The ameliorative effects of curcumin nanomicelle on testicular damage in the mouse model of multiple sclerosis.

BACKGROUND: This study investigated the effect of curcumin nanomicelle (CUR-n) on the structure of testis tissue, the process of spermatogenesis, LH, FSH, testosterone, and oxidative stress in a model of multiple sclerosis. METHODS: Twenty-four male mice C57BL/6 were randomly allocated into 4 groups of 6 (1: group receiving 2% CPZ diet, 2: group receiving the diet of 2% CPZ + CUR-n with a dose of 50 mg/kg, 3: group receiving the diet of 2% CPZ + CUR-n with a dose of 100 mg/kg). The concentration of hormones (testosterone, LH and FSH), was measured by the special hormone assay ELISA kits. Measuring total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels was done by spectrophotometry and calorimetric methods, respectively. Stereological analysis was done in order to explore the number of spermatogenesis cells, testis and sperm properties. RESULTS: The results indicated that CUR-n (100 mg/kg) significantly enhanced the concentration of LH, FSH, testosterone, and TAC but reduced MDA levels. It also notably increased the quantity of spermatogonia, spermatocyte, round spermatids, long spermatids and LCs, augmented testis weight and volume, and germinal epithelium volume, improved sperm count, morphology, viability, and motility. In addition, a considerable decrease in the amount of wrinkling and disruption of the germinal epithelium was observed after intervention with CUR-n (100 mg/kg). Furthermore, a significant increase in the number of germ cells compared to the group receiving CPZ was detected. CONCLUSION: This study proposes that CUR-n could be a therapeutic agent for decreasing the adverse effects of MS on testis.

Responses of soil microbiome to copper-based materials (nano and bulk) for agricultural applications: An indoor-mesocosm experiment.

The foreseen increasing application of copper-based nanomaterials (Cu-NMs), replacing or complementing existing Cu-agrochemicals, may negatively impact the soil microbiome. Thus, we studied the effects on soil microbiome function and composition of nano copper oxide (nCuO) or copper hydroxide NMs in a commercial (Kocide®3000) or a lab-synthetized formulation (nCu(OH)2) or bulk copper hydroxide (Cu(OH)2-B), at the commonly recommended Cu dose of 50 mg(Cu)kg-1 soil. Microbial responses were studied over 28 days in a designed indoor mesocosm. On day-28, in comparison to non-treated soil (CT), all Cu-treatments led to a reduction in dehydrogenase (95% to 68%), arylsulfatase (41% to 27%), and urease (40% to 20%) activity. There was a 32% increase in the utilization of carbon substrates in the nCuO-treatment and an increased abundance of viable bacteria in the nCu(OH)2-treatment (75% of heterotrophic and 69% of P-solubilizing bacteria). The relative abundance of Acidobacteria [Kocide®3000, nCuO, and Cu(OH)2-B treatments] and Flavobacteriia [nCu(OH)2-treatment] was negatively affected by Cu exposure. The abundance of Cu-tolerant bacteria increased in soils treated with Kocide®3000 (Clostridia) and nCu(OH)2 (Gemmatimonadetes). All Cu-treated soils exhibited a reduced abundance of denitrification-related genes (0.05% of nosZ gene). The DTPA-extractable pool of ionic Cu(II) varied among treatments: Cu(OH)2-B > Kocide®3000 âˆ¼ nCuO>nCu(OH)2, which may explain changes on the soil microbiome composition, at the genera and OTU levels. Thus, our study revealed that Cu-materials (nano and bulk) influence the soil microbiome with implications on its ecological role. It highlights the importance of assessing the impact of Cu-materials under dynamic and complex exposure scenarios and emphasizes the need for specific regulatory frameworks for NMs.

Toxicokinetics of Ag from Ag2S NP exposure in Tenebrio molitor and Porcellio scaber: Comparing single-species tests to indoor mesocosm experiments.

Determining the potential for accumulation of Ag from Ag2S NPs as an environmentally relevant form of AgNPs in different terrestrial organisms is an essential component of a realistic risk assessment of AgNP emissions to soils. The objectives of this study were first to determine the uptake kinetics of Ag in mealworms (Tenebrio molitor) and woodlice (Porcellio scaber) exposed to Ag2S NPs in a mesocosm test, and second, to check if the obtained toxicokinetics could be predicted by single-species bioaccumulation tests. In the mesocosms, mealworms and woodlice were exposed together with plants and earthworms in soil columns spiked with 10 µg Ag g-1 dry soil as Ag2S NPs or AgNO3. The total Ag concentrations in the biota were measured after 7, 14, and 28 days of exposure. A one-compartment model was used to calculate the Ag uptake and elimination rate constants. Ag from Ag2S NPs appeared to be taken up by the mealworms with significantly different uptake rate constants in the mesocosm compared to single-species tests (K1 = 0.056 and 1.66 g dry soil g-1 dry body weight day-1, respectively), and a significant difference was found for the Ag bioaccumulation factor (BAFk = 0.79 and 0.15 g dry soil g-1 dry body weight, respectively). Woodlice did not accumulate Ag from Ag2S NPs in both tests, but uptake from AgNO3 was significantly slower in mesocosm than in single-species tests (K1 = 0.037 and 0.26 g dry soil g-1 dry body weight day-1, respectively). Our results are of high significance because they show that single-species tests may not be a good predictor for the Ag uptake in mealworms and woodlice in exposure systems having greater levels of biological complexity. Nevertheless, single-species tests could be used as a fast screening approach to assess the potential of a substance to accumulate in biota before more complex tests are conducted.

The effect of sulfidation and soil type on the uptake of silver nanoparticles in annelid Enchytraeus crypticus.

Hazard assessment of silver nanoparticles is crucial as their presence in agricultural land is increasing through sewage sludge application. This study compared the uptake and elimination kinetics in the annelid Enchytraeus crypticus of AgNPs with different core sizes and coatings in Lufa 2.2 soil, and of Ag2S NPs (simulating aged AgNPs) in three different soils. For both experiments, AgNO3 was used as ionic control. E. crypticus was exposed to soil spiked at 10 µg Ag g-1 dry soil for 14 days and then transferred to clean soil for a 14-day elimination phase. The uptake rate constants were similar for 3-8 nm and 60 nm AgNPs and AgNO3, but significantly different between 3 and 8 nm and 50 nm AgNPs. The uptake kinetics of Ag from Ag2S NPs did not significantly differ compared to pristine AgNPs. Therefore, Ag bioavailability was influenced by AgNP form and characteristics. Uptake and elimination rate constants of both Ag forms (AgNO3 and Ag2S NPs) significantly differed between different test soils (Lufa 2.2, Dorset, and Woburn). For AgNO3, significantly higher uptake and elimination rate constants were found in the Dorset soil compared to the other soils, while for Ag2S NPs this soil showed the lowest uptake and elimination rate constants. Therefore, not only the form and characteristics but also soil properties affect the bioavailability and uptake of Ag nanoparticles.

Effects of sulfidation of silver nanoparticles on the Ag uptake kinetics in Brassica rapa plants.

Land application of sewage sludge containing increasing levels of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) raises concerns about the risk for plant exposure. This study compared the uptake kinetics and distribution of Ag in Brassica rapa seedlings grown in Lufa 2.2 natural soil spiked with 20 nm Ag2S NPs, with those from 3 to 8 nm AgNPs, 50 nm AgNPs and AgNO3 exposures (10 mg Ag/kg dry soil). A two-compartment model was used to describe the uptake kinetics of Ag in plants, distinguishing two stages: stage I with increasing Ag uptake followed by stage II with decreasing Ag uptake. The concentration of Ag in roots from Ag2S NPs was about 14 and 10 times lower than for the other AgNPs and AgNO3 exposures, respectively, at the end of stage I, with root translocation rate constants being higher for Ag2S NPs. In stage II, Ag uptake occurred only for the 50 nm AgNPs. The distribution of Ag in B. rapa exposed to pristine, ionic and sulfidized AgNPs differed at the end of exposure. This study shows that Ag uptake and distribution in plants depends on the Ag form in soil, highlighting the importance of studying the environmentally relevant chemical species in NPs risk assessment.

Toxicokinetics of silver nanoparticles in the mealworm Tenebrio molitor exposed via soil or food.

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) may reach the soil compartment via sewage sludge or nanoagrochemical applications. Understanding how NPs interact with biological systems is crucial for an accurate hazard assessment. Therefore, this study aimed at determining the Ag toxicokinetics in the mealworm Tenebrio molitor, exposed via Lufa 2.2 soil or via food to different Ag forms (uncoated 50 nm AgNPs, paraffin coated 3-8 nm and PVP-stabilised 60 nm, Ag2S NPs 20 nm, and ionic Ag). Mealworms were exposed for 21 days followed by a 21-day elimination phase (clean soil/food). A one-compartment kinetics model with inert fraction (simulating a storage compartment, where detoxified forms are located) was used to describe Ag accumulation. Fully understanding the uptake route in mealworms is difficult. For that reason several approaches were used, showing that food, soil and pore water all are valid uptake routes, but with different importance. Silver taken up from soil pore water or from soil showed to be related to Ag dissolution in soil pore water. In general, the uptake and elimination rate constants were similar for 3-8 nm and 60 nm AgNPs and for AgNO3, but significantly different for the uncoated 50 nm AgNPs. Upon food exposure, uptake rate constants were similar for 50 nm AgNPs and AgNO3, while those for 60 nm and 3-8 nm AgNPs and for Ag2S NPs also grouped together. NP exposure in soil appeared more difficult to characterize, with different patterns obtained for the different NPs. But it was evident that upon soil or food exposure, particle characteristics highly affected Ag bioavailability and bioaccumulation. Although Ag2S NPs were taken up, their elimination was faster than for other Ag forms, showing the lowest inert fraction. The significantly different elimination rate constants suggest that the mechanism of elimination may not be the same for different AgNPs either.

Synthesis of stimuli-responsive chitosan nanocomposites via RAFT copolymerization for doxorubicin delivery.

In this study, a unique stimuli-responsive hydrogel nanocomposite was prepared via surface reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) copolymerization of acrylic acid and N­isopropyl acrylamide onto chitosan and subsequent in situ synthesis of magnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticles. In the next age, the structure and morphology of synthetic magnetic nanocomposite were characterized by FTIR, XRD, VSM, SEM, and TEM techniques. The modified hydrogel nanocomposite was employed as an excellent carrier for controlled releasing of anticancer drug doxorubicin (DOX). The results indicated that the maximum of DOX loading efficiency of nanocomposite was 89%. Notably, in vitro drug release studies showed that DOX was released in a sustained-release manner for the nanocomposites. From the results of in vitro release studies, dual temperature and pH responsiveness of the nanocomposite was demonstrated, and 82% of total DOX was released from the hydrogel within 2 days. Due to the unique structures and properties, the chitosan-based nanocomposite may be utilized as a promising drug carrier for controlled and sustained release of anticancer drugs.

Synthesis of magnetic functionalized MWCNT nanocomposite through surface RAFT co-polymerization of acrylic acid and N-isopropyl acrylamide for removal of cationic dyes from aqueous solutions.

In this study, magnetic multi-walled carbon nanotube (MMWCNT) composites were prepared via surface reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) co-polymerization of acrylic acid (AA) and N-isopropyl acrylamide (NIPAM) in the presence of Fe3O4 nanoparticles. First, a novel RAFT agent (RA) was prepared and then immobilized onto the surface of MWCNT to fabricate RA-g-MWCNT. Then, Fe3O4 nanoparticles were attached onto the surface of RA-g-MWCNT. Finally, RAFT co-polymerization of AA and NIPAM monomers was carried out via Fe3O4-g-RA-g-MWCNT RAFT agent. The structure and morphology of the prepared polymer-coated MWCNT was examined by FTIR, SEM, TEM, XRD, VSM, and TGA. The adsorption behaviours of the cationic dyes were studied. The equilibrium isotherm and kinetics of cationic dyes were investigated. Thermodynamics investigations also depicted that the adsorptions of cationic dyes were spontaneous and endothermic in nature. The synthesized dye adsorbent with high adsorption capacities, reusability, and easy recovery makes it as a good candidate for wastewater treatment.

Preparation of novel multi-walled carbon nanotubes nanocomposite adsorbent via RAFT technique for the adsorption of toxic copper ions.

In the present work, polymer-coated multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) was prepared via RAFT method. First, a novel trithiocarbonate-based RAFT agent was prepared attached chemically into the surface of MWCNT. In addition, the RAFT co-polymerization of acrylic acid and acrylamide monomers was conducted through the prepared RAFT agent. In the next age, the surface morphology and chemical properties of the prepared components were fully examined by using FTIR, 1HNMR, SEM, TEM, XRD and TGA/DTG techniques. Finally, the modified MWCNT composite was employed as an excellent adsorbent for the adsorption of copper (II) ions. The results indicated that ion adsorption basically relies on adsorbing time, solution pH, initial copper concentration, and adsorbent dosage. Further, the adsorption kinetics and isotherm analysis demonstrated that the adsorption mode was fitted with the pseudo-second-order and Langmuir isotherm models, respectively. Based on the results of thermodynamic study, the ion adsorption process was endothermic and spontaneous. Finally, based on the experimental results, the surface functionalized MWCNT with hydrophilic groups could be successfully used as a promising selective adsorbent material in wastewater treatment.

Copper-based nanomaterials for environmental decontamination - An overview on technical and toxicological aspects.

Synthesis of the various types of engineered nanomaterials has gained a huge attention in recent years for various applications. Copper based nanomaterials are a branch of this category seem to be able to provide an efficient and cost-effective way for the treatment of the persistent effluents. The present work aimed to study the various parameters may involve in the overall performance of the copper based nanomaterials for environmental clean-up purposes. To this end, the related characteristics of copper based nanomaterials and their effects on the nanomaterials reactivity and the environmental and operating parameters have been critically reviewed. Toxicological study of the copper based nanomaterials has been also considered as a factor with high importance for the selection of a typical nanomaterial with optimum performance and minimum environmental and health subsequent effects.

Review on recent developments on pulp and paper mill wastewater treatment.

Economic benefits of the pulp and paper industry have led it to be one of the most important industrial sections in the world. Nevertheless, in recent years, pulp and paper mills are facing challenges with the energy efficiency mechanisms and management of the resulting pollutants, considering the environmental feedbacks and ongoing legal requirements. This study reviews and discusses the recent developments of affordable methods dealing with pulp and paper mill wastewaters. To this end, the current state of the various processes used for pulp and paper production from virgin or recovered fibers has been briefly reviewed. Also, the relevant contaminants have been investigated, considering the used raw materials and applied techniques as the subject for further discussion about the relevant suitable wastewater treatment methods. The results of the present study indicated that adopting the integrated methods, alongside a combination of biological (e.g., anaerobic digestion) and physicochemical (e.g., novel Fenton reactions) treatment methods, can be environmentally and economically preferable to minimize environmental contaminants and energy recycling.