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The energy demand generated by fossil fuels is increasing day by day, and it has drastically increased after the COVID-19 pandemic as industries and household utilities rejuvenate. Renewable sources are thus becoming more essential as easily available, alternative methods of low-cost energy generation. Among these renewables, solar energy, i.e., solar power, is a promising energy source and can be used for solar-based H2 evolution because H2 technology is a leading source of eco-friendly electricity generation, and most of the worldwide efforts to develop this method involve heterogeneous catalysis for H2 evolution via water splitting and its storage, i.e., using a fuel cell. In the current scenario, there is a need to develop a stable, recyclable, and reusable heterogeneous catalyst system, which is a great challenge. In the current study, we have focused on novel ferrite magnetic nanomaterials for recyclable and reusable robust photocatalysis. Moreover, discussions of the factors contributing to the photocatalytic hydrogen evolution, low-cost synthesis techniques, and prospects for making them ideal photocatalysts are uncommon in the literature. The study will impart possible approaches for the design and development of novel ferrite nanomaterials and their nanocomposites for H2 generation in the forthcoming years.

Environmentally friendly and biocompatible nanomaterials are essential for biomedical applications demanding long-term safety, stability, and functional performance. In this study, we present a simple hydrothermal synthesis of chitosan-derived fluorescent carbon quantum dots (CQDs), utilizing chitosan as a biodegradable carbon precursor. The synthesized CQDs displayed uniform spherical morphology (~ 3 ± 1 nm), a positive surface charge (+ 12.6 mV), and strong cyan-blue photoluminescence (λem ≈ 473 nm, PLQY ≈ 17.5%) with excitation-dependent emission. Their structure and optical properties were characterized using TEM, XRD, FTIR, UV–Vis, PL, DLS, and cyclic voltammetry. Density functional theory (DFT) simulations supported experimental data, showing stable nanocluster formation through chitosan–acetic acid interactions and predicting a band gap of ≈ 3.41 eV, consistent with the experimental 3.45 eV. Nitrogen atoms were identified as major contributors to optical transitions. Biological studies revealed dose-dependent cytocompatibility in Vero cells, strong antioxidant activity (DPPH assay), and antibacterial efficacy against E. coli and S. aureus via reactive oxygen species generation and electrostatic interactions. Fluorescence microscopy confirmed efficient cellular uptake and cytoplasmic distribution. Overall, this integrated experimental–theoretical approach highlights the CQDs’ potential for sustainable applications in bioimaging, drug delivery, and theranostics.

Hercynite i.e.,FeAl2O4 is an earth-abundant spinel mineral with a cubic crystal structure and belongs to the normal spinel ferrites possessing optical absorption in the visible range as well as superior magnetic and thermal properties. Herein, we synthesized nanosized FeAl2O4 where the citric acid-mediated sol-gel auto-combustion method was employed to achieve its pure phase and studied its physicochemical properties. Furthermore, the superior colloidal dispersion stability of the FeAl2O4 nanoparticles was achieved required for antibacterial activity and standardised via post-synthesis surface functionalisation using amino-propyl-triethoxysilane (APTES). We further characterised the material using states of art characterisation techniques for their structural, morphological, optical and thermal properties. Finally, the antibacterial activity of pure and surface functionalised FeAl2O4 nanoparticles was investigated against the Escherichia coli (E. coli) strain. We observed good penetration of surface functionalised FeAl2O4 nanoparticles into the bacterial membranes due to the high degree of dispersion achieved via cationic surface charge. Conclusively, a key finding of this study is the enhanced antibacterial properties of surface functionalised FeAl2O4 nanoparticles for the concentration of 31 µg/mL compared to pure FeAl2O4 nanoparticles at 62 µg/mL. This study has great relevance in the area of wound healing and tissue regeneration in the future.

An impressive room temperature (25 °C) NH 3 biomarker sensor has been developed using polyaniline (PAni)-CeO 2 nanohybrid by facile oxidative polymerization process on glass substrates. The structural properties of PAni-CeO 2 nanohybrids were disclosed using X-ray diffractometry, and the surface morphology was studied using field emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy techniques. The PAni-CeO 2 nanohybrids shows cubic crystal structure with strongly interconnected nanofiber surface morphology. The chemiresistive gas sensing performance of the PAni-CeO 2 nanohybrid sensor reveals that the CeO 2 nanoparticles (NPs) have a significant impact on the hybrid sensor. The CeO 2 NPs in the PAni-CeO 2 nanohybrid might block the charge carriers or reduce the delocalization length and hence increase the resistance of the nanohybrid when exposed to NH 3 gas. PAni-CeO 2 (50 wt%) nanohybrid sensor exhibits (80%) response toward 100 ppm NH 3 which is about four-fold higher than pristine PAni (26.70%), showing excellent stability (78.75%), admirable reproducibility with least response time (9.31 s), and such an excellent performance could be imputed to a high explicit surface area of CeO 2 for significant chemical interaction and the formation of interfacial heterojunction bond with CeO 2 , exploring PAni-CeO 2 (50 wt%) nanohybrid as a potential candidate for biomarker NH 3 detection. An impedance spectroscopy was used to investigate the interaction mechanism between the NH 3 gas and the PAni-CeO 2 nanohybrid sensor.

Optoelectronics deals with the design and development of electronic devices including photodetector (PD), solar cells and LEDs for light detection, generation and application for a variety of purposes. It includes X-rays, Gamma rays, Infrared, Ultraviolet and Visible light. In the current work, we developed a self-powered and efficient UV-Visible PD by sensitizing mesoporous TiO 2 powder with a natural sensitizer Ficus Benghalensis (Banyan) and Rubia Cordifolia (Manjishtha). Prominent enhancement of visible light absorption was noted due to sensitizers as compared to pure TiO 2 with the decrease in band gap from 3.13 eV to 3.01 eV. TiO 2 photoanodes fabricated with and without dye loading were characterized using XRD, FESEM and UV-Visible and FTIR spectroscopy and used to fabricate a PD device with an active area of 0. 25 cm 2 . At zero bias, the Banyan-loaded TiO 2 PD (B-TiO 2 ) demonstrates enhanced photo response by nearly three times than Manjishtha-loaded PD (M-TiO 2 ). At zero bias voltage, the PD (B-TiO 2 ) displayed very high photosensitivity (8665), Dark current density (126 nA), Photocurrent density (158 µA), Photoresponsivity (1.88 mA/W), Rise time (0.31S) and Decay time (0.35S), respectively. Therefore, the use of novel dye for electricity generation in this study opens new routes to design future optoelectronics devices.

Rutile-TiO 2 microspheres were synthesized by the single-step hydrothermal method and were subsequently annealed in an argon environment at 200 °C, 400 °C, and 600 °C. The influence of annealing temperature on structural, optical, morphological, and humidity sensing performance of rutile-TiO 2 microspheres was examined. As-synthesized and annealed rutile-TiO 2 microspheres were characterized using different characterization techniques. SEM confirmed the spherical shape morphology of TiO2 microspheres. XRD confirmed the tetragonal structure and rutile phase of TiO 2 microspheres. The rutile phase of TiO 2 was also confirmed by Raman spectroscopy. No significant change in the bandgap has been observed in rutile-TiO 2 with increased annealing temperature. The presence of various chemical groups in rutile-TiO 2 microspheres was studied using FTIR spectroscopy. The Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) and Barrett–Joyner–Halenda (BJH) analysis showed a decrease in surface area and pore volume and an increase in average pore radius with an increase in annealing temperature. The humidity sensing performance of TiO 2 microspheres thin films deposited on interdigital electrodes (IDEs) was studied between 11 to 97% relative humidity (RH). The humidity sensor fabricated using rutile-TiO 2 microspheres annealed at 600 °C showed excellent humidity sensing properties. The sensor has the highest sensitivity (~ 71.5%), fast response, and recovery time of ~ 11.1 s and ~ 0.8 s, respectively.

Global health and ecosystem concerns over mercury pollution require stringent monitoring. Herein, we showcase a novel approach for detecting trace Hg2+ ions in water using cyclic voltammetry (CV). Our approach involves modifying glassy carbon electrode (GCE) and screen printed electrode (SPE) surfaces with a nanocomposite of ascorbic acid-capped silver nanoparticles (AsAgNPs) embedded in nanocrystalline bacterial cellulose (AsAgNP-NBC). Analytical techniques confirmed the nanocomposite’s stability and morphological characteristics, exhibiting high accuracy within a linear range of 10 nM to 1 µM Hg2+ and a low limit of detection (LOD) of 3.531 nM. Additionally, on irradiation with 455 nm light source, AsAgNP-NBC modified SPE displayed a remarkable 9.6 times enhanced photocurrent, achieving an LOD of 3.95 pM, and enhanced photoresponsivity of 55.2 mA W−1, showcasing its potential for ultra-trace level detection. This cost-effective and biocompatible nanocomposite presents a promising alternative to conventional analytical methods for selective detection of trace Hg2+ ions in environmental samples.

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of ProTaper, Mtwo, and WaveOne retreatment files and Hedstrom files for removal of gutta-percha from the straight root canals using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Materials and Methods: Forty freshly extracted single-rooted and single-canal teeth were selected for this study. The teeth were decoronated, and biomechanical preparation was performed up to #30 K-file. The root canals were obturated using lateral compaction technique with gutta-percha and Resilon sealer. The teeth were then randomly divided into 4 groups, and CBCT images were obtained. All the canals were then retreated with either ProTaper retreatment files, Mtwo retreatment files, WaveOne files, or Hedstrom files. The surface area of the remaining filling material after the retreatment procedure was quantified by CBCT. Statistical analysis was performed via one-way ANOVA and the Tukey-Kramer multiple comparisons test. Results: None of the file systems could completely remove the filling material from the canals. Data analysis revealed significant differences between the groups in the apical and middle thirds (P<0.05). Conclusion: All the file systems left some filling material in the canals. Mtwo retreatment files had maximum efficacy for removal of filling materials in comparison with other files. WaveOne files can also be used for root canal retreatment.    

Colloidal semiconductor nanocrystal solar cells have been extensively developed in recent years and achieved a power conversion efficiency of ~ 15%. However, cost, toxic constituent elements, and pure-phase materials synthesis are major concerns for large-scale commercialization. Here in this report, we have successfully synthesized pure-phase crystalline Cu 2 MnSnS 4 nanocrystals using the hot injection method which is further carefully characterized by various state-of-the-art techniques to investigate its structural, morphological, and optoelectronic properties. The high optical absorption and optimal band gap of 1.1 eV are observed, which is highly suited for solar cell applications. Furthermore, we pioneered the idea of fabricating the Cu 2 MnSnS 4 nanocrystal-sensitized solar cell. We achieved a notable power conversion efficiency of 1.1% (~ fourfold higher) with n-CdS buffer layer than w/o n-CdS, 0.3%. The enhanced efficiency is directly attributed to the improved charge transfer and retard charge recombination across the p-Cu 2 MnSnS 4 /n-CdS interface. So far, to the best of our knowledge, we report the highest power conversion efficiency of 1.1% for Cu 2 MnSnS 4 nanocrystals sensitized solar cell and energy band diagram for understanding the mechanism. The results were validated using an energy band diagram constructed using the cyclic voltammetry technique.

Biopsy Gleason score (b-GS) is often different from the Gleason score obtained after analysis of radical prostatectomy (RP) specimen (rp-GS). Upgradation has an important implication in decision making for cancer prostate management, and is the focus of this study. To evaluate Gleason score upgradation after radical prostatectomy with low biopsy score (≤ 6) and its correlation to pathological findings and outcome. This was a retrospective analysis of 257 cases of prostate cancer patients with initial b-GS ≤ 6, over a period of 14 years. Data were divided into two groups according to (rp- GS) as 1) Group A (n=151; rp-GS ≤ 6 ) 2) and Group B(n=106; rp-GS ≥7). Both groups were compared in terms of the following: 1) preoperative variables e.g. age, PSA, transurethral resection of prostate (TURP) status, clinical T stage; 2) pathological features - rp GS, pathological stage (pT), capsular penetration, cut margin, seminal vesicle and lymph node status; 3) biochemical recurrence, overall and cancer specific mortality. Student's t test and Chi-square test. Group B had worse pathological features, except lymph node invasion, and they received significantly more adjuvant hormonal/local radiotherapy and had higher recurrence rate. However, the overall and cancer-specific mortality were similar in both the groups. b-GS upgradation after radical prostatectomy is frequent and correlates with adverse pathological features, higher use of adjuvant therapy and higher recurrence rate. In Group B, adjuvant therapy delays the biochemical or clinical relapse and controls mortality in short-term follow up. Group A had favorable pathological findings and less recurrence rate.