Search Results (6)

Lightweight concrete (LWC) has emerged as a transformative material in sustainable and high-performance construction, driven by innovations in engineered lightweight aggregates, supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs), fiber reinforcements, and geopolymer binders. These advancements have enabled LWC to achieve compressive strengths surpassing 100 MPa while reducing density by up to 30% compared to conventional concrete. Fiber incorporation enhances flexural strength and fracture toughness by 20–40%, concurrently mitigating brittleness and improving ductility. The synergistic interaction between SCMs and lightweight aggregates optimizes matrix densification and interfacial transition zones, curtailing shrinkage and bolstering durability against chemical and environmental aggressors. Integration of recycled and bio-based aggregates substantially diminishes the embodied carbon footprint by approximately 40%—aligning LWC with circular economy principles. Nanomaterials such as nano-silica and carbon nanotubes augment early-age strength development by 25% and refine microstructural integrity. Thermal performance is markedly enhanced through advanced lightweight fillers, including expanded polystyrene and aerogels, achieving up to a 50% reduction in thermal conductivity, thereby facilitating energy-efficient building envelopes. Although challenges persist in cost and workability, the convergence of hybrid fiber systems, optimized mix designs, and sophisticated multi-scale modeling is expanding the applicability of LWC across demanding structural, marine, and prefabricated contexts. In essence, LWC’s holistic development embodies a paradigm shift toward resilient, low-carbon infrastructure, cementing its role as a pivotal material in the evolution of next-generation sustainable construction. Full article

Comprehending the interfacial interaction of nanomaterials (NMs) and biological systems is a significant research interest. NMs comprise various nanoparticles (NPs) like carbon nanotubes, graphene oxides, carbon dots, graphite nanopowders, etc. These NPs show a variety of interactions with biological interfaces via organic layers, therapeutic molecules, proteins, DNA, and cellular matrices. A number of biophysical and colloidal forces act at the morphological surface to regulate the biological responses of bio-nanoconjugates, imparting distinct physical properties to the NMs. The design of future-generation nano-tools is primarily based on the basic properties of NMs, such as shape, size, compositional, functionality, etc., with studies being carried out extensively. Understanding their properties promotes research in the medical and biological sciences and improves their applicability in the health management sector. In this review article, in-depth and critical analysis of the theoretical and experimental aspects involving nanoscale material, which have inspired various biological systems, is the area of focus. The main analysis involves different self-assembled synthetic materials, bio-functionalized NMs, and their probing techniques. The present review article focuses on recent emerging trends in the synthesis and applications of nanomaterials with respect to various biomedical applications. This article provides value to the literature as it summarizes the state-of-the-art nanomaterials reported, especially within the health sector. It has been observed that nanomaterial applications in drug design, diagnosis, testing, and in the research arena, as well as many fatal disease conditions like cancer and sepsis, have explored alongwith drug therapies and other options for the delivery of nanomaterials. Even the day-to-day life of the synthesis and purification of these materials is changing to provide us with a simplified process. This review article can be useful in the research sector as a single platform wherein all types of nanomaterials for biomedical aspects can be understood in detail. Full article

The unique nano–bio interfacial phenomena play a crucial role in the biosafety and bioapplications of nanomaterials. As a representative two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterial, molybdenum disulfide (MoS₂) has shown great potential in biological applications due to its low toxicity and fascinating physicochemical properties. This review aims to highlight the nano–bio interface of MoS₂ nanomaterials with the major biomolecules and the implications of their biosafety and novel bioapplications. First, the nano–bio interactions of MoS₂ with amino acids, peptides, proteins, lipid membranes, and nucleic acids, as well as the associated applications in protein detection, DNA sequencing, antimicrobial activities, and wound-healing are introduced. Furthermore, to facilitate broader biomedical applications, we extensively evaluated the toxicity of MoS₂ and discussed the strategies for functionalization through interactions among MoS₂ and the variety of macromolecules to enhance the biocompatibility. Overall, understanding the nano–bio interface interaction of two-dimensional nanomaterials is significant for understanding their biocompatibility and biosafety, and further provide guidance for better biological applications in the future. Full article

Biomedical applications of nanoparticles require a fundamental understanding of their interactions and behavior with biological interfaces. Protein corona formation can alter the morphology and properties of nanomaterials, and knowledge of the interfacial behavior of the complexes, using in situ analytical techniques, will impact the development of nanocarriers to maximize uptake and permeability at cellular interfaces. In this study we evaluate the interactions of acrylamide-based nanogels, with neutral, positive, and negative charges, with serum-abundant proteins albumin, fibrinogen, and immunoglobulin G. The formation of a protein corona complex between positively charged nanoparticles and albumin is characterized by dynamic light scattering, circular dichroism, and surface tensiometry; we use neutron reflectometry to resolve the complex structure at the air/water interface and demonstrate the effect of increased protein concentration on the interface. Surface tensiometry data suggest that the structure of the proteins can impact the interfacial properties of the complex formed. These results contribute to the understanding of the factors that influence the bio-nano interface, which will help to design nanomaterials with improved properties for applications in drug delivery. Full article

Bio-based poly(lactic acid) (PLA) composite films were produced using unmodified soda micro- or nano-lignin as a green filler at four different contents, between 0.5 wt% and 5 wt%. The PLA–lignin composite polymers were synthesized by solvent casting to prepare a masterbatch, followed by melt mixing. The composites were then converted into films, to evaluate the effect of lignin content and size on their physicochemical and mechanical properties. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), supported by polarized light microscopy (PLM), infrared spectroscopy (FTIR-ATR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were employed to investigate the PLA crystallization and the interactions with Lignin (L) and Nanolignin (NL). The presence of both fillers (L and NL) had a negligible effect on the glass transition temperature (chain diffusion). However, it resulted in suppression of the corresponding change in heat capacity. This was indicative of a partial immobilization of the PLA chains on the lignin entities, due to interfacial interactions, which was slightly stronger in the case of NL. Lignin was also found to facilitate crystallization, in terms of nucleation; whereas, this was not clear in the crystalline fraction. The addition of L and NL led to systematically larger crystallites compared with neat PLA, which, combined with the higher melting temperature, provided indications of a denser crystal structure in the composites. The mechanical, optical, antioxidant, and surface properties of the composite films were also investigated. The tensile strength and Young’s modulus were improved by the addition of L and especially NL. The UV-blocking and antioxidant properties of the composite films were also enhanced, especially at higher filler contents. Importantly, the PLA–NL composite films constantly outperformed their PLA–L counterparts, due to the finer dispersion of NL in the PLA matrix, as verified by the TEM micrographs. These results suggest that bio-based and biodegradable PLA films filled with L, and particularly NL, can be employed as competitive and green alternatives in the food packaging industry. Full article

Bio-based polyurethane (PU) composites with superior thermal and mechanical properties have received wide attention. This is due to the recent rapid developments in the PU industry. In the work reported here, novel nano-composites with graphene oxide (GO)-modified Sapium sebiferum oil (SSO)-based PU has been synthesized via in situ polymerization. GO, prepared using the improved Hummers method from natural graphene (NG), and SSO-based polyol with a hydroxyl value of 211 mg KOH/g, prepared by lipase hydrolysis, were used as raw materials. The microstructures and properties of GO and the nano-composites were both characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and tensile tests. The results showed that GO with its nano-sheet structure possessed a significant number of oxygen-containing functional groups at the surface. The nano-composites containing 1 wt % GO in the PU matrix (PU1) exhibited excellent comprehensive properties. Compared with those for pure PU, the glass transition temperature (T_g) and initial decomposition temperature (IDT) of the PU1 were enhanced by 14.1 and 31.8 °C, respectively. In addition, the tensile strength and Young’s modulus of the PU1 were also improved by 126% and 102%, respectively, compared to the pure PU. The significant improvement in both the thermal stability and mechanical properties for PU/GO composites was attributed to the homogeneous dispersion and good compatibility of GO with the PU matrix. The improvement in the properties upon the addition of GO may be attributable to the strong interfacial interaction between the reinforcing agent and the PU matrix. Full article