In vitro and in vivo MRI imaging and photothermal therapeutic properties of Hematite (α-Fe2O3) Nanorods

Herein we report synthesis of hematite (α-Fe2O3) nanorods by calcinating hydrothermally synthesized goethite nanorods at 5000C. The structural, optical and MRI imaging guided cancer therapeutic properties of fabricated nanorods have been discussed in this manscript. FESEM and TEM imaging techniques were used to confirm the nanorod like morphology of as prepared materials. As we know that Fe2O3 nanorods with size in the range of 25–30 nm exhibit super magnetism. After coating with the PEG, the as prepared nanorods can be used as T2 MR imaging contrast agents. An excellent T2 MRI contrast of 38.763 mM–1s–1 achieved which is highest reported so far for α-Fe2O3. Besides the as prepared nanorods display an excellent photothermal conversion efficiency of 39.5% thus acts as an excellent photothermal therapeutic agent. Thus, we envision the idea of testing our nanorods for photothermal therapy and MR imaging application both in vitro and in vivo, achieving an excellent T2 MRI contrast and photothermal therapy effect with as prepared PEGylated nanorods.

Electrochromic Performance and Capacitor Performance of α-MoO3 Nanorods Fabricated by a One-Step Procedure

In this paper, we propose for the first time the synthesis of α-MoO3 nanorods in a one-step procedure at mild temperatures. By changing the growth parameters, the microstructure and controllable morphology of the resulting products can be customized. The average diameter of the as-prepared nanorods is about 200 nm. The electrochromic and capacitance properties of the synthesized products were studied. The results show that the electrochromic properties of α-MoO3 nanorods at 550 nm have 67% high transmission contrast, good cycle stability and fast response time. The MoO3 nanorods also exhibit a stable supercapacitor performance with 98.5% capacitance retention after 10,000 cycles. Although current density varies sequentially, the nanostructure always exhibits a stable capacitor to maintain 100%. These results indicate the as-prepared MoO3 nanorods may be good candidates for applications in electrochromic devices and supercapacitors.

Green and Economic Fabrication of Zinc Oxide (ZnO) Nanorods as a Broadband UV Blocker and Antimicrobial Agent

Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles have gained widespread interest due to their unique properties, making them suitable for a range of applications. Several methods for their production are available, and of these, controlled synthesis techniques are particularly favourable. Large-scale culturing of Chlorella vulgaris produces secretory carbohydrates as a waste product, which have been shown to play an important role in directing the particle size and morphology of nanoparticles. In this investigation, ZnO nanorods were produced through a controlled synthesis approach using secretory carbohydrates from C. vulgaris, which presents a cost-effective and sustainable alternative to the existing techniques. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) analysis, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and UV-Vis spectroscopy were used to characterise the nanorods. The prepared nanorods exhibited a broad range of UV absorption, which suggests that the particles are a promising broadband sun blocker and are likely to be effective for the fabrication of sunscreens with protection against both UVB (290–320 nm) and UVA (320–400 nm) radiations. The antimicrobial activity of the prepared nanorods against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria was also assessed. The nanostructures had a crystalline structure and rod-like appearance, with an average length and width of 150 nm and 21 nm, respectively. The nanorods also demonstrated notable antibacterial activity, and 250 μg/mL was determined to be the most effective concentration. The antibacterial properties of the ZnO nanorods suggest its suitability for a range of antimicrobial uses, such as in the food industry and for various biomedical applications.

Effect of Redox Additive Electrolyte on the Electrochemical Performance of MnO2 Nanorods for Supercapacitor Application

Pure MnO2 nanorods were synthesized by hydrothermal method and characterized by different techniques to analyze their crystalline nature, surface morphology, functional groups, and optical properties. XRD analysis confirms that the prepared nanorods possess a tetragonal crystalline structure. The occurrence of nanorods was confirmed by SEM analysis and its elemental composition was studied by elemental mapping. MnO2 nanorods modified working electrode was fabricated by the deposition of prepared nanorods on nickel foil. Electrochemical performance of the MnO2 nanorods modified working electrode was studied using redox additive based electrolyte containing 0.1M K4 [Fe(CN)6 ] in 1M KOH solution. The maximum specific capacitance of the prepared nanorods in 1M KOH electrolyte was 89 Fg-1 and it is greatly enhanced by the addition of 0.1M K4 [Fe(CN)6 ] redox additives (634 Fg-1 ).

Silica-Coated Europium-Doped Gadolinium Oxide Nanorods for Dual-Modal Imaging of Cancer Cells

Dual-modal imaging of cancer cells is possible with the silica-coated europium-doped gadolinium oxide nanorods due to their magnetic and luminescent properties. In the synthesized nanorods, europium ions serve as ‘luminescent centers’ facilitating optical imaging and gadolinium oxide acts as the contrast agent for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). This article reports the synthesis method of the europium-doped gadolinium oxide (Eu:Gd2O[Formula: see text] nanorods by the co-precipitation method. The prepared nanorods are further coated with silica to improve its biocompatibility. From the x-ray diffraction (XRD) data, the crystallinity was found to decrease due to the amorphous nature of the silica. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) studies show that Eu:Gd2O3 nanorods with a length of [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]600[Formula: see text]nm and diameter of [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]40[Formula: see text]nm were formed. Silica was coated uniformly with the thickness of [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]15[Formula: see text]nm. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) confirms the presence of silica in the prepared nanorods. Emission at 611[Formula: see text]nm due the presence of Eu[Formula: see text] ions was observed. The life time of uncoated and silica-coated nanorods was calculated to be 1.1[Formula: see text]ms and 0.9[Formula: see text]ms, respectively. In vitro cytotoxicity of the synthesized nanorods in MG63 (human osteosarcoma cell line) was assessed by MTT assay. In vitro MRI studies reveal that the prepared nanorods can be used for T1 contrast enhancement.

Effect of Spray Directions on the Crystal Growth of Fluorine-Doped Tin Oxide One-dimensional nanostructured Thin Films

In this study the novel spray pyrolysis technique, known as rotational, pulsed and atomized spray deposition method was used to fabricate vertically aligned and well separated FTO One-dimensional nanostructures on glass substrate. It was confirmed that spraying at low angle to the substrate is mandatory for the crystal growth of vertically aligned nanorods. The preferential orientation of nanorods crystallites along the (101) direction and prepared nanorods thin film showed an excellent transparency of 84.8% and a low resistance of 26.7 Ω/sq.

Fabrication and Hydrogen Sensing Property of In2O3 Nanotowers

In2O3nanotowers have been fabricated on Au item-shaped parallel electrodes using thermal evaporation of the mixed powders of In2O3and graphite with Au catalysts. The morphology and structure of the prepared nanorods are determined on the basis of field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and x-ray diffraction (XRD). The self-assembly grown sensors of In2O3nanotowers have excellent performance in sensor response to hydrogen concentration of 1000 ppm under operated temperature of 300°C.

Self-Assembled Alcohol Sensor of In2O3 Nanorods

In2O3nanorods have been fabricated on Cr comb-shaped interdigitating electrodes using thermal evaporation of the mixed powders of In2O3and active carbon with Au catalysts. The morphology and structure of the prepared nanorods are determined on the basis of field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The self-assembly grown sensors of In2O3nanorods have excellent performance in sensor response to alcohol concentration of 500 ppm under operated temperature of 300°C.

Fabrication and Field Emission Properties of In2O3 Nanorods

A new nanostructure, 1D In2O3nanorod, have been grown on single silicon substrates by Au catalyst assisted thermal evaporation of In2O3and active carbon powders. The morphology and structure of the prepared nanorods are determined on the basis of field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and x-ray diffraction (XRD). The field-emission properities of In2O3nanorods have been measured and analysed. The growth mechanism of the In2O3nanorods can be explained on the basis of the vapor–liquid–solid (VLS) processes.

Synthesis of Tungsten Oxide Nanorods as Visible-Light-Driven Photocatalysts

Non-stoichiometric tungsten oxide nanorods with length up to few microns and diameters of 5-20 nm were initially prepared using a simple solvothermal method. The as-synthesized tungsten oxide nanorods were found to exhibit excellent photocatalytic properties under visible light irradiation. The degradation ratio of the methyl orange solutions by the tungsten oxide nanorods was as high as 98% under irradiation for 2.5 h. The excellent visible-light-driven photocatalytic properties of the hydrothermally-prepared nanorods may be due to a combination of their unique structure, outstanding light adsorption feature and high specific surface area.