Electro-Co-Polymerisation of Polypyrrole-Polyaniline Composites in Ionic Liquids for Metal-Free Hydrogen Evolution Electrodes.

Pure organic films consisting of polypyrrole, polyaniline and a composite of polypyrrole and polyaniline electrodeposited in the ionic liquid EMIM-TFSI onto mesoporous carbon electrodes are tested for their hydrogen evolution reaction capabilities. The use of these intrinsically conducting polymers is seen as a way of stepping away from expensive and rare metallic catalysts. Co-polymerisation of polypyrrole and polyaniline in a 1 : 10 ratio in EMIM-TFSI was found to be doped with the TFSI anion and be much more active to the hydrogen evolution reaction when compared to pure polymers.

Physicochemical characterization of antioxidant film based on ternary blend of chitosan and Tulsi-Ajwain essential oil for preserving walnut.

This study focuses on changes in the physiochemical properties of chitosan film when incorporated with a blend of essential oils of Tulsi and Ajwain. The essential oil blend-loaded films showed a decrement in transparency. Tulsi essential oil decreased the moisture content, swelling capacity, and water solubility.

Triazole-rich 3D metal-organic framework incorporated solid electrolytes for superior proton conductivity and durability in fuel cells.

Insufficient proton conductivity and oxidative stability of sulfonated hydrocarbons hinder their applicability as proton exchange membrane electrolytes in fuel cells. In this regard, fabrication of proton conducting mixed-matrix membranes (PC-MMMs) can be a superior approach to obtain desirable properties. In this work, a triazole ligand (1H-1,2,4 triazole) was coordinated to a zinc metal node to create a 3D metal-organic framework (MOF) and incorporated as an additive in a sulfonated poly(ether ether ketone) matrix at 1, 3, and 5 weight percentage to fabricate PC-MMMs by the casting process.

Bioactive enhancement of PVA films through CNC reinforcement and Ficus auriculata fruit extract: A novel synthesis for sustainable applications.

Cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) have received immense interest lately as a potential nanomaterial because of their excellent mechanical and biological properties. This investigation aims to formulate a composite coating made of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), CNCs, and a methanolic extract from the dried leaves and fruit of the fig tree (Ficus auriculata) (FAE). A sequential procedure to get CNCs included alkaline and acid hydrolysis, sonication, and suitable methods for purification.

Biocompatible carboxymethyl chitosan-modified glass ionomer cement with enhanced mechanical and anti-bacterial properties.

Due to the potential adverse effects of conventional dental cements, the demand for biocompatible cements have grown tremendously in the field of dentistry. In this respect, Glass ionomer cements (GICs) are being developed by different researchers. However, low mechanical strength of GIC make them unsuitable for application in high-stress areas.

Effect of carbon based fillers on xylan/chitosan/nano-HAp composite matrix for bone tissue engineering application.

The objective of our present work is to analyze the effect of carbon derived fillers (GO/RGO) on microstructural, mechanical and osteoinductive potential of xylan/chitosan/HAp composite matrix for bone tissue engineering application. The composites were characterized by FTIR, XRD and SEM to evaluate the composition and morphological parameters. Change in microstructural and mechanical properties of scaffold was observed on tuning filler type (GO/RGO) and concentration.

Effect of cellulose nanocrystals on chitosan/PVA/nano β-TCP composite scaffold for bone tissue engineering application.

The need for an ideal tissue construct has lead to the search of a myriad of polymer composites with desirable properties. The nature, location and type of tissue to be regenerated determines the type of material to be used. A bone construct has its own requirements such as osteoconductivity, mineralization tendency, synchronized degradation rate, osteogenic differentiation potential etc, which results in search of new possible combination of materials aimed to improve tissue response.

Surface coating of chitosan of different degree of acetylation on non surface sized writing and printing grade paper.

Chitosan is a renewable biopolymer which can be applied on the surface of writing and printing (W&P) grade paper to enhance its different properties. A variety of chitosan is available based on degree of acetylation (DA), molecular weight, viscosity, etc. DA has a profound effect on the performance of chitosan in many applications.

Redox-sensitive nanoparticles based on xylan-lipoic acid conjugate for tumor targeted drug delivery of niclosamide in cancer therapy.

In this study, novel redox-sensitive nanoparticles based on xylan-lipoic acid (Xyl-LA) conjugate were developed for tumor targeted delivery of niclosamide (Nic) in cancer therapy. The niclosamide loaded xylan-lipoic acid conjugate nanoparticles (Xyl-LA/Nic NPs) showed redox responsive behaviour in presence of reductive glutathione (GSH), which indicate their suitability for intracellular drug release. The obtained Xyl-LA/Nic NPs exhibited uniform particle size (196 ± 1.

Nanoporous Sodium Carboxymethyl Cellulose--poly (Sodium Acrylate)/FeCl Hydrogel Beads: Synthesis and Characterization.

Novel sodium carboxymethyl cellulose--poly (sodium acrylate)/Ferric chloride (CMC--PNaA/FeCl) nanoporous hydrogel beads were prepared based on the ionic cross-linking between CMC--PNaA and FeCl. The structure of CMC and CMC--PNaA were elucidated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, and the elemental composition was analyzed by energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX). The physicochemical properties of the CMC--PNaA/FeCl hydrogel beads were analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA).

Harnessing pongamia shell hydrolysate for triacylglycerol agglomeration by novel oleaginous yeast INDKK.

Background: To meet the present transportation demands and solve food versus fuel issue, microbial lipid-derived biofuels are gaining attention worldwide. This study is focussed on high-throughput screening of oleaginous yeast by microwave-aided Nile red spectrofluorimetry and exploring pongamia shell hydrolysate (PSH) as a feedstock for lipid production using novel oleaginous yeast INDKK.

Results: A new oleaginous yeast INDKK was identified and selected for microbial lipid production.

Redox responsive xylan-SS-curcumin prodrug nanoparticles for dual drug delivery in cancer therapy.

Chemotherapeutic agents with different anticancer mechanisms could enhance therapeutic effect in cancer therapy by their combined application. In this study, redox-sensitive prodrug nanoparticles based on Xyl-SS-Cur conjugate were developed for co-delivery of curcumin and 5-FU in cancer therapy. The Xyl-SS-Cur conjugate was synthesized via covalent conjugation of curcumin to xylan through a disulphide (-S-S-) linkage.

Production of Oleaginous Organisms or Lipids Using Sewage Water and Industrial Wastewater.

Worldwide, wastewater produced from sewage and industry poses a serious risk to the surrounding environment. As a way to address this problem, an integrated approach for cultivation of oleaginous microorganisms on wastewater leading to effective removal of hazardous components and sustainable production of biodiesel is proposed. Oleaginous yeasts have the unique ability to utilize wastewater as feedstock and accumulate large amounts of triacylglycerols within their cellular compartments at stationary phase (144 h).

Effect of incorporation of montmorillonite on Xylan/Chitosan conjugate scaffold.

The present study reports the fabrication of Xylan/Chitosan/Montmorillonite (MMT) composite scaffold by freeze drying process with the aim of achieving improved properties for bone tissue engineering applications. The scaffolds were characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and mechanical testing. The fabricated scaffolds were found to be highly porous with variations in pore size (102 μm-290 μm) on varying the filler concentration.

Lipophilic 5-fluorouracil prodrug encapsulated xylan-stearic acid conjugates nanoparticles for colon cancer therapy.

In this study, self-assembled nanoparticles based on amphiphilic xylan-stearic acid (Xyl-SA) conjugates have been developed for the efficient delivery of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) in cancer therapy. The self-assembled behavior of Xyl-SA conjugates in aqueous medium was investigated using pyrene as fluorescent probe. To enhance the loading efficacy of 5-FU, the lipophilic 5-fluorouracil-stearic acid (5-FUSA) prodrug was synthesized and subsequently encapsulated into the hydrophobic core of Xyl-SA NPs.

Chitosan film incorporated with citric acid and glycerol as an active packaging material for extension of green chilli shelf life.

Chitosan films with cross linker and plasticizer were prepared using solvent casting method for food packaging application. Citric acid was used as the cross linker which enhances the stability of the films. Glycerol was used as plasticizer which imparts flexibility.

pH-responsive prodrug nanoparticles based on xylan-curcumin conjugate for the efficient delivery of curcumin in cancer therapy.

In the present study, novel pH-responsive prodrug nanoparticles based on xylan-curcumin (xyl-cur) conjugate were developed to enhance the therapeutic efficacy of curcumin in cancer therapy. The synthesis of xyl-cur conjugate (prodrug) was confirmed by FT-IR, H NMR, UV-vis and fluorescence spectroscopy. The xyl-cur prodrug was subsequently self-assembled in to nanoparticles (xyl-cur prodrug NPs) in an aqueous medium with the average particle size 253 nm and the zeta potential of -18.

Aromatic hydrocarbon biodegradation activates neutral lipid biosynthesis in oleaginous yeast.

In this study, the biodegradation ability of oleaginous yeast Cryptococcus psychrotolerans IITRFD for aromatic hydrocarbons (AHs) was investigated. It was found to completely degrade range of AHs such as 1 g/L phenol, 0.75 g/L naphthalene, 0.

Water absorption and viscosity behaviour of thermally stable novel graft copolymer of carboxymethyl cellulose and poly(sodium 1-hydroxy acrylate).

A novel thermally stable hydrolysed carboxymethyl cellulose-g-poly(sodium 1-hydroxy acrylate) i.e. CMC-g-PNaHA graft copolymer was synthesized from the CMC and vinyl monomer 5-methylene-2-isopropyl-1,3-dioxolan-4-one (MD) in an aqueous medium using an initiator followed by transformation of resulting CMC-g-PMD via alkaline hydrolysis.

Amaranth seeds (Amaranthus palmeri L.) as novel feedstock for biodiesel production by oleaginous yeast.

The potential of lipid accumulation by oleaginous yeast Cryptococcus vishniaccii grown on amaranth seed aqueous extract (AAE) media was assessed. Maximum cell biomass productivity of 104 mg/L/h, lipid productivity of 54 mg/L/h, and lipid content of 52.31% were recorded on AAE when carbon to nitrogen (C:N) ratio increased from 134 to 147 after removal of ammonia nitrogen.

Fostering triacylglycerol accumulation in novel oleaginous yeast Cryptococcus psychrotolerans IITRFD utilizing groundnut shell for improved biodiesel production.

The investigation was carried out to examine the potential of triacylglycerol (TAG) accumulation by novel oleaginous yeast isolate Cryptococcus psychrotolerans IITRFD on utilizing groundnut shell acid hydrolysate (GSH) as cost-effective medium. The maximum biomass productivity and lipid productivity of 0.095±0.

Synthesis and bio-evaluation of xylan-5-fluorouracil-1-acetic acid conjugates as prodrugs for colon cancer treatment.

In the present study, xylan-5-fluorouracil-1-acetic acid (Xyl-5-FUAC) conjugates as colon specific prodrugs were synthesized and evaluated by in-vitro release study. The chemical stability of the conjugates was performed in acidic (pH 1.2) and basic buffers (pH 7.

Studies on cellulose nanocrystals isolated from groundnut shells.

Today, various renewable biomass resources are accepted as waste material and are mostly burnt or used as cattle feed. The commercial value of these wastes can be increased by utilising them in production of nanomaterials. So, the present work was conducted for isolation of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) from groundnut shells which are produced annually as waste in large quantity (∼7 million tons).

Converting paper mill sludge into neutral lipids by oleaginous yeast Cryptococcus vishniaccii for biodiesel production.

Paper mill sludge (PMS) was assessed as cheap renewable lignocellulosic biomass for lipid production by the oleaginous yeast Cryptococcus vishniaccii (MTCC 232). The sonicated paper mill sludge extract (PMSE) exhibited enhanced lipid yield and lipid content 7.8±0.