Facile one pot synthesis of graphene oxide (GO) by sonication assisted mechanochemical approach has been reported here. The amalgamation of ultrasonication and mechanical stirring has assisted the synthesis of GO in a short time duration of only 4 hours with good reaction yield. The structural characterization of GO was performed by X-ray diffraction spectroscopy (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), UV-Visible spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy. Atomic force microscopic (AFM) analysis manifested the flake like morphology of GO with average sheet thickness ~1.5 nm. AFM also provides important information about the surface roughness. Transmission electron microscope (TEM) analysis gave clear visualization of well exfoliated structure of GO in the form of thin flakes. The field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) analysis revealed a crimpling surface morphology of GO. The average size of GO flake as revealed through various morphological as well as light scattering techniques was around 3 μm. Moreover, important surface chemistry of the synthesized GO was well ascertained through contact angle analysis, AFM analysis and zeta potential analysis.
The global pandemic COVID-19, caused by novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, has emerged as severe public health issue crippling world health care systems. Substantial knowledge has been generated about the pathophysiology of the disease and possible treatment modalities in a relatively short span of time. As of August 19, 2020, there is no approved drug for the treatment of COVID-19. More than 600 clinical trials for potential therapeutics are underway and the results are expected soon. Based on early experience, different treatment such as anti-viral drugs (remdesivir, favipiravir, lopinavir/ritonavir), corticosteroids (methylprednisolone, dexamethasone) or convalescent plasma therapy are recommended in addition to supportive care and symptomatic therapy. There are several treatments currently being investigated to address the pathological conditions associated with COVID-19. This review provides currently available information and insight into pathophysiology of the disease, potential targets, and relevant clinical trials for COVID-19.
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