Naked Eye Chemosensor and In Vivo Chelating Activity of Iron (III) By Bromopyridine Quinoxaline (BPQ).

A wide variety of medical, biomedical, and industrial applications has been reported for quinoxalines derivatives. In this work, a novel quinoxaline derivative was designed and synthesized. Naked-eye and quantitative detection of Fe3+ among several cations were evaluated using UV-Vis spectroscopy. New chemosensor, 2,3-bis(6-bromopyridine-2-yl)-6-chloroquinoxaline named BPQ, showed a selective interaction for iron ion over other tested cations by changing color. Iron overloaded mice were prepared as a thalassemia model and then the effects of iron-chelating activities of BPQ were experienced. The job's plot methods determined the stoichiometric ratio of ligand to Fe3+ (1:1). The iron content in serum was evaluated by atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS). Results showed significant differences (two-fold decrease in total iron and Fe3+) between the iron overloaded and BPQ (dose of 20 mgkg-1). The BPQ was identified as a ligand, which can be applied as a new chelator for decreasing the excess iron of blood.

Pyridine-2-yl Quinoxaline (2-CPQ) Derivative As a Novel Pink Fluorophore: Synthesis, and Chemiluminescence Characteristics.

Quinoxaline derivatives are well-known N-heterocycles with pharmacological and fluorescence activities. Almost all quinoxaline derivatives with extensive π-conjugation have been introduced as fluorophores which emit blue and green light. For the first time, we designed and synthesized 6-chloro-2,3 di(Pyridine-2yl) quinoxaline (2-CPQ) as a pink fluorophore in acetonitrile medium by simple route at room temperature whitin 30 min. The synthesized quinoxaline was identified using 1H, 13C NMR, MS, and FT-IR spectroscopy. Our results showed that the iodine-catalyzed method for both oxidation and cyclization during the synthesis of quinoxaline from pyridine 2-carbaldehyde was straightforward, efficient, and clean. All of the mentioned characterization devices confirmed the synthesis of 2-CPQ.Moreover, we studied the photophysical properties of the synthesized fluorophore in which The UV-Vis absorption spectrum of 2-CPQ in DMF were three peaks at 451, 518 and 556 nm. Based on photophysical properties investigation, 2-CPQ shows good fluorescence with maximum peaks 607 and 653 nm in DMF as solvent (фF = 0.21). Hence, the fluorophore was applied in the peroxyoxalate chemiluminescence system. The reaction of imidazole, H2O2, and bis (2,4,6-trichlorophenyl) oxalate (TCPO) can transfer energy to a 6-chloro-2,3 di(pyridine-2yl) quinoxaline. In this process, dioxetane was synthesized, which chemically initiated the electron exchange luminescence (CIEEL) mechanism and led to pink light emission. We anticipate our synthesized fluorophores 2-CPQ will have great potential applications in imaging and medical markers.

A Highly Sensitive and Selective Quinazoline-Based Colorimetric Probe for Naked-Eye Detection of Fe3+ Ions.

A novel quinazoline-based colorimetric sensor (probe 1) that detected Fe3+ via naked-eye in a buffered MeOH: H2O (8:2) solvent system within a neutral pH range was synthesized and its structure was confirmed by 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, FT-IR, and Mass spectroscopy. Its photophysical properties were also studied. The sensitivity and selectivity factor in the presence of 16 metal ions was examined by utilizing absorption titrations. Based on the selectivity test, probe 1 exhibited excellent selectivity and sensitivity toward Fe3+ ions among various other ions. The competitive effect indicated relatively low interference of other cations on the interaction of probe 1/Fe3+. To specify the sensing behavior of probe 1 to Fe 3+, the mole ratio method was carried out. After addition of around 500 µL of Fe3+, the absorption of probe1 reached saturation, and the reaction was completed. The effect of pH on the absorption and stability of probe 1 towards Fe3+ was examined. The pH range from 5.0 to 9.0 was appropriate for detection of Fe3+. To find the binding stoichiometric of the complex, Job's plot studies were carried out by varying the molar ratio of Fe3+. A 1:2 binding ratio was proposed. Under the optimal conditions, a good linear relationship (R2 = 0.9886) was at the concentration of Fe3+ over the range of 50-110 µM, with a detection limit of 47.44 nM. Our quinazoline-based probe has shown good results for the quantitative determination of Fe3+ in samples of urine with high recovery.

Functional and conformational properties of proteolytic enzyme-modified potato protein isolate.

BACKGROUND: Potato protein hydrolysates (PPHs) were preparedwith Alcalase on intact potato protein isolates (PPI), with differenthydrolysis times (0.5-4 h), and functional and conformational properties of resultant hydrolysates were investigated. RESULTS: The degree of hydrolysis changed during incubation. Peptide bond cleavage increased and hydrolysis progressed rapidly. Gel electrophoresis showed that, by increasing the hydrolysis time, peptides with an apparent molecular weight below 20 kDa increased. It also revealed that, among potato protein components, patatin was more sensitive to Alcalase® hydrolysis than protease inhibitors. Enzymatic hydrolysis significantly enhanced the solubility and foam capacity of PPHs, but impaired foam stability (P < 0.05). Limited enzymatic hydrolysates (0.5PPH) at the interface improved the emulsion activity and stability index. These emulsions also had the smallest z-average and polydispersity index and showed the highest zeta potential. Fourier-transform infrared spectrometry (FTIR) analysis indicated extensive disruption of hydrogen bonds in PPHs, besides augmentation of α-helices and ß-turns, and a decline in the ß-sheets in the secondary structure of the PPHs was shown. CONCLUSION: Potato protein isolate, especially 0.5PPH, has good functional and conformational properties. Overall, our results provide new insights into the use of potato protein hydrolysates as a functional food component in the food industry. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.

Fabrication of novel TiO2 nanoparticles/Mn(III) salen doped carbon paste electrode: application as electrochemical sensor for the determination of hydrazine in the presence of phenol.

Hydrazine and phenol are two important environmental pollutants. In this work, an electrochemical sensor for the selective and sensitive detection of hydrazine in presence of phenol was developed by the bulk modification of carbon paste electrode (CPE) with TiO2 nanoparticles and Mn(III) salen. Large peak separation, good sensitivity, and stability allow this modified electrode to analyze hydrazine individually and simultaneously along with phenol. Applying square wave voltammetry (SWV), a linear dynamic range of 3 × 10(-8)-4.0 × 10(-4) M with detection limit of 10.0 nM was obtained for hydrazine. Finally, the proposed method was applied to the determination of hydrazine and phenol in some real samples.

A multifunctional quinoxaline-based chemosensor for colorimetric detection of Fe3+ and highly selective fluorescence turn-off response of Cu+2 and their practical application.

A new dual responsive colorimetric and fluorescent turn-off sensor for Fe3+ and Cu2+ was designed and synthesized based on quinoxaline derivative by a simple procedure reaction. 2,3-bis(6-bromopyridin-2-yl)-6-methoxyquinoxaline (BMQ) was fabricated and characterized using ATR-IR, 13C and 1H NMR, and Mass spectroscopy. The interaction of BMQ with Fe3+ caused a significant color change from colorless to yellow. The sensing complex BMQ-Fe3+ with high selectivity was described to be 1:1 by the molar ratio plot. In this experiment, iron was detected by naked-eye using a recently synthesized ligand (BMQ). This color change was unexpectedly observed in iron-overloaded plasma, which had previously been admitted by AAS (Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy). Normal plasma, however, did not exhibit this color change. Interestingly, Cu2+ ions cause a quench at the local emission around 565 nm. On the other hand, receptor-binding selectivity for Cu2+ over a wide linear concentration range was observed through changes in the emission spectra. BMQ-Cu2+ was characterized to be 1:1 by the Job's plot. The emission intensity of BMQ-Cu2+ complex was balanced within only 1 min. various mineral water samples were analyzed for detecting Cu2+. The results show the great potential of the developed probe BMQ for the sensing of Cu2+ ions in mineral and drinking water samples.

Investigation of the physicochemical, antioxidant, rheological, and sensory properties of ricotta cheese enriched with free and nano-encapsulated broccoli sprout extract.

This study aimed to produce the functional ricotta cheese using broccoli sprouts extract (BSE) and to evaluate its physicochemical, antioxidant, rheological, and sensory properties. The BSE nano-liposome was nano-encapsulated into basil seed gum (BSG) and was incorporated into the ricotta cheese formulation in two forms of free and nano-capsules in two levels of 3% and 5% w/w. The measurements were conducted during a 15-day storage period at 4-6°C. The results showed that the titratable acidity, hardness, and chewiness of cheeses were increased and the pH, moisture, total phenol content (TPC), and antioxidant activity were decreased (p < .05). With the addition of BSE concentration, the TPC and antioxidant activity increased significantly (p < .05) and applying the nano-encapsulation method for BSE led to better preservation of bioactive compounds. Based on the rheological results, viscoelastic solid behavior and a weak gel were observed in all cheese samples. The results of sensory evaluation demonstrated that cheeses containing free extract had lower flavor and overall acceptability scores than other samples, which indicates that the nano-encapsulation covered the undesirable flavor of the BSE. Generally, during the 15-day cold storage period, the highest sensory acceptance and functional activity were related to the samples containing nano-encapsulated BSE, especially at the 5% level.

Combination effect of cold atmospheric plasma with green synthesized zero-valent iron nanoparticles in the treatment of melanoma cancer model.

Green synthesized zero-valent iron nanoparticles (nZVI) have high potential in cancer therapy. Cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) is also an emerging biomedical technique that has great potential to cure cancer. Therefore, the combined effect of CAP and nZVI might be promising in treatment of cancer. In this study, we evaluated the combined effect of CAP and nZVI on the metabolic activity of the surviving cells and induction of apoptosis in malignant melanoma in comparison with normal cells. Therefore, the effect of various time exposure of CAP radiation, different doses of nZVI, and the combined effect of CAP and nZVI were evaluated on the viability of malignant melanoma cells (B16-F10) and normal fibroblast cells (L929) at 24 h after treatment using MTT assay. Then, the effect of appropriate doses of each treatment on apoptosis was evaluated by fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry with Annexin/PI staining. In addition, the expression of BAX, BCL2 and Caspase 3 (CASP3) was also assayed. The results showed although the combined effect of CAP and nZVI significantly showed cytotoxic effects and apoptotic activity on cancer cells, this treatment had no more effective compared to CAP or nZVI alone. In addition, evaluation of gene expression showed that combination therapy didn't improve expression of apoptotic genes in comparison with CAP or nZVI. In conclusion, combined treatment of CAP and nZVI does not seem to be able to improve the effect of monotherapy of CAP or nZVI. It may be due to the resistance of cancer cells to high ROS uptake or the accumulation of saturated ROS in cells, which prevents the intensification of apoptosis.

Combined Effect of Cold Atmospheric Plasma and Curcumin in Melanoma Cancer.

Curcumin (CUR) has interesting properties to cure cancer. Cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) is also an emerging biomedical technique that has great potential for cancer treatment. Therefore, the combined effect of CAP and CUR on inducing cytotoxicity and apoptosis of melanoma cancer cells might be promising. Here, we investigated the combined effects of CAP and CUR on cytotoxicity and apoptosis in B16-F10 melanoma cancer cells compared to L929 normal cells using MTT method, acridine orange/ethidium bromide fluorescence microscopic assay, and Annexin V/PI flow cytometry. In addition, the activation of apoptosis pathways was evaluated using BCL2, BAX, and Caspase-3 (CASP3) gene expression and ratio of BAX to BCL2 (BAX/BCL2). Finally, in silico study was performed to suggest the molecular mechanism of this combination therapy on melanoma cancer. Results showed that although combination therapy with CUR and CAP has cytotoxic and apoptotic effects on cancer cells, it did not improve apoptosis rate in melanoma B16-F10 cancer cells compared to monotherapy with CAP or CUR. In addition, evaluation of gene expression in cancer cell line confirmed that CUR and CAP concomitant treatment did not enhance the expression of apoptotic genes. In silico analysis of docked model suggested that CUR blocks aquaporin- (AQP-) 1 channel and prevents penetration of CAP-induced ROS into the cells. In conclusion, combination therapy with CAP and CUR does not improve the anticancer effect of each alone.

Food frequency questionnaire is a valid assessment tool of quercetin and kaempferol intake in Iranian breast cancer patients according to plasma biomarkers.

In epidemiological and clinical studies, the most common nutritional tool to assess dietary flavonol intake is the food frequency questionnaire (FFQ), which needs to contain a detailed list of plant-based foods and be previously validated. Our study aimed to assess the accuracy of dietary flavonol (quercetin, kaempferol, and isorhamnetin) intake from a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) compared to fasting plasma flavonol concentrations, as biomarkers of exposure, in breast cancer patients. In a consecutive case series, newly diagnosed patients with breast cancer (n = 140) were recruited at Nour-Nejat Hospital, Tabriz, Iran. Flavonol intake was assessed using a validated FFQ. Plasma flavonol concentrations were measured using high-performance liquid chromatography-ultraviolet detection. The accuracy of dietary status was evaluated using a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) and area under the ROC curve (AUC). Dietary status was shown in dichotomous using ROC-cutoff point. The plasma concentrations of quercetin were moderately correlated with dietary intake of quercetin (Spearman's correlation coefficient (rs) = 0.188, P < .05; rpartial= 0.330, P < .01) and plasma concentrations of isorhamnetin (rs = 0.337, P < .001). A linear correlation between dietary levels and plasma concentrations of kaempferol was attained (rpartial = 0.240, P < .05). Using a ROC-cutoff of 61.9 nmol/L for plasma quercetin (test reference), we were able to differentiate between lower and higher consumers of quercetin with an AUCROC-based reference =0.65 (P < .01, sensitivity = 61.8%, and specificity = 60.0%). Using a plasma kaempferol concentration of 60.1 nmol/L (ROC-cutoff), it was possible to detect significant differences between higher and lower intakes of kaempferol (AUCROC-based reference = 0.64, P < .05). The correlations and diagnostic performance with plasma concentrations could present a significant accuracy rate (validity), which seems acceptable for a nutritional questionnaire (FFQ) to assess intakes intake levels of quercetin and kaempferol. An improvement in the accuracy of the flavonol exposure can provide more precise relationship with health outcomes, which may increase their clinical significance.

Comparison of C18 silica and multi-walled carbon nanotubes as the adsorbents for the solid-phase extraction of Chlorpyrifos and Phosalone in water samples using HPLC.

A comparison between C(18) silica and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) in the extraction of Chlorpyrifos and Phosalone in environmental water samples was carried out using HPLC. Parameters affecting the extraction were type and volume of elution solvent, pH and flow rate of sample through the adsorbent. The optimum conditions obtained by C(18) cartridge for adsorption of these pesticides were 4 mL dichloromethane as elution solvent, sample pH of 5, flow rate of 1 mL/min, and those for MWCNT cartridge were 3 mL dichloromethane, pH of 5 and flow rate of 10 mL/min, respectively. Optimized mobile phase for separation and determination of these compounds by HPLC was methanol/water (80:20 v/v) with pH=5 (adjusted with phosphate buffer). Under optimal chromatographic and SPE conditions, LOD, linear range and precision (RSD n=8) were 3.03x10(-3), 0.01-5.00 microg/mL and 2.7% for Chlorpyrifos and 4.03x10(-4), 0.01-5.00 microg/mL and 2.3% for Phosalone, in C(18) cartridge, respectively. These values for MWCNT were 4.02x10(-6), 0.001-0.500 microg/mL and 1.8% for Chlorpyrifos and 1.02x10(-6), 0.001-0.500 microg/mL and 1.5% for Phosalone, respectively.

Promoted reaction microextraction for determining pesticide residues in environmental water samples using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.

A microextraction technique termed promoted reaction microextraction (PRME) based on a liquid-liquid microextraction was developed by applying a chemical reaction for promoting the extraction of the analytes into the extracting solvent. PRME is a very simple, rapid and high-performance method for extraction and pre-concentration of organic compounds from water samples. In PRME, different types of chemical reactions can be used. In the present work, an acid-base reaction that produces a gaseous product is employed. In this method, appropriate amounts of auxiliary solvent (methanol), acidic promotor (oxalic acid), and extraction solvent (chloroform) were added rapidly into a water sample containing a basic promotor (sodium bicarbonate). After adding the solution containing the acidic promoter to the water sample containing the basic promoter, the acid-base reaction started with high intensity. The reaction product consisted of salt, water, and carbon dioxide gas. The produced carbon dioxide generated bubbles in the reaction medium that promoted the extraction of the analytes into the extracting solvent. After centrifuging, the fine particles of the extraction solvent were sedimented in the bottom of the conical tube. The denes phase was analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Several parameters affecting the extraction of 17 target pesticides by PRME-GC/MS (i.e., a selection of extraction solvent, extraction solvent volume, selection of auxiliary solvent, basic promotor content, and acidic promotor content) were investigated. Under the optimum conditions, the calibration graph was linear in the range of 0.035-40.0 µgL-1 with the detection limit of 0.003-0.035 µgL-1 for pesticides. The relative standard deviations (RSDs) of the PRME-GC/MS method were in the ranges of 2.29-4.76% (n = 3 and c = 0.30 µgL-1).

Monolithic mixed matrix membrane based on polyethersulfone/functionalized MWCNTs nanocomposite as an SPME fiber: Application to extract chlorophenols from human urine and serum samples followed by GC-ECD.

A monolithic mixed matrix membrane of functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes-polyethersulfone (MWCNT/PES) was prepared in a non-covalent approach and employed as an SPME fiber for extraction of chlorophenols (CPs). The proposed extraction method was followed by GC-ECD to determine the analytes. The influencing factors on the extraction efficiency such as pH, ionic strength, extraction and desorption temperature and time were studied. Under the selected conditions, calibration curves were linear over a wide concentration range from 0.005 to 1000 µgL-1 (r2 > 0.9961) for target analytes. In addition, the limits of detection (LOD) of the method were obtained in the range of 0.3-30 ng L-1. The relative standard deviation (RSD) for single fiber repeatability (n = 5) is from 1.4 to 4.6%. Fiber-to-fiber repeatability (n = 3) was also evaluated and the RSD is in the range of 1.3-6.3%. Applications of proposed fiber for extraction of CPs from the headspace of urine and serum samples were successfully investigated. The relative recovery in the biological samples spiked with different levels of CPs were in the range of 91.6-102.5%.

Biogenic Silver and Zero-Valent Iron Nanoparticles by Feijoa: Biosynthesis, Characterization, Cytotoxic, Antibacterial and Antioxidant Activities.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Green nanotechnology is an interesting method for the synthesis of functional nanoparticles. Because of their wide application, they have set up great attention in recent years. OBJECTIVE: The present research examines the green synthesis of Ag and zero-valent iron nanoparticles (AgNPs, ZVINPs) by Feijoa sellowiana fruit extract. In this synthesis, no stabilizers or surfactants were applied. METHODS: Eco-friendly synthesis of Iron and biogenic synthesis of Ag nanoparticles were accomplished by controlling critical parameters such as concentration, incubation period and temperature. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM), Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS), Fourier-Transform Infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, X-ray Diffraction analysis (XRD), Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) and UV-Vis were applied to characterize NPs. The cytotoxicity of NPs was investigated in two cell lines, MCF-7 (breast cancer) and AGS (human gastric carcinoma). A high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis was also performed for characterization of phenolic acids in the extract. RESULTS: Both NPs displayed powerful anticancer activities against two tumor cell lines with little effect on BEAS-2B normal cells. Synthesized AgNPs and ZVINPs inhibited the growth of all selected bacteria. Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Proteus mirabilis, Klebsiella pneumonia, Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, Acinetobacter baumannii and Escherichia coli have been studied in two stages. We initially examined the ATCCs followed by clinical strain isolation. Based on the results from resistant strains, we showed that nanoparticles were superior to conventional antibiotics. DPPH (diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) free radical scavenging assay and iron chelating activity were used for the determination of antioxidant properties. Results showed a high antioxidant activity of scavenging free radicals for ZVINPs and powerful iron-chelating activity for AgNPs. Based on the HPLC data, catechin was the major phenolic compound in the extract. CONCLUSION: Our synthesized nanoparticles displayed potent cytotoxic, antibacterial and antioxidant activities.

High-efficiency purification of sulforaphane from the broccoli extract by nanostructured SBA-15 silica using solid-phase extraction method.

Sulforaphane, a promising phytochemical, has received much attention in recent decades as a potential anticarcinogenic compound. In this research work, a novel, specific and affordable method has been developed for the separation and purification of natural sulforaphane from broccoli extract using SBA-15 mesoporous silica. SBA-15 was found to be the most efficient in the purification of sulforaphane compared to some of the conventionally used adsorbents and zeolites. The nanoparticles of SBA-15 mesoporous silica were synthesized using the hydrothermal method from natural amorphous silica extracted from rice husk ash with a silica purity of 96%. Structural and morphological analysis of the synthesized SBA-15 mesoporous silica were performed by the XRD, FT-IR, FE-SEM, and BET techniques. The method includes the primary immiscible solvent extraction of autolyzed broccoli sample with dichloromethane, followed by purification of the extract by SBA-15 mesoporous silica using solid-phase extraction (SPE) method. The recovery of the purified sulforaphane from broccoli extract was >98% using SBA-15 mesoporous silica, which is higher compared to that obtained using current purification methods. The highest purity of sulforaphane product was measured 94% based on the results of analytical HPLC chromatograms. Moreover, the effects of different parameters on the sulforaphane purification by using SBA-15 were studied and optimized.

Development of magnetic solid phase microextraction method for determination of the endocrine disrupting chemicals leached from reused plastic bottles.

Reuse of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles for storage of water and liquid food is so common in some countries of the world. However, it can result in the migration of plastic components or additives into the stored liquids and threatening of human health. In this respect, the present study developed a method for determination of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) that might be released from reused disposable plastic containers. The proposed method relied on the extraction of the phthalic acid esters (PAEs) and plastic additives by a self-magnetic nanocomposite monolithic (SMNM) kit and their determination by gas chromatography/mass spectroscopy (GC/MS). Extraction of the target analytes by the self-magnetic nanocomposite monolithic stir bar sorptive extraction (SMNMSBSE) method was optimized systematically by evaluating the effect of extraction time, ionic strength, stirring rate, desorption time and desorption solvent on the process. Analysis of different water and liquid food samples with various pH value and matrices unraveled that the acidic liquids and the samples stored at higher temperature have a greater chance of contamination by the released EDCs. Also, low-quality plastic bottles were found to release more plastic additives into the stored liquids. At the optimal conditions, the method demonstrated a linear response from 0.01 to 1000 µg L-1 and provided the limits of detection (LODs) of 0.008-1.000 µg L-1. Furthermore, the relative standard deviation (RSD) of the method did not exceed 10.05% and 8.12% for interday and intraday precision, respectively. In general, the results of this study indicated that the synthesized SMNM kit can effectively enrich the migrated plastic additives and the developed SMNMSBSE-GC/MS methodology is efficient for analysis of the target EDCs.

Highly Concentrated Multifunctional Silver Nanoparticle Fabrication through Green Reduction of Silver Ions in Terms of Mechanics and Therapeutic Potentials.

BACKGROUND: Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) is limited to produce AgNPs with only relatively low concentrations, and is unsuitable for large-scale productions. The use of Myrtus communis (MC) leaf methanolic extract (rich in hydrolyzable tannins) has been recommended to resolve the issues related to the aggregation of nanoparticles at high concentrations of silver ions with added facet of antioxidant properties. METHODS: The produced highly concentrated MC-AgNPs were characterized by using imaging and spectroscopic methods. Subsequently, antioxidant, anticancer and antifungal activities of the nanoparticles were evaluated. RESULTS: The thermogravimetric analysis and energy dispersive spectroscopy quantitative results suggested that the nanoparticles are biphasic in nature (bio-molecule + Ag0) and layered in structure, suggesting the formation of nanoparticles through a different mechanism than those described in the literature. MC-AgNPs showed greater scavenging activity of nitric oxide and iron (II) chelating ability than the extract. It also showed good reducing power compared to the standard antioxidant. Remarkable anticancer activity of MC-AgNPs (IC50 = 5.99µg/mL) was found against HCT-116 (human colon carcinoma) cell lines after 24h exposure with a therapeutic index value 2-fold higher than the therapeutic index of standard doxorubicin. Furthermore, distinct antifungal activity (MIC = 4µg/mL) was found against Candida krusei. CONCLUSION: The current method outperforms the existing methods because it produces a large amount of multifunctional nanoscale hybrid materials more efficiently using natural sources; thus, it may be used for diverse biomedical applications.

Green synthesis of safe zero valent iron nanoparticles by Myrtus communis leaf extract as an effective agent for reducing excessive iron in iron-overloaded mice, a thalassemia model.

Green synthesis of Myrtus communis-Zero Valent Iron Nanoparticles (MC-ZVINs) was carried out in an alkaline environment. These nanoparticles were introduced for testing in vivo iron chelation in an iron-overload thalassemia model in mice. The MC-ZVINs were characterized by the use of imaging (electron microscopy) and spectroscopic (UV-vis and infrared absorption, dynamic light scattering and X-ray diffraction) methods. These methods demonstrated that some polyphenols are bound to the surfaces of the MC-ZVINs as a capping/stabilizing agent. The MC-ZVINs and defroxamine were injected 5 times a week over 4 weeks. The total iron and Fe3+ content of serum was determined by microwave plasma-atomic emission spectroscopy and an Fe3+ ion measuring kit respectively and liver enzyme levels were evaluated with an auto-analyzer. Morphological changes of the liver were examined by haematoxylin and eosin and Prussian blue staining. Additionally, the bioactivity of the iron nanoparticles was checked by DPPH and nitric oxide radical scavenging activity, reducing power and iron (Fe2+) chelating ability. Iron-overloaded mice treated with the MC-ZVINs, indicated a drastic reduction in serum iron content when compared with the control groups and those treated with defroxamine. MC-ZVINs exhibit satisfactory potency to chelate excessive iron in mice. The data collected in this study will be helpful for selecting the most appropriate operational conditions for synthesizing green ZVINs in biomedical applications.

Engineered Silver Nanoparticles, A New Nanoweapon Against Cancer.

New modifications in nanoparticles changed their applications obviously. Green synthesis of nanoparticles and their biomedical utilizations have been the focus of increasing attention in recent years. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) demonstrated surprising effects and many advantageous features for cancer therapy. Investigations indicated the anticancer activity of AgNPs in different ways, comprising cell cycle arrest, DNA damaging and apoptosis, alteration of P53 function, up/down regulation of some important cytokine genes and so on. But some key inquiries like the ability to control the accidental effects of AgNPs, or encompassing process for parcels, which reduces the toxicological profile of nanoparticles, still remained. "Green synthesis" of nanoparticles has been shown to be a kind of approach to resolve the toxicity amounts in a range of 10-18 times. Using distinctive properties of this approach, i.e. as green synthesized silver nanoparticles (G-AgNPs), in order to raise potential therapeutic efficacy, even up to two-fold higher than cis-platin, is going to play a crucial role in cancer treatment and could be considered as a new insight in this field. The current review focuses on the antioxidant activity of G-AgNPs and potential impacts on cancer cells.

Synthesis of hexagonal mesoporous MgAl LDH nanoplatelets adsorbent for the effective adsorption of Brilliant Yellow.

Hexagonal mesoporous MgAl layered double hydroxide (LDH) was synthesized through a simple hydrothermal method and was employed without calcination as adsorbent in the removal of the direct anionic azo dye, Brilliant Yellow (BY). The adsorbent was characterized by XRD, FT-IR, SEM and BET surface area. Hexagonal platelets of MgAl LDH were fabricated with nanometric building blocks. Batch experiments were carried out for study effects of contact time, amount of adsorbent, solution pH and solution temperature on the removal efficiency of BY. The adsorption of BY onto the MgAl LDH was pH dependent and the highest value of adsorption capacity was observed at pH=6. The equilibrium adsorption data were obtained using the Langmuir, Freundlich and Temkin isotherms. The results indicated that the experimental adsorption data were fitted to Langmuir and Freundlich models. The maximum adsorption capacity of BY onto the MgAl LDH was found to be 115mg/g. The kinetic data of adsorption were evaluated by pseudo-first order and pseudo-second order, which described well by pseudo-second order model. The negative values of ΔG° at all temperature indicated that the adsorption process was spontaneous. The values of ΔH° and ΔS° were calculated 19.3kJ/mol and 80.5J/mol·K, respectively. The positive value of ΔH° shows that the adsorption was endothermic, while positive ΔS° value reflects increased disorder at the solid-solution interface during the adsorption.