Understanding nanoparticle growth mechanisms is crucial for the synthesis of nanocrystals with desired biological and chemical properties. Growth of nanocrystals by oriented attachment (OA) is frequently reported as a method supplementary to the classical growth by Ostwald ripening (OR) process. In this work, ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) were prepared by wet chemical method. Size/shape evolution of ZnO NPs in ethanol solution was systematically studied using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). In addition, a detailed process of the nanoparticle growth-based OA mechanism is discussed. Results revealed that reaction conditions affect size/shape of NPs and change their surface structure: prior to OA, the surface of adjacent particles transformed into their “rough” states. We proved that stability of the solution was significantly improved in this state. Such a state is important to design nanoparticles with high stability and as nano-suspensions with special physical and/or chemical properties. This state is a critical step in enhancing OA process. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s11671-019-3038-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

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Chlorogenic acid (CGA) has many biological properties, including antibacterial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and is one of the most abundant phenolic acids available in the human diet. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of CGA on regulation of the gut microbiota, and on the levels of free amino acids and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT, serotonin). Ninety-six healthy growing pigs were randomly assigned to two treatment groups: the Ctrl group (control group, standard feed) and the CGA group [standard feed plus 0.05% 3-caffeoylquinic acid (3-CQA)] for 60 days. The diversity of the gut microbiota was increased after CGA supplementation. Changes in these microbes were significantly associated with the serum free amino acid levels and colonic 5-HT level. Compared with the Ctrl group, the levels of serum aspartic acid, threonine, alanine, arginine, and colonic 5-HT were significantly increased (p < .05). These data suggest important roles for CGA in regulating the gut microbiota and increasing the serum free amino acid levels.