Green synthesis of ZnO nanocubes from Ceropegia omissa H. Huber extract for photocatalytic degradation of bisphenol An under visible light to mitigate water pollution.

Plastic pollution has become a major environmental problem because it does not break down and poses risks to ecosystems and human health. This study focuses on the environmentally friendly synthesis of ZnO nanocubes using an extract from Ceropegia omissa H. Huber plant leaves. The primary goal is to investigate the viability of these nanocubes as visible-light photocatalysts for the degradation of bisphenol A (BPA). The synthesized ZnO nanocubes have a highly crystalline structure and a bandgap of 3.1 eV, making them suitable for effective visible-light photocatalysis. FTIR analysis, which demonstrates that the pertinent functional groups are present, demonstrates the chemical bonding and reducing processes that take place in the plant extract. The XPS method also studies zinc metals, oxygen valencies, and binding energies. Under visible light irradiation, ZnO nanocubes degrade BPA by 86% in 30 min. This plant-extract-based green synthesis method provides a long-term replacement for traditional procedures, and visible light photocatalysis has advantages over ultraviolet light. The study's results show that ZnO nanocubes may be good for the environment and can work well as visible light photocatalysts to break down organic pollutants. This adds to what is known about using nanoparticles to clean up the environment. As a result, this study highlights the potential of using environmentally friendly ZnO nanocubes as a long-lasting and efficient method of reducing organic pollutant contamination in aquatic environments.

Bacterial lipoteichoic acid induces capsular contracture by activating innate immune response.

BACKGROUND: Capsular contracture is attributed to an exaggerated fibrosis response within the capsule and is partly associated with bacterial contamination in situ. However, the cellular mechanisms that initiate this response are unclear. METHODS: We developed a mouse model of capsular contracture by repeated injection of 10 µg/ml lipoteichoic acid (LTA). The histological changes in the capsule tissue were measured by hematoxylin-eosin, Masson, and immunohistochemical staining. The expression of cytokines was measured by quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction. We also used pharmacological methods to verify the roles of macrophages and Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) signaling in this pathological process. RESULTS: We discovered that repeated LTA injection, at a low concentration, could induce the thickening of the capsule tissue. Macrophage infiltration and TLR2/nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) signaling activated in this process could be suppressed by macrophage depletion or TLR2 receptor inhibition. CONCLUSIONS: As TLR2 signal activation was found to cause capsular contracture by inducing macrophage infiltration as a consequence of trace amounts of LTA contamination in situ, this target is helpful for understanding that chronic or repeated subclinical infection could activate capsular contracture.

Poly (ß-amino Ester) Nanoparticles Modified with a Rabies Virus-derived peptide for the Delivery of ASCL1 Across a 3D In Vitro Model of the Blood Brain Barrier.

Gene editing has emerged as a therapeutic approach to manipulate the genome for killing cancer cells, protecting healthy tissues, and improving immune response to a tumor. The gene editing tool achaete-scute family bHLH transcription factor 1 CRISPR guide RNA (ASCL1-gRNA) is known to restore neuronal lineage potential, promote terminal differentiation, and attenuate tumorigenicity in glioblastoma tumors. Here, we fabricated a polymeric nonviral carrier to encapsulate ASCL1-gRNA by electrostatic interactions and deliver it into glioblastoma cells across a 3D in vitro model of the blood-brain barrier (BBB). To mimic rabies virus (RV) neurotropism, gene-loaded poly (ß-amino ester) nanoparticles are surface functionalized with a peptide derivative of rabies virus glycoprotein (RVG29). The capability of the obtained NPs, hereinafter referred to as RV-like NPs, to travel across the BBB, internalize into glioblastoma cells and deliver ASCL1-gRNA are investigated in a 3D BBB in vitro model through flow cytometry and CLSM microscopy. The formation of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in the 3D BBB in vitro model is confirmed by immunochemistry. These receptors are known to bind to RVG29. Unlike Lipofectamine that primarily internalizes and transfects endothelial cells, RV-like NPs are capable to travel across the BBB, preferentially internalize glioblastoma cells and deliver ASCL1-gRNA at an efficiency of 10 % causing non-cytotoxic effects.

Hepatic epithelioid angiomyolipoma: magnetic resonance imaging characteristics.

PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to analyze MR imaging features of hepatic epithelioid angiomyolipoma (HEAML). METHODS: This study included 113 patients with 122 pathologically confirmed HEAML who underwent enhanced MRI scanning before partial hepatectomy. MR images were retrospectively reviewed and correlated with pathological findings. RESULTS: The mean age of 113 patients was 48.12 ± 11.77 years old, and the male to female ratio was 1:3.35 with 87 females (76.99%). 107 (94.69%) patients presented as single tumor, and 96 patients (84.96%) were asymptomatic. 122 HEAML lesions were diagnosed pathologically in 113 patients, with the average of 4.47 ± 3.26 cm. 109 lesions (89.34%) and 108 lesions (88.52%) showed regular and well-defined boundary. On T1WI, 121 lesions (99.18%) mainly presented hypointensity. On T2WI, 118 lesions (96.72%) and 109 lesions (89.34%) mainly showed hyperintensity and heterogeneous signals. Most of the lesions (97.46%) showed hyperintensity on DWI. 118 lesions (96.72%) manifested as severe hyperenhancement and 106 lesions (86.89%) showed heterogeneity during the arterial phase. As for the lesion enhancement pattern, 73 lesions (59.84%) presented as persistent enhancement, 37 lesions (30.33%) as wash out, 8 lesions (6.56%) as degressive enhancement, and 4 lesions (3.28%) as poor blood supply. Additionally, 96 lesions (78.69%) with intra-tumor vessels and 85 lesions (69.67%) with outer rim were confirmed during the delayed phase. CONCLUSION: At enhanced MRI, hypointensity on T1WI, hyperintensity and heterogeneous signals on T2WI, hyperintensity on DWI, little or no fat component, heterogenous hyperenhancement, persistent enhancement, intra-tumor vessels, and outer rim would be helpful to diagnose HEAML.

Recyclable Cu-Ag bimetallic nanocatalyst for radical scavenging, dyes removal and antimicrobial applications.

An ecofriendly and cost effective green method has been used for the synthesis of recyclable, high functional nanoparticles. Bimetallic nanoparticles (BmNPs), Cu-Ag, have been synthesized using beetroot extract as reducing and capping agent. Formation of BmNPs was initially confirmed by UV-visible analysis, having distinct peaks of Ag at 429 nm and Cu at 628 nm. FTIR analysis also confirmed the association of bioactive phytochemicals with Cu-Ag nanoparticles. Crystallinity and morphology of BmNPs was determined through X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS) and energy dispersion X-ray spectroscopy (EDAX). The size of spherical shape Cu-Ag BmNPs was found to be 75.58 nm and EDAX studies confirmed the percent elemental composition of Cu and Ag in synthesized nanocatalyst. Results of different analysis provided supported evidences regarding the formation of BmNPs. Catalytic potential of BmNPs was tested for the degradation of rhodamine B (Rh-B), methylene blue (MB) and methyl orange (MO) dyes. Cu-Ag BmNPs exhibited outstanding catalytic activity for the degradation of selected organic dyes and percent degradation was recorded more than 90% for each dye. In addition, antiradical property of BmNPs was tested employing DPPH● and ABTS●+ assays and it was found to be promising. Synthesized BmNPs also exhibited strong antimicrobial activity against Salmonella typhimurium and Bacillus subtilis. Recyclability of nanoparticles was also evaluated and recovery from dye degradation reaction mixture was successfully achieved. The recovered nanoparticles exhibited same catalytic potential for the degradation of Rh-B. The objective of the current study was to synthesize BmNPs Cu-Ag employing a cost effective green method having promising catalytic, antiradical and antimicrobial potential. Further, BmNPs were reused after recovery from catalytic reactions, proving that BmNPs can be recycled having the same efficiency as that of a freshly prepared Cu-Ag BmNPs.

Amalgamation and Scrutinizing of Leucine Derivatives Schiff Bases Complexes as Antimicrobial Agent.

The enhanced applications of Schiff bases metal complexes of amino acid derivatives have captured the attention of researchers for the synthesis of leucine derivatives of Schiff bases metal complexes. Amino acids are considered to be essential part of food supplements as well as derivatives of Schiff bases in coordination chemistry due to their donor ability. The leucine derivatives Schiff bases ligand have been synthesized by condensation reaction between amine of leucine with aldehyde or ketone bearing molecules attached with them. These complexes were characterized by different spectroscopic tools in order to confirm their structural geometries. The structural geometries are considered to be very important in order to improve the antimicrobial potential of leucine derivative metal complexes. By taking into account the antimicrobial potential of titled compounds, a comprehensive review of leucine derivatives of Schiff bases metal complexes has been compiled.

Green synthesis of nickel oxide nanoparticles using Allium cepa peels for degradation of Congo red direct dye: an environmental remedial approach.

Direct dyes are used in different textile operations and processings. The textile industries are disposing of unused direct dyes into the aquatic environment which is posing a serious alarming threat to aquatic lives. The current study deals with the synthesis of nickel oxide nanoparticles using Allium cepa peels aqueous extract. Nickel oxide nanoparticles (NiO-NPs) were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Synthesized NiO-NPs were used to remove Congo red direct dye. Various experimental factors like concentration of dye and nanoparticles, pH, and temperature were optimized. Congo red direct dye was decolorized up to 90% at optimized conditions (Congo Red Direct dye concentration 0.02%, catalyst dose 0.003 g·L-1, pH 6, and temperature 50 °C). The real textile industry effluent disclosed 70% decolorization at optimized conditions. The percent reduction in total organic carbon (TOC) and chemical oxygen demand (COD) was found to be 73.24% and 74.56% in the case of Congo red dye catalytic treatment and the percent reduction in TOC and COD was found to be 62.47% and 60.23%, respectively, in the treatment of textile effluent using nickel oxide nanoparticles as a catalyst. Treated and untreated dye samples were exposed to Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and UV-Visible spectral analyses too. The reaction products were studied by degradation pathway.

Comparative efficacy of biogenic zinc oxide nanoparticles synthesized by Pseudochrobactrum sp. C5 and chemically synthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles for catalytic degradation of dyes and wastewater treatment.

Discharge of untreated textile wastewaters loaded with dyes is not only contaminating the soil and water resources but also posing a threat to the health and socioeconomic life of the people. Hence, there is a need to devise the strategies for effective treatment of such wastewaters. The present study reports the catalytic potential of biogenic ZnO nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) synthesized by using a bacterial strain Pseudochrobactrum sp. C5 for degradation of dyes and wastewater treatment. The catalytic potential of the biogenic ZnO NPs for degradation of dyes and wastewater treatment was also compared with that of the chemically synthesized ones. The characterization of the biogenic ZnO NPs through FT-IR, XRD, and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) indicated that these are granular agglomerated particles having a size range of 90-110 nm and zeta potential of -27.41 mV. These catalytic NPs had resulted into almost complete (> 90%) decolorization of various dyes including the methanol blue and reactive black 5. These NPs also resulted into a significant reduction in COD, TDS, EC, pH, and color of two real wastewaters spiked with reactive black 5 and reactive red 120. The findings of this study suggest that the biosynthesized ZnO NPs might serve as a potential green solution for treatment of dye-loaded textile wastewaters.

A Comprehensive Review on Chemical and Pharmacological Potential of Viola betonicifolia: A Plant with Multiple Benefits.

Viola betonicifolia (Violaceae) is commonly recognized as "Banafsha" and widely distributed throughout the globe. This plant is of great interest because of its traditional, pharmacological uses. This review mainly emphases on morphology, nutritional composition, and several therapeutic uses, along with pharmacological properties of different parts of this multipurpose plant. Different vegetative parts of this plant (roots, leaves, petioles, and flowers) contained a good profile of essential micro- and macronutrients and are rich source of fat, protein, carbohydrates, and vitamin C. The plant is well known for its pharmacological properties, e.g., antioxidant, antihelminthic, antidepressant, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and has been reported in the treatment of various neurological diseases. This plant is of high economic value. The plant has potential role in cosmetic industry. This review suggests that V. betonicifolia is a promising source of pharmaceutical agents. This plant is also of significance as ornamental plant, however further studies needed to explore its phytoconstituents and their pharmacological potential. Furthermore, clinical studies are needed to use this plant for benefits of human beings.

Bacterial cellulose as support for biopolymer stabilized catalytic cobalt nanoparticles.

In heterogeneous catalysis, ease of separation of the catalyst is considered to be important for its effective re-use. In this paper, we report a synthesis of carboxymethyl cellulose stabilized cobalt nanoparticles (CMC-Co) catalyst and their coating on the bacterial cellulose nanofibers (BCN) as high surface area support to prepare the CMC-Co-BCN dip-catalyst strips. The samples were characterized by scanning electron microscopy for surface morphology, X-ray diffraction spectrometry for crystal structure and thermogravimetric analysis for the thermal behavior and estimation of the Co content in the CMC-Co-BCN. The CMC-Co-BCN samples were used as dip-catalysts for the 2,6-dinitrophenol and methylene blue dye reduction reactions by sodium borohydride. The catalytic results of CMC-Co-BCN dip-catalyst were compared with the CMC-Co suspension. Both the pollutants were reduced at faster reaction rates by CMC-Co as compared to the CMC-Co-BCN but the latter had advantage of easy recovery for repeated use. The effects of catalyst amount, combination of the two pollutants in a solution, and repeatability tests were also performed and results were discussed.

Synthesis, spectral and antimicrobial studies of amino acid derivative Schiff base metal (Co, Mn, Cu, and Cd) complexes.

Amino acid derivative Schiff base was synthesized by reaction of leucine with salicyldehyde in basic medium. The Schiff base was used as a ligand which was reacted with Co, Mn, Cu and Cd metals in order to form the stable complexes. The synthesized ligand and metals complexes were characterized by using different spectroscopic tools i.e. FT-IR, Mass spectrometry and NMR. The percentages of different elements present in ligand molecule and complexes was confirmed by Elemental analyzer. All compounds including ligand and complexes were also engaged with different bacterial (Escheria coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subbtilis) and fungal strains (Alternaria alternate, Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus niger) in order to check the inhibitory action of titled compounds. The results showed that the metal complexes have greater antimicrobial activities than ligand.

Synthesis and catalytic properties of silver nanoparticles supported on porous cellulose acetate sheets and wet-spun fibers.

Cellulose acetate fibers (CAfiber), and sheets (CAsheet) were prepared by wet-spinning, and doctor blade methods, respectively. For CAfiber, the CA-acetone solution was pushed through narrow orifice of the medical syringe into a coagulating bath containing water. The same polymer solution was used for the fabrication of CAsheet. The prepared CAfiber and CAsheet were dipped in a 0.1M aqueous AgNO3 solution followed by treatment with 0.1M NaBH4 aqueous solution to synthesize the Ag nanoparticles over stated substrates. The virgin CAfiber and CAsheet as well as Ag nanoparticles containing samples (Ag/CAfiber and Ag/CAsheet) were characterized by FE-SEM, XRD, FTIR, and TGA. These materials were tested as catalysts in hydrogenation of the 2,6-dinitrophenol (2,6-DNP) by NaBH4. The Ag/CAfiber played better catalytic role in the hydrogenation of 2,6-DNP as compared to the Ag/CAsheet. Moreover, the catalyst amount effect on the reaction rate constant, ease of separation and reusability of the prepared materials were discussed.

Zirconia-based catalyst for the one-pot synthesis of coumarin through Pechmann reaction.

Coumarins play an important role in drug development with diverse biological applications. Herein, we present the synthesis of coumarin through Pechmann reaction by using zirconia-based heterogeneous catalysts (ZrO2-TiO2, ZrO2-ZnO, and ZrO2/cellulose) in a solvent-free condition at room temperature. ZrO2-TiO2, ZrO2-ZnO, and ZrO2/cellulose were identified through spectroscopic techniques such as FESEM, X-ray, EDS, XPS, and FT-IR. ZrO2-TiO2 showed the best catalytic performance while ZrO2/cellulose was inactive. The kinetic parameters were observed in a solvent-free condition as well as in toluene and ethanol. The temperature effect was extensively studied which revealed that increasing the temperature will increase the rate of reaction. The rate of reaction in a solvent-free condition, ethanol, and toluene were 1.7 × 10(-3), 1.7 × 10(-2), and 5.6 × 10(-3) g mol(-1) min(-1), respectively.