Characterization of Gold-Enhanced Titania: Boosting Cell Proliferation and Combating Bacterial Infestation.

BACKGROUND: In this study an approach was made to efficaciously synthesize gold enhanced titania nanorods by electrospinning. This study aims to address effects of gold enhanced titania nanorods on muscle precursor cells. Additionally, implant related microbial infections are prime cause of various disastrous diseases. So, there is predictable demand for synthesis of novel materials with multifunctional adaptability. METHODS: Herein, gold nanoparticles were attached on titania nanorods and described using many sophisticated procedures such as XRD, SEM, EDX and TEM. Antimicrobial studies were probed against Gram-negative Escherichia coli. C2C12 cell lines were exposed to various doses of as-prepared gold enhanced titania nanorods in order to test in vitro cytotoxicity and proliferation. Cell sustainability was assessed through Cell Counting Kit-8 assay at regular intervals. A phase-contrast microscope was used to examine morphology of exposed C2C12 cells and confocal laser scanning microscope was used to quantify cell viability. RESULTS: The findings indicate that titania nanorods enhanced with gold exhibit superior antimicrobial efficacy compared to pure titania. Furthermore, newly synthesized gold-enhanced titania nanorods illustrate that cell viability follows a time and concentration dependent pattern. CONCLUSION: Consequently, our study provides optimistic findings indicating that titania nanorods adorned with gold hold significant potential as foundational resource for developing forthcoming antimicrobial materials, suitable for applications both in medical and biomedical fields. This work also demonstrates that in addition to being extremely biocompatible, titania nanorods with gold embellishments may be used in a range of tissue engineering applications in very near future.

Biocompatibility Computation of Muscle Cells on Polyhedral Oligomeric Silsesquioxane-Grafted Polyurethane Nanomatrix.

This study was performed to appraise the biocompatibility of polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS)-grafted polyurethane (PU) nanocomposites as potential materials for muscle tissue renewal. POSS nanoparticles demonstrate effectual nucleation and cause noteworthy enhancement in mechanical and thermal steadiness as well as biocompatibility of resultant composites. Electrospun, well-aligned, POSS-grafted PU nanofibers were prepared. Physicochemical investigation was conducted using several experimental techniques, including scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, electron probe microanalysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction pattern. Adding POSS molecules to PU did not influence the processability and morphology of the nanocomposite; however, we observed an obvious mean reduction in fiber diameter, which amplified specific areas of the POSS-grafted PU. Prospective biomedical uses of nanocomposite were also appraised for myoblast cell differentiation in vitro. Little is known about C2C12 cellular responses to PU, and there is no information regarding their interaction with POSS-grafted PU. The antimicrobial potential, anchorage, proliferation, communication, and differentiation of C2C12 on PU and POSS-grafted PU were investigated in this study. In conclusion, preliminary nanocomposites depicted superior cell adhesion due to the elevated free energy of POSS molecules and anti-inflammatory potential. These nanofibers were non-hazardous, and, as such, biomimetic scaffolds show high potential for cellular studies and muscle regeneration.

Oxalic acid assisted rapid synthesis of mesoporous NiCo2O4 nanorods as electrode materials with higher energy density and cycle stability for high-performance asymmetric hybrid supercapacitor applications.

In this study, mesoporous nickel cobaltite (NiCo2O4) nanorods as electrode materials for high-performance hybrid supercapacitor were fabricated onto Ni foam by a simple and cost effective oxalic acid (OA) assisted rapid co-precipitation method. The effects of different metal precursors (NCO-Nitrate, NCO-Chloride and NCO-Acetate) on the electrochemical capacitive properties were studied. FE-SEM analysis confirmed that all samples exhibited highly dense mesoporous NiCo2O4 nanorods vertically grown on the surface of Ni foam with excess accessible surfaces and unique sizes and morphologies. The resultant NiCo2O4 nanorod electrodes (for NCO-Nitrate, NCO-Chloride and NCO-Acetate) delivered the maximum specific capacitances of 790, 784, 776 F g-1 at the current density of 1 A g-1 with ultra-high capacitance retention of 82.27, 81.63 and 81.71% even at 20 A g-1 and excellent cyclic stability of 84.25, 83.33 and 83.24% capacitance retention at 5 A g-1 after 5000 cycles. The asymmetric supercapacitor (ASC) device was also sandwiched by using NCO-Nitrate as positive electrode and N-doped graphene hydrogel (NGH) as negative electrode. The fabricated ASC device delivered superior energy density (42.5 W h kg-1) at high power density (746.34 W kg-1) with excellent long cyclic stability (90% initial capacitance retention after 5000 cycles at 5 A g-1).

Preparation and evaluation of ß-glucan hydrogel prepared by the radiation technique for drug carrier applications.

ß-Glucan can provide excellent environment to apply to drug carrier due to its immunological and anti-inflammatory effect. Minocycline hydrochloride (MH) has excellent oral bioavailability pharmacological properties. Specifically, MH is effectively absorbed into the gingiva for periodontal disease treatment. In this study, we attempt to develop MH loaded ß-glucan hydrogel for periodontal disease treatment through radiation-crosslinking technique. In addition, MH loaded ß-glucan hydrogels were tested for their cytotoxicity and antibacterial activity. Finally, we conducted an in vivo study to demonstrate the potential to prevent the invasion of bacteria to treat periodontal disease. The gel content and compressive strength of the ß-glucan hydrogels increased as the ß-glucan content and the absorbed dose (up to 7 kGy) increased. For a radiation dose of 7 kGy, the gelation and the compressive strength of a 6 wt% ß-glucan hydrogel were approximately 92% and 270 kPa, respectively. As a drug, MH was consistently released from ß-glucan hydrogels, reaching 80% at approximately 90 min. Furthermore, the MH loaded ß-glucan hydrogels showed no cytotoxicity. The MH loaded ß-glucan hydrogels exhibited good antibacterial activity against Porphyromonas gingivalis. In addition, MH loaded ß-glucan hydrogel demonstrated the potential of a good capability to prevent the invasion of bacteria and to treat wounds.

Electrically and Thermally Conductive Carbon Fibre Fabric Reinforced Polymer Composites Based on Nanocarbons and an In-situ Polymerizable Cyclic Oligoester.

There is growing interest in carbon fibre fabric reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites based on a thermoplastic matrix, which is easy to rapidly produce, repair or recycle. To expand the applications of thermoplastic CFRP composites, we propose a process for fabricating conductive CFRP composites with improved electrical and thermal conductivities using an in-situ polymerizable and thermoplastic cyclic butylene terephthalate oligomer matrix, which can induce good impregnation of carbon fibres and a high dispersion of nanocarbon fillers. Under optimal processing conditions, the surface resistivity below the order of 10+10 Ω/sq, which can enable electrostatic powder painting application for automotive outer panels, can be induced with a low nanofiller content of 1 wt%. Furthermore, CFRP composites containing 20 wt% graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) were found to exhibit an excellent thermal conductivity of 13.7 W/m·K. Incorporating multi-walled carbon nanotubes into CFRP composites is more advantageous for improving electrical conductivity, whereas incorporating GNPs is more beneficial for enhancing thermal conductivity. It is possible to fabricate the developed thermoplastic CFRP composites within 2 min. The proposed composites have sufficient potential for use in automotive outer panels, engine blocks and other mechanical components that require conductive characteristics.

Encapsulation of ß-Sitosterol in Polyurethane by Sol-Gel Electrospinning.

Pristine ß-sitosterol or in combination with other phytosterols is utilized in an array of enriched commercial foods. Considering the presence of ß-sitosterol in different functional foods and its potential role in prevention and cure of neurodegenerative diseases, the aims of our investigation were to encapsulate ß-sitosterol in nanofibers and to estimate influence of ß-sitosterol on proliferation of fibroblasts. Electrospun nanofibers have widely been used as scaffolds to mimic natural extracellular matrix. Herein, our group for the first time establishes an innovative scaffold based on ß-sitosterol and polyurethane using electrospinning. ß-Sitosterol promotes epithelialization and possesses anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, whereas polyurethane, besides possessing biomedical uses, also enhances epithelial growth. We optimized the concentration (5%) of ß-sitosterol in polyurethane to obtain homogenous solution, which can be spun without difficulty for the synthesis of ß-sitosterol amalgamated scaffold. The resulted twisted nanofibers have been characterized via scanning electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The viability of cells on twisted scaffold was examined using NIH 3T3 fibroblasts as model cell line. Incorporation of ß-sitosterol in polyurethane changed the structure and size of nanofibers, and the twisted scaffolds were non-cytotoxic. Thus, the twisted nanoribbons, which contain anti-inflammatory ß-sitosterol, can be utilized as a promising future material, which will help to ease inflammation and also aid in wound healing. In conclusion, the outcome of the preliminary research evidently points out the potential of twisted scaffold in biomedical applications.

Imaging, Spectroscopic, Mechanical and Biocompatibility Studies of Electrospun Tecoflex® EG 80A Nanofibers and Composites Thereof Containing Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes.

The present study discusses the design, development and characterization of electrospun Tecoflex® EG 80A class of polyurethane nanofibers and the incorporation of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) to these materials. Scanning electron microscopy results confirmed the presence of polymer nanofibers, which showed a decrease in fiber diameter at 0.5% wt. and 1% wt. MWCNTs loadings, while transmission electron microscopy showed evidence of the MWCNTs embedded within the polymer matrix. The fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy were used to elucidate the polymer-MWCNTs intermolecular interactions, indicating that the C-N and N-H bonds in polyurethanes are responsible for the interactions with MWCNTs. Furthermore, tensile testing indicated an increase in the Young's modulus of the nanofibers as the MWCNTs concentration was increased. Finally, NIH 3T3 fibroblasts were seeded on the obtained nanofibers, demonstrating cell biocompatibility and proliferation. Therefore, the results indicate the successful formation of polyurethane nanofibers with enhanced mechanical properties, and demonstrate their biocompatibility, suggesting their potential application in biomedical areas.

Virgin olive oil blended polyurethane micro/nanofibers ornamented with copper oxide nanocrystals for biomedical applications.

Recently, substantial interest has been generated in using electrospun biomimetic nanofibers of hybrids, particularly organic/inorganic, to engineer different tissues. The present work, for the first time, introduced a unique natural and synthetic hybrid micronanofiber wound dressing, composed of virgin olive oil/copper oxide nanocrystals and polyurethane (PU), developed via facile electrospinning. The as-spun organic/inorganic hybrid micronanofibers were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray analysis, X-ray diffraction, electron probe microanalysis, and transmission electron microscopy. The interaction of cells with scaffold was studied by culturing NIH 3T3 fibroblasts on an as-spun hybrid micronanofibrous mat, and viability, proliferation, and growth were assessed. The 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay results and SEM observation showed that the hybrid micronanofibrous scaffold was noncytotoxic to fibroblast cell culture and was found to benefit cell attachment and proliferation. Hence our results suggest the potential utilization of as-spun micronanoscaffolds for tissue engineering. Copper oxide-olive oil/PU wound dressing may exert its positive beneficial effects at every stage during wound-healing progression, and these micronanofibers may serve diverse biomedical applications, such as tissue regeneration, damaged skin treatment, wound healing applications, etc. Conclusively, the fabricated olive oil-copper oxide/PU micronanofibers combine the benefits of virgin olive oil and copper oxide, and therefore hold great promise for biomedical applications in the near future.

Characterization and antimicrobial property of poly(acrylic acid) nanogel containing silver particle prepared by electron beam.

In this study, we developed a one step process to synthesize nanogel containing silver nanoparticles involving electron beam irradiation. Water-soluble silver nitrate powder is dissolved in the distilled water and then poly(acrylic acid) (PAAc) and hexane are put into this silver nitrate solution. These samples are irradiated by an electron beam to make the PAAc nanogels containing silver nanoparticles (Ag/PAAc nanogels). The nanoparticles were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). In addition, the particle size and zeta-potential were confirmed by a particle size analyzer (PSA). The antibacterial properties of the nanogels were evaluated by paper diffusion test. The Ag/PAAc nanogels had an antibacterial effect against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. The nanogels also demonstrated a good healing effect against diabetic ulcer. The size of the Ag/PAAc nanogels decreased with increasing irradiation doses, and the absolute value of the zeta potential increased with increasing irradiation doses. Also, the Ag/PAAc nanogels exhibited good antibacterial activity against both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. In in vivo wound healing, the Ag/PAAc nanogels have a good healing effect.

Fabrication and characterization of II-VI semiconductor nanoparticles decorated electrospun polyacrylonitrile nanofibers.

Semiconductor nanoparticles incorporated highly aligned electrospun polyacrylonitrile (PAN) composite nanofibers were obtained via a simple, scalable and low-cost dip coating technique at room temperature. The resultant PAN nanofibers exhibited good incorporation of CdS, ZnS and CoS semiconductor nanoparticles. The detailed characterizations of these composite nanofibers were investigated. The incorporation of semiconductor nanoparticles on the surfaces of PAN nanofibers were confirmed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction analysis. The current-voltage (I-V) characteristics revealed that the electrical conductivity of these composite nanofibers were higher than that of the pristine PAN nanofibers. Overall, the feasibility of obtaining uniformly dispersed semiconductor nanoparticles on PAN nanofibers can be utilized for the realization of various nanotechnological device applications.

Apoptosis induced by copper oxide quantum dots in cultured C2C12 cells via caspase 3 and caspase 7: a study on cytotoxicity assessment.

We report herein the synthesis and characterization of copper oxide quantum dots and their cytotoxic impact on mouse C2C12 cells. The utilized CuO quantum dots were prepared by the one-pot wet chemical method using copper acetate and hexamethylenetetramine as precursors. The physicochemical characterization of the synthesized CuO quantum dots was carried out using X-ray diffraction, energy-dispersive X-ray analysis, and transmission electron microscopy. To examine the in vitro cytotoxicity, C2C12 cell lines were treated with different concentrations of as-prepared quantum dots and the viability of cells was analyzed using Cell Counting Kit-8 assay at regular time intervals. The morphology of the treated C2C12 cells was observed under a phase-contrast microscope, whereas the quantification of cell viability was carried out via confocal laser scanning microscopy. To gain insight into the mechanism of cell death, we examined the effect of CuO quantum dots on the candidate genes such as caspases 3 and 7, which are key mediators of apoptotic events. In vitro investigations of the biological effect of CuO quantum dots have shown that it binds genomic DNA, decreases significantly the viability of cells in culture in a concentration (10-20 µg/mL) dependent manner, and inhibits mitochondrial caspases 3 and 7. To sum up, the elucidation of the pathways is to help in understanding CuO quantum dot-induced effects and evaluating CuO quantum dot-related hazards to human health.

One-step facile construction of high aspect ratio Fe3O4 decorated CNFs with distinctive porous morphology: potential multiuse expectations.

The objective of our study was to develop a new class of Fe3O4 nanocrystals decorated CNFs with characteristic porous morphology by straightforward approach. The utilized CNFs-Fe3O4 hybrid was prepared by sol-gel electrospinning employing polyacrylonitrile and iron (III) nitrate nonahydrate as precursors. Scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction techniques were employed to characterize novel CNFs-Fe3O4 composite. Nanofibers are having porous morphology, diameter size in the range of ~260±20 nm. In order to demonstrate the broad applicability of CNFs-Fe3O4 scaffold, we performed different analysis. The antibacterial activity was tested using Escherichia coli as model organism. With NIH 3T3 mouse fibroblasts, cytotoxicity of prepared high aspect ratio CNFs-Fe3O4 composite was evaluated by thiazoyl blue tetrazolium-bromide (MTT) assay, and fibroblast cell growth behavior with electrospun porous scaffolds was also examined. Interestingly, the prepared nanofibers exhibited enhanced bactericidal performance (minimum inhibition concentrations (MIC) from 5 µg/mL to 80 µg/mL) and CNFs-Fe3O4 composite as scaffolds indicated favorable enhancement in cell proliferation. Results from this study suggest that CNFs-Fe3O4 scaffold with small diameters coincidence with unique porous configuration can mimic the natural extracellular matrix (ECM) well and provide potential promises for applications in the fields of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. Our findings clearly suggest wide application potentials of this (CNFs-Fe3O4) multifunctional composite and the nanofiberous mat can be a very good candidate as a filter for water purification, antibiofouling filtration and ECM for tissue engineering.

Classy non-wovens based on animate L. gasseri-inanimate poly(vinyl alcohol): upstream application in food engineering.

We explored electrospinning as a feasible and practicable mode for encapsulation and stabilization of Lactobacillus gasseri. The utilized nanocomposite was prepared using sol-gel composed of animate L. gasseri and inanimate PVA. The objective was to examine the ability of electrospinning method to protect functional properties of probiotic L. gasseri. The PVA was used as an encapsulation matrix as it is biocompatible and hydrophilic in nature thus facilitate an easy revival of bacteria. The characterization of as-spun bioproduct was done by energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometer, SEM, and TEM, whereas thermal behavior was analyzed by thermogravimetry. The viability was confirmed by traditional pour plate method and fluorescence microscopy. Furthermore, to test whether the functionality of L. gasseri was affected, the encapsulated L. gasseri were fed to mouse for colonization. Our results pointed out that encapsulated bacteria were viable for months, and their metabolism was not affected by immobilization; thus, they could be used in food engineering and trade.

TiO2 nanorods via one-step electrospinning technique: a novel nanomatrix for mouse myoblasts adhesion and propagation.

This study was aimed at the synthesis and characterization of novel Titania nanorods by sol-gel electrospinning technique. The physicochemical properties of the synthesized nanorods were determined by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern. To examine the in vitro cytotoxicity, mouse myoblast C2C12 cells were treated with different concentrations of as prepared TiO(2) nanorods and the viability of cells was analyzed by Cell Counting Kit-8 assay at regular time intervals. The morphological features of the cells attached with nanorods were examined by Bio-SEM. Cytotoxicity experiments indicated that the mouse myoblast cells could attach to the TiO(2) nanorods after being cultured. We observed that TiO(2) nanorods could support cell adhesion and growth and guide spreading behavior of myoblasts. We conclude that the electrospun TiO(2) nanorods scaffolds with unique morphology had excellent biocompatibility. Thus, the current work demonstrates that the as-synthesized TiO(2) nanorods represent a promising biomaterial to be exploited for various tissue engineering applications.

Novel silicificated PVAc/POSS composite nanofibrous mat via facile electrospinning technique: potential scaffold for hard tissue engineering.

This study presents the fabrication of novel porous silicificated PVAc/POSS composite nanofibers by facile electrospinning technique and the interaction of synthesized mats with simulated body fluid (SBF). The physicochemical properties of the electrospun composites were determined by scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, electron probe micro-analysis, X-ray diffraction and thermogravimetry analysis. To examine the in vitro cytotoxicity, mouse myoblast C2C12 cells were treated with pristine and composite nanofibrous mats and the viability of cells was analyzed by cell counting kit-8 assay at regular time intervals. Our results indicated the enhanced nucleation and the formation of apatite-like structures at the surface of silicificated PVAc/POSS during the incubation of electrospun mats in SBF solution. Cytotoxicity experiments designated that the myoblasts could attach to the composite after being cultured. We observed in the present study that PVAc/POSS nanofibrous mat could support cell adhesion and guide the spreading behavior of myoblasts. We conclude that the new electrospun silicificated PVAc/POSS composite scaffold with unique porous morphology have excellent biocompatibility. Consequently, our investigation results showed that the as-spun porous PVAc/POSS composite nanofibrous scaffold could be a potential substrate for the proliferation and mineralization of osteoblasts, enhancing bone regeneration. The biocomposite mats represent a promising biomaterial to be exploited for various tissue engineering applications such as guided bone regeneration.

Electrospun Fe3O4/TiO2 hybrid nanofibers and their in vitro biocompatibility: prospective matrix for satellite cell adhesion and cultivation.

We report the fabrication of novel Fe3O4/TiO2 hybrid nanofibers with the improved cellular response for potential tissue engineering applications. In this study, Fe3O4/TiO2 hybrid nanofibers were prepared by facile sol-gel electrospinning using titanium isopropoxide and iron(III) nitrate nonahydrate as precursors. The obtained electrospun nanofibers were vacuum dried at 80 °C and then calcined at 500 °C. The physicochemical characterization of the synthesized composite nanofibers was carried out by scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction pattern. To examine the in vitro cytotoxicity, satellite cells were treated with as-prepared Fe3O4/TiO2 and the viability of cells was analyzed by Cell Counting Kit-8 assay at regular time intervals. The morphological features of unexposed satellite cells and exposed to Fe3O4/TiO2 composite were examined with a phase contrast microscope whereas the quantification of cell viability was carried out via confocal laser scanning microscopy. The morphology of the cells attached to hybrid matrix was observed by Bio-SEM. Cytotoxicity experiments indicated that the satellite cells could attach to the Fe3O4/TiO2 composite nanofibers after being cultured. We observed that Fe3O4-TiO2 composite nanofibers could support cell adhesion and growth. Results from this study therefore suggest that Fe3O4/TiO2 composite scaffold with small diameters (approximately 200 nm) can mimic the natural extracellular matrix well and provide possibilities for diverse applications in the field of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.

Fabrication, characterization and antibacterial effect of novel electrospun TiO2 nanorods on a panel of pathogenic bacteria.

This study is aimed at the synthesis and characterization of novel Titania nanorods by sol-gel electrospinning technique. The physicochemical properties of the synthesized nanorods were determined by FE-SEM, EDX, TEM, TGA and XRD. We investigated the photocatalytic activity of Titania nanorods for degrading Rhodamine 6G dye and discussed the antibacterial activity and interaction mechanism against four pathogenic bacteria viz., S. aureus, E. coli, S. typhimurium and K. pneumoniae by taking five different concentrations (5-45 microg/mL). The antibacterial effect of electrospun Titania nanorods was tested both in liquid culture and on agar plates. Our investigation reveals that the lowest concentration of Titania nanorods solution inhibiting the growth of microbial strain was found to be 5 microg/mL for all the tested pathogens. The photocatalytic activity of TiO2 nanorods showed better performance for dye degradation than commercially available P25. Moreover, Bio-TEM examination demonstrated that the exposure of the selected microbial strains to the Titania nanorods led to disruption of the cell membranes and leakage of the cytoplasm which cause bacteria to die eventually. Our results point the oxidative attack from exterior to the interior of the bacteria by hydroxyl radicals as the primary mechanism of photocatalytic inactivation.

Preparation, characterization, and cytotoxicity of CPT/Fe2O3-embedded PLGA ultrafine composite fibers: a synergistic approach to develop promising anticancer material.

The aim of this study was to fabricate camptothecin/iron(III) oxide (CPT/Fe2O3)-loaded poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) composite mats to modulate the CPT release and to improve the structural integrity and antitumor activity of the released drug. The CPT/Fe2O3-loaded PLGA ultrafine fibers were prepared for the first time by electrospinning a composite solution of CPT/Fe2O3 and neat PLGA (4 weight percent). The physicochemical characterization of the electrospun composite mat was carried out by scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, electron probe microanalysis, thermogravimetry, transmission electron microscopy, ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction pattern. The medicated composite fibers were evaluated for their cytotoxicity on C2C12 cells using Cell Counting Kit-8 assay (Sigma-Aldrich Corporation, St Louis, MO). The in vitro studies indicated a slow and prolonged release over a period of 96 hours with mild initial burst. Scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetry, and X-ray diffraction studies confirmed the interaction of CPT/Fe2O3 with the PLGA matrix and showed that the crystallinity of CPT decreased after loading. Incorporation of CPT in the polymer media affected both the morphology and the size of the CPT/Fe2O3-loaded PLGA composite fibers. Electron probe microanalysis and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy results confirmed well-oriented composite ultrafine fibers with good incorporation of CPT/Fe2O3. The cytotoxicity results illustrate that the pristine PLGA did not exhibit noteworthy cytotoxicity; conversely, the CPT/Fe2O3 composite fibers inhibited C2C12 cells significantly. Thus, the current work demonstrates that the CPT/Fe2O3-loaded PLGA composite fibers represent a promising chemotherapeutic system for enhancing anticancer drug efficacy and selectively targeting cancer cells in order to treat diverse cancers.

Smart copper oxide nanocrystals: synthesis, characterization, electrochemical and potent antibacterial activity.

We report herein the synthesis and characterization of novel CuO nanocrystals and their electrochemical and potent antibacterial activity. The utilized CuO nanocrystals were prepared by wet chemical method using copper acetate and hexamethylenetetramine (HMTA) as precursors. The physicochemical properties of the synthesized CuO nanocrystals having size ~6 nm were determined by X-ray diffractometer (XRD), energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and ultra violet-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy. The antibacterial study was carried out by minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) using E. coli as model organism. The MIC of the CuO nanocrystals was found to be 2.5 µg/ml and the TEM analysis reveals that CuO nanocrystals caused disturbance to the cell wall which led to the irreversible damage to the cell envelope eventually leading to cell death. Furthermore, mechanism of bactericidal action of novel CuO nanocrystals is discussed in the light of our findings. Additionally, the synthesized CuO nanocrystals were applied as electrode material for supercapacitor. The specific capacitance of CuO nanocrystals measured at a potential scan rate of 5 mV/s was as high as 164.9 F g(-1).

Controlled synthesis of Mn2O3 nanowires by hydrothermal method and their bactericidal and cytotoxic impact: a promising future material.

Mn2O3 nanowires with diameter ~70 nm were synthesized by a simple hydrothermal method using Mn(II) nitrate as precursor. X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy techniques were employed to study structural features and chemical composition of the synthesized nanowires. A biological evaluation of the antimicrobial activity and cytotoxicity of Mn2O3 nanowires was carried out using Escherichia coli and mouse myoblast C2C12 cells as model organism and cell lines, respectively. The antibacterial activity and the acting mechanism of Mn2O3 nanowires were investigated by using growth inhibition studies and analyzing the morphology of the bacterial cells following the treatment with nanowires. These results suggest that the pH is critical factor affecting the morphology and production of the Mn2O3 nanowires. Method developed in the present study provided optimum production of Mn2O3 nanowires at pH ~ 9. The Mn2O3 nanowires showed significant antibacterial activity against the E. coli strain, and the lowest concentration of Mn2O3 nanowires solution inhibiting the growth of E. coli was found to be 12.5 µg/ml. TEM analysis demonstrated that the exposure of the selected microbial strains to the nanowires led to disruption of the cell membranes and leakage of the internal contents. Furthermore, the cytotoxicity results showed that the inhibition of C2C12 increases with the increase in concentration of Mn2O3 nanowires. Our results for the first time highlight the cytotoxic and bactericidal potential of Mn2O3 nanowires which can be utilized for various biomedical applications.