Eco-friendly pesticide based on peppermint oil nanoemulsion: preparation, physicochemical properties, and its aphicidal activity against cotton aphid.

Using organic insecticides including plant oils, it is possible to design a new perspective for the control of insect pests. In this research, nanoemulsion formulations of Mentha piperita, wild-type essential oil (EO) were prepared utilizing high-energy ultrasonication process. Physicochemical properties of nanoemulsions were precisely studied by measurement various parameters including pH, viscosity, conductivity, and zeta potential.

Colorimetric determination of Timolol concentration based on localized surface plasmon resonance of silver nanoparticles.

In this work, a rapid and simple colorimetric method based on the surface plasmon resonance of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) was developed for the detection of the drug Timolol. The method used is based on the interaction of Timolol with the surface of the as-synthesized AgNPs, which promotes aggregation of the nanoparticles. This aggregation exploits the surface plasmon resonance through the electric dipole-dipole interaction and coupling among the agglomerated particles, hence bringing forth distinctive changes in the spectra as well as the color of colloidal silver.

Ionic liquid-based preparation of cellulose-dendrimer films as solid supports for enzyme immobilization.

Surface-active cellulose films for covalent attachment of bioactive moieties were achieved by codissolution of cellulose with polyamidoamine (PAMAM) dendrimers in an ionic liquid followed by regeneration of the composite as a film. Different generations of PAMAM were used for the formation of cellulose-dendrimer composites, as well as films with the dendrimer covalently bonded to the cellulose by means of the linker 1,3-phenylene diisocyanate. Surface characterization, thermal stability, and utility for immobilization of laccase were determined.

Design of an optical sensor for indirect determination of isoniazid.

The characterization of an optical sensor membrane is described for indirect determination of isoniazid. The sensing membrane was consisted of immobilized 3-(2-pyridyl)-5,6-diphenyl-1,2,4-triazine (PDT) on a triacetylcellulose membrane. The procedure is based on the reaction of Fe(III) with isoniazid in the presence of PDT.