Structural investigation of interactions between halogenated flavonoids and the lipid membrane along with their role as cytotoxic agents.

This study focuses on understanding the structural and molecular changes in lipid membranes under the influence of six halogenated flavonoid derivatives differing in the number and position of substitution of chlorine and bromine atoms (D1-D6). Utilizing various analytical techniques, including fluorometric methods, dynamic light scattering (DLS), attenuated Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR- FTIR), and FT-Raman spectroscopy, the research aims to elucidate the mechanisms underlying the interaction of flavonoids with cell membranes. Additionally, the study includes in silico analyses to explore the physicochemical properties of these compounds and their potential pharmaceutical applications, along with toxicity studies to assess their effects on cancer, normal, and red blood cells. Our study showed the ability of halogenated derivatives to interact mostly with the outer part of the membrane, especially in the lipid heads region however, some of them were able to penetrate deeper into the membrane and affect the fluidity of hydrocarbon chains. The potential to reduce cancer cell viability, the lack of toxicity towards erythrocytes, and the favourable physicochemical and pharmacokinetic properties suggest these halogenated flavonoids potential candidates for exploring their potential for medical use.

Structural characteristics and in vitro starch digestibility of oil-modified cooked rice with varied addition manipulations.

Lipid has crucial applications in improving the quality of starchy products during heat processing. Herein, the influence of lipid modification and thermal treatment on the physicochemical properties and starch digestibility of cooked rice prepared with varied addition manipulations was investigated. Rice bran oil (RO) and medium chain triglyceride oil (MO) manipulations were performed either before (BC) or after cooking (AC). GC-MS was applied to determine the fatty acid profiles. Nutritional quality was analyzed by quantifying total phenolics, atherogenic, and thrombogenic indices. All complexes exhibited higher surface firmness, a soft core, and less adhesive. FTIR spectrum demonstrated that the guest component affected some of the dense structural attributes of V-amylose. The kinetic constant was in the range between 0.47 and 0.86 min-1 wherein before mode presented a higher value. The lowest glucose release was observed in the RO_BC sample, whereas the highest complexing index was observed in the RO_AC sample, indicating that the dense molecular configuration of complexes that could resist enzymatic digestion was more critical than the quantity of complex formation. Despite the damage caused by mass and heat transfer, physical barrier, intact granule forms, and strengthened dense structure were the central contributors affecting the digestion characteristics of lipid-starch complexes.

Loading cinnamon oil into pH-sensitive chitosan grafted mesoporous silica nanoparticles via supercritical carbon dioxide.

Stimulus-responsive mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) have displayed great potentiality for controlled-release and targeted drug delivery. In the current work, a supercritical fluid method was utilized to successfully prepare cinnamon oil loaded into chitosan grafted MSNs (CO@CS-MSNs). The influencing factors of drug loads, such as pressure, temperature, impregnation time and depressure time, were investigated. The structure of CO@CS-MSNs was demonstrated with Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, transmission electron microscope (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermogravimetry (TG) as well as X-ray diffraction (XRD). The drug release assays in vitro at various pH conditions displayed that CO@CS-MSNs had an excellent pH-responsive release behavior, which confirmed that CO was loaded successfully into the CO@CS-MSNs. The findings indicated that the supercritical fluid approach is a non-destructive and efficient approach for stimulus-responsive MSNs, which is expected to further expand its application range.

FT-Raman and FTIR spectroscopy as a tools showing marker of platinum-resistant phenomena in women suffering from ovarian cancer.

Platinum-resistant phenomena in ovarian cancer is very dangerous for women suffering from this disease, because reduces the chances of complete recovery. Unfortunately, until now there are no methods to verify whether a woman with ovarian cancer is platinum-resistant. Importantly, histopathology images also were not shown differences in the ovarian cancer between platinum-resistant and platinum-sensitive tissues. Therefore, in this study, Fourier Transform InfraRed (FTIR) and FT-Raman spectroscopy techniques were used to find chemical differences between platinum-resistant and platinum-sensitive ovarian cancer tissues. Furthermore, Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and machine learning methods were performed to show if it possible to differentiate these two kind of tissues as well as to propose spectroscopy marker of platinum-resistant. Indeed, obtained results showed, that in platinum-resistant ovarian cancer tissues higher amount of phospholipids, proteins and lipids were visible, however when the ratio between intensities of peaks at 1637 cm-1 (FTIR) and at 2944 cm-1 (Raman) and every peaks in spectra was calculated, difference between groups of samples were not noticed. Moreover, structural changes visible as a shift of peaks were noticed for C-O-C, C-H bending and amide II bonds. PCA clearly showed, that PC1 can be used to differentiate platinum-resistant and platinum-sensitive ovarian cancer tissues, while two-trace two-dimensional correlation spectra (2T2D-COS) showed, that only in amide II, amide I and asymmetric CH lipids vibrations correlation between two analyzed types of tissues were noticed. Finally, machine learning algorithms showed, that values of accuracy, sensitivity and specificity were near to 100% for FTIR and around 95% for FT-Raman spectroscopy. Using decision tree peaks at 1777 cm-1, 2974 cm-1 (FTIR) and 1714 cm-1, 2817 cm-1 (FT-Raman) were proposed as spectroscopy marker of platinum-resistant.

Fabrication and characterization of a new eco-friendly sulfonamide-chitosan derivative with enhanced antimicrobial and selective cytotoxicity properties.

Chitosan (CH) exhibits low antimicrobial activity. This study addresses this issue by modifying the chitosan with a sulfonamide derivative, 3-(4-(N,N-dimethylsulfonyl)phenyl)acrylic acid. The structure of the sulfonamide-chitosan derivative (DMS-CH) was confirmed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and Nuclear magnetic resonance. The results of scanning electron microscopy, thermal gravimetric analysis, and X-ray diffraction indicated that the morphology changed to a porous nature, the thermal stability decreased, and the crystallinity increased in the DMS-CH derivative compared to chitosan, respectively. The degree of substitution was calculated from the elemental analysis data and was found to be moderate (42%). The modified chitosan exhibited enhanced antimicrobial properties at low concentrations, with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 50 µg/mL observed for B. subtilis and P. aeruginosa, and a value of 25 µg/mL for S. aureus, E. coli, and C. albicans. In the case of native chitosan, the MIC values doubled or more, with 50 µg/mL recorded for E. coli and C. albicans and 100 µg/mL recorded for B. subtilis, S. aureus, and P. aeruginosa. Furthermore, toxicological examinations conducted on MCF-7 (breast adenocarcinoma) cell lines demonstrated that DMS-CH exhibited greater toxicity (IC50 = 225.47 µg/mL) than pure CH, while still maintaining significant safety limits against normal lung fibroblasts (WI-38). Collectively, these results suggest the potential use of the newly modified chitosan in biomedical applications.

Black Rice Anthocyanins as An Effective Antioxidant of Inhibition of Oil Oxidative Based on Molecular Modification.

This present work investigated the influence of black rice anthocyanins as antioxidants on the oxidation stability of oil. Malonic acid, succinic acid and succinic anhydride were grafted on black rice anthocyanins through acylation method to improve their antioxidant activity in oil. The results from fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) showed new absorption peaks near 1744 cm -1 and 1514 cm -1 , which implied that malonic acid, succinic acid and succinic anhydride grafted on the -OH of glucoside and rutinoside through esterification reaction and resulted that the polarity of these were reduced. Total content of anthocyanin (TAC) decreased to 166. 3 mg/g, 163.7 mg/g and 150.2 mg/g, respectively after modification with succinic acid, malonic acid and succinic anhydride. Compared with native anthocyanins, the acylation of black rice anthocyanins partially reduced its antioxidant activity. In addition, DPPH clearance of molecular modified anthocyanins decreased to 62.6% (San-An). As revealed in the oil stability through the determination of primary oxidation products (PV) and secondary oxidation products (p-AV), Sa-An, Ma-An and San-An showed stronger antioxidant activity in Schaal oven accelerated oxidation test during 12 days than native black rice anthocyanin in both corn oil and flaxseed oil. Molecular modified black rice anthocyanins are expected to be used as colorants, antioxidants, etc. in oil-rich food.

Chemical composition and anti-angiogenic activity of the essential oil from Blumea eriantha D.C.

Blumea eriantha D.C is a weed from Asteraceae family and is reported to have anticancer activity. The essential oil from the aerial parts was extracted by steam distillation method with the yield of 0.36%. Through GC-MS analysis of the oil, seventeen compounds could be identified by comparing with linear retention indices with the library. Out of the seventeen compounds ß-Caryophylline oxide was isolated by column chromatography with gradient elution and the structure was determined through FT-IR, MS, 1HNMR, 13 C NMR and DEPT. The oil was evaluated for its effect on angiogenesis using Chorioallantoic Membrane Assay (CAM Assay). The concentration dependent antiangiogenic effect was observed with IC 50 value of 19.28 ppm.

Binary and ternary complex formation and characterization of artemisinin with sulfobutyl ether ß-cyclodextrin and oleic acid.

Drug-resistant malaria is a global risk to the modern world. Artremisinin (ART) is one of the drugs of choice against drug-resistant (malaria) which is practically insoluble in water. The objective of our study was to improve the solubility of artemisinin (ART) via development of binary complexes of ART with sulfobutylether ß-cyclodextrins (SBE7 ß-CD), sulfobutylether ß-cyclodextrins (SBE7 ß-CD) and oleic acid (ternary complexes). These are prepared in various drugs to excipients ratios by physical mixing (PM) and solvent evaporation (SE) methods. Characterizations were achieved by powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and attenuated total reflectance Fourier Transform Infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy. The aqueous-solubility in binary complexes was 12-folds enhanced than ternary complexes. Dissolution of binary and ternary complexes of artemisinin in simulated gastric fluid (pH 1.6) was found highest and 35 times higher for ternary SECx. The crystallinity of artemisinin was decreased in physical mixtures (PMs) while SECx exhibited displaced angles. The attenuated-intensity of SECx showed least peak numbers with more displaced-angles. SEM images of PMs and SECx showed reduced particle size in binary and ternary systems as compared to pure drug-particles. ATR-FTIR spectra of binary and ternary complexes revealed bonding interactions among artemisinin, SBE7 ß-CD and oleic acid.

Optimization of Cyanocobalamin (Vitamin B12) Sorption onto Mesoporous Superparamagnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles.

The techniques used to detect and quantify cyanocobalamin (vitamin B12) vary considerably in terms of detection sensitivity, from the most sensitive, based on radioisotopes and mass spectrometry (MS) with limits of detection (LOD) in fg mL-1, to fluorescence (FL) and surface plasmon resonance (SPR) biosensors with LOD values in the range of a few µg mL-1. For accurate quantification of an analyte present at trace levels in complex biological matrices, a selective separation and enrichment step is required to overcome matrix interferences and ensure sufficient detection sensitivity. In this study, iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles (IONPs) were used for the extraction and initial preconcentration of cyanocobalamin (vitamin B12). In the dependence of the magnetization on the H-field (hysteresis loop), no coercivity and remanence values were found at 300 K, indicating the superparamagnetic properties of the tested IONPs. Perfluorinated acids were used as amphiphilic agents to allow the sorption of cyanocobalamin onto the IONPs. FT-IR/ATR spectroscopy was used to confirm the sorption of cyanocobalamin on the IONPs. The influence of the addition of a homologous series of perfluorinated acids such as trifluoroacetic acid (TFAA), heptafluorobutyric acid (HFBA), and trichloroacetic acid (TCAA) to the extraction mixture was tested considering their type, mass, and time required for effective sorption. The adsorption kinetics and isotherm, described by the Freundlich and Langmuir equations, were analyzed. The maximum adsorption capacity (qm) exceeded 6 mg g-1 and was 8.9 mg g-1 and 7.7 mg g-1 for HFBA and TCAA, respectively, as the most efficient additives. After the desorption process using aqueous KH2PO4 solution, the sample was finally analyzed spectrophotometrically and chromatographically. The IONP-based method was successfully applied for the isolation of cyanocobalamin from human urine samples. The results showed that the developed approach is simple, cheap, accurate, and efficient for the determination of traces of cyanocobalamin in biological matrices.

Valorization of Red Beetroot (Beta vulgaris L.) Pomace Combined with Golden Linseed (Lini semen) for the Development of Vegetable Crispbreads as Gluten-Free Snacks Rich in Bioactive Compounds.

This work aimed to develop gluten-free snacks such as crispbread based on beetroot pomace (Beta vulgaris L.) and golden linseed (Lini semen). Beetroot is attracting more and more consumer attention because of its nutritional and health properties. The use of beet pomace contributes to waste management. Linseed, known as a superfood with many health-promoting properties, was used to produce crispbreads as an alternative to cereals, which are allergens. Beetroot pomace and whole or ground linseed were used in different proportions to produce crispbread snacks. Chemical and physical analyses were performed including water activity, dry matter, betalains, and polyphenols content, as well as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). A sensory evaluation and microstructure observations were also performed. The obtained snacks were characterized by low water activity (0.290-0.395) and a high dry matter content (93.43-97.53%), which ensures their microbiological stability and enables longer storage. Beetroot pomace provided betalains-red (14.59-51.44 mg betanin/100 g d.m.) and yellow dyes (50.02-171.12 mg betanin/100 g d.m.)-while using linseed enriched the product with polyphenols (730-948 mg chlorogenic acid/100 g d.m.). FTIR analysis showed the presence of functional groups such as the following: -OH, -C-O, -COOH, and -NH. The most desired overall consumer acceptability was achieved for snacks containing 50% beetroot pomace and 50% linseed seeds. The obtained results confirmed that beetroot pomace combined with linseed can be used in the production of vegetable crispbread snacks.

Antibacterial efficacy ofRumex dentatusleaf extract-enriched zinc oxide and iron doped zinc nanoparticles: a comparative study.

In the current investigation, zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles and Fe-doped ZnO nanoparticles were sustainably synthesized utilizing an extract derived from theRumex dentatusplant through a green synthesis approach. The Scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDX), Ultra-violet visible spectroscopy (UV-vis) spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) techniques were used to examine the compositional, morphological, optical, and thermal properties of both samples. The doping of iron into ZnO NPs has significantly influenced their properties. The analysis firmly established that both ZnO NPs and Fe-doped ZnO NPs have hexagonal wurtzite structures and spherical shapes by XRD and SEM. The EDX analysis suggests that iron atoms have been successfully integrated into the ZnO lattice. The change in color observed during the reaction indicated the formation of nanoparticles. The UV-vis peaks at 364 nm and 314 nm confirmed the presence of ZnO NPs and Fe-doped ZnO NPs, respectively. The band gap of ZnO NPs by Fe dopant displayed a narrowing effect. This indicates that adding iron ions to ZnO NPs offers a control band gap. The thermal study TGA revealed that Fe-doped ZnO NPs remain stable when heated up to 600 °C. The antibacterial efficacy of ZnO NPs and Fe-doped ZnO NPs was evaluated against several bacterial strains. The evaluation is based on the zone of inhibition (ZOI). Both samples exhibited excellent antibacterial properties as compared to conventional pharmaceutical agents. These results suggest that synthesizing nanoparticles through plant-based methods is a promising approach to creating versatile and environmentally friendly biomedical products.

Potential health risks of microplastic fibres release from disposable surgical masks: Impact of repeated wearing and handling.

Disposable surgical masks undeniably provide important personal protection in daily life, but the potential health risks by the release of microplastic fibres from masks should command greater attention. In this study, we conducted a microplastic fibre release simulation experiment by carrying masks in a pocket and reusing them, to reveal the number and morphological changes of microfibres released. Fourier transform infrared spectrometry, scanning electron microscopy, and optical microscopy were employed to analyse the physical and chemical characteristics of the mask fibres. The results indicated that the reuse of disposable masks led to a significant release of microplastic fibres, potentially leading to their migration into the respiratory system. Furthermore, the release of microplastic fibres increased with prolonged external friction, particularly when masks were stored in pockets. The large-scale release of microplastic fibres due to mask reuse raises concerns about potential health risks to the human respiratory system. The reuse of disposable masks should be also strictly avoided in daily life in the future. Furthermore, the current study also established a robust foundation for future research endeavours on health risks associated with microplastic fibres entering the respiratory system through improper mask usage.

Identification and characterization of silver nanoparticles from Erythrina indica and its antioxidant and Uropathogenic antimicrobial properties.

The plant Erythrina indica comes under Fabaceae family, mainly used for used in traditional medicine as nervine sedative, antiepileptic, antiasthmatic, collyrium in opthalmia, antiseptic. Current study focused synthesize of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) by E. indica leaf ethanol extract. The green-synthesized AgNPs underwent characterization using multiple analytical techniques, including UV-visible, FTIR, DLS, SEM, TEM, XRD, and EDX, and estimation of their antioxidant activity and antimicrobial activity. Phytochemical analysis identified alkaloids, tannins, saponins, flavonoids, and phenols as secondary metabolites. The Total Phenol Content (TPC) was determined to be 237.35 ± 2.02 mg GAE-1, indicating a substantial presence of phenolic compounds. The presence of AgNPs was verified through UV-Visible analysis at 420 nm, and FT-IR revealed characteristic phenolic functional groups. DLS analysis indicated a narrow size distribution (polydispersity index - PDI: 3.47%), with SEM revealing spherical AgNPs of approximately 20 nm. TEM showed homogeneous, highly polycrystalline AgNPs with lattice spacing at 0.297. XRD analysis demonstrated crystallinity and purity, with distinct reflection peaks corresponding to miller indices of JCPDS card no. 01 087 1473. In vitro, AgNPs exhibited robust antioxidant activity like; DPPH, ABTS, and H2O2, surpassing E. indica-assisted synthesis. ABTS assay indicated higher antioxidant activity (81.94 ± 0.05%) for AgNPs at 734 nm, while E. indica extraction showed 39.67 ± 0.07%. At 532 nm, both E. indica extraction (57.71 ± 0.11%) and AgNPs (37.41 ± 0.17%) exhibited H2O2 scavenging. Furthermore, AgNPs displayed significant antimicrobial properties, inhibiting Staphylococcus aureus (15.7 ± 0.12 mm) and Candida albicans (10.7 ± 0.17 mm) byfor the concentration of 80 µg/mL. Through the characterizations underscore of the potential of Erythrina indica-synthesized AgNPs, rich in polyphenolic compounds, for pharmacological, medical, biological applications and antipyretic properties.

Green synthesis of Superparamagnetic Iron Oxide and Silver Nanoparticles in Satureja hortensis Leave Extract: Evaluation of Antifungal Effects on Botryosphaeriaceae Species.

In recent years, green synthesis methods of metallic nanoparticles (MNPs) have been attractive because of the more facile, cheaper, and appropriate features associated with biomolecules in MNPs biosynthesis. This research represented an easy, fast, and environmentally friendly method to biosynthesis of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONPs) and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) by the Satureja hortensis leaf extract as stabilizer and reducer. The SPIONPs synthesized in co-precipitation method. The biosynthesized SPIONPs and AgNPs were studied their antifungal effects against three Botryosphaeriaceae plant pathogens, Botryosphaeria dothidea, Diplodia seriata, and Neofusicoccum parvum. UV-visible spectra (UV-Vis), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), field emission scanning electron microscopy (Fe-SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and vibrating-sample magnetometer (VSM) analyses were used to evaluate the physicochemical properties and verify the formation of green synthesized SPIONPs and AgNPs. UV-Vis spectra revealed absorption peaks at 243 and 448 nm for SPIONs and 436 nm for AgNPs, respectively. Microscopic and XRD analysis showed that SPIONPs and AgNPs was found spherical in shape with an average particle size of SPIONPs and AgNPs 10 and 12 nm, respectively. The antifungal test against Botryosphaeriaceae species showed that SPIONPs and AgNPs possess antifungal properties against B. dothidea, D. seriata, and N. parvum. However, AgNPs exhibits greater antifungal activity than SPIONPs. The results of the cytotoxicity tests of SPIONs and AgNPs on the MCF-7 cell line showed that AgNPs was significantly more cytotoxic towards the MCF-7 cell line, whereas no significant cytotoxic effect was recorded by SPIONs. Therefore, these biosynthesized MNPs could be substituted for toxic fungicides that are extensively applied in agriculture and contribute to environmental health and food safety.

A Study on the Antibacterial, Antispasmodic, Antipyretic, and Anti-Inflammatory Activity of ZnO Nanoparticles Using Leaf Extract from Jasminum sambac (L. Aiton).

The green synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) using plants has grown in significance in recent years. ZnO NPs were synthesized in this work via a chemical precipitation method with Jasminum sambac (JS) leaf extract serving as a capping agent. These NPs were characterized using UV-vis spectroscopy, FT-IR, XRD, SEM, TEM, TGA, and DTA. The results from UV-vis and FT-IR confirmed the band gap energies (3.37 eV and 3.50 eV) and the presence of the following functional groups: CN, OH, C=O, and NH. A spherical structure and an average grain size of 26 nm were confirmed via XRD. The size and surface morphology of the ZnO NPs were confirmed through the use of SEM analysis. According to the TEM images, the ZnO NPs had an average mean size of 26 nm and were spherical in shape. The TGA curve indicated that the weight loss starts at 100 °C, rising to 900 °C, as a result of the evaporation of water molecules. An exothermic peak was seen during the DTA analysis at 480 °C. Effective antibacterial activity was found at 7.32 ± 0.44 mm in Gram-positive bacteria (S. aureus) and at 15.54 ± 0.031 mm in Gram-negative (E. coli) bacteria against the ZnO NPs. Antispasmodic activity: the 0.3 mL/mL sample solution demonstrated significant reductions in stimulant effects induced by histamine (at a concentration of 1 µg/mL) by (78.19%), acetylcholine (at a concentration of 1 µM) by (67.57%), and nicotine (at a concentration of 2 µg/mL) by (84.35%). The antipyretic activity was identified using the specific Shodhan vidhi method, and their anti-inflammatory properties were effectively evaluated with a denaturation test. A 0.3 mL/mL sample solution demonstrated significant reductions in stimulant effects induced by histamine (at a concentration of 1 µg/mL) by 78.19%, acetylcholine (at a concentration of 1 µM) by 67.57%, and nicotine (at a concentration of 2 µg/mL) by 84.35%. These results underscore the sample solution's potential as an effective therapeutic agent, showcasing its notable antispasmodic activity. Among the administered doses, the 150 mg/kg sample dose exhibited the most potent antipyretic effects. The anti-inflammatory activity of the synthesized NPs showed a remarkable inhibition percentage of (97.14 ± 0.005) at higher concentrations (250 µg/mL). Furthermore, a cytotoxic effect was noted when the biologically synthesized ZnO NPs were introduced to treated cells.

Mechanochemical Approach to Obtaining a Multicomponent Fisetin Delivery System Improving Its Solubility and Biological Activity.

In this study, binary amorphous solid dispersions (ASDs, fisetin-Eudragit®) and ternary amorphous solid inclusions (ASIs, fisetin-Eudragit®-HP-ß-cyclodextrin) of fisetin (FIS) were prepared by the mechanochemical method without solvent. The amorphous nature of FIS in ASDs and ASIs was confirmed using XRPD (X-ray powder diffraction). DSC (Differential scanning calorimetry) confirmed full miscibility of multicomponent delivery systems. FT-IR (Fourier-transform infrared analysis) confirmed interactions that stabilize FIS's amorphous state and identified the functional groups involved. The study culminated in evaluating the impact of amorphization on water solubility and conducting in vitro antioxidant assays: 2,2-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)-ABTS, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl-DPPH, Cupric Reducing Antioxidant Capacity-CUPRAC, and Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power-FRAP and in vitro neuroprotective assays: inhibition of acetylcholinesterase-AChE and butyrylcholinesterase-BChE. In addition, molecular docking allowed for the determination of possible bonds and interactions between FIS and the mentioned above enzymes. The best preparation turned out to be ASI_30_EPO (ASD fisetin-Eudragit® containing 30% FIS in combination with HP-ß-cyclodextrin), which showed an improvement in apparent solubility (126.5 ± 0.1 µg∙mL-1) and antioxidant properties (ABTS: IC50 = 10.25 µg∙mL-1, DPPH: IC50 = 27.69 µg∙mL-1, CUPRAC: IC0.5 = 9.52 µg∙mL-1, FRAP: IC0.5 = 8.56 µg∙mL-1) and neuroprotective properties (inhibition AChE: 39.91%, and BChE: 42.62%).

Characterization and optimization of exopolysaccharide extracted from a newly isolated halotolerant cyanobacterium, Acaryochloris Al-Azhar MNE ON864448.1 with antiviral activity.

Several antiviral agents lost their efficacy due to their severe side effects and virus mutations. This study aimed to identify and optimize the conditions for exopolysaccharide (EPS) production from a newly isolated cyanobacterium, Acaryochloris Al-Azhar MNE ON864448.1, besides exploring its antiviral activity. The cyanobacterial EPS was purified through DEAE-52 cellulose column with a final yield of 83.75%. Different analysis instruments were applied for EPS identification, including Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and gas chromatographic-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Plackett-Burman's design demonstrated that working volume (X1), EDTA (X2), inoculum size (X3), CaCl2 (X4), and NaCl (X5) are the most important variables influencing EPS production. Central composite design (CCD) exhibited maximum EPS yield (9.27 mg/mL) at a working volume of 300 mL in a 1 L volumetric flask, EDTA 0.002 g/L, inoculum size 7%, CaCl2 0.046 g/L, and NaCl 20 g/L were applied. EPS showed potent antiviral activities at different stages of herpes simplex virus type-1 and 2 (HSV-1, HSV-2), adenovirus (ADV) and coxsackievirus (A16) infections. The highest half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) (6.477 µg/mL) was recorded during HSV-1 internalization mechanism, while the lowest IC50 (0.005669 µg/mL) was recorded during coxsackievirus neutralization mechanism.

Fe3O4-Cy5.5-trastuzumab magnetic nanoparticles for magnetic resonance/near-infrared imaging targeting HER2 in breast cancer.

This study developed a probe Fe3O4-Cy5.5-trastuzumab with fluorescence and magnetic resonance imaging functions that can target breast cancer with high HER2 expression, aiming to provide a new theoretical method for the diagnosis of early breast cancer. Fe3O4-Cy5.5-trastuzumab nanoparticles were combined with Fe3O4for T2imaging and Cy5.5 for near-infrared imaging, and coupled with trastuzumab for HER2 targeting. We characterized the nanoparticles used transmission electron microscopy, hydration particle size, Zeta potential, UV and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and examined its magnetism, fluorescence, and relaxation rate related properties. CCK-8 and blood biochemistry analysis evaluated the biosafety and stability of the nanoparticles, and validated the targeting ability of Fe3O4-Cy5.5 trastuzumab nanoparticles throughin vitroandin vivocell and animal experiments. Characterization results showed the successful synthesis of Fe3O4-Cy5.5-trastuzumab nanoparticles with a diameter of 93.72 ± 6.34 nm. The nanoparticles showed a T2relaxation rate 42.29 mM-1s-1, magnetic saturation strength of 27.58 emg g-1. Laser confocal and flow cytometry uptake assay showed that the nanoparticles could effectively target HER2 expressed by breast cancer cells. As indicated byin vitroandin vivostudies, Fe3O4-Cy5.5-trastuzumab were specifically taken up and effectively aggregated to tumour regions with prominent NIRF/MR imaging properties. CCK-8, blood biochemical analysis and histological results suggested Fe3O4-Cy5.5-trastuzumab that exhibited low toxicity to major organs and goodin vivobiocompatibility. The prepared Fe3O4-Cy5.5-trastuzumab exhibited excellent targeting, NIRF/MR imaging performance. It is expected to serve as a safe and effective diagnostic method that lays a theoretical basis for the effective diagnosis of early breast cancer. This study successfully prepared a kind of nanoparticles with near-infrared fluorescence imaging and T2imaging properties, which is expected to serve as a new theory and strategy for early detection of breast cancer.

FTIR spectroscopy for assessment of hair from lung cancer patients and its application in monitoring the chemotherapy treatment effect.

Lung cancer is the most common cancer and the leading cause of death in China. The current gold standard for clinical lung cancer diagnosis is based on histopathological examination of tumors, but it has the limitation for easy operation and convenient applications. Therefore, researchers are still striving to develop other tools and methods for non-invasive and rapid assessment of the health conditions of lung cancer patients. Hair, as a reflection of the metabolism of the body, is closely related to human health conditions. In principle, Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy can probe the major chemical compositions in the hair. However, as indicated by previous studies, there is still the challenge to make good use of FTIR spectroscopy for achieving reliable analysis of hair from cancer patients. In this study, hair samples from 82 lung cancer patients were collected and subjected to FTIR measurements and analysis, which showed the protein content in the hair is closely related to the protein content in the blood serum of patients, and the contents of protein and lipid are statistically lower in the lung cancer patients. Furthermore, we demonstrated that FTIR spectroscopy could be employed to monitor the hair of lung cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, and confirmed that the FTIR spectra of the hair may reflect the resultant effect of the chemotherapy. As such, this work validates the way of using FTIR spectroscopy in hair analysis for the assistance of medical diagnosis of lung cancer as well as monitoring the conditions of the patients under the medical treatment.

Multifaceted Applications of Luminescent Metalloporphyrin Derivatives: Fluorescence Turn-On Sensing of Nicotine and Antimicrobial Activity.

In this study, we designed and synthesized metalloporphyrin derivatives (with Ni and Zn) specifically intended for the fluorescence detection of nicotine in aqueous solutions. Our results showcased a notable selectivity for nicotine over other naturally occurring food toxins, exhibiting an exceptional sensitivity with a limit of detection as low as 7.2 nM. Through mechanistic investigations (1H NMR, FT-IR, etc.), we elucidated the binding mechanism, revealing the specific interaction between the pyridine ring of nicotine and the metal center, while the N atom pyrrolidine unit engaged in the hydrogen bonding with the side chain of the porphyrin ring. Notably, we observed that the nature of the metal center dictated the extent of interaction with nicotine; particularly, Zn-porphyrin demonstrated a superior response compared to Ni-porphyrin. Furthermore, we performed the quantitative estimation of nicotine in commercially available tobacco products. Additionally, we conducted the antibacterial (Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli) and antifungal (Candida albicans) activities of the porphyrin derivatives.