Retraction Note to: Synthesis, characterization and in vitro studies of doxorubicin-loaded magnetic nanoparticles grafted to smart copolymers on A549 lung cancer cell line.

The Editors have retracted this article [1] because Figs. 6a and 6c have been used in three other publications to represent scanning electron micrographs of different nanoparticles [2-4]. The data reported in this article are therefore unreliable. In addition, Fig. 3 was reproduced from [5] with retrospective permission and the credit line should read as follows: "Reprinted from Acta Biomaterialia, Volume 3, Zhang, J. and Misra, R.D.K., Magnetic drug-targeting carrier encapsulated with thermosensitive smart polymer: core-shell nanoparticle carrier and drug release response, pp. 838-850, copyright (2007) with permission from Acta Materialia Inc. Authors Abolfazl Akbarzadeh, Maryam Anzaby, Soodabeh Davaran, Sang Woo Joo and Mohammad Samiei agree to this retraction. Authors Younes Hanifehpour and Hamid Tayefi Nasrabadi have not responded to any correspondence about this retraction.

Silver nanoparticles: Synthesis methods, bio-applications and properties.

Silver nanoparticles size makes wide range of new applications in various fields of industry. Synthesis of noble metal nanoparticles for applications such as catalysis, electronics, optics, environmental and biotechnology is an area of constant interest. Two main methods for Silver nanoparticles are the physical and chemical methods. The problem with these methods is absorption of toxic substances onto them. Green synthesis approaches overcome this limitation. Silver nanoparticles size makes wide range of new applications in various fields of industry. This article summarizes exclusively scalable techniques and focuses on strengths, respectively, limitations with respect to the biomedical applicability and regulatory requirements concerning silver nanoparticles.

Synthesis, characterization and in vitro studies of doxorubicin-loaded magnetic nanoparticles grafted to smart copolymers on A549 lung cancer cell line.

BACKGROUND: The aim of present study was to develop the novel methods for chemical and physical modification of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) with polymers via covalent bonding entrapment. These modified SPIONs were used for encapsulation of anticancer drug doxorubicin. METHOD: At first approach silane-grafted magnetic nanoparticles was prepared and used as a template for polymerization of the N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPAAm) and methacrylic acid (MAA) via radical polymerization. This temperature/pH-sensitive copolymer was used for preparation of DOX-loaded magnetic nanocomposites. At second approach Vinyltriethoxysilane-grafted magnetic nanoparticles were used as a template to polymerize PNIPAAm-MAA in 1, 4 dioxan and methylene-bis-acrylamide (BIS) was used as a cross-linking agent. Chemical composition and magnetic properties of Dox-loaded magnetic hydrogel nanocomposites were analyzed by FT-IR, XRD, and VSM. RESULTS: The results demonstrate the feasibility of drug encapsulation of the magnetic nanoparticles with NIPAAm-MAA copolymer via covalent bonding. The key factors for the successful prepardtion of magnetic nanocomposites were the structure of copolymer (linear or cross-linked), concentration of copolymer and concentration of drug. The influence of pH and temperature on the release profile of doxorubicin was examined. The in vitro cytotoxicity test (MTT assay) of both magnetic DOx-loaded nanoparticles was examined. The in vitro tests showed that these systems are no toxicity and are biocompatible. CONCLUSION: IC50 of DOx-loaded Fe3O4 nanoparticles on A549 lung cancer cell line showed that systems could be useful in treatment of lung cancer.

Lead(II)-Azido Metal-Organic Coordination Polymers: Synthesis, Structure and Application in PbO Nanomaterials Preparation.

The current study aims to explain recent developments in the synthesis of Pb(II)-azido metal-organic coordination polymers. Coordination polymers are defined as hybrid materials encompassing metal-ion-based, organic linkers, vertices, and ligands, serving to link the vertices to 1D, 2D, or 3D periodic configurations. The coordination polymers have many applications and potential properties in many research fields, primarily dependent on particular host-guest interactions. Metal coordination polymers (CPs) and complexes have fascinating structural topologies. Therefore, they have found numerous applications in different areas over the past two decades. Azido-bridged complexes are inorganic coordination ligands with higher fascination that have been the subject of intense research because of their coordination adaptability and magnetic diversity. Several sonochemical methods have been developed to synthesize nanostructures. Researchers have recently been interested in using ultrasound in organic chemistry synthetics, since ultrasonic waves in liquids accelerate chemical reactions in heterogeneous and homogeneous systems. The sonochemical synthesis of lead-azide coordination compounds resulted from very fantastic morphologies, and some of these compounds are used as precursors for preparing nano lead oxide. The ultrasonic sonochemistry approach has been extensively applied in different research fields, such as medical imaging, biological cell disruption, thermoplastic welding, food processing, and waste treatment. CPs serve as appropriate precursors for preparing favorable materials at the nanoscale. Using these polymers as precursors is beneficial for preparing inorganic nanomaterials such as metal oxides.

Sonochemical Synthesis, Characterization and Optical Properties of Tb-Doped CdSe Nanoparticles: Synergistic Effect between Photocatalysis and Sonocatalysis.

In this study, Tb-doped CdSe nanoparticles with variable Tb3+ content were synthesized by a simple sonochemical technique. The synthesized nanoparticles were characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and powder X-ray diffraction (XRD). The sono-photocatalytic activities of the as-prepared specimens were assessed for the degradation of Reactive Black 5. The experimental results show that the sono-photocatalytic process (85.25%) produced a higher degradation percentage than the individual sono- (22%) and photocatalytic degradation (8%) processes for an initial dye concentration and Tb-doped CdSe dosage of 20 mg/L and 1 g/L, respectively. Response surface methodology (RSM) was utilized to assess model and optimize the impacts of the operational parameters, namely, the Tb3+ content, initial dye concentration, catalyst dosage, and time. The addition of benzoquinone results in remarkably inhibited degradation and the addition of ammonium oxalate reduced the removal percentage to 24%. Superoxide radicals and photogenerated holes were detected as the main oxidative species.

Nanoscale Metal-Organic Frameworks: Recent developments in synthesis, modifications and bioimaging applications.

Porous Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) have emerged as eye-catching materials in recent years. They are widely used in numerous fields of chemistry thanks to their desirable properties. MOFs have a key role in the development of bioimaging platforms that are hopefully expected to effectually pave the way for accurate and selective detection and diagnosis of abnormalities. Recently, many types of MOFs have been employed for detection of RNA, DNA, enzyme activity and small-biomolecules, as well as for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT), which are valuable methods for clinical analysis. The optimal performance of the MOF in the bio-imaging field depends on the core structure, synthesis method and modifications processes. In this review, we have attempted to present crucial parameters for designing and achieving an efficient MOF as bioimaging platforms, and provide a roadmap for researchers in this field. Moreover, the influence of modifications/fractionalizations on MOFs performance has been thoroughly discussed and challenging problems have been extensively addressed. Consideration is mainly focused on the principal concepts and applications that have been achieved to modify and synthesize advanced MOFs for future applications.

Thermolysis synthesis of pure phase NiO from novel sonochemical synthesized Ni(II) nano metal-organic supramolecular architecture.

Nano-structures of a new supramolecular coordination compound of divalent nickel with the pyrazol (pzH) containing the terminal azide anions, [Ni(pzH)2(N3)2] (1), with discrete molecular architecture (DMA) in solid state was synthesized via sonochemical method. The new nanostructure was characterized by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray powder diffraction, IR, and elemental analysis. Compound 1 was structurally characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction and the single-crystal X-ray data shows that the coordination number of Ni (II) ions is six, (NiN6), with four N-donor atoms from neutral "pzH" ligands and two N-donors from two terminal azide anions. The supramolecular features in these complexes are guided and controlled by weak directional intermolecular interactions. The structure of the title complex was optimized by density functional theory calculations. Calculated structural parameters and IR spectra for the title complex are consistent with the crystal structure. The NiO nanoparticles were obtained by thermolysis of 1 at 180°C with oleic acid as a surfactant.

Ultrasound-assisted fabrication of a novel nickel(II)-bis-pyrazolyl borate two-nuclear discrete nano-structured coordination compound.

Ultrasound was used to synthesize nano-structures of [Ni(bpzB)2]2(1), a new two-nuclear discrete-coordination compound of divalent nickel with bis-pyrazolyl borate(bpzB). The nanostructure was characterized by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray powder diffraction, infrared, and elemental analysis. The single-crystal X-ray data show that the coordination number of Ni(II) ions is four (Ni1N4 and Ni2N4) with square planar geometry. The supramolecular features in these complexes are guided and controlled by weak directional intermolecular interactions. The discrete molecules interact with each other through labile interactions, creating a 3D supramolecular framework.

Synthesis and characterization of nano-peanuts of lead(II) coordination polymer [Pb(qcnh)(NO3)2]n with ultrasonic assistance: A new precursor for the preparation of pure-phase nano-sized PbO.

A sonochemical method was used to synthesize nano-peanuts of a new lead(II) coordination 1D polymer, [Pb(qcnh)(NO3)2]n (1), where qcnh=2-quinolincarbaldehyde nicotinohydrazide. The compound was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), elemental analysis, IR spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), and single crystal X-ray analysis. The X-ray structure revealed that the Pb(II) atom is coordinated by one oxygen and three nitrogen atoms from two qcnh ligands and five oxygen atoms from three nitrate ligands in an 8+1 fashion with a PbN3O6 donor set. One of the PdN distances in the vicinity of the central atom is a bit longer (Pb1N1=2.939(4) Å), which shows the effect of the 6s2 lone electron pair localized within the valence shell of the lead(II) atom. PbO nanoparticles were obtained by thermolysis of 1 at 180°C with oleic acid as a surfactant. The average diameter of the nanoparticles was estimated by XRD to be 28nm. The morphology and size of the prepared PbO nanoparticles were further studied using SEM.

Ultrasound-assisted fabrication of a new nano-rods 3D copper(II)-organic coordination supramolecular compound.

High-energy ultrasound irradiation has been used for the synthesis of a new copper(II) coordination supramolecular compound, [Cu2(µ-O2CCH3)2(µ-OOCCH3)(phen)2](BF4) (1), ("phen" is 1,10-phenanthroline) with nano-rods morphology. The new nano-structure was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD), FT-IR spectroscopy and elemental analyses. Compound 1 was structurally characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction. The utilization of high intensity ultrasound has found as a facile, environmentally friendly, and versatile synthetic tool for the supramolecular coordination compounds.

Applications of nanoparticle systems in gene delivery and gene therapy.

For successful gene therapy, expansion of appropriate gene delivery systems could be one of the factors of major significance. Gene therapy provides large opportunities for treating diseases, including genetic disorders, infections, and cancer. Polymeric carriers have relatively low cytotoxicity and immunogenicity. Polymeric gene carriers are a potential substitute to using viral vectors. Overall, polymeric carriers can contain large-sized DNA, be conjugated with suitable functionalities, and be administered frequently. However, polymeric gene carriers have some restrictions, such as low gene transfection efficiencies and a moderately short period of gene expression. This study explores the current status of development of polymeric gene carriers, and presents guidelines for the prospective use of the polymer-based gene delivery systems in gene therapy.

Sonochemical syntheses of binuclear lead(II)-azido supramolecule with ligand 3,4,7,8-tetramethyl-1,10-phenanthroline as precursor for preparation of lead(II) oxide nanoparticles.

The new neutral binuclear lead(II) azido coordination compound, [Pb 2(tmph) 2(µ-N3)2(CH3COO) 2] (1) [tmph = 3,4,7,8-tetramethyl-1,10-phenanthroline], has been synthesized by a sonochemical method. Single crystal X-ray structure shows that the overall structure of 1 is binuclear unit. Complex 1 has a bridging azido pathway, end-to-end bridging azides between a pair of lead(II) centers. This is further extended into a one-dimensional (1D) and three-dimensional (3D) supramolecular structure by Pb⋯C and π­π weak directional intermolecular interactions. The coordination number of lead(II) ions is seven, PbN4O3, with two N-donor atoms from tmph ligands and three O-donors from acetate anions and two N-donors from two azide anions. It has a "stereo-chemically active" electron lone pair, and the coordination sphere is hemidirected. The PbO nanoparticles were obtained by thermolysis of 1 at 180 °C with oleic acid as a surfactant. The morphology and size of the prepared PbO samples were further observed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM).

Sonochemical syntheses of two new flower-like nano-scale high coordinated lead(II) supramolecular coordination polymers.

Two new neutral nano flower polymeric lead(II) coordination compounds, [Pb(tmph)(µ-SCN)2]n (1) and [Pb(tmph)(µ-NO3)2]n (2), [tmph=3,4,7,8-tetramethyl-1,10-phenanthroline], have been synthesized by a sonochemical process and characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD), FT-IR spectroscopy and elemental analyses. SEM image shows the nano flower morphology for the products. Single-crystal X-ray studies show that the overall structure of the both 1 and 2 are 1D double chain net-like coordination polymers. Compound 1 has a very rare bridging cyanato pathway; a tetra dentate bridging between four Pb(II) centers. 1D double chains of compounds 1 and 2 further extended into two-dimensional (2D) and three dimensional (3D) supramolecular structures by strong π-π directional intermolecular interactions, respectively.

Sonocatalysis of a sulfa drug using neodymium-doped lead selenide nanoparticles.

Undoped and Nd-doped PbSe nanoparticles with different Nd contents were successfully synthesized using a simple hydrothermal method. The prepared nanoparticles were thoroughly characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) techniques. Catalytic efficiency of undoped and Nd-doped PbSe samples was evaluated by monitoring the removal of sulfasalazine (SSZ) in aqueous solution under ultrasonic irradiations (sonocatalytic removal process). It was found that the presence of the K2S2O8 accelerated the sonocatalytic removal of SSZ, but the presence of NaF, Na2SO4, NaCl, and NaHCO3 obstructed it. The removal efficiency of 30.24% for PbSe and 86% for 12% Nd-doped PbSe was achieved at 90 min of reaction time, in the presence of peroxydisulfate. Also, the effect of operational parameters on the sonocatalytic removal efficiency and the dominant sonocatalytic removal mechanism were completely examined. It was found that removal of SSZ by sonocatalytic process was completed by the action of reactive oxygen species (ROS) rather than pyrolysis. An ecotoxicological test using an aquatic plant Lemna minor (L. minor) confirmed the negligible toxicity of the synthesized samples, which makes these nanoparticles appropriate for use as a sonocatalyst.

Sonochemical synthesis of Pr-doped ZnO nanoparticles for sonocatalytic degradation of Acid Red 17.

Undoped and Pr-doped ZnO nanoparticles were prepared using a simple sonochemical method, and their sonocatalytic activity was investigated toward degradation of Acid Red 17 (AR17) under ultrasonic (US) irradiation. Synthesized nanoparticles were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) techniques. The extent of sonocatalytic degradation was higher compared with sonolysis alone. The decolorization efficiency of sonolysis alone, sonocatalysis with undoped ZnO and 5% Pr-doped ZnO was 24%, 46% and 100% within reaction time of 70min, respectively. Sonocatalytic degradation of AR17 increased with increasing the amount of dopant and catalyst dosage and decreasing initial dye concentration. Natural pH was favored the sonocatalytic degradation of AR17. With the addition of chloride, carbonate and sulfate as radical scavengers, the decolorization efficiency was decreased from 100% to 65%, 71% and 89% at the reaction time of 70min, respectively, indicating that the controlling mechanism of sonochemical degradation of AR17 is the free radicals (not pyrolysis). The addition of peroxydisulfate and hydrogen peroxide as enhancer improved the degradation efficiency from 79% to 85% and 93% at the reaction time of 50min, respectively. The result showed good reusability of the synthesized sonocatalyst.

Sonochemical temperature controlled synthesis of pellet-, laminate- and rice grain-like morphologies of a Cu(II) porous metal-organic framework nano-structures.

Nano-structures of the Cu(II) metal-organic framework, {Cu(BDT)(DMF)·CH3OH·0.25DMF}n (1), which BDT(2-) is 1,4-benzeneditetrazolate, have been synthesized by the reaction of H2BDT with Cu(NO3)2·6H2O via ultrasonic irradiation in three different temperatures, which causes different morphologies. The products were characterized by IR spectroscopy, elemental analysis, scanning electron microscopy and X-ray powder diffraction. This study demonstrates that sonochemistry is a suitable method for preparation of metal-organic framework nano-structures and temperature is an effective parameter on morphologies of Cu(II) metal-organic framework nano-structures.

Investigation of quadratic electro-optic effects and electro-absorption process in GaN/AlGaN spherical quantum dot.

Quadratic electro-optic effects (QEOEs) and electro-absorption (EA) process in a GaN/AlGaN spherical quantum dot are theoretically investigated. It is found that the magnitude and resonant position of third-order nonlinear optical susceptibility depend on the nanostructure size and aluminum mole fraction. With increase of the well width and barrier potential, quadratic electro-optic effect and electro-absorption process nonlinear susceptibilities are decreased and blueshifted. The results show that the DC Kerr effect in this case is much larger than that in the bulk case. Finally, it is observed that QEOEs and EA susceptibilities decrease and broaden with the decrease of relaxation time.

Carbon nanotubes: properties, synthesis, purification, and medical applications.

Current discoveries of different forms of carbon nanostructures have motivated research on their applications in various fields. They hold promise for applications in medicine, gene, and drug delivery areas. Many different production methods for carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have been introduced; functionalization, filling, doping, and chemical modification have been achieved, and characterization, separation, and manipulation of individual CNTs are now possible. Parameters such as structure, surface area, surface charge, size distribution, surface chemistry, and agglomeration state as well as purity of the samples have considerable impact on the reactivity of carbon nanotubes. Otherwise, the strength and flexibility of carbon nanotubes make them of potential use in controlling other nanoscale structures, which suggests they will have a significant role in nanotechnology engineering.

Dendrimers: synthesis, applications, and properties.

Dendrimers are nano-sized, radially symmetric molecules with well-defined, homogeneous, and monodisperse structure that has a typically symmetric core, an inner shell, and an outer shell. Their three traditional macromolecular architectural classes are broadly recognized to generate rather polydisperse products of different molecular weights. A variety of dendrimers exist, and each has biological properties such as polyvalency, self-assembling, electrostatic interactions, chemical stability, low cytotoxicity, and solubility. These varied characteristics make dendrimers a good choice in the medical field, and this review covers their diverse applications.

Synthesis, characterization, and in vitro studies of PLGA-PEG nanoparticles for oral insulin delivery.

Therapeutic proteins and peptides are corresponding to a major area of research in biotechnology companies and current pharmaceutical. Because of their natural instability, the enormous majority of these drugs require parentéral administration. Oral insulin delivery would be a highly attractive alternative process of administration, though it continues to be a mysterious target due to the enzymatic digestion of insulin and low levels of absorption from the gastrointestinal region. Hydrogel polymers can be considered as potential carriers for oral insulin delivery. In particular, a pH responsive hydrogel composed of PLGA-PEG has shown the ability to protect insulin from enzymes in the gastric environment and release in small intestines. However, this material has not shown similar potential for oral protein delivery of further model drugs. To date, the unique interaction between PLGA-PEG and insulin, as a potential drug for oral delivery, is not completely understood. The focus of this research is synthetization and characterization of hydrogels PLGA-PEG insulin nanoparticles and also pH sensitivity of insulin nanoparticles was investigated.