Minia University

About: Minia University is a education organization based out in Minya, Egypt. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Medicine. The organization has 4967 authors who have published 8986 publications receiving 108384 citations.

Nanoparticle-Based Delivery of CRISPR/Cas9 Genome-Editing Therapeutics

Abstract: The recent progress in harnessing the efficient and precise method of DNA editing provided by CRISPR/Cas9 is one of the most promising major advances in the field of gene therapy. However, the development of safe and optimally efficient delivery systems for CRISPR/Cas9 elements capable of achieving specific targeting of gene therapy to the location of interest without off-target effects is a primary challenge for clinical therapeutics. Nanoparticles (NPs) provide a promising means to meet such challenges. In this review, we present the most recent advances in developing innovative NP-based delivery systems that efficiently deliver CRISPR/Cas9 constructs and maximize their effectiveness.

Ni-Cd carbon nanofibers as an effective catalyst for urea fuel cell

Abstract: One of the main challenges facing the development of urea fuel cells is the low catalytic activity of the anode. Ni decorated carbon nano-fiber is a promising anode catalyst in urea fuel cells. In this study, we have investigated the effect of Cd doping of Ni decorated carbon nano-fiber on catalytic activity for urea oxidation. The catalyst was prepared by heat treatment of electrospun nano-fibers containing different percentages of Ni and Cd acetates in poly(vinyl alcohol) under an inert atmosphere at 850 °C. The initial percentages of the Cd acetate to Ni acetate in the polymer solution was set at 5, 10, 30, 50 and 70 wt.%. The introduction of Cd significantly improved the electro-catalytic activity for urea oxidation. The sample that was prepared with initial 50 wt.% Cd acetate showed the best activity for urea oxidation activity using different urea concentrations, 0.33 M–3 M. The introduction of Cd improved both the quality and the number of active sites for the urea oxidation as seen from the shift of the anodic peak potential and anodic peak current density, respectively.

Anti-wear properties evaluation of frictional sliding interfaces in automobile engines lubricated by copper/graphene nanolubricants

Abstract: Owing to the significance of improving fuel economy, reducing emissions, and extending the durability of engine components, this study focused on the tribological performance of nano-additives. In this study, copper (Cu) and graphene (Gr) nanomaterials were dispersed in a fully formulated engine oil (5W-30) with different concentrations. The tribological trials were investigated under various speeds and loads, utilizing a reciprocating tribometer to mimic the ring/liner interfaces in the engine. The frictional surface morphologies were comprehensively analyzed using electron probe X-ray microanalysis (EPMA), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS), and three dimensional (3D) surface profilometry to explore the mechanisms responsible for improving the tribological performance of the frictional sliding parts in the engine. The tribological test results illustrated that lubrication by nano-additives reduced the wear rate (WR) and friction coefficient (COF) by 25%–30% and 26.5%–32.6%, respectively, as compared with 5W-30. The results showed that this is a promising approach for increasing the durability and lifespan of frictional sliding components and fuel economy in automobile engines.