Beetroot extract@chitosan nanocomposite as a promising approach towards cancer therapy.

The exceptional antioxidant properties of beetroot (BR) and the cancer antiproliferative effects of chitosan nanoparticles (CS NP) have led to the synthesis of a BR@CS nanocomposite (NC) in this study. The novel BR@CS NC was applied to human epithelial colorectal adenocarcinoma (Caco-2), human epithelial ductal breast carcinoma (T-47D), and human epithelial lung carcinoma (A549) cells. SEM characterization of CS NP revealed a variety of particle shapes ranging from 20 to 58 nm in diameter. UV-VIS analysis confirmed the formation of the BR@CS NC, while FTIR analysis demonstrated strong hydrogen bonds between CS NP and BR. These bonds reduced the positive surface charge of CS NP, as indicated by zeta potential analysis. When applied to cancer cell lines at a concentration of 250 µg/mL, the BR@CS NC successfully eradicated 89 % of A549, 88 % of T-47D, and 83 % of Caco-2 cell lines. The cell death mode exhibited extensive, apoptotic, and massive necrotic changes in all cell lines treated with BR@CS NC. Caspase 3 (CasP3) and P53 levels were elevated in BR@CS NC-treated cells. This study merges BR's antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties with the antiangiogenic mechanism and inhibition of tumors by CS NP, resulting in a unique and innovative strategy for cancer treatment.

A novel terpolymer nanocomposite (carboxymethyl ß-cyclodextrin-nano chitosan-glutaraldehyde) for the potential removal of a textile dye acid red 37 from water.

Carboxymethyl ß-cyclodextrin-nanochitosan-glutaraldehyde (CM-ßCD:nChi:Glu) terpolymer was prepared as a nano-adsorbent for the removal of the anionic textile dye, acid red 37. The terpolymer nanocomposite formation and characterization were clarified by FTIR, XRD, scanning electron microscopy, TEM, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller specific surface area (BET-SSA), and zeta potential. The removal of the textile dye was investigated by using the batch adsorption method, investigating the effect of pH, dye concentration, adsorbent dose, contact time, and temperature. The results revealed that the maximum removal efficiency of 102.2 mg/L of the dye is about 99.67% under pH 6.0, the optimal contact time is 5 min, and the adsorbent dosage is 0.5 g/L. At 29°C; the adsorption capacity increased from 81.29 to 332.60 mg/g when the initial concentration of the dye was increased from 40.97 to 212.20 mg/L. Adsorption kinetics fitted well with the pseudo-second-order model with a good correlation (R 2 = 0.9998). The Langmuir isotherm model can best describe the adsorption isotherm model. Based on the experimental results, the CM-ßCD:nChi:Glu terpolymer has a promising potential as an efficient novel adsorbent for the removal of textile dye acid red 37 from contaminated water. This study's preparation techniques and demonstrated mechanisms offer valuable insights into the adsorbent-adsorbate interactions mechanism, analysis, challenges, and future directions of beta-cyclodextrin/chitosan-based adsorbents in wastewater treatment.

Curcumin-loaded hydroxyapatite nanocomposite as a novel biocompatible shield for male Wistar rats from γ-irradiation hazard.

Curcumin (CUR) is well known for its extraordinary benefits as an anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, and wound healing agent. However, nano-formulation could maintain and regulate its pharmacological effect. Herein, we report the preparation of CUR/hydroxyapatite nanocomposite (CUR/HA NC) and its application in the protection of male Wistar rats from γ-irradiation carcinogenic consequences. TEM images of the nanocrystalline HA nanoparticles (NPs) had a rod-like form with average dimensions of 40±5 nm in length and 10 ± 5 nm in width. XRD analysis illustrated the formation of a single phase of hexagonal crystalline HA NPs. The presence of the CUR fingerprint is visible in its FTIR spectra of the CUR/HA NC. Biochemical analysis and histological examinations revealed that CUR/HA NC injection does not significantly affect non-irradiation rats compared to the control. However, when injected pre-irradiation, it controls the pro-inflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-6) GSH level, kidney, and liver functions as proved by biochemical histopathological and immunohistochemical findings. This research introduces a novel effective protection modality for the γ-irradiation hazard via biocompatible CUR/HA NC injection.

Hydroxyapatite nanocomposite as a potential agent in osteosarcoma PDT.

Using Nanoplatforms as a hauler for photosensitizers is a bespoke paradigm to improve its bioavailability and to boost the PDT efficacy. Herein, the photodynamic cytotoxicity of methylene blue (MB) loaded on hydroxyapatite nanoparticles (HA-NPs) was tested against human osteosarcoma-derived cells (Saos-2 cell line). HA-NPs and HA-NPs loaded with MB (HA-NPs-MB) were prepared by a chemical precipitation method and characterized by TEM, Zeta potential, FTIR, and XRD. TEM images revealed that HA-NPs have a rod shape with a diameter of 14-17 nm and length around 46-64 nm. FTIR and Zeta potential confirmed the adsorption of cationic MB on HA-NPs. XRD pattern was identical to the standard XRD pattern of HA-NPs. Incubation of Saos-2 cells (24 h) with HA-NPs-MB then irradiation of cells (5 min) with a diode laser (808 nm), causes a higher decrement of cell viability (determined by MTT assay) than that caused by free MB. The LC50 was 57.53 µg/mL and 86.99 µg/mL for HA-NPs-MB and free MB, respectively. Thus, the nanoformulation of MB greatly reduced the dose of MB required for effective PDT. This study also investigated the mode of cell death after incubation of cells with free MB or HA-NPs-MB composite then exposure to laser radiation. The results revealed that the majority of cells died by apoptosis while a minor fraction of cells died by necrosis, especially in the case of HA-NPs-MB. Levels of caspase-3 and death receptor-4 (DR-4) were more elevated in the case of HA-NPs-MB than free MB. The effect of the prepared nanocomposite and free MB on Raw murine macrophage (RAW 264.7) viability was also examined using the MTT assay. The results indicated that HA-NPs-MB in the presence of laser has a great cytotoxic effect on macrophage cells compared to other treatments. This may present an advantage through decreasing macrophage that promotes tumor growth. In conclusion, HA-NPs-MB nanocomposite surmounts free MB and HA-NPs in destroying macrophage cells and Saos-2 cells through apoptosis in the presence of laser irradiation. This study introduces a thorough and new insight on osteosarcoma (cancer cell line Saos-2) PDT using HA-NPs-MB exploiting the biosafety of HA-NPs.

Fluorescence-based CdTe nanosensor for sensitive detection of cytochrome C.

Cytochrome c (Cyt c) is commonly used as intrinsic biomarker for several characteristics of the cell such as respiration, energy level and apoptosis. In the present study a simple colorimetric sensor should be developed and tested for the real-time detection of Cyt c in living cells. We synthesized cadmium telluride quantum dots (CdTe QDs) capped with thioglycolic acid (TGA) as a fluorometric Cyt c nanosensor. The synthesized TGA/CdTe QDs nanosensor was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and absorption as well as fluorescence spectrophotometry. We investigated the developed TGA/CdTe QDs sensor with regard to its applicability in the fluorometric detection of Cyt c. Results showed that the TGA/CdTe QDs could be used as a sensitive fluorescence probe for the quantification of different concentrations of Cyt c ranging from 0.5 - 2.5µM. Increased binding of QDs to Cyt c results in decreasing fluorescence. The fluorescence of the QDs is inversely correlated to the Cyt c concentration. Based on these data, a standard curve up to 2.5µM Cyt c was established. Moreover, the developed nanosensor was applied in different concentrations on primary human dermal fibroblasts. Results showed that TGA/CdTe QDs were taken up by cells and could be visualized by fluorescence microscopy. Quantification of Cyt c within living cells via QDs is, however, influenced by various factors such as cell damage, QD aggregation or the level of reactive oxygen species, which have to be taken into account.

Applications of CTAB modified magnetic nanoparticles for removal of chromium (VI) from contaminated water.

This study investigated the elimination of Cr(VI) from aqueous solution utilizing a composite from magnetic nanoparticles (Fe3O4) capped with cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB). The structure of the prepared composite system was examined by Fourier Transform Infra Red Spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray Diffractometry (XRD), and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). Separation of the Fe3O4/CTAB composite from the wastewater can be achieved by application of an external magnetic field. Factors affecting the Cr(VI) expulsion from wastewater such as pH, competing ions, the dosage level of the nanoparticles, and contact time were studied. The results indicated that the maximum efficiency of the present system for removal of Cr(VI) (95.77%) was in acidic conditions (pH 4), contact time 12 h, and composite dosage of 12 mg/mL. The used Cr(VI) concentration was 100 mg/L. Considering results, the Fe3O4/CTAB system showed a high capability and selectivity for the treatment of water sullied with Cr(VI). This can recede the mutagenic and carcinogenic health risk caused by Cr(VI) water tainting.

Effect of Gold/Amine Nanoparticles on Polyaniline Electrochemical Sensitivity to Formaldehyde.

BACKGROUND: Nanoparticles have a promising potential in electrochemical sensitivity. Polyaniline (PANI) received significant attention in the latest years owing to its high conductivity and excellent electrochemical stability. This research aims to study the effect of gold nanoparticles capped octadecyl amine (Au/ODA) on polyaniline emeraldine salt (ES) electrochemical sensitivity to formaldehyde (FA) using DPV technique. Furthermore, ES and Au-ODA/ES have been applied for the first time in sensing FA. Few relevant patents to the topic have been reviewed and cited in this article. METHODS: Emeraldine salt (ES) was prepared by doping the prepared emeraldine base (EB) powder with dodecylbenzene sulfonic acid (DBSA) at a ratio of 1:2 W/W. Then ES-DBSA was dissolved in chloroform solution and added to Au/ODA nanoparticles solution to obtain Au/ES-DBSA nanocomposite. FA sensors were prepared by depositing a film from ESDBSA or Au/ES-DBSA on a working electrode and the potential was measured at FA different concentrations in Electrochemical cell kit. RESULTS: FTIR and XRD confirmed the structure of ES-DBSA and Au/ES-DBSA. The obtained results reveal that the ESDBSA nanosensor is an efficient sensor because it can recognize the low levels of FA starting from 0.06 ppm. The recorded electrochemical oxidation current shows a linear direct relationship between the produced current and FA concentration in case of ES-DBSA nanoparticles while it illustrates a fluctuating signal with lower sensitivity in the case of the novel prepared nanocomposites (Au/ES-DBSA). This may be due to the gold capping agent (ODA), which in turn could inhibit the role of DBSA and decrease the conductivity of the nanocomposite. CONCLUSION: Herein we described the application of ES-DBSA and Au/ES-DBSA nanocomposite for the first time as a novel, facile, and cheap method for electrochemical sensitive detection of formaldehyde. The gold capping agent ODA hinders the ES-DBSA conductivity through interaction with the DBSA sulfo group.

A new biocompatible nanocomposite as a promising constituent of sunscreens.

Skin naturally uses antioxidants to protect itself from the damaging effects of sunlight. If this is not sufficient, other measures have to be taken. Like this, hydroxyapatite has the potential to be applied as an active constituent of sunscreens since calcium phosphate absorbs in the ultraviolet region (UV). The objective of the present work was to synthesize a hydroxyapatite-ascorbic acid nanocomposite (HAp/AA-NC) as a new biocompatible constituent of sunscreens and to test its efficiency with skin cell models. The synthesized HAp/AA-NC was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, absorption spectrophotometry and X-ray diffraction analysis. The protective effect of the construct was tested with respect to viability and intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation of primary human dermal fibroblasts (SKIN) and human epidermal keratinocytes (HaCaT). Both cell lines were irradiated with UV light, λmax=254 nm with a fluence of 25 mJ cm(-2) to mimic the effect of UV radiation of sunlight on the skin. Results showed that HAp/AA-NC had a stimulating effect on the cell viability of both, HaCaT and SKIN cells, relative to the irradiated control. Intracellular ROS significantly decreased in UV irradiated cells when treated with HAp/AA-NC. We conclude that the synthesized HAp/AA-NC have been validated in vitro as a skin protector against the harmful effect of UV-induced ROS.

Preparation and Characterization of Novel Polyaniline Nanosensor for Sensitive Detection of Formaldehyde.

Nanomaterials are promising in the field of optical sensors due to their unique properties. Emeraldine base of polyaniline (Nano EB-PANI) was prepared, characterized and applied as an optical formaldehyde sensor. FTIR data confirm the formation of the EB-PANI. TEM and SEM revealed the size and shape of the nanoscale EB-PANI. XRD showed that the obtained nano EB-PANI has a partial crystalline nature. The sensing mechanism is based on the reaction of formaldehyde with Nano EB-PANI- to form a complex as described by molecular modeling HF/3-21G** level of theory. Results showed that Nano EB-PANI- detect low concentrations of formaldehyde ranging from 0.0003 to 0.9 ppm in a dose-dependent manner. The molecular modeling theory analysis showed that formaldehyde could interact with the amine of EB-PANI in, ring 3 or 4 or both together. The binding energy and dipole moment of the interaction between formaldehyde and polyaniline nanosensor were calculated by HF/3-21g** level of theory. The interaction with ring 3-NH gives a less stable product with a high dipole moment 6.978 Debye comparing with 1.678 Debye for the product of formaldehyde interaction with the terminal ring 4-NH. The development of such novel EB-PANI nanosensor can be used as, reliable and sensitive formaldehyde sensor.

Bio-absorption of Ni and Cd on Eichhornia crassipes root thin film.

Release of heavy metals into waterways without treatment can cause a significant threat to the environment. In this paper, we present a method of improving the removal of heavy metals by using Eichhornia crassipes roots (ECR) supported on a polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) thin film. The functional groups of the synthesized PMMA sample were identified by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. ECR roots dried fine powder has a small size and large surface area. They contain many polyfunctional metal-binding sites for both cationic and anionic metal complexes. The results show that using 0.1 g of ECR, about 70% of Cd present in the water was removed in 4 h; while under the same conditions, about 55% of Ni was removed. The concentrations of Ni and Cd were measured by laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy, a promising technique for the elemental analysis of heavy metals.

Fluorescent sensor for bacterial recognition.

Boronic acid-based fluorescent sensor is one of the non-enzymatic methods used for the recognition of saccharides. Since bacterial membrane has polysaccharides with diol groups, boronic acids probe could be applied for rapid bacterial recognition. Escherichia coli (XL-1 blue) were recognized by applying (3-(5-(dimethylamino) naphthalene-1-sulfonamide) phenyl) boronic acid (DNSBA) as a sensor and the fluorescence recorded by fluorometer micro-plate reader. Results showed that, fluorescence records of DNSBA increase in a dose dependent manner upon increasing the bacterial cell numbers. Moreover, the increase in the number of bacterial cells induces a shift in the spectra due to the formation of the anionic form of boronic acid complex. Therefore, DNSBA is an efficient sensor for monitoring bacterial cells.

A pyridinium cation-π interaction sensor for the fluorescent detection of alkyl halides.

N-alkylation of a novel pyridine sensor results in pyridinium salts whose conformations are stabilised by pyridinium cation-π interactions resulting in a fluorescent response that can be used to sense the presence of alkylating agents in solution at low concentration.

Diol appended quenchers for fluorescein boronic acid.

Fluorescein isothiocyanate is treated with 3-aminophenylboronic acid to provide a fluorescently tagged boronic acid derivative which is used to assess Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) quenching upon boronate ester formation with a series of bespoke diol appended quenchers. Fluorescence spectroscopy comparison of quenching efficiency between treatment of fluorescein and its boronic acid appended congener with quencher appended diol reveals boronate ester formation (covalently linked) to be the more efficient regime and from the panel of quenchers which also included nucleosides.

Solid-state structures and solution analyses of a phenylpropylpyridine N-oxide and an N-methyl phenylpropylpyridine.

The crystal structures of phenylpropylpyridine-N-oxide and N-methyl-phenylpropylpyridinium iodide are compared, revealing that hydrogen bonding with the solvent molecule plays an important role in the N-oxide compound, whilst electrostatic interactions are predominant in controlling the solid-state orientation of the N-methylated compound. Fluorescence spectroscopy and NOESY indicate that in contrast to the previously reported pyridinium iodide, the N-oxide is not subject to intramolecular pi-stacking, as judged by excimer emission and a lack of corresponding cross peaks, respectively.