In vitro anti-inflammatory, anti-arthritic and anti- proliferative activity of green synthesized silver nanoparticles - Phoenix dactylifera (Rothan dates)

Abstract Traditionally dates is consumed as a rich source of iron supplement and the current research discuss the synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using methanolic seed extract of Rothan date and its application over in vitro anti-arthritic, anti-inflammatory and antiproliferative activity against lung cancer cell line (A549). FTIR result of synthesised AgNPs reveals the presence of functional group OH as capping agent. XRD pattern confirms the crystalline nature of the AgNPs with peaks at 38º, 44º, 64º and 81º, indexed by (111), (200), (220) and (222) in the 2θ range of 10-90, indicating the face centered cubic (fcc) structure of metallic Ag. HR- TEM results confirm the morphology of AgNPs as almost spherical with high surface areas and average size of 42 ± 9nm. EDX spectra confirmed that Ag is only the major element present and the Dynamic light scattering (DLS) assisted that the Z-average size was 203nm and 1.0 of PdI value. Zeta potential showed − 26.5mv with a single peak. The results of the biological activities of AgNPs exhibited dose dependent activity with 68.44% for arthritic, antiinflammatory with 63.32% inhibition and anti-proliferative activity illustrated IC50 value of 59.66 µg/mL expressing the potential of AgNPs to combat cancer

Characterization, Antioxidant and Antibacterial Potentials of Tamarindus indica L. Fruit Pulp Extract Loaded O/W Nanoemulsions

Abstract The main purposes of the current study were to formulate o/w nanoemulsions as a carrier for Tamarindus indica (tamarind) fruit pulp extract and to study the antioxidant and antibacterial potentials of nanoemulsions containing tamarind extract, focusing on cosmetic/hygiene applications. The o/w nanoemulsions using a mixture of Tween 80 and Span 80 as an emulsifier (5%w/w) were prepared by a high pressure homogenization process. Two concentrations of sweet tamarind extract, 3.3 and 6.6%w/w, based on the bioactivity study, were incorporated into the blank nanoemulsions to produce loaded nanoemulsions, F1-3.3TE (3.3%) and F1- 6.6TE (6.6%). As compared with the unloaded nanoemulsion, both tamarind extract loaded nanoemulsions showed reduced pH and significantly increased viscosity. Overall, the loaded nanoemulsions had droplet sizes of approximately 130 nm, zeta potential around -38 mV and polydispersity index (PDI) values less than 0.2. The nanoemulsion F1-3.3TE had better stability (e.g. significantly greater % tartaric acid content and lesser PDI value) than the nanoemulsion F1-6.6TE did. The antioxidant activity using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl assay revealed that the nanoemulsions F1-3.3TE and F1-6.6TE had scavenging activities of 81.66 ± 0.77% and 63.80 ± 0.79%, respectively. However, antioxidant activity of these two formulations decreased under stress conditions (heating-cooling cycles). Such incidence did not occur for their antibacterial properties investigated by agar well diffusion technique. The two formulations exhibited inhibition zones of approximately 24.0-27.7 mm against Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis, responsible for malodor of underarms. The results suggest the potential of using sweet tamarind pulp extract loaded nanoemulsions as hygiene products.

Adverse effect of beta-tricalcium phosphate with zeta potential control in repairing critical defects in rats' calvaria / Efeito adverso do beta-fosfato tricálcico com controle de potencial zeta no reparo de defeitos críticos em calvária de ratos

To evaluate whether a new biphasic cement composed of calcium sulfate and beta tricalcium phosphate with zeta potential control could induce or lead to bone neoformation in critical defects. METHODS: A critical defect of diameter 8 mm was made in the calvaria of forty male Wistar rats. In the Test Group (n = 20), the defects were filled with cement. In the Control Group (n = 20), the defect was not filled and only coagulum was present. The animals were sacrificed 7, 14, 21 and 42 days after the operation. Calvaria specimens were subjected to microtomography and were then prepared for histological analysis. The analyses included morphological assessment on the histopathology of the repair; comparative morphometric evaluation of the area of formation of bone trabeculae between the groups; and histochemical staining by means of tartrate-resistant phosphatase (TRAP) in order to identify osteoclasts. RESULTS: Microtomographic images of the defects filled by the cement did not show any decrease in area over the course of postoperative evolution. In the Test Group, the material continued to present a foreign-body response until the last observational periods. Histomorphological analysis showed that there were more significant groupings of giant cells in the Test Group and greater maturity of neoformed bone in the Control Group. Exogenous material was also present. Histomorphometric analysis showed that in the Control Group, the total area of bone neoformation was significantly greater (p = 0.009) and grew progressively. The giant cells presented a positive reaction to TRAP but no osteoclasts were observed. CONCLUSION: The ceramic cement did not induce or lead to bone neoformation from the microtomographic or histological point of view.

Avaliar se um novo cimento bifásico composto por sulfato de cálcio e beta fosfato tricálcico com controle de potencial zeta poderia induzir ou conduzir a neoformação óssea em defeitos críticos. MÉTODOS: Foi feito um defeito crítico de 8 mm de diâmetro na calvária de 40 ratos Wistar machos. No grupo teste (n = 20) os defeitos foram preenchidos pelo cimento. No grupo controle (n = 20) os defeitos não foram preenchidos, permaneceu apenas o coágulo. Os animais sofreram eutanásia em 7, 14, 21 e 42 dias do pós-operatório. Espécimes da calvária foram microtomografados e posteriormente preparados para análise histológica. As análises incluíram a avaliação morfológica da histopatologia do reparo e a avaliação morfométrica da área de formação das trabéculas ósseas comparativamente entre os grupos e coloração histoquímica por meio da fosfatase tartrato-resistente (TRAP) para identificação de osteoclastos. RESULTADOS: As imagens microtomográficas dos defeitos preenchidos pelo cimento não apresentaram diminuição da área de acordo com a progressão dos períodos pós-operatórios. No grupo teste houve permanência do material e resposta corpo estranho até os últimos períodos de observação. A histomorfologia mostrou agrupamentos mais expressivos de células gigantes no grupo teste e osso neoformado mais maduro no grupo controle e comprovou a presença de material exógeno. Na histomorfometria, a área total de neoformação óssea foi significativamente maior (p = 0,009) e crescente no grupo controle. As células gigantes apresentaram expressão histoquímica positiva para TRAP e não foram observados osteoclatos. CONCLUSÃO: O cimento cerâmico não induziu ou conduziu a neoformação óssea sob o ponto de vista microtomográfico e histológico.

Physico-chemical and structural characterization of mucilage isolated from seeds of Diospyros melonoxylon Roxb

Mucilage was isolated from the seeds of Diospyros melonoxylon Roxb., a plant growing naturally in the forests of India. Various physico-chemical methods like particle analysis, scanning electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, differential thermal analysis, thermogravimetry analysis, molecular weight by gel permeation chromatography, rheometry, elemental analysis, x-ray diffraction spectrometry, zeta potential, fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, 1D(1H and 13C) (NMR) have been employed to characterize this gum in the present study. Particle analyses suggest that mucilage had particle size in nanometer. SEM analysis suggested that the mucilage had irregular particle size. The glass transition temperature of the gum observed was 78 °C and 74 °C by DSC and DTA respectively. The Thermogravimetry analysis suggested that mucilage had good thermal stability with two stage decomposition. The molecular weight of mucilage was determined to be 8760, by gel permeation chromatography, while the viscosity of mucilage was observed to be 219.1 cP. The XRD pattern of the mucilage indicated a complete amorphous nature. Elemental analysis of the gum revealed specific contents of carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen and sulfur. The major functional groups identified from FT-IR spectrum include 3441 cm-1 (-OH), 1632 cm-1 (-COO-), 1414 cm-1 (-COO-) and 1219 cm-1 (-CH3CO). Analysis of mucilage by paper chromatography and 1D NMR indicated the presence of sugars.

Mucilagem foi isolada de sementes de Diospyros melanoxylon Roxb, uma planta que cresce naturalmente nas florestas da Índia. Vários métodos físico-químicos, como análise de partículas, microscopia electrônica, calorimetria diferencial de varredura, análise térmica diferencial, análise termogravimétrica, massa molecular por cromatografia de permeação em gel, viscosidade, análise elementar, espectrometria de difração de raios-x, potencial zeta, espectroscopia no infravermelho com transformada de Fourier, 1D (1H e 13C) (NMR) foram utilizados no presente estudo para caracterizar essa goma. A análise de partículas sugere que a mucilagem tem tamanho de partícula em nm. A análise SEM sugere que a mucilagem tem tamanho de partícula irregular. Observou-se temperatura de transição vítrea da goma de 78 °C e 74 °C por DSC e DTA, respectivamente. A análise termogravimétrica sugeriu que a mucilagem possuía boa estabilidade térmica, com duas fases de decomposição. A massa molecular da mucilagem foi 8760, por meio de cromatografia de permeação em gel, enquanto que a viscosidade foi 219,1 cP. O padrão de DRX da mucilagem indicou natureza completamente amorfa. Os principais grupos funcionais identificados a partir do espectro de FT-IR foram: 3441 cm-1 (-OH), 1632 cm-1 (-COO-), 1414 cm-1 (-COO-) e 1.219 cm-1 (CH3CO-). As análises de mucilagem por cromatografia em papel e 1D RMN indicaram a presença de açúcares.

Electrochemical attributes of soils influenced by sugarcane vinasse / Atributos eletroquímicos de solos influenciados pela vinhaça

The electrochemistry at the surface of colloidal particles in soils is related to important physical and chemical phenomena, such as flocculation and dispersion of soil particles, cation-exchange-capacity, anion adsorption, pesticides and heavy metals adsorption. Sorption of organic compounds on the surface of soil components may cause important changes on their electrochemical attributes. The vinasse has been applied in soils, mainly in sugarcane crops, as organic fertilizer. Its effects on physical, chemical and biological attributes of soils are well documented; however, little is known about the effects on electrochemical attributes. This work aimed to evaluate the effects of sugarcane vinasse on soil pH and zeta potential of the clay fraction of two Latosols (Oxisols) and an Argisol (Ultisol). The pH of soils amended with vinasse was measured in water and 1M KCl solution (ratio soil:water 1:2.5), and estimated the ∆pH (pH 1M KCl - pH in water). The zeta potential (ζ)) of the clay fraction was determined by electrophoretic mobility in 0,01M NaCl solution adjusted to different pH values (2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 9 and 11), and estimated the point of zero charge (PZC) (ζ) = 0). The soil pH and net charge of soils were clearly influenced by vinasse. These changes may influence important chemical and physical phenomena in soils and also help future studies involving vinasse in soils.

A eletroquímica das partículas coloidais do solo está relacionada com importantes fenômenos físicoquímicos, como floculação e dispersão do solo, capacidade de troca de cátions e ânions, adsorção de pesticidas e metais pesados. A sorção de compostos orgânicos na superfície dos componentes do solo pode causar importantes mudanças em seus atributos eletroquímicos. A vinhaça tem sido aplicada em solos, principalmente na cultura da cana-de-açúcar, como fertilizante orgânico. Embora os efeitos da vinhaça sobre atributos físicos, químicos e biológicos do solo sejam bem conhecidos, estudos envolvendo a eletroquímica das partículas do solo ainda são necessários. Objetivou-se com este trabalho avaliar o efeito da vinhaça sobre o pH e potencial zeta da fração argila de amostras de dois Latossolos e um Argissolo. Foi determinado o pH em água e em solução KCl 1M (relação solo:água 1:2,5) e estimado o pH (pH em KCl 1M ­ pH em água). Na fração argila foi determinado o potencial zeta () por mobilidade eletroforética em solução de NaCl 0,01M com diferentes valores de pH (2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 9 e 11) e estimado o ponto de carga zero (PCZ) ( = 0). O pH do solo e as cargas superficiais foram claramente influenciadas pela vinhaça. Essas mudanças podem influenciar importantes fenômenos físico-químicos do solo, bem como, servir de base para estudos futuros envolvendo vinhaça em solos.

Electrical properties of the red blood cell membrane and immunohematological investigation

Hemagglutination is widely used in transfusion medicine and depends on several factors including antigens, antibodies, electrical properties of red blood cells and the environment of the reaction. Intermolecular forces are involved in agglutination with cell clumping occurring when the aggregation force is greater than the force of repulsion. Repulsive force is generated by negative charges on the red blood cell surface that occur due to the presence of the carboxyl group of sialic acids in the cell membrane; these charges create a repulsive electric zeta potential between cells. In transfusion services, specific solutions are used to improve hemagglutination, including enzymes that reduce the negative charge of red blood cells, LISS which improves the binding of antibodies to antigens and macromolecules that decrease the distance between erythrocytes. The specificity and sensitivity of immunohematological reactions depend directly on the appropriate use of these solutions. Knowledge of the electrical properties of red blood cells and of the action of enhancement solutions can contribute to the immunohematology practice in transfusion services.

Uso de pinças ópticas para avaliação do potencial zeta de hemácias em EDTA, CPD-SAGM e estocadas / Use of optical tweezers for evaluation of szeta potential of red blood cells in EDTA, CPD-SAGM and stored in blood banks

A hemácia é carregada negativamente, principalmente devido ao ácido siálico que gera um potencial elétrico denominado Potencial Zeta que impede a aglutinação intravascular. Os testes de hemaglutinação na rotina transfusional, necessitam de substâncias potencializadoras, das quais muitas agem diminuindo o Potencial Zeta para se ter maior sensibilidade. Através da pinça óptica, ferramenta capaz de capturar células utilizando a luz, foi proposta uma metodologia para quantificar o potencial zeta e aplicar em hemácias coletadas com EDTA e estocadas em CPD-SAGM (visando avaliar alterações de cargas da membrana relacionadas a lesões de armazenamento. Os potenciais zeta em CPD-CAGM foram superiores (-14,8 mV) aos em EDTA (-7,9 mV) e decrescentes a partir do primeiro dia de armazenamento, estabilizando-se a partir da terceira semana com potencial zeta -7,6 mV. Hemácias com CPD-SAGM apresentaram potencial zeta maior, pois possivelmente este conservante evitou lesões mais significativas da membrana que poderiam alterar as cargas. A redução do potencial zeta no armazenamento pode ser consequência de enzimas liberadas de leucócitos lisados que tenham alterado as glicoforinas da membrana. A metodologia permitiu avaliar o potencial zeta em diferentes condições e poderá contribuir na padronização de técnicas de hemaglutinação com diferentes meios potencializadores e no melhor conhecimento das lesões de estocagem para fins transfusionais.