Polymer Sciences Open Access

Advancement of Bio-Nanocomposite Materials in the Energy and Healthcare Fields

Ayman Abu Ghazal^* Department of Chemical Engineering, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Jordan
^*Correspondence: Ayman Abu Ghazal, Department of Chemical Engineering, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Jordan, Email:

Received: 02-Nov-2022, Manuscript No. IPPS-22-15351; Editor assigned: 04-Nov-2022, Pre QC No. IPPS-22-15351 (PQ); Reviewed: 18-Nov-2022, QC No. IPPS-22-15351; Revised: 23-Nov-2022, Manuscript No. IPPS-22-15351 (R); Published: 30-Nov-2022, DOI: 10.36648/2471-9935.22.7.28

Description

Nanocomposites play a significant role in the current generation of technology. Nanocomposites must be synthesised with a lot of practise, and it is certain that hazardous components will be consumed throughout the process. A contemporary problem is the green synthesis of nanocomposites in light of our vulnerable planet. Ionic liquids are environmentally friendly alternatives to outdated toxic products. Aqueous micelles solutions might be created using hydrophobic ionic liquids. The possibility for theologically stable nanofluids to arise in the micelle solutions is less. Processing wastewater using nanocomposites is a widespread practise. One of the most effective ways to clean wastewater is to remove dye using nanocomposite. One of the industrial dyes that is utilised on a large basis is congo red. However, because of its pH dependence and high water solubility, extracting Congo red from wastewater is one of the trickier procedures. It has been demonstrated, nevertheless, that eliminating Congo red from wastewater may be accomplished effectively by utilising nanocomposite.

Here, potato starch (PS, the film-forming matrix) was combined with Cellulose Nanocrystals (CNCs) and Chitosan Nanoparticles (CS NPs) to create a nanocomposite film without the addition of additional antibacterial agents, in order to enhance the mechanical and antibacterial properties of conventional starch based film. In order to determine the best film performance, CNCs of various concentrations were introduced to the composite system of PS and CS NPs. Tensile Strength (TS) of nanocomposite film with 0, 0.01, 0.05, and 0.1% (w/w) CNCs inclusion was found to be 41, 46, 47, and 41 MPa, respectively, according to the results. In each case, the Elongation at Break (EAB) was 12.5, 10.2, 7.1, and 13.3%. Surface shape and structural characteristics of the nanocomposite film were changed as a result of CNCs’ reinforcing impact. The film-forming matrix’s components exhibit hydrogen bonds and electrostatic attractors, according to TGA analysis. Films made from nanocomposite materials shown effective antibacterial capabilities against E. coli and S. aureus. The nanocomposite film, which is made up of the three most prevalent biodegradable polymers, has the potential to be used as an antibacterial packaging film for the food and related sectors.

PEEK is a suitable biomaterial for orthopaedic implant applications because of its outstanding mechanical qualities, chemical resistance, nontoxicity, and compatibility with Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). PEEK’s inherent bio-inertness unfortunately limited its use and necessitated considerable modification to improve bioactivity. In addition to that, the bone’s piezoelectric properties create electrical impulses that are crucial for controlling bone regrowth and healing. Our goal was to enhance PEEK’s surface with a dual-functional nanocomposite that mimics bone’s piezoelectricity and delivers surface bioactivity. In order to increase its biological activity and mimic the electrical microenvironment for bone tissue, we developed a novel piezoelectric-bioactive nanocomposite of dispersed poly (vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) in a sulfonated PEEK (SPEEK) matrix containing Nanohydroxyapatite (nHA) and Carbon Nanofiber (CNF) fillers for coating on PEEK substrate. In order to improve adhesion between the coated nanocomposite and the PEEK sublayer, the PEEK surface underwent sulfonation as an intermediary layer. Field-Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) and energy dispersive X-ray analysis were used to examine the surface and cross-section morphology, apatite production, and cell attachment on the various treated PEEK surfaces (EDX).

The manufactured samples were further tested for mechanical characteristics, electrical conductivity, contact angle, and piezoelectric performance. Additionally, cell viability and cell shape were examined for biological assessment using MG-63 cells that resemble human osteoblasts. Together, the synergistic impacts of SPEEK functional groups and nHA increased the hydrophilicity of modified PEEK (mPEEK) covered with nanocomposite. Additionally, thorough analysis of the mPEEK treated with nanocomposite showed that the presence of nHA significantly improved the development of bone-like apatite, cell proliferation, and cell attachments. The output voltage was raised to 1893 mV by the transfer of induced piezoelectric charges from distributed PVDF in the matrix to the surface of nanocomposite containing 2% wt. of CNF. On the other hand, CNF increased the tensile strength and Young’s modulus of nanocomposites by 92% and 117% respectively.

Research into the synthesis of materials at the nanoscale has been a hot issue in the minds of researchers since the discovery and development of semiconducting materials. In prior attempts, physical and chemical synthesis methods were used to create the nanomaterials. The physical synthesis method requires pricey equipment, such as ball milling. The physical synthesis method results in a defective nanomaterial. The chemical synthesis method makes use of chemical chemicals that might be harmful to the environment. Therefore, researchers were looking for an alternate synthesis method that may result in defect-free and environmentally friendly materials at the nanoscale. The created nanomaterials might function well as nano-catalysts for the treatment of wastewater (adsorption, 1 photocatalysis, 2-4 organic transformation reaction, 5,6 chromium reduction, 7etc.). Utilizing microorganisms like fungus, bacteria, extracts from plant parts, metabolic waste from vertebrate animals like the Bos taurus indicus, and other microbes like these, low-cost, environmentally friendly methods of synthesising nanomaterials are developed by combining biotechnology with nanotechnology. It is possible to create low-cost and environmentally friendly methods of fabricating materials at the nanoscale using metabolites derived from plant or animal sources.

Acknowledgement

Authors do not have acknowledgments currently.

Conflict of Interest

There are no conflicts of interest.