Article
Chemistry, Physical
Marcela Socol, Nicoleta Preda, Carmen Breazu, Andreea Costas, Oana Rasoga, Gabriela Petre, Gianina Popescu-Pelin, Sorina Iftimie, Andrei Stochioiu, Gabriel Socol, Anca Stanculescu
Summary: Nanocomposite films based on macrocyclic compounds (ZnPc and TPyP) and metal oxide nanoparticles (ZnO or CuO) were prepared by MAPLE, and the effect of metal oxide addition on the properties of the films was evaluated. The presence of metal oxide nanoparticles influenced the infrared and UV-Vis spectra, as well as the photoluminescence spectra of the films. The morphology of the composite films showed agglomerated particles, but did not significantly affect the roughness. The electrical parameters of the structures based on the nanocomposite films were improved only for films with a certain type and optimum amount of metal oxide nanoparticles.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Benjamin K. Derby, Sean Mills, Sahil Agarwal, James A. Valdez, J. Kevin Baldwin, Matthew M. Schneider, Andrew M. Minor, Blas P. Uberuaga, Farida Selim, Nan Li
Summary: Passivating iron-oxide films were grown to simulate the corrosion process in a nuclear reactor environment. The morphology and defect content of the films varied depending on the growth method, with different oxide films exhibiting different microstructures and defect characteristics.
APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Bogdan Butoi, Carmen Steluta Ciobanu, Simona Liliana Iconaru, Constantin Catalin Negrila, Madalina Andreea Badea, Mihaela Balas, Anca Dinischiotu, Gabriel Predoi, Bogdan Bita, Andreea Groza, Daniela Predoi
Summary: Iron-oxide-doped polyaniline (PANI-IO) thin films were successfully synthesized through the polymerization of aniline monomers and iron oxide solutions in plasma. The films exhibited a uniform distribution of iron oxide particles and constituent elements. The surface morphology of PANI-IO films was uniformly distributed and continuous. The in vitro biocompatibility assessments showed no significant modification to the viability of cells cultured on PANI-IO coatings.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
A. Prados, A. Munoz-Noval, R. Ranchal
Summary: This study investigates the possibility of growing Ga-Fe-O thin films using the electrodeposition technique. It is found that the Fe/Ga ratio can be controlled by adjusting the potential, and the surface morphology is related to the Na3-citrate content in the electrolyte. X-ray diffractometry suggests partial oxidation of Ga and predominantly metallic state of Fe. The study highlights the inherent difficulties in synthesizing Ga-Fe-O compounds.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Zuzanna Z. Janczuk, Agnieszka Jedrych, Sylwia Parzyszek, Anita Gardias, Jacek Szczytko, Michal Wojcik, Paola Tiberto
Summary: This study reports the preparation of MNPs composites using excess liquid crystal-like ligands, which allows for precise and reversible control of magnetic nanoparticles in thin films, showing great potential for various applications.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Razia Nongjai, Rubiya Samad, V. R. Singh, V. K. Verma, Asokan Kandasami
Summary: The study investigated the effect of N ion implantation on Fe3O4 thin films, showing improvements in magnetic properties and electronic structure after ion implantation. The increase in carrier concentration and decrease in resistivity were also observed, contributing to the enhanced magnetic properties of the implanted thin films.
JOURNAL OF MAGNETISM AND MAGNETIC MATERIALS
(2021)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Marcela Socol, Nicoleta Preda
Summary: The continuous growth in global energy consumption, combined with increasing concerns about climate change and environmental pollution, are driving forces behind the deployment of renewable energy sources. Solar energy, being the most abundant and cleanest form of renewable energy, is seen as a viable pathway for sustainable energy generation. Hybrid solar cells, utilizing nanocomposite layers, have received significant research attention due to their ability to combine the benefits of both organic and inorganic components.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Agata Niemczyk, Simona Brajnicov, Veronica Satulu, Jolanta Baranowska, Bogdana Mitu, Maria Dinescu
Summary: Through the MAPLE technique, coatings with various morphologies and topographies can be obtained by changing the process parameters. Chemical structure analysis reveals that the ester group in EVA coatings transforms into ketone and carboxyl groups, with some changes in the aliphatic main chain.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Nikola Nowak, Wiktoria Grzebieniarz, Gohar Khachatryan, Karen Khachatryan, Anna Konieczna-Molenda, Marcel Krzan, Jacek Grzyb
Summary: The study focused on the preparation of sodium alginate-based nanocomposites containing nanosilver and nanogold, with the incorporation of graphene oxide sheets for improved thermal stability. The characterization of the materials revealed the formation of 10-20 nm ball-shaped Ag and Au nanoparticles. Enzymatic hydrolysis showed the composites were more prone to degradation, with the sample containing nanosilver exhibiting the strongest bacteriostatic activity.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Rihab Ben Ayed, Mejda Ajili, Yolanda Pineiro, Badriyah Alhalaili, Jose Rivas, Ruxandra Vidu, Salah Kouass, Najoua Kamoun Turki
Summary: Undoped and Mg-doped (y = [Mg2+]/[Fe3+] = 1, 2, 3, and 4 at.%) Fe2O3 thin films were synthesized using spray pyrolysis technique. The successful insertion of Mg in the rhombohedral structure of Fe2O3 was confirmed by characterization techniques. The Mg-doped Fe2O3 thin films showed excellent photodegradation activity under sunlight irradiation, making them suitable for solar cell devices.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Nadja Klipfel, Agustin O. Alvarez, Hiroyuki Kanda, Albertus Adrian Sutanto, Cansu Igci, Cristina Roldan-Carmona, Cristina Momblona, Francisco Fabregat-Santiago, Mohammad Khaja Nazeeruddin
Summary: In this study, we highlight the importance of C-60 and compact-TiO2 as electron transport layers in the performance of coevaporated n-i-p perovskite solar cells. We demonstrate that there is a synergistic effect between these layers in charge extraction and optimization of the C-60 layer is crucial for enhancing device performance. Moreover, we find that excessively thick C-60 layers can introduce additional charge transport resistance and hinder the fabrication of highly efficient perovskite solar cells.
ACS APPLIED ENERGY MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Thermodynamics
Dorinel Okolisan, Titus Vlase, Gabriela Vlase, Ionela-Amalia Bradu, Claudiu Avram
Summary: A new type of polysaccharide film containing amide-type anesthetics was synthesized in this study. The stability of these films suggests their potential use as carriers for local anesthesia.
JOURNAL OF THERMAL ANALYSIS AND CALORIMETRY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Thomas Elschner, Joerg Adam, Hans Lesny, Yvonne Joseph, Steffen Fischer
Summary: Thin films of cellulose ferulate were used to study the formation of dehydrogenation polymers on the surface. It was found that the amount of polymer formed on the surface was independent of the base layer thickness. Mimicking lignification of plant cell walls allows for reproducible investigations of structure-property relationships.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Thomas Elschner, Joerg Adam, Hans Lesny, Yvonne Joseph, Steffen Fischer
Summary: Thin films of cellulose ferulate were synthesized to investigate the formation of dehydrogenation polymers (DHPs) on anchor groups of the surface. The results showed that the amount of DHP formed on the surface was independent of the base layer thickness.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jiafei Li, Xi Zhang, Jiating Lu, Wa He, Ya Nie, Yong Peng, Gang Xiang
Summary: Fe-doped SiGe (Si0.25Ge0.75:Fe-x, x = 0.01, 0.025, and 0.05) thin films were prepared and investigated for their structural, magnetic, and magneto-transport properties. The obtained samples were polycrystalline with lattice constants increasing with Fe concentration. Fe dopants primarily existed as substitutional Fe2+ ions in the SiGe lattice, providing local magnetic moments and hole carriers. The samples exhibited ferromagnetism, with a Curie temperature up to 294 K, a giant magnetoresistance (GMR) effect of over 800%, an anomalous Hall effect (AHE), and semiconducting behaviors. The hole-mediated process originating from substitutional Fe dopants and the tensile strain in the films contributed to the observed ferromagnetism. The synthesis and high-temperature ferromagnetism of Fe-doped SiGe thin films hold potential for spintronic applications based on group IV materials.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Enric Bertran-Serra, Arevik Musheghyan-Avetisyan, Stefanos Chaitoglou, Roger Amade-Rovira, Islam Alshaikh, Fernando Pantoja-Suarez, Jose-Luis Andujar-Bella, Tariq Jawhari, Angel Perez-del-Pino, Eniko Gyorgy
Summary: It is possible to grow flat graphene nanostructures from gas phase on planar substrates. Vertical graphene nanowalls can achieve a large specific surface area and exhibit high vertical and in-plane electrical conductivity, suitable for electrochemical applications.
APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Ceramics
Carmen Mita, Nicoleta Cornei, Georgiana Bulai, Marius Dobromir, Mihaela Girtan, Alexander Doroshkevich, Eniko Gyorgy, Diana Mardare
Summary: In this paper, the photocatalytic properties of SmFe0.7Co0.3O3 and Sm0.7Sr0.3Fe0.7Co0.3O3 thin films for rhodamine B degradation were compared in the absence and presence of hydrogen peroxide. The effects of Sr doping on film properties were investigated using various techniques. The presence of Sr atoms in the film resulted in increased photocatalytic efficiency, increased oxygen vacancies, and reduction of Fe4+ to Fe3+ and Fe2+. In the presence of co-catalyst, the degradation efficiency reached 100% after 120 min for the doped film and 150 min for the undoped film.
CERAMICS INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Aida Selaru, Alexandra-Elena Mocanu-Dobranici, Elena Olaret, Raluca-Elena Ginghina, Izabela-Cristina Stancu, Marieta Costache, Sorina Dinescu
Summary: In this study, fibrous nanostructured substrates based on fish gelatin enriched with graphene oxide and magnetic nanoparticles were fabricated. The biological properties of these substrates, including cell viability, adhesion, and differentiation, were evaluated. The results showed good interaction between the materials and cells, indicating their potential for tissue engineering applications, with a concentration of 0.5% graphene oxide and magnetic nanoparticles being the most suitable option for biological testing.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Alexandra-Elena Mocanu-Dobranici, Marieta Costache, Sorina Dinescu
Summary: Magnetic materials and stimulation have been widely studied in tissue engineering, especially in the reconstruction of bone and nervous tissue. Magnetic fields and nanoparticles can modulate cell responses and influence cellular structures and gene expression through complex mechanisms. The use of magnetic stimuli can promote stem cell evolution and neurogenic differentiation, as well as regulate calcium channels and CREB phosphorylation in neurodifferentiation. This review provides an updated perspective on the molecular mechanisms behind the cell response to magnetic cues and their potential applications in nervous tissue engineering.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Denis E. Tranca, Arcadie Sobetkii, Radu Hristu, Stefan R. Anton, Eugeniu Vasile, Stefan G. Stanciu, Cosmin K. Banica, Efstathios Fiorentis, David Constantinescu, George A. Stanciu
Summary: This study investigates the characteristics of ultrathin chromium nitride films with thickness below 400 nm deposited on silicon substrates using direct current and high-power impulse magnetron sputtering techniques. The films were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, and nanoindentation. The results show that ultrathin CrN films with excellent mechanical properties can be obtained using magnetron techniques, with Young's modulus values ranging from 140 GPa to 250 GPa for high-power impulse magnetron sputtering samples and from 240 GPa to 370 GPa for direct current sputtering samples. Stiffness measurements also indicate the good mechanical properties of the investigated samples, with stiffness values ranging from 125 N/m to 132 N/m for high-power impulse magnetron sputtering samples and from 110 N/m to 119 N/m for direct current sputtering samples.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Denis E. Tranca, Stefan G. Stanciu, Radu Hristu, Adrian M. Ionescu, George A. Stanciu
Summary: We present a viable method to modify the refractive index of PMMA by focusing a femtosecond pulsed near-infrared laser beam on the apex of a metalized nanosized tip. The refractive index can be changed over a circular area with a diameter <200 nm under 790 nm illumination, representing a four-fold increase in resolution compared to the current state-of-the-art methods. This method can have important applications in the fabrication of photonic crystal lattices and surface waveguides.
APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Liliana-Roxana Balahura Stamat, Sorina Dinescu, Marieta Costache
Summary: Researchers have studied the molecular mechanisms of breast cancer initiation and progression, particularly TNBC, to find specific biomarkers for innovative therapeutic strategies. TNBC is characterized by the absence of certain receptors, making it dynamic and aggressive. TNBC progression is associated with dysregulation of the NLRP3 inflammasome, leading to the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and caspase-1 dependent cell death. Non-coding RNAs play a significant role in the assembly of the NLRP3 inflammasome, TNBC progression, and metastasis, offering potential for diagnosis and therapy.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Mihaela Balas, Daniela Predoi, Carmen Burtea, Anca Dinischiotu
Summary: Iron oxide nanoparticles coated with dextran were characterized and their effects on pancreatic cancer cells were investigated. The nanoparticles showed significant negative contrast in MRI and dose-dependent cellular iron uptake and toxicity levels. At low doses, these nanoparticles could serve as safe platforms for drug delivery, as well as antitumoral and imaging agents in pancreatic cancer.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Andreea D. Lazar, Sorina Dinescu, Lea Sleiman, Adrian V. V. Dumitru, Mariana Costache, Marieta Costache
Summary: Cutaneous melanoma is a highly aggressive and often fatal cancer in its metastatic stages. Limited treatment options are available, and its global incidence is rapidly increasing. By comparing gene and small non-coding RNA expression profiles from different stages of melanoma progression, we have identified abnormal regulation of molecular markers involved in processes such as extracellular matrix remodeling, migration, and angiogenesis. Our findings suggest potential targets for microRNAs and have implications for targeted therapy and clinical management.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Madalina Andreea Badea, Mihaela Balas, Marcela Popa, Teodora Borcan, Anamaria-Cristina Bunea, Daniela Predoi, Anca Dinischiotu
Summary: This study investigated the biological response and antimicrobial activity of hydroxyapatite (HAp) and zinc-doped HAp (ZnHAp) in human gingival fibroblasts. The ZnHAp powders synthesized by the sol-gel method showed a crystallographic structure similar to pure HA and a uniform dispersion of zinc ions. Antimicrobial studies revealed inhibition of bacterial adherence to the substrate. In vitro biocompatibility tests showed decreased cell viability after exposure to HAp and ZnHAp, but no inflammatory response was induced.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
R. Ivan, C. Popescu, V. A. Antohe, S. Antohe, C. Negrila, C. Logofatu, A. Perez del Pino, E. Gyorgy
Summary: Hybrid layers composed of Fe oxide, Fe hydroxide, and nitrogen doped graphene-like platelets were synthesized using an eco-friendly laser-based method for photocatalytic applications. The complex composite layers exhibited high photodecomposition efficiency in degrading antibiotic molecules under visible light irradiation. The efficiency was affected by the relative concentrations of base materials and the photodecomposition mechanism was primarily attributed to synergistic effects between the constituent materials, efficient electron-hole pair separation, and the presence of conducting graphene-like platelets.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Mihaela Balas, Simona Liliana Iconaru, Anca Dinischiotu, Nicolas Buton, Daniela Predoi
Summary: In this study, dextran-coated maghemite nanoparticles (gamma-Fe2O3 NPs) were obtained using an adapted coprecipitation method. The morphology and structure of the nanoparticles were determined using SEM and TEM, which showed nanometric size and spherical shape. The effects of these nanoparticles on the redox status of macrophages were also explored.
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Stefan R. Anton, Rosa M. Martinez-Ojeda, Radu Hristu, George A. Stanciu, Antonela Toma, Cosmin K. Banica, Enrique J. Fernandez, Mikko J. Huttunen, Juan M. Bueno, Stefan G. Stanciu
Summary: Second Harmonic Generation Microscopy (SHG) is a valuable tool for non-invasively identifying and monitoring changes in collagen structures of tissues. However, the interpretation of SHG data can be challenging, hindering its clinical translation. This study explores the use of Deep Learning models to automatically detect corneal edema in SHG images with promising results, potentially paving the way for precision diagnostics of the cornea with Deep-Learning assisted SHG imaging.
IEEE JOURNAL OF SELECTED TOPICS IN QUANTUM ELECTRONICS
(2023)
Article
Water Resources
Seyni Ndoye, Mathias Diedhiou, Helene Celle, Serigne Faye, Mohammed Baalousha, Philippe Le Coustumer
Summary: Seawater intrusion is a serious problem in coastal aquifers in Senegal, leading to deterioration in water quality. The study aims to identify the zones of degraded water quality by analyzing the chemical composition of groundwater and geochemical processes. The results show that the groundwater is highly heterogeneous, with varying pH, total dissolved solids, and electrical conductivity values. Water-rock interaction and evaporation processes regulate the chemistry of the groundwater.
FRONTIERS IN WATER
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Stefan R. Anton, Denis E. Tranca, Stefan G. Stanciu, Radu Hristu, Cosmin K. Banica, Eugeniu Vasile, Zhaoyi Hu, Engang Fu, George A. Stanciu
Summary: This study explores the mechanical and optical properties of nanoporous copper (NPC) films treated with acid and base. The results show distinct nanoporous structures in both NPC 1 and NPC 2, with differences in rugosity, connectivity, topological characteristics, and optical properties.