Faculty Publications
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Publications by NITK Faculty
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Item Antifouling and performance enhancement of polysulfone ultrafiltration membranes using CaCO3 nanoparticles(2013) Nair, A.K.; Isloor, A.M.; Kumar, R.; A.F., A.F.Calcium carbonate nanoparticles were synthesized from calcium nitrate via chemical precipitation method. The nanoparticles were characterized using scanning electron microscope (SEM), Attenuated total reflectance infra red (ATR-IR) spectrum and by X-ray diffraction (XRD). These nanoparticles were used as additive for polysulfone (PSf) ultrafiltration membrane along with polyethylene glycol (PEG) as pore forming agent. The PSf hybrid membranes were characterized by ATR-IR, XRD, and SEM studies. ATR-IR and XRD results indicated the successful incorporation of the nanoparticles in the membranes. Cross sectional images of the membranes along with the elemental mapping of calcium on the membrane surface were assessed using SEM. Hydrophilicity of the membranes was evaluated in terms of contact angle measurements. The permeability of the membranes was determined by measuring the pure water flux (PWF). Membranes were also subjected to antifouling studies using bovine serum albumin (BSA) as the standard protein for rejection. The membranes showed better permeability and antifouling property with the increased addition of CaCO3 nanoparticles. © 2013 Elsevier B.V.Item Structural, compositional and spectral investigation of prawn exoskeleton nanocomposite: UV protection from mycosporine-like amino acids(Elsevier Ltd, 2020) Hadagalli, K.; Kumar, R.; Mandal, S.; Basu, B.The present work explores the use of marine resourced prawn exoskeleton/shell as a new class of naturally occurring composite containing UV absorbing proteins. Mycosporine-like amino acids with a central aromatic ring in the exoskeleton/shell of naturally occurring prawns (Fenneropenaeus Indicus) offer excellent UV protection. The architecture of shell composite constitutes a matrix of chitin-proteins with distinct reinforcements such as spherical calcites (CaCO3), microscopic proteins, and traces of hydroxides/oxides of magnesium. The presence of tryptophan, phenylalanine, and tyrosine, forming the basic building blocks of mycosporines, is confirmed by structural, compositional, and microscopic studies on prawn shells. The UV spectroscopic signatures at 290 and 320 nm provides strong evidence for the highest UV absorption. UV absorption attributes to the presence of mycosporine-like amino acids. Hence, the current exploration of naturally occurring prawn shells directs towards an additive-free sunscreen filter without the generation of detrimental free radicals. © 2020 Elsevier B.V.