Trong Lu Le

Bio: Trong Lu Le is an academic researcher from Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology. The author has contributed to research in topics: Coating & Nanoparticle. The author has an hindex of 7, co-authored 13 publications receiving 165 citations.

Antibacterial Nanocomposites Based on Fe3O4–Ag Hybrid Nanoparticles and Natural Rubber-Polyethylene Blends

Abstract: For the vulcanized natural rubber (NR), incorporation of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) into the NR matrix did not exhibit the bactericidal property against Escherichia coli (E. coli). However, incorporation of AgNPs into polyethylene (PE) matrix showed good antibacterial activities to both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. In the present work, NR/PE (85/15) blends have been prepared by melt blending with presence of compatibilizer in an internal mixer. To possess antibacterial property, AgNPs (5–10 nm) or Fe3O4–Ag hybrid nanoparticles (FAgNPs, 8 nm/16 nm) were added into PE matrix before its blending with NR component. The tensile test indicated that the presence of compatibilizer in NR/PE blend significantly enhanced the tensile strength and elongation at break (up to 35% and 38% increases, resp.). The antibacterial activity test was performed by monitoring of the bacterial lag-log growth phases with the presence of nanocomposites in the E. coli cell culture reactor. The antibacterial test showed that the presence of FAgNPs in NR/PE blend had a better antibacterial activity than that obtained with the lone AgNPs. Two similar reasons were proposed: (i) the faster Ag+ release rate from the Fe3O4–Ag hybrid nanoparticles due to the electron transfer from AgNP to Fe3O4 nanoparticle and (ii) the fact that the ionization of AgNPs in hybrid nanostructure might be accelerated by Fe3+ ions.

Nanomaterials: Classification, properties, and environmental toxicities

Abstract: Nanomaterials (NMs) are gaining significance in technological applications due to their tunable chemical, physical, and mechanical properties and enhanced performance when compared with their bulkier counterparts. This review presents a summary of the general types of NMs and provides an overview of the various synthesis methods of nanoparticles (NPs) and their functionalization via covalent or noncovalent interactions using different methods. It highlights the techniques used for the characterization of NPs and discusses their physical and chemical properties. Due to their unique properties, NMs have several applications and have become part of our daily lives. As a result, nanotoxicity research is gaining attention since some NPs are not easily degraded by the environment. Thus, this review also highlights research efforts into the fate, behavior, and toxicity of different classes of NMs in the environment.

Synthesis of magnetic cobalt ferrite nanoparticles with controlled morphology, monodispersity and composition: the influence of solvent, surfactant, reductant and synthetic conditions

Abstract: In our present work, magnetic cobalt ferrite (CoFe2O4) nanoparticles have been successfully synthesised by thermal decomposition of Fe(III) and Co(II) acetylacetonate compounds in organic solvents in the presence of oleic acid (OA)/ oleylamine (OLA) as surfactants and 1,2-hexadecanediol (HDD) or octadecanol (OCD-ol) as an accelerating agent. As a result, CoFe2O4 nanoparticles of different shapes were tightly controlled in size (range of 4–30 nm) and monodispersity (standard deviation only at ca. 5%). Experimental parameters, such as reaction time, temperature, surfactant concentration, solvent, precursor ratio, and accelerating agent, in particular, the role of HDD, OCD-ol, and OA/OLA have been intensively investigated in detail to discover the best conditions for the synthesis of the above magnetic nanoparticles. The obtained nanoparticles have been successfully applied for producing oriented carbon nanotubes (CNTs), and they have potential to be used in biomedical applications.

Scratch resistance of nano-silica reinforced acrylic coatings

Abstract: Organic–inorganic hybrid coatings were obtained by a dual-curing process combining the sol–gel reaction with the UV-induced polymerization technique by starting from bisphenol A ethoxylate (15 EO/phenol) dimethacrylate (BEMA, as organic network former), methacryloyloxypropyl-trimethoxysilane (MEMO, as coupling agent) and tetraethoxysilane (TEOS, as inorganic silica network precursor). For comparison, TEOS was also substituted with preformed silica nanoparticles. Scratch test was carried out in order to study the scratch resistance of that silica reinforced acrylic resins. Excellent scratch resistant coatings were obtained by UV and sol–gel dual curing process. On the contrary, coatings with very poor scratch resistance were obtained by dispersing preformed nano-silica into the acrylic resin indicating the key role played by the morphology of the inorganic filler and its interaction with the organic matrix.

Magnetite (Fe3O4) Nanoparticles in Biomedical Application: From Synthesis to Surface Functionalisation

Abstract: Nanotechnology has gained much attention for its potential application in medical science. Iron oxide nanoparticles have demonstrated a promising effect in various biomedical applications. In particular, magnetite (Fe3O4) nanoparticles are widely applied due to their biocompatibility, high magnetic susceptibility, chemical stability, innocuousness, high saturation magnetisation, and inexpensiveness. Magnetite (Fe3O4) exhibits superparamagnetism as its size shrinks in the single-domain region to around 20 nm, which is an essential property for use in biomedical applications. In this review, the application of magnetite nanoparticles (MNPs) in the biomedical field based on different synthesis approaches and various surface functionalisation materials was discussed. Firstly, a brief introduction on the MNP properties, such as physical, thermal, magnetic, and optical properties, is provided. Considering that the surface chemistry of MNPs plays an important role in the practical implementation of in vitro and in vivo applications, this review then focuses on several predominant synthesis methods and variations in the synthesis parameters of MNPs. The encapsulation of MNPs with organic and inorganic materials is also discussed. Finally, the most common in vivo and in vitro applications in the biomedical world are elucidated. This review aims to deliver concise information to new researchers in this field, guide them in selecting appropriate synthesis techniques for MNPs, and to enhance the surface chemistry of MNPs for their interests.

Solid matrices for fabrication of magnetic iron oxide nanocomposites: Synthesis, properties, and application for the adsorption of heavy metal ions and dyes

Abstract: A massive release of harmful substances especially heavy metal ions and dyes to the environment has been a major concern due to many people disregards the proper protocols in the waste management. The freshwater supplies are threatened and huge discharge of pollutants result from various anthropogenic activities may pose a major threat to the living organisms and negatively affect the ecosystem stability. This article reviews the development of magnetic iron oxide nanocomposites for removal of heavy metal ions and dyes from water. The highlight will be focused on current research activities for controlled size and dispersion of magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles within solid matrices including zeolites, silica, clays, carbon, activated carbon, graphene and graphene oxide. The magnetic properties of the nanocomposites will be evaluated to determine whether they possessed sufficient magnetization for easy separation by an external magnet. The unique features of the synthesized materials will be investigated along with their application in the removal of heavy metal ions and dyes. The advantages and limitations of the magnetic nanocomposites will be highlighted to determine their adsorption ability. The effect of various parameters such as pH, contaminants concentration, adsorbent dosage, contact time and temperature will be summarized to identify the best condition for effective pollutants removal.