The Enterococcus secretome inhibits the growth of vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecalis V853 with their antiproliferative properties and nanoencapsulation effects.

In our study, the secretome of the clinical isolate Enterococcus faecalis HY7 displayed antibacterial activity against the vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecalis V853. These bacteriocin-like substances showed thermal stability at a wide range of temperatures up to 121 °C, while proteinase K treatment resulted in a total loss of their activity. PCR-based screening for bacteriocin biosynthetic genes revealed that Enterococcus faecalis HY7 harbored multiple enterocin-producing genes, including ent A, avc A, and as-48. The production kinetics demonstrated the highest levels of bacteriocins production at 16 h, whereas the activity was diminished after 32 h of microbial growth. Notably, the partially purified bacteriocins exhibited anti-proliferative activity on the colon cancer cells, Caco2, with an IC50 value of 172.8 µg/mL. Remarkably, the nanoencapsulation of our bacteriocins in liposome showed a fourfold increase in its anti-vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus activity, which is the first report of liposome encapsulation with anti-vancomycin resistant Enterococcus bacteriocin.

Effective impact of nano-plastic-waste incorporated with nanotitina on the physical, mechanical and microstructural properties of white cement pastes composites for progressing towards sustainability.

Plastic waste (PW) has received a lot of attention as a possible additional material for industrial and environmental applications, particularly cement and/or concrete production for a more environmentally and economically sound use of raw materials and energy sources. PW has been investigated as an inert and/or active hydraulic filler for cement and/or concrete by numerous scientists. Plastic garbage is cheap, abundant, and takes long period of time to degrade in the eco-system (soil and water). The main goal of the ongoing research is to offer safety and efficacy by partially substituting nano-plastic waste (NPW), incorporated with nano-titania (NT), for the composition of white cement (WC). Blends are built up by substitution of WC with different ratios of NPW incorporated with fixed ratios of nano-titania (1.0 wt.%). Workability, physical, mechanical and microstructural properties have gone through laboratory and instrumental analysis. The results showed improvement in the compressive strength, density and microstructure due to the effective impact of fillers. Consequently, a decrease in total porosity, whiteness reflection (Ry) and early-rapid expansion. Eventually, the outcomes may reduce the pandemic strength, especially in the external environment, and other epidemics.

Nickel and cobalt-based tungstate nanocomposites as promising electrocatalysts in alkaline direct methanol fuel cells.

In this work, a non-precious group metal (non-PGM) electrocatalyst based on transition metals is introduced as a promising solution for enhancing the efficiency of direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC). Nickel-cobalt mixed tungstate was prepared using a simple co-precipitation method with different molar ratios of Ni, Co and W. The prepared materials were tested and validated using different characterization techniques. It was observed using SEM that the materials are agglomerated amorphous random circular nanocomposite structures. The electrochemical performance of the prepared electrocatalysts revealed that the best nanocomposite was the one with the Ni : Co : W ratio of 1 : 1 : 1.5 (W1.5). This composite showed a higher current density of 229 mA cm-2 towards methanol oxidation at a scan rate of 50 mV s-1 in 1 M methanol at 0.6 V, with the lowest onset potential of 0.33 V. The obtained results present a new strong non-PGM material for direct methanol electro-oxidation reactions and open new doors for economic and earth-abundant electrocatalysts as an alternative to expensive commercially available catalysts.

Impedimetric Detection of Cancer Markers Based on Nanofiber Copolymers.

The sensitive determination of folate receptors (FRs) in the early stages of cancer is of great significance for controlling the progression of cancerous cells. Many folic acid (FA)-based electrochemical biosensors have been utilized to detect FRs with promising performances, but most were complicated, non-reproducible, non-biocompatible, and time and cost consuming. Here, we developed an environmentally friendly and sensitive biosensor for FR detection. We proposed an electrochemical impedimetric biosensor formed by nanofibers (NFs) of bio-copolymers prepared by electrospinning. The biosensor combines the advantages of bio-friendly polymers, such as sodium alginate (SA) and polyethylene oxide (PEO) as an antifouling polymer, with FA as a biorecognition element. The NF nanocomposites were characterized using various techniques, including SEM, FTIR, zeta potential (ZP), cyclic voltammetry (CV), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). We evaluated the performance of the NF biosensor using EIS and demonstrated FR detection in plasma with a limit of detection of 3 pM. Furthermore, the biosensor showed high selectivity, reliability, and good stability when stored for two months. This biosensor was constructed from 'green credentials' holding polymers that are highly needed in the new paradigm shift in the medical industry.

Poly-Gamma-Glutamic Acid Nanopolymer Effect against Bacterial Biofilms: In Vitro and In Vivo Study.

In this study, a biodegradable poly-gamma-glutamic-acid nanopolymer (Ɣ-PGA NP) was investigated for its activity against clinical strains of Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes) and Gram-negative (Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia coli), and reference strains of S. aureus ATCC 6538, S. pyogenes ATCC 19615 (Gram-positive), and Gram-negative E. coli ATCC 25922, and K. pneumoniae ATCC 13884 bacterial biofilms. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) effect of Ɣ-PGA NP showed inhibitory effects of 0.2, 0.4, 1.6, and 3.2 µg/mL for S. pyogenes, S. aureus, E. coli, and K. pneumoniae, respectively. Also, MIC values were 1.6, 0.8, 0.2, and 0.2 µg/mL for K. pneumoniae ATCC 13884, E. coli ATCC 25922, S. aureus ATCC 6538, and S. pyogenes ATCC 19615, respectively. Afterwards, MBEC (minimum biofilm eradication concentration) and MBIC (minimum biofilm inhibitory concentration) were investigated to detect Ɣ-PGA NPs efficiency against the biofilms. MBEC and MBIC increased with increasing Ɣ-PGA NPs concentration or time of exposure. Interestingly, MBIC values were at lower concentrations of Ɣ-PGA NPs than those of MBEC. Moreover, MBEC values showed that K. pneumoniae was more resistant to Ɣ-PGA NPs than E. coli, S. aureus, and S. pyogenes, and the same pattern was observed in the reference strains. The most effective results for MBEC were after 48 h, which were 1.6, 0.8, 0.4, and 0.2 µg/mL for K. pneumoniae, E. coli, S. aureus, and S. pyogenes, respectively. Moreover, MBIC results were the most impactful after 24 h but some were the same after 48 h. MBIC values after 48 h were 0.2, 0.2, 0.2, and 0.1 µg/mL for K. pneumoniae, E. coli, S. aureus, and S. pyogenes, respectively. The most effective results for MBEC were after 24 h, which were 1.6, 0.8, 0.4, and 0.4 µg/mL for K. pneumoniae ATCC 13884, E. coli ATCC 25922, S. aureus ATCC 6538, and S. pyogenes ATCC 19615, respectively. Also, MBIC results were the most impactful after an exposure time of 12 h. MBIC values after exposure time of 12 h were 0.4, 0.4, 0.2, and 0.2 µg/mL for K. pneumoniae ATCC 13884, E. coli ATCC 25922, S. aureus ATCC 6538, and S. pyogenes ATCC 19615, respectively. Besides that, results were confirmed using confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), which showed a decrease in the number of living cells to 80% and 60% for MBEC and MBIC, respectively, for all the clinical bacterial strains. Moreover, living bacterial cells decreased to 70% at MBEC while decreasing up to 50% at MBIC with all bacterial refence strains. These data justify the CFU quantification. After that, ImageJ software was used to count the attached cells after incubating with the NPs, which proved the variation in live cell count between the manual counting and image analysis methods. Also, a scanning electron microscope (SEM) was used to detect the biofilm architecture after incubation with the Ɣ-PGA NP. In in vivo wound healing experiments, treated wounds of mice showed faster healing (p < 0.00001) than both the untreated mice and those that were only wounded, as the bacterial count was eradicated. Briefly, the infected mice were treated faster (p < 0.0001) when infected with S. pyogenes > S. aureus > E. coli > K. pneumoniae. The same pattern was observed for mice infected with the reference strains. Wound lengths after 2 h showed slightly healing (p < 0.001) for the clinical strains, while treatment became more obvious after 72 h > 48 h > 24 h (p < 0.0001) as wounds began to heal after 24 h up to 72 h. For reference strains, wound lengths after 2 h started to heal up to 72 h.

Nitrogen-doped carbon quantum dots as a novel treatment for black fungal bone infections (Mucormycosis): in vitro and in vivo study.

Most fungal bone and joint infections (arthritis) are caused by Mucormycosis (Mucor indicus). These infections may be difficult to treat and may lead to chronic bone disorders and disabilities, thus the use of new antifungal materials in bone disorders is vital, particularly in immunocompromised individuals, such as those who have contracted coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Herein, we reported for the first time the preparation of nitrogen-doped carbon quantum dots (N/CQDs) and a nitrogen-doped mesoporous carbon (N/MC) using a quick micro-wave preparation and hydrothermal approach. The structure and morphology were analysed using X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and surface area analyser. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), disc diffusion tests, minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) and antifungal inhibitory percentages were measured to investigate the antifungal activity of N/CQDs and N/MC nanostructures. In addition to the in vivo antifungal activity in rats as determined by wound induction and infection, pathogen count and histological studies were also performed. According to in vitro and in vivo testing, both N/CQDs with small size and N/MC with porous structure had a significant antifungal impact on a variety of bone-infecting bacteria, including Mucor infection. In conclusion, the present investigation demonstrates that functional N/CQDs and N/MC are effective antifungal agents against a range of microbial pathogenic bone disorders in immunocompromised individuals, with stronger and superior fungicidal activity for N/CQDs than N/MC in vitro and in vivo studies.

Physiological roles of propolis and red ginseng nanoplatforms in alleviating dexamethasone-induced male reproductive challenges in a rat model.

BACKGROUND: Red ginseng and propolis are well-known antioxidants that have been related to a reduction in oxidative stress. OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the efficiency of red ginseng and propolis, either in powder or as nano-forms against dexamethasone-induced testicular oxidative challenges in adult male albino rats. METHODS: Forty rats were divided into 8 equal groups including control negative group that was given vehicle (DMSO), control positive group that was administered dexamethasone in addition to the nano-propolis, nano-ginseng, nano-propolis + dexamethasone, nano ginseng+dexamethasone, propolis+dexamethasone and ginseng + dexamethasone groups. Serum, semen and tissue samples were obtained. RESULTS: Lower testosterone levels, higher levels of MDA, and lower levels of total antioxidant capacity in serum, as well as impaired semen quality and a disturbed histopathological picture of both the testis and seminal glands, were all observed as significant negative effects of dexamethasone. These findings were confirmed by lower gene expression profiles of CYP11A1, StAR, HSD-3b, Nrf-2 and ACTB-3b in testicular and seminal gland tissues. The most powerful anti-dexamethasone effects were obtained with either propolis in nanoform or conventional ginseng. CONCLUSION: Propolis nano-formulation and ginseng in conventional form could be considered excellent candidates to ameliorate the oxidative stress provoked by dexamethasone, however, neither nano-ginseng nor conventional propolis showed such effects.

Electronic, mechanical, and thermal properties of zirconium dioxide nanotube interacting with poly lactic-co-glycolic acid and chitosan as potential agents in bone tissue engineering: insights from computational approaches.

For the first time, the interaction of the Poly lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) and Chitosan (CH) with Zirconium dioxide (ZrO2) nanotube was studied using density functional theory (DFT). The binding energies of the most stable configurations of PLGA and CH monomers absorbed on ZrO2 were calculated using density functional theory (DFT) methods. The obtained results indicate that both CH and PLGA monomers were chemisorbed on the surface of ZrO2. The interaction between PLGA and ZrO2 is stronger than that of CH due to its shorter equilibrium interval and higher binding energy. In addition, the electronic density of states (DOS) of the most stable configuration was computed to estimate the electronic properties of the PLGA/CH absorbed on ZrO2. Also, the molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were computed to investigate the mechanical properties of all studied compounds in individual and nanocomposite phases. MD simulation revealed that the shear and bulk moduli of PLGA, CH as well as Young's modulus increase upon interacting with the ZrO2 surface. As a result, the mechanical properties of PLGA and CH are improved by adding ZrO2 to the polymer matrix. The results showed that the elastic modulus of PLGA and CH nanocomposites decreased with increasing temperature. These findings indicate that PLGA-ZrO2 nanocomposites have mechanical and thermal properties, suggesting that they could be exploited as potential agents in biomedical sectors such as bone tissue engineering and drug delivery.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Analyzing the Effects of Nano-Titanium Dioxide and Nano-Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles on the Mechanical and Durability Properties of Self-Cleaning Concrete.

The goal of this paper is to investigate the impact of nano-materials on the mechanical and electrochemical properties of self-cleaning concrete. Nano-titanium dioxide and nano-zinc oxide were used as additives for this purpose. Additionally, a comparative study on the effect of using these materials on the self-cleaning concrete's characteristics was conducted. The dosages of nano-titanium dioxide (nps-TiO2) and nano-zinc oxide (nps-ZnO) used were 0, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, and 2.5% and 0, 1, 2, and 3% of the weight of the cement, respectively. The results showed that the optimum compressive strength and the lowest corrosion rate were fulfilled at 2.5% of nps-TiO2 and 1% of nps-ZnO, and using 2.5% of nps-TiO2 achieved the highest improvement in the corrosion rate. However, 1% for nps-TiO2 mixtures and 1% for nps-ZnO mixtures were the best ratios for flexural strength. On the other hand, for the corrosion rate, the samples were tested at 2 and 6 months. When nps-TiO2 and nps-ZnO samples were compared to the control sample, 2.5% and 1% of nps-TiO2 and nps-ZnO, respectively, showed the largest improvement in resistance to corrosion. Also, the self-cleaning property of the samples containing nano-materials (nps-TiO2 and nps-ZnO) was tested. As the results illustrated, the self-cleaning property of the samples was increased over time due to photocatalytic degradation. Furthermore, the results of the photocatalytic tests showed that nps-TiO2 samples outperformed nps-ZnO samples overall.

Green UPLC method for estimation of ciprofloxacin, diclofenac sodium, and ibuprofen with application to pharmacokinetic study of human samples.

Investigation of a unique and fast method for the determination and separation of a mixture of three drugs viz., ciprofloxacin (CIP), Ibuprofen (IBU), and diclofenac sodium (DIC) in actual samples of human plasma. Also, the technique was used to look at their pharmacokinetics study. Hydrocortisone was chosen as the internal standard (IS). The drugs were chromatographically separated using an Acquity ultra-performance liquid chromatography UPLC ® BEH C18 1.7 µm (2.1 × 150 mm) column with a mobile phase composed of acetonitrile: water (65:35, v/v) adjusted to pH 3 with diluted acetic acid. Plasma proteins were precipitated with acetonitrile. The separated drugs ranged from 0.3 to 10, 0.2-11, and 1-25 µg/mL for CIP, IBU, and DIC, respectively. Calibration curves were discovered to achieve linearity with acceptable correlation coefficients (0.99%). Examination of quality assurance samples showed exceptional precision and accuracy. Following the successful application of this improved technique to plasma samples, the pharmacokinetic characteristics of each selected drug were evaluated using (UPLC) with UV detection at 210 nm. Two green metrics were applied, the Analytical Eco-scale and the Analytical GREEnness Calculator (AGREE). Separation was achieved in only 4-min analysis time. The method's validation agreed with the requirements of the FDA, and the results were sufficient.

Hesperidin Attenuates Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticle-Induced Neurotoxicity in Rats by Regulating Nrf-2/TNF-α Signaling Pathway, the Suppression of Oxidative Stress, and Inflammation.

Background: Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2NPs) are widely utilized and consumed mainly as food additives. Oxidative stress is considered to be the basic effect of TiO2NPs through biological interactions. Hesperidin (HSP) is a bioflavonoid (flavanone glycoside) with lipid-lowering, inflammation, oxidative stress suppression, antihypertensive, cancer-fighting, and antiedema effects. Objective: This study was to investigate the possible protective influences of HSP of subchronic oral TiO2NP exposure on the brains of rats, including neurotransmitters, oxidative stress/antioxidant parameters, inflammatory markers, and histological changes in the brains of adult male albino rats. Methodology: The experiment was executed on 80 albino rats. The animals were randomly divided into 4 equal groups. The first group served as a control; the second group was treated with oral doses of HSP (100 mg/kg Bw daily); the third group received TiO2NPs (200 mg/kg Bw orally daily); and the fourth group was treated with TiO2NPs and an oral dose of HSP daily for 8 weeks. Blood samples were obtained for biochemical analysis. Neurotransmitters, oxidative stress biomarker levels, and inflammatory markers were measured in brain homogenates. Histological examination of the brain was performed through H&E staining. Results: Coadministration of hesperidin with TiO2NPs orally for 8 weeks decreased the levels of MDA, TNF-α, AChE, and dopamine in brain homogenates, which were increased in the TiO2NP group. It increased the other oxidative biomarkers (SOD, CAT, and GPx) and Nrf-2 expression levels. Brain histological sections of the TiO2NP-treated group show degeneration, necrosis, congestion, and inflammatory cell infiltration that decreased markedly in the coadministration of hesperidin with the TiO2NP group. Conclusion: Hesperidin cotreatment offers significant protection against TiO2NP-induced oxidative stress and biochemical and histological alteration in the brain.

Controlling Multi-Drug-Resistant Traits of Salmonella Obtained from Retail Poultry Shops Using Metal-Organic Framework (MOF) as a Novel Technique.

Salmonella spp. is considered one of the most important causes of food-borne illness globally. Poultry and its products are usually incriminated in its spread. Treatment with antibiotics is the first choice to deal with such cases; however, multi-drug resistance and biofilm formation have been recorded in animals and humans. This study aimed to detect the antibiotic profile of isolated traits from different sources and to find innovative alternatives, such as MOFs. A total of 350 samples were collected from randomly selected retailed poultry shops in Beni-Suef Province, Egypt. Their antimicrobial susceptibility against eight different antibiotics was tested, and multi-drug resistance was found in most of them. Surprisingly, promising results toward MOF were detected. Cu/Ni/Co-MOF (MOF3) showed superior antibacterial efficiency to Cu/Ni-MOF (MOF2) and Cu-MOF (MOF1) at p value ≤ 0.01. These findings highlight the tendency of Salmonella spp. to develop MDR to most of the antibiotics used in the field and the need to find new alternatives to overcome it, as well as confirming the ability of the environment to act as a source of human and animal affection.

Evaluating the electrocatalytic activity of flower-like Co-MOF/CNT nanocomposites for methanol oxidation in basic electrolytes.

Efficient electrocatalysts, with high tolerance to methanol oxidation, good stability, and acceptable cost are the main requisites for promising direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) electrode materials. This target can be achieved by the integration of different active materials with unique structures. In this work, a cobalt metal-organic framework (Co-MOF) flower structure was prepared by a hydrothermal method, and then a simple ultrasonication method was employed to anchor carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in between the MOF flower petals and fabricate a Co-MOF/CNT hybrid composite. Different ratios of CNTs were used in the composite preparations, namely 25, 50, and 75 wt% of the composite. The nanocomposites were entirely investigated using different characterization techniques, such as XRD, FTIR, SEM, TEM, and XPS. Comparative electrochemical measurements confirmed that due to the integration of highly conductive CNTs with the porous active fascinating structure of Co-MOF, Co-MOF/50% CNTs exhibited improved electrocatalytic activity with a current density of 35 mA cm-2 at a potential of 0.335 V and a scan rate of 50 mV s-1. The excellent electrochemical activity and stability could be due to the synergy between Co-MOF and the CNTs that conferred adequate active sites for methanol electro-oxidation and a lower equivalent series resistance, as revealed from the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy study. This study opens a new avenue to decrease the utilization of platinum and increase the methanol oxidation activity using low-cost catalysts.

A New Cu/Fe Layer Double Hydroxide Nanocomposite Exerts Anticancer Effects against PC-3 Cells by Inducing Cell Cycle Arrest and Apoptosis.

Prostate cancer treatment poses significant challenges due to its varying aggressiveness, potential for metastasis, and the complexity of treatment options. Balancing the effectiveness of therapies, minimizing side effects, and personalizing treatment strategies are ongoing challenges in managing this disease. Significant advances in the use of nanotechnology for the treatment of prostate cancer with high specificity, sensitivity, and efficacy have recently been made. This study aimed to synthesize and characterize a novel Cu/Fe layer double hydroxide (LDH) nanocomposite for use as an anticancer agent to treat prostate cancer. Cu/Fe LDH nanocomposites with a molar ratio of 5:1 were developed using a simple co-precipitation approach. FT-IR, XRD, SEM, TEM, TGA, and zeta potential analyses confirmed the nanocomposite. Moreover, the MTT cell viability assay, scratch assay, and flow cytometry were utilized to examine the prospective anticancer potential of Cu/Fe LDH on a prostate cancer (PC-3) cell line. We found that Cu/Fe LDH reduced cell viability, inhibited cell migration, induced G1/S phase cell cycle arrest, and triggered apoptotic effect in prostate cancer cells. The findings also indicated that generating reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation could improve the biological activity of Cu/Fe LDH. Additionally, Cu/Fe LDH showed a good safety impact on the normal lung fibroblast cell line (WI-38). Collectively, these findings demonstrate that the Cu/Fe LDH nanocomposite exhibited significant anticancer activities against PC-3 cells and, hence, could be used as a promising strategy in prostate cancer treatment.

Multifunctional ternary ZnMgFe LDH as an efficient adsorbent for ceftriaxone sodium and antimicrobial agent: sustainability of adsorption waste as a catalyst for methanol electro-oxidation.

In order to achieve sustainable benefits for the adsorption of wastewater pollutants, spent adsorbents need to be recycled and/or valorized. This work studied a two-dimensional (2D) ZnMgFe layered double hydroxide (LDH) for ceftriaxone sodium (CTX) adsorption. This LDH showed a crystallite size of 9.8 nm, a BET surface area of 367.59 m2 g-1, and a micro-sphere-like morphology. The factors investigated in this study were the adsorbent dose, initial concentration, initial pH, and contact time. ZnMgFe LDH showed 99% removal of CTX with a maximum adsorption capacity of 241.75 mg g-1 at pH = 5. The Dubinin-Radushkevich model was found to be the most adequate isotherm model. The spent adsorbent (ZnMgFe LDH/CTX) was reused as an electro-oxidation catalyst for direct methanol fuel cells. ZnMgFe LDH/CTX showed almost a 10-fold increase in electrochemical activity for all scan rates compared to bare ZnMgFe LDH in 1 M KOH. As methanol concentration increases, the maximum current density generated by both the ZnMgFe LDH and ZnMgFe LDH/CTX samples increases. Moreover, the maximum current density for ZnMgFe LDH/CTX was 47 mA cm-2 at a methanol concentration of 3 M. Both samples possess reasonable stability over a 3600 S time window with no significant deterioration of electrochemical performance. Moreover, the antimicrobial studies showed that ZnMgFe LDH had a significant antifungal (especially Aspergillus, Mucor, and Penicillium species) and antibacterial (with greater action against Gram-positive than negative) impact on several severe infectious diseases, including Aspergillus. This study paves the way for the reuse and valorization of selected adsorbents toward circular economy requirements.

Core-Shell Nanostructured Drug Delivery Platform Based on Biocompatible Metal-Organic Framework-Ligated Polyethyleneimine for Targeted Hepatocellular Carcinoma Therapy.

Multifunctional nanosized metal-organic frameworks (NMOFs) have advanced rapidly over the past decade to develop drug delivery systems (DDSs). These material systems still lack precise and selective cellular targeting, as well as the fast release of the quantity of drugs that are simply adsorbed within and on the external surface of nanocarriers, which hinders their application in the drug delivery. Herein, we designed a biocompatible Zr-based NMOF with an engineered core and the hepatic tumor-targeting ligand, glycyrrhetinic acid grafted to polyethyleneimine (PEI) as the shell. The improved core-shell serves as a superior nanoplatform for efficient controlled and active delivery of the anticancer drug doxorubicin (DOX) against hepatic cancer cells (HepG2 cells). In addition to their high loading capacity of 23%, the developed nanostructure DOX@NMOF-PEI-GA showed an acidic pH-stimulated response and extended the drug release time to 9 days as well as enhanced the selectivity toward the tumor cells. Interestingly, the DOX-free nanostructures showed a minimal toxic effect on both normal human skin fibroblast (HSF) and hepatic cancer cell line (HepG2), but the DOX-loaded nanostructures exhibited a superior killing effect toward the hepatic tumor, thus opening the way for the active drug delivery and achieving efficient cancer therapy applications.

Comparative toxicological evaluations of novel forms nano-pesticides in liver and lung of albino rats.

Copper oxide Nanoparticles (CuONPs) are used in different agricultural applications. Large amounts of CuONPs cause organ dysfunction in animals. Our study aim to compare between the toxic effects of CuONanSphere (CuONSp) and CuONanoFlower (CuONF) as new nano-pesticides, determine a less toxic form when used in agricultural applications. To characterize CuONSp and CuONF, we used X-ray diffraction (XRD), Field emission scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and High resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and Zeta-sizer device.18 adult male albino rats were divided into three groups (n = 6), (I) control group, (II) and (III) groups were given orally 50 mg/kg/day of CuONSp and CuONF 30 days respectively. CuONSp induced oxidant-antioxidant abnormalities, including an increase in malondialdhyde (MDA) and a decrease in glutathione (GSH) in comparison to CuONF-treated one. CuONSp induced an increase in liver enzymes activities compared to CuONF. Tumour necrosis factor-alfa (TNF-α) detected an increased in liver and lung compared to CuONF. However, histological examinations revealed changes in CuONSp group than CuONF group. Changes in immune-expressions of TNF-α, nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-kß) and tumour suppressor gene (p53) were also more identified in CuONSp group than CuONF group. Ultrastructural studies of liver and lung tissues marked alternations were observed in CuONSp group than CuONF group. In conclusion, CuONSp induced biological alternation in liver and lung more than CuONF. So, CuONF is less toxic compared to CuONSp when used as nano-pesticide in agricultural applications.

Growth of polyoxomolybdate with a porous pyramidal structure on carbon xerogel nanodiamond as an efficient electro-catalyst for oxygen reduction reaction.

The slow kinetics of the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) limits the large-scale usage of the fuel cells. Thus, it is crucial to develop an efficient and stable electrocatalyst for the ORR. Herein, facile synthesis of three-dimensional nitrogen-doped carbon xerogel diamond nanoparticles, CDNPs support is reported. The as-prepared CDNPs support was functionalized with a Keggin-type polyoxomolybdate via the hydrothermal process (POM@CDNPs). As the characterization techniques revealed, this nanocomposite possesses a three-dimensional structure, high density of nitrogen doping, and well-dispersed porous pyramidal morphology of POM, making it a promising catalyst for ORR in alkaline medium. The POM@CDNPs nanocomposite exhibits an outstanding activity for ORR with a limiting current density that reaches -7.30 mA cm-2 at 0.17 V vs. RHE. Moreover, a half-wave potential of 0.773 V is delivered with a stability of about 99.9% after the 100th repetitive cycle as this catalyst forces the ORR to the direct-four-electron pathway. This work spots the advantages of hybridizing the sp3 of the nanodiamond with the sp2 of the carbon xerogels to increase the conductivity of the support material. In addition, the role of the porous pyramidal morphology of the POM on the activity of the nanocomposite was evaluated. This study suggests using advanced carbon-based electro-catalysts with outstanding activity and stability.

2D Hierarchical NiMoO4 Nanosheets/Activated Carbon Nanocomposites for High Performance Supercapacitors: The Effect of Nickel to Molybdenum Ratios.

Supercapacitors have the potential to be used in a variety of fields, including electric vehicles, and a lot of research is focused on unique electrode materials to enhance capacitance and stability. Herein, we prepared nickel molybdate/activated carbon (AC) nanocomposites using a facile impregnation method that preserved the carbon surface area. In order to study how the nickel-to-molybdenum ratio affects the efficiency of the electrode, different ratios between Ni-Mo were prepared and tested as supercapacitor electrodes, namely in the following ratios: 1:1, 1:2, 1:3, 1:4, and 1:5. X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, FESEM, HRTEM, and BET devices were extensively used to analyze the structure of the nanocomposites. The structure of the prepared nickel molybdates was discovered to be 2D hierarchical nanosheets, which functionalized the carbon surface. Among all of the electrodes, the best molar ratio between Ni-Mo was found to be 1:3 NiMo3/AC reaching (541 F·g-1) of specific capacitance at a current density of 1 A·g-1, and 67 W·h·Kg-1 of energy density at a power density of 487 W·Kg-1. Furthermore, after 4000 repetitive cycles at a large current density of 4 A·g-1, an amazing capacitance stability of 97.7% was maintained. This remarkable electrochemical activity for NiMo3/AC could be credited towards its 2D hierarchical structure, which has a huge surface area of 1703 m2·g-1, high pore volume of 0.925 cm3·g-1, and large particle size distribution.