Formation of a uniformn-layer by multiple²⁹Si⁺ implantation on LEC grown semi-insulating GaAs 〈100〉 substrate and its characterisation by differential Hall measurement at room temperature is reported. The implantation energies are 60, 160 and 260 keV with corresponding doses of 1 × 10¹², 2·55 × 10¹² and 3 × 10¹² cm⁻². Asimplanted, uncapped substrates were furnace-annealed with face-to-face configuration in an N₂ ambient at 850°C with arsenic overpressure. After annealing, the samples were subjected to Hall measurements using Van der Pauw configuration. Experimental and theoretical (LSS) profiles are compared. Electrical activation of the dopant atoms was found to range from 65–90% with average mobility values lying between 2000–2300 cm² V⁻¹ s⁻¹. Uniform concentration of then-layer ∼ 10¹⁷ cm⁻³ up to a depth of 0·3 µm has been achieved. These layers are used for the fabrication of power MESFETs.

A new and efficient method for the preparation of MCM-41 type ordered mesoporous phases using phosphate as promoter under reflux conditions is reported. The various mesoporous materials studied were: silica (Si-MCM-41), alumino-silicate (Al-MCM-41), and titanium-silicate (Ti-MCM-41). Our concept of promoter-assisted synthesis of zeolites and related microporous materials was found to be applicable in the synthesis of ordered mesoporous materials as well. The addition of small catalytic quantity of phosphate ions (PO₄³⁻), used as promoters, significantly reduced the synthesis time (by a factor of 3–4) of all these mesoporous materials. The synthesis of new MCM-41 type organic-inorganic composite materials with unique properties is also reported.

New generation antimicrobial and smart drugs are the needs of the present era in fighting microbial infection and various chronic diseases. Nowadays nanoparticles (NPs) are widely applied in biomedical fields by virtue of their surface modification, which enhances both target selectivity and function. This study is a continuation of our earlier study that demonstrated antimicrobial property of NPs against both Gram-positive and Gramnegative organisms (Goswami et al, 2015). Silver NPs were synthesized using tea leaves (Camellia sinensis) decoction and were characterized using UV-vis spectrophotometry, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Fouriertransformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The silver NPs were stable at various environmental conditions. The stability of the particles may be due to various phytochemicals of tea that were bound to the surface of reducedsilver ions as a capping agent. The antimicrobial activity of NP was investigated against three Gram-negative pathogenic bacteria (Shigella dysentriae, Salmonella infestis and Vibrio parahaemolyticus). The outer membrane ofGram-negative bacteria is a lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in nature and provides protection from various stress conditions and antibiotics. But a silver NP destroys its membrane integrity and thus helps in cell killing. Spectral changesconfirmed NP interaction with hydrophobic moiety of LPS. Minimum inhibitory concentrations for S. dysentriae, S. infestis and V. parahaemolyticus were 3.75, 5.25 and 5.25 $\mu$g ml$^{−1}$, respectively. Inhibition of biofilm formationwas significant with the three bacterial strains. Cytoplasmic leakage from each bacterial strain was also demonstrated on account of NP treatment. The particles demonstrated good biocompatibility. No damage of human buccal mucosal cells was recorded even at concentration of 10 mg ml$^{−1}$. Thus, silver NPs would be potential oral therapeutic molecules against Gram-negative bacteria.