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•Resistant starch nanoparticles (RSN) obtained via nanoprecipitation-ultrasonication.•RSN of varying concentrations (2, 10 and 20%) used to stabilize oil water emulsions.•Pickering ...emulsions loaded with ferulic acid via ultrasonication.•Freeze dried pickering emulsions characterized using DLS, SEM, TEM and AFM.•RSN (10%) stabilized emulsions show high ACE and α-amylase inhibiting activity.•FA-LPE (20%) displayed significantly higher anti-cancer and anti-oxidant potential.
The use of starch based nanoparticles have gained momentum in stabilizing pickering emulsions for it’s numerous advantages. In present study resistant starch (RS) was isolated from lotus stem using enzymatic digestion and subjected to nanoprecipitation and ultrasonication to yield resistant starch nanoparticles (RSN). RSN of varying concentrations (2%, 10% and 20%) were used to stabilize the flax seed-oil water mixture to form pickering emulsions. The emulsions were used to nanoencapsulate ferulic acid (FA) – a well known bioactive via ultrasonication. The emulsions were lyophilized to form FA loaded lyophilized pickering emulsion (FA-LPE). The FA-LPE (2%, 10 % and 20%) were characterized using dynamic light scattering (DLS), light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM) and attenuated total reflectance fourier transform infra-spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR). AFM showed FA-LPE as spherical droplets embedded in the matrix with maximum peak height of 8.47 nm and maximum pit height of 1.69 nm. SEM presented FA-LPE as an irregular and continuous surface having multiple folds and holes. The ATR-FTIR spectra of all the samples displayed peaks of C = C aromatic rings of FA at 1600 cm−1 and 1439 cm−1, signifying successful encapsulation. In vitro release assay displayed more controlled release of FA from FA-LPE (20%). Bioactivity of FA-LPE was evaluated in terms of anti-cancer, anti-diabetic, angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibition and prevention against oxidative damage under simulated gastro-intestinal conditions (SGID). The bioactivity of FA-LPE (20%) was significantly higher than FA-LPE (2%) and FA-LPE (10%). Key findings reveal that pickering emulsions can prevent FA under harsh SGID conditions and provide an approach to facilitate the design of pickering emulsions with high stability for nutraceutical delivery in food and supplement products.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UILJ, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK, ZAGLJ, ZRSKP
In this report, aqueous phase green synthesis of iron oxide nanoparticle utilizing
is elucidated for the first time. The phytoconstituents of the
leaf extract serve a dual role as reducing and ...capping agent during the fabrication of iron oxide nanoparticles. The role of the leaf extract in the synthesis of iron oxide has been briefly demonstrated in this work. The tailored iron oxide particles were characterized using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray analysis, infrared spectroscopy, ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, and dynamic light scattering technique. Nonetheless, X-ray diffraction pattern reveals the mixed phase nature of the ensuing iron oxide, i.e. α-Fe
and γ-Fe
. The spherical oxide particles have an average diameter of 38 nm as determined from transmission electron microscopy. Infrared spectroscopy results confirmed the stabilization of iron oxide nanoparticles by the phytochemicals present in the leaf extract. Iron oxide nanoparticles show significant antifungal activity against
and
, employed as model fungi, but found to be more active toward
.
Iron oxide nanoparticles with particle size 10–30 nm were prepared by a green approach using tannic acid as reducing and capping agent. These nanoparticles were characterized by X-ray diffractometry ...(XRD), high resolution field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The prepared iron oxide nanoparticles were also evaluated for their antifungal activity against Trichothecium roseum, Cladosporium herbarum, Penicillium chrysogenum, Alternaria alternata and Aspergillus niger. The antifungal activity was observed as inhibition in spore germination and by determining the zone of inhibition of fungal pathogens caused by different concentrations of iron oxide nanoparticles on culture media. It was observed from the present study that Fe2O3 nanoparticles showed significant antimycotic activity against all the tested fungal pathogens. Highest inhibition in spore germination was caused against T. roseum (87.74%) followed by C. herbarum (84.89%). The highest zone of inhibition by iron oxide nanoparticles was reported against P. chrysogenum (28.67 mm) followed by A. niger (26.33 mm), T. roseum (22.67 mm), A. alternata (21.33 mm) and least against C. herbarum (18.00 mm). Activity index was recorded highest against P. chrysogenum (0.81). The MIC value of Fe2O3 NP varies between 0.063 and 0.016 mg/ml for different fungal pathogens that is comparable with the MIC value shown by the standard, revealing the efficacy of iron oxide NP's against different fungal pathogens.
•Iron oxide nanoparticles were prepared by a green approach using tannic acid in alkaline medium.•Iron oxide NP's fabricated were crystalline, free from impurities, stable, and possess promising antifungal activities.•The prepared iron oxide NP's were found most effective against Penicillium chrysogenum and Aspergillus niger.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK, ZRSKP
Summary
To enhance nutraceutical performance, vehicle systems are required to promote the usage of food supplements, which have shown an increasingly growing demand. These food supplements such as ...dietary polyphenols are nutritious constituents but with varying solubility, sensitivity to oxygen, light, temperature, or adverse effects encountered during processing, making their incorporation difficult in foods. Additionally, these are bound to the food matrix so tightly, that they are not available to be taken up in the digestive system causing less absorption in the gastrointestinal tract. To counter these challenges, polyphenols are encapsulated in nanoemulsion‐based delivery systems which forms an effective approach to enhance and improve their bioavailability. Because of their small droplet size, these exhibit various benefits over conventional emulsions making them suitable for usage in the food industry. This review summarises the basic characteristics of nanoemulsions and their application to enhance the stability of polyphenols.
Nanoencapsulation of polyphenols.
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BFBNIB, FZAB, GIS, IJS, KILJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, SAZU, SBCE, SBMB, UL, UM, UPUK
ZnFe
2
O
4
micro crystals were deposited over electrochemically anodized TiO
2
nanotube array using cathodic electrode deposition method. TiO
2
nanotubes owing to their morphological advantage ...significantly harness the UV region of solar spectrum. However, the optical response of TiO
2
nanotube array in visible region is quite negligible due to large band gap. Bare TiO
2
nanotubes show a photocurrent density of 0.18 mAcm
−2
on exposing TiO
2
nanotube electrode to visible light source. However, on mounting ZnFe
2
O
4
over TiO
2
nanotubes, the photocurrent density reaches to 0.52 mAcm
−2
, which is ~ 3 times the photocurrent density shown by bare TiO
2
nanotubes under similar conditions. The appreciable enhancement in photocurrent density is attributed to effective visible light active band gap in the resulting hybrid electrode. Moreover, the suitable band edge positions in individual semiconductors facilitate the smooth charge transfer in the resulting hybrid structure on account of band bending at their interface thereby reduces the recombination rate and charge transfer resistance considerably.
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DOBA, EMUNI, FIS, FZAB, GEOZS, GIS, IJS, IMTLJ, IZUM, KILJ, KISLJ, MFDPS, NLZOH, NUK, OBVAL, OILJ, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, SBMB, SBNM, SIK, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK, VKSCE, ZAGLJ
This study has reported about the preparation and characterization of Copper oxide (CuO) nanoparticles doped with Cobalt series at low temperature by Sol‐gel method. The characterization techniques ...like X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), Raman spectroscopy, defused reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), and DC measurement have been used to confirm its phase formation, that is, monoclinic, surface porous morphology, the redshift of Raman peaks confirms optical phonon confinement, whereas increasing bandgap signifies the quantum confinement effect. The semiconducting nature of samples has been observed by two probe method. Furthermore, the study has focused in detail on the effect of cobalt doping with varying concentrations by wt % on its structural, morphological, optical, and conductivity features.
The paper describes the simple synthesis of CuO and doped CuO films for optoelectronic applications.
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FZAB, GIS, IJS, KILJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, SAZU, SBCE, SBMB, UL, UM, UPUK
Purpose: The prime intention of this study is to explore client satisfaction with branchless agent banking services during the COVID-19 Pandemic. The roles of service quality, security, transaction ...cost, trust, and convenience have been explored to assess the client satisfaction of agent banking in Bangladesh.
Theoretical framework: The research model used in this study is based on the theory of Oliver (1980). In the model, dependent variable (client satisfaction) is measured through the service quality, security, transaction cost, trust, and convenience. Oliver (1980) claims that the customer satisfaction model explains why feelings of satisfaction occur when customers assess how well actual products or services perform in comparison to their expectations.
Design/Methodology/Approach: The self-administered questionnaire was deployed for primary data collection purposes. A partial least square-structural equation model (PLS-SEM) analysis was performed on the 286 useable questionnaires that were returned from a total of 300 questionnaires in order to validate the model and assess the validity of the hypothesis.
Findings: The study's conclusions showed that factors including service quality, security, trust, and convenience have a big impact on how satisfied customers are. Transaction costs don't, however, significantly affect how satisfied customers are.
Research, Practical & Social implications: This study's findings will close the existing empirical gap by educating academics about the relationship between consumer happiness, service quality, security, transaction cost, trust, and convenience in the agent banking sector. Furthermore, it aids in their comprehension of theoretical and practical issues. Certainly, this research will serve as the basis for future research in Bangladesh in this field. The results of this investigation will have a wide range of significant ramifications for the sector.
Originality/Value: Agent banking is not a novel concept in Bangladesh, but to the best of our knowledge, there is no literature available that uses PLS-SEM to assess rural consumers' satisfaction. This essay is a wise attempt to close that gap. The research offers some useful practical implications for agent banks to identify appropriate ways to satisfy their consumers, despite some constraints.
In this report, TiO
2
nanotube array with multiple legs (TNML) were fabricated through electrochemical anodization route. To increase the photo-electrochemical efficiency under visible light, TNML in ...anatase phase were modified suitably with a pH controlled thin layer of Fe
2
O
3
using electrode deposition method followed by anodization in an inert electrolyte. The resulting Fe
2
O
3
/TiO
2
hybrid nano structure shows a 46% increase in photocurrent density than bare TNML under 1 sun illumination. The enhancement in photocurrent density was attributed to generation of electron hole pair under low energetic (higher wavelength) visible light as well due to the effective narrowed band gap in Fe
2
O
3
/TNML hybrid electrode. Moreover, the re-configured band position of individual semiconductors in the resulting hybrid electrode largely reduces the recombination rate and correspondingly increases the photocurrent density.
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EMUNI, FIS, FZAB, GEOZS, GIS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, MFDPS, NLZOH, NUK, OBVAL, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, SBMB, SBNM, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK, VKSCE, ZAGLJ
Among all available antimicrobials, antibiotics hold a prime position in the treatment of infectious diseases. However, the emergence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has posed a serious threat to ...the effectiveness of antibiotics, resulting in increased morbidity, mortality, and escalation in healthcare costs causing a global health crisis. The overuse and misuse of antibiotics in global healthcare setups have accelerated the development and spread of AMR, leading to the emergence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens, which further limits treatment options. This creates a critical need to explore alternative approaches to combat bacterial infections. Phytochemicals have gained attention as a potential source of alternative medicine to address the challenge of AMR. Phytochemicals are structurally and functionally diverse and have multitarget antimicrobial effects, disrupting essential cellular activities. Given the promising results of plant-based antimicrobials, coupled with the slow discovery of novel antibiotics, it has become highly imperative to explore the vast repository of phytocompounds to overcome the looming catastrophe of AMR. This review summarizes the emergence of AMR towards existing antibiotics and potent phytochemicals having antimicrobial activities, along with a comprehensive overview of 123 Himalayan medicinal plants reported to possess antimicrobial phytocompounds, thus compiling the existing information that will help researchers in the exploration of phytochemicals to combat AMR.
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IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, UL, UM, UPUK
The paper reports a facile synthesis of Al-doped LiMn2O4 nanorods and the oleic-acid-treated LiMn2O4 nanospheres without the use of MnO2 as templates in a single step solution combustion process. The ...as synthesized pristine LiMn2O4, LiMn1.6Al0.4O4 nanorods and LiMn1.6Al0.4O4 nanospheres are characterized for the structural and morphological characteristics by using x-ray diffraction spectroscopy (XRD), energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and field effect scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). The LiMn2O4 pristine sample and Al-doped LiMn2O4 nanorods and nanospheres have been explored as lithium ion battery cathodes. The results reveal the enhanced structural and electrochemical properties of the samples with the Al-doping. The oleic acid treated sample shows the best cycling properties and higher rate capabilities even at large discharge current rates of up to 2000 mA g−1.
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