Faculty Publications
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Item A comparative analysis of crustacean exoskeletons: structural, microstructural, morphological, and UV absorption studies(Institute of Physics, 2024) Nowl, M.S.; Praveen, L.L.; Ambili, V.; Singh, S.; Samad, U.; Seikh, A.H.; Dutta, S.; Mandal, S.This study aims to investigate the structural, thermal, and spectral characteristics, along with the ultra-violet (UV) absorption of various marine benthos exoskeletons, such as various species of crabs (Portunus sanguinolentus, Portunus pelagicus, Charybdis feriata) and mantis shrimp (Oratosquilla oratoria). Their unique properties and ability to survive in harsh oceanic environments make them interesting research subjects. This research utilized powder x-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis to determine the crystal structure of the benthic varieties. The sample surface was analyzed using high-resolution micrographs obtained from field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), which identified the presence of chitin and calcite in the marine benthos. This was further confirmed by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The optical characteristics were investigated using UV-visible spectroscopy. The proximate analysis revealed high protein content in the mantis shrimp exoskeleton compared to other crab species, highlighting its excellent UV absorption characteristics. Overall, this research has the potential to broaden our understanding of marine organisms, which can have potential applications in biotechnology and materials science to develop nature-inspired innovative materials sustainably. © 2024 The Author(s). Published by IOP Publishing Ltd.Item Enhancing Strength Properties of Hydroxyapatite Composites with Bentonite Clay(Taylor and Francis Ltd., 2025) Satish, P.; Hadagalli, K.; Nowl, M.S.; Siddeswara, R.; Kalikeri, S.; Mandal, S.The main inorganic component of human hard tissues is hydroxyapatite (HA, Ca10(PO4)6(OH)2) and the mechanical and biological performance of HA can be improved by incorporating clay minerals to create HA-clay composite scaffolds. This study demonstrates a high-strength biocomposite of HA and bentonite with a significant reduction of open porosity, considering bentonite clay for its biocompatibility. Prawn shells (Fenneropenaeus indicus - marine resource) were utilized as a sustainable source of calcium to synthesize high-purity HA through a wet-chemical process, offering an innovative approach to valorize bio-waste. HA-bentonite clay composites were made by compacting 10-40 wt% of bentonite clay with HA using uniaxial pressing, followed by sintering at 1100°C for 2 h. Characterization techniques like X-ray diffraction, Raman, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and field emission scanning electron microscopy verified the phases, structures, vibrational bonds and morphology of the synthesized materials. Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry analysis were performed for elemental composition and heavy metal detection, respectively. The HA-bentonite (30 wt%) composite achieved an exceptional compressive strength of 155 MPa and an open porosity of 7%, surpassing bare HA. Adding 30% bentonite increased compressive strength six fold and decreased open porosity by 51% compared to bare HA. This novel approach to HA-bentonite scaffolds promises enhanced wear resistance and cellular proliferation in bone tissue engineering. © 2025 Indian Ceramic Society.Item Soy protein isolate films: a biodegradable solution for UV protection alternatives(Springer, 2025) Nowl, M.S.; Ambili, V.; Gautam, V.; Dutta, S.; Mandal, S.The uncompromising need to protect against harmful UVA and UVB radiation and to alleviate plastic pollution has catalyzed the development of innovative, eco-friendly materials. This study presents a solution by developing a transparent coating derived from Soy Protein Isolate (SPI), offering UV protection as well as sustainable bioplastic alternatives to synthetic polymers. The structural and chemical properties of SPI coatings, highlighting their UV protective capabilities, were analyzed using UV absorption spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman Spectroscopy, X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE-SEM), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), and High-Resolution Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (HR-LCMS). X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis showed decrease in carbon composition between SPI powder and film, suggesting a different surface composition for the film from powder, whereas denaturation was further confirmed by DSC. Contact angle measurement gives insights about the surface properties of the film and HR-LCMS gives the amino acids present in SPI. The biodegradability of SPI, coupled with its durability and transparency, underscores its potential as a versatile host material for various coatings. highlighting its additional advantage. From the FE-SEM study, the coating shows uniformity, which presents an innovative approach to transparent coatings. Notably, alongside transparency, the inherent UV absorption properties of SPI remained consistent before and after denaturation, showing potential applications in UV protective biodegradable coatings for various industrial applications, promoting eco-friendly alternatives to synthetic polymers. © The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature 2025.