Characterization,in vitro bioactivity and biological studies of sol-gel-derived TiO2 substituted 58S bioactive glass

Bioactive glasses (BGs) have been used for bone formation and bone repair processes in recent years. This study investigated the titanium substitution effect on 58S BGs (Ti-BGs) 60SiO₂-(36 − X)CaO-4P₂O₅-XTiO₂ (X = 0, 3, and 5 mol.%) prepared by the sol-gel technique, and the main goal was to find the optimum amount of titanium in Ti-BGs. Synthesized BGs, which were investigated after immersion in simulated body fluid (SBF), were tested by X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and scanning electron microscopy. Moreover alkaline phosphate (ALP) activity, 3-(4,5dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, and antibacterial studies were employed to investigate the biological properties of Ti-BGs. According to the FTIR and XRD test results, hydroxyapatite (HA) formation on Ti-BGs surfaces was confirmed. Meanwhile, the presence of 5 mol.% compared to 3 mol.% increased the HA grain distribution and their size on the Ti-BGs surface. Additionally, MTT and ALP results confirmed that the optimal amount of titanium substitution in BG was 5 mol.%. Since 5 mol.% Ti incorporated BG (BG-5) had the highest biocompatibility level, antibacterial properties, maximum cell proliferation, and ALP activity among the synthesized Ti-BGs, it is presented as the best candidate for further in vivo investigations.     

Characterization,in vitro bioactivity and biological studies of sol-gel synthesized SrO substituted 58S bioactive glass

Bioactive glasses (BGs) are considered as a high potential candidate in bone repair and replacement. In the present study, sol–gel derived BGs based on 60% SiO₂-(36%-x) CaO-4%P₂O₅-x SrO (where x = 0, 5 and 10 mol%) quaternary system were synthesized and characterized. The effect of Sr substitutions on bioactivity, proliferation, alkaline phosphatase activity of osteoblast cell line MC3T3-E1 and antibacterial activity were investigated. Dried gels were stabilized at 700 °C to eliminate the nitrates and prevent the crystallization of bioactive glasses. X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy results confirmed the formation of hydroxycarbonate apatite on the BG surfaces. The 3-(4,5dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide and alkaline phosphate activity results showed that 5% SrO increased both differentiation and proliferation of MC3T3-E1 cells, while 10% SrO resulted in a decrease in bioactivity. Live/Dead and DAPI/Actin staining exhibited viable cell and the morphology of actin fibers and nuclei of MC3T3 cells treated with BG-0 and BG-5. The result of antibacterial test showed that strontium substituted 58S BG exhibited antibacterial effect against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. Taken together, results suggest that 58S BG with 5 mol% SrO is a good candidate for bone tissue engineering with maximum cell proliferation and ALP activity, good bioactivity and high antibacterial efficiency.     

The effect of magnesium content on in vitro bioactivity,biological behavior and antibacterial activity of sol–gel derived 58S bioactive glass

Bioactive glasses (BGs) have a great potential for bone replacement and regeneration in bone tissue engineering applications. In this research, first, sol–gel derived magnesium substituted 58?S BGs (MBGs) series composed of 60SiO₂–4P₂O₅-(36-x) CaO- xMgO, (x = 0; 1; 3; 5; 8 and 10?mol.%) were synthesized and stabilized at 700?°C to eliminate the nitrates and prevent the crystallization of MBGs. MgO was substituted for CaO in the BG formula up to 10?mol% and the effect of Mg concentration on in vitro bioactivity and cellular properties of the MBGs were investigated by immersing them in simulated body fluid (SBF) followed by structural characterization using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) techniques. The effects Mg on proliferation and differentiation of osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells were also evaluated by 3-(4,5dimethylthiazol-2-yl)??2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) and alkaline phosphate (ALP) activity.Results revealed that magnesium-substituted 58?S BG with 5?mol% MgO (BG-5) had the highest formation rate of hydroxyapatite (HA) while substitution of 8?mol% and10 mol% MgO (BG-8 and BG-10) lowered the bioactivity. MTT and ALP results confirmed that the substitution of the MgO up to 5?mol% increased both proliferation and differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells, while more substitution had a negative effect and resulted in a decrease of proliferation and differentiation in BG-8 and BG-10. The result of antibacterial test showed that MBGs exhibited antibacterial effect against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) bacteria. Taken together, results suggest that, among all the synthesized MBGs, sample BG-5 is a promising candidate as multifunctional biomaterial for bone tissue engineering with maximum cell proliferation and ALP activity, good bioactivity and high antibacterial efficiency against MRSA bacteria. Eventually, the BG-5 is suggested to be used in segmental defects in rat model in vivo.     

Gel-derived SiO2–CaO–P2O5 bioactive glasses and glass-ceramics modified by SrO addition

The effect of SrO substitution for CaO in two sol–gel glasses with different chemical compositions (mol%) A2Sr: (54−x)CaO–xSrO–6P₂O₅–40SiO₂ and S2Sr: (16−x)CaO–xSrO–4P₂O₅–80SiO₂ (x=0, 1, 3 and 5) stabilized at 700 °C on their structure (XRD, FTIR) and bioactive properties (SBF test) was investigated. Preliminary in vitro tests using human articular chondrocytes of selected A2Sr glass were also conducted. Moreover, the subject of this study was to detect the changes on material properties after heat treatment at 1300 °C. The results show that the effect of strontium substitution on structure, bioactivity and crystallization after treatment at both the above temperatures strongly depends on CaO/SiO₂ molar ratio. The presence of 3–5 mol% of strontium ions creates more expanded glass structure but does not markedly affect crystallization ability after low temperature treatment. Sintering at 1300 °C of A2 type glasses results in crystallization of pseudowollastonite, hydroxyapatite and also Sr-substituted hydroxyapatite for 3–5 mol% of SrO substitution. The increase of strontium concentration in silica-rich materials after sintering leads to appearance of calcium strontium phosphate instead of calcium phosphate. Bioactivity evaluation indicates that substitution of Sr for Ca delays calcium phosphate formation on the materials surface only in the case of silica-rich glasses treated at 700 °C. Calcium-rich glasses, after both temperature treatments, reveals high bioactivity, while crystal size of hydroxyapatite decreases with increasing Sr content. High temperature treatment of high-silica glasses inhibits their bioactivity. Preliminary in vitro tests shows Sr addition to have a positive effects on human articular chondrocytes proliferation and to inhibit cell matrix biomineralization.     

Bioactive Glass: An In-Vitro Comparative Study of Doping with Nanoscale Copper and Silver Particles

Bioactive glasses (BGs) based on 50SiO₂-45CaO-5P₂O₅ system doped with 1, 5, and 10 mol% CuO or Ag₂O were separately synthesized using quick alkali sol-gel method. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis of the samples confirmed the formation of nano-sized BGs, whereas Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra showed characteristic peaks for silica and phosphate groups. X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern of the heat-treated (700°C) samples revealed the presence of crystalline metallic silver phase in all Ag-doped samples, while the XRD pattern of Cu-doped and control sample (50Si-45CaO-5P₂O₅) also heat-treated at 700°C confirmed their amorphous nature. Ultraviolet–visible (UV-Vis) studies along with Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) analysis confirmed the successful incorporation of Cu and Ag in bioglass. Antibacterial properties of the synthesized BGs were investigated by quantitative viable count method, and the results were related to the ion release profiles of the samples studied by flame atomic absorption spectroscopy (FAAS). Fast initial release of Ag observed in this study makes Ag-doped BG a better rapid bacteria-killing agent than Cu-doped BG, which exhibited a prolonged release of ions, suggesting that it may be a better candidate for long-term antibacterial protection.     

Synthesis and characterization of chlorinated hydroxyapatite as novel synthetic bone substitute with negative zeta potential

In the present work, chlorine doped hydroxyapatite (ClHA), with varying degrees of ion replacement was successfully synthesized by a simple ball milling technique. The resulting powders were characterized by X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Field emission scanning electron microscopy and particle size analyzer. The zeta potential of the powders was performed in physiological saline (0.154 M). The results confirmed the formation of apatite as the main phase in all chlorine substituted powders except for some incremental changes in the lattice parameter ‘a’ and unit cell volumes of the resultant powders. However, the crystallinity of the powders declined from 96% to 83%. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy results confirmed the incorporation of Cl ions in the apatite lattice by the appearance of new bands at 677 cm^-1. FESEM results revealed that the crystallites have grown into grains with no major agglomeration. Vicker hardness test results revealed a hardness value of 2.65 ± 0.258 GPa for ClHA4 dense bodies at a load of 200g. Zeta potential analysis of the powders suggested that ClHA nanopowders can prove to be a potential bone implant material.     

The red-emitting phosphors of Mn4+-activated A2MgWO6 (A = Ba,Sr, Ca) for light emitting diodes

A series of Mn⁴⁺ ions activated A₂MgWO₆ (A = Ba, Sr, Ca) phosphors, showing bright red emission peaks appeared around 700 nm under the excitation of 355 nm, were synthesized by the solid-state reaction. The crystal structures and photo-luminescent (PL) properties of these synthesized phosphors were deeply investigated with the aids of X-ray diffraction measurement (XRD), and the temperature dependent PL/decay curves in detail. The optimum doping concentration of Mn⁴⁺ ions in A₂MgWO₆ (A = Ba, Sr, Ca) lattices were studied through the relationship between the Mn⁴⁺ ions doping concentrations and the luminescent intensities. The thermal stability of the synthesized red-emitting phosphors was checked based on the temperature-dependent PL intensities ranging from 7 to 510 K. Comparative studies of the luminescent properties for Mn⁴⁺ ions in isostructural A₂MgWO₆ (A = Ba, Sr, Ca) lattice with double perovskite structure were studied. The results indicate that the synthesized red-emitting phosphors are the ideal choice for white light emitting diodes (W-LEDs).     

Ag–Sr doped mesoporous bioactive glass nanoparticles loaded chitosan/gelatin coating for orthopedic implants

In this study, we investigated surface and biological properties of Ag–Sr-doped mesoporous bioactive glass nanoparticle (Ag–Sr MBGN) loaded chitosan/gelatin coatings deposited by electrophoretic deposition (EPD) on 316L stainless steel. The EPD parameters, that is, deposition time, applied voltage, and distance between the electrodes was optimized by the Taguchi design of experiment (DoE) approach. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images illustrated the spherical morphology of the synthesized Ag–Sr MBGNs with the mean particle size of 160 ± 20 nm. Energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy results confirmed the presence of Ag and Sr in the synthesized MBGNs. Optimum EPD parameters determined by DoE approach were 5 g/L of Ag–Sr MBGNs, deposition time of 5 min, and applied voltage of 30 V. SEM images confirmed that the coatings were fairly homogenous. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and EDX results confirmed the presence of chitosan, gelatin, and Ag–Sr MBGNs in the coatings. Chitosan/gelatin/Ag–Sr MBGN composite coatings exhibited suitable wettability for the protein attachment and proliferation of osteoblast cells. The composite coatings exhibited suitable adhesion strength with the substrate. The coatings developed HA crystals upon immersion in simulated body fluid. The results of the turbidity test confirmed that the coatings are antibacterial to the Escherichia coli cells.     

A comprehensive study on copper incorporated bio-glass matrix for its potential antimicrobial applications

In this study, sol-gel derived Cu substituted 70S bioglass (70SiO2-(20-x) CaO–10P2O5-xCuO; where x = 0, 0.5, 1, 1.5) were synthesized as a new multifunctional bioactive glasses (BGs). The effect of Cu substitution in the bio-glass matrix was evaluated for its impact on pathogen (Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aurous). Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Inductively Coupled Plasma spectroscopy (ICP) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) revealed that the obtained powders are amorphous silicate glass. The substituted element is present in the desired molar concentration. In vitro bioactivity test was performed in SBF solution by immersion of bioglass pellets. Antibacterial test was carried out against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. The results showed that the prepared BGs have a high acellular bioactivity observed by a fast formation of thick and continuous layer of carbonated hydroxyapatite (CHA). The antibacterial properties of the substituted bio-glass matrix was indicated by the growth inhibition of bacterial colonies. The obtained results showed that copper substituted bio-glass is having potential to avoid post-surgical infections and it also represents the capability of hard tissue regeneration.     

Oxygen ion conductivity studies of bismuth and bismuth-calcium co-doped ThO2

A series of trivalent (Bi³⁺) doped and divalent (Ca²⁺) co-doped ThO₂ samples i.e., Th_0.50-xCa_xBi_0.50O_2-δ (x = 0.00, 0.05, 0.10, 0.15 and 0.20) have been synthesized by citrate-nitrate solution combustion route and investigated in the context of oxygen ion conductivity and dielectric relaxation phenomena. The Rietveld refinement of the Powder X-ray diffraction data confirmed monophasic fluorite structures (S.G. Fm$\stackrel{￣}{3}$m) for calcium concentrations up to 20 mol %. The optical band gap decreased with the increase in Ca²⁺ concentration up to 10 mol %. In contrast, the defect band's intensity in the Raman spectra increased due to oxygen vacancies on divalent addition. The quantitative aspect of oxygen vacancy and defect concentration was derived from Raman spectra. The crystallographic index application was further employed to interpret the optimum doping concentration to maximize oxide ion conductivity. Remarkably high oxide ion conductivity (~10^?3 S/cm) was observed for Bi³⁺ doped (50 mol %), and Bi³⁺ (50 mol %)-Ca²⁺ (10 mol %) co-doped ThO₂ samples at 773 K. The Nyquist plot exhibited grain contribution for low dopant levels. Both grain and grain boundary contribution were present in the higher dopant concentrations. Conductivity, dielectric, and modulus properties of doped and co-doped samples have been compared, from which 10 mol % of Ca²⁺-doping was identified to be the optimum concentration.     

Rare earth element cerium substituted Ca–Si–Mg system bioceramics: From mechanism to mechanical and degradation properties

Cerium (Ce)-substituted diopsides (CaMgSi₂O₆) with enhanced mechanical strength and bioactivity were fabricated by precipitation method, followed by annealing at 1000 °C for 4 h. The mineralogical, morphological, in vitro biomineralization, degradation, and mechanical properties were investigated in order to assess the factors and mechanisms affecting the resultant properties. The X-ray diffractometer results showed that the onset of substitutional solid solubility in 0.25 mol Ce would result in new phase formation (cerium dioxide [CeO₂], and magnesium silicate [MgSiO₃]) further causing lattice instability. With increasing Ce dopant levels to 1.00 mol, the initial CaMgSi₂O₆ phase was completely replaced by new phases. The field-emission scanning electron microscopy results indicated that the 0.25 mol Ce had the best biomineralization performance in vitro, while less hydroxyapatite precipitates were found with further increasing Ce dopant levels, suggesting the new phases led to the hindrance of precipitates. The weight loss values indicated that the high dissolution rate of ions in the matrix was observed in the pure sample, while the high readsorption rate of ions in the simulated body fluid (SBF) occurred with increasing Ce dopant levels. The pH value and the inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometer results suggested that the release of Ca and Mg ions controlled the pH value. The mechanical strength of matrices before SBF immersion was related to the phase transformation, the elastic modulus of CeO₂ and CaMgSi₂O₆, and the release of Mg ions, while the mechanical strength of matrices after SBF immersion was dominated by the structure of matrices.     

Investigation of optical,structural, FTIR and magnetic properties of Sn substituted Zn0.98Mn0.02O nanoparticles

Zn_0.98Mn_0.02O and Zn_0.98−xMn_0.02Sn_xO (x=2% and 4%) nanoparticles have been successfully synthesized via sol–gel method. X-ray diffraction (XRD) confirmed the hexagonal wurtzite structure of the samples and also successful Sn doping without any secondary phases. The microstructure of ZnMnO was significantly altered where the morphology was turned from mixed plate-like structure to spherical like structure by Sn substitution which was confirmed by electron microscope images. The energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis confirmed the presence of Sn and Mn in Zn–O nanoparticles. The observed narrowing of energy gap (red shift) from 3.85 eV (Sn=0%) to 3.66 eV (Sn=4%) was discussed based on size effect and generation of free carrier concentrations. The improved optical properties of Sn–Zn–Mn–O evidenced for developing opto-electronic devices with better conversion efficiency. The shift of lattice mode (position) around 527–548 cm⁻¹ and the change in shape of the band demonstrated the presence of Sn in Zn–Mn–O. The decrease of UV emission intensity and increase of defect related blue and green emissions indicated the possible generation of white light sources and display devices. The superior magnetic property of Sn doped Zn_0.98Mn_0.02O was explained by the intrinsic exchange interaction between Zn/Mn/Sn ions through the defects induced by Sn.     

Iron substitution in PrAlO3 perovskite leading to structural transformation and multiferroicity

Recognizing the crucial properties exhibited by FeAlO₃ perovskite, its stabilization with the inclusion of bigger sized Pr³⁺ (f-block ion) in place of Fe³⁺ (d-block ion) is examined by preparing the samples employing an epoxide mediated sol-gel route and characterizing them extensively. Up to 40 mol % substitution of iron, hexagonal PrAlO₃ with rhombohedral symmetry (R-3c spacegroup) was retained. At 50 mol % of iron substitution, it transformed into orthorhombic symmetry (Pnma spacegroup). At 80 mol % substitution of iron, X-ray pattern was amorphous. The metal-oxide bonding and symmetries were further verified by FTIR and Raman measurements. EPR and XPS measurements, performed at room temperature, confirmed the presence of Fe²⁺ and Fe³⁺ in the samples. Besides, praseodymium existed in III and IV oxidation states in these samples. Both field and temperature-dependent measurements showed ferromagnetic/ferrimagnetic behavior in the iron substituted samples. The ferrimagnetic transition occurred above room temperature (321 K) in 70 mol % iron substituted PrAlO₃. Such a high T_F is not reported till now among the available polymorphs of PrAlO₃ or FeAlO₃. 50 and 70 mol % iron substituted PrAlO₃ samples showed ferroelectric behavior at room temperature, qualifying them to be multiferroics.     

Synthesis, characterization and in vitro bioactivity of magnesium-doped sol-gel glass and glass-ceramics

Bioactive glass and glass-ceramics in the system CaO-MgO-SiO₂-P₂O₅ have been prepared by the sol-gel and high temperature sintering techniques. The obtained samples were characterized by thermogravimetric and differential thermal analysis (TG/DTA), N₂-adsorption measurement, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). In vitro bioactivity tests were also conducted in simulated body fluid (SBF). The studies of crystallization kinetics under non-isothermal conditions showed the activation energy for crystallization to be 381 kJ/mol and the crystallization mechanism gradually changed from three-dimension growth to two-dimension crystallization with the increase of heating rate. Sintering temperature had great influence on the samples texture and structure. In addition, the apatite-formation on glass and glass-ceramics was confirmed by in vitro tests, and crystallization decreased the samples bioactivity.     

Amorphous carbonated apatite formation on diamond-like carbon containing titanium oxide

Thin films of diamond-like carbon (DLC) containing titanium oxide (DLC-TiO_x, x ≤ 2) were synthesized using a pulsed DC metal–organic plasma activated chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) technique. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) results confirmed the presence of TiO₂ on the surface of the films. The compressive stress, elastic modulus and hardness of the films decreased with increasing Ti content. The water contact angle reduced from 62° for DLC to 45° for DLC-TiO_x films containing 13.3 at.% of Ti. The biomimetic growth of amorphous carbonated apatite on the DLC-TiO_x in simulated body fluid (SBF) was found and dependent on the Ti content of the film. UV light exposure prior to immersion in SBF increased the growth rate of apatite formation significantly as a result of increased hydrophilicity of the surface.     

Synthesis and solubility of calcium fluoride/hydroxy-fluorapatite nanocrystals for dental applications

As the mineral phase of tooth enamel consists of apatite containing fluoride, the “CaF₂-like” salts are of significant interest in dentistry for their roles as labile fluoride reservoirs in caries prevention. Fluoride ion is required for normal dental development because of its therapeutic ability of osteoporosis healing and stimulating osteoblast activity both in vitro and in vivo. In this research, biphasic Calcium fluoride/fluorinated-hydroxyapatite (CF/FHAp) nanocrystals have been successfully synthesized via co-precipitation method. The synthesized powder was characterized by the commonly used bulk techniques such as chemical analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) analyses. The obtained results confirmed the formation of biphasic powder composed of about 46% CF and 54% (w/w%) apatite phase which was a solid solution composed of more than 50% fluorapatite (FAp). In addition, in vitro evaluations of the powder were performed, and for investigating their bioactive capacity they were soaked in simulated body fluid (SBF) at different time intervals. The samples showed significant enhancement in bioactivity within few hours of immersion in SBF solution. Also, the EDS analysis clearly showed dissolution and deposition of calcium and phosphate ions on the surface of synthesized biphasic powder after the first week of immersion in SBF solution.     

Photochemical synthesis of AZrO3−X thin films (A=Ba,Ca and Sr) and their characterization

(Ba, Ca, Sr)ZrO_3−X thin films were prepared by a photochemical method using thin films of β-diketonate complexes as precursors. The photolysis of these films induces the fragmentation of the 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-3,5-heptanedionate ligand and the partial reduction of metal ion together with volatile organic compounds as sub-products. When the metallic complexes are irradiated in air, the final product of the reaction are ternary metal oxides. The photoreactivity of these films was monitored by FT-IR spectroscopy by a period of 72 h, followed by post-annealing at 950 °C. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction techniques were used to analyze the chemical composition and the crystalline structure of the films obtained. The results indicate that Ba, Ca, Sr, Zr and O are present in the form of perovskita, preferably adopting an amorphous structure. The surface morphology examined by atomic force microscopy revealed a rough and irregular surface. The UV–vis measurements suggest a slight increase in the optical band gap values, which promote a reduction of the intermediary energy levels or defects.     

Broadband emission phosphor Sr3Al2O5Cl2:Bi3+: Luminescence modulation and application for a white-light-emitting diode

Bi³⁺ ions can regulate and control the fluorescence of a phosphor by transferring energy to the activating agent or occupying different luminescent centers, which is important for modifying phosphors and revealing fluorescence mechanisms. As a base material, Sr₃Al₂O₅Cl₂ has three types of Sr sites (Sr 1, Sr 2, and Sr 3) that may be occupied by Bi³⁺ ions (Sr²⁺ has a similar radius to Bi³⁺). Herein, we successfully synthesized a series of Sr₃Al₂O₅Cl₂:x%Bi³⁺ phosphors using the high-temperature solid-state method and determined a two-site-occupying emission mechanism. X-ray diffraction patterns indicated that the samples were synthesized well, and Rietveld refinement results provided their structural information. Photoluminescence spectra showed 490 nm (λ_ex = 345 nm) and 556 nm (λ_ex = 376 nm) emission peaks, which might arise from different luminescent centers. The concentration quenching study, peak separation analysis, fluorescence lifetime spectra, and diffuse reflection spectra indicated that the Bi³⁺ ions occupied two of the three Sr sites. Calculations of relative system energies and distortion index proved that the occupation only occurred in the Sr 1 and Sr 3 sites, and crystal splitting analysis determined that Sr 1 site generated 490 nm emission light and Sr 3 site generated 556 nm emission light. The charge compensator and flux were added to enhance the fluorescence intensity of the phosphor, and 5% K⁺ along with 1% BaF₂ is the optimal dosage. Finally, the SrAlSiN₃:Eu²⁺, BaMgAl₁₀O₁₇:Eu²⁺, and optimized Sr₃Al₂O₅Cl₂:5%Bi³⁺ phosphors were combined as a luminous layer and a warm-white light-emitting diode was realized; the color rendering indices were 84.3, 85.8, 86.4, and 86.2 under working currents of 20, 30, 40, and 50 mA, respectively.     

Enhancing the magnetic and antibacterial properties of ZnO nanopowders through Mn+Co doping

Undoped and doubly (Mn+Co) doped ZnO nanopowders were synthesized with different doping levels of Co (1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 at%) and constant Mn doping level (10 at%) using a simple soft chemical route. XRD profiles confirmed that the synthesized material is nanocrystalline ZnO with hexagonal wurtzite structure. No peaks other than the characteristic ZnO peaks were observed in the XRD pattern confirming the absence of any secondary phase. Antibacterial activities of synthesized ZnO nanopowders were tested against Staphylococcus aureus bacteria using agar well diffusion method. It was found that the antibacterial efficiency of the doubly doped ZnO nanopowders was remarkably high when the Co doping level was 5 at%. The obtained PL, SEM and TEM results are corroborated well with the antibacterial activity. Magnetic measurements showed that undoped ZnO sample exhibits diamagnetic behavior and as the Co doping level increases, the nanopowder behaves as a ferromagnetic material.     

Half-metallocene zirconium complex bearing tridentate [N,N,O] ligand and its use in homo- and copolymerization of ethylene

The novel half-metallocene zirconium (IV) bearing quinoline-amino-phenolate tridentate ligand (Zr1) was synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, NMR spectroscopy, and X-ray crystallography. The complex Zr1, upon activation with MAO, proved active in the polymerization of ethylene (26-2015 kg of PE/mol[Zr]·h^− 1), yielding high-density polyethylenes with molecular weight varying from 129 to 364 × 10³ g·mol^− 1. Complex Zr1 was also tested in the copolymerization of ethylene with 1-hexene affording high molecular weight poly(ethylene-co-1-hexene) with low comonomer incorporation (1.0–1.9%).