, block copolymerization (via either grafting or blending) with suitable biopolymers. The mentioned approaches may tune the mechanical and other desirable properties of resultant blends for value added biomedical applications particularly in drug delivery, tissue engineering and so on. Furthermore, some key areas have been highlighted where the future research may be focused.

Present work investigates multi-response optimization in development of super-oleohydrophobic cotton fabric under pad-dry-cure method. A bleached cotton fabric was treated with ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) incorporated oil and water repellent finish (Oleophobol CP-C®) to impart in it antibacterial activity, UV protection and super oleo/hydrophobicity. Taguchi based fuzzy logics and grey relational analytical techniques were employed to obtain simultaneous optimum settings of input parameters including concentrations of ZnO NPs, O-CPC® finish and Knittex FEL®, and curing temperature for multiple responses. The fuzzy logics and grey relational analysis were employed on the experimental data to determine significant process parameters for optimization of multiple responses. The present set of techniques was effectively used to develop super-hydrophobic (WCA: 162 °) and oleophobic (OCA: 140 °) cotton fabric along with appropriate textile properties as reported in the text. The developed fabric has potential uses in various domestic and house-hold applications due to its antibacterial, self-cleaning, non-staining and UV-protection properties.

Copper oxide/chitosan nanocomposite (CCNC) specimens were fabricated via a simple solvent evaporation route. The presence and intercalation of chitosan and CuO within the nanocomposites were explored using advanced analytical techniques of X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray analyses and the scanning electron microscopy. The prepared nanocomposite was then incorporated into poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) matrix to fabricate a tricomponent composite. The resultant tricomponent composite was characterized for various chemo–physical and mechanical properties using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and the mechanical testing. The DSC results indicated that the glass transition temperature of PVA decreased on incorporating the CCNC into the PVA matrix; this also enhanced the tensile strength and flexibility of the resulting films. The prepared tricomponent films may find potential applications in sensing and catalysis.

Herein, flexible, strong and optically tunable nano-CuO-loaded poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) composite films were fabricated by means of solution casting approach. The nanocomposite films were characterized using advanced analytical techniques. A small loading with CuO nanofiller resulted in prominent modifications of structural and optomechanical attributes of PVA-based nanocomposites. The comprehensive band structure and mechanical investigations of the prepared samples have been reported. The loading with just 0.5 wt% CuO nanofiller in PVA resulted in significant changes in direct band gap (5.29 to 3.16 eV), indirect band gap (4.91 to 2.88 eV), Urbach energy (0.22 to 1.12 eV), dispersion energy (1.45 to 1.92 eV), oscillator energy (5.74 to 3.25 eV), tensile strength (25.6 to 42.2 MPa), Young’s modulus (144 to 215 MPa), elongation at break (152.4 to 206.1%) and the flexural strength (4.1 to 32.2 MPa). The optical band gap calculated using Tauc’s relation, Wemple and DiDomenico single oscillator model and dielectric loss approach resulted in nearby values. Various theoretical models were employed to validate the experimentally determined Young’s moduli values. A possible application of such nanocomposite films might be in optoelectronic devices.

Gelatin's versatile functionalization offers prospects of facile and effective crosslinking as well as combining with other materials (e.g., metal nanoparticles, carbonaceous, minerals, and polymeric materials exhibiting desired functional properties) to form hybrid materials of improved thermo-mechanical, physio-chemical and biological characteristics. Gelatin-based hydrogels (GHs) and (nano)composite hydrogels possess unique functional features that make them appropriate for a wide range of environmental, technical, and biomedical applications. The properties of GHs could be balanced by optimizing the hydrogel design. The current review explores the various crosslinking techniques of GHs, their properties, composite types, and ultimately their end-use applications. GH's ability to absorb a large volume of water within the gel network via hydrogen bonding is frequently used for water retention (e.g., agricultural additives), and absorbency towards targeted chemicals from the environment (e.g., as wound dressings for absorbing exudates and in water treatment for absorbing pollutants). GH's controllable porosity makes its way to be used to restrict access to chemicals entrapped within the gel phase (e.g., cell encapsulation), regulate the release of encapsulated cargoes within the GH (e.g., drug delivery, agrochemicals release). GH's soft mechanics closely resembling biological tissues, make its use in tissue engineering to deliver suitable mechanical signals to neighboring cells. This review discussed the GHs as potential materials for the creation of biosensors, drug delivery systems, antimicrobials, modified electrodes, water adsorbents, fertilizers and packaging systems, among many others. The future research outlooks are also highlighted.

We report the synthesis of a novel electrochemical biosensor comprising of cupric oxide (CuO) nanoparticles (NPs) mediated poly(hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) composite film with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) as a binder/template support using the solution casting method for the detection of a biomolecule i.e., ascorbic acid (AA). The specimens were characterized for surface, chemical, mechanical, optical, and electrochemical attributes. The results expressed regular mediation of CuO NPs in the PHB/PVA matrix towards nanobiocomposite formation with enhanced crystallinity, inter-molecular interactions, mechanical, and electrochemical attributes, and decreased hydrophilicity and bandgap, thus being useful in potential optoelectronic devices. The synthesized biocomposite film exhibited a tensile strength of 86.24 ± 4.10 N which might be due to reinforcement/uniform dispersion of the CuO nanofiller in the PHB-based matrix. The PHB/CuO composite, then, deposited on a glassy carbon electrode surface exhibited good electrocatalytic activity towards the AA in the aqueous media even at low analyte concentrations. Such modified electrode surfaces with metal/biopolymer complex could find possible applications in the detection of other bioactive molecules.

This study presents the encapsulation of spearmint oil (SMO) in chitosan microstructures prepared through the emulsion formation method. The SMO although is medicinally significant yet finds limited applications in medical and functional textiles because of its less stability and high volatility under ambient conditions. Nevertheless, its encapsulation in chitosan may enhance its stability and applicability for the said purpose. The SMO encapsulating chitosan microstructures were characterized using different analytical techniques and applied on cotton fabric through a green crosslinking of citric acid. The treated fabric revealed successful adhesion of microcapsules onto its surface confirmed via SEM and FTIR analyses. There observed a slight decrease in tensile strength of treated fabric; that, however, improved crease recovery behavior, and good antibacterial activity in response to broad-spectrum bacterial strains by reducing their 99% population; whereas, the stiffness of such fabric exhibited somehow increasing trend. Hence value-added multifunctional textiles produced, herein, may provide both surface and antibacterial activity for potential medical and healthcare applications without compromising their comfort properties.

The work reported here deals with the fabrication and characterization of iron oxide (Fe3O4) nanoparticles (NPs – IONPs) incorporated polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)-based nanocomposite films. The nanocomposite films, fabricated via solution casting route, have been characterized using advanced analytical techniques including x-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and UV-visible (vis.) spectroscopy. There observed notable changes in the structural phases, crystallite size (2.3 to 2.1 nm), d-spacing (0.131 to 0.134 Å), optical absorption edge (5.12 to 4.84 eV), indirect bandgap (4.99 to 4.68 eV), direct bandgap (5.35 to 5.20 eV), and band tail (0.57 to 0.89 eV) from native PVA to nanocomposite films. The refractive index and optical conductivity enhancements were also observed on incorporating IONPs into the PVA matrix. It could be inferred that a minute loading of IONPs might induce significant alternation in opto-structural properties of the PVA-based nanocomposites for potential optoelectronic applications.

Herein, synthesis of rhamnolipid surfactants was performed using a non-pathogenic Pseudomona s putida strain cultured on a variety of waste frying oils (WFOs) under Taguchi multi-objective optimization design. The effect of substrate types, fermentation setups and incubation time on the biomass concentration, rhamnolipid yield and surface tension of the cultivate media has been investigated. The results demonstrate that the multi-objectives investigation helps to document the optimal limits of the process parameters based on Gray relational analysis. After finding the optimal conditions, a validati on run was performed; therein, the rhamnolipid yield increased from 3.4 to 4.1 g/L; the biomass concentration decreased by 4.84% with an additional surface tension reduction of 2.19% due to an increase of rhamnolipids yield. Overall, soybean WFO was observed to be a preferred substrate for P. putida strain both under Taguchi design and the validation run. The present study proposes a low total of runs and optimum product yield under the Taguchi based multi-objective optimization.

This study describes the encapsulation of alpha (α)-tocopherol in chitosan nanosphere using the emulsion formation method. The α-tocopherol is a versatile antioxidant yet has limited applications due to its feeble stability in oxidizing environments. However, its encapsulation in a suitable capping agent might improve its stability. Chitosan is non-toxic, biodegradable, biocompatible and low-cost biomaterial. It could be used as an encapsulating agent to increase the stability of α-tocopherol and release when required over a sustained period. Once prepared, the encapsulated α-tocopherol nanospheres were characterized using different analytical techniques followed by application on cotton fabric. The treated fabric exhibited slight decrease in absorbency and tensile strength, and good antibacterial activity against broad spectrum bacterial strains. The release of α-tocopherol from the nanospheres in dispersed form was 64% whereas once applied on cotton fabric, the release was observed as 41%; this might be attributed to the cross-linking of nanospheres which decreased the opportunity to release the active ingredient. The produced cosmetotextiles can be used in skin care products particularly to reduce skin dryness with good antibacterial and antioxidant performance.

Polyester is known to be one of the most abundantly used fabrics. However, its surface is hydrophobic which restricts its wide acceptability and efficient processability. Therefore, many approaches...

Cellulosic materials being biodegradable are susceptible to bacterial attack. Present study was meant to develop an antibacterial viscose fabric via a clean, easy and reproducible approach. Silver nanoparticles (SNPs) were prepared using chitosan both as reducing and as well as stabilizing agent to promote green synthesis of SNPs. The prepared SNPs were characterized using dynamic light scattering and UV-visible (vis) absorption spectroscopy. The average size of SNPs was found to be 8.574 nm with respective zeta potential of +45.2 mV using AgNO3 concentration of 1 mM and chitosan as 1 % (w/v). Pre-treated viscose fabric was undergone an in situ treatment to impregnate SNPs on its surface under certain autoclave conditions. Scanning electron microscopy revealed the presence of SNPs on surface of treated viscose fabric in comparison with the untreated fabric. In addition, Fourier transform infrared and elemental analysis confirmed the presence of silver on the treated fabric. The textile properties of the viscose fabric samples like; tensile strength, wettability, antibacterial activity and whiteness were evaluated using the standard protocols. The developed treated viscose fabric showed good antibacterial properties against both Gram negative Escherichia coli and Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus bacterial strains with fair textile characteristics. This is the first report on in situ fabrication and impregnation of SNPs using chitosan as both reducing and stabilizing agent on a regenerated cellulose fabric like viscose.

Herein, we used chemical precipitation method to synthesize cadmium sulfide (CdS) nanoparticles (NPs) with different concentrations of CdNO3. The CdS NPs of size 105 nm and the corresponding zeta potential of 42.2 mV were achieved at CdNO3 concentration of 1 mM. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis revealed W-type hexagonal geometry of CdS NPs. The prepared CdS NPs were introduced into poly(hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) matrix to fabricate CdS/PHB composite nanomaterial. The physicochemical characterization showed successful synthesis of a novel nanocomposite. The XRD analysis showed that CdS/PHB nanocomposite exhibited hexagonal crystal structure, i.e., crystallite orientation of nanocomposite was majorly controlled by CdS NPs. Scanning electron micrographs of CdS NPs and CdS/PHB nanocomposite revealed spherical morphology of CdS NPs and their successful placement into PHB matrix with some random aggregations. The results were further confirmed using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and a high-resolution TEM. Thermogravimetric analysis showed improved thermal characteristics of nanocomposites after incorporation of CdS NPs into PHB matrix.

Cancer is one of the most dangerous diseases which had been encountering the human beings since last several decades. In 2018, according to national cancer institute, about 609,640 people are expected to die from cancer and about 1,735,350 new patients are expected to be diagnosed with this lethal disease. Nanotechnology has played a significant role in almost every field of life including medical sciences. A controlled and sustained release of drug is much desirable and beneficial when one has to deal with cancer as such drugs do also harm to normal cells. General anticancer drugs, used in chemotherapy, are associated with severe side effects due to high dosage requirements. With the help of nanotechnology, great outcomes for instance, anticancer drug loaded nanofibers, have been achieved in cancer therapy requiring less amount of drug as drug is preserved in these nanofibers for prolonged time. Electrospun nanofibers have very large surface area, controllable pore size and tunable drug release profiles which make these nanofibers promising candidates in medical field. To promote green synthesis of nanofibers, researchers have also used water as an effective solvent instead of toxic chemicals and reduced the environmental burden. This green approach of nanofibers fabrication has a good potential to be used in regenerative medicine including cancer therapy because of environmental friendly characteristics. Though, there are numerous research reports available on the application of nanofibers. To the best of our knowledge, no review paper has been reported solely on the applications of nanofibers for cancer therapy. Therefore, this review paper describes some electrospun nanofibers of pure polymer, blends and block copolymers that have been reported for successful cancer therapy.

The use of nontoxic, biodegradable and biocompatible biopolymers such as chitosan and cellulose is of considerable importance particularly in uptake of metal ions from the contaminated water systems. Current study was aimed to develop a chitosan-based biosorbent in combination with cellulose to form composite adsorbent beads. The developed composite beads were chemo-physically characterized using advanced analytical techniques of scanning electron microscope, Fourier transform infrared, x-ray diffraction and thermogravimetric analysis. The point of zero charge (PZC) of the developed beads was determined using the methods of salt addition, electrokinetic potential and the mass atitration. The average value of PZC of composite beads was found to be 7.26 using the said methods. On incorporating cellulose into chitosan, the thermal properties of the composite beads were considerably enhanced. The adsorption capacity of chitosan–cellulose beads was found to be 99.8, 79.98 and 99.10 mg/g for Ni(II), Cu(II) and Cr(III), respectively. The adsorption extent showed that the developed composite beads could be employed as adsorbent for wastewater treatment.