This paper presents a simple, low cost method of synthesizing TiO2 nanoparticles by sol-gel method, where titanium isopropoxide is used as a starting material. Further, same TiO2 is used to sensitize 2-cyano-3-(4-(7-(5-(4-(diphenylamino) phenyl)-4-octylthiophen-2-yl) benzo[c] [1, 2, 5] thiadiazol-4yl)phenyl) acrylic acid (RK-1 dye) and Di-tetrabutylammonium cis-bis (isothiocyanato) bis (2,2'-bipyridyl-4,4'-dicarboxylato) ruthenium(II) (N-719 dye) for light harvesting applications. Anatase structure and average particle size of 7.3 nm were confirmed from XRD pattern. From SEM, it was noticed that particles were of varying size and shape and aggregation with clear porosity. FTIR spectra reveal Ti-O bond corresponding to 483 cm-1 and from UV-Vis absorption, energy band gap was found to be 3.2 eV. Photocurrent density (J)-photovoltage (V) characteristic of DSSC of different thicknesses of TiO2 were obtained, it was observed that optimum solar energy to electricity conversion efficiency () for RK-1 dye and N-719 dye 4.08 % and 5.12 % with TiO2 thickness of 5.4 μm and 8.6 μm respectively under AM 1.5 irradiation (1000 W/m 2) conditions.
BackgroundThe ILEP Nerve Function Impairment in Reaction (INFIR) is a cohort study designed to identify predictors of reactions and nerve function impairment (NFI) in leprosy.Aim of the StudyAntibodies to mycobacteria, nerve components and serum cytokine were measured as potential markers for their possible association with reactions and NFI.Patients and Methods303 newly diagnosed leprosy patients from two centres in North India were enrolled. Antibodies to PGL-1, LAM (IgG1 and IgG3), ceramide, S100 and TNFα levels were measured using ELISA techniques.ResultsS-100, PGL IgG and IgM antibody levels were lowest in patients with BT leprosy and highest in patients with lepromatous leprosy. LAM IgG1 and LAM IgG3 antibody levels were highest in patients with BL leprosy. Ceramide antibody levels were not correlated with type of leprosy. Levels of all the antibodies tested and TNF α were lowest in patients with only skin reaction. PGL IgM antibody levels were elevated in patients with skin reactions and NFI. Old sensory NFI is associated with significant elevation of PGL IgG, LAM IgG and S100 antibody levels.ConclusionThese results reveal that the antibody response to mycobacterial antigens, nerve antigens and cytokines are in a dynamic flux and could collectively contribute to NFI in leprosy. The association of multiple markers with old NFI may indicate the contribution of different pathological processes.
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