Article
Polymer Science
Andrea Dodero, Maila Castellano, Paola Lova, Massimo Ottonelli, Elisabetta Brunengo, Silvia Vicini, Marina Alloisio
Summary: Poly(vinyl alcohol) nanofibrous mats containing ad hoc synthesized gold nanostructures were prepared via a single-step electrospinning procedure and investigated for their potential applications. Various shapes and sizes of gold nanostructures were studied for their effects on the physical and chemical properties of the resulting mats. The type of nanostructure was found to influence the mesh morphology of the mats, with different shapes leading to thinner well defined or bigger defect-rich nanofibers.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
David Gutschmidt, Raj Shankar Hazra, Xiaoyi Zhou, Xuezhu Xu, Mohammad Sabzi, Long Jiang
Summary: In this study, electrospun nanofibers were used for wound management and drug release, with the incorporation of sepiolite as a secondary release control tool. The addition of sepiolite significantly impacted the drug release behavior, leading to slower release rates, while also improving the mechanical strength of the nanofiber mats. This study demonstrates the potential of using natural biomaterials and nanomaterials in controlled-release drug delivery systems.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Mohammad Tajul Islam, Raechel M. Laing, Cheryl A. Wilson, Michelle McConnell, M. Azam Ali
Summary: Novel nanofibrous PVA/keratin/chitosan 3DENS with relatively uniform fibrous structure, suitable porosity, swelling properties, and degradation potential for biomedical applications were fabricated through electrospinning technique. The physiochemical properties of the polymer solutions, such as viscosity and conductivity, were investigated to demonstrate the potential of these 3DENS. The study showed that the properties of the 3DENS were affected by the mass ratio of keratin and chitosan to PVA, indicating the potential for tailored biomedical applications.
CARBOHYDRATE POLYMERS
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Qian Liang, Wenli Pan, Qunyu Gao
Summary: A green approach for the preparation of starch-based composite nanofibers using electrospinning was developed. The addition of co-blending polymer PVA was attempted to improve the CMS solution spinnability. The study successfully obtained smooth, continuous, and defect-free nanofibers from the blend of CMS/PVA weight ratios of 10:90 to 80:20.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Monica L. Mejia L. Suaza, Jennifer C. Leos C. Rivera, Maria C. Rodriguez C. Padilla, Maria E. Moncada E. Acevedo, Claudia P. Ossa P. Orozco, Diana G. Zarate G. Trivino
Summary: Nanofiber scaffolds of polyvinyl alcohol, silk fibroin, and silver nanoparticles were developed for MG-63 growth. The addition of fibroin and silver nanoparticles enhanced the mechanical and thermal properties of the scaffolds. The incorporation of fibroin also improved the hydrophilicity of the scaffolds. The nanofibers showed potential as a substitute for bone tissue engineering.
Article
Materials Science, Composites
Ivan Ristic, Aleksandra Miletic, Nevena Vukic, Milena Marinovic-Cincovic, Krisjanis Smits, Suzana Cakic, Branka Pilic
Summary: In this study, conductive polymer-based materials were successfully obtained by incorporating different amounts of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) into poly(lactide)(PLA) using electrospinning technique. The presence of MWCNTs in the PLA matrix had a significant influence on the crystallization behavior of PLA nanofibers, while not affecting the conductivity. Additionally, the addition of MWCNTs improved the mechanical properties of composite fibers, leading to increased elasticity and tensile strengths of nanofibers.
JOURNAL OF THERMOPLASTIC COMPOSITE MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Shohei Fujita, Huaizhong Xu, Yubing Dong, Yoko Okahisa
Summary: By using water-soluble polymer PVA, composite nanofibers with high fibroin nanofiber content can be manufactured, which exhibit excellent mechanical and thermal properties.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Diana Serbezeanu, Tachita Vlad-Bubulac, Mihaela Dorina Onofrei, Florica Doroftei, Corneliu Hamciuc, Alina-Mirela Ipate, Alexandru Anisiei, Gabriela Lisa, Ion Anghel, Ioana-Emilia Sofran, Vasilica Popescu
Summary: The development of intelligent materials for protective equipment applications has the potential to greatly improve the safety of personnel in specialized professions. Phosphorus-modified poly(vinyl alcohol) materials, synthesized through chemical modification and electrospinning, offer enhanced flame resistance and thermal stability, making them environmentally friendly.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Le Xu, Xi Liu, Jiao Jia, Hao Wu, Juan Xie, Yongtang Jia
Summary: Accurate and sensitive pH sensing and monitoring in the environment are crucial for human health. Nanomaterials and nanotechnology combined with fluorescent materials provide excellent opportunities for developing high-performance sensing membranes and monitoring pH effectively. In this study, fluorescent nanofiber membranes (NFMs) containing poly-1,8-naphthimide derivative-3-[dimethyl-[2-(2-methylprop-2-enoyloxy)ethyl]azaniumyl]propane-1-sulfonate (PNI-SBMA) were fabricated by electrospinning. The NFMs showed outstanding hydrophilicity due to surfactant-like functionalities in the side chains of PNI-SBMA, and the naphthimide derivatives exhibited sensitivity to pH through the photoinduced electron transfer effect, enabling efficient pH fluorescence sensing applications of the NFMs. Among the NFMs, the PNI-SBMA/PVA NFM with a ratio of 1:9 (NFM2) demonstrated high sensitivity and good cyclability to pH.
Article
Polymer Science
Irina Elena Raschip, Raluca Nicoleta Darie-Nita, Nicusor Fifere, Gabriela-Elena Hitruc, Maria Valentina Dinu
Summary: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of synthesis parameters and natural polyphenolic extract on the mechanical and morphological properties of XG/PVA composite hydrogels. The results showed that the compression and rheological properties were correlated with the swelling behavior, contact angle values, and morphological features. Increasing the number of cryogenic cycles enhanced the network rigidity, while a weight ratio of 1:1 for XG and PVA and a polyphenol content of 10 v/v% resulted in tough and flexible composite films. All composite hydrogels exhibited gel behavior, with the elastic modulus being greater than the viscous modulus.
Article
Spectroscopy
Vimalasruthi Narayanan, Manawwer Alam, Naushad Ahmad, Suganya Bharathi Balakrishnan, Vigneshkumar Ganesan, Esakkimuthu Shanmugasundaram, Brindha Rajagopal, Stalin Thambusamy
Summary: In this study, solid inclusion complexes of CA/CDs were incorporated into PVA nanofibers using electrospinning technique to enhance solubility and antibacterial activity. The physical properties of CA/CDs were examined and the formation of ICs was confirmed. PVA/CA/CDs demonstrated promising performance in terms of antibacterial activity and solubility enhancement.
SPECTROCHIMICA ACTA PART A-MOLECULAR AND BIOMOLECULAR SPECTROSCOPY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Fatemeh Shahverdi, Aboulfazl Barati, Ehsan Salehi, Mohammad Arjomandzadegan
Summary: A two-nozzle electrospinning method was used to fabricate hybrid nanofibers based on chitosan/polyvinyl alcohol and poly (epsilon-caprolactone), with CeAlO3 nanoparticles incorporated to improve the nanofiber's properties. The addition of CeAlO3 nanoparticles increased the crystallinity, tensile strength, and modulus of the nanofibers without affecting their biocompatibility. The prepared nanofibers have the potential to be a low-cost and effective wound dressing.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Hanseul Kim, Pradeep Kumar Panda, Kambiz Sadeghi, Jongchul Seo
Summary: This study developed a sustainable antioxidant and barrier film by using a poly(vinyl alcohol)/hydrothermally treated tannic acid composite film. The addition of hydrothermally treated tannic acid significantly improved the antioxidant capacity and oxygen barrier properties of the film.
PROGRESS IN ORGANIC COATINGS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Composites
Linhong Li, Yue Qin, Hao Wang, Maohua Li, Guichen Song, Yuming Wu, Xianzhe Wei, Zulfiqar Ali, Jian Yi, Shulin Song, Cheng-Te Lin, Nan Jiang, Jinhong Yu
Summary: Highly thermal conductive polymer composites consisting of ND-OH and PVA were reported, with the interfacial properties influencing thermal conductivity. The interface strength between matrix and filler dominates thermal conductivity at low content, while filler-filler interaction dominates at high loadings. The PVA/ND-OH composite exhibited an ultrahigh thermal conductivity of 18.98 W m(-1) K-1 at 90 wt% ND-OH, showing potential for thermal management in next-generation electronic products.
COMPOSITES COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Nicolas Torasso, Alicia Vergara-Rubio, Patricia Rivas-Rojas, Cristian Huck-Iriart, Aitor Larranaga, Alicia Fernandez-Cirelli, Silvina Cerveny, Silvia Goyanes
Summary: This study presents a novel green method to confine and disperse SPIONs inside PVA nanofibers, enhancing arsenic adsorption capacity. Heat treatment rendered the membrane water insoluble while maintaining the active sites of SPIONs. Analysis using electron microscopies and X-ray scattering confirmed the excellent dispersion of SPIONs within the nanofibers.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2021)
Review
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Benjamin O. Orimolade, Azeez O. Idris, Seyi Philemon Akanji, Folahan A. Adekola, Shohreh Azizi, Malik Maaza, Bhekie Mamba
Summary: Due to the increasing demand for cleaner water, nanomaterials have been used in wastewater treatment application, especially in photoelectrocatalytic (PEC) degradation. This process combines light and electrical energy to achieve total mineralisation of organic pollutants in wastewater. Nanostructured photoanodes with distinct morphologies have greatly enhanced the efficiency of PEC degradation, leading to the removal of pharmaceuticals, dyes, and phenolic water from wastewater within a short time period. This review provides an overview of the successful use of nanostructured photoanodes in PEC degradation, along with the techniques employed to improve their solar light responsiveness.
Review
Chemistry, Analytical
Azeez Olayiwola Idris, Seyi Philemon Akanji, Benjamin O. O. Orimolade, Foluke Omobola Grace Olorundare, Shohreh Azizi, Bhekie Mamba, Malik Maaza
Summary: The continuous development in nanotechnology has brought new vitality to device fabrication, especially biosensor design for biomedical applications. Nanomaterials, with their excellent characteristics such as biocompatibility, electrical and thermal conductivity, large surface area, and catalytic activity, are considered promising materials for immobilization in the development of high-impact biosensors. This review focuses on the efficient use of nanomaterials as immobilization candidates for biosensor fabrication. It discusses the implementation of various carbon nanomaterials (graphene, carbon nanotubes, carbon nanoparticles, carbon nanodots) and MXenes, as well as their synergistic effect when combined with metal oxide nanomaterials. The review also covers the challenges, synthesis origins, and chemistry behind incorporating nanomaterials with other materials for biosensor design, as well as the prospects for their development and application.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Abdelaziz Ait Abdelkadir, Jean-Louis Victor, Guillaume Vignaud, Corinne Marcel, Mustapha Sahal, Malik Maaza, Mohamed Chaker, Alain Gibaud
Summary: In this paper, the optical and structural properties of undoped and W-doped V1-xWxO2 vanadium dioxide thin films were investigated. X-ray diffraction analysis showed the transition from monoclinic to rutile phase and a coexistence of phases for tungsten-doped VO2. The study also revealed the decrease of transition temperature from 69.6°C to 41.6°C with increasing tungsten concentration.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
I. Ngom, N. M. Ndiaye, N. F. Sylla, S. Dieng, B. D. Ngom, M. Maaza
Summary: Three aqueous solutions derived from Moringa oleifera (M.O) flowers, seeds, and leaves were used for the biosynthesis of nickel oxide nanoparticles (NiO-NPs). These nanoparticles were characterized by X-ray diffraction, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and Raman spectroscopy, and were found to crystallize in a face centered-cubic single Bunsenite phase. NiO@flowers had the smallest average crystallite size of 18.5 nm, while NiO@seeds had 29.0 nm and NiO@leaves had 21.7 nm. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that NiO@flowers had non-uniform, spherically agglomerated nano-crystals, while NiO@seeds had highly coalescent nanograins and NiO@leaves had irregularly connected microcavities with small nanograins.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Razieh Morad, Mahmood Akbari, Malik Maaza
Summary: This study uses density functional theory calculations to investigate the chemical reactivity descriptors of proposed drugs for COVID-19. The structure optimization and analysis of frontier orbitals reveal the importance of the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) and the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) in molecular interactions and reactivity. The polarizability is higher in complex drugs such as Hydroxychloroquine, Remdesivir, and Ivermectin, and the calculated energy gap suggests that larger gaps correspond to lower reactivity and higher stability.
Review
Materials Science, Composites
Ayesha Kausar, Ishaq Ahmad, Tingkai Zhao, Malik Maaza, Patrizia Bocchetta
Summary: Fuel cell efficiency can be enhanced by using progressive electrodes and electrolytes, including green nanomaterials and green technologies. The replacement of platinum-based electrodes with green materials and nanocomposites through green fabrication approaches leads to the development of environmentally friendly fuel cells. The application of green nanocomposites in fuel cell electrode and electrolyte materials, along with green synthesis techniques, has demonstrated significant improvements in morphology, impedance, resistance, power density, current density, electrochemical features, proton conductivity, and overall efficiency. The future importance and challenges of utilizing green nanocomposites in electrodes and electrolytes to achieve efficient fuel cells are also discussed.
JOURNAL OF COMPOSITES SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Innocent C. Nwodo, Agnes C. Nkele, Raphael M. Obodo, Jude N. Udeh, Princess C. Ani, Chinedu P. Chime, M. Maaza, Fabian I. Ezema
Summary: This study investigated the characteristics of nickel phosphate nanoparticles co-precipitated at varying molar concentrations in terms of structure, morphology, elements, optics, and electrochemistry. The results showed a monoclinic crystalline phase and nanorod morphology. EDX confirmed the presence of nickel, phosphorus, and oxygen. The films exhibited good absorbance and had optical energy band gap values ranging from 1.58 eV to 2.2 eV. They also showed good cyclic reversibility as electrolytes. The specific capacitance values of the electrodes ranged from 624.38 F/g to 1017.2 F/g at a scan rate of 1 mV/s. The Ni3(PO4)2 electrode prepared at 0.3 M showed the highest energy and power densities of 239.49 Wh/kg and 2.52 W/kg, respectively. These synthesized samples have potential applications in optical and electrochemical devices.
JOURNAL OF THE INDIAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Haripriya Rama, Busiswa Ndaba, Malik Maaza, Mokhotjwa Simon Dhlamini, Nicolene Cochrane, Ashira Roopnarain
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the effect of different extraction methods on the recovery of phytochemicals and antioxidants from de-kernelled marula seeds. The results showed that the decoction method for 30 minutes produced extracts with the highest content of phenolic compounds, flavonoids, sugars, and organic acids. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed the presence of functional groups typically present in these compounds. The study concluded that the decoction method increased the solubility, variety, and yield of phytochemicals and antioxidants, potentially paving the way for their utilization in the food industry. Rating: 8/10
JOURNAL OF THE SCIENCE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE
(2023)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Benjamin O. Orimolade, Adewale O. Oladipo, Azeez O. Idris, Feleni Usisipho, Shohreh Azizi, Malik Maaza, Sogolo L. Lebelo, Bhekie B. Mamba
Summary: In recent years, there has been a focus on making water safer and cleaner by eliminating pharmaceutical residues, particularly fluoroquinolone antibiotics, from wastewater. Electrochemical technologies, such as photoelectrocatalysis, electro-Fenton, electrocoagulation, and electrochemical oxidation, have been found to be effective in removing these pharmaceuticals from wastewater. This review discusses the recent progress in the application of these electrochemical processes for the degradation of fluoroquinolone antibiotics, highlighting their fundamentals, results, advantages, limitations, and recommendations for future improvements. It serves as a valuable resource for researchers in the selection of suitable electrochemical techniques for pharmaceutical removal from wastewater.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Spectroscopy
Annah M. Ondieki, Zephania Birech, Kenneth A. Kaduki, Peter W. Mwangi, Nancy M. Mwenze, Moses Juma, Carolyne Jeptoo, M. S. Dlamini, Malik Maaza
Summary: This research introduces surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) substrates based on colloidal silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) produced by laser ablation of silver granules. The optimal parameters were determined by investigating the effects of laser power, pulse repetition frequency, and ablation duration on the Surface Plasmon Resonance peak of AgNPs solutions. The synthesized AgNPs were characterized and found to have potential applications in forensics, drug efficacy monitoring, disease diagnostics, and pathogen detection.
SPECTROCHIMICA ACTA PART A-MOLECULAR AND BIOMOLECULAR SPECTROSCOPY
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Azeez Olayiwola Idris, Benjamin Orimolade, Lynn Dennany, Bhekie Mamba, Shohreh Azizi, K. Kaviyarasu, Malik Maaza
Summary: This review explores the use of electrochemistry techniques in monitoring organic contaminants in water. The electrochemistry approach offers simplicity, portability, cost-effectiveness, and improved sensitivity. Traditional techniques for quantifying organic pollutants have limitations such as high costs, longer analysis times, and the need for skilled personnel. The electrochemistry approach provides a potential solution for on-site monitoring of organic contaminants.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
N. Matinise, N. Botha, I. G. Madiba, M. Maaza
Summary: This study presents the use of bismuth ferrite nanomaterial (BiFeO3) prepared by a green method using Moringa oleifera natural extract as an anode material for supercapacitor application. The electrochemical properties of the nanomaterial at the modified electrode relative to the unmodified electrode were evaluated using cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and galvanostatic charge-discharge methods. The results showed that the GCE/BiFeO3 electrode exhibited excellent electrochemical performance, making it an ideal electrode material for supercapacitance applications.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Shohreh Azizi, Maryam Sarkhosh, Ilunga Kamika, Touhami Mokrani, Malik Maaza
Summary: The study examined the cost-effective degradation of trimipramine (TIR) using UV/Sulfite/ZnO (USZ) in both conventional and baffled photocatalytic reactors (BPCR). The optimal conditions for high TRI degradation (97.4%) were a 2:1:100 Sulfite/ZnO/TRI molar ratio, pH 7, and a 30-minute reaction time. In the BPCR reactor, the measured rate constant (k(obs)) and reaction rate (r(obs)) increased by approximately 17% and 50% respectively, as the TRI concentration increased. The intermediate materials formed were analyzed, and most of them were found to be simple linear compounds. The introduction of baffles in the reactor led to decreased electrical energy consumption and total system cost, while the UZS procedure effectively reduced BOD and COD levels.
ARABIAN JOURNAL FOR SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
N. L. Botha, K. J. Cloete, G. G. Welegergs, M. Akbari, R. Morad, L. Kotsedi, N. Matinise, R. Bucher, S. Azizi, M. Maaza
Summary: This study used molecular dynamics computational modelling to bioengineer a nano-scaled 2-D hydronium jarosite. A phyto-engineering approach using green nano-chemistry and agro-waste in the form of avocado seed natural extract was utilized to synthesize this unique mineral. The nanoproduct exhibited a quasi-2D structure and showed significant electrochemical, electroconductive, and diamagnetic behaviors.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
M. E. M. Eisa, J. A. Mars, S. Naidoo, R. A. Shibrain, K. J. Cloete, M. Maaza
Summary: Trace elements have significant effects on both dental health and human health. This study analyzed the levels of toxic and trace elements in teeth from male and female participants in Sudan. The elemental profile and distribution in tooth enamel were determined using mu-PIXE analysis, and the main elements found were Na, Mg, P, S, Cl, K, Ca, Mn, Fe, Zn, Co, and Sr.
ANALYTICAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
