Self-limiting material growth triggered and tunable by force through piezocharge-induced mineralization.

Controlling the growth of material is crucial in material processing for desired properties. Current approaches often involve sophisticated equipment for controlling precursors and monitoring material formation. Here we report a self-limiting material growth mechanism controlled by the experienced mechanical loading without the need for precise control over precursors or monitoring material growth.

Foreseeing metal failure from its inception.

The life span of metals can be inferred from early microscopic deformation events.

Novel mineralized electrospun chitosan/PVA/TiO nanofibrous composites for potential biomedical applications: computational and experimental insights.

Electrospun nanofibrous materials serve as potential solutions for several biomedical applications as they possess the ability of mimicking the extracellular matrix (ECM) of tissues. Herein, we report on the fabrication of novel nanostructured composite materials for potential use in biomedical applications that require a suitable environment for cellular viability. Anodized TiO nanotubes (TiO NTs) in powder form, with different concentrations, were incorporated as a filler material into a blend of chitosan (Cs) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) to synthesize composite polymeric electrospun nanofibrous materials.

Robust photoactive nanoadsorbents with antibacterial activity for the removal of dyes.

ZnO nanostructures (NS)/guar gum (GG) nanocomposites have been successfully synthesized and tested as sorbents for photodegradation, adsorption and antimicrobial activity for dye removal. The addition of ZnO improves the thermal stability of GG based on the ratio of the oxygen in the OH form and the total oxygen in the samples as indicated via XPS and FTIR analyses. Among all tested composites, the ZnO NPs/GG nanocomposite showed the highest photocatalytic activity and hence used in extended adsorption and degradation studies against the anionic dye reactive red (RR195) and the cationic dye Rhodamine B (RhB).

UV photoprotection by combination topical antioxidants vitamin C and vitamin E.

Background: Virtually all plants and animals protect themselves from the sun using vitamins C and E.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to see if a combination of topical vitamins C and E is better for UV protection to skin than an equivalent concentration of topical vitamin C or E alone.

Methods: We developed a stable aqueous solution of 15% L-ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and 1% alpha-tocopherol (vitamin E).