Journal of Advanced Research in Micro and Nano Engineering

Investigation of The Stability of The Lysozyme in Magnetic Particles for Drug Delivery

Nur Fareeza Zulkifli, Siti Amira Othman — Wed, 02 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0700

This research investigated lysozyme stability in the presence of magnetic particles for drug delivery. Lysozyme can mostly be found in the hen egg albumin, and it also acts as an essential agent, which is antibodies to fight harmful bacteria or shield the human body. The problems in this research are magnetic particles that can cause toxicity and reduce the therapy's efficiency due to the degradation of carriers (drugs). To minimise this problem, the stability and activity of the lysozyme and Fe₂O₃ were investigated. The structure of lysozyme and Fe₂O₃before and after adding acid or alkaline was defined, and the suitability of Fe₂O₃as a drug delivery was determined. The stability of the lysozyme and Fe₂O₃was identified using an Ultraviolet-Visible (UV-Vis) Spectrophotometer, and the structure was investigated using a Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM) and Scanning Electron Microscope- Energy Dispersive X-Ray (SEM-EDX). Different concentrations become the parameters of this research as a comparison between the samples. This research found that the combination of the lysozyme alkaline material was suitable for the body at a pH of 12.2. It also found that Fe₂O₃ is ideal for drug delivery in the body when the lysozyme can be carried by Fe₂O₃and dissolved in the Fe₂O₃.

Study the Effect of Adding Malic Anhydride and Carbon Fibers to the Mechanical and Morphology Properties of Polypropylene

Abeer Adnan Abd, Zainab Al-Kahafaji — Wed, 02 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0700

Adding reinforcement materials like carbon fibers with maleic anhydride improves the strength of polypropylene. The present work aimed to study the effect of adding maleic anhydride and carbon fibers on the mechanical properties of polypropylene enhanced by presenting carbon fibers. Carbon fibers added at different ratios (0, 2, 4, 6, and 8) % and 1% of maleic anhydride were added to pure polypropylene. Standard tensile and impact test specimens were prepared per ASTM standards using an extruder technique. It was observed that increasing the carbon fiber content enhanced the tensile strength, modulus of elasticity, and hardness of polypropylene while the elongation decreased, but it enhanced after MAH addition. SEM and FTIR indicated good adhesion between fibers and polypropylene after adding maleic anhydride (MAH). UV tests showed that carbon fibers protect the composite material from the UV sunlight.

Optical Properties of Gold Nanoparticles Doped P3HT Nanowires Films

Wed, 02 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0700

Poly (3-hexyl-thiophene-2,5-diyl) (P3HT) material is widely used as the benchmark of p-type semiconductors in organic photovoltaics due to its high conductivity and self-assembly into nanowires. In this study, gold-doped P3HT nanowires were synthesized using o-xylene, and their optical and electronic changes were investigated. P3HT nanowires were kept in the dark for 72 hours to obtain 60 – 80 nm diameter of nanowires. 1 mM of chloroauric acid doping was used as glass-coated P3HT nanowires were dipped repetitively into the chloroauric acid solution. It was found that visible absorbance intensity reduced and the calculated optical bandgap energy of P3HT nanowires thin film decreased as much as 0.08 eV after doping. FTIR and Raman show there are no extreme changes in P3HT conjugated backbones structure after doping meaning that the gold did not completely integrate within nanowires. From this observation, we discussed the feasibility of this coating method to produce metal-doped organic film and the required improvement to suit photonic device applications.

A Novel Investigation on Microstructural Analysis of a Rupture GRE Composite Pipe for Underground Fire Water System

Wed, 02 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0700

This study investigates how underground fire water systems using Glass Reinforced Epoxy (GRE) pipes are affected by aging. Over time, GRE pipes can degrade, potentially reducing their expected lifespan. The study compared damaged and undamaged areas of pipes to assess how damage impacts their structural integrity. Microscopic and chemical analyses (SEM and EDX) were performed on pipe samples from different locations of the pipe. Mechanical testing (following ASTM standards) was conducted beforehand. Analyses revealed that as damage increased (closer to damaged area), the levels of carbon (C) and oxygen (O) changed significantly with the weight percentage exposed 45.62% difference and 11.62% difference, respectively, as compared with the undamaged area. This suggests that the epoxy resin degrades with age, releasing these elements. Additionally, the presence of foreign objects around the pipes can affect how they bear loads. These findings highlight the importance of understanding how aging and surrounding conditions can influence the performance of GRE pipes in real-world fire water systems.

Mechanism of Co3O4-TiO2 Nanocomposite Formation with Enhanced Photocatalytic Performance

Wed, 02 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0700

TiO₂ nanotubes are tubular structures that have garnered significant attention in materials science and engineering due to their unique properties and diverse applications. In this study, highly ordered and well aligned TiO₂ nanotubes were successfully synthesized through anodization of Ti foil in ethylene glycol (C₂H₆O₂) containing ammonium fluoride (NH₄F) and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) at 60 V for 30 minutes. The effectiveness of TiO₂ as a photocatalyst under solar light is limited by its wide band gap and high recombination rate of charge carriers. To address these limitations, TiO₂ nanotubes were modified with cobalt oxide. The resulting Co₃O₄-TiO₂ nanocomposite was synthesized using a wet impregnation technique, aiming to enhance the photocatalytic performance of TiO₂ nanotubes across a broader range of the solar spectrum. The formation of Co₃O₄-TiO₂ nanocomposite is by immersing the TiO₂ nanotubes in the metal salt precursor solution of Co(NO₃)₂ for a certain soaking period. The soaking cycle was repeated a few times to ensure the deposition of cobalt oxide nanostructures on the TiO₂ nanotube samples. This diffusion interstitial process via wet impregnation was time dependent, which altered the amount of cobalt loaded on the nanotube's surface. The addition of cobalt significantly improved the photodegradation activity of the nanotubes under visible light, outperforming bare TiO₂ nanotubes. This enhancement is likely due to the cobalt acting as shallow traps, which effectively promote the separation of photogenerated charge carriers.

A Systematic Review of Synthesis and Application Base Nanomaterial using Pandanus Extract Plant

Wed, 02 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0700

This systematic review investigates the production and utilization of nanomaterials using an extract from the Pandanus amaryllifolius plant. The introduction outlines the imperative role of nanomaterials in addressing the challenges faced by conventional materials, emphasizing the need for sustainable and efficient alternatives. Note that the problem statement underscores the existing gaps in the literature regarding the comprehensive exploration of Pandanus-based nanomaterials toward applications. The study conducted an extensive search on Scopus and Web of Science (WoS) databases, employing specific keywords. The exhaustive search produced 17 articles, which were classified into three primary themes: (1) Nanomaterials synthesis and utilization using extracts from Pandanus amaryllifolius, (2) Characteristics and uses of nanomaterials biosynthesized through biological processes, and (3) Bioactivity and practical applications of materials derived from plants. The review thoroughly examines the findings related to these specific topics, offering valuable information on the various uses and characteristics of nanomaterials produced with the help of Pandanus amaryllifolius extract. This paper enhances the comprehension of the potential applications of Pandanus-based nanomaterials in different fields by providing a detailed analysis of the current research. It serves as a significant reference for practitioners as well as researchers intrigued by the combination of plant extracts and nanotechnology.

A Mesh Convergence Study for 2D Axisymmetric Pipe Wall Thickness

Wed, 02 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0700

A meshing size study is essential for any simulation, as it affects the accuracy of the results by approximating the real-world geometry. This paper presents a detailed mesh convergence study for a 2D axisymmetric pipe model. The model incorporates a one-quarter cross-section due to the axisymmetric nature of the pipe. Four pipe wall thicknesses were investigated: 3.40 mm, 7.11 mm, 10.97 mm, and 18.26 mm. The results revealed a significant advantage for simulations involving thin pipes. They achieved convergence, a state with stable solution values, by utilizing a less dense mesh, leading to reduced computational time. This trend was exemplified by the fact that a thinner pipe with thickness, t = 3.40 mm has converged with only 8 mesh elements, whereas a significantly thicker pipe, t = 18.26 mm necessitated 14 elements for convergence. This suggests that more complex geometries, with intricate details, may require a larger and denser mesh for convergence, leading to increased computational time. In conclusion, the mesh convergence study confirms that the finite element analysis (FEA) model has achieved a converged solution.

A Comprehensive Systematic Review: Sleep Strategy on Microcontroller for Power Management

Siti Maryam Zainol, Shuhaizar Daud, R. Badlishah Ahmad, Md. Hafizul Imran — Wed, 02 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0700

Since microcontrollers are used in so many modern electronics, power management has become an important part of making sure they work well and last a long time. This systematic study carefully looks at all the different sleep strategies that can be used on microcontrollers to manage power. By putting together, a lot of different pieces of literature, the study aims to give a full picture of the different approaches, problems, and progress made in using sleep strategies to make microcontroller-based systems use less power. The review uses a structured and organized method to find applicable studies, look at their methods, and pick out the most important results. It sorts sleep techniques into groups based on how they work, what they're used for, and how complicated they are. It is important to find similarities and differences between studies so that we can see what's new in microcontroller power management through sleep techniques. Some of the main topics that were looked at were how sleep strategies affect total power use, the trade-offs between saving power and reducing latency, and new trends in the field.

A Mini Review on Recent Nanocellulose Production from Natural Fibers and Lignocellulosic Biomass via Acid Hydrolysis

Wed, 02 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0700

This review examines the recent advancements in the synthesis of nanocellulose using acid hydrolysis techniques and natural fibres. It focuses on the optimisation of reaction conditions, innovative hydrolysis methods, and the integration of environmentally sustainable and economically viable practices. Through the analysis of contemporary literature, this paper highlights the improvements in yield and quality of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) derived from various lignocellulosic biomass sources. Key studies demonstrate that precise control of reaction parameters such as acid concentration, temperature, and duration can significantly enhance CNCs yield. Additionally, technological advancements have facilitated more sustainable and cost-effective production processes, suggesting a promising future for applying nanocellulose widely across various industries.

Influence of Calcination Temperature on the Physicochemical Properties of Synthesized Hydroxyapatite from Cow Bone Waste

Wed, 02 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0700

The chemical similarity found in hydroxyapatite (HA) with natural bone makes it a popular choice for bone replacement. Therefore, in recent years, there has been an increasing tendency towards manufacturing HA from biological sources or waste, such as animal bone waste. Using naturally derived HA can benefit the economy, the environment, and human health. Therefore, this paper reports on the extraction of HA from cow bone waste using a simple and cost-effective technique. The bone powder was calcined in a furnace at temperatures ranging from 700°C to 1000°C for two hours. Then, the synthesized HA was characterized using a Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM), Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). FESEM images revealed that HA particles with non-uniform spherical morphology were produced where the size increases with the calcination temperature. This finding is consistent with the average value of particle diameter measured at a temperature of 1000°C (0.783±0.268 µm) which is much greater than at a temperature of 700°C (0.272±0.128 µm). EDX analysis revealed that the Ca/P ratio value obtained in this study indicates non-stoichiometric HA production. XRD analysis shows that only the HA phase is present and there is no secondary phase generated from the calcination process. Meanwhile, FTIR analysis can detect the main group elements of the HA which were OH^- and PO₄^3-. The findings obtained in this study prove the effectiveness of this method in producing highly crystalline HA powder from cow bone waste using the thermal treatment method.