Synthesis, Spectroscopic, and Antibacterial Characterizations of Cadmium-Based Nanoparticles.

In the current study, the co-precipitation technique was employed for the synthesis of Cadmium oxide (CdO) and Copper‒doped Cadmium oxide (Cu‒CdO) nanoparticles. The synthesized samples were subjected to powder X-Ray diffraction (P-XRD), Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), Energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX), Fourier transforms Infrared (FT-IR), UV-Vis spectroscopy, photoluminescence (PL), laser-induced fluorescence spectroscopy and antibacterial investigations. According to the P-XRD analysis, both the samples were simple cubic in structure and have average grain sizes of 54 and 28 nm, respectively. FE-SEM was deployed to explore the surface textures of the samples. EDX technique was used to look at the elemental compositions of the samples. The technique of FT-IR was employed to identify the vibrational modes. UV-Vis spectra in diffuse reflectance mode were obtained and the optical bandgaps of the CdO and Cu‒CdO samples were obtained as 4.52 eV and 2.83 eV, respectively. The photoluminescence studies were conducted at an excitation wavelength of 300 nm and emission peaks were red-shifted in both samples. Fluorescence spectroscopy was applied to explore the lifetimes of synthesized nanoparticles. The technique of Agar-well diffusion was applied to assess the antibacterial performance of the generated nanoparticles against Micrococcus Luteus (gram-positive) and Escherichia coli (gram-negative) bacterium at variable concentrations. Both samples in the current study are significantly effective against both bacterial strains.

Biosynthesis, Structural, Spectroscopic, Photoluminescence, and Antifungal Activity of Ni-doped CeO2 Nanoparticles.

Pedalium Murex leaf extract was used in this study to create Nickel-doped Cerium oxide (Ni-CeO2) nanoparticles at 3 mol% and 5 mol% molar concentrations. The biosynthesized process was applied for the fabrication of Ni-CeO2 NPs. The X-ray diffraction method was used to identify their crystal structure. The XRD measurements showed that the Ni-CeO2 NPs crystallized into the face-centred cubic system. Fourier transform infrared spectral study was applied to explore the molecular vibrations and chemical bonding. The surface texture and chemical ingredients of Ni-CeO2 NPs were studied using field-emission scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray analysis. The EDX mapping spectra illustrate the uniform dispersal of Ce, Ni, and O atoms over the sample's surface. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) was conducted to confirm the chemical state of the Ni-CeO2 NPs. UV-Vis spectrum study was performed to ascertain the photon absorption, bandgap, and Urbach edge of Ni-CeO2 NPs. Photoluminescence (PL) research has been used to study the light-emitting characteristic of Ni-CeO2 NPs. The emissive intensity transition corresponding to Ni-CeO2 NPs was found to increase with the dopant level. The CIE 1931 chromaticity map was plotted to find the aptness of the samples for optical uses. The antifungal ability of Ni-CeO2 NPs was evaluated against the fungi candida albicans and candida krusein with the agar well-diffusion process. The fungicidal activity of the 3 mol% Ni doped CeO2 nanoparticles has shown a maximum zone of inhibition. The experimental findings illustrate the utility of Ni-CeO2 NPs for optical and antifungal applications.

Photoluminescence Confocal Mapping of a Novel Nd3+/Yb3+: Zn2SiO4 Composite thin film on Si (100) Substrate Utilizing a 980 nm Pumping Source.

A fixed Nd3+ and varied Yb3+ ion concentration were incorporated in a Zinc-Silicate (SZNYX) composite solution using ex-situ sol-gel solution to fabricate a novel thin film (TF) on Si (100)-substrate. The upconversion luminescence (UCL) spectra of the thin films were measured under 980 nm laser excitation, with the most optimized result for Yb3+ ion concentration of 1.5 mol%. Additionally, a 2-D photoluminescence (PL) confocal mapping of the SZNY15-TF material confirmed uniform PL distribution throughout the space under the same excitation wavelength. Structural characterization via XRD revealed the tetragonal Zn2SiO4 nano-crystalline nature of the film at three distinct annealing temperatures. Morphological characterization using the Field-emission scanning electron Microscope (FESEM) coupled with energy dispersion spectrometer (EDS) affirmed the nanoflower structure and the purity of doping purity in the samples, respectively. These findings collectively confirm the promising UCL properties of the SZNYX-TF samples, suggesting potential applications in photonic.

Hierarchically design MoS2/CdNi@RGO ultra-thin hybrid sheet for Photocatalytic degradation of organic contaminants fingerprinting in environmental matrices.

The aim of this study was to synthesize effective and economical MoS2/CdNi@rGO photocatalysts and investigate their performance in the degradation of organic pollutants in synthetic effluent. The objective was to assess the characterization results of the synthesized photocatalysts using XRD, SEM/EDS, TEM/HR-TEM, Raman spectrum, and BET isotherm analysis tools. These analyses revealed the good adhesion of MoS2 with rGO and provided insights into the structure and properties of the materials. The results showed that the MoS2/CdNi@rGO photocatalysts exhibited remarkable degradation efficiency for organic pollutants such as Rhodamine-B, erichrome black, and malachite green. The outcomes of the study demonstrated that the MoS2/CdNi@rGO catalyst had the greatest rate constant for Rhodamine-B (RhB) decomposition. which would have been approximately 33 times higher than that of pure RGO (0.0121 min-1). The MoS2/CdNi@rGO photocatalysts also showed excellent recyclability and persistence across five recycle assays, indicating their potential for practical applications in wastewater treatment. The photocatalyst was moderately active, stable up to its fifth usage and stability of the photocatalyst before and after the photocatalytic reaction was also been studied using XRD and SEM. Further research in this area could lead to the development of advanced photocatalytic technologies for environmental remediation.

Chemical characteristics, morphology and source apportionment of PM10 over National Capital Region (NCR) of India.

The present study frames the physico-chemical characteristics and the source apportionment of PM10 over National Capital Region (NCR) of India using the receptor model's Positive Matrix Factorization (PMF) and Principal Momponent Mnalysis/Absolute Principal Component Score-Multilinear Regression (PCA/APCS-MLR). The annual average mass concentration of PM10 over the urban site of Faridabad, IGDTUW-Delhi and CSIR-NPL of NCR-Delhi were observed to be 195 ± 121, 275 ± 141 and 209 ± 81 µg m-3, respectively. Carbonaceous species (organic carbon (OC), elemental carbon (EC) and water-soluble organic carbon (WSOC)), elemental constituents (Al, Ti, Na, Mg, Cr, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, Br, Ba, Mo Pb) and water-soluble ionic components (F-, Cl-, SO42-, NO3-, NH4+, Na+, K+, Mg2+, Ca2+) of PM10 were entrenched to the receptor models to comprehend the possible sources of PM10. The PMF assorted sources over Faridabad were soil dust (SD 15%), industrial emission (IE 14%), vehicular emission (VE 19%), secondary aerosol (SA 23%) and sodium magnesium salt (SMS 17%). For IGDTUW-Delhi, the sources were SD (16%), VE (19%), SMS (18%), IE (11%), SA (27%) and VE + IE (9%). Emission sources like SD (24%), IE (8%), SMS (20%), VE + IE (12%), VE (15%) and SA + BB (21%) were extracted over CSIR-NPL, New Delhi, which are quite obvious towards the sites. PCA/APCS-MLR quantified the similar sources with varied percentage contribution. Additionally, catalogue the Conditional Bivariate Probability Function (CBPF) for directionality of the local source regions and morphology as spherical, flocculent and irregular were imaged using a Field Emission-Scanning Electron Microscope (FE-SEM).

Precision Detection of Fungal Co-Infections for Enhanced COVID-19 Treatment Strategies Using FESEM Imaging.

The treatment of fungal infections presents significant challenges due to the lack of standardized diagnostic procedures, a restricted range of antifungal treatments, and the risk of harmful interactions between antifungal medications and the immunosuppressive drugs used in anti-inflammatory treatment for critically ill patients with COVID-19. Mucormycosis and aspergillosis are the primary invasive fungal infections in patients with severe COVID-19, occurring singly or in combination. Histopathological examination is a vital diagnostic technique that details the presence and invasion of fungi within tissues and blood vessels, and the body's response to the infection. However, the pathology report omits information on the most common fungi associated with the observed morphology, as well as other potential fungi and parasites that ought to be included in the differential diagnosis. This research marks significance in diagnosing fungal infections, such as mucormycosis and aspergillosis associated to COVID-19 by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) imaging to examine unstained histopathology slides, allowing for a detailed morphological analysis of the fungus. FESEM provides an unprecedented resolution and detail, surpassing traditional Hematoxylin & Eosin (H&E) and Grocott's Methenamine Silver (GMS) staining methods in identifying and differentiating dual fungal infections and diverse fungal species. The findings underscore the critical need for individualized treatment plans for patients severely affected by COVID-19 and compounded by secondary fungal infections. The high-magnification micrographs reveal specific fungal morphology and reproductive patterns. Current treatment protocols largely depend on broad-spectrum antifungal therapies. However this FESEM guided diagnostic approach can help in targeted patient specific anti fungal therapies. Such precision could lead to more effective early interventions, addressing the complex management required for severe COVID-19 cases with coexisting fungal infections. This approach significantly advances disease management and patient recovery, advocating for personalized, precision medicine in tackling this multifaceted clinical challenge.

Anti-capsular activity of CuO nanoparticles against Acinetobacter baumannii produce efflux pump.

Copper oxide nanoparticles are modern kinds of antimicrobials, which may get a lot of interest in the clinical application. This study aimed to detect the anti-capsular activity of CuO nanoparticles against Acinetobacter baumannii produce efflux pump. Thirty-four different clinical A. baumannii isolates were collected and identified by the phenotypic and genetic methods by the recA gene as housekeeping. Antibiotic sensitivity and biofilm-forming ability, capsular formation were carried out. The effect of CuO nanoparticles on capsular isolates was detected, the synergistic effects of a combination CuO nanoparticles and gentamicin against A. baumannii were determined by micro broth checkerboard method, and the effect of CuO nanoparticles on the expression of ptk, espA and mexX genes was analyzed. Results demonstrated that CuO nanoparticles with gentamicin revealed a synergistic effect. Gene expression results show reducing the expression of these capsular genes by CuO nanoparticles is major conduct over reducing A. baumannii capsular action. Furthermore, results proved that there was a relationship between the capsule-forming ability and the absence of biofilm-forming ability. As bacterial isolates which were negative biofilm formation were positive in capsule formation and vice versa. In conclusion, CuO nanoparticles have the potential to be used as an anti-capsular agent against A. baumannii, and their combination with gentamicin can enhance their antimicrobial effect. The study also suggests that the absence of biofilm formation may be associated with the presence of capsule formation in A. baumannii. These findings provide a basis for further research on the use of CuO nanoparticles as a novel antimicrobial agent against A. baumannii and other bacterial pathogens, also to investigate the potential of CuO nanoparticles to inhibit the production of efflux pumps in A. baumannii, which are a major mechanism of antibiotic resistance.

Degradation of tannery hide raw trimming hairs using keratinolytic bacteria isolated from tannery effluent-contaminated soil.

The disposal of keratinous wastes produced by several leather industries is evolving into a global problem. Around 1 billion tonnes of keratin waste are released into the environment each year. In the breakdown of tannery waste, certain enzymes, such as keratinases produced from microorganisms, might be a better substitute for synthetic enzymes. Keratinase enzymes are able to hydrolyze gelatin, casein, bovine serum albumin and insoluble protein present in wool, feather. Therefore, in this study, bacterial strains from tannery effluent-contaminated soil and bovine tannery hide were isolated and assessed for their ability to produce the keratinolytic enzyme. Among the six isolates, the strain NS1P showed the highest keratinase activity (298 U/ml) and was identified as Comamonas testosterone through biochemical and molecular characterization. Several bioprocess parameters such as pH, temperature, inoculum size, carbon sources, and nitrogen sources were optimized in order to maximize crude enzyme production. The optimized media were used for inoculum preparation and subsequent biodegradation of hide hairs. The degradation efficacy of the keratinase enzyme produced by Comamonas testosterone was examined by degrading bovine tannery hide hairs, and it was found to be 73.6% after 30 days. The morphology of the deteriorated hair was examined using a field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM), which revealed significant degradation. Thus, our research work has led to the conclusion that Comamonas testosterone may be a promising keratinolytic strain for the biodegradation of tannery bovine hide hair waste and the industrial production of keratinases.

Synthesis of multicolor silver nanostructures for colorimetric sensing of metal ions (Cr3+, Hg2+ and K+) in industrial water and urine samples with different spectral characteristics.

In this work, we have synthesized four different color (yellow, orange, green, and blue (multicolor)) silver nanostructures (AgNSs) by chemical reduction method where silver nitrate, sodium borohydride and hydrogen peroxide were used as reagents. The as-synthesized multicolor AgNSs were successfully functionalized with bovine serum albumin (BSA) and applied as a colorimetric sensor for the assaying of metal cations (Cr3+, Hg2+, and K+). The addition of metal ions (Cr3+, Hg2+, and K+) into BSA functionalized AgNSs (BSA-AgNSs) causes the aggregation of BSA-AgNSs, and are accompanied by visual color changes with red or blue shift in the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) band of BSA-AgNSs. The BSA-AgNSs show different SPR characteristic for each metal ions (Cr3+, Hg2+, and K+) with exhibiting different spectral shift and color change. The yellow color BSA-AgNSs (Y-BSA-AgNSs) act as a probe for sensing Cr3+, orange color BSA-AgNSs (O-BSA-AgNSs) act as probe for Hg2+ ion assay, green color BSA-AgNSs (G-BSA-AgNSs) act as a probe for the assaying of both K+ and Hg2+, and blue color BSA-AgNSs (B-BSA-AgNSs) act as a sensor for colorimetric detection of K+ ion. The detection limits were found to be 0.26 µM for Cr3+ (Y-BSA-AgNSs), 0.14 µM for Hg2+ (O-BSA-AgNSs), 0.05 µM for K+ (G-BSA-AgNSs), 0.17 µM for Hg2+ (G-BSA-AgNSs), and 0.08 µM for K+ (B-BSA-AgNSs), respectively. Furthermore, multicolor BSA-AgNSs were also applied for assaying of Cr3+, and Hg2+ in industrial water samples and K+ in urine sample.

Influence of periodontitis and diabetes on structure and cytokine content of platelet-rich fibrin.

BACKGROUND: Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) is a second-generation platelet concentrate with multiple applications in wound healing and regeneration in both periodontitis and diabetes. However, the three dimensional (3-D) structure and cytokine content of PRF might be altered in patients suffering from either/both of the chronic inflammatory conditions, ultimately influencing the efficacy of PRF as a biomaterial for regenerative medicine. AIM: The aim of the present study was hence to evaluate the effect of both these chronic inflammatory diseases on the 3-D structure of PRF membrane. An attempt was also made to compare the growth factor content between the plasma and RBC ends of the prepared PRF gel. MATERIALS & METHODS: L-PRF was prepared for twenty participants, healthy (5), periodontitis (5), T2DM (5) and T2DM with periodontitis (5). Porosity and fiber diameter of PRF membranes was visualized under FE-SEM and measured using ImageJ Software. PDGF-BB and TGF-ß1 levels in PRF gel were assessed by ELISA. RESULTS: The average diameter of fibrin fibers under FE-SEM was 0.15 to 0.30 micrometers. Porosity was higher at the plasma end (p = 0.042). Red blood cell (RBC) end of the membrane had thinner fibers arranged in a comparatively more dense and compact structure with smaller porosities. Healthy subjects had the least porous PRF compared to subjects with either/both of the chronic conditions. PDGF-BB levels were similar along all the four groups. TGF-ß1 levels were highest in healthy subjects. DISCUSSION: 3-D structure and growth factor content of PRF are influenced by a person's periodontal and/or diabetic status. The RBC end of the PRF membrane, as compared to the plasma end, has thinner fibers arranged in a comparatively more dense and compact structure with smaller porosities, and hence should be favored during periodontal regenerative procedures. CONCLUSION: Both periodontitis and diabetes have a significant influence on the 3-D structure and growth factor content of PRF produced.

Glioblastoma-Derived Small Extracellular Vesicles: Nanoparticles for Glioma Treatment.

Glioblastoma (GBM), characterized by fast growth and invasion into adjacent tissue, is the most aggressive cancer of brain origin. Current protocols, which include cytotoxic chemotherapeutic agents, effectively treat localized disease; however, these aggressive therapies present side effects due to the high doses administered. Therefore, more efficient ways of drug delivery have been studied to reduce the therapeutic exposure of the patients. We have isolated and fully characterized small extracellular vesicles (EVs) from seven patient-derived GBM cell lines. After loading them with two different drugs, Temozolomide (TMZ) and EPZ015666, we observed a reduction in the total amount of drugs needed to trigger an effect on tumor cells. Moreover, we observed that GBM-derived small EVs, although with lower target specificity, can induce an effect on pancreatic cancer cell death. These results suggest that GBM-derived small EVs represent a promising drug delivery tool for further preclinical studies and potentially for the clinical development of GBM treatments.

New Insights into the Medieval Hispano-Muslim Panel Painting: The Alfarje Found in a Balearic Casal (Spain).

Hispano-Muslim culture flourished during the Middle Ages in the Iberian Peninsula and Balearic Islands. During the restoration of a Balearic nobiliary building (casal), several panels with polychrome decoration on the back side were found. They were part of an old Muslim wooden ceiling (alfarje). A multi-technique strategy including optical microscopy, infrared and µRaman spectroscopies, field emission scanning electron microscopy-X-ray microanalysis (FESEM-EDX), focused ion beam (FIB-FESEM-EDX), atomic force microscopy nanoindentation (AFM-NI), and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) has been applied in the analysis of these panel paintings and has provided morphological and compositional data that have led to the identification of the materials and artistic technique as well as the alteration mechanisms due to the natural aging and the adverse conditions of conservation. As a novelty, this study has confirmed the use of indigo as a blue pigment, an unusual material in Hispano-Muslim panel painting. Apart from the notable change in the visual appearance observed in the paintings, the study has also confirmed a change in the mechanical resistance in the paint layers. These changes have been induced by the combination of the chemical and microbiological alteration mechanisms identified.

Development and Evaluation of Topical Zinc Oxide Nanogels Formulation Using Dendrobium anosmum and Its Effect on Acne Vulgaris.

Zinc oxide nanoparticles have high levels of biocompatibility, a low impact on environmental contamination, and suitable to be used as an ingredient for environmentally friendly skincare products. In this study, biogenically synthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles using Dendrobium anosum are used as a reducing and capping agent for topical anti-acne nanogels, and the antimicrobial effect of the nanogel is assessed on Cutibacterium acne and Staphylococcus aureus. Dendrobium anosmum leaf extract was examined for the presence of secondary metabolites and its total amount of phenolic and flavonoid content was determined. Both the biogenically and chemogenic-synthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles were compared using UV-Visible spectrophotometer, FE-SEM, XRD, and FTIR. To produce the topical nanogel, the biogenic and chemogenic zinc oxide nanoparticles were mixed with a carbomer and hydroxypropyl-methyl cellulose (HPMC) polymer. The mixtures were then tested for physical and chemical characteristics. To assess their anti-acne effectiveness, the mixtures were tested against C. acne and S. aureus. The biogenic zinc oxide nanoparticles have particle sizes of 20 nm and a high-phase purity. In comparison to chemogenic nanoparticles, the hydrogels with biogenically synthesized nanoparticles was more effective against Gram-positive bacteria. Through this study, the hybrid nanogels was proven to be effective against the microbes that cause acne and to be potentially used as a green product against skin infections.

The importance of the pretreatment of samples in Nd quantification from NdFeB magnets through inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES)-a rapid and streamlined methodology.

In this study, we emphasize the critical role of sample pretreatment. We report on the behavior of NdFeB magnet samples exposed to four different acid media for digestion. NdFeB magnets are becoming a significant source of neodymium, a rare-earth element critical to many technologies and a potential substitute for traditional mining of the element. To address this, we meticulously tested nitric acid, hydrochloric acid, acetic acid, and citric acid, all at a concentration of 1.6 M, as economical and environmentally friendly alternatives to the concentrated mineral acids commonly used in the leaching of these materials. The pivotal stage involves the initial characterization of samples in the solid state using SEM-EDX and XPS analysis to obtain their initial composition. Subsequently, the samples are dissolved in the four aforementioned acids. Finally, neodymium is quantified using ICP-OES. Throughout our investigation, we evaluated some analytical parameters to determine the best candidate for performing the digestion, including time, limits of detection and quantification, accuracy, recovery of spike samples, and robustness. After careful consideration, we unequivocally conclude that 1.6 M nitric acid stands out as the optimal choice for dissolving NdFeB magnet samples, with the pretreatment of the samples being the critical aspect of this report.

Toxicological Impacts of TiO2 Nanoparticles on Growth, Photosynthesis Pigments, and Protein and Lipid Content of the Marine Microalga Tetraselmis Suecica.

Regarding the widespread use of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2NPs) in industry, many concerns have been raised about the risks of their potential release into aquatic ecosystems. Among the marine primary producers, Tetraselmis suecica is an ecologically important microalgae species used also as live feed in the shrimp culture industry. In the present study, the impacts of TiO2NPs on growth performance, photosynthetic pigments, lipid and protein content and its interaction with the cells of T. suecica were assessed. Based on the preliminary tests and OECD suggestion, concentrations of 5, 10, 50, 100, 200 and 400 mg/L TiO2NPs were applied to algal cells for 10 days. With increasing concentration, a decrease in T. suecica cell density was observed each day. TiO2NPs induced a half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 106.26 mg/L on algal cells on the 3rd day. Chlorophyll a and b contents of the microalga decreased up to 56.08% and 52.74%, respectively following the exposure to TiO2NPs at 400 mg/L. TiO2NPs also decreased the algal contents of protein and lipid up to 7.21% and 50.64%, respectively at the highest concentration. Based on FTIR, FESEM with EDS and mapping analyses, the interaction of TiO2NPs with the T. suecica cells was revealed. The stocks of T. suecica could be damaged by the toxic effects of the released TiO2NPs affecting their application as live feed in mariculture.

Micrococcus luteus strain CGK112 isolated from cow dung demonstrated efficient biofilm-forming ability and degradation potential toward high-density polyethylene (HDPE).

Biodegradation is the most promising environmentally sustainable method that offers a significant opportunity with minimal negative environmental consequences while searching for solutions to this global problem of plastic pollution that has now spread to almost everywhere in the entire world. In the present work, HDPE-degrading bacterial strain CGK112 was isolated from the fecal matter of a cow. The bacterial strain was identified as Micrococcus luteus CGK112 by 16S rRNA sequence coding analysis. Significant weight loss, i.e., 3.85% was recorded in the HDPE film treated with strain CGK112 for 90 days. The surface micromorphology was examined using FE-SEM, which revealed spectacular bacterial colonization as well as structural deformation. Furthermore, the EDX study indicated a significant decrease in the atomic percentage of carbon content, whereas FTIR analysis confirmed functional groups alternation as well as an increase in the carbonyl index which can be attributed to the metabolic activity of biofilm. Our findings provide insight into the capacity of our strain CGK112 to colonize and utilize HDPE as a single carbon source, thus promoting its degradation.

ZnO nanoparticles embedded silk fibroin-a piezoelectric composite for nanogenerator applications.

This paper demonstrates a flexible nanogenerator (NG) using Silk-Zinc Oxide (ZnO) composite by exploiting the inherent piezoelectric properties of silk and ZnO. A direct precipitation method was employed to synthesize Zinc Oxide nanoparticles (NPs). Silk-ZnO composite film was then prepared by spin-coating the homogenous silk-ZnO solution. The composition and morphology of silk-ZnO composite were analyzed using various standard characterization procedures. The biocompatibility study of the composite film was also performed through cell viability testing. The utility of as prepared composites was demonstrated through the fabrication of piezoelectric nanogenerator. This hybrid nanogenerator was capable to generate a maximum open circuit voltage of 25 V (peak to peak value) in the bending state for a specific ZnO concentration. The output response of the nanogenerator exhibited a good correlation with the bending angle of the device. A peak outputpower density of 6.67 mW cm-3was achieved from the nanogenerator. The fabricated prototype is efficient to light-up commercial red LEDs and to harvest energy from human body movement. The piezoelectric coefficient (d33) of silk-ZnO composite film was also experimentally figured out.

Optimization of silver nanoparticle biosynthesis by entomopathogenic fungi and assays of their antimicrobial and antifungal properties.

Entomopathogenic fungi produce extracellular enzymes to facilitate host infection, and these can also reduce metal ions to produce nanoparticles. In the present study, three isolates of Beauveria bassiana (JS1, JS2 and KA75) and one isolate of Metarhizium anisopliae (TT1) were evaluated for their ability to biosynthesize silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). In general, the best yields and smallest NP sizes were obtained at 60 °C and pH 7.0. Nanoparticle properties were studied using UV-visible spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. Biosynthesized AgNPs ranged from 23 to 101 nm across, the smallest being produced by KA75, and the largest by TT1. UV-visible spectroscopy confirmed peak absorption of AgNPs in the range of 420-454 nm. AgNP antibacterial activity was highest against the gram-negative bacteria Pectobacterium carotovorum and Erwinia amylovora, and lower against the gram-positive Bacillus sp. AF1. JS1-AgNPs caused the greatest growth restriction of P. carotovorum at a concentration of 75 µL/mL at lower OD600 (0.25). Smaller AgNPs generally had better antifungal activities against B. bassiana, M. anisopliae, and the plant-pathogenic Rhizoctonia solani. Complete inhibition of vegetative growth of the JS2 fungus was obtained with TT1-synthesized AgNPs at 15 µL/mL, a control level similar to half the field rate of benomyl. Generally, fungal sporulation was more inhibited than vegetative growth, and all AgNPs showed good compatibility with the fungi at low concentrations. We conclude that AgNPs mycosynthesized by these entomopathogens have promising antibacterial and antifungal properties with potential for various applications.

Novel substitution technique in intermittent infusion hemodiafiltration (I-HDF) therapy using back filtration as substitution.

An infusion of dialysate into the blood compartment across the membrane using back filtration in dialysis therapy provides a stabilizing blood pressure and a membrane flushing during treatment. We devised a method to flush the membrane effectively and tried to find the optimum infusion patterns for intermittent infusion hemodiafiltration (I-HDF) from the aspect of solute removal by computing the pressure distribution in a diafilter. Bovine blood experiments were performed under following three modes: control HD in which no intentional filtration was involved, and two I-HDF in which back filtration was made either under counter current or under parallel flow. The inner surface of the hollow fiber before and after the experiment was observed using FE-SEM. According to the computation of the pressure distribution, a large amount of normal filtration occurs near the blood inlet in control HD. In addition, when the back filtration is performed under parallel flow, the amount of backfiltration near the blood inlet is 3.43 times higher than that in the case of counter current. Clearance (CL) of inulin remained at the highest level when the back filtration was performed under parallel flow. Near the blood inlet where the fouling was significantly formed, many macropores remained on the membrane when the backfiltration was performed under parallel flow. The degree of fouling showed a distribution along with the blood flow and the pressure distribution. Furthermore, the more effective recovery of CL can be expected by introducing the backfiltration under parallel flow to which fouling was significantly formed.

Enzyme activity inhibition properties of new cellulose nanocrystals from Citrus medica L. pericarp: A perspective of cholesterol lowering.

As a waste material, the amazing potential of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) isolated from Citrus medica L. pericarp in being a natural resource of lingo-cellulosic products has never been investigated before. In the present study, an alkaline pretreatment and a two-step bleaching procedure were applied to conduct the desired acid hydrolysis by the usage of 64% sulfuric acid at 50°C for 105 min. The extracted CNCs were distinguished through the means of transmission electron microscopy (TEM), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), atomic force microscopy (AFM), Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering (DLS), zeta potential, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). The elimination of peaks, which were accountable for the inducement of hemicelluloses and lignin, was confirmed by the FTIR results and were also validated by the outcomes of XRD that proved the gentle removal of non-cellulosic components. The morphology and size of CNCs were indicated through the FESEM and TEM results. In addition, the spherical forms of synthesized CNCs were observed with a diameter of 46 nm throughout the FESEM images, while displaying a value of 42.54 nm as well due to TEM micrographs. The obtained zeta potential displayed a reasonable negative surface charge for CNCs. Furthermore, the cytotoxicity assessment of this product on fibroblast cells was performed to study their susceptibility for bio-medical and cosmetic industrial applications, which resulted in the lack of exhibiting any cytotoxic effects. In conformity to the outcomes of TEM and FESEM, the results of AFM revealed a fine dispersion and spherical form of cellulose nanoparticles. The interaction between HMG-CoA reductase and CNC was studied by the usage of multi-spectroscopic methods and enzyme kinetics to explore the binding mechanism of HMG-CoA reductase-CNC system. Reduced catalytic activity of the occurrence of changes in the secondary structure of HMG-CoA reductase was as a result of interacting with CNC causing a reduction in its catalytic activity.