Diffraction Light Scattering Research Articles

Integration of Melt Electrowritten Polymeric Scaffolds and Bioprinting for Epithelial Healing via Localized Periostin Delivery.

Management of skin injuries imposes a substantial financial burden on patients and hospitals, leading to diminished quality of life. Periostin (rhOSF), an extracellular matrix component, regulates cell function, including a proliferative healing phase, representing a key protein to promote wound healing. Despite its proven efficacy in vitro, there is a lack of scaffolds that facilitate the in situ delivery of rhOSF. In addition, there is a need for a scaffold to not only support cell growth, but also to resist the mechanical forces involved in wound healing. In this work, we synthesized rhOSF-loaded mesoporous nanoparticles (MSNs) and incorporated them into a cell-laden gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) ink that was bioprinted into melt electrowritten poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) microfibrous (MF-PCL) meshes to develop mechanically competent constructs. Diffraction light scattering (DLS) analysis showed a narrow nanoparticle size distribution with an average size of 82.7 ± 13.2 nm. The rhOSF-loaded hydrogels showed a steady and controlled release of rhOSF over 16 days at a daily dose of ∼40 ng/mL. Compared with blank MSNs, the incorporation of rhOSF markedly augmented cell proliferation, underscoring its contribution to cellular performance. Our findings suggest a promising approach to address challenges such as prolonged healing, offering a potential solution for developing robust, biocompatible, and cell-laden grafts for burn wound healing applications.

Urokinase Plasminogen Activator Receptor-Mediated Targeting of a Stable Nanocomplex Coupled with Specific Peptides for Imaging of Cancer.

Targeting peptides are a promising tool for early diagnosis and therapy of cancer. Overexpression of urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR) leads to the progression of tumors including prostate, colorectal, ovarian, and breast cancers. To improve the diagnosis and imaging efficiency, herein we report a stable nanocomplex comprising methoxy-PEG-hydrazide (mPEG-H-M)-modified gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) conjugated to uPAR (urokinase plasminogen activator receptor)-targeting peptides GFD (growth factor domain-G) and SMB (somatomedian B-S) for efficient imaging of uPAR-overexpressing cancer cells. Fluorescently labeled targeting peptides were covalently linked to mPEG-H coated AuNPs, characterized, and analyzed by UV-vis spectroscopy, diffraction light scattering (DLS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and fluorescence spectroscopy. In vitro evaluation was assessed with a fluorescence-activated cell sorter (FACS), cell adhesion, and fluorescence microscopy. The peptide-functionalized nanocomplex showed a higher uptake of AuNPs@MGS in comparison with AuNPs@G or AuNPs@S alone in uPAR-overexpressing cells and exhibits no toxicity when analyzed with MTT assay. Our results demonstrated that the developed nanocomplex can be used as a platform for imaging and diagnosis of metastatic tumors.

Optical and Structural Properties of Biosynthesized Silver Nanoparticle Encapsulated PVA (Ag–PVA) Films

Silver (Ag) nanoparticles were successfully synthesized under ambient temperature employing Leucas Aspera (LA) leaves. The synthesis of silver nanoparticles at first confirmed by noting variations in the colour and subsequently morphological characteristics of prepared LA–Ag nanoparticles have been explored by using HR-TEM, and the particle size was found to be 3.67 nm which is in good agreement with XRD. SAED pattern represent the polycrystalline nature of Ag and crystallographic planes are close agreement with XRD. Implementing Diffraction Light Scattering (DLS) the average size is estimated to be 7 nm and the polydispersity index (PDI) was noticed to be 0.209 evince the uniform distribution. The same synthesised nanoparticles (NPs) were encapsulated further within a matrix of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). Moreover, prepared nanocomposite films were characterised and correlated with both PVA-Ag matrix and pure PVA. To examine the optical characteristics of both LA–Ag-NPs and pristine PVA films were characterised via UV–Visible spectra. The influence of doping PVA with LA–Ag-NPs was being explored, i.e., structural, and morphological improvements including optical band gap, absorption coefficient, refractive index as well as optical conductivity. Besides, Fourier Infrared Spectroscopy benefitted to classify the alterations in the functional group. Scanning electron microscope visuals of synthesized nanoparticles reveal spherical shape in a polymer matrix, although the outcomes of energy dispersion findings support the appearance of silver. The structural parameters were determined by the use of X-ray diffraction studies, reflecting the d-spacing values and the crystalline nature with doping silver nanoparticle in PVA. This article addresses the research on structural and optical properties of LA–Ag–PVA nanocomposite films.

Self-Assembled Nanocarriers Based on Modified Chitosan for Biomedical Applications: Preparation and Characterization.

Protein-polysaccharide systems are of increasing interest as their combined attributes allow for fulfilling a broad range of applications in biomedical and pharmaceutical fields. In this study, the preparation of nanogels based on maleic anhydride chitosan derivatives (MAC) and bovine serum albumin (BSA) was achieved through a self-assembly process performed in aqueous phase. A series of experiments performed by varying the concentrations of MAC and BSA were conducted to find an appropriate mixing ratio for the polymer solutions leading to thermodynamically stable nanogels with the ability to encapsulate active compounds. The influence of temperature on the formation of nanogels was also studied. The consequent conformational changes were monitored using ultraviolet-visible (UV-VIS) spectrophotometry. The spectrophotometric investigations combined with diffraction light scattering (DLS) technique and zeta potential measurement results were correlated to determine the interaction mechanism and assess the self-assembling processes during nanogel formation. It was found that the hydrodynamic diameter (Dh) of the nanoparticles increased slightly at acidic pH, and the protonation of ionizable amino groups with the pH was confirmed by the zeta potential measurements. MAC/BSA nanogels also exhibited antimicrobial properties after being loaded with amoxicillin (Amox), which is an antibiotic used for the treatment of various infections. The experimental data resulting from this study provide theoretical guidance for the design and development of attractive nanocarriers for a large variety of biomedical applications.

Synthesis and Characterization of Amorphous Iron Oxide Nanoparticles by the Sonochemical Method and Their Application for the Remediation of Heavy Metals from Wastewater.

Nanoparticles have gained huge attention in the last decade due to their applications in electronics, medicine, and environmental clean-up. Iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) are widely used for the wastewater treatment due to their recyclable nature and easy manipulation by an external magnetic field. Here, in the present research work, iron oxide nanoparticles were synthesized by the sonochemical method by using precursors of ferrous sulfate and ferric chloride at 70 °C for one hour in an ultrasonicator. The synthesized iron oxide nanoparticles were characterized by diffraction light scattering (DLS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), electron diffraction spectroscopy (EDS), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). The FTIR analysis exhibits characteristic absorption bands of IONPs at 400–800 cm−1, while the Raman spectra showed three characteristic bands at 273, 675, and 1379 cm−1 for the synthesized IONPs. The XRD data revealed three major intensity peaks at two theta, 33°, 35°, and 64° which indicated the presence of maghemite and magnetite phase. The size of the spherical shaped IONPs was varying from 9–70 nm with an average size of 38.9 nm while the size of cuboidal shaped particle size was in microns. The purity of the synthesized IONPs was confirmed by the EDS attached to the FESEM, which clearly show sharp peaks for Fe and O, while the magnetic behavior of the IONPs was confirmed by the VSM measurement and the magnetization was 2.43 emu/g. The batch adsorption study of lead (Pb) and chromium (Cr) from 20% fly ash aqueous solutions was carried out by using 0.6 mg/100 mL IONPs, which exhibited maximum removal efficiency i.e., 97.96% and 82.8% for Pb2+ and Cr ions, respectively. The fly ash are being used in making cements, tiles, bricks, bio fertilizers etc., where the presence of fly ash is undesired property which has to be either removed or will be brought up to the value of acceptable level in the fly ash. Therefore, the synthesized IONPs, can be applied in the elimination of heavy metals and other undesired elements from fly ash with a short period of time. Moreover, the IONPs that have been used as a nanoadsorbent can be recovered from the reaction mixture by applying an external magnetic field that can be recycled and reused. Therefore, this study can be effective in all the fly ash-based industries for elimination of the undesired elements, while recyclability and reusable nature of IONPs will make the whole adsorption or elimination process much economical.

CARMUSTINE LOADED NANOSIZE LIPID VESICLES SHOWED PREFERENTIAL CYTOTOXICITY AND INTERNALIZATION IN U87MG CELL LINE ALONG WITH IMPROVED PHARMACOKINETIC PROFILE IN MICE: A STRATEGY FOR TREATMENT OF GLIOMA

Objective: Successful treatment of glioma still remains a tough challenge. The present study aims at the development and evaluation of carmustine loaded nanosize phospholipid vesicles (CNLVs) for the treatment of glioma.
 Methods: The experimental NLVs were developed by conventional lipid layer hydration technique and were characterized by different in vitro tools such as diffraction light scattering (DLS), zeta potential, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), cryo-transmission electron microscopy (cryo-TEM), in vitro drug loading capacity, drug release study etc. In vitro cytotoxicity and cellular uptake of the optimized drug-loaded NLVs were carried out in U87MG human glioblastoma cell line. In vivo pharmacokinetic study was conducted in Swiss albino mice.
 Results: DLS data showed an average vesicle diameter of 92 nm with narrow size distribution. Optimized CNLVs were spherical in shape with a smooth surface as depicted from FESEM data. Cryo-TEM study confirmed formation of unilamellar vesicles with intact outer bilayer. A reasonable drug loading of 7.8 % was reported for the optimized CNLVs along with a sustained release of CS over a 48 h study period. In vitro cytotoxicity assay revealed a considerable higher toxicity of CNLVs than free drugs in the U87MG cells. Confocal microscopy showed a satisfactory internalization of the optimized drug-loaded NLVs in the tested cell line. Pharmacokinetic data demonstrated an enhanced mean residence time of optimized CNLVs in blood than free drug.
 Conclusion: Results depicted the potential of experimental CNLVs for the treatment of glioma after further in vivo tests.

Imidazole-coumarin containing D – A type fluorescent probe: Synthesis photophysical properties and sensing behavior for F− and CN− anion

A new class of D–A type intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) fluorescent probe, ICU has been designed and synthesized. The solvatochromic behavior, anion interaction and morphological features of the probe have been studied in detail. The molecular probe upon interaction with different class of anions showed good sensitivity for F− and CN− anions in organic medium with high detection limit and rapid response time. The time dependent fluorescence studies suggested about the dynamic and static fluorescence quenching with F− and CN− anions. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and diffraction light scattering (DLS) experiments have been performed to understand the morphological behavior and particle size of the probe to distinguish both anions. Upon interaction with F− and CN− the morphology of probe reveals a clear shape reconstruction from the initial aggregated spherical ball shape to fine leaf like and dumbbell like structures, respectively by disaggregation to form minimum energy structures. The photophysical and theoretical (DFT) studies all together suggested about the charge transfer process from imidazole (donor, D) to coumarin (acceptor, A) unit. The probe has been also utilized to detect the anions on test paper strips. The mechanism of interaction between probe and both the anions has been confirmed by 1HNMR and HRMS spectral data analysis.

BIOGENIC POTENTIAL OF STABILIZED SILVER NANOPARTICLES USING G. SYLVESTRAE AND THEIR BIOLOGICAL ASSAYS

Objective: The idea of green chemistry has gained immense fame due to replace chemical products and improves technologies to eradicate substances that are harmful to the environment. In this paper, a rapid cost-efficient method was employed using herbal extract Gymnema sylvestrae because of their biological constituents present in the sample.
 Methods: Phytosynthesis of AgNPs were optimized under different reaction conditions using pH, temperature, incubated at various concentrations. Analyses of particles were revealed using UV-Vis, FTIR spectrum, morphology was observed in scanning electron microscope, particle analysis was done using Diffraction Light Scattering and bioactive constituents present in plant sample was analysed by High-performance liquid chromatography. Bioefficacy of synthesised AgNPs was assessed by means of microbicidal assay against various bacteria and fungi.
 Results: UV and FTIR analysis reveals the presence of plant extract responsible for stabilization and efficient reduction. Peptides to proteins, polyphenols, and many other secondary metabolites involved in the bioreduction were identified. SEM micrograph reveals the nature, size and distribution of the sample. HPLC chromatogram indicated the presence of gymnemagenin responsible for their biological assays. Broad spectrum of microbicidal activity have been reported in 400 µl of biosynthesized AgNPs against Bacillus sp. (24.5 mm), and S. epidermis (22.3 mm).
 Conclusion: Therefore G. sylvestrae synthesized silver nanoparticles were stable and acts as a reducing and capping agent detecting the presence of biomolecules. Biosynthesised AgNPs showing excellent antimicrobial activity and future prospects of this study indicates that these nanoparticles can be applied in drug delivery.

Novel method for synthesis of silver nanoparticles and their application on wool

In this study, a new method for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) suitable to impart antibacterial properties of wool fabric is proposed. AgNPs were synthesized by a biochemical reduction method. An aqueous solution of extracted dye from Pomegranate peel was used as a reducing agent for the synthesis of AgNPs from silver nitrate. The ratio of dye to silver nitrate concentration (RDye/Ag=[Dye]/[AgNO3]) is the influencing factor in the synthesis of silver nanoparticles. The nanoparticles formation was followed by UV/Vis absorption spectroscopy. The size and shape of AgNPs were studied by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The size distribution and Zetapotential of nanoparticles were evaluated using diffraction light scattering (DLS) measurements. The antibacterial potential of biosynthesized silver nanoparticles against Escherichia coli (E. coli) was examined qualitatively and quantitatively. Kinetic analysis of the bacteria reduction using AgNPs synthesized in different way was performed. AgNPs were applied on wool fabrics by exhaustion. The changes in surface morphology of wool fibers after AgNPs loading were studied using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The amounts of silver deposited on wool fabrics at different pH and temperature were compared applying energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). AgNPs loaded fabrics showed excellent antibacterial efficiency even after five washing cycles. To investigate the nature of interaction and bonding between the AgNPs and the wool substrate XPS measurements were performed.

Photo‐ and Electrocatalytic H2 Production by New First‐Row Transition‐Metal Complexes Based on an Aminopyridine Pentadentate Ligand

The synthesis and characterisation of the pentadentate ligand 1,4-di(picolyl)-7-(p-toluenesulfonyl)-1,4,7-triazacyclononane (Py2(Ts)tacn) and their metal complexes of general formula [M(CF3SO3)(Py2(Ts)tacn)][CF3SO3], (M = Fe (1Fe), Co (1Co) and Ni (1Ni)) are reported. Complex 1Co presents excellent H2 photoproduction catalytic activity when using [Ir(ppy)2(bpy)]PF6 (PSIr) as photosensitiser (PS) and Et3N as electron donor, but 1Ni and 1Fe result in a low activity and a complete lack of it, respectively. On the other hand, all three complexes have excellent electrocatalytic proton reduction activity in acetonitrile, when using trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) as a proton source with moderate overpotentials for 1Co (0.59 V vs. SCE) and 1Ni (0.56 V vs. SCE) and higher for 1Fe (0.87 V vs. SCE). Under conditions of CH3CN/H2O/Et3N (3:7:0.2), 1Co (5 μM), with PSIr (100 μM) and irradiating at 447 nm gives a turnover number (TON) of 690 (n H2/n1Co) and initial turnover frequency (TOF) (TON×t(-1)) of 703 h(-1) for H2 production. It should be noted that 1Co retains 25 % of the catalytic activity for photoproduction of H2 in the presence of O2. The inexistence of a lag time for H2 evolution and the absence of nanoparticles during the first 30 min of the reaction suggest that the main catalytic activity observed is derived from a molecular system. Kinetic studies show that the reaction is -0.7 order in catalyst, and time-dependent diffraction light scattering (DLS) experiments indicate formation of metal aggregates and then nanoparticles, leading to catalyst deactivation. By a combination of experimental and computational studies we found that the lack of activity in photochemical water reduction by 1Fe can be attributed to the 1Fe (II/I) redox couple, which is significantly lower than the PSIr (III/II) , while for 1Ni the pKa value (-0.4) is too small in comparison with the pH (11.9) imposed by the use of Et3N as electron donor.

Characterization and Evaluation of Antibacterial Activities of Chemically Synthesized Iron Oxide Nanoparticles

The iron oxide nanoparticles have been synthesized in co-precipitation method using aqueous solution of ferric and ferrous ions with sodium salt. The synthesis of iron-oxide nanoparticles were validated by UV-Visible spectroscopy which showed higher peak at 370 nm as valid standard reference. An average size of iron oxide nanoparticle found by Diffraction Light scattering (DLS) particle size analyser, ranges approximately between 10 nm to 120 nm with mean particle size of 66 nm. The X-ray power diffraction (XRD) analysis revealed the crystallographic structure of magnetic particles. Characterization of the mean particle size and morphology of iron oxide nanoparticles confirmed that the iron oxide nanoparticles are nearly spherical and crystalline in shape. Further the antibacterial effect of iron oxide nanoparticles was evaluated against ten pathogenic bacteria which showed that the nanoparticles have moderate antibacterial activity against both Gram positive and Gram negative pathogenic bacterial strains and retains potential application in pharmaceutical and biomedical industries.