Application Of Nanoparticles Research Articles

Inhibition of Food Spoilage Fungi, Botrytis cinerea and Rhizopus sp., by Nanoparticles Loaded with Baccharis dracunculifolia Essential Oil and Nerolidol

This study investigates the antifungal potential of encapsulated essential oil (EO) from Baccharis dracunculifolia and nerolidol (NE) within Pluronic® F-127 nanoparticles (NPs). The EO, containing nerolidol, β-caryophyllene, and α-pinene as major bioactive compounds, exhibited superior antifungal activity compared to NE. The NP-EO formulations demonstrated high efficacy against Botrytis cinerea, with inhibition rates ranging from 29.73% to 87.60% and moderate efficacy against Rhizopus sp., with inhibition rates from 11.81% to 32.73%. In comparison, NP-NE showed lower antifungal activity. Both formulations effectively inhibited spore germination, with NP-EO showing greater inhibition compared to NP-NE. The encapsulation efficiency was significantly higher for NP-EO (80.1%) as compared to NP-NE (51.1%), attributed to the complex composition of EO facilitating better encapsulation and retention. Stability studies indicated that both NP formulations were stable at 25 °C for at least 15 days and exhibited changes in particle size and the formation of smaller particle populations at other temperatures (4 °C and 37 °C). Hemolytic activity was low across all NPs, suggesting their safety for food applications. The findings underscore the efficacy and applicability of EO-encapsulated NPs in extending food shelf life and maintaining product quality. The controlled and prolonged release of active compounds, coupled with their antifungal activity and safety, suggests that these NPs represent a promising and innovative approach for food preservation and active packaging development.

Seeds Priming with Bio-Silver Nanoparticles Protects Pea (Pisum sativum L.) Seedlings Against Selected Fungal Pathogens

Nano-priming is a relatively new seed treatment technique using metal and metal oxide nanoparticles (NPs), and such application of NPs may support the plants' immunity. Recently we have shown that the that biologically synthesized silver nanoparticles (bio-AgNPs) used as short-term foliar treatment protect pea seedlings against D. pinodes and F. avenaceum. In the present study, the protection of peas against both fungal pathogens via seed priming with bio-AgNPs was analyzed. Moreover, the changes in the polar metabolic profiles of the seedlings caused by priming and infection were also compared. Seed priming with bio-AgNPs at concentrations of 50 and 100 mg/L considerably reduced the symptoms and infection levels of both pathogens by over 70% and 90% for F. avenaceum and D. pinodes, respectively. Pathogens infection and nano-priming affected the metabolic profile of pea seedlings. The major changes in the primary metabolism were observed among carbohydrates and amino acids. In turn, this may result in changes in the expression and accumulation of secondary metabolites. Therefore, further investigation of the effect of nano-priming should focus on the changes in the secondary metabolism.

Silver Nanoparticles in Therapeutics and Beyond: A Review of Mechanism Insights and Applications.

Silver nanoparticles (NPs) have become highly promising agents in the field of biomedical science, offering wide therapeutic potential due to their unique physicochemical properties. The unique characteristics of silver NPs, such as their higher surface-area-to-volume ratio, make them ideal for a variety of biological applications. They are easily processed thanks to their large surface area, strong surface plasmon resonance (SPR), stable nature, and multifunctionality. With an emphasis on the mechanisms of action, efficacy, and prospective advantages of silver NPs, this review attempts to give a thorough overview of the numerous biological applications of these particles. The utilization of silver NPs in diagnostics, such as bioimaging and biosensing, as well as their functions in therapeutic interventions such as antimicrobial therapies, cancer therapy, diabetes treatment, bone repair, and wound healing, are investigated. The underlying processes by which silver NPs exercise their effects, such as oxidative stress induction, apoptosis, and microbial cell membrane rupture, are explored. Furthermore, toxicological concerns and regulatory issues are discussed, as well as the present difficulties and restrictions related to the application of silver NPs in medicine.

Application of Fe2O3 nanoparticles improves the growth, antioxidant power, flavonoid content, and essential oil yield and composition of Dracocephalum kotschyi Boiss.

Dracocephalum kotschyi Boiss., an endemic and endangered medicinal and aromatic plant in Iran, showcases distinct botanical characteristics and therapeutic promise. According to the IUCN grouping criteria, this plant is facing challenges due to overcollection from its natural habitats. To address this issue, there is an increasing inclination towards cultivating this species within agricultural systems. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of applying Fe2O3 nanoparticles (NPs) at varying concentrations (50, 100, and 200 mg L-1), as well as bulk Fe2O3 at the same concentrations, on the growth, essential oil production, antioxidant capacity, total phenol, and flavonoid content of D. kotschyi. The foliar application of 100 and/or 200 mg L-1 of Fe2O3 NPs resulted in the greatest leaf length and dry weight, while Fe2O3 NPs at the level of 100 mg L-1 led to the highest leaf/stem ratio. Additionally, spraying 200 mg L-1 of Fe2O3 NPs and all concentrations of bulk Fe2O3 positively impacted chlorophyll and carotenoid levels. Both nano and bulk Fe2O3 supplements stimulated H2O2 production and subsequently enhanced enzymatic antioxidant activity. The use of 50 mg L-1 of Fe2O3 NPs resulted in the highest flavonoid content and non-enzymatic antioxidant activity. Meanwhile, the highest essential oil content and yield was achieved by the application of 50 and/or 100 mg L-1 Fe2O3 NPs. The addition of low concentration of Fe2O3 NPs (50 mg L-1) resulted in a significant increase in the concentration of geranial, while a higher supply of Fe2O3 NPs (200 mg L-1) significantly decreased the percentage of neral in the essential oil. Overall, the application of Fe2O3 NPs demonstrated significant potential for increased biomass, enhanced yield, essential oil production, and phytochemical attributes. The findings highlight the versatility of Fe2O3 NPs at optimal concentrations, acting as both a nano-fertilizer and a nano-inducer, promoting the production and accumulation of valuable secondary metabolites in plants.

Effect of pure (ligand-free) nanoparticles of magnetite in sodium chloride matrix on hematological indicators, blood gases, electrolytes and serum iron

AbstractOne of the physical methods for obtaining magnetite nanoparticles (NPs) is electron beam physical vapor deposition (EB PVD), which requires complex equipment, but allows obtaining a significant amount of pure (ligand-free) NPs. The biomedical application of such NPs is less studied than materials from other synthesis methods. The objective is to study the effect of pure magnetite NPs in the NaCl matrix obtained by EB PVD on hematological indicators, gases, electrolytes and parameters of iron metabolism in the blood of intact animals. The physical characteristics of NPs were studied using high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, scanning transmission electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy mapping, electron energy-loss spectroscopy, selected area electron diffraction and fast Fourier transform. In vivo experiments were conducted on albino male rats, which were injected with solution of magnetite-sodium chloride NPs (1.35 mg Fe/kg). After 3 and 72 h, hematological parameters, blood gases, electrolytes, and serum iron were determined. The synthesized NPs had an average size of 11 nm. They were identified as magnetite, where polycrystals and single crystals were present. The absence of contamination in crystal boundaries, clear orientation and orderliness of atoms in crystals were established. The administration of NPs in the sodium chloride matrix to animals was characterized by a transient increase in the main indicators of red blood accompanied by an increase in the saturation of erythrocytes with hemoglobin and their mean volume after 3 h. It did not worsen blood gases and pH, but decreased blood Na+ content after 72 h. The investigated NPs caused changes in the parameters of serum iron characteristic to iron preparations, which after 3 h were smaller compared to the reference iron drug, and after 72 h—similar to it. More intense rapid effects on hematological parameters at lower serum iron indicate greater activity of the studied pure magnetite NPs obtained by EB PVD syntesis compared to the reference iron preparation.

Foliar-applied silicon and zinc nanoparticles improve plant growth, biochemical attributes, and essential oil profile of fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) under different irrigation regimes.

The comparative efficacy of silicon (Si) and zinc (Zn) nanoparticles (NPs) in mitigating drought stress in fennel (Foeniculum vulgare ) remains largely unexplored. This study evaluated the impact of Si NPs and Zn NPs on enhancing plant growth and physiological-biochemical attributes of fennel under varying irrigation regimes. The 2-year study was a split-pot design with irrigation at three irrigation levels (100, 75, and 50% field capacity, FC) and five treatments of foliar application of Si and Zn NPs (control, 1mM Si NP, 2mM Si NP, 1mM Zn NP, 2mM Zn NP). Results showed that drought stress reduced plant performance. Increases in superoxide dismutase (SOD, 131%) and catalase (CAT, 276%) were seen after a 50% FC drought without the use of Si and Zn NPs. Conversely, biological yield (34%), seed yield (44%), chlorophyll a +b (26%), relative water content (RWC, 21%), and essential oil (EO) yield (50%) were all reduced. However, application of Zn and Si, particularly 1mM Si and 2mM Zn, greatly mitigated drought stress via lowering CAT and SOD activity and enhancing plant yield, chlorophyll content, RWC, and EO. The composition of the EO consisted primarily of anethole, followed by limonene, fenchone, and estragole. During drought conditions, monoterpene hydrocarbons increased while oxygenated monoterpenes decreased. The opposite trend was observed for Si and Zn NPs. Our results suggest that applying Zn NPs at 2mM followed by Si NPs at 1mM improved plant resilience and EO yield in fennel plants under water stress.

Synergistic enhancement of oil recovery: Integrating anionic-nonionic surfactant mixtures, SiO2 nanoparticles, and polymer solutions for optimized crude oil extraction

Enhanced oil recovery (EOR) methods are essential for optimizing oil extraction from modern reservoirs. This research delved into the synergistic impact of combining anionic and nonionic surfactant mixtures with silica (SiO2) nanoparticles (NPs) in sodium chloride (NaCl) solutions, alongside the added enhancement of polymers, to improve crude oil recovery. The study comprehensively evaluated stability, rheological characteristics, interfacial tension (IFT) behavior, wettability alterations, and EOR experiments using mixtures of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and triton X-100 (TX-100) surfactants. Scenarios both with and without SiO2 NPs in a base solution containing 3000 ppm NaCl and 2000 ppm xanthan gum (XG) polymer were examined. Core flooding tests were carried out on San-Saba sandstone core specimens with low permeability. The stability tests and dynamic light scattering (DLS) analysis were performed to assess the stability of NPs in low saline-surfactant-polymer solution. It was observed that NPs significantly reduced the IFT between the test solutions and crude oil, with nanofluids exhibiting satisfactory stability at a 0.4 wt% SiO2 NPs concentration. Core flooding studies demonstrated a synergistic interaction between NPs and the binary surfactant-polymer mixture, resulting in substantially greater incremental recovery of oil in comparison with the case of using binary surfactant-polymer combination alone. The mechanisms contributing to EOR with nanofluids, such as IFT reduction and wettability alteration, were explored. Incorporating NPs at concentrations of 0.1, 0.2, and 0.4 wt% led to incremental oil recoveries of 4.01 %, 12.35 %, and 12.73 % of the original oil in place (OOIP), respectively, as opposed to the recovery achieved using only SDS + TX-100 + XG. Consequently, these findings advance the understanding of the potential application of SiO2 NPs in combination with the binary surfactant-polymer mixture as effective chemical EOR agents. Additionally, these insights aid in identifying suitable sandstone reservoirs for nanofluid application, contributing to the optimization of oil recovery strategies.

Adsorptive potential of dispersible chitosan-coated biogenic iron oxide nanocomposite for enhanced anti-bacterial activity against gram-positive and gram-negative bacterial pathogens

The use of various biomaterials, such as plants or microbes, to create nanoparticles (NPs), is seen as a viable strategy in green nanotechnology. The synthesis of low-cost, energy-efficient, nontoxic, ecologically acceptable metallic nanoparticles has recently become a critical topic. The biosynthesis of iron oxide NPs using pomegranate peel extract has been investigated. Biogenic iron oxide NPs were coated with highly porous chitosan as a supporting material to enhance applicability of NPs for wastewater remediation. Biogenic magnetic NPs and its composite were characterized by scanning electron microscope, X-ray diffraction, and Fourier Transformer Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Our study focused on the ability of biogenic magnetite Fe3O4 NPs and its bio-composite for removal of As+5 ions from wastewater. Adsorption isotherms were obtained using metal ion concentrations ranging from 5 to 25 mg/L. The Langmuir adsorption model was validated by our data. The reaction kinetics of the adsorption process were pseudo-second order. Interestingly, the bio-composite achieved 90% As+5 removal at pH4. In addition, the prepared nanocomposite was characterized using various analytical techniques to confirm its physicochemical properties. The adsorptive capacity of the nanocomposite was evaluated by studying the removal of pollutants and contaminants from aqueous solutions. Additionally, the antibacterial activity of the nanocomposite was assessed against a panel of clinically relevant Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial strains, including Staphylococcus epidermidis (RCMB 9241, ATCC 12228), Staphylococcus saprophyticus (RCMB 010028, ATCC 15305), Enterococcus faecalis (RCMB 010052), Streptococcus salivarius (ATCC 13415), Escherichia coli (RCMB 010052, ATCC 25922), Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium (RCMB 006(1), ATCC 14028) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 27853). Our findings have important implications in the field of low-cost, easy, and environmentally friendly water bioremediation.

Effect of Gold Nanoparticles on Growth Characteristics of Mouse Gastric Stem Cells in Vitro

ABSTRACT Gold nanoparticles (NPs) have been recently utilized in several applications of stem cells. In this study, mouse gastric stem/progenitor (mGS) cells established from a transgenic mouse model were treated by gold NPs of 60, 80, and 100 nm diameters. Cells were analyzed after 24, 48, 72, and 96 hours of incubation. Electron microscopic examination revealed the uptake of gold NPs by the mGS cells. The cellular viability and proliferation were investigated using propidium iodide, neutral red and PicoGreen Assays. The results demonstrated the viability and proliferation of mGS cells following exposure to gold NPs. While 100 nm gold NPs slightly reduced the mGS cell viability, 60 nm gold NPs at concentration of 0.07% slightly enhanced the proliferation of mGS cells more than the gold NPs at concentrations of 0.14% and 0.21%. In contrast, 80 nm gold NPs at concentration of 0.14% have promoted the proliferation of mGS cells. In conclusion, these findings offer a new perspective for the application of gold NPs and stem cells in nanomedicine and tissue engineering.

Effect of Nano-ZnO on Growth and Yield of Summer Maize under Drip Irrigation in Laterite Soil

A field experiment was conducted at Agricultural Farm, Palli Siksha Bhavana, Visva-Bharati, West Bengal, India during summer season (February–June), 2022 and 2023, respectively to investigate the effects of drip irrigation and nano zinc oxide biofortification on maize. In the main plot, four drip irrigations scheduling treatments viz., once-in-2 days, once-in-3 days, once-in-4 days and Irrigation by surface flooding method were accommodated. The sub-plot treatments consisted of five methods of zinc applications viz., control, soil application of ZnSO4 at 20 kg ha-1, foliar application of ZnO NP at 40 ppm, seed priming of ZnO NP (NP:Nano Particles) at 40 ppm, and seed coating of ZnO NP at 40 ppm. Growth parameter like plant height and number of leaves were highest with application water through drip irrigation once-in-3 days and seed coating of ZnO NP at 40 ppm at 30 DAS for both the years but at 90 DAS, drip irrigation once-in-2 days and seed coating of ZnO NP recorded highest growth parameters. Aerial dry matter accumulation in unit area recorded maximum in drip irrigation once-in-3 days and seed coating of ZnO NP at 40 ppm at 30 DAS but at 90 DAS drip irrigation once-in-2 days and seed coating of ZnO NP recorded highest. Cob girth, number of grains cob-1, seed index, grain yield and biological yield was observed highest with drip irrigation once-in-2 days and seed coating of ZnO NP in zinc treatment for both the years.

Unveiling The Applications of Nanoparticles in Cancer Immunotherapy

Cancer immunotherapy has proven its potential application by enhancing the capacity of the immune system to destroy cancer cells. However, several challenges, such as non-specific targeting, variability in clinical response, and therapeutic resistance, are associated with immunotherapy, making it less efficacious. Nanoparticles (NPs) as a drug delivery system provide additional advantages during immunotherapy by ensuring targeted delivery of antigens. NPs can also change the cancer environment through adjuvant delivery, forcing cancer cells to be destroyed. Here, several applications of NPs are summarized to help enhance the therapeutic values of immunotherapy through several mechanisms. This article outlines the important developments and possible applications of NPs to fully realize the promise of cancer immunotherapy, which will eventually open the door to more personalized and efficient cancer treatments.

EXOGENOUS APPLICATION OF IRON ANDZINC NANOPARTICLES ON GERMINATION AND GROWTH CHARACTERISTICS OF SUGARCANE (SACCHARUM OFFICINARUM L.) BUDNODE

The applications of nano-particles (NPs) in agriculture, such as nano-fertilizers, nano-insecticides, and nano-herbicides, are significantly impacted by their specific structure. In an experiment conducted at the College of Agriculture, University of Sargodha, the presence of Fe and Zn nano-particles at different concentrations was investigated to promote the appearance and growth of sugarcane buds. The experiment was conducted using a Randomize Complete Block Design (RCBD) method, with three replications of plant height at different concentrations of Fe NPs and Zn NPs. The results showed that high Zn concentrations, such as 75 and 100 mg L-1, significantly influenced germination-related characteristics, including minimum plant height. Sugarcane buds treated with Fe NPs at 50 mg L-1 and Zn NPs at 100 mg L-1 had the largest leaf area, while buds treated with Zn NPs at 50 mg L-1 had the minimum leaf-to-plant ratio. The topical application of Fe NPs and Zn NPs to sugarcane increased chlorophyll concentration and photosynthetic rate by 1.3 cm. The plant also showed the highest amount of zinc. At 100 mg L-1, the shoot Fe 6.9 concentration in Zn NPs was the highest. In conclusion, adding Zn and Fe nano-particles in amounts ranging from 100 mg L-1 to 50 mg L-1 significantly improved the growth and development of sugarcane bud nodes.

Nonlinear optical studies of Bismuth-doped Titanium di-oxide colloids achieved by femtosecond Z-Scan technique

In this paper, we explored the nonlinear optical (NLO) properties of Bismuth (Bi) doped titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticle (NP) colloids in ethanol, with laser pulses of duration ∼ 150 femtoseconds (fs). The Bi-doped TiO2 NPs were synthesized via the chemical route, sol-gel method. The increased photo response of TiO2 upon doping it with metals has become a burning issue to extend the applications of metal-doped TiO2 NPs as integral parts in solar cells, catalysts, phototherapy, etc. The bandgap of anatase TiO2 NPs was observed to be reduced to 2.89 eV upon doping Bi. The modified band structure of the Bi-doped TiO2 NPs demonstrates novel chemical, mechanical, and optical properties. NLO studies were conducted on Bismuth-doped TiO2 NPs submerged in ethanol employing femtosecond laser input pulses with incoming wavelengths 700, 750, 800, 850, 900, and 950 nm. It has been detected that open aperture (OA) studies performed at an input peak intensity of 100 MW/cm2 on Bi-doped TiO2 NPs in ethanol were exhibiting complex NLO behavior, i.e., reverse saturable absorption (RSA) in saturable absorption (SA) and SA in RSA with mostly effective two-photon absorption (1 + 1) coefficients. Particularly, at ∼800 nm, the behavior observed was so complex, i.e., RSA in SA in RSA in SA, with an effective 3 PA (2 + 1) co-efficient (γ) ∼6.5 × 10−24 m3/W2. The closed aperture (CA) studies at ∼37 MW/cm2 exhibited self-defocusing effects, i.e., an intensity-dependent refractive index (n2) with a negative signature.

Superior Single-Entity Electrochemistry Performance of Capping Agent-Free Gold Nanoparticles Compared to Citrate-Capped Gold Nanoparticles.

In observing the electrocatalytic current of nanoparticles (NPs) using single-entity electrochemistry (SEE), the surface state of the NPs significantly influences the SEE signal. This study investigates the influence of capping agents on the electrocatalytic properties of gold (Au) NPs using SEE. Two inner-sphere reactions, hydrazine oxidation and glucose oxidation, were chosen to explore the SEE characteristics of Au NPs based on the capping agent presence. The results revealed that "capping agent-free" Au NPs exhibited signal magnitudes and frequencies consistent with theoretical expectations, indicating superior stability and catalytic performance in electrolyte solutions. In contrast, citrate-capped Au NPs showed signals varying depending on the applied potential, with larger magnitudes and lower frequencies than expected, likely due to an aggregation of NPs. This study suggests that capping agents play a crucial role in the catalytic performance and stability of Au NPs in SEE. By demonstrating that minimizing capping agent presence can enhance effectiveness in SEE, it provides insights into the future applications of NPs, particularly highlighting their potential as nanocatalysts in energy conversion reactions and environmental applications.

In-depth exploration of nanoparticles for enhanced nutrient use efficiency and abiotic stresses management: Present insights and future horizons

Nanotechnology is an innovative method of elevating agricultural output without sacrificing quality due to nanoparticles (NPs) unique characteristics and numerous potential uses. It is also nature-friendly, advantageous to living organisms, and cost-effective. Sustainable agricultural practices are gaining attention on NPs and nanofertilizers (NFs) as practical substitutes for traditional fertilizers and pesticides that nanotechnology could surpass some of the issues with traditional farming methods. There should be an emphasis on cutting-edge studies of NPs applications in agriculture. This article presents a positive perspective on the mechanisms leading to the formation of NPs and their application as NFs for managing nutrients in agriculture. We also share up-to-date findings on NPs interactions with plants, the fate of NPs and potential risks associated with them in plants. The as well as on the role of NPs nanomaterials in decreasing abiotic and heavy metal toxicity stress. NFs help reduce the environmental damage caused by traditional, inorganic fertilizers. Due to their enhanced responsiveness and ability to pierce the epidermis, NFs can decrease nutrient surplus while increasing nutrient usage efficiency. It was also established that NPs are essential for protecting against abiotic stress. However, some studies have shown that NPs are harmful to higher plants because the NPs they are deposited upon the surface of cells or in the cell organelles, leading to oxidative stress symptoms. In this review article, we explore the utilization of NPs for nutrient and abiotic stress management for crop production and protection during the climate change era.

Complementary Nanoparticle Characterization by Resistive-Pulse Sensing, Electron Microscopy, and Charge Detection Mass Spectrometry.

Nanotechnology has provided novel modalities for the delivery of therapeutic and diagnostic agents. In particular, nanoparticles (NPs) can be engineered at a low cost for drug loading and delivery. For example, silica NPs have proven useful as a controlled release platform for anti-inflammatory drugs. Despite the wide-ranging potential applications for NPs, robust characterization across all size ranges remains elusive. Electron microscopy (EM) is the conventional tool for measuring NP diameters. However, imitations in throughput and the inability to provide comprehensive information on physical properties, such as mass and density, without underlying assumptions, hinder a complete analysis. In addition, assessing sample heterogeneity, aggregation, or coalescence in solution by traditional EM analysis is not possible. Resistive-pulse sensing (RPS) provides a high throughput, solution-phase method for characterizing particle heterogeneity based on volume. Complementing these methods, charge detection mass spectrometry (CD-MS), a single particle technique, provides accurate mass information for heterogeneous samples including NPs. By combining EM, RPS and CD-MS, accurate volume, mass, and densities were obtained for silica NPs of various sizes. The results show that the density for 20 nm silica NPs is close to the density of fused silica (2.2 g/cm3). Larger silica NPs were found to have densities that were either smaller or larger, while also falling outside the range of densities usually found for silica colloids and NPs (1.9-2.3 g/cm3). Lower densities are attributed to pores (i.e., porous particles). For one sample, the mass distribution showed two components attributed to two populations of particles in the sample with different densities. The synergistic combination of EM, RPS, and CD-MS measurements outlined here for NP samples, allows much more extensive information to be obtained than from any of the techniques alone.

Application of PPAR Ligands and Nanoparticle Technology in Metabolic Steatohepatitis Treatment.

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease/steatohepatitis (MASLD/MASH) is a major disease worldwide whose effective treatment is challenging. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) belong to the nuclear receptor superfamily and function as ligand-activated transcription factors. To date, three distinct subtypes of PPARs have been characterized: PPARα, PPARβ/δ, and PPARγ. PPARα and PPARγ are crucial regulators of lipid metabolism that modulate the transcription of genes involved in fatty acid (FA), bile acid, and cholesterol metabolism. Many PPAR agonists, including natural (FAs, eicosanoids, and phospholipids) and synthetic (fibrate, thiazolidinedione, glitazar, and elafibranor) agonists, have been developed. Furthermore, recent advancements in nanoparticles (NPs) have led to the development of new strategies for MASLD/MASH therapy. This review discusses the applications of specific cell-targeted NPs and highlights the potential of PPARα- and PPARγ-targeted NP drug delivery systems for MASLD/MASH treatment.

Nanoparticle-Based Drug Delivery Systems in Inhaled Therapy: Improving Respiratory Medicine.

Inhaled nanoparticle (NP) therapy poses intricate challenges in clinical and pharmacodynamic realms. Recent strides have revolutionized NP technology by enabling the incorporation of diverse molecules, thus circumventing systemic clearance mechanisms and enhancing drug effectiveness while mitigating systemic side effects. Despite the established success of systemic NP delivery in oncology and other disciplines, the exploration of inhaled NP therapies remains relatively nascent. NPs loaded with bronchodilators or anti-inflammatory agents exhibit promising potential for precise distribution throughout the bronchial tree, offering targeted treatment for respiratory diseases. This article conducts a comprehensive review of NP applications in respiratory medicine, highlighting their merits, ranging from heightened stability to exacting lung-specific delivery. It also explores cutting-edge technologies optimizing NP-loaded aerosol systems, complemented by insights gleaned from clinical trials. Furthermore, the review examines the current challenges and future prospects in NP-based therapies. By synthesizing current data and perspectives, the article underscores the transformative promise of NP-mediated drug delivery in addressing chronic conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, a pressing global health concern ranked third in mortality rates. This overview illuminates the evolving landscape of NP inhalation therapies, presenting optimistic avenues for advancing respiratory medicine and improving patient outcomes.

Synthesis of Multi-Metallic Alloy Nanoparticles and Electrochemical Applications on CO2 Conversion and Hydrogen Evolution Reaction

In this comprehensive research endeavor, we introduce two groundbreaking methodologies poised to reshape the landscape of nanocomposite material synthesis, unlocking unprecedented potential across a spectrum of electrochemical applications. The Joule heating method, also known as Carbothermal Shock (CTS), emerges as a remarkably simple yet highly effective technique for generating multi-metallic nanoparticles (NPs), including high-entropy alloys (HEA). The CTS process involves loading a metal precursor onto a carbon substrate and swiftly elevating the temperature through the passage of an electric current, inducing rapid thermal shock and resulting in the formation of small and uniform NPs. While the CTS method has showcased high performance in various applications, such as rechargeable energy storage systems and catalytic conversion, challenges persist in achieving optimal surface coverage of NPs, particularly for electrochemical applications. For example, metal NPs formed through the CTS method have not been used for electrocatalytic carbon dioxide (CO2) or nitrogen (N2) reduction reactions because the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and unwanted reactions occur on the exposed carbon substrate as a competing reactionTo overcome this challenge, we present a pioneering approach involving the utilization of partially carbonized cellulose as a novel carbon substrate. The cellulose matrix, distinguished by its unique structural characteristics, including interconnected aromatic rings and numerous edge sites, facilitates an unprecedented high surface coverage of various single and copper (Cu)-based polyelemental alloy NPs. The controlled manipulation of defect sites, such as vacancies and dangling bonds, within the carbonized cellulose plays a pivotal role in the nucleation and stabilization of metal NPs during the CTS process. The study underscores the correlation between defect sites on the carbon substrate and the resulting surface morphology of metal NPs, providing valuable insights for future advancements in nanocomposite material synthesis through the CTS method.Moreover, the cellulose-enabled high surface coverage Cu NPs exhibit remarkable potential in electrocatalytic carbon dioxide (CO2) reduction reactions. The Cu NPs on cellulose/carbon paper (Cu/cellulose/CP) demonstrated a high ethylene selectivity of 48.92% at a potential of −0.529 V versus the reverse hydrogen electrode (RHE), maintaining stability over 30 hours of reaction in a 10 M KOH electrolyte. This study presents an exciting prospect for expanding the applications of polyelemental alloy NPs synthesized via the CTS method in diverse electrochemical applications.Transitioning to the second part of the research, we explore the application of MXenes, a recently discovered family of two-dimensional materials composed of transition metal carbides and carbonitrides. These atomically thin layers exhibit a unique combination of metallic conductivity and high surface area due to their layered structure. To enhance the properties of MXenes and broaden their applications, various components, including organic small molecules, polymers, metals, and semiconducting materials, have been incorporated into their intrinsic nanostructures.However, existing methods for fabricating MXene composite hybrid materials predominantly rely on solution processing techniques, introducing challenges such as severe MXene oxidation and nanoparticle aggregation. Addressing these limitations, we introduce a revolutionary rapid Joule heating approach, a solution-free method designed to synthesize a diverse range of MXene hybrid nanocomposites. This approach minimizes MXene oxidation on the surface and ensures a uniform distribution of nanoparticles on MXene surfaces without the drawbacks of severe aggregations. It became possible to synthesize metal NPs from unary to senary combinations (including Pt, Co, Ni, Fe, Cu components) with minimal MXene oxidation through rapid heating. The ability to easily modify the precursor ratio and synthesize unlimited combinations of MXene composite hybrid nanostructures enables the modulation of material properties to achieve high performance in diverse electrochemical applications. The resulting Pt-MXene hybrid nanostructure, synthesized through this novel approach, exhibits promising electrocatalytic performance for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) by minimizing MXene oxidation during the synthesis process. This breakthrough method holds immense potential for a wide range of catalytic applications, where the synergistic effects of MXene composites can significantly contribute.

Preliminary Electrochemical Analysis of Carbon Nanoparticles from Candle Soot

Nanoparticles (NPs) generated by candle soot are of interest due to their potential applications. Because of their electronic properties, carbon-based zero-dimensional, one-dimensional, and two-dimensional nanomaterials such as graphene, fullerene, carbon nanotubes, and carbon nanofibers are extensively studied (1).However, synthesis of these nanomaterials is complex and expensive. Candle soot also contains fluorescent carbon NPswhich can be used for the preparation of fluorescent makers (2). The potential applications of candle soot NPs include energy storage [e.g., can be used for supercapacitor electrode material (3)], and conversion [fuel cells (4)]. Candle soot can be an excellent source of carbon NPs. In this presentation, we cover some challenges associated with carbon NPs, such as (a) instability of NPs due to agglomeration with time and increase in temperature and (b) separation and isolation of NPs. Thus, we focus on stabilization of NPs, isolation and characterization of NPs and to study electronic, optical, and electrochemical properties to determine whether they are promising candidate in the field of energy conversion.Candle soot formation depends on various parameters like substrate material, deposition time, flame temperature, wick dimension, and flame height (5). We developed a protocol for the collection of candle soot. With this proposed protocol, the carbon NPs generated from candle soot ranges from 50 nm to larger particle size which is confirmed by dynamic light scattering (DLS) technique shown in Fig. 1, and transmission electron microscope (TEM). We will include the electrochemical analysis such as investigation of oxidation/reduction processes to determine fundamental thermodynamic parameters of standard potential in organic solvents and aqueous solutions. References Jariwala, V.K. Sangwan, L.J. Lauhan, T.J. Marks, M.C. Harsam, Carbon nanomaterials for electronics, optoelectronics, photovoltaics, and sensing, Chem. Soc. Rev., 43 (2013), 2824-28.J. Campbell, M.J. Andrews, K.J. Stevenson, New nanotech from an ancient material: Chemistry demonstrations involving carbon-based soot, J. Chem. Educ., 89 (2012) 1280-1287.Zhang, D. Wang, B. Yu, F. Zhou, W. Liu, Candle soot as a supercapacitor electrode material, RSC. Adv., 4 (2014), 2586-2589.Khalakhan, R. Fiala, J. Laukova, P. Kus, A. Ostroverkh, M. Vaclavu, M. Vorokhta, I. Matolinova, V. Matolin., Candle Soot as an efficient support for proton exchange membrane fuel cell catalyst, Fuel Cell., 16 (2016) 652-655.N. Sahoo, B. kandasubramanian. An experimental design for the investigation of water repellent property of candle soot particles, Mater. Chem. Phys.,148 (2014), 134-142. Figure 1