Combating atherosclerosis with targeted Diosmin nanoparticles-treated experimental diabetes.

Diabetes with poor glycemic control is accompanying with an increased risk of disease namely atherosclerotic cardiovascular. Diosmin (DSN), which is obtained from citrus fruit used to assist the treatment of hemorrhoids or chronic venous atherosclerosis diseases, has an antioxidant, anti-hyperglycemic and anti-inflammatory effect. DSN is characterized by poor water solubility which limits its absorption by the gastrointestinal tract. To overcome this limitation, this study was designed to increase DSN bioavailability and solubility, through its loading on polymeric matrix; hydroxypropyl starch (HPS) and Poly lactide-glycolide-chitin (PLGA/chitin) to prepare Diosmin nanoparticles (DSN-NPs). Two methods were used to prepare DSN- NPs; Emulsion-solvent evaporation and Acid-base neutralization followed by further assessment on diabetes induced atherosclerosis The study was conducted on 50 animals assigned into 5 groups with 10 animals in each group: Group I: Normal rats received only normal saline, Group II: Diabetic rats, Group III: diabetic rats received oral DSN, Group IV: diabetic rats received DSN loaded HPS, Group V: diabetic rats received DSN loaded PLGA/chitin. Levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL-cholesterol, insulin, MDA and NO. plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 PAI-1), Paraoxonase-1(PON1), transforming growth factor-ß1 (TGF-ß1), NF-Ò¡B and Ang II were estimated. Our study revealed that, there was statistically significant difference between DSN treated group compared with DSN loaded HPS treated group and DSN loaded PLGA/chitin. Furthermore, the results obtained clearly disclosed no statistically significant difference between DSN loaded PLGA/chitin and control group exhibited DSN loaded PLGA/chitin has the higher ability to counteract the atherosclerosis factors induced by diabetes in all rats.

Synthesis and characterization of cellulose fibers modified zinc phosphate/hydroxyapatite core-shell as enhanced carrier of cisplatin: Loading, release, and cytotoxicity.

The uncontrolled administration of the cisplatin drug (CPTN) resulted in numerous drawbacks. Therefore, effective, affordable, and biocompatible delivery systems were suggested to regulate the loading, release, and therapeutic effect of CPTN. Zinc phosphate/hydroxyapatite hybrid form (ZP/HP) and core-shell nano-rod morphology, as well as its functionalized derivative with cellulose (CF@ZP/HP), were synthesized by the facile dissolution precipitation method followed by mixing with cellulose fibers, respectively. The developed CF@ZP/HP displayed remarkable enhanced CPTN loading properties (418.2 mg/g) as compared to ZP/HP (259.8 mg/g). The CPTN loading behaviors into CF@ZP/HP follow the Langmuir isotherm properties (R2 > 0.98) in addition to the kinetic activities of the pseudo-first-order model (R2 > 0.96). The steric assessment validates the notable increase in the existing loading receptors after the functionalization of ZP/HP with CF from 57.7 mg/g (ZP/HP) to 90.5 mg/g. The functionalization also impacted the capacity of each existing receptor to be able to ensure 5 CPTN molecules. This, in addition to the loading energies (<40 kJ/mol), donates the loading of CPTN by physical multi-molecular processes and in vertical orientation. The CPTN releasing patterns of CF@ZP/HP exhibit slow and controlled properties (95.7 % after 200 h at pH 7.4 and 100 % after 120 h at pH 5.5), but faster than the properties of ZP/HP. The kinetic modeling of the release activities together with the diffusion exponent (>0.45) reflected the release of CPTN according to both erosion and diffusion mechanisms. The loading of CPTN into both ZP/HP and CF@ZP/HP also resulted in a marked enhancement in the anticancer activity of CPTN against human cervical epithelial malignancies (HeLa) (cell viability = 5.6 % (CPTN), 3.2 % (CPTN loaded ZP/HP), and 1.12 % (CPTN loaded CF@ZP/HP)).

Transforming bio-waste lignin into amine functionalized carbon quantum dots for selective detection of trace Cu2+ in aqueous system.

Developing carbon quantum dots (CQDs) from bio-waste lignin for effectively detecting Cu2+ is of great significance for promoting the value-added utilization of lignin resources. However, the limited amount of surface-active groups and low quantum yield of lignin-based CQDs hinder their application in this regard. Herein, bio-waste lignin was converted into value-added amine functionalized CQDs using a facile two-step hydrothermal approach. The as-synthesized CQDs modified with amino groups exhibit bright green fluorescence, abundant surface functional groups, high water solubility and uniform particle size (3.9 nm). Systematic analysis demonstrates that the rich NH2 groups (~12.3 %) on the CQDs backbone improve their fluorescence properties (quantum yield increased from 3.4 % to 21.1 %) and specific detection ability for Cu2+. The developed NH2-CQDs serve as an efficient fluorescent probe, displaying high sensitivity and selectivity towards Cu2+ in aqueous system, with a detection limit of 2.42 µmol/L, which is lower than the maximum permitted amount of Cu2+ in drinking water (20 µmol/L). The detection mechanism of NH2-CQDs for Cu2+ is attributed to the synergy of static quenching and photo-induced electron transfer. This study provides a valuable reference for the synthesis of high-quality fluorescent CQDs from lignin resources and the effective detection of trace Cu2+ in aquatic environments.

Insight into the catalytic performances of Fe0@chitosan/cellulose green hybrid structure for enhanced photo-Fenton's oxidation of levofloxacin toxic residuals: Pathway and toxicity.

A green hybridized structure of Fe0 painted chitosan/cellulose base (Fe0@CS/CF) has been developed using cellulose extracted from sugarcane bagasse along with reduction agents sourced from Khaya senegalensis leaves. The composite was assessed as an affordable, powerful, and multifunctional catalyst for enhancing the degradation of Levofloxacin (LVX) remnants within water supplies via photo-Fenton's interactions. Using a dosage of 0.5 g/L, the Fe0@CS/CF blend demonstrated noteworthy catalytic qualities, resulting in the complete photo-Fenton's degradation of LVX at a level of 25 mg/L after 40 min. However, the complete diminution of organic carbon (TOC) occurred only after 100 min, suggesting the presence of significant intermediate residues. The identified intermediate chemicals and confirmed hydroxyl radicals as the main oxidizer suggest that the degradation pathway involves carboxylation/decarboxylation, hydroxylation, demethylation, and oxidation of quinolone rings. The toxicity properties of untreated LVX solutions and their subsequent oxidized byproducts were assessed by evaluating their inhibiting impact on Vibrio fischeri over various durations. The samples that experienced partial oxidation at initial testing demonstrated a higher level of toxicity in comparison to the parent LVX. However, the sample that was treated for 100 min demonstrated substantial biological safety and a non-toxic nature. The blend of ingredients has a synergistic impact that enhances the uptake, Fenton's, photocatalytic, and photo-Fenton's characteristics of the hosted Fe0 nanoparticles.

Study of synergistic effects induced by novel base composites on heavy metals removal and pathogen inactivation.

The green-collar strategies for nanomaterial synthesis with novel structural competencies have received significant attention in nanotechnology owing to their potential benefits. The utilization of silica nanoparticles for wastewater treatment through heavy metal ions remediation is the focal point of the present study. With this intent, silica was extracted from bagasse ash by the sol-gel method and modified using chitosan. Chemical and physical characteristics of silica(S), silica/Chitosan (SCs), were reckoned through X-ray Powder Diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and the efficiency of synthesized biomaterials for removing heavy metal ions. Cadmium and Lead from wastewater was evaluated by conducting closed batch experiments. Isotherm and kinetics models were applied to understand the adsorption mechanism. Results of heavy metal ions removal showed that the S possesses the highest removal efficiency of 88% for cadmium. Equilibrium was established within 56 min following a Langmuir isotherm model and pseudo-second-order reaction. The synthesized biomaterials were also tested against the fungal (Aspergillus Niger) and bacterial strains (Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus) to determine their antimicrobial properties Maximum inhibition of 26 mm was shown by SCs for E.coli. Synthesized samples were not so effective for A.niger. The high adsorption potential of silica nanoparticles reveals their potential to treat wastewater containing inorganic pollutants like calcium and lead released from the sugar industry firsthand, thereby building a circular economy by controlling the pollution from source to sink. The synthesized silica nanoparticles and silica/chitosan biomaterials demonstrated high adsorption potential for heavy metal ions, making them promising candidates for integration into Algal Membrane Bioreactors to enhance wastewater treatment efficiency and remove toxic pollutants. Their multifunctional properties, including antimicrobial activity, also offer potential for improving microbial control within AMBRs, ensuring a more effective and sustainable wastewater treatment process.

Graphene-grafted bimetallic MOF membranes for hazardous & toxic contaminants treatment.

Development of membrane with improved carbon dioxide (CO2) gas separation capability is a significant challenge. However, the fabrication of membrane that efficiently separate and purification CO2-containing gases has been the focus of global attention. Cellulose Acetate (CA) has robust reinforcing characteristics when incorporated within a suitable polymer matrix. This work focus on the synthesis of novel mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) by introducing Graphene-grafted bimetallic MOFs in Cellulose Acetate polymer. The graphene-grafted bimetallic MOF (GG-BM MOFs) was prepared by a hydrothermal technique. Whereas, the solution casting approach used to fabricate membranes. The 1-5 wt% of GG-BM MOFs incorporated into the CA matrix. The mechanical, hydrophilicity and adsorption characteristics of fabricated MMMs were investigated. The crystallinity of MMM enhanced after the addition of GG-BM MOFs. In addition, the mechanical characteristics of MMMs were improved with the incorporation of GG-BM MOFs inside the polymer matrix. Maximum stress and strain was obtained for 2 wt% MMM (36.4 N/mm2 and 11% respectively). The CO2 adsorption performance was evaluated at 10 bar and 45 °C. The FTIR results represent insignificant bond shifting with the addition GG-BM MOFs at these conditions. The overall results showed that MMMs containing 2 wt% GG-BM MOFs have good adsorption properties for CO2 i.e 3.15 wt% of CO2. The MMMs have shown a decrease in the mechanical properties and CO2 adsorption at the higher GG-BM MOFs loading due to the presence of agglomeration which was confirmed through SEM. Thus, the addition of GG-BM MOFs in the CA matrix positively altered the physicochemical characteristics of the resulting MMMs, which could assist them in achieving remarkable CO2 adsorption at 2 wt%.

Synthesis and characterization of cellulose functionalized zeolitic diatomite as an enhanced carrier of oxaliplatin drug; loading, release, and cytotoxicity.

Natural diatomite frustules (D) were incorporated in zeolitization and cellulose functionalization processes to obtain zeolitized diatomite (ZD) and cellulose fibrous/zeolitized diatomite composite (CF/ZD). The modified products were assessed as potential carriers of oxaliplatin drug (OXPL) with enhanced properties. The prepared ZD (112.5 mg/g) and CF/ZD (268.3 mg/g) structures exhibit significantly enhanced encapsulation capacities as compared to raw diatomite (65.9 mg/g). The occurred encapsulation reactions follow the classic Pseudo-first order kinetic (R2 > 0.93) and traditional Langmuir isotherm (R2 = 0.99). The estimated effective encapsulation site density of CF/ZD is 104.8 mg/g which is a notably higher value than ZD (44.6 mg/g) and D (28.4 mg/g). Moreover, each effective site can be occupied with up to 3 molecules of OXPL molecules in vertical forms involving multi-molecular mechanisms. The encapsulation energy (<40 KJ/mol) suggested the predominant effects of the physical mechanisms during the encapsulation reactions. The release profiles of ZD as well as CF/ZD exhibit slow and controlled properties for about 100 h either at pH 5.5 or at pH 7.4. The release kinetic studies involving the obtained diffusion exponent values (>0.45) suggested non-Fickian transport and complex erosion/diffusion release mechanism. These structures exhibit enhanced cytotoxic effects on the HCT-116 cancer cell lines (D (18.78 % cell viability), ZD (9.76 % cell viability), and CF/ZD (3.16 % cell viability).

Synthesis, drying process and medical application of polysaccharide-based aerogels.

Aerogels are promisingly intended for the use in describing lighter solid materials with huge porous structures. The outcome of aerogels is of potential interest in biomedical purposes owing to many features such as high surface area, low density and porous structure, and so forth. There are numerous inorganic and organic materials employed in the preparation of aerogels. Many drying techniques are a fundamental part of their preparation such as supercritical, freeze-drying, vacuum, ambient pressure and microwave which have been utilized for drying the wet-gel via substitute the liquid inside the wet-gel pores with air. Three common lighter solid materials (i.e. aerogel, cryogel and xerogel) could be synthesized depending on the drying technique applied. This review focuses on aerogel definition, the steps for the preparation of aerogel, techniques used for drying the wet-gel platforms. Further it highlights the pros and cons of each drying technique for synthesizing a demanded material's properties. As polysaccharide considered as one of the most prominent biocompatible and environmentally friendly polymers used for their preparation, thus we will present some examples (e.g.; cellulose, chitosan, starch, alginate, carrageenan and curdlan) and finally the potential biomedical applications of polysaccharides-based aerogel are briefly emphasized.

Utilization of High throughput microcrystalline cellulose decorated silver nanoparticles as an eco-nematicide on root-knot nematodes.

The present study aimed to evaluate the influence of high throughput microcrystalline cellulose embedded silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs), as an alternative eco-nematicide on Root-knot nematode (Meliodogyne incognita), which deem the main reason toward the loss of more than 20% in crops worldwide. In this work, Ag-NPs was prepared in very high concentration. Ag-NPs prepared using such technique has many advantages such as: absence of organic or solvents, scaling up thru using high concentration of silver precursor and utilization of environmentally benign polymer; Microcrystalline Cellulose (MCC). At the beginning, the bulk Ag-NPs colloidal solution is diluted to 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 40, 50, 60, 75, 80 and 100 ppm. Then, heavily galled roots of annual seed-propagated weed, Solanum nigrum L. family Solanaceae were selected to identify the Meloidogyne species and followed by treatment with the previously Ag-NPs concentrations. Results obtained after 24 h incubation, showed the highest mortality (M%) (40.36 ± 1.15%) which was achieved by means of 20 ppm of Ag-NPs compared with the highest concentration of Ag-NPs; 100 ppm (42.85 ± 3.51%). It was obviously noticed that, by increasing the concentration of Ag-NPs, M % decreased. On the other hand, after 48 h, 30 ppm Ag-NPs showed the highest M%; (52.82 ± 0.57%), while, after 72 h of treatments, the M% reached 95.53 ± 0.57% using 40 ppm Ag-NPs, then decreased to 66.67 ± 2.00% using 100 ppm Ag-NPs. All previous finding affirms the effectiveness of lower concentrations of Ag-NPs compared with the highest one, after 72 h. In conclusion, Ag-NPs could be successfully used as eco-nematicide for Root-knot nematodes; Meloidogyne incognita with a recommended dose of 20-40 ppm that is acquired higher M% and caused many aberrations during the different growth stages.

Anatomical study of the skull of amphisbaenian Diplometopon zarudnyi (Squamata, Amphisbaenia).

This study investigates the amphisbaenian species skull which includes cranium, lower jaw and hyoid apparatus. The medial dorsal bones comprise the premaxilla, nasal, frontal and parietal. The premaxilla carries a large medial tooth and two lateral ones. The nasals are paired bones and separated by longitudinal suture. Bones of circumorbital series are frontal, orbitosphenoid and maxilla. The occipital ring consists of basioccipital, supraoccipital and exooccipital. Supraoccipital and basioccipital are single bones while the exo-occipitals are paired. The bones of the palate comprise premaxilla, maxilla, septomaxilla, palatine, pterygoid, ectopterygoid, basisphenoid, parasphenoid, orbitosphenoid and laterosphenoid. Prevomer and pterygoid teeth are absent. Palatine represent by two separate bones. The temporal bones are clearly visible. The lower jaw consists of the dentary, articular, coronoid, supra-angular, angular and splenial. The hyoid apparatus is represented by a Y-shaped structure. The mandible is long and is suspended from the braincase via relatively short quadrate. There is an extensive contact between the long angular and the large triangular coronoid. Thus inter-mandibular joint is bridged completely by the angular and consequently, the lower jaws are relatively rigid and kinetic. The maxillae are suspended from the braincase largely by ligaments and muscles rather than through bony articulation. In conclusion, the skull shape affects feeding strategy in Diplometopon zarudnyi. The prey is ingested and transported via a rapid maxillary raking mechanism.