Amitava Ghosh

Bio: Amitava Ghosh is an academic researcher from Indian Institute of Technology Madras. The author has contributed to research in topics: Grinding & Machining. The author has an hindex of 23, co-authored 87 publications receiving 1507 citations. Previous affiliations of Amitava Ghosh include Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati & Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur.

Synthesis and Characterization of Poly(acrylic acid)/Poly(vinyl alcohol)-xanthan Gum Interpenetrating Network (IPN) Superabsorbent Polymeric Composites

Abstract: Initially interpenetrating network (IPN) hydrogel was prepared by dispersing xanthan gum (XG) into poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) backbone in an aqueous medium. Polyacrylic acid (PAA)/Poly (vinyl alcohol)-Xanthan gum IPN superabsorbent composite were fabricated well by dispersing the prepared IPN hydrogel in acrylic acid and polymerized in a complete aqueous environment through chemical cross-linking method. These superabsorbent polymeric composites were analytically evaluated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectra (FTIR), Thermal analysis (DSC) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. Simultaneously water absorbency, swelling kinetics and water retention abilities of this prepared superabsorbent polymeric composites were also investigated systematically.

Tailored IPN Hydrogel Bead of Sodium Carboxymethyl Cellulose and Sodium Carboxymethyl Xanthan Gum for Controlled Delivery of Diclofenac Sodium

Abstract: Interpenetrating network (IPN) beads of sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (SCMC) and sodium carboxymethyl xanthan (SCMX) containing diclofenac sodium (DS), a non steroidal anti-inflammatory drug were prepared by single water-in-water (w/w) emulsion gelation process using AlCl3 as the cross-linking agent. The influence of different formulation variables like polymer ratio, gelation time, concentration of cross-linking agenton in-vitro physico-chemical parameters and drug release studies were performed. The tailored IPN bead were analytically evaluated by Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier Transform Infra-red (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) analysis. IPN beads showed improved drug encapsulation efficiency along with enhanced intestinal drug release.

Light Absorption and Energy Transfer in the Antenna Complexes of Photosynthetic Organisms.

Abstract: The process of photosynthesis is initiated by the capture of sunlight by a network of light-absorbing molecules (chromophores), which are also responsible for the subsequent funneling of the excitation energy to the reaction centers. Through evolution, genetic drift, and speciation, photosynthetic organisms have discovered many solutions for light harvesting. In this review, we describe the underlying photophysical principles by which this energy is absorbed, as well as the mechanisms of electronic excitation energy transfer (EET). First, optical properties of the individual pigment chromophores present in light-harvesting antenna complexes are introduced, and then we examine the collective behavior of pigment−pigment and pigment−protein interactions. The description of energy transfer, in particular multichromophoric antenna structures, is shown to vary depending on the spatial and energetic landscape, which dictates the relative coupling strength between constituent pigment molecules. In the latter half...

Biopolymer Aerogels and Foams: Chemistry, Properties, and Applications.

Abstract: Biopolymer aerogels were among the first aerogels produced, but only in the last decade has research on biopolymer and biopolymer-composite aerogels become popular, motivated by sustainability arguments, their unique and tunable properties, and ease of functionalization. Biopolymer aerogels and open-cell foams have great potential for classical aerogel applications such as thermal insulation, as well as emerging applications in filtration, oil-water separation, CO2 capture, catalysis, and medicine. The biopolymer aerogel field today is driven forward by empirical materials discovery at the laboratory scale, but requires a firmer theoretical basis and pilot studies to close the gap to market. This Review includes a database with over 3800 biopolymer aerogel properties, evaluates the state of the biopolymer aerogel field, and critically discusses the scientific, technological, and commercial barriers to the commercialization of these exciting materials.