031161   MAHAPARALE P R, NIKAM S A, CHAVAN M S (Pharmaceutics Dep, Dr. D. Y. Patil Coll of Pharmacy, Pune - 411 044, Email: sarikadeshmukh1986@gmail.com) : Development and evaluation of terbinafine hydrochloride polymeric microsponges for topical drug delivery. Indian J Pharm Sci 2018, 80(6), 1086-92.

The objective of the present study was to develop and evaluate sustained delivery of terbinafine hydrochloride from topical polymeric microsponges. Microsponges of ethyl cellulose containing terbinafine hydrochloride were prepared by quasi emulsion solvent diffusion method. Effect of drug polymer ratio on active drug content, particle size and entrapment efficiency were studied. Drug polymer ratio greatly affects properties (entrapment efficiency, active drug content, particle size) of microsponges. Terbinafine hydrochloride microsponges showed highest actual drug content, entrapment efficiency and smaller particle size, so 1.5:1 ratio of drug and polymer was selected for optimization study. Optimization study was carried out by taking internal phase volume, stirring rate, emulsifier concentration as independent variables and their effects on entrapment efficiency, particle size were studied. It was found that as stirring speed increases, the particle size decreases and entrapment efficiency increases, while as volume of dichloromethane increases, particle size decreases. Morphology of obtained microsponges was revealed by scanning electron microscope and was found to be porous and spherical. Optimized formulation of microsponge was dispersed in Carbopol gel and evaluated for drug content, pH, viscosity and in vitro drug release. Release of drug was found to be sustained through microsponge gel as compared to marketed product and pure drug gel. Ex vivo drug deposition study was carried using rat abdominal skin. Drug deposition was found to be satisfactory. Prepared polymeric microsponges could be a potential topical drug delivery system in antifungal therapy.

4 illus, 2 tables, 21 ref

031164   RAO M R P, RAUT S P, SHIRSATH C T, JADHAV M B, CHANDANSHIVE P A (Pharmaceutics Dep, AISSMS Coll of Pharmacy, Pune - 411 001, Email: monicarp_6@hotmail.com) : Self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system of mebendazole for treatment of lymphatic filariasis. Indian J Pharm Sci 2018, 80(6), 1057-68.

Lipid-based self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system was explored to improve the oral bioavailability and target specificity of mebendazole for treatment of lymphatic worm infestations. Ternary phase diagrams were constructed to select suitable oil-surfactant mixture. Liquid self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system consisting of Capmul MCM L8, Chromophore RH40 and tocopherol polyethylene glycol succinates a preconcentrate was systematically optimized using 32 full factorial designs. β-cyclodextrin-based nanosponges were used to prepare solid self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system. Characterization of liquid selfnanoemulsifying drug delivery system was carried out using percent transmission, globule size, zeta potential, polydispersity index and drug content. Globule size in the range of 50-90 nm and zeta potential of –5 to –12 mV was obtained, which co-related well with percent transmission. Powder X-ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry and scanning electron microscope of solid self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system indicated the presence of mebendazole as a molecular dispersion. Ex vivo studies showed nearly five-fold increase in the flux. In vivo studies showed two-fold increase in bioavailability. Significant enhancement in drug dissolution and saturation solubility from solid self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system resulted in an increase in the bioavailability. Besides this, greater surface area, improved release, P-gp modulation potential of excipients and lymphatic bypass via Peyer’s patches protected drug from hepatic first pass metabolism all of which would contribute to the observed improved bioavailability. Lymphatic transport of drug could achieve target specificity in lymphatic filariasis.

7 illus, 4 tables, 56 ref

031159   GAN L-L, ZHANG H-Z, ZHOU C-H (Linyi Univ, Linyi 276000, Email: zhanghuizhen@lyu.edu.cn) : Design, synthesis and relational biological evaluation of novel diphenylpiperazine 1,2,3-triazole derivatives. Indian J Pharm Sci 2018, 80(6), 1045-56.

A series of novel diphenylpiperazine 1,2,3-triazole derivatives were designed, synthesized and characterized by proton nuclear magnetic resonance, carbon-13 nuclear magnetic resonance, infrared and mass spectroscopy. The prepared compounds were investigated in vitro for antibacterial, antifungal and cytotoxic activities. Preliminary results showed that nitroimidazole piperazine 14b was active against bacteria Bacillus subtilis, Micrococcus luteus, Bacillus proteus, Escherichia coli and Bacillus typhi with MIC values of 25 μg/ ml, but showed moderate activity against Candida albicans and Saccharomyces cerevisiae (MIC- 50 μg/ml). Moreover, the 1,2,3-triazole-linked nitroimidazole piperazine compound 15b and benzimidazole piperazine 15e were found to be effective in vitro against the PC-3 cell line and the cell survival rates were only 67 and 60 %, respectively at a concentration of 100 μM in a dose-dependent manner. Further, molecular docking experiments suggested that the nitro and hydroxyl groups of compound 14b could insert into base-pairs of DNA hexamer duplex by the formation of hydrogen bonds with guanine of DNA.

6 illus, 3 tables, 26 ref

031162   MENDES W B, CONSANI S, CORRER-SOBRINHO L, SINHORETI M A C, CONSANI R L X (Prosthodontics and Periodontology Dep, State Univ of Campinas, 13414-903 Piracicaba, SP, Brazil, Email: rconsani@fop.unicamp.br) : Effect of occlusal contact of the loading rod tip on the fracture strength of ceramic crowns. Indian J Dent Sci 2018, 10(4), 203-8.

The aim of this study was to verify the effect of the occlusal contact of the rod tip on the fracture strength of crowns made with different ceramic systems. Conical preparation was performed on bovine teeth with diamond burs in mechanical lathe, and crowns were made for all‑ceramic, metal‑ceramic, In Ceram, and IPS Empress 2 ceramic systems according to manufacturers’ instructions in prosthetic laboratory. The crowns were fixed with resin‑modified glass ionomer cement or dual‑curing composite resin under a static load of 4 kg for 1 min. To simulate the clinical contact between loading and ceramic crowns, the rod tip was made in accordance with the occlusal form of the ceramic crown. After storage in distilled water at 37 ºC for 24 h, the samples were submitted to 60,000 mechanical cycles at a load of 35 N/2 Hz immersed in distilled water. The fracture strength test was performed in an Instron with a cross‑speed of 0.5 mm/min. Data submitted to one‑way ANOVA for randomized experiments followed by Tukey’s test (α = 0.05) showed greater value for IPS Empress 2 (208.12 kgf) with significant difference in relation to all‑ceramic (149.32 kgf) and In Ceram (142.25 kgf), whereas metal‑ceramic showed intermediary value (182.83 kgf). The loading of the rod tip in occlusal contact with the crown did not promote premature failures during the mechanical fatigue test, and two‑ceramic systems showed different values of fracture strength after mechanical fatigue test, with better performance for crowns manufactured with IPS Empress 2.

2 illus, 1 table, 32 ref

031160   KUMARI S, MITTAL A, DADU S, DHAUNDIYAL A, ABRAHAM A, YENDREMBAM B (Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics Dep, Inderprastha Dental Coll and Hospital, Ghaziabad - 201 010, Email: shilpa.kumari092@gmail.com) : Comparative evaluation of physical and chemical properties of calcium silicate based root end filling materials (mineral trioxide aggregate and biodentine): An in vitro study. Indian J Dent Sci 2018, 10(4), 197-202.

Evaluation and comparison of solubility, pH, and calcium ion release of calcium‑silicate based root‑end filling materials mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) and biodentine. The total sample size for the study was 120. Sixty samples were for solubility of MTA and biodentine and sixty for pH and calcium ion release of MTA and biodentine. MTA and biodentine were added to sixty stainless steel ring molds. The mass of 60 dried glass bottles was measured. Shifting of samples to bottles containing 5 mL of distilled water was done and was stored for 24 h. The bottles were dried at 105 °C and weighed. This procedure was repeated for 3, 10, 30, and 60 days. Data obtained for solubility were analyzed with independent t‑test. Sixty polyethylene tubes 1 mm long were filled with MTA and biodentine and placed in lidded flasks containing 10 mL distilled water and were preserved in an oven at 37 °C. After 2 h, the flasks were removed from hot air oven, and the water was assessed for pH and calcium ion release. pH readings were performed with an pH Meter. Atomic absorption spectrophotometer was used for the detection of calcium ion release. Preservation of the tubes containing the cements was done in new flasks containing 10 mL of distilled water for further detection of pH and calcium ion release in the different time periods of 6, 24 h and 7, 28 days, respectively. Data were analyzed with independent t‑test. Significantly higher solubility was exhibited for biodentine for 30 and 60 days than MTA. Statistical difference was observed between the solubility, pH, and calcium ion release values of MTA and biodentine. Biodentine exhibited higher solubility, pH, and calcium ion release in comparison with MTA.

3 tables, 27 ref

031166   SAHARUDIN S H, SHARIFFUDDIN J H, ISMAIL A, MAH J H (Malaysia Pahang Univ, Pahang, Malaysia, Email: junhaslinda@ump.edu.my) : Recovering value from waste: Biomaterials production from marine shell waste. Bull Mater Sci 2018, 41(6), 162.

Marine shell waste is rich in calcium carbonate (CaCO₃), which can be a good source for the synthesis of hydroxyapatite (HAP). HAP is a potential component in bone tissue engineering as it possesses similar elements to bone structure. In this study, three different species of marine shells that are normally found in Malaysia, namely shortnecked clam (Paphia undulate), blood cockle (Anadara granosa) and hard clam (Meretrix lyrata) were used to produce CaCO₃ and HAP. The characterization results indicate that the produced CaCO₃ consists of mainly aragonite polymorph. Subsequently, the produced CaCO₃ was used as the calcium source for the formation of HAP through the wet slurry precipitation method. The results from the analyses on crystallinity, functional group, surface morphology and elemental analysis of the synthesized HAP powders that were obtained through X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) have confirmed that HAP is comparable with other studies. Overall, the results obtained through this study indicate that it is possible to produce CaCO₃ and HAP from various marine-based shell waste through greener synthesis routes with less chemicals and reaction time.

9 illus, 1 table, 53 ref

031167   TIMOSZYK A (Biotechnology Dep, Zielona Góra Univ, 65-516 Zielona Góra, Poland, Email: a.timoszyk@wnb.uz.zgora.pl) : A review of the biological synthesis of gold nanoparticles using fruit extracts: Scientific potential and application. Bull Mater Sci 2018, 41(6), 154.

Gold nanoparticles (GNPs) are well-known nanomaterials that can be used for multiple biomedical applications. There are various methods for synthesis of GNPs using microorganisms and plants, particularly through the use of fruit extracts. Their use is due to the fact that fruit extracts are the natural concentrate of substances that possesses therapeutic properties. In this review, we aim to compare the recent studies concerning the methods for synthesis of GNPs from fruit extracts, the methods used to characterize the properties of GNPs and capping biomaterial and the potential applications of GNPs. The most frequently used methods to characterize GNPs and capping biomaterial are UV–visible spectroscopy, transmission or scanning electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering and Fourier transformation infrared spectroscopy techniques. Because of GNPs’ optoelectronic properties, biocompatibility, stability and oxidation resistance, they can be used in areas such as electronics, chemical and biological sensing, tumour imaging, drug delivery and phototherapy.

3 illus, 2 tables, 126 ref

029912   KANSAL R, RANI S, KUMAR M, KUMAR S, ISSAR G (Prosthodontics Dep, ITS-CDSR, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, Email: drsapnadaksh@gmail. com) : Comparative evaluation of shear bond strength of newer resin cement (Rely X ultimate and Rely X U200) to lithium disilicate and zirconia ceramics as influenced by thermocycling. Contemp Clin Dent 2018, 9(4), 601-6.

The purpose of this study was to compare the shear bond strength of high strength ceramics to cut dentine as influenced by different resin cement types after thermocycling. Shear bond strength testing was carried out for 56 sound, freshly extracted first permanent molars. Specimens were divided at random into 2 groups (n = 28) Lithium disilicate and Zirconia. Lithium disilicate and Zirconia specimens were further subdivided depending upon luting with Rely X ultimate cement bonded with single bond universal adhesive and Rely X U200 cement. Half of the specimens of each material luted with cements were subjected to thermocycling. Shear bond strength was evaluated using Universal testing machine at a crosshead speed of 5 mm/ min. Results were compared and evaluated using t-test at a significance level of 0.05. The nature of bond failure was observed under a stereomicroscope for each sample. The mean difference of Lithium disilicate test specimens bonded with Rely X ultimate cement bonded with single bond universal adhesive with and without thermocycling was found to be 42.95+/-17.41MPa and 120.62+/-56.46 MPa respectively. The mean difference of Zirconia test specimens with Rely X ultimate cement bonded with single bond universal adhesive, with and without thermocycling, was found to be 8.74+/-2.90 MPa and 164.28+/-43.78 MPa respectively. The mean difference of Lithium disilicate test specimens bonded with Rely X U200 with and without thermocycling was found to be 2.36+/-0.63 MPa and 36.79.62+/-17.21 MPa respectively. The mean difference of Zirconia test specimens bonded with Rely X U200 with and without thermocycling was found to be 5.96+/3.11 MPa and 122.46+/-23.01 MPa respectively. Zirconia was found to have better shear bond strength than Lithium discilicate. The use of single bond universal adhesive improves bonding to newer higher strength ceramics such as Zirconia. Cohesive failure was predominant at cement dentine interface.

4 illus, 2 tables, 17 ref

029917   SUDHAPALLI S K, SUDHAPALLI S, RAZDAN R A, SINGH V, BHASIN A (Prosthodontics Dep, Index Institute of Dental Sciences, Indore - 452 020, Email: swatiudhapalli@yahoo. com) : A comparative evaluation of microleakage among newer composite materials: An in vitro study. Contemp Clin Dent 2018, 9(4), 587-91.

Good adhesive bonding of restorative materials to cavity walls minimizing microleakage is an important criterion for the performance and longevity of a restoration in the oral cavity. The present study is aimed to compare the microleakage among newer composite materials. Forty‑five extracted healthy premolars were collected; standard Class II cavities were prepared. They were randomly divided into three groups of 15 teeth each. The groups were made based on the different composite restorative materials used for restoration. Group A consisted of conventional microfilled composite resin restorations, and Group B was posterior nanocomposite resin. Group C was restored using ORMOCER – Admira. After completion of restorations, all teeth were subjected to thermocycling at 5 °C, 37 °C, and 55 °C for 250 cycles. Later, all samples were immersed into 50 % silver nitrate dye group wise for for 4 hours (h), and teeth were sectioned buccolingually. Sectioned teeth were observed under a stereomicroscope for the evaluation of microleakage. ANOVA and unpaired t‑tests were used for statistical analysis. The significance level was at set P < 0.001. The results of this study showed that Group C (ORMOCER – Admira) presented with the least microleakage followed by Group B (Tetric N‑Ceram) followed by Group A (Tetric Ceram). Overall ORMOCER – Admira performed better than the other two composite materials with the least microleakage.

3 illus, 5 tables, 24 ref

029918   ZHANG Y, JEAN-PAUL R, FORNAINI C, ZHEN Y, ZHAO Z, MERIGO E (Stomatology Dep, Côte d’Azur Univ, Nice, France, Email: carlo@fornainident.it) : Erbium-doped, Yttrium-aluminum-garnet laser debonding of porcelain laminate veneers: An ex vivo study. Contemp Clin Dent 2018, 9(4), 570-3.

The use of ceramic laminate veneer has considerably and successfully grown to improve anterior tooth esthetics in recent years. The removal of ceramic laminate veneers with laser is reported only in a scanty number of publications and for this reason the importance and the aim of this ex vivo study consist to verify the ability of Er: YAG laser for laminate veneers debonding with the preserving of the tooth structures (scanning electron microscopy [SEM] observations). The purpose of this study consists to verify if erbium‑doped, yttrium‑aluminum‑garnet (Er:YAG) laser, at low fluences, is able to debond porcelain veneers, successfully used to improve anterior tooth esthetics, without damaging the tooth structures. A total of 12 freshly extracted teeth were used, and samples were decontaminated, stored, and bonded to obtain veneers adhesion. One week after, Er:YAG laser with a non-contact sapphire tip with air‑water spray was used for veneer debonding at 100 mJ of energy and 30 Hz of frequency (Fluence 19.94 J/cm²). Results demonstrated that veneer debonding is possible with an Er:YAG laser and the total number of pulses seems not related to its efficiency. SEM observation confirms that residual tooth structure is not altered when using these low fluences. Low fluences with Er:YAG laser are able to debond veneers while preserving the tooth structures and SEM observation confirmed that residual tooth structure is not altered with low fluences.

4 illus, 1 table, 14 ref

029908   AGNIHOTRI V, BORSE K, BHANDARKAR H, SUBRAMANIAM V, BHARDWAJ S (Microbiology Laboratory, Jalgaon - 425 001, Maharashtra, Email: bhardwaj.sudhanshu@jains.com) : Efficacy of ozone to reduce total viable count, yeast and mould count, coliform count and enterobacteriaceae count in raw onion and dehydrated onion products. Plant Arch 2018, 18(2), 2811-21.

Microbial food safety and quality issues are of great importance in food processing industry. Various antimicrobial agents including disinfectant used in food processing industry should ensure the quality and microbiological safety of food, also they should not endanger the health through toxic intermediate products. Ozone molecule is a strong oxidant and effective agent to destroy microorganisms. The objective of this study is associated with treatment and effect of ozone to reduce microbial population in raw and dehydrated onion products. Current research focused on determination of the ozone concentration and contact time to reduce microbial load on raw onion and dehydrated onion products. Microbial load in terms of TVC, YMC, CC and EC of raw and dehydrated onion products was monitored initially and after ozone treatment. The average maximum count before and after treatment in terms of Log CFU/g reduction was calculated. Effect of ozone experimentally carried out at three different concentrations of (0.3, 0.5 and 1 ppm) with respect to three different exposure times (1, 3 and 5 minutes), for raw onion, DHO, KO, MN, GR and SP independently. For raw onion 1 ppm ozone for 3 minutes was collectively effective to reduce TVC, YMC, CC, and EC Log CFU/g. For DHO 1 ppm ozone for 3 minutes reduced TVC and CC whereas 0.5 ppm for 5 minute reduced, YMC and EC. For GR, SP, KO and MN, 1 ppm for 3 and 5 minute treatment was found to be effective for total microbial load reduction.

7 illus, 7 tables, 35 ref

029911   BHAWANA H, JOSHI V, SREEDHAR M, MISHRA R P (Sri Konda Laxman Telangana State Horticultural Univ, Rajendranagar, Telangana, Email: harshambhavana06@gmail.com) : Effect of surface coatings and packaging materials on shelf life attributes of apple ber (Zizyphus mauritiana). Plant Arch 2018, 18(2), 1721-9.

Apple ber (Zizyphus mauritiana) is a Thailand variety ber, developed by grafting Thailand green apple with Thai local ber. In the studies conducted on the effect of surface coatings and packaging materials on shelf life of Apple ber (Zizyphus mauritiana) at different storage conditions S1 -cold storage (10 ± 2 ºC) and S2 -room temperature (22 ± 2 ºC) reported that Chitosan 1 % + HDPE (High Density Polyethylene) is best treatment followed by Chitosan 1 % + PP (Polypropylene). Among both storage conditions fruits stored in cold storage (10 ± 2 ºC) gave better results with an increase of shelf life to 21 days. In interaction effects Chitosan 1 % + HDPE (High Density Polyethylene) + cold storage (10 ± 2 ºC) is best of all the treatments with a shelf life of 21 days followed by Chitosan 1 % + PP (Polypropylene) + cold storage 20 days.

5 illus, 5 tables, 13 ref

028641   SATAPATHY P, PARTHASARATHI S, RAO D S S, KANAKALA M, YELAMAGGAD C V, PRASAD S K (Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences, Bengaluru - 560 013, Email: skprasad@cens.res.in) : Influence of zinc oxide nanorods on an orientationally ordered fluid comprising soft-bent dimers. Bull Mater Sci 2018, 41(5), 116.

Bent-core liquid crystals (LCs) introduced a whole new dimension to the science of LCs. Besides re-emphasizing the importance of the shape of the molecule, they brought in phases with symmetry, not known earlier. Another sub-class of systems that is emerging is that of soft-bent molecules. In contrast with the bent-core molecules, here the bend is achieved through the parity of the aliphatic linker that connects two monomers. They hold the unique advantage that a simple variation of temperature can favour different conformer states and thus govern the self-assembled structure. A highlight of the power of this route is seen in terms of the discovery of a new type of nematic, viz., twist–bend nematic. Investigations on not only this phase but also the regular nematic that often precedes it have received significant attention in the last few years. Here we present results on the regular nematic phase of a binary mixture comprising such a soft-bent dimer, known in the literature as CB7CB, by incorporating zinc oxide nanorods (NRs) into the system. The NRs with an aspect ratio of ∼7.2, not very different from that of LCs, further accentuate the importance of shape and shape anisotropy of the entities. Specifically, we observe that the nematic–isotropic transition temperature increases by ∼1.9 K even for a low concentration of 4 % NRs. While the dielectric anisotropy decreases, birefringence shows a substantial increase, adding to the complexity of the influence. Upon addition of minute amount of NRs (1 %), while the splay elastic constant gets enhanced, its bend counterpart not only gets reduced but retains the convex-shaped thermal profile seen for the parent mixture.

10 illus, 27 ref

028640   SANTRA S, DAS A, DAS N S, CHATTOPADHYAY K K (Jadavpur Univ, Kolkata - 700 032, Email: kalyan_chattopadhyay@yahoo.com) : CuBO₂ nanonetwork: A novel and significant candidate for photocatalytic dye degradation. Bull Mater Sci 2018, 41(5), 128.

CuBO₂ is a novel material in the research field of transparent conducting oxide. In this study, CuBO₂ nanostructures have been synthesized via sol–gel method. The phase formation is confirmed using an X-ray diffractometer. Detailed morphological analysis is performed by field emission scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. A novel uniform nanonetwork-like structure is obtained and its band gap is found to be 4.24 eV. In ultraviolet light irradiation, this as-synthesized sample shows efficient photocatalytic activity for degradation of organic dye Rhodamine B. The degradation efficiency and the rate constant were calculated as ∼70 % and 1.32 × 10⁻³ min⁻¹, respectively. This nanonetwork-like structure can be a potential candidate as the base material to attach various metals and metal oxide nanostructures to get highly efficient future photocatalysts. As a result, this study opens up a new gateway to fabricate novel environment-friendly nanocatalysts with high performance.

5 illus, 1 table, 32 ref

028632   OJHA K, BANERJEE S, SHARMA M, DAGAR P, GANGULI A K (Institute of Nano Science and Technology, Mohali - 160 062, Email: ashok@chemistry.iitd.ac.in) : Synthesis of Chevrel phase (Cu_1.8Mo₆S₈) in composite with molybdenum carbide for hydrogen evolution reactions. Bull Mater Sci 2018, 41(5), 119.

Sustainable hydrogen generation from water electrolysis using renewable energy sources is the most promising pathway for future energy and hydrogen economy. Here, the Chevrel phase (Cu_1.8Mo₆S₈) was synthesized in composite with Mo₂C and good hydrogen evolution activity in acidic media has been demonstrated. Bundles of nanowires were formed in the templated synthesis route. The composites were characterized by X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and elemental analysis. Detailed electrochemical analysis reveals that MCS-Cu50 composite exhibits higher hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) activity with 71.4 mA cm⁻² current density at an overpotential of 400 mV. It requires 250 mV overpotential to produce 10 mA cm⁻² current density for HER.

7 illus, 31 ref

028626   MADHURI K P, JOHN N S (Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences, Jalahalli, Bangalore - 560 013, Email: jsneena@cens.res.in) : Metallophthalocyanine-nanofibre-based electrodes for electrochemical sensing of biomolecules. Bull Mater Sci 2018, 41(5), 118.

Metal phthalocyanines, possessing rich redox chemistry due to the presence of the central metal cation and pyrrolic nitrogen atoms of the macrocycle, are explored as electrochemical sensors. Nickel phthalocyanine nanofibres (NiPc NF) prepared by a simple chemical route are coated on a pencil graphite rod and the electrocatalytic performance of NiPc NF electrode is investigated for quantitative detection of ascorbic acid (AA) in 0.2 M phosphate buffer solution. The performance of NiPc NFs is shown to be superior to that of commercial NiPc and is attributed to the high electrochemically active surface area available for fibres. The electrode exhibits linearity for the detection over a wide concentration range of AA from 5.5μM to 5.2 mM. The detection limit for AA sensing with NiPc-NF-modified electrode is 1.5μM. The higher performance of NiPc fibres due to its nanostructure morphology may be utilized for the quantitative detection of other biomolecules.

8 illus, 24 ref

028624   LENIN R, DADWAL A, JOY P A (Physical and Materials Chemistry Div, Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Pune - 411 008, Email: pa.joy@ncl.res.in) : Thermal conductivity studies on magnetite nanofluids coated with short-chain and long-chain fatty acid surfactants. Bull Mater Sci 2018, 41(5), 120.

The effect of the length of surfactant molecules on the surface of the nanoparticles on the thermal conductivity of nanofluids is studied. Magnetite (Fe₃O₄) nanoparticles of comparable sizes are stabilized with short-chain capric acid (C₉H₁₉COOH) and long-chain stearic acid (C₁₇H₃₅COOH) molecules. Thermal conductivity of the two surfactant-coated magnetite nanoparticles dispersed in toluene is measured as a function of the concentration of the particles in the fluids and in the presence of a magnetic field. Studies showed that the critical concentration for thermal conductivity enhancement is lower for stearic-acid-coated fluid as compared with the capric-acid-coated fluid. Comparable enhancement in the thermal conductivity is observed at higher concentrations of the particles. Relatively larger enhancement in the thermal conductivity is observed for the capric-acid-coated fluid in a magnetic field. The difference in the enhancement in the thermal conductivity, depending on the chain length of the surfactant, is explained in terms of the inter-particle magnetic interactions and formation of clusters.

7 illus, 1 table, 40 ref

028623   KUMARAVEL V, DAMODARAN K, GANDHI S, KRISHNAN U M (Chemistry Dep, SASTRA Deemed to be Univ, Thanjavur - 613 401, Email: umakrishnan@sastra.edu) : A hybrid system: MnO-incorporated mesoporous silica nanoparticles for theranostic applications. Bull Mater Sci 2018, 41(5), 133.

The need for an alternative T₁ contrast enhancer for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been escalating owing to the toxicity profiles observed with the use of commercial contrast agents. Manganese oxide nanoparticles provide an optimal solution for the problem, as it is an endogenous co-factor for many enzymes in the biological system. In the present work, we have synthesized mesoporous silica nanoparticles encapsulated with manganese oxide nanoparticles as a positive contrast enhancer for MRI applications. Spherical magnetic MnO nanoparticles with divalent oxidation state were also synthesized and utilized as control to compare the efficiency of the nano-hybrid system. MRI showed higher contrast enhancement with the use of nano-hybrid and the relaxivity value for T₁-weighted imaging was calculated to be 2.6 mg ml⁻¹ s⁻¹. Also, the developed system was validated for its usefulness as a therapeutic system through adsorption studies. Therefore, the nano-hybrid has the potential to be a competent MRI contrast enhancer that could be used for theranostic applications.

13 illus, 1 table, 33 ref

028633   OLGUN U, GULFEN M (Chemistry Dep, Sakarya Univ, Sakarya, Turkey, Email: uolgun@sakarya.edu.tr) : Effects of mechanical roll-milling on electronic and optical properties of ZnO nanoparticles. Indian J Eng Mater Sci 2018, 25(5), 391-6.

In this study, UV-vis absorption spectroscopy, electrical conductivity, band gap energy, particle size and morphology of prepared ZnO nanoparticles were examined after roll-milling process. A roll-milling process works with two rolls rotating at reverse directions and the ZnO powder goes through a narrow gap between these two cylindrical metal rolls. The roll-milling process was applied to the ZnO powder in several times by reducing the gap between the rotating cylinders. It was seen that the white color of the ZnO particles turned into yellow color. The UV-vis spectroscopy measurements showed that the absorption band of the ZnO particles shifted to the low energy wavelengths upon the roll-milling process. The band gap energy of the ZnO decreased from 3.10 eV to 2.68 eV. Also, it was observed that the electrical conductivity increased from 0.19 to 42.47 S/cm. Furthermore, the SEM and AFM measurements showed that the particle size of the ZnO decreased significantly and the particle morphology changed after the roll-milling process. It is concluded that the property changes in spectroscopy, electrical conductivity and band gap energy is due to the reduced particle size and the increase of the number of deformation defects in crystalline structure of ZnO particles.

7 illus, 1 table, 25 ref

028616   GOMES A, GHOSH S, SENGUPTA J, SAHA K, GOMES A (Physiology Dep, Calcutta Univ, Kolkata-700 009, Email: agomescu@gmail.com) : Nanotechnology in snake venom research- An overview. Indian J Exp Biol 2018, 56(10), 707-15.

Nanotechnology has revolutionized the paradigm of today’s upcoming biological sciences through its applications in the field of biomedical research. One such promising aspect is by interfacing this modern technology with snake venom research. Snake venom is a valuable resource of bioactive molecules, which has shown efficient and promising contributions in biomedical research. The potentiality of merging these two unique fields lies in the approach of interfacing active bioactive molecules derived from snake venoms, which would yield better therapeutic molecules for future applications in terms of drug delivery, enhanced stability, reduced toxicity, bioavailability and targeted drug delivery. Available literature on nanoconjugation of snake venom bioactive molecules have suggest that these molecules have better therapeutic advantage in several fields of biomedical research viz., arthritis, cancer, etc. Another perspective in snake venom research could be green synthesis or herbal based synthesis of nanoparticles, which has shown enhanced effect in snake venom neutralizing capacity. Therefore, in terms of snake venom therapeutic potential and development of snake venom antidote, nanotechnology is a prodigious tool to be taken into serious consideration by the researchers. In this review, a comprehensive overview has been given on bridging nanoparticles with active biomolecules derived from snake venoms/herbs, current scientific evidences and records in this field, present trends and developments in nanotechnology in venom research along with future prospects in this arena. This may open new domains in snake venom research using nanotechnology in the near future.

2 tables, 64 ref

028651   THAMKE M V, BELDAR A, THAKKAR P, MURKUTE S, RANMARE V, HUDWEKAR A (Periodontology and Implantology Dep, MGV’s KBH Dental College and Hospital, Nashik, Maharashtra, Email: mitalithamke@ gmail.com) : Comparison of bacterial contamination and antibacterial efficacy in bristles of charcoal toothbrushes versus noncharcoal toothbrushes: A microbiological study. Contemp Clin Dent 2018, 9(3), 463-7.

Charcoal toothbrushes have been marketed widely claiming lesser bacterial contamination owing to the presence of activated charcoal. The aim of this study was to evaluate the bacterial contamination and antimicrobial efficacy of charcoal bristles compared to noncharcoal bristles in used toothbrushes. A total of 50 patients met inclusion criteria which were given standard brushing instructions on the use of a charcoal toothbrush and were asked to return the used brushes after 1 week of usage. After a washout period of 1‑week, the participants were then provided with noncharcoal toothbrush and given similar brushing instructions to both groups and were instructed to return the brush after another week of usage. Bristles of the used toothbrushes were sectioned and placed in a 5 ml of saline, and 0.1 ml was inoculated on blood agar plates, which were then placed in a gas pack jar for anaerobic culture. Colony forming units (CFU) were measured after 48 h of incubation. To evaluate the antibacterial efficacy of charcoal bristles, the zone of inhibition was evaluated for charcoal versus noncharcoal after 24 h of incubation. Data collected were analyzed using a paired sample t‑test. The mean CFU count for noncharcoal bristles was almost double that of charcoal bristles. About 10 mm of the zone of inhibition was found around charcoal bristles as compared to 3 mm for noncharcoal bristles. This study shows the statistically significant difference in bacterial counts between bristle types and lower CFUs in the charcoal bristles compared with noncharcoal bristles, after 1 week of use. The zone of inhibition that was found around charcoal tooth bristles supported the antimicrobial properties of the charcoal toothbrush.

6 illus, 2 tables, 24 ref

028649   TELANG A, NARAYANA I H, MADHU K S, KALASAIAH D, RAMESH P, NAGARAJA S (Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics Dep, Ramaiah Applied Sciences Univ, Bengaluru - 560 054, Email: indiresha.hn@ gmail.com) : Effect of staining and bleaching on color stability and surface roughness of three resin composites: An in vitro study. Contemp Clin Dent 2018, 9(3), 452-6.

This study evaluated the effect of staining and subsequent bleaching on the color stability and surface roughness of three resin composites. One hundred and eight customized plastic disks from a plastic mold with an outer diameter of 10 mm and thickness of 1.02 mm were fabricated. Samples were divided into three groups of 36 specimens each – Group I (Estelite® α – Supranano), Group II (Filtek™ Z250 XT – Nanohybrid), and Group III (Filtek™ P90–Silorane). Subsequently, baseline surface color and roughness values were tabulated using spectrophotometer and profilometer, respectively. The specimens were then subjected to staining with coffee and turmeric for a period of 3 h/day for 40 days and following this, bleaching of the samples was done using a bleaching agent carbamide peroxide gel 15 % for 8 h/day for 14 consecutive days. Estelite® α performed better by maintaining color stability with minimal roughness compared to Filtek™ P90 and Filtek™ Z250 XT. Turmeric had a greater potential to stain composites compared to coffee in all the groups.

2 tables, 23 ref

028628   NAIR N, JAMES B, DEVADATHAN A, JOHNY M K, MATHEW J, JACOB J (Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics Dep, Pushpagiri College of Dental Sciences, Tiruvalla - 689 107, Email: minimolkjohny@ gmail.com) : Comparative evaluation of antibiofilm efficacy of chitosan nanoparticle-and zinc oxide nanoparticle-incorporated calcium hydroxide-based sealer: An in vitro study. Contemp Clin Dent 2018, 9(3), 434-9.

This study evaluated the antibiofilm efficacy of calcium hydroxide‑based sealer incorporated with chitosan nanoparticles (CS‑NPs) and zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO‑NPs) against two strains of Enterococcus faecalis (ATCC 29212, OG1RF). The materials tested were Apexit Plus sealer in the commercial unmodified form and two modified forms with CS‑NP and ZNO‑NP, respectively. Crystal violet assay and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) study were used to assess the bacterial viability of biofilms grown in wells of microtiter plate and glass slides, respectively. Two E. faecalis strains (ATCC 29212, OG1RF) were used for the study. The crystal violet assay done on E. faecalis strain ATCC 29212 showed a significant decrease in the optical density (OD) value with ZNO‑NP‑incorporated calcium hydroxide sealer when compared with CS‑NP. In the case of E. faecalis strain OG1RF, only ZNO‑NP‑incorporated calcium hydroxide‑based sealer showed reduction in the OD value. In CLSM study done on E. faecalis strain ATCC 29212, only ZNO‑NP‑incorporated calcium hydroxide‑based sealer showed reduction in the thickness of biofilm. No groups of OG1RF strain showed reduction in the thickness of biofilm. The incorporation of nanoparticles (ZnO and CS) into calcium hydroxide‑based sealers significantly enhances the antibiofilm efficiency against E. faecalis strain ATCC 29212 but has questionable effectiveness against E. faecalis strain OG1RF. The present study demonstrates that ZNO‑NP shows better antibiofilm efficacy than CS‑NP against both strains of E. faecalis.

3 illus, 1 table, 31 ref

028611   BHARDWAJ V A, DEEPIKA P C, BASAVARAJAIAH S (Periodontology Dep, Jagadguru Sri Shivarathreeshwara Univ, Mysore - 570 015, Email: vasundhra31@ gmail.com) : Zinc incorporated nano hydroxyapatite: A novel bone graft used for regeneration of intrabony defects. Contemp Clin Dent 2018, 9(3), 427-33.

To enhance the bioactivity of hydroxyapatite (HA), various ions have been incorporated into its porous structure such as zinc. Zinc has shown to have a stimulatory effect on osteoblastic cells. This study attempts to evaluate the efficacy of an indigenously prepared zinc incorporated nanohydroxyapatite (ZINH) bone graft in the treatment of intrabony defects. A split‑mouth study, which consists of 11 systemically healthy subjects with 45 sites, were randomly treated with ZINH or with nanoHA alone. Plaque index, gingival index, gingival bleeding index, pocket depth (PD) and clinical attachment level (CAL) were assessed at baseline, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months. Bone probing depth (BPD) and radiographic parameters were assessed at baseline, 6, and 12 months. Statistical analysis used was student’s t‑test and one‑way analysis of variance. At 12 months, PD and BPD reduction was more in test (4.37 ± 0.989 mm and 3.36 ± 0.446 mm) than control (2.81 ± 0.084 mm and 2.15 ± 0.159 mm). Gain in CAL for test (3.08 ± 0.148 mm) was higher than control (2.33 ± 0.278 mm). Furthermore amount and percentage of bone fill was higher in test (1.92 ± 0.702 mm, 54.7 ± 20.286, respectively) than control (1.38 ± 0.650 mm, 40.2 ± 20.972, respectively). Statistically significant improvements in all parameters were seen in the test sites at 12 months. ZINH bone graft can be considered as a prospective bone regenerative material.

3 illus, 4 tables, 24 ref

028653   XU J, LIU X, HOU W, GUO H, YU L, ZHANG H (Yanshan Univ, Qinhuangdao- 066 004, Email: hqzhang@ysu.edu.cn) : Effect of solvent-vapour annealing on morphology, structure of copper(II) phthalocyanine thin films and device performance. Bull Mater Sci 2018, 41(4), 111.

We investigate the molecular orientation transition and resulting morphology of copper phthalocyanine (CuPc) thin films induced by solvent–vapour annealing (SVA) in detail. Seven solvents are utilized to tune the morphology of CuPc thin films. The morphology, crystalline structure and optical properties of the CuPc active layer were investigated through field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) absorption spectrum, respectively. The result demonstrates that morphology and structure are depended on the type of solvents. The high crystallinity of the CuPc films with a larger grain size and less grain boundaries can be observed. As a result, the resistance of the conducting channel is decreased, leading to an improved performance of the organic field-effect transistor (OFET).

8 illus, 1 table, 45 ref

028654   XU Y, XIE D (Biomedical Engineering Dep, Indiana Univ, Indianapolis- 46202, United States, Email: dxie@iupui.edu) : Effect of (meth)acrylates on in situ visible light polymerization of dimethacrylamide. Bull Mater Sci 2018, 41(4), 103.

This study reports in situ visible light copolymerization of a synthesized dimethacrylamide with the selected (meth)acrylates. The effects of these selected comonomers with different functional groups on the polymerization rate, degree of conversion, gel time and compressive strength were investigated. The results showed that in situ copolymerization of the dimethacrylamide with the comonomers having an electron-withdrawing and/or acrylate group could significantly increase the polymerization rate, degree of conversion and compressive strength. Contrarily, an electron-donating group on either carbon–carbon double bond or ester linkage could slow down the polymerization. In comparison, its methacrylate counterpart, triethylene glycol dimethacrylate-based system did not show a clear pattern. The formed H-bonds between (meth)acrylamide and organic acid groups may be responsible for higher compressive strengths. Within the limitation of this study, it is concluded that in situ polymerization of dimethacrylamide under visible light can be accelerated by copolymerization with monomers having electron-withdrawing and/or acrylate groups and vice versa.

4 illus, 3 tables, 19 ref

028634   PANDA S, BEHERA D, RATH P, BASTIA T K (KIIT Univ, Odisha- 751 024, Email: Shivkumaripanda@gmail.com) : Enhanced properties of UPE/ESOA partially bio-nanocomposites reinforced with chitosan functionalized graphene nanoplatelets: An innovative approach. Bull Mater Sci 2018, 41(4), 102.

The current study deals with the successful development of chitosan-functionalized graphene nanoplatelets (CS/GNPs) and their dispersion in the unsaturated polyester (UPE)/epoxidized soybean oil acrylate (ESOA) (80:20 w/w) blend system in different compositions of 0.3, 0.5 and 0.7 wt %. The resulting nanocomposite mixture was achieved by simple sonication method and pressed into a mould for fabrication of nanocomposite. The whole functionalization and nanocomposite preparation procedure were successfully tracked by FTIR, SEM and TEM. Nanocomposite with 0.5 wt % of CS/GNPs nanofiller has demonstrated it as the better candidate due to its optimum properties. Again for better comparison, a nanocomposite with 0.5 wt % raw GNPs was also fabricated and its properties were studied in detail. This relative study reported lower mechanical, dynamic mechanical, thermal and electrical conductivity values for 0.5 wt % raw GNPs than the corresponding CS/GNPs nanofiller-filled nanocomposites. Nanocomposite with 0.5 wt % CS/GNPs showed dramatic enhancement in mechanical, dynamic mechanical, thermal and electrical properties as well as reduced corrosion and swelling performance owing to the homogeneous distribution of nanofiller in the blend. Again, the nanocomposite showed the highest thermal and electrical conductivities with the best dielectric strength. Thus, the prepared nanocomposites with optimum nanofiller content might serve as partially biodegradable nanomaterial for applications in nanotechnology engineering, thermal applications, such as circuit boards and electrical applications, such as electronic packaging components, electromechanical devices and electric energy storage devices. This nanocomposite can also find their applications in different corrosive- and solvent-based environments.

14 illus, 1 table, 25 ref

028617   GORENINSKII S I, STANKEVICH K S, NEMOYKINA A L, BOLBASOV E N, TVERDOKHLEBOV S I, FILIMONOV V D (Experimental Physics Dep, National Research Tomsk Polytechnic Univ, Tomsk- 634 050, Russian Federation, Email: tverd@tpu.ru) : A first method for preparation of biodegradable fibrous scaffolds containing iodine on the fibre surfaces. Bull Mater Sci 2018, 41(4), 100.

Fibrous electrospun scaffolds made of poly(L-lactic acid) (PLLA) and poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) were modified with iodine using ‘solvent/non-solvent’ treatment of the polymer through two-step process. At the first step, the scaffolds were treated with mixture of toluene and ethanol for pre-swelling of the fibre surfaces. Then, treated scaffolds were exposed to iodine vapours to entrap iodine on the polymer surface. Concentration of iodine in obtained materials was measured by means of UV-spectrophotometry. Morphology of the modified scaffolds was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Proposed modification had no significant effect on mechanical properties of the scaffolds and their morphologies. Obtained materials demonstrated the E. coli’s antimicrobial activity depending on iodine concentration.

7 illus, 18 ref

028637   ROMERO E C, BOTERO M G, TILLMANN W, OSORIO F B, GAITAN G B (Antioquia Univ, Medellín, Colombia, Email: gilberto.bejarano@udea.edu.co) : Influence of carbon content on the microstructure, mechanical and tribological properties of CrAlCN coatings deposited by DC unbalanced magnetron sputtering. Bull Mater Sci 2018, 41(4), 97.

The influence of carbon content on the microstructure, mechanical and tribological properties of CrAlCN was systematically investigated. For this purpose, five duplex coatings of CrAlCN deposited on AISI H13 steel by the magnetron-sputtering technique were developed. The carbon content of the coatings was varied between 10.26 and 80.56 at % by modifying the percentage of methane in the working gas mixture CH₄/(Ar + N₂). The effect of carbon content on the morphology, microstructure, mechanical and tribological properties of the CrAlCN coatings was evaluated. Coatings showed a high crystalline structure at low carbon contents, consisting mainly of chromium nitrides and aluminium–chromium nitrides. With the increase of carbon content in the coatings, chromium carbides formed at the expense of nitrides, presenting a highly amorphous structure with high carbon content. Initially, the hardness and Young’s modulus of the coatings increased with carbon content, possibly due to hardening of the interstitial solid solution of carbon within the matrix of CrAlN. Then, they were decreased along with the coefficient of friction and wear rate due to the self-lubricating effect of graphite-like carbon. However, above the 54.74 at % carbon, the wear rate of CrAlCN increased again, probably due to the low hardness and adhesion of the coating. The CrAlCN coating with a carbon content of 21.96 at % presented the best balance between mechanical and tribological properties.

8 illus, 2 tables, 34 ref

028609   BAHROUNI Y, HAMDAOUI N, BENHAMADA L (Sousse Univ, Sousse, Tunisia, Email: bahrouni.yahya@yahoo.fr) : Synthesis and physico-chemical properties of a new non-centrosymmetric 2-ammoniumbenzamide trioxonitrate crystals [C₇H₉N₂O]NO₃. Bull Mater Sci 2018, 41(4), 96.

2-Ammoniumbenzamide trioxonitrate crystals (2-ABN) were prepared and grown at room temperature. This compound crystallizes in the orthorhombic system with non-centrosymmetric P2₁2₁2₁ space group. The unit cell dimensions are a = 4.8900(9) Å, b = 9.5541(19) Å, c = 18.961(4) Å with V = 885.8(3) Å3 and Z = 4. The structure refined to a reliability R factor of 4.34 %. The 2-ABN structure consists of 2-ammoniumbenzamide cations (C₇H₉N₂O⁺) and trioxonitrate anions (NO₃^- ) interconnected by hydrogen bonds originating from amine group donors [N−H ··· O], so as to build a three-dimensional arrangement. The crystal structure, the thermal behaviour and the IR spectroscopic studies were discussed. The optical studies reveal that the 2-ABN crystal could be a good candidate for nonlinear optical devices. The dielectric properties, real and imaginary dielectric permittivities (ε$\text{'}$and ε$\text{'}\text{'}$) and dielectric loss tangent (tan (δ)), of the crystal at different frequencies of the applied field are reported.

9 illus, 5 tables, 18 ref

028644   SINGH A, SINGH S (Biomedical Engineering Dep, D.C.R. Univ of Science & Technology, Sonipat- 131 039, Email: saravjeet.bme@dcrustm.org) : ZnO nanowire-coated hydrophobic surfaces for various biomedical applications. Bull Mater Sci 2018, 41(4), 94.

Recently, hydrophobic surfaces are finding many applications in the field of biomedical. This study reports the simple and facile method of hydrophobization of various surfaces like glass, semiconductor and polymer, etc. used in biomedical field by using durable and water-resistant ZnO nanowires coating. The change in contact angle of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) anticoagulated whole blood (EDTA-WB) on various substrates like; glass, quartz, Si and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) before and after ZnO nanowires coating is reported. It was observed that the different type of substrates show great variation in contact angle of EDTA-WB, before and after ZnO nanowires coating. The substrates which are generally hydrophilic for EDTA-WB become hydrophobic after ZnO nanowires coating. This surface-coating technique can be utilized in various biomedical applications, for example, in medical devices and surgical equipments coating, orthopaedic dressings, in-vivo implants and corrosion-resistance surfaces.

5 illus, 1 table, 27 ref

028636   RAJ S V, RAJKUMAR M, SUNDARAM N M, KANDASWAMY A (Physics Dep, PSG Coll of Arts and Science, Coimbatore -641 014, Email: vmanirajkumar@gmail.com) : Synthesis and characterization of hydroxyapatite/alumina ceramic nanocomposites for biomedical applications. Bull Mater Sci 2018, 41(4), 93.

In the present work, nanocrystalline hydroxyapatite/alumina (HAp−Al₂O₃) composite was prepared under specially designed stir-type hydrothermal reactor. The composite was prepared at two different temperatures under autogenous pressure and analysed for crystallinity, size, shape, composition and thermomechanical stability. The electron microscopy study shows the formation of HAp−Al₂O₃ composite nanorods with uniform distribution. The thermogravimetry analysis reveals better thermomechanical property with minimal weight loss at increased temperature. The effect of different concentrations of HAp−Al₂O₃ composite powders against MG63 human osteosarcoma cell lines shows excellent compatibility (80 %) at high concentration of 200 μg ml⁻¹. These studies facilitate the formation of biocompatible HAp−Al₂O₃ composite nanorods for biomedical applications.

8 illus, 31 ref

028645   SINGH V, SINGH S (CSIR-National Physical Laboratory, New Delhi- 110 012, Email: sukhvirster@gmail.com) : Surface studies of a 2400-year old corrosion resistant ancient Indian iron artifact. Indian J Chem Technol 2018, 25(4), 396-9.

Surface morphology and chemical analysis of 2400 year old sickle-blade excavated in early 1940s from the ancient city Hastinapur, Uttar Pradesh, India has been carried out. The discovery of sickle blade is important archaeological evidence that demonstrates the effective role of iron in agricultural operations. Despite being buried over 2300 years, the blade has survived in good condition. Hence it became essential to determine its fabrication technique and corrosion behavior. The study is carried out in order to investigate the corrosion behavior of this ancient Indian iron. Detailed analysis of the characterization results revealed the valuable information about the production technology of the associated culture. The sickle blade is analyzed by using optical microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) coupled with energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and x-ray diffractometer (XRD). Characterization results lead to the fact that the sickle blade shows heterogeneous microstructure consisting of ferrite, widmanstätten and pearlite structures which is typical of ancient Indian wrought iron produced by bloomery process. Relatively high amount of Phosphorous has been observed which may be responsible for the corrosion resistance behavior of sickle blade. The study reveal the valuable information about the technology and the materials used in the development of iron-based artifacts in India during the ancient.

5 illus, 16 ref

028622   KUMAR T E M, SARITHA S R, SHAMSHUDDIN S Z M, VASANTHA V T, PRATAP S R (Bharathiar Univ, Coimbatore, Email: em_es@rediffmail.com) : Synthesis of salicylate esters over cordierite honeycomb monoliths coated with zirconia based solid acids in vapour phase. Indian J Chem Technol 2018, 25(4), 390-5.

Solid acid catalysts such as ZrO₂, Mo(VI)/ ZrO₂, Pt-SO₄^2-/ ZrO₂ has been coated on honeycomb monoliths and characterized for their physico-chemical properties such as total surface acidity by NH₃-TPD, crystalinity by powder XRD, functionality by FT-IR and morphology by SEM techniques. These solid acid catalytic materials are employed in the vapor phase transesterification of methyl salicylate with different  alcohols. The catalytic property of these solid acids has been correlated with their physico-chemical properties. These catalytic materials are found to be very efficient in the transesterification reaction with up to ~98 % yield of the desired transester. Reaction conditions are optimized to get highest possible yield of the desired transester.

4 illus, 3 tables, 12 ref

028621   KUMAR P N, SAKTHIVEL K, BALASUBRAMANIAN V, SENGOTTAIYAN D, SURESH J (Physics Dep, SNS Coll of Technology, Coimbatore, TamilNadu, Email: naresh_pnk@yahoo.co.in) : Microwave assisted green synthesis of ZnO nanorods for dye sensitized solar cell application. Indian J Chem Technol 2018, 25(4), 383-9.

The rod shaped ZnO nanoparticles have been synthesized for the first time in a biological process using Colocasia esculenta tuber extract. Moreover, the synthesized nanoparticles have been exposed to microwave irradiation followed by annealing at 400 °C. Subsequently, the FESEM and TEM images shows rod shaped morphology of synthesized ZnO nanoparticles. In addition the XRD studies reveal that the prepared ZnO nanoparticles exhibit wurtzite phase with average particle size of 13.4 nm. The Tauc plot drawn with UV-Vis spectroscopy data confirms the band gap energy of green synthesized ZnO nanoparticles as 3.12 eV. The synthesized nanoparticle is used as a photoanode in dye sensitized solar cell for the first time. The photoanodes is sensitized using natural dyes prepared from the fruit extract of Terminalia catappa, flower extracts of Callistemon citrinus and leaf extracts of Euphorbia pulcherrima and solar cell was fabricated. Its efficiency is found to be in the range of 1.29 % to 1.60 %.

6 illus, 34 ref

028607   ABKENAR S D (Chemistry Dep, Islamic Azad Univ, Mazandar, Iran, Email: dehghan54@yahoo.com) : Fast and efficient removal of acid Brown 214 from aqueous media by adsorption onto fluorene functionalized nanoporous SBA-15. Indian J Chem Technol 2018, 25(4), 376-82.

Fluorene functionalized nanoporous  SBA-15 has been used as a novel solid phase adsorbent for removal of acid brown 214 from water solution. SBA-15 grafted with N-(4- (trimethylsilyl)butyl)-9H-fluorene-9-amine has been synthesized according to procedure in the literature. Structural properties of the prepared materials have been characterized by FT-IR, Raman spectrum, TGA, and XRD analyses and nitrogen physisorption isotherms. Dye removal using adsorption requires a proper study to determine its optimal performance characteristics. In this study, the effects of pH, the amount of adsorbent, contact time and dye concentration on adsorption were determined in order to find the optimum adsorption conditions. The data fits well to the Langmuir model with maximum adsorption capacities 454.5 mg/g for Acid Brown 214 under pH=4. Also the adsorption kinetics parameters have been studied and evaluated. Adsorption of acid brown214 on fluorene functionalized nanoporous SBA-15 reached equilibrium after 5 min and follows the pseudo-second order kinetic model. Desorption process of the adsorbed dye is also investigated.

3 illus, 4 tables, 52 ref

028648   SWETHA G, GOPI T, SHEKAR S C, RAMKRISHNA C, SAINI B, KRISHNA R, ANIDHA A (Defence R&D Establishment, Gwalior- 474 002, Email: sridarac@yahoo.com) : Application of pressure swing adsorption technology combined with 13X molecular sieves for the regenerative air cleaning systems with a dimethyl sulfide as a contaminant. Indian J Chem Technol 2018, 25(4), 353-60.

The use of pressure swing adsorption (PSA) system in the air cleaning technology for the application of regenerative air cleaning systems, which have wide applications in the defence sector has been reported. For this, a test procedure has been established and is elucidated for air purification using dimethyl sulfide (DMS) as a contaminant with 13X molecular sieves as the adsorbent at 4 kg/cm². The dynamic adsorption capacities of 13X molecular sieves for DMS decreases from 14 to0.3 wt % by increasing the flow rate from 3 to 15 lpm at 25 °C, and at 4 kg/cm². The flow rate and contact time are optimized as 6.5 lpm and 5.8 s, respectively for a selected PSA system. No DMS break through has been observed in 80 hr of continuous operation at an average feed concentration of 130 ppm. The 13X molecular sieves are further characterized by BET-SA, FT-IR, XRD and TPD. The TPD data reveal that the regeneration of 13X molecular sieves can be effectively achieved at ~180 °C. The PSA system combined with 13X molecular sieves appears to be the promising technology for regenerative air purification applications and specific to the reduced sulfur compounds.

7 illus, 1 table, 25 ref

028615   GAURH P, PRAMANIK H (Chemical Engineering & Technology Dep, Banaras Hindu Univ, Varanasi- 221 005, Email: hpramanik.che@itbhu.ac.in) : Production and characterization of pyrolysis oil using waste polyethylene in a semi batch reactor. Indian J Chem Technol 2018, 25(4), 336-44.

Plastic waste, polyethylene has been used as a feed stock for the production of valuable hydrocarbons via thermal pyrolysis. The thermal pyrolysis of waste polyethylene has been investigated in a specially designed semi batch reactor with L/D ratio of 1.2. Polyethylene sample of 50 g is used as feed using different reaction temperatures from 500-800 °C. The reaction time of 30 min is maintained irrespective of variation in other experimental conditions. The pyrolysis oil are characterized using API gravity, flash and fire point, calorific value, carbon residue, proximate analysis, ASTM distillation and GC-FID, The maximum liquid yield of 72.6 % is obtained at a temperature of 800 °C, whereas the liquid yield was 61.5 % at the temperature of 500 °C. Though the liquid yield is maximum at 800 °C, the pyrolysis oil solidifies at 32 °C, which indicates higher paraffins are more. The solid char produced was minimum (9.4 wt %) at 800 °C and it was maximum  (20.44 wt. %) at 500 °C. There is minor change in gaseous hydrocarbon yield irrespective of pyrolysis temperature. The liquid yield obtained at 700 °C exhibit the properties similar to commercial diesel with boiling point range 270-320 °C i.e., similar to beyond 50 % distillate recovery as tested in ASTM D86. GC-FID tests of pyrolysis oil (700 °C) gives comparable GC characteristics of commercial diesel.

6 illus, 8 tables, 23 ref

028635   PATHAK P D, SINGH P, MANDAVGANE S A (Chemical Engineering Dep, Visvesvaraya National Institute of Technology., Nagpur- 440 010, Email: sam@che.vnit.ac.in) : Ultrasound-assisted removal of brilliant green from aqueous solution using banana and jackfruit peels. Indian J Chem Technol 2018, 25(4), 324-35.

The potential use of banana (BP) and jackfruit peel (JFP) as eco-friendly and low-cost adsorbents for removal of brilliant green (BG) dye from waste water in the presence of ultrasonic field has been studied. Batch process has been used for adsorption kinetic, equilibrium, and thermodynamic studies. Results show that the amount of BG adsorbed and the rate of adsorption increased in presence of ultrasonic field. The adsorption of BG onto BP and JFP is fast (equilibrium time for the adsorption is about 25 min) and follows the pseudo-second-order kinetic model. The Langmuir isotherm shows the best fit for the adsorption of BG onto BP, where as both Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption isotherms show best fit for the adsorption of BG onto JFP (R²=0.99). The maximum adsorption capacities calculated using the Langmuir isotherm are 21.74 and 31.25 mg/g at 313 K for BP and JFP, respectively. The ΔG values are negative at all operating temperatures, confirming that the adsorption of BG is spontaneous and thermodynamically favorable. The positive value of ΔS suggests the increased randomness at the adsorbate–adsorbent interface. Overall, our study suggests that BP and JFP can be used as an ecofriendly and low-cost agro-material for removal of BG dye from aqueous solutions.

5 illus, 7 tables, 32 ref

027413   KUMAR P, SETHI S, SHARMA R R, SRIVASTAV M, SINGH D, VARGHESE E (Food Science and Postharvest Technology Div, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi - 110 012, Email: docsethi@gmail.com) : Edible coatings influence the cold-storage life and quality of 'Santa Rosa' plum (Prunus salicina Lindell). J Food Sci Technol 2018, 55(6), 2344-50.

Plum is a perishable fruit with a very short shelf life of 3–4 days. Several studies have suggested the possible use of edible coatings on maintaining quality and prolonging storage life of fresh horticultural produce. Hence, different edible coatings, namely, lac-based (2:3), Semperfresh^TM (1:3) and Niprofresh® (1:5) were selected to observe their efficacy on quality retention of ‘Santa Rosa’ plums. The effects of these coatings on the physical, physiological and biochemical attributes were studied under cold storage conditions (2 ± 1 $°$C and 85–90 % relative humidity). Our results revealed that all the coatings, especially the lac-based significantly reduced the weight loss and maintained higher firmness throughout the storage period. These surface coatings modified the respiration and ethylene rates of the plums and slowed down their metabolism as shown by the retention of texture of the tissue and delayed colour development. At the end of 35 days of cold storage, lac-based coating helped to retain nearly 55 % higher fruit firmness and 21 % higher antioxidant activity in fruits as compared to uncoated ones. However, the changes in total anthocyanin content were found to be suppressed by 13 % in lac-based coated fruits. Overall, the results suggested that lac-based coating of plum fruits was most effective to extend the storage life of ‘Santa Rosa’ plums over other coatings and uncoated fruits under low temperature storage conditions.

1 illus, 3 tables, 26 ref

027412   PENG F, XU P, ZHAO B Y, ZONG M H, LOU W Y (South China Univ of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, China, Email: wylou@scut.edu.cn) : The application of deep eutectic solvent on the extraction and in vitro antioxidant activity of rutin from Sophora japonica bud. J Food Sci Technol 2018, 55(6), 2326-33.

The extraction conditions and antioxidant activities of rutin from Sophora japonica bud by deep eutectic solvents were investigated. Box–Behnken design was used to optimize the extraction conditions and the scavenging activities of DPPH, O^2- and$·$OH of purified rutin were evaluated. The highest yield of 279.8 mg/g was achieved in the extraction medium of choline chloride/triethlene glycol (1/4) under the optimum conditions: water content of the DES 18.1 %, extraction time 28.3 min, extraction temperature 70 $°$C and liquid–solid ratio 10 mg/ 1 g. The highest extraction amount was slightly different from the predicted value of the established second-order polynomial equation. In addition, The EC₅₀ of DPPH scavenging, O^2- scavenging and$·$OH scavenging of rutin were 5.68 $\mu$g/mL, 0.19 and 0.28 mg/mL, respectively. The above results indicate rutin extracted by the choline chloride/triethylene glycol has excellent antioxidant activity and was an admirable free radical scavenger.

3 illus, 2 tables, 30 ref

027411   AKKAYA M R (Food Engineering Dep, Adana Science and Technology Univ, 01250 Adana, Turkey, Email: mrakkaya@adanabtu.edu.tr) : Prediction of fatty acid composition of sunflower seeds by near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy. J Food Sci Technol 2018, 55(6), 2318-25.

This study was performed in order to evaluate efficiency of near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS) for the determination of fatty acid composition ratio of sunflower seeds and to compare performance of calibration methods. Calibration equations were developed using modified partial least squares (MPLS) and partial least squares (PLS) regression methods. Ninety-three sunflower seed varieties were from test field of East Mediterranean Agricultural Research Institute. In order to determine the reference fatty acid values needed to construct calibration in NIRS analysis, sunflower seed samples were analyzed by gas chromatography method. Coefficients of determination (R²) in calibration were developed using MPLS and PLS as follows: for palmitic acid 0.706–0.664, for stearic acid 0.615–0.654, for oleic acid 0.996–0.994, for linoleic acid 0.995–0.994, for arachidic acid 0.768–0.643, for linolenic acid 0.818–0.763, for behenic acid 0.891–0.776, for eicosapentaenoic 0.933–0.892, for unsaturated fatty acid 0.837–0.890 and for saturated fatty acid 0.837–0.890 respectively. The results showed that NIRS was a reliable technique that can be used as a tool for rapid pre-screening of fatty acid composition of sunflower seeds.

2 illus, 3 tables, 19 ref

027410   CHEN Y P, LIANG C H, WU T H, PANG H Y, CHEN C, WANG G H, CHAN L P (Xiamen Medical Coll, Fujian, China, Email: wgh@xmmc.edu.cn) : Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capacities of collagen peptides from milkfish (Chanos chanos) scales. J Food Sci Technol 2018, 55(6), 2310-7.

Milkfish (Chanos chanos), which is resistant to water quality changes is the fourth largest aquaculture commodity. Abandoned wastes of fish scale and bones aggravate environmental pollution. In this study, the effect of collagen peptides isolated from milkfish scales (MSCP) by pepsin-soluble collagen method on cell viability was investigated. The antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and DNA-protective activities of MSCP were also evaluated. Results revealed that more than 95 % of viable cells were retained in human keratinocytes after addition of 100 mg/ mL MSCP. Measurement of DPPH$·$and ABTS$·$$+$ radical scavenging activities and cellular reactive oxygen species revealed the high antioxidant activities of MSCP. MSCP demonstrated anti-inflammatory activities by reducing lipoxygenase activity and nitric oxide (NO$·$) radicals. Moreover, DNA electrophoresis assay indicated that MSCP treatment can directly protect against cyclobutane dipyrimidine production and DNA single-strand breaks, which are harmful effects of UV radiation and H₂O₂. Given its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and DNA-protective activities, MSCP has potential applications in cosmeceuticals and supplementary health food.

5 illus, 36 ref

027409   KHATKAR A B, KAUR A, KHATKAR S K, MEHTA N (Food Science & Technology Dep, Punjab Agricultural Univ, Ludhiana - 141 004, Email: abkhatkar@gmail.com) : Optimization of processing time, amplitude and concentration for ultrasound-assisted modification of whey protein using response surface methodology. J Food Sci Technol 2018, 55(6), 2298-309.

Response surface methodology was used to optimize processing variable for ultrasound-assisted modification of whey protein. The process was optimized employing Box–Behnken Design with three independent variables i.e. amplitude (20–40 %), time (10–20 min) and concentration (10–15 %). A second order model was employed to generate response surfaces. Experimental results revealed that analyzed model solutions exhibited the significant influence on various responses signified that the applied statistical model fitted well. The optimized independent variables were found to be 19.77 min time, 20.02 % amplitude and 12.78 % concentration of feed. The modified whey protein had the solubility, 78.52 %; heat stability, 1076.19 s; water solubility index, 92.30 %; water holding capacity, 0.469; oil absorption capacity, 1.709; foaming capacity 92.27; foam stability, 27.71 and firmness, 1692.09 g. Analytical response revealed that solubility of modified whey protein exhibited significant positive correlation with water solubility index, emulsion stability index and firmness.

1 illus, 3 tables, 36 ref

027408   GARCIA-TEJEDA Y V, SALINAS-MORENO Y, BARRERA-FIGUEROA V, MARTINEZ-BUSTOS F (Centro de Investigacion y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politecn, Queretaro, Mexico, Email: fmartinez@cinvestav.mx) : Preparation and characterization of octenyl succinylated normal and waxy starches of maize as encapsulating agents for anthocyanins by spray-drying. J Food Sci Technol 2018, 55(6), 2279-87.

The encapsulation by spray drying of maize anthocyanins was evaluated using two types of wall materials, consisting of normal and waxy maize starch, which were esterified with octenyl succinic anhydride. The X-ray diffraction analysis revealed that SWMS possessed a completely amorphous, while SNMS had a crystalline structure. SNMS showed peaks at 2θ = 13.1$°$, 19.8$°$ and 22.4$°$. The results revealed that SNMS and SWMS had almost the same encapsulation productivity (EP); SNMS showed the best performance because its EP was higher (95 %) than in SWMS (90 %). The stability of microcapsules produced with SNMS showed the highest anthocyanin retention after storage in the water activity (a_w) range of 0.11–0.94 at 40 $°$C.

3 illus, 3 tables, 33 ref

027407   WEI M, WANG S, GU P, OUYANG X, LIU S, LI Y, ZHANG B, ZHU B (Food Science Dep, Beijing Forestry Univ, Beijing- 100 083, China, Email: zhubaoqing@bjfu.edu.cn) : Comparison of physicochemical indexes, amino acids, phenolic compounds and volatile compounds in bog bilberry juice fermented by Lactobacillus plantarum under different pH conditions. J Food Sci Technol 2018, 55(6), 2240-50.

This study aimed to investigate the effect of Lactobacillus plantarum strains on quality improvement of bog bilberry juice. Bog bilberry juice with different pH conditions was fermented by Lactobacillus B7 or C8-1 strain. Physicochemical index, amino acids, phenolic compounds, and volatiles of these fermented juices were compared. Results indicated that Lactobacillus plantarum strains preferred to metabolize malic acid and reducing sugar in non-pH-adjusted juice (NJ, pH 2.65), whereas quinic and citric acids were largely consumed in pH-adjusted juice (AJ, pH 3.50). Shikimic acid and aromatic amino acids were significantly accumulated in pH-adjusted juice, and phenolic compounds in both juices were significantly reduced. These strains enhanced the composition and concentration of volatiles compounds in non-pH-adjusted juice and improved the floral and fruity flavors. However, concentration and complexity of volatiles were reduced in pH-adjusted juices.

5 tables, 36 ref

027406   MONEGO M A, KIPPER D K, PELLEGRINI L G D, PELLEGRINI L G D, ROMAN S S, KUBOTA E H, PRESTES R C, MELLO R D O (Federal Univ of Santa Maria (UFSM), Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, Email: magdaamonego@gmail.com) : Physicochemical, technological and sensory properties of hamburger made with meat from lambs fed on whole cottonseed. J Food Sci Technol 2018, 55(6), 2230-9.

The physicochemical composition and the technological and sensory properties of hamburgers made with meat from Ile de France lambs fed on different levels (0, 10, 20, 30 and 40 %) of whole cottonseed were studied. The addition of whole cottonseed to the lambs’ diets decreased the thiobarbituric acid reactive substances in the lamb meat and altered the physicochemical characteristics of the hamburgers, which were characterised by low lipid (y^ = 4:27), cholesterol (y^ = 75:15) and caloric content (y^ = 122:04). The results regarding cooking characteristics were directly related to the microscopic observations regarding the hamburgers; the more cohesive structures exhibited better performance after cooking, with increased cooking yield and moisture retention, and decreased cooking loss. The levels of whole cottonseed did not influence the texture profile, but they negatively affected the acceptability of the hamburgers, since as the levels of cotton seedlings increased, the scores for the sensorial attributes decreased. Thus, a maximum inclusion of 16.7 % of whole cottonseed in the dry matter of the diet of lambs is recommended.

1 illus, 5 tables, 36 ref

027405   NATH P, KALE S J, KAUR C, CHAUHAN O P (ICAR-Central Institute of Postharvest Engineering and Technology, Punjab - 152 116, Email: prernanath3185@gmail.com) : Phytonutrient composition, antioxidant activity and acceptability of muffins incorporated with red capsicum pomace powder. J Food Sci Technol 2018, 55(6), 2208-19.

Enzymatic liquefaction (EL) ensures fast extraction and enhanced recovery of bioactives from red capsicum along with reduced degradation of these compounds remained in the pomace. Hence, red capsicum pomace obtained as byproduct after EL was freeze dried to produce capsicum pomace powder (CP). CP had almost 80 % of bioactives (total carotenoids 91.23 ± 2.35 mg/ 100 g) and antioxidant activity (DPPH 1.61 ± 0.12 $\mu$mol TE/g) compared to fresh pomace. CP was further used to develop muffins. Different concentrations (2–10 %) of CP were mixed in wheat flour for preparation of muffins. Wheat flour was fortified with CP at different levels (2–10 %) and subsequently, effect of CP fortification on height, texture, bioactives and sensory quality of muffins was observed. CP fortification improved the quality in terms of color, flavor and texture. During storage, hardness values (34.42–32.56 N) showed decreasing trend with increase in CP content. Overall, 6 % CP fortification was found most acceptable without causing significant change in porosity and crust uniformity of fortified muffins. Thus, present study demonstrated that fortification of muffins with 6% CP as functional ingredient offers an opportunity to develop quality muffins with enhanced antioxidant activity (DPPH 13.04 ± 0.02 $\mu$mol TE/g) and total carotenoids (3.46 ± 2.41 mg/100 g).

2 illus, 4 tables, 41 ref

027404   AKHBARI M, MASOUM S, AGHABABAEI F, HAMEDI S (Shahid Beheshti Univ, Kashan, Iran, Email: se_hamedi@sbu.ac.ir) : Optimization of microwave assisted extraction of essential oils from Iranian Rosmarinus officinalis L. using RSM. J Food Sci Technol 2018, 55(6), 2197-207.

In this study, the efficiencies of conventional hydro-distillation and novel microwave hydro-distillation methods in extraction of essential oil from Rosemary officinalis leaves have been compared. In order to attain the best yield and also highest quality of the essential oil in the microwave assisted method, the optimal values of operating parameters such as extraction time, microwave irradiation power and water volume to plant mass ratio were investigated using central composite design under response surface methodology. Optimal conditions for obtaining the maximum extraction yield in the microwave assisted method were predicted as follows: extraction time of 85 min, microwave power of 888 W, and water volume to plant mass ratio of 0.5 ml/g. The extraction yield at these predicted conditions was computed as 0.7756 %. The qualities of the obtained essential oils under designed experiments were optimized based on total contents of four major compounds (α-pinene, 1,8-cineole, camphor and verbenone) which determined by gas chromatography equipped with mass spectroscopy (GC–MS). The highest essential oil quality (55.87 %) was obtained at extraction time of 68 min; microwave irradiation power of 700 W; and water volume to plant mass ratio of zero.

2 illus, 2 tables, 21 ref

027403   ILAME S A, SINGH S V (Chemical Engineering and Technology Dep, Banaras Hindu Univ, Uttar Pradesh - 221 005, Email: satyavirsingh59@rediffmail.com) : Physico-chemical properties of ultrafiltered kinnow (mandarin) fruit juice. J Food Sci Technol 2018, 55(6), 2189-96.

Kinnow fruit juice was clarified with ultrafiltration hollow fiber membrane module with cross flow. The surface modified polysulfone based membrane having MWCO 10, 30 and 44 kDa (three cartridges) were used in these studies. The transmembrane pressure drop, cross flow rate and operating condition effects on the quality of the juice have been analyzed. The quality of clarified kinnow fruit juice were evaluated in terms of pH, viscosity, vitamin C, conductivity, total sugar, titratable acidity, TSS, protein, polyphenol, naringin, pectin, pulp content and organoleptic test. The results showed that the membrane with molecular weight cut off 30 kDa was best membrane among the three membranes. The juice could be stored for at least 60 days without any additive.

1 illus, 2 tables, 32 ref