Ciprofloxacin (CIP) antibiotic was loaded on silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), which were prepared by three different methods to enhance their antibacterial activity against Gram-negative (Escherichia coli) bacteria and Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) bacteria. AgNPs were prepared by using sodium borohydride (NaBH4), lactose and sodium citrate followed by one-year aging, in order to produce a uniform prism shape. Finally, the synthesized AgNPs were functionalized with CIP to form composite of AgNPs-CIP. Various analytical techniques were used to characterize the prepared nanocomposites such as ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) absorption spectra, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and transmission electron microscope (TEM). TEM images showed some differences in average particle size of AgNPs and their distribution according to the preparation methods. Disc diffusion method was used to investigate the antibacterial activity of AgNPs-CIP composites. Results showed a significant improvement in antibacterial activity against both classes of bacteria especially for the prism AgNPs-CIP. Owing to nanoprisms vertexes and edges which facilities the penetration of Ag ions into the cell wall. AgNPs-CIP composites exhibited higher antibacterial activity against Gram-positive than Gram-negative bacteria due to the differences in bacteria cell walls compositions between the two types. ARTICLE HISTORY

The potential usage of virgin Low density polyethelyne (LDPE) reinforced with different concentrations (2%, 5% and 6% by weight) of treated rice straw with different lengths (2 mm, 4 mm and 6 mm) is investigated to produce high value products that have technical and environmental demand. The two treatment methods used for rice straw are alkali and acidic treatments of rice straw. The removal of impurities and waxy substances from fiber surface avoid creation of rougher topography after treatment and improves the quality of fiber, also content of hemi cellulose and lignin decrease so increase effectiveness of fiber due to dispersing of fiber in matrix. The reinforcing material is embedded in the matrix material to enhance tensile and flexural behaviors of the synthesized composite. The result of investigating these two mechanical properties, using statistical analysis & design of experiments, showed an enhancement in the mechaniccal properties of the virgin polymer composite compared to the virgin polymer. The flexural stress of the composite increased three times the virgin flexural stress, while the tensile stress increased eight times the original tensile stress

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This paper aims to conduct a feasibility study of producing fuel from plastic waste. It is a suggested approach to deal with the huge production of synthetic plastic around the world, so as to avoid its accumulation in landfills and the depletion of resources. Several types of research have addressed the conversion of plastic waste into energy, and in this study the authors focused on using pyrolysis to convert plastic to liquid oil. Accordingly, the volume of the waste was reduced significantly, and the produced liquid oil had a high calorific value in comparison to fossil fuel. The authors managed to develop a profitable business model for a facility producing fuel from plastic waste in Egypt. This project could be a very lucrative business opportunity for investors or venture capitalists interested in investing in green economy. A Business Model Canvas was used as a tool to identify how the different components of the business relate to each other.