Preparation nanocapsules chitosan modified with selenium extracted from the Lactobacillus acidophilus and their anticancer properties.

This study synthesized new modified imaging nanocapsules (NCs) of gallium@deferoxamine/folic acid/chitosan/polyaniline/polyvinyl alcohol (Ga@DFA/FA/CS/PANI/PVA) containing Morus nigra extract by selenium nanoparticles prepared from Lactobacillus acidophilus. Se nanoparticles were then deposited on (Ga@DFA/FA/CS/PANI/PVA) using the impregnation method. The modified contrast agents were further mixed with M. nigra extract, and their antibacterial activities were investigated by applying them on L929 cell lines. The influence of variable factors including surfactant, solvent, aqueous phase, pH, buffer, minimum Inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC), cytotoxicity on cancer cells., antibiotic, antibiogram, release and loading, stirring effect, the concentration of nanoparticle, olive oil, and thermotical methods was investigated. The structure and morphology of the synthesized contrast agents were characterized by zeta potential sizer analysis (ZPS), X-Ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX), ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectra, and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The experimental section was conducted and monitored by response surface methods (RSM) and MTT, MIC, MBC, and cancer cytotoxic conversion assay. Antibiogram testing of NCs on Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria was successful, and MIC = 2 factor was obtained with less harmful effect.

Investigation of enzymes and solvents in the production process of 6-ammonium penicillanic acid (6-APA) in industry to reduce costs and improve production conditions.

In this study, the optimization of the amount of enzyme consumed in the enzymatic phase of substitution of butanol solvent instead of methanol in the powder washing phase after filtration was investigated. To perform this study, different amounts of the enzyme penicillin G amidase (PGA) were tested in reactions with the same conditions. The highest efficiency was observed in the reaction that the ratio of penicillin powder to the amount of enzyme was 2:1. In this reaction, for every 100 g of penicillin consumed, 50 g of the PGA was used. Replacement of butanol instead of methanol after filtration, the powder obtained from this step was washed with butanol instead of methanol and the powder obtained from this step was examined after drying. The resulting solvent powder was very small and the drying speed of the powder increased compared to the time of methanol usage. Optimizing the amount of enzyme in this process due to the high cost of the enzyme made this reaction more economically viable at the end of this study. In this study, for the first time, butanol was used as a suitable substitute for methanol and the ratio of enzyme use to penicillin powder was optimized. This research deals with the future perspective in the field of research in this regard.

Fabrication and Characterization of Core-Shell Electrospun Fibrous Mats Containing Medicinal Herbs for Wound Healing and Skin Tissue Engineering.

Nanofibrous structures mimicking the native extracellular matrix have attracted considerable attention for biomedical applications. The present study aims to design and produce drug-eluting core-shell fibrous scaffolds for wound healing and skin tissue engineering. Aloe vera extracts were encapsulated inside polymer fibers containing chitosan, polycaprolactone, and keratin using the co-axial electrospinning technique. Electron microscopic studies show that continuous and uniform fibers with an average diameter of 209 ± 47 nm were successfully fabricated. The fibers have a core-shell structure with a shell thickness of about 90 nm, as confirmed by transmission electron microscopy. By employing Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, the characteristic peaks of Aloe vera were detected, which indicate successful incorporation of this natural herb into the polymeric fibers. Tensile testing and hydrophilicity measurements indicated an ultimate strength of 5.3 MPa (elongation of 0.63%) and water contact angle of 89°. In-vitro biological assay revealed increased cellular growth and adhesion with the presence of Aloe vera without any cytotoxic effects. The prepared core-shell fibrous mats containing medical herbs have a great potential for wound healing applications.

The Preparation of Hyaluronic Acid Nanoparticles from Aspicilia lichens Using Bifido Bacteria for Help in the Treatment of Diabetes in Rats In Vivo.

Many common herbs and spices are claimed to have blood sugar lowering properties that make them useful for people with or at high risk of diabetes. The main of compounds of kiwifruit (Actinidia deliciosa), rhubarb (Rheum ribes), membrane inner of egg shell, wool of sheep, human fingernail (unguis), hyaluronic acid produced by the Bifidobacterium, and usnic acid of Aspicilia lichen were extracted by different methods. All compounds of the extract were divided into five groups. We used variables such as pH, different compounds, concentration, number of injections, and blood glucose monitoring in different situations. Our study, extracts changed to nanoform. The extract compounds and nanoparticles were analyzed by gas chromatography mass spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, hydrogen-1 nuclear magnetic resonance, and scanning electron microscope. The average size of the nanoparticles was found to be 55 nm. Five groups of nanoparticles were injected into rats, and they reduced their blood glucose levels significantly (statistical significance was declared at p < 0.05). The synthesized hyaluronic acid helped to treat diabetes in rats. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Investigation of composition extracts, biological activities and optimization of Solanum nigrum L. extraction growing in Iran.

Raw materials including medicinal plants are gaining popularity for the production of reliable and safe medicines suitable for human. Response Surface Methodology (RSM) is a collection of mathematical and statistical techniques used for solving the optimization problems. Using the RSM method, compounds, extracts, antioxidant and antibacterial agents of methanol, hexane, chloroform and water extracts of black nightshade (Solanum nigrum) found in Iran, had been studied for this research. GC and GC/MS had been used to determine the composition of the extracts from the aerial parts of S. nigrum. The major components of these varieties are alkane and alkane acid derivatives. The research has shown significant results that the maximum antioxidant activity was achieved in the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) test, and significant differences were also observed between the extracts and solvents in this respect (P<0.05, R2adj=99.97%). As regards the antibacterial activity, the chloroform extract has the largest zone of growth inhibition diameter in which the gram-positive bacteria were cultured.

Preparation of polyamide nanocapsules of Aloe vera L. delivery with in vivo studies.

Aloe vera is the oldest medicinal plant ever known and the most applied medicinal plant worldwide. The purpose of this study was to prepare polyamide nanocapsules containing A. vera L. by an emulsion diffusion technique with in vivo studies. Diethyletriamine (DETA) was used as the encapsulating polymer with acetone ethyl acetate and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) as the organic solvents and Tween and gelatin in water as the stabilizers. Sebacoyl chloride (SC) monomer, A. vera L. extract, and olive oil were mixed with the acetone and then water containing DETA monomer was added to the solution using a magnetic stirrer. Finally, the acetone was removed under vacuum, and nanocapsules were obtained using a freeze drier. This study showed that the size of the nanocapsule depends on a variety of factors such as the ratio of polymer to oil, the concentration of polymers, and the plant extract. The first sample is without surfactant and the size of nanocapsules in the sample is 115 nm. By adding surfactant, nanocapsules size was reduced to 96 nm. Nanocapsules containing A. vera were administered to rats and the effects were compared with a normal control group. The results showed that in the A. vera group, the effect is higher. The nanocapsules were identified by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), zeta potential sizer (ZPS), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR).

Formation of harmful compounds in biotransformation of lilial by microorganisms isolated from human skin.

CONTEXT: The biotransformation of lilial results in an acid that is used in the dairy industry, in perfumery, as an intermediate in the manufacture of pharmaceuticals and cosmetics, and as a food additive for enhancing taste. OBJECTIVE: This study investigates the biotransformation of lilial by Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis, two bacterial species isolated from human skin. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Both species of Staphylococcus were isolated in samples taken from the skin of individuals living in a rural area of Iran. The pH of the culture medium was optimized, and after culturing the microorganisms, the bacteria were added to a flask containing a nutrient broth and incubated for several hours. The flasks of bacteria were combined with lilial, and various biochemical tests and diagnostics were performed, including Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometry (UV-Vis), and gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS). RESULTS: The S. aureus produced isobutyric acid (2-methylpropanoic acid) after 72 h (71% of the total products yielded during biotransformation), whereas the S. epidermidis produced terpenoid alcoholic media after 24 h (90% of total products obtained). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: The results obtained indicate that biotransformation of lilial by S. aureus is more desirable than by S. epidermidis due to the highly efficient production of a single product. Bourgeonal and liliol were two toxic compounds produced during biotransformation, which indicates that the use of lilial in cosmetics can be harmful to the skin.

Construction of a new membrane bed biofilm reactor and yttria-stabilized zirconia for removing heavy metal pollutants.

The objective is to design a reactor with a composite new membrane bed biofilm reactor and yttria-stabilized zirconia. We constructed a valuable reactor using response surface methodology (RSM) for process optimization. The present system can remove heavy metal Pb from wastewater using a two-part biofilm reactor: the first reactor, which includes active sludge and media, was investigated; then, the second part, which includes membranes, was made. The amount of heavy metal removed from the effluent was measured at different pH and contact time. The results obtained from this study showed that the optimum conditions for obtaining the optimal removal efficiency separately, with a lead value of 40 mg L-1 for the MBBR reactor, had the highest removal value of 55% and for the membrane with an input lead value of 20 ppm at pH = 12 call time 30 minutes equal to 85%. All analyses in this article have been repeated numerous times to prove the repeatability.

Effect of O/W process parameters on Crataegus azarolus L nanocapsule properties.

BACKGROUND: Nanocapsules have many applications in the drug, cosmetic, fragrance, and food industries. In this study, Crataegus azarolus L. nanocapsules were prepared by a modified emulsion diffusion technique. METHODS: In this technique a shell was first made from the polyester triblock copolymer poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(butylene adipate)-poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG-PBA-PEG) and then olive oil was set as the core of the nanocapsule by a method known as the polymer deposition solvent evaporation method. Varying amounts of C. azarolus extract, polymer, and olive oil were mixed in acetone and then added to water on a shaker. Finally, the acetone was removed by vacuuming. RESULTS: The size of the prepared nanocapsules were measured with a particle size analysis report (PSAR) and identified by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). CONCLUSIONS: Our experiments showed that the size of the nanocapsules depends on the preparation conditions, i.e., the ratio of polymer to oil and concentrations of polymer and plant extract. A ratio of 1:0.25 polymer to oil was shown to be more suitable for the formation of smaller nanocapsules of C. azarolus.

Biological activities and chemical composition of the stems and roots of Helichrysum oligocephalum DC grown in Iran.

Helichrysum has long been used medicinally, proving to be beneficial in treatment of acne, asthma, bronchitis and circulatory problems, and lymphatic system diseases. The objective of this research was to study the antioxidant and antibacterial activities and chemical composition of the compounds derived from the stems and roots of cultivated H. oligocephalum using gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS). The primary components found in the stem oil were ortho-vanillin (51.0%) and carvacrol (16.0%), and those found in the root oil were 1,8-cineole (30.6%) and isobornyl acetate (13.9%). Stem and root oils of H. oligocephalum demonstrated antibacterial activity, particularly in relation to Gram-positive bacteria. In a ß-carotene/linoleic acid bleaching assay, the root oil of H. oligocephalum demonstrated an antioxidant effect. Antioxidant capacity measured with 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay was 1205.0 for the stem oil and 722.8 µg/ml for the root oil.

Synthesis of cubosomes containing cerium oxide nanoparticles from Lactobacillus acidophilus loaded with glatiramer acetate and carboxymethylcellulose coating.

Cerium oxide nanoparticles (nano-series) are used as catalysts in industrial applications due to their free radical scavenging properties. Given that free radicals play an essential role in the pathology of many neurological diseases, we investigated the use of nanocrystals as a potential therapeutic agent for oxidative damage. This project synthesized nano-series from a new and environmentally friendly bio-pathway. Investigation of cerium nitrate in culture medium containing inoculated Lactobacillus acidophilus strain before incubation produces nano-series. Loaded with glatiramer acetate (GA) was formed by coating carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) and CeO2. FE-SEM analysis showed nano-series in the 9-11 nm range, spherical shape, and uniform particle size distribution. Cubic nanoparticles containing anti-multiple sclerosis (anti-Ms) treatment called GA were used. Glycerol monostearate (GMS) was used as a fat base, and evening primrose extract was used as an anti-inflammatory in cubosomes. Design-Expert® software was used to study the effects of different formulation factors on the properties of GA-loaded cubic dispersions. Thirty GA-labeled cubic dispersions were prepared with GA-labeled carboxymethylcellulose and evaluated in vitro. The results showed an average nano-series size of 89.02 and a zeta potential of -49.9. Cubosomes containing GA-CMC/CeO2 showed a stable release profile for 180 min. The results showed that cubosomes containing GA-CMC/CeO2 could be a promising drug carrier with normal release behavior.

Bioremoval of an azo textile dye, Reactive Red 198, by Aspergillus flavus.

The objective of this paper was to study the potential for bioremoval of a textile dye, Reactive Red 198 (RR198), by a fungus isolated from soil collected from an effluent disposal area near a textile company. The fungus was identified as Aspergillus flavus, and its use as a low-cost live-cell biomass for the biodegradation of RR198 from contaminated water was investigated using batch studies. The effects of time, dye concentration, and pH as variable factors were examined in the process. Results showed that bioremoval of RR198 by A. flavus increased to over 84.96% with increasing time until equilibrium was reached after a period of 24 h. A low pH was the most effective, as were lower levels of dye concentration. The decolorization was determined by the decrease in the absorption maximums of this dye by UV-visible spectroscopy. A. flavus was shown to be an efficient fungus for removal of RR198 from wastewater.

Biological activities of Eremostachys laevigata Bunge. grown in Iran.

Essential oil from flowers, stems, and roots of Eremostachys laevigata Bunge. gathered in Iran was analyzed using gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatography/mass spectroscopy (GC/MS), and 23, 21, and 9 compounds were identified, respectively. The primary components of all three oils were found to be 1,8-cineole, benzaldehyde, and piperitenone oxide: 18.3%, 18.7%, and 2.5%; 17.9%, 7.7%, and 63.3%; and 15.7%, 21.3%, and 1.2%, respectively. The oils derived from flowers and stems also contained cis-piperitone oxide as a major component (10.1% and 12.2%, respectively). E. laevigata oil showed antibacterial activity, particularly towards Gram-positive bacteria; additionally antioxidant activity was induced with IC(50) of flowers, stems and roots of E. laevigata (277.1, 495.0, and 212.6 µg/ml), respectively. Furthermore, under ß-carotene-linoleic acid test assay the flower, stem, and root oils of E. laevigata had a high antibacterial effect.

Biotransformation of germacranolide from Onopordon leptolepies by Aspergillus niger.

Terpenes are present in the essential oils obtained from herbs and spices. They are produced by these plant species as a chemical defense mechanism against phytopathogenic microorganisms. Therefore, terpenes have attracted great attention in the food industry, e.g., they have been used in foods such as cheese as natural preservatives to prevent fungal growth. Herein, we describe the microbial transformation of onopordopicrin (1) by Aspergillus niger. Four product 11α H-dihydroonopordopicrin (2), 11ß H-dihydroonopordopicrin (3), 3ß-hydroxy-11ß H-dihydroonopordopicrin (4), and 14-hydroxy-11ß H-dihydroonopordopicrin (5) were obtained. Their structures were identified on the basis of chemical and spectroscopic data. All the four compounds were novel.

Fabrication and characterization of 3D printing scaffold technology by extract oils from plant and its applications in the cardiovascular blood.

Extract oils from plants used in 3D polysaccharides modified with natural protein polymer modified polymer scaffolds can help to reduce blood pressure. This study aimed to use extract oils from plant (EOP)as blood pressure-reducing, bind them to magnetic iron nanoparticles (Fe3O4@NPs), then bind them to polymeric 3D print scaffolds [chitosan, polylactic acid, and polyurethane (CS/PLA/PU), modified with natural protein and finally separate them. This method made it possible to investigate different variables for nanoparticles. In this project, synthesis polymer, modified gelatin (Mo-Ge), PEGylation, extract oils from plant loading and release process in nanocarrier with different concentrations were examined and cell proliferation was optimized. The results show that 75% of the extract oils from plant loaded on iron magnetic nanoparticles containing PEGylated polymer scaffolds was released. Cell proliferation was performed for the sample. In this process, modification of scaffolding with polysaccharides modified with natural protein and extract oils from plant increased the efficiency of nanoparticles among the studied Allium sativum and Zingiber officinale. The size of A. sativum and Z. officinale were 29.833 nm and 150.02 nm size, respectively. These behaved very similarly to each other and A. sativum had the biggest effect in lowering blood pressure. The application of extract oils from plant in 3D mode scaffolding has not been studied before and this is the first analysis to do so, using nanoparticles.

New and Enzymatic Targeted Magnetic Macromolecular Nanodrug System Which Delivers Methadone and Rifampin Simultaneously.

An indicator for cytochrome P450 (CYP-450) enzymes includes CYP-450 which has the most fundamental role in methadone metabolism in the liver. The aim of this study is to design and interface a macromolecular nanodrug system to deliver rifampin (RIF) and methadone (MTD) simultaneously to the liver based on magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs). RIF increases the metabolism of MTD in the liver. In this study, MTD was linked to a magnetic nanocapsule including RIF by a heterocyclic linker. This heterocyclic linker was prepared in five steps. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and NMR indicated the synthesis of the heterocyclic linker, scanning electron microscopy and confocal fluorescence microscopy exhibited the morphology of NPs and loading MTD. Atomic force microscopy was applied to indicate the three-dimensional topology of NPs and the conglomeration on them. Magnetization properties of loaded and unloaded NPs were characterized by vibrating-sample magnetometer. These patterns indicated superparamagnetic properties of MNPs therefore these NPs do not retain any magnetism after removal of a magnetic field. In vitro release studies of RIF and MTD by UV-vis measurements in several buffer solutions demonstrated that behavior of drug release is related to pH. The histopathology study was performed on the liver of rats injected with MTD, morphine (MOR), and the prepared drug. Cytotoxicity of the prepared sample on MCF-7 cell line assay was assessed via 3-[4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide solution. The histopathology study indicated that the cotreatment of the synthesized drug attenuated hepatic lesions. Delivery of RIF and MTD simultaneously to the liver by MNPs (1) increases MTD metabolism because of increasing CYP-450 enzymes induced by RIF and (2) decreases hepatic lesions via injection of the synthesized drug with cotreatment by MOR.

New method of creating hybrid of buprenorphine loaded rifampin/polyethylene glycol/alginate nanoparticles.

An indicator for cytochrome P450 enzymes which have the most fundamental role in methadone metabolism in the liver. In this study preparation in vitro, in vivo release and biological activities of Fe3O4@ZnO/rifampin/polyethylene glycol/buprenorphine/alginate nanoparticles investigated. Rifampin is activator for the cytochrome P-3 enzymes which can detoxify residual drugs in the liver. This paper examines the changes pH, absorption rate, drug release, in vivo test (30 rats) in selected Wistar rats. All rats were either orally addicted to morphine after 21 days. After establishing dependence based on an observation of behavioral parameters the ability to quit the new drug was evaluated. In vitro and in vitro tests on antibacterial activity and multiple intestinal inflammation in addicts were conducted. Recent drug delivery systems that use polymers cause more sustainability of drug in the body and also prevent drug interactions. This research showed the success of decreasing consumption dose of the drug from 0.004 to 0.0005 mg, increasing lifetime from 24 to 32 h to 72-96 h, and decreasing the number of hepatic tissues that were damaged. The results of this investigation were confirmed by clinical tests and the dyeing process of mason tri­chromium and hematoxylin and eosin.

Fabrication of 3D hydrogel to the treatment of moist air by solar/wind energy in a simulated battery recycle plant salon.

Contaminated air in battery recycling halls threatens the health of factory workers. In this work, a new 3D hydrogel was designed in a simulated salon with an innovative rotary module. The Pb(II), Fe(III) and SO42- was adsorbed from air. Solar energy was transferred by wind to the factory hall and absorbed moisture was evaporated. The hydrophilicity, stability in water and storage of Pb(II) and Fe(III) in the hydrogel were optimized. Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) theory, Field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) were employed to characterize and analyze the 3D hydrogel. The collector was able to quickly raise the wind temperature to 44 °C. In each cycle, in average 60% of air moisture was absorbed on the 3D hydrogel. The evaporation rate was more than 1.4 kg m-2 h-1. The efficiency of ions removal in each cycle was 82%. In the 0.68 m3 min-1 of wind flow the temperature was 43.3 °C and evaporation was done in a shorter time.

Investigating the properties of electrospun nanofibers made of hybride polymer containing anticoagulant drugs.

The aim of this study is to provide a scaffold made of chitosan/polyvinylalcohol/ Polyurethane /polyaniline/Zingiber officinal (CS//PVA/PU/PANI/Zin) and heparin (CS//PVA/PU/PANI/HEP) with double-needle electrospinning that contains anticoagulant drugs. The medicine that was loaded on the nanofibers was measured with FT-IR, SEM, XRD, ZPS, and RSM, TST and AFM. In vitro release of loading drugs was measured at room temperature and at pH = 5.3 and pH = 7.4. The kinetic release of the drugs was studied and their cytotoxicity was assessed with MTT assay, HT, coagulation[(PT), PTT, and INR test], and TST. Based on the in vitro release studies, about 73.62% and 73.40%, respectively, of Zin and heparin were put in a medium with pH = 7.4. The results indicated that a heart valve with high tensile strength and anticoagulant properties had been developed. Clinically, due to the structural similarity of the polyurethane, biocompatibility and blood compatibility were improved in the presence of Zin extract.

Design and optimization of a new reactor based on biofilm-ceramic for industrial wastewater treatment.

A biofilm reactor was designed with flat ceramic substrates to remove Co(II), Ni(II) and Zn(II) from industrial wastewater. The ceramics were made of clay and nano-rubber with high mechanical resistance. The surface of the ceramic substrate was modified with neutral fiber and nano-hydroxyapatite. A uniform and stable biofilm mass of 320 g with 2 mm of thickness was produced on the modified ceramic after 3 d. The micro-organisms were identified in the biofilm by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method. Functional groups of biofilms were identified with a Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FT-IR). Experiments were designed by central composite design (CCD) using the responsive surface method (RSM). The biosorption process was optimized at pH = 5.8, temperature = 22 °C, feed flux of heavy metal wastewater = 225 ml, substrate flow = 30 ml, and retention time = 7.825 h. The kinetic data was analyzed by pseudo first-order and pseudo second-order kinetic models. Isotherm models and thermodynamic parameters were applied to describe the biosorption equilibrium data of the metal ions on the biofilm-ceramic. The maximum biosorption efficiency and capacity of heavy metal ions were about 72% and 57.21 mg, respectively.