Harnessing Graphene-Modified Electrode Sensitivity for Enhanced Ciprofloxacin Detection.

Increased evidence has documented a direct association between Ciprofloxacin (CFX) intake and significant disruption to the normal functions of connective tissues, leading to severe health conditions (such as tendonitis, tendon rupture and retinal detachment). Additionally, CFX is recognized as a potential emerging pollutant, as it seems to impact both animal and human food chains, resulting in severe health implications. Consequently, there is a compelling need for the precise, swift and selective detection of this fluoroquinolone-class antibiotic. Herein, we present a novel graphene-based electrochemical sensor designed for Ciprofloxacin (CFX) detection and discuss its practical utility. The graphene material was synthesized using a relatively straightforward and cost-effective approach involving the electrochemical exfoliation of graphite, through a pulsing current, in 0.05 M sodium sulphate (Na2SO4), 0.05 M boric acid (H3BO3) and 0.05 M sodium chloride (NaCl) solution. The resulting material underwent systematic characterization using scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive X-ray analysis, X-ray powder diffraction and Raman spectroscopy. Subsequently, it was employed in the fabrication of modified glassy carbon surfaces (EGr/GC). Linear Sweep Voltammetry studies revealed that CFX experiences an irreversible oxidation process on the sensor surface at approximately 1.05 V. Under optimal conditions, the limit of quantification was found to be 0.33 × 10-8 M, with a corresponding limit of detection of 0.1 × 10-8 M. Additionally, the developed sensor's practical suitability was assessed using commercially available pharmaceutical products.

Polydopamine conjugated SiO2 nanoparticles as potential drug carriers for melanoma treatment.

Silica nanoparticles (SiO2) are increasingly investigated for biomedical applications. Aim: This study aimed to analyze the potential use of a SiO2 nanoparticles coated with biocompatible polydopamine (SiO2@PDA) as a potential chemotherapeutic drug carrier. Materials & methods: SiO2 morphology and PDA adhesion was analyzed by dynamic light scattering, electron microscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance. Cytotoxicity studies and morphology analyses (immunofluorescence, scanning and transmission electron microscopy) were used to assess the cellular reaction to the SiO2@PDA nanoparticles and to identify a biocompatible (safe use) window. Results & conclusion: Concentrations above 10 µg/ml and up to 100 µg/ml SiO2@PDA showed the best biocompatibility on human melanoma cells at 24 h and represent a potential drug carrier template for targeted melanoma cancer treatment.

Tiny particles can be small enough to enter cells. This is why they may be useful in the treatment of cancer. We made particles in a way that is friendly for human cells, then we analyzed their effects on cancer cells. Our tests showed that these particles could be useful for treatment because they do not worsen cancer cells. This is important because sometimes after treatment, cancer cells can become more dangerous. This way, even if the drug did not work, the cancer will not worsen.

In Vivo Distribution of Poly(ethylene glycol) Functionalized Iron Oxide Nanoclusters: An Ultrastructural Study.

The in vivo distribution of 50 nm clusters of polyethylene glycol-conjugated superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs-PEG) was conducted in this study. SPIONs-PEG were synthesized de novo, and their structure and paramagnetic behaviors were analyzed by specific methods (TEM, DLS, XRD, VSM). Wistar rats were treated with 10 mg Fe/kg body weight SPIONs-PEG and their organs and blood were examined at two intervals for short-term (15, 30, 60, 180 min) and long-term (6, 12, 24 h) exposure evaluation. Most exposed organs were investigated through light and transmission electron microscopy, and blood and urine samples were examined through fluorescence spectrophotometry. SPIONs-PEG clusters entered the bloodstream after intraperitoneal and intravenous administrations and ended up in the urine, with the highest clearance at 12 h. The skin and spleen were within normal histological parameters, while the liver, kidney, brain, and lungs showed signs of transient local anoxia or other transient pathological affections. This study shows that once internalized, the synthesized SPIONs-PEG disperse well through the bloodstream with minor to nil induced tissue damage, are biocompatible, have good clearance, and are suited for biomedical applications.

The Morphological and Anatomical Traits of the Leaf in Representative Vinca Species Observed on Indoor- and Outdoor-Grown Plants.

Morphological and anatomical traits of the Vinca leaf were examined using microscopy techniques. Outdoor Vinca minor and V. herbacea plants and greenhouse cultivated V. major and V. major var. variegata plants had interspecific variations. All Vinca species leaves are hypostomatic. However, except for V. minor leaf, few stomata were also present on the upper epidermis. V. minor leaf had the highest stomatal index and V. major had the lowest, while the distribution of trichomes on the upper epidermis was species-specific. Differentiated palisade and spongy parenchyma tissues were present in all Vinca species' leaves. However, V. minor and V. herbacea leaves had a more organized anatomical aspect, compared to V. major and V. major var. variegata leaves. Additionally, as a novelty, the cellular to intercellular space ratio of the Vinca leaf's mesophyll was revealed herein with the help of computational analysis. Lipid droplets of different sizes and aspects were localized in the spongy parenchyma cells. Ultrastructural characteristics of the cuticle and its epicuticular waxes were described for the first time. Moreover, thick layers of cutin seemed to be characteristic of the outdoor plants only. This could be an adaptation to the unpredictable environmental conditions, but nevertheless, it might influence the chemical composition of plants.