1. A review of electro conductive textiles utilizing the dip-coating technique: Their functionality, durability and sustainabilityAlenka Ojstršek, Laura Jug, Olivija Plohl, 2022, pregledni znanstveni članek Opis: The presented review summarizes recent studies in the field of electro conductive textiles
as an essential part of lightweight and flexible textile-based electronics (so called e-textiles), with the
main focus on a relatively simple and low-cost dip-coating technique that can easily be integrated
into an existing textile finishing plant. Herein, numerous electro conductive compounds are discussed, including intrinsically conductive polymers, carbon-based materials, metal, and metal-based
nanomaterials, as well as their combinations, with their advantages and drawbacks in contributing
to the sectors of healthcare, military, security, fitness, entertainment, environmental, and fashion,
for applications such as energy harvesting, energy storage, real-time health and human motion
monitoring, personal thermal management, Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) shielding, wireless
communication, light emitting, tracking, etc. The greatest challenge is related to the wash and wear
durability of the conductive compounds and their unreduced performance during the textiles’ lifetimes, which includes the action of water, high temperature, detergents, mechanical forces, repeated
bending, rubbing, sweat, etc. Besides electrical conductivity, the applied compounds also influence
the physical-mechanical, optical, morphological, and comfort properties of textiles, depending on
the type and concentration of the compound, the number of applied layers, the process parameters,
as well as additional protective coatings. Finally, the sustainability and end-of-life of e-textiles are
critically discussed in terms of the circular economy and eco-design, since these aspects are mainly
neglected, although e-textile’ waste could become a huge problem in the future when their mass
production starts. Ključne besede: electro conductive textiles, dip-coating, characterization, functional features, durability, sustainability, recyclability Objavljeno v DKUM: 27.03.2025; Ogledov: 0; Prenosov: 3
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2. Experimental investigation of the biofunctional properties of nickel–titanium alloys depending on the type of productionMinja Miličić Lazić, Peter Majerič, Vojkan Lazić, Jelena Milašin, Milica Jakšić, Dijana Trišić, Katarina Radović, 2022, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: Nickel–titanium alloys used in dentistry have a variety of mechanical, chemical, and
biofunctional properties that are dependent on the manufacturing process. The aim of this study
was to compare the mechanical and biofunctional performances of a nickel–titanium alloy produced
by the continuous casting method (NiTi-2) with commercial nitinol (NiTi-1) manufactured by the
classical process, i.e., from remelting in a vacuum furnace with electro-resistive heating and final
casting into ingots. The chemical composition of the tested samples was analyzed using an energy
dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX) and X-ray fluorescence (XRF). Electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD)
quantitative microstructural analysis was performed to determine phase distribution in the samples.
As part of the mechanical properties, the hardness on the surface of samples was measured with
the static Vickers method. The release of metal ions (Ni, Ti) in artificial saliva (pH 6.5) and lactic
acid (pH 2.3) was measured using a static immersion test. Finally, the resulting corrosion layer was
revealed by means of a scanning electron microscope (SEM), which allows the detection and direct
measurement of the formatted oxide layer thickness. To assess the biocompatibility of the tested
nickel–titanium alloy samples, an MTT test of fibroblast cellular proliferation on direct contact with
the samples was performed. The obtained data were analyzed with the IBM SPSS Statistics v22
software. EDX and XRF analyses showed a higher presence of Ni in the NiTi-2 sample. The EBSD
analysis detected an additional NiTi2
-cubic phase in the NiTi-2 microstructure. Additionally, in the
NiTi-2 higher hardness was measured. An immersion test performed in artificial saliva after 7 days
did not induce significant ion release in either group of samples (NiTi-1 and NiTi-2). The acidic
environment significantly increased the release of toxic ions in both types of samples. However, Ni
ion release was two times lower, and Ti ion release was three times lower from NiTi-2 than from
NiTi-1. Comparison of the cells’ mitochondrial activity between the NiTi-1 and NiTi-2 groups did
not show a statistically significant difference. In conclusion, we obtained an alloy of small diameter
with an appropriate microstructure and better response compared to classic NiTi material. Thus, it
appears from the present study that the continuous cast technology offers new possibilities for the
production of NiTi material for usage in dentistry. Ključne besede: nickel–titanium, continuous casting, characterization, biofunctional properties, biocompatibility Objavljeno v DKUM: 24.03.2025; Ogledov: 0; Prenosov: 2
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3. Synthesis of complex concentrated nanoparticles by Ultrasonic Spray Pyrolysis and lyophilisationLidija Simić, Srečko Stopić, Bernd Friedrich, Matej Zadravec, Žiga Jelen, Rajko Bobovnik, Ivan Anžel, Rebeka Rudolf, 2022, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: The development of new multicomponent nanoparticles is gaining increasing importance
due to their specific functional properties, i.e., synthesised new complex concentrated nanoparticles
(CCNPs) in the form of powder using ultrasonic spray pyrolysis (USP) and lyophilisation from the
initial cast Ag20Pd20Pt20Cu20Ni20 alloy, which was in the function of the material after its catalytic
abilities had been exhausted. Hydrometallurgical treatment was used to dissolve the cast alloy,
from which the USP precursor was prepared. As a consequence of the incomplete dissolution of
the cast alloy and the formation of Pt and Ni complexes, it was found that the complete recycling
of the alloy is not possible. A microstructural examination of the synthesised CCNPs showed that
round and mostly spherical (not 100%) nanoparticles were formed, with an average diameter of
200 nm. Research has shown that CCNPs belong to the group with medium entropy characteristics.
A mechanism for the formation of CCNPs is proposed, based on the thermochemical analysis of
element reduction with the help of H2 and based on the mixing enthalpy of binary systems. Ključne besede: complex concentrated nanoparticles, ultrasonic spray pyrolysis, lyophilisation, characterization, formation mechanism Objavljeno v DKUM: 24.03.2025; Ogledov: 0; Prenosov: 2
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4. Development of a new AuCuZnGe alloy and determination of its corrosion propertiesRebeka Rudolf, Peter Majerič, Vojkan Lazić, Branimir Grgur, 2022, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: In this paper, we present the idea and development of a new gold-copper-zinc-germanium
(AuCuZnGe) alloy, which is related to the method of production and research of its key properties, so
that the new Au alloy could be used for jewelry production and in dental technology. The research
design was associated with the determination of appropriate chemical composition, manufacturing
technology, and performing the characterization. Melting and casting technologies were used to cast
the AuCuZnGe alloy while rolling was used to prepare the cylinders and cutting to make square
plates with a = 10 mm and thickness of 1 mm. Such plates were provided for corrosion testing.
Observation of the plate0
s microstructure was performed with Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM)
equipped by Energy-Dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Corrosion
testing involved performing the following measurements: Polarization, the open circuit potentials,
and linear polarization resistance. Based on the SEM, EDS, XRD, and results of corrosion testing it can
be concluded that the new AuCuZnGe alloy possesses high corrosion stability and can be classified
as a high noble alloy. Ključne besede: gold alloy, germanium, production, characterization, corrosion properties Objavljeno v DKUM: 24.03.2025; Ogledov: 0; Prenosov: 4
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5. How to control fluorescent labeling of metal oxide nanoparticles for artefact-free live cell microscopyBoštjan Kokot, Hana Kokot, Polona Umek, Katarina Petra Van Midden, Stane Pajk, Maja Zorc, Christian Eggeling, Tilen Koklič, Iztok Urbančič, Janez Štrancar, 2021, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: Nanotechnologies hold great promise for various applications. To predict and guarantee the safety of novel nanomaterials, it is essential to understand their mechanism of action in an organism, causally connecting adverse outcomes with early molecular events. This is best investigated using noninvasive advanced optical methods, such as high-resolution live-cell fluorescence microscopy, which require stable labeling of nanoparticles with fluorescent dyes. However, as shown here, when the labeling is performed inadequately, unbound fluorescent dyes and inadvertently altered chemical and physical properties of the nanoparticles can result in experimental artefacts and erroneous conclusions. To prevent such unintentional errors, we introduce a tested minimal combination of experimental methods to enable artefact-free fluorescent labeling of metal-oxide nanoparticles—the largest subpopulation of nanoparticles by industrial production and applications—and demonstrate its application in the case of TiO2 nanotubes. We (1) characterize potential changes of the nanoparticles’ surface charge and morphology that might occur during labeling by using zeta potential measurements and transmission electron microscopy, respectively, and (2) assess stable binding of the fluorescent dye to the nanoparticles with either fluorescence intensity measurements or fluorescence correlation spectroscopy, which ensures correct nanoparticle localization. Together, these steps warrant the reliability and reproducibility of advanced optical tracking, which is necessary to explore nanomaterials’ mechanism of action and will foster widespread and safe use of new nanomaterials. Ključne besede: dye leakage, labeling characterization, artefacts, labeling-induced changes, reliable nanomaterial labeling Objavljeno v DKUM: 27.08.2024; Ogledov: 68; Prenosov: 4
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6. Alginate beads with encapsulated bioactive substances from mangifera indica peels as promising peroral delivery systemsNika Kučuk, Mateja Primožič, Željko Knez, Maja Leitgeb, 2024, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: Since various bioactive substances are unstable and can degrade in the gastrointestinal tract, their stabilization is crucial. This study aimed to encapsulate mango peel extract (MPE) into edible alginate beads using the ionotropic gelation method for the potential oral delivery of bioactive substances. Mango peels, generally discarded and environmentally harmful, are rich in health-promoting bioactive substances. The alginate beads were examined for entrapment efficiency, particle size, morphology, thermal stability, physiochemical interactions, release profile under gastrointestinal conditions, and antibacterial efficacy. The study demonstrated the successful encapsulation of MPE with an efficiency of 63.1%. The in vitro release study showed the stability of the alginate beads in simulated gastric fluid with a maximum release of 45.0%, and sustained, almost complete release (99.4%) in simulated intestinal fluid, indicating successful absorption into the human body. In both fluids, the MPE release followed first-order kinetics. Encapsulation successfully maintained the antibacterial properties of MPE, with significant inhibitory activity against pathogenic intestinal bacteria. This is the first study on MPE encapsulation in alginate beads, presenting a promising oral delivery system for high-added-value applications in the food industry for dietary supplements, functional foods, or food additives. Their production is sustainable and economical, utilizing waste material and reducing environmental pollution. Ključne besede: alginate beads, encapsulation, Mangifera indica, mango peels, characterization, in vitro release, antbacterial activity Objavljeno v DKUM: 02.08.2024; Ogledov: 104; Prenosov: 20
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7. Exploring chitosan-plant extract bilayer coatings: Advancements in active food packaging via polypropylene modificationSaša Kaloper, Olivija Plohl, Sonja Smole Možina, Alenka Vesel, Vida Šimat, Lidija Fras Zemljič, 2024, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: UV-ozone activated polypropylene (PP) food films were subjected to a novel bilayer coating process involving primary or quaternary chitosan (CH/QCH) as the first layer and natural extracts from juniper needles (Juniperus oxycedrus; JUN) or blackberry leaves (Rubus fruticosus; BBL) as the second layer. This innovative approach aims to redefine active packaging (AP) development. Through a detailed analysis by surface characterization and bioactivity assessments (i.e., antioxidant and antimicrobial functionalities), we evaluated different coating combinations. Furthermore, we investigated the stability and barrier characteristics inherent in these coatings. The confirmed deposition, coupled with a comprehensive characterization of their composition and morphology, underscored the efficacy of the coatings. Our investigation included wettability assessment via contact angle (CA) measurements, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and attenuated total reflectance Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), which revealed substantial enhancements in surface concentrations of elements and functional groups of CH, QCH, JUN, and BBL. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) unveiled the coatings' heterogeneity, while time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) and CA profiling showed moderately compact bilayers on PP, providing active species on the hydrophilic surface, respectively. The coatings significantly reduced the oxygen permeability. Additionally, single-layer depositions of CH and QCH remained below the overall migration limit (OML). Remarkably, the coatings exhibited robust antioxidative properties due to plant extracts and exceptional antimicrobial activity against S. aureus, attributed to QCH. These findings underscore the pivotal role of film surface properties in governing bioactive characteristics and offer a promising pathway for enhancing food packaging functionality. Ključne besede: chitosan, plant extracts, polypropylene, active packaging, surface characterization, bioactivity Objavljeno v DKUM: 27.05.2024; Ogledov: 241; Prenosov: 21
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8. Action-Based Digital Characterization of a Game PlayerDamijan Novak, Domen Verber, Jani Dugonik, Iztok Fister, 2023, izvirni znanstveni članek Ključne besede: association rule mining, digital characterization, game agent, game player, real-time strategy games Objavljeno v DKUM: 23.05.2024; Ogledov: 131; Prenosov: 8
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9. Functional characterization of Saccharomyces yeasts from cider produced in HardangerUrban Česnik, Mitja Martelanc, Ingunn Ovsthus, Tatjana Radovanović, Ahmad Hosseini, Branka Mozetič Vodopivec, Lorena Butinar, 2023, izvirni znanstveni članek Ključne besede: Saccharomyces, Hardanger, characterization, fermentation, cider, non-volatile compounds, volatile organic compounds, partial least squares regression Objavljeno v DKUM: 29.02.2024; Ogledov: 292; Prenosov: 8
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10. Development of the recycling procedure for rapid antigen testsRebeka Rudolf, Darja Feizpour, Žiga Jelen, Peter Majerič, Tilen Švarc, Matej Zadravec, Timi Gomboc, Aleksandra Kocijan, 2024, izvirni znanstveni članek Ključne besede: rapid antigen tests, recycling, characterization, nanogold, plastic Objavljeno v DKUM: 12.02.2024; Ogledov: 383; Prenosov: 6 |