Herein we report the successful fabrication
of highly flexible,
reversibly stretchable, transparent, and conductive poly(vinyl alcohol)
(PVA) nanocomposite (NC) films with a hydrophobic surface by reinforcing
varying amounts, viz., 0, 0.5, 1, 2, and 4 wt %, of calcium zincate
(Ca0.2Zn0.8O) nanofillers. The developed nanocomposite
films show appreciable UVA screening efficacies as established by
a novel (UV-transillumination studies) method. The Fourier transform
infrared (FTIR) studies reveal a positive interaction between PVA
matrix and incorporated nanofiller, while scanning electron microscopic
(SEM) studies support uniform filler dispersions. The electronic spectral
studies substantiate the changes in electronic band structure of composite
films leading to appreciable changes in the optoelectronic properties.
The fluorescent emission studies reveal dopant-dependent photonic
emissions, while the dielectric properties, such as dielectric constant
(ε′) and dielectric loss (ε″), increase
with an increase in filler volumes up to an optimal filler fraction
(2 wt % of Ca0.2Zn0.8O) owing to the segmental
motion of polymer chains in addition to interfacial polarization associated
with multicomponent systems. The developed films with excellent optoelectronic
properties alongside appreciable flexibilities and stretchabilities
aid their applications as multifunctional UVA shielding polymeric
composites with enhanced photoconductivities.
Background: Systemic drug delivery in schizophrenia is a major challenge, owing to the Blood-brain Barrier (BBB) and P-glycoprotein related effects. Consequently, herein an attempt is made to systemically deliver the most desirable schizophrenia drug, Quetiapine Fumarate (QF) via non-invasive intranasal route using Nanostructured Lipid Carrier (NLC) approach. Materials and Methods: The desired QF loaded NLCs were developed using central composite statistical design and the developed formulations were monitored for improving QF bioavailability and their brain targeting efficacies. Results: The optimized formulation displayed a 2-fold increase (compared to virgin QF) in ex-vivo nasal diffusion at the 6 th hr, with no sign of structural damage (upon histopathological examinations). While, QF blood-brain ratio showed 10-fold increase for NLCs administered through nasal route (in comparison to intravenous route), thereby supporting prolonged retention of QF at the site of action. Similarly, the concentration of QF (in the brain) delivered via nasal route exhibited 4-fold increment at all-time points thereby supporting a potential nose to brain transport and effective bypassing of BBB. Conclusion: The results obtained infers that non-invasive intranasal route can be used as a potential alternative to conventional treatment options towards efficient management of schizophrenia.
Lately, polymer based piezoelectric materials that harness energy from mechanical vibrations and/or impact are being increasingly investigated as radical alternates to conventional batteries that are hard to service once deployed. Nevertheless, the optimization of energy outputs of piezoelectric energy harvesters is one of the prime challenges faced by the scientific community. This chapter provides an overview of polymer based piezoelectric energy harvesters with special emphasis on current state of research on polymer composites/nanocomposites for vibrational energy harvesting. A detailed summary of piezoelectric phenomenon in polymers is also presented. An in-depth narration detailing the enhancement of piezoelectric behavior of one of the most commonly employed piezoelectric polymer (PVDF) is presented with special emphasis on some of the promising filler materials towards realizing high efficient piezoelectric modules. This chapter is intended to give an insight on the recent advances in the field of polymer based piezoelectric materials.
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