Background: Diseases such as tuberculosis (TB) have always had a large impact on human health. Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) is used as a surrogate for TB during the development of anti-TB drugs. Nanoparticles (NPs) have attracted great interest in drug development. The purpose of this study was to examine the potential of NPs as anti-TB compounds by studying the interacting mechanisms between NPs and bacteria. Results: We investigated effects of gold and silver NPs on BCG and Escherichia coli. Experimentally, particle size and shape were characterized using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Different concentrations of NPs were applied in bacterial culture. The growth of E. coli was monitored through colony forming units (CFU). The mechanism of interaction between NPs and bacteria was analyzed through bacterial thin sections followed by TEM and scanning electron microscopy. Antibacterial effects on BCG were observed by recording fluorescent protein expression levels. Conclusions: The results suggest NPs have potential applications as anti-TB compounds. The antibacterial effects and mechanism of action for NPs were dependent upon composition and surface modifications.

Nanolubricants have attracted great interest due to the promise of friction and wear reduction by introducing nanoparticles. To date, the foremost challenge for developing a new nanolubricant is particle suspension. To understand the mechanisms of nanoparticle dispersion and identify bottlenecks, we conducted a comprehensive review of published literature and carried out an analysis of dispersion based on available data from the past 20 years. This research has led to three findings. First, there are two primary methods in dispersion: formulation with dispersant and surface modification. Second, surfactant and alkoxysilanes are primary chemical groups used for surface modification. Third, functionalization using surfactant is found to be suitable for nanoparticles smaller than 50 nm. For larger particles (>50 nm), alkoxysilanes are the best. The existence of a critical size has not been previously known. To better understand these three findings, we conducted an analysis using a numerical calculation based on colloidal theory. It revealed that a minimal thickness of the grafted layer in surfactant-modified nanoparticles was responsible for suspending small nanoparticles. For larger nanoparticles (>50 nm), they were suitable for silanization of alkoxysilane due to increased grafting density. This research provides new understanding and guidelines to disperse nanoparticle in a lubricating oil.

Biodegradable biobased polymers derived from biomass (such as plant, animal, marine, or forestry material) show promise in replacing conventional petrochemical polymers. Research and development have been conducted for decades on potential biodegradable biobased polymers such as polylactic acid (PLA), polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), and succinate polymers. These materials have been evaluated for practicality, cost, and production capabilities as limiting factors in commercialization; however, challenges, such as the environmental limitations on the biodegradation rates for biodegradable biobased polymer, need to be addressed. This review provides a history and overview of the current development in the synthesis process and properties of biodegradable biobased polymers, along with a techno-commercial analysis and discussion on the environmental impacts of biodegradable biobased polymers. Specifically, the techno-commercial analysis focuses on the commercial potential, financial assessment, and life-cycle assessment of these materials, as well as government initiatives to facilitate the transition towards biodegradable biobased polymers. Lastly, the environmental assessment focuses on the current challenges with biodegradation and methods of improving the recycling process and reusability of biodegradable biobased polymers.

Electric and hybrid vehicles are gaining increasing attention in recent years. The distinguished difference between electric/hybrid vehicles from conventional ones is the intermittent on-and-off control of the internal combustion engine, whereas the electric vehicles operate on electrical motors. This difference creates new requirements in lubricants with performance characteristics that are otherwise uncritical: electrical properties (such as electrical conductivity and breakdown voltage) and thermal properties (thermal conductivity, specific heat, among others), in addition to fluidic performance that we have studied for decades. In this review, we discuss about lubricants for electric and hybrid vehicles in the following aspects. Starting with a brief historic review, we gathered information about current needs and challenges in electric and hybrid vehicles. We then compared the properties of lubricants, followed by the performance difference of those vehicles in terms of frictional performance, thermal management, and dielectric breakdown. Performance parameters are critically dependent on the properties of lubricants that are crucial for energy efficiency and reliability. This review can be used as a guidance for the future design of advanced lubricants for electric and hybrid vehicles.