Publications by authors named "L C Mimun"

Cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs) are high aspect ratio, natural nanomaterials with high mechanical strength-to-weight ratio and promising reinforcing dopants in polymer nanocomposites. In this study, we used CNFs and oxidized CNFs (TOCNFs), prepared by a 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl radical (TEMPO)-mediated oxidation process, as reinforcing agents in poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF). Using high-shear mixing and doctor blade casting, we prepared free-standing composite films loaded with up to 5 wt % cellulose nanofibrils.

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Nanomaterials with multiple imaging functionalities are nowadays getting tremendous attention due to their several superior features compared to existing contrast agents. By developing a nanomaterial that exhibit multiple functionalities, the possibility to increase the amount of imaging information obtained in a short amount of time is becoming more and more a reality. In this work, we developed a multifunctional nanocrystals (NCs), Na(GdLu)F:Nd, that combines multiple rare-earth features as an all-in-one imaging agent comprised of optical imaging, magnetic imaging, and X-ray imaging by utilizing the superparamagnetic features of Gd, the high X-ray absorption cross section of Lu, and the NIR fluorescence of Nd.

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Background: is a major opportunistic fungal pathogen. One of the most important virulence factors that contribute to the pathogenesis of candidiasis is its ability to form biofilms. A key characteristic of biofilms is their resistance to antifungal agents.

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Compared to conventional core-shell structures, core-shell free nanoparticles with multiple functionalities offer several advantages such as minimal synthetic complexity and low production cost. In this paper, we present the synthesis and characterization of Nd doped Na(GdLu)F as a core-shell free nanoparticle system with three functionalities. Nanocrystals with 20 nm diameter, high crystallinity and a narrow particle size distributions were synthesized by the solvothermal method and characterized by various analytical techniques to understand their phase and morphology.

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Nosocomial diseases are mainly caused by two common pathogens, Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, which are becoming more and more resistant to conventional antibiotics. Therefore, it is becoming increasingly necessary to find other alternative treatments than commonly utilized drugs. A promising strategy is to use nanomaterials such as selenium nanoparticles.

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