Nature driven spider silk as high energy conversion efficient bio-piezoelectric nanogenerator

Karan, Sumanta Kumar,Maiti, Sandip,Kwon, Owoong,Paria, Sarbaranjan,Maitra, Anirban,Si, Suman Kumar,Kim, Yunseok,Kim, Jin Kon,Khatua, Bhanu Bhusan Elsevier 2018 Nano energy Vol.49 No.-

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>Spider silk fibers having remarkable protein sequence structure contain nature's most outstanding mechanical properties and unrivalled elasticity along with biocompatibility and biodegradability. Unfortunately, it remains completely unidentified how the mechanical properties of spider silk effectively contribute to the performance and integrity on piezoelectric nanogenerator. Here, using piezoresponse force microscopy (PFM), we report for the first time structure-dependent piezoelectric response of the spider silk at the molecular level and confirm that silk fiber shows vertical (or out of the plane) piezoelectric coefficient of up to ~ 0.36 pm/V. We also design a mechanically robust piezoelectric nanogenerator (PNG) using nature driven spider silk that exhibits high energy conversion efficiency (≈ 66%), high output voltage (≈ 21.3 V) and current (≈ 0.68 μA) with instantaneous power density of ≈ 4.56 μW/cm<SUP>2</SUP>. The fabricated device is biocompatible and ultra-sensitive towards physiological signal monitoring such as arterial pulse response which can be useful for potential biomedical applications.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> Spider-silk (SS) shows vertical piezoelectric coefficient (≈ 0.36 pm/V) as confirmed by PFM. </LI> <LI> Nature driven spider silk as an effective bio-piezoelectric nanogenerator (SSBPNG). </LI> <LI> SSBPNG shows power density (≈ 4.56 μW/cm<SUP>2</SUP>) and energy conversion efficiency (≈ 66%). </LI> <LI> Multiple devices in series connection can generate 65 V and turn on 55 LEDs. </LI> <LI> One-dimensional (1D) wire type SSBPNG could be as a promising textile nanogenerator. </LI> </UL> </P> <P><B>Graphical abstract</B></P> <P> <B>This study provides an in-depth insight of naturally abundant spider silk as bio-piezoelectric material.</B> We have successfully shown that spider silk has a definite vertical piezoelectric coefficient (∼ 0.36 pm/V) through PFM experiment which is newly added information to the existing piezoelectric history on silk. The fabricated energy harvester with energy conversion efficiency of ≈ 66%, reveals high output performance with instantaneous power density of ≈ 4.56 μW/cm<SUP>2</SUP>.</P> <P>[DISPLAY OMISSION]</P>

Design and Autonomous Control of the Active Adaptive Suspension System of Rudra - Mars Rover

Karan Vaish,Shah Mihir Rajesh,Karthikeyan Pasupatheeswaran,Manoj Kumar Sharma,Vijay B. Semwal 보안공학연구지원센터 2014 International Journal of Hybrid Information Techno Vol.7 No.3

Interferon-gamma release assay has poor diagnostic accuracy in differentiating intestinal tuberculosis from Crohn’s disease in tuberculosis endemic areas

Karan Sachdeva,Peeyush Kumar,Bhaskar Kante,Sudheer K. Vuyyuru,Srikant Mohta,Mukesh K. Ranjan,Mukesh K. Singh,Mahak Verma,Govind Makharia,Saurabh Kedia,Vineet Ahuja 대한장연구학회 2023 Intestinal Research Vol.21 No.2

Background/Aims: Intestinal tuberculosis (ITB) and Crohn’s disease (CD) frequently present with a diagnostic dilemma because of similar presentation. Interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA) has been used in differentiating ITB from CD, but with sparse reports on its diagnostic accuracy in tuberculosis endemic regions and this study evaluated the same. Methods: Patients with definitive diagnosis of ITB (n=59) or CD (n=49) who underwent IGRA testing (n=307) were retrospectively included at All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi (July 2014 to September 2021). CD or ITB was diagnosed as per standard criteria. IGRA was considered positive at >0.35 IU/mL. Relevant data was collected and IGRA results were compared between ITB and CD to determine its accuracy. Results: Among 59 ITB patients (mean age, 32.6±13.1 years; median disease duration, 1 year; male, 59.3%), 24 were positive and 35 tested negative for IGRA. Among 49 CD patients (mean age, 37.8±14.0; median disease duration, 4 years; male, 61.2%), 12 were positive and 37 tested negative for IGRA. Hence, for diagnosing ITB, IGRA showed a sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values of 40.68%, 75.51%, 66.67%, and 51.39%, respectively. The area under the curve of IGRA for ITB diagnosis was 0.66 (95% confidence interval, 0.55–0.75). In a subset (n=64), tuberculin skin test (TST) showed sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values of 64.7%, 73.3%, 73.3%, and 64.71%, respectively. IGRA and TST were concordant in 38 (59.4%) patients with κ=0.17. Conclusions: In a tuberculosis endemic region, IGRA had poor diagnostic accuracy for differentiating ITB from CD, suggesting a limited value of IGRA in this setting.

Pulmonary Functions and Inflammatory Biomarkers in Post-Pulmonary Tuberculosis Sequelae

( Kumar Shanmugasundaram ),( Anjana Talwar ),( Karan Madan ),( Geetanjali Bade ) 대한결핵 및 호흡기학회 2022 Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases Vol.85 No.2

Background: Post-tuberculosis (TB) sequelae is a commonly encountered clinical entity, especially in high TB burden countries. This may represent chronic anatomic sequelae of previously treated TB, with frequent symptomatic presentation. This pilot study was aimed to investigate the pulmonary functions and systemic inflammatory markers in patients with post-TB sequelae (PTBS) and to compare them with post-TB without sequelae (PTBWS) participants and healthy controls. Methods: A total of 30 participants were enrolled, PTBS (n=10), PTBWS (n=10), and healthy controls (n=10). Pulmonary function tests included spirometry and measurement of airway impedance by impulse oscillometry. Serum levels of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1, transforming growth factor-β, and interferon-γ were estimated. Results: Slow vital capacity (SVC), forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV₁), FEV₁/FVC, and peak expiratory flow were significantly lower in PTBS as compared to controls. SVC and FEV₁ were significantly less in PTBS as compared to PTBWS. Total airway impedance (Z₅), total airway resistance (R₅), central airway resistance (R₂₀), area of reactance (Ax), and resonant frequency (Fres) were significantly higher and respiratory reactance at 5 and 20 Hz (X₅, X₂₀) were significantly lower in PTBS as compared to PTBWS. Spirometry parameters correlated with impulse oscillometry parameters in PTBS. Serum MMP-1 level was significantly higher in PTBS as compared to other groups. Conclusion: Significant pulmonary function impairment was observed in PTBS, and raised serum MMP-1 levels compared with PTBWS and healthy controls. Follow-up pulmonary function testing is recommended after treatment of TB for early diagnosis and treatment of PTBS.

Mitochondrial sequence based characterization and morphometric assessment of Diara buffalo population

Singh Karan Veer,Purohit Hitesh,Singh Ramesh Kumar 아세아·태평양축산학회 2022 Animal Bioscience Vol.35 No.7

Objective: The present study is aimed at phenotypic characterization and mitochondrial d-loop analysis of indigenous “Diara” buffalo population, which are mostly confined to the villages on the South and North Gangetic marshy plains in the Bihar state of India. These buffaloes are well adapted and are best suited for ploughing and puddling the wet fields meant for paddy cultivation. Methods: Biometric data on 172 buffaloes were collected using a standard flexible tape measure. Animals are medium in size; the typical morphometric features are long head with a broad forehead and moderately long and erect ears. Genomic DNA was isolated from unrelated animals. The mtDNA d‐loop 358‐bp sequence data was generated and compared with 338 sequences belonging to riverine and swamp buffaloes. Results: Based on the mitochondrial d-loop analysis the Diara buffaloes were grouped along with the haplotypes reported for riverine buffalo. Sequence analysis revealed the presence of 7 mitochondrial D loop haplotypes with haplotype diversity of 0.9643. Five of the haplotypes were shared with established swamp breeds and with Buffalo population of Orissa in India. Conclusion: Morphometric analyses clearly shows distinguishing features like long and broad forehead which may be useful in identification. The germplasm of Diara buffalo is much adapted to the marshy banks of river Ganga and its tributaries. It constitutes a valuable genetic resource which needs to be conserved on priority basis. Objective: The present study is aimed at phenotypic characterization and mitochondrial d-loop analysis of indigenous “Diara” buffalo population, which are mostly confined to the villages on the South and North Gangetic marshy plains in the Bihar state of India. These buffaloes are well adapted and are best suited for ploughing and puddling the wet fields meant for paddy cultivation.Methods: Biometric data on 172 buffaloes were collected using a standard flexible tape measure. Animals are medium in size; the typical morphometric features are long head with a broad forehead and moderately long and erect ears. Genomic DNA was isolated from unrelated animals. The mtDNA d‐loop 358‐bp sequence data was generated and compared with 338 sequences belonging to riverine and swamp buffaloes.Results: Based on the mitochondrial d-loop analysis the Diara buffaloes were grouped along with the haplotypes reported for riverine buffalo. Sequence analysis revealed the presence of 7 mitochondrial D loop haplotypes with haplotype diversity of 0.9643. Five of the haplotypes were shared with established swamp breeds and with Buffalo population of Orissa in India.Conclusion: Morphometric analyses clearly shows distinguishing features like long and broad forehead which may be useful in identification. The germplasm of Diara buffalo is much adapted to the marshy banks of river Ganga and its tributaries. It constitutes a valuable genetic resource which needs to be conserved on priority basis.

Titania nanopores with dual micro-/nano-topography for selective cellular bioactivity

Gulati, Karan,Moon, Ho-Jin,Li, Tao,Sudheesh Kumar, P.T.,Ivanovski, Saš,o Elsevier 2018 Materials Science and Engineering C Vol.91 No.-

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>This letter describes a simple surface modification strategy based on a single-step electrochemical anodization towards generating dual micro- and nano-rough horizontally-aligned TiO<SUB>2</SUB> nanopores on the surface of clinically utilized micro-grooved titanium implants. Primary macrophages, osteoblasts and fibroblasts were cultured on the nano-engineered implants, and it was demonstrated that the modified surfaces selectively reduced the proliferation of macrophages (immunomodulation), while augmenting the activity of osteoblasts (osseo-integration) and fibroblasts (soft-tissue integration). Additionally, the mechanically robust nanopores also stimulated osteoblast and fibroblast adhesion, attachment and alignment along the direction of the pores/grooves, while macrophages remained oval-shaped and sparsely distributed. This study for the first time reports the use of cost-effectively prepared nano-engineered titanium surface via anodization, with aligned multi-scale micro/nano features for selective cellular bioactivity, without the use of any therapeutics.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> Single-step fabrication of dual micro-rough and nanoporous titanium surfaces </LI> <LI> Mechanically robust aligned nanopores with preserved underlying micro-features </LI> <LI> Upregulated attachment and adhesion of osteoblasts and fibroblasts </LI> <LI> Reduced macrophage proliferation and adherence </LI> <LI> Osteoblasts and fibroblasts align parallel to the nanopore arrangement. </LI> </UL> </P>

Gene Identification and Molecular Characterization of Solvent Stable Protease from A Moderately Haloalkaliphilic Bacterium, Geomicrobium sp. EMB2

Ram Karan,Raj Kumar Mohan Singh,Sanjay Kapoor,S. K. Khare 한국미생물 · 생명공학회 2011 Journal of microbiology and biotechnology Vol.21 No.2

Cloning and characterization of the gene encoding a solvent-tolerant protease from the haloalkaliphilic bacterium Geomicrobium sp. EMB2 are described. Primers designed based on the N-terminal amino acid sequence of the purified EMB2 protease helped in the amplification of a 1,505-bp open reading frame that had a coding potential of a 42.7-kDa polypeptide. The deduced EMB2 protein contained a 35.4-kDa mature protein of 311 residues, with a high proportion of acidic amino acid residues. Phylogenetic analysis placed the EMB2 gene close to a known serine protease from Bacillus clausii KSM-K16. Primary sequence analysis indicated a hydrophobic inclination of the protein; and the 3D structure modeling elucidated a relatively higher percentage of small (glycine, alanine, and valine) and borderline (serine and threonine) hydrophobic residues on its surface. The structure analysis also highlighted enrichment of acidic residues at the cost of basic residues. The study indicated that solvent and salt stabilities in Geomicrobium sp. protease may be accorded to different structural features; that is, the presence of a number of small hydrophobic amino acid residues on the surface and a higher content of acidic amino acid residues, respectively.

Bio-waste onion skin as an innovative nature-driven piezoelectric material with high energy conversion efficiency

Maiti, Sandip,Kumar Karan, Sumanta,Lee, Juhyun,Kumar Mishra, Avnish,Bhusan Khatua, Bhanu,Kon Kim, Jin Elsevier 2017 Nano energy Vol.42 No.-

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>Development of non-toxic, ultra-sensitive, and flexible bio-inspired piezoelectric nanogenerator has become a great challenge for next generation biomedical applications. High performance organic/inorganic materials based piezoelectric nanogenerators suffer from several unavoidable problems such as complex synthesis and high toxicity. Biodegradable and biocompatible piezoelectric material is utmost needed in in-vivo condition to harvest energy for biomedical applications. Here, we report a novel bio-piezoelectric nanogenerator (BPNG) using naturally abundant self-aligned cellulose fibrous untreated onion skin (OS) as efficient piezoelectric material having piezoelectric strength of ∼ 2.8 pC/N. The fabricated OSBPNG generated output voltage, current, instantaneous power density and high piezoelectric energy conversion efficiency of ≈ 18V, ≈ 166nA, ≈ 1.7μW/cm<SUP>2</SUP>, and ≈ 61.7%, respectively, and turn on 30 green LEDs by a single device under repeated compressive stress of ≈ 34kPa and ≈ 3.0Hz frequency. In addition, maximum output voltage (≈ 106V) was achieved when 6 units are connected in series, which instantaneously turns on 73 combined LEDs (30 green, 25 blue, and 18 red). OSBPNG is highly effective during throat movement such as coughing, drinking and swallowing. Furthermore, because it works at very low pressure originating from heart pulse or beat, it could be used in pacemakers and health care units. Finally, OSBPNG successfully differentiates speech signals, indicating its potential for speech recognition.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> Novel homespun approach for bio-piezoelectric nanogenerator (OSBPNG) using onion skin. </LI> <LI> Plant materials are more useful than living creatures in both handling and supply. </LI> <LI> It works at low pressure even from heart pulse, that can be used in health care unit. </LI> <LI> OSBPNG shows output voltage of 18 V with high energy conversion efficiency (61.7%). </LI> <LI> Maximum output voltage (106 V) achieved by assembling 6 units, which turn on 73 LEDs. </LI> </UL> </P> <P><B>Graphical abstract</B></P> <P>Naturally driven bio-waste and biocompatible onion skin base piezoelectric nanogenerator with high output performance (output voltage and area power density of ≈ 18V, and ≈ 1.7μW/cm<SUP>2</SUP>) and high energy conversion efficiency (≈ 61.7%) has been fabricated through simple homespun device fabrication method. More details on the materials and application can be found in the manuscript.</P> <P>[DISPLAY OMISSION]</P>

Pandemic induced lockdown as a boon to the Environment: trends in air pollution concentration across India

Gautam Alok Sagar,Sanjeev Kumar,Sneha Gautam,Aryan Anand,Ranjit Kumar,Abhishek Joshi,Kuldeep Bauddh,Karan Singh 한국기상학회 2021 Asia-Pacific Journal of Atmospheric Sciences Vol.57 No.4

The present paper designed to understand the variations in the atmospheric pollutants viz. PM10, PM2.5, SO2, NO2, and CO during the COVID-19 pandemic over eight most polluted Indian cities (Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Lucknow, Chandigarh, Kolkata, and Ahmedabad). A significant reduction in the PM2.5 (63%), PM10 (56%), NO2 (50%), SO2 (9%), and CO (59%) were observed over Major Dhyan Chand Stadium. At Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport, a decline of 44% in PM2.5 and 50% in PM10 was seen just a week during the initial phase of the lockdown. Gaseous pollutants (NO2, SO2 & CO) dropped up-to 36, 16, and 41%, respectively. The Air Quality Index (AQI) shows a dramatic change from 7% to 67% during observation at Chandigarh and Ballygunge during the inspection. Whereas, Ahmedabad, Worli, Income Tax Office, Talkatora, Lalbagh, and Ballygaunge have showed a significant change in AQI from 25.76% to 68.55%. However, Zoo Park, CST, Central School, and Victoria show relatively low variation in AQI in the range of 3.0% to 14.50% as compare to 2019 after lockdown. Hybrid Single-Particle Lagrangian Integrated Trajectory (HYSPLIT) analysis suggested that long range transportation of pollutants were also a part and parcel contributing to changes in AQI which were majorly coming from the regions of Iran, Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia, as well as a regional grant from Indian Gangatic plains and Delhi Non-capital region.

Effect of Overlapping Friction Stir Processing on Microstructure, Mechanical Properties and Corrosion Behavior of AA6061 Alloy

Marukurti V. N. V. Satyanarayana,Kumar Adepu,Karan Chauhan 대한금속·재료학회 2021 METALS AND MATERIALS International Vol.27 No.9

The present work studies the influence of five-pass overlapping friction stir processing (FSP) on microstructure, mechanicalproperties and corrosion behavior of AA6061 alloy. The fine equiaxed grains were produced in large-area stir region ofoverlapping FSP and it was identified that the grain size of each overlapping pass is uniform in large area stir region (averagegrain size = 3.9 ± 3.5 μm). The five-pass overlapping FSP resulted in ductility enhancement while the strength remainedinferior to that of parent metal due to thermal softening during FSP. On the other hand, corrosion resistance greatly improvedafter FSP due to the formation of a homogenous fine-grained structure and discontinuous precipitates.