Dynamic Light Scattering Results Research Articles

Exploring asphaltene aggregation: Model systems based on toluene-heptane mixtures

This work evaluates how chemical characteristics, such as polarity and aromaticity, can affect asphaltene aggregation. The asphaltene fraction was extracted from two different crude oils by precipitation in n-heptane, and these extracted asphaltenes were named A and B. Based on infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analyses, we found that asphaltenes B present greater aromaticity. According to X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), asphaltene B showed higher heteroatom content. Model systems based on toluene/n-heptane/asphaltene (0.05 g/L) were prepared to evaluate the aggregation/precipitation of asphaltenes. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) analysis of aggregation kinetics revealed that aromatic asphaltenes with higher heteroatom content tend to form larger aggregates. Moreover, hydroxyl content exhibits a greater impact on aggregation compared to diffusivity. Furthermore, once the aggregates reach a critical size, the suspension stability is reduced, and the aggregates sediment. The atomic force microscopy (AFM) and DLS results revealed a wide range of particle size distribution. The larger clusters likely consisted of smaller aggregates that adhered together. Still, we highlight that the sizes of these aggregates determined by AFM are not directly comparable to the measurements obtained from DLS. The drying of the samples for the AFM measurements probably affects the asphaltene aggregation process. For this reason, the results obtained from the AFM and DLS techniques are not comparable.

In vitro assessment of the effect of magnetic fields on efficacy of biosynthesized selenium nanoparticles by Alborzia kermanshahica

Cyanobacteria represent a rich resource of a wide array of unique bioactive compounds that are proving to be potent sources of anticancer drugs. Selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) have shown an increasing potential as major therapeutic platforms and led to the production of higher levels of ROS that can present desirable anticancer properties. Chitosan–SeNPs have also presented antitumor properties against hepatic cancer cell lines, especially the Cht-NP (Chitosan–NPs), promoting ROS generation and mitochondria dysfunction. It is proposed that magnetic fields can add new dimensions to nanoparticle applications. Hence, in this study, the biosynthesis of SeNPs using Alborzia kermanshahica and chitosan (CS) as stabilizers has been developed. The SeNPs synthesis was performed at different cyanobacterial cultivation conditions, including control (without magnetic field) and magnetic fields of 30 mT and 60 mT. The SeNPs were characterized by uv-visible spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), Dynamic light scattering (DLS), zeta potential, and TEM. In addition, the antibacterial activity, inhibition of bacterial growth, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC), as well as the antifungal activity and cytotoxicity of SeNPs, were performed. The results of uv-visible spectrometry, DLS, and zeta potential showed that 60 mT had the highest value regarding the adsorption, size, and stabilization in compared to the control. FTIR spectroscopy results showed consistent spectra, but the increased intensity of peaks indicates an increase in bond number after exposure to 30 mT and 60 mT. The results of the antibacterial activity and the inhibition zone diameter of synthesized nanoparticles showed that Staphylococcus aureus was more sensitive to nanoparticles produced under 60 mT. Se-NPs produced by Alborzia kermanshahica cultured under a 60 mT magnetic field exhibit potent antimicrobial and anticancer properties, making them a promising natural agent for use in the pharmaceutical and biomedical industries.

Role of isomers and steric hindrance in the micellization of carboxylated carbosilane surfactants

AbstractA series of carboxylated carbosilane surfactants with methyl, ethyl, branching CH3, phenyl, and cyclohexyl (Me‐Si2C‐COONa, Et‐Si2C‐COONa, Si2C‐La‐COONa, Ph‐Si2C‐COONa, and Cy‐Si2C‐COONa) were prepared. The effect of isomer and steric hindrance on their micellization in aqueous solution was investigated by surface tension, conductivity, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and dynamic light scattering (DLS). Si2C‐La‐COONa with branching CH3 shows a lower γCMC value and higher the CMC value compared with Et‐Si2C‐COONa. Cy‐Si2C‐COONa with cyclohexyl (41.6 mN m−1) and Ph‐Si2C‐COONa with phenyl (43.9 mN m−1) have larger γCMC values due to the distinct steric hindrance and hydrophobicity. In aqueous solution, the aggregation behavior of Si2C‐La‐COONa, Cy‐Si2C‐COONa, and Ph‐Si2C‐COONa is enthalpy‐driven. However, the micellization process of Me‐Si2C‐COONa and Et‐Si2C‐COONa is governed by the enthalpy‐driven at high temperature and entropy‐driven at low temperature. DLS and TEM results indicate that the carboxylated carbosilane surfactants can self‐assemble into aggregate with hydrodynamic diameters of 50–400 nm.

Leveraging Machine Learning for Size and Shape Analysis of Nanoparticles: A Shortcut to Electron Microscopy.

Characterizing nanoparticles (NPs) is crucial in nanoscience due to the direct influence of their physiochemical properties on their behavior. Various experimental techniques exist to analyze the size and shape of NPs, each with advantages, limitations, proneness to uncertainty, and resource requirements. One of them is electron microscopy (EM), often considered the gold standard, which offers visualization of the primary particles. However, despite its advantages, EM can be expensive, less accessible, and difficult to apply during dynamic processes. Therefore, using EM for specific experimental conditions, such as observing dynamic processes or visualizing low-contrast particles, is challenging. This study showcases the potential of machine learning in deriving EM parameters by utilizing cost-effective and dynamic techniques such as dynamic light scattering (DLS) and UV-vis spectroscopy. Our developed model successfully predicts the size and shape parameters of gold NPs based on DLS and UV-vis results. Furthermore, we demonstrate the practicality of our model in situations in which conducting EM measurements presents a challenge: Tracking in situ the synthesis of 100 nm gold NPs.

Biological Synthesis, Characterization, and Therapeutic Potential of S. commune-Mediated Gold Nanoparticles.

Green-synthesized gold nanoparticles demonstrate several therapeutic benefits due to their safety, non-toxicity, accessibility, and ecological acceptance. In our study, gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) were created using an extracellular extract from the fungus Schizophyllum commune (S. commune). The reaction color was observed to be a reddish pink after a 24 h reaction, demonstrating the synthesis of the nanoparticles. The myco-produced nanoparticles were investigated using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), and UV-visible spectroscopy. The TEM pictures depicted sphere-like shapes with sizes ranging from 60 and 120 nm, with an average diameter of 90 nm, which is in agreement with the DLS results. Furthermore, the efficiency of the AuNPs' antifungal and cytotoxic properties, as well as their production of intracellular ROS, was evaluated. Our findings showed that the AuNPs have strong antifungal effects against Trichoderma sp. and Aspergillus flavus at increasing doses. Additionally, the AuNPs established a dose-dependent activity against human alveolar basal epithelial cells with adenocarcinoma (A549), demonstrating the potency of synthesized AuNPs as a cytotoxic agent. After 4 h of incubation with AuNPs, a significant increase in intracellular ROS was observed in cancer cells. Therefore, these metallic AuNPs produced by fungus (S. commune) can be used as an effective antifungal, anticancer, and non-toxic immunomodulatory delivery agent.

Solvent-Dependent Photoluminescence Emission and Colloidal Stability of Carbon Quantum dots from Watermelon Peels.

Waste peels are considered an environmental burden and typically disposed in landfills. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of various solvents on the luminescence properties of carbon quantum dots (CQDs). Watermelon peels were recycled and reuse as precursors for the synthesis of biomass CQDs via a green carbonization method. The colloidal stability, surface charge, and particle size were characterized using zeta potential and dynamic light scattering (DLS). DLS revealed that the size of the CQDs was approximately 5.80 ± 0.4nm to 9.74 ± 0.8nm. The high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) results demonstrated a correlation with the DLS results. The optical properties were characterized by photoluminescence (PL) and UV-Visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy. PL measurements at different excitation wavelengths revealed that the CQDs emissions were influenced by the polarity of the solvents. Meanwhile, the Fourier transform infra-red (FTIR) results showed the presence of oxygen-containing groups on the surface of the CQDs. These results deepen our understanding of the solvent-dependent behavior and colloidal stability of the CQDs.

Thermo- and pH-responsive targeted lipid-coated mesoporous nano silica platform for dual delivery of paclitaxel and gemcitabine to overcome HER2-positive breast cancer

In the current study, a new monoclonal antibody conjugated dual stimuli lipid-coated mesoporous silica nanoparticles (L-MSNs) platform was developed and investigated for specific co-delivery of the paclitaxel (PTX) and gemcitabine (Gem) to cancer cells and preventing their side effects during the treatment process. First, MSNs were synthesized and then coated with as-prepared pH-, and thermo-sensitive niosomes to produce L-MSNs. For this aim, Dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) was used to create thermo-sensitivity, and 1, 2-Distearoyl-sn-glycerol-3-phosphoethanolamine -Citraconic Anhydride-Polyethylene Glycol (DSPE-CA-PEG) polymers were prepared and incorporated to the lipid layer for creation of pH-sensitivity. In the next step, trastuzumab as a monoclonal antibody (mAb) was conjugated to the maleimide groups of the 1, 2-Distearoyl-sn-glycerol-3-phosphoethanolamine DSPE-polyethylene glycol (PEG)-maleimide agents in the lipid bilayer via a disulfide bond. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) and zeta potential measurements, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analyses were utilized to characterize the synthesized particles before and after surface modification. The encapsulation efficiency (EE%) and loading efficiency (LE%) of the particles were also evaluated. Additionally, the drug release study and MTT assay were done to evaluate the bioactivity potential of the fabricated platforms. The results of DLS and zeta potential measurements revealed an average size of 200 nm and a neutral zeta potential of about −1 mV for mAb-L-MSNs. Also, the FTIR spectra confirmed the formation of mAb-L-MSNs. Moreover, SEM analysis showed spherical-shaped MSNs with amorphous structure confirmed by XRD analysis, and BET test revealed ∼ 820 m2/g specific surface area and pore about 5 nm in size. The values of EE% and LE% of PTX were 90.3 % and 26.7 %, while these values for GEM were 89.5 % and 38.8 % in the co-loaded form, respectively. The thermo-pH-sensitivity examination showed approximately 500 nm of size increase after the change of pH and temperature from 7.4 and 37˚C to 5 and 42˚C. The release profile showed a pH-, and thermo-dependence manner, which led to about 89 % and 95 % of PTX and GEM released from the co-loaded platform at a pH of 5 and 42 °C while these values were 31.1 % and 32.2 % at pH of 7.4 and 37˚C, respectively. MTT assay data presented that when the mAb-L-co-loaded-MSNs platform containing 250 µg/mL drug was used, about 92 % of cells died in human epidermal receptors (HER2)-positive breast cancer cells (SKBR3), while just about 4 % of HER2-negative normal cells were killed. However, the growth inhibition rate of SKBR3 cells was caused by empty-mAb-L-MSNs, pure PTX and GEM combination were 9 % and 87 %, respectively. Moreover, the half inhibitory concentration (IC50) of the pure PTX, pure GEM, and mAb-coloaded-L-MSNs were 33, 17.6, and 6.5 µg/mL. The synergic effect of co-encapsulation of PTX and GEM in addition to trastuzumab conjugated L-MSNs was confirmed by a combinational index (CI) of 0.34. Therefore, this strategy leads to specific targeted drug delivery to cancer cells using a key-lock interaction between the trastuzumab and HER-2 receptors on the cancer cell membrane which stimuli the endocytosis of the particles to the cells followed by the destruction of the lipid layer in the acidic pH and the temperature of the lysosome, leading to enhanced release of PTX and GEM (pH of 5 and 42˚C). So, this platform can be considered a suitable carrier for cancer treatment.

Optimization and antifungal efficacy against brown rot fungi of combined Salvia rosmarinus and Cedrus atlantica essential oils encapsulated in Gum Arabic

The stability, sensitivity, and volatility of essential oils are some of their most serious limitations, and nanoencapsulation has been considered one of the most effective techniques for solving these problems. This research aimed to investigate the incorporation of Salvia rosmarinus Speen and Cedrus atlantica Manetti (MEO) essential oil mixture in Gum Arabic (GA) and to evaluate nanoencapsulation’s ability to promote antifungal activity against two brown rot fungi responsible for wood decay Gloeophyllum trabeum and Poria placenta. The optimization of encapsulation efficiency was performed using response surface methodology (RSM) with two parameters: solid-to-solid (MEO/GA ratio) and solid-to-liquid (MEO/ethanol). The recovered powder characterization was followed by various techniques using a scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray diffractometry (XRD), dynamic light scattering (DLS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA). The optimal nanoencapsulating conditions obtained from RSM were ratios of MEO/GA of 1:10 (w/w) and MEO/ethanol of 10% (v/v), which provided the greatest encapsulation efficiency (87%). The results of SEM, XRD, DLS, FTIR, and TGA showed that the encapsulation of MEO using GA modified particle form and molecular structure and increased thermal stability. An antifungal activity assay indicated that an effective concentration of MEO had an inhibitory effect on brown rot fungi. It had 50% of the maximal effect (EC50) value of 5.15 ± 0.88 µg/mL and 12.63 ± 0.65 µg/mL for G. trabeum and P. placenta, respectively. Therefore, this product has a great potential as a natural wood preservative for sustainable construction and green building.

Structure and antiradical activity of N-monosubstituted amino acid derivatives of fullerene C60 in aqueous colloidal solutions

The dimensional characteristics of nanoparticles of N-mono- substituted amino acid derivatives of fullerene C60 (AAFDs) in aqueous colloidal solutions, determined by dynamic light scattering (DLS) and small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), were compared. The DLS data on the dimensional characteristics of fullerene C60 and AAFD nanoparticles, obtained at scattering angles of 90° and 173°, are close in values with a correlation coefficient of 0.89, and the SAXS data indicate that AAFDs form ordered structures in solution. Based on the results of DLS and the ability of fullerene and AAFDs to inhibit peroxyl radicals, it can be concluded that varying the concentrations of the studied compounds in the range from 10-7 to 10-3 m does not affect the degree of aggregation of their nanoparticles.

Analysing the In-Use Stability of mRNA-LNP COVID-19 Vaccines Comirnaty™ (Pfizer) and Spikevax™ (Moderna): A Comparative Study of the Particulate.

Comirnaty™ and Spikevax™ were the first vaccines approved for human use based on modified non-replicating mRNA lipophilic nanoparticle (mRNA-LNP) technology, with great success in the treatment of COVID-19. They have been used massively worldwide. One of the major inconveniences of these vaccines is related to pharmaceutical stability issues. Proper transportation, storage, and in-use handling before administration to patients are critical steps since failures can potentially reduce potency. In this research, the in-use stability of Comirnaty™ and Spikevax™ clinical samples was analysed and the results were compared. As changes in the size of the mRNA-LNPs are related to potency, these modifications were analysed by qualitative Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) as a stability-indicating method for control and stressed vaccine samples. Strong stress factors (accelerated light irradiation, manual shaking, and vortex vibration) and conditions that mimic in-use handling (exposure to natural light and room temperature, repeated cycles of injections, and 24 h storage in syringes) were checked. The morphology of the mRNA-LNPs was analysed by Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) to better interpret and support the DLS results. Although the two vaccines are based on the same mRNA-LNP technology, the results demonstrate that they are characterised by very different particle size profiles and behaviours against different handling/stress conditions.

Characterization and antimicrobial evaluation of biomimetically synthesized silver nanoparticles using aqueous leaf extract of Morinda lucida Benth. (Rubiaceae)

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are silver atom masses that are attracting widespread interest due to their diverse applications, particularly their activity as antimicrobial agents. Physico-chemical methods of AgNP synthesis are associated with high costs, high temperatures and toxic byproducts. Thus, the plant mediated pathway represents a better option. The indigenous medicinal plant Morinda lucida was employed in the fabrication of AgNPs. The nanoparticles were characterized using different analytical techniques and also evaluated for their antimicrobial potential. Phytochemical screening of the plant was also carried out. For the synthesis, 10 ml of aqueous M. lucida leaf extract was added to 90 ml of freshly prepared 3 mM silver nitrate (AgNO3) solution in a flask. The mixture was allowed to stand at ambient temperature, in a dark cupboard for 48 hours. Positive AgNP synthesis, indicated by a colour change from red to brown was further validated by UV-vis spectroscopy wherein an absorption peak at 460.51 nm was recorded. The utilitarian aspects of the particles were further characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering (DLS), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). The SEM images showed that particles were round to irregular in shape. Amide, amine, alkene and alkynes were the most occurring functional groups from the FTIR spectra. Quantitative phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of flavonoids, terpenoids, phenols, reducing sugars and alkaloids in varying amounts, which play a significant role in the synthesis and stabilization of the AgNPs. The XRD diffractogram of AgNPs showed two peaks at 45.53° and 77.17° that correspond to miller indices of (200) and (311) respectively and an average crystalline size of 62.60 nm obtained using the Debye-Scherrer’s formula. The DLS result indicated a Z–average size of 235.1 nm and a polydispersity index (PDI) of 0.4. EDX analysis showed that elemental silver (Ag) had the highest atomic concentration of 64.50 %. Using the agar well diffusion assay, the nanoparticles exhibited antimicrobial activity against P. aeruginosa (bacteria) and A. flavus (fungi). It can be concluded that M. lucida is capable of synthesizing stable, small-sized AgNPs with antimicrobial potential.

Stability and Biosimilarity Assessment of Bevacizumab Monoclonal Antibody; Orthogonal Testing Protocol Coupled With Peptide Mapping-Principal Component Analysis.

Biologics are essential in cancer treatment because they stimulate the body's natural response to fight cancer, but they are expensive. Biosimilars are more affordable compared to patent biologicals, but it must be verified that they are as effective as their innovators. Characterization of biosimilars and assessment of interchangeability requires many data points for verification. The proposed study provides a quality assessment of two new bevacizumab (BVZ) biosimilars, produced by Amgen and Biocad, Inc., through the development and greenness assessment of an orthogonal testing protocol and purity indicating assay, including size-exclusion (SE-HPLC), reversed-phase (RP-HPLC), and cation exchange chromatography (CEX-HPLC) in addition to dynamic light scattering (DLS) and sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). SE-HPLC method was performed and validated to screen the BVZ monomer and its aggregates and/or fragments. Peak purity and system suitability parameters were calculated. Results indicate that the orthogonal protocol is a useful tool for assessing monoclonal antibody stability. It is a key criterion for biosimilarity assessment. DLS and SDS-PAGE results were compared to each other to reveal close retention times and banding patterns between BVZ innovator and its biosimilars. These results showed that Avastin® and the investigated biosimilars have the same profile in terms of peak area of related compounds within the acceptance limit and apparent molecular weight, and the SDS-PAGE technique was found to be the most eco-friendly technique among others. The results obtained highlighted the importance of assessing similarities and differences in ensuring the biosimilarity and interchangeability of the studied products. BVZ is one of the essential monoclonal antibodies in the treatment of colorectal cancer (CRC). BVZ biosimilars were evaluated by developing an orthogonal testing protocol and a purity-indicating assay. The size-exclusion (SE)-HPLC method was applied and validated to monitor the BVZ monomer and its aggregates. The results demonstrated the importance of assessing the stability and biosimilarity of BVZ.

Interface Adsorption and Aggregation Behavior of Sulfonate-Based Anionic Silicone Surfactants in Aqueous Solution.

A series of sulfonate silicone surfactants possessing different hydrophobic groups were synthesized. Their adsorption and thermodynamic parameters in aqueous solutions were investigated by surface tension measurements, conductivity, transmission electron microscopy and dynamic light scattering. The results suggested that the surface activity and aggregation behavior of these surfactants were clearly influenced by the hydrophobic groups, due to the fact that hydrophobic trimethylsilyl or triethylsilyl groups in these surfactants had good flexibility and high hydrophobicity. This research work will enrich the variety of silicone surfactants and provide theoretical guidance for their potential applications.

Production of dye nanoparticles via a supercritical gas anti‐solvent process and optimisation of the process conditions

AbstractNanoparticles of dyes and pigments with high quality and efficiency can be successfully used in the supercritical dyeing process of the textile industries, which is introduced as a waterless and greener dyeing method. In this study, nanoparticles of the Quinoline yellow dye, known as colour index (CI) Solvent Yellow 33, were precipitated via the supercritical gas anti‐solvent (GAS) process. This process was performed at various pressures (100, 130, and 150 bar), temperatures (308, 318, and 328 K), and solute concentrations (10, 30, and 50 mg/ml), designed by the Box–Behnken design (BBD) method. It was found that increasing the pressure, reducing the temperature, and reducing the initial concentration of the liquid solution provided favourable conditions for the production of nano‐sized particles with narrow size distribution and uniform morphology. Accordingly, the optimum operating conditions of the GAS process which resulted in precipitation of the dye nanoparticles, with a mean particle size of 125 nm, were determined at a temperature of 318 K, pressure of 150 bar, and the initial concentration of 10 mg/ml. The characteristics of the precipitated particles were analysed with high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), field‐emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), dynamic light scattering (DLS), and Fourier‐transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometry analysis. Based on the DSC and XRD results, GAS processed samples have lower crystallinity and lower particle size. Also, nano‐metric size and narrow size distribution of the precipitated dye particles were confirmed through the FESEM and DLS results.

Dynamic light scattering and transmission electron microscopy in drug delivery: a roadmap for correct characterization of nanoparticles and interpretation of results.

In this focus article, we provide a scrutinizing analysis of transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and dynamic light scattering (DLS) as the two common methods to study the sizes of nanoparticles with focus on the application in pharmaceutics and drug delivery. Control over the size and shape of nanoparticles is one of the key factors for many biomedical systems. Particle size will substantially affect their permeation through biological membranes. For example, an enhanced permeation and retention effect requires a very narrow range of sizes of nanoparticles (50-200 nm) and even a minor deviation from these values will substantially affect the delivery of drug nanocarriers to the tumour. However, amazingly a great number of research papers in pharmaceutics and drug delivery report a striking difference in nanoparticle size measured by the two most popular experimental techniques (TEM and DLS). In some cases, this difference was reported to be 200-300%, raising the question of which size measurement result is more trustworthy. In this focus article, we primarily focus on the physical aspects that are responsible for the routinely observed mismatch between TEM and DLS results. Some of these factors such as concentration and angle dependencies are commonly underestimated and misinterpreted. We convincingly show that correctly used experimental procedures and a thorough analysis of results generated using both methods can eliminate the DLS and TEM data mismatch completely or will make the results much closer to each other. Also, we provide a clear roadmap for drug delivery and pharmaceutical researchers to conduct reliable DLS measurements.

A Novel Hyperthermostable Recombinant Protein Nanocage

Ferritin has an important role in iron storage in the cells, and due to its nanocage structure and self-assembly properties, it has wide application prospects in nanobiotechnology. The maize (Zea mays) ferritin gene ZmFer1 was cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3) for the first time. Change in macromolecular structure of ZmFer1 ferritin due to heat treatment was investigated using native PAGE electrophoresis, DLS, and TEM. Change in the secondary structures of the protein was evaluated using CD spectroscopy. Moreover, alteration in the conformation of the protein was evaluated using UV-absorption spectra and intrinsic fluorescence spectra. The Tm of ZmFer1 was obtained using DSC. Finally, the effect of heat on the function of ZmFer1 was assessed by iron loading ability. The purified ZmFer1 protein showed a homopolymer nanocage structure. The results of native PAGE electrophoresis, DLS, and TEM techniques showed that ZmFer1 protein nanocage is stable to heat treatment up to 90 °C, and some of the protein nanocages retain their macromolecular structures even at 100 °C in liquid aqueous solution. Based on the DSC results, ZmFer1 protein nanocage had a Tm of 81.9 °C. After treatment at 100 °C, stable ZmFer1 protein nanocages were able to store iron atoms. Recombinant ZmFer1 ferritin with a Tm > 80°C is a hyperthermostable protein nanocage. The results of this study are beneficial for the development of protein nanocages that are stable under extreme temperature conditions, as well as application of ZmFer1 in nanobiotechnology, biomaterials, and biomedical fields.

UV protection properties of workwear fabrics coated with TiO2 nanoparticles.

The main purpose of this study was to evaluate the ultraviolet protective factor (UPF) of fabrics coated with TiO2 nanoparticles made using an in-situ synthesis method and more accurately assess the intrinsic properties of the textile. The cotton-polyester twill fabric (70–30%) (246.67 g/m2) was coated in-situ with TiO2 nanoparticles. In-situ coating is conducted in 4 steps; washing the fabrics, preparation of nanoparticles, injecting the nanoparticles into fabrics, and drying the fabric after coating. The scanning electron microscope (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD), FTIR spectrometer, dynamic light scattering (DLS) and UV-Vis spectrophotometer were used to analyse the data of the coating and UPF results. Also, four standards such as ASTM D737, ISIRI 8332, ISIRI 4199, and ISIRI 567 were used for analyzing the intrinsic properties of a textile. The results of SEM, XRD and DLS altogether confirmed the in-situ formation of nanoparticles onto textile fibers. Moreover, the UPF value of the uncoated and coated fabrics was 3.67 and 55.82, respectively. It was shown that the in-situ deposition of TiO2 nanoparticles on fabric can provide adequate protection against UVR. Also, the results of analyzing the intrinsic properties of the textile showed that there were no significant differences in the intrinsic properties between the coated and uncoated fabrics. Based on the results, it can be concluded that the UV protective properties of workwear fabrics can be improved by coating TiO2 nanoparticles on them without any effect on the cooling effect of perspiration evaporation.

UV protection properties of workwear fabric coated with metal-organic frameworks

The main purpose of this study was to evaluate the ultraviolet protective factor (UPF) of fabrics coated with titanium-based metal-organic framework (MOFs) (NH2-MIL-125(Ti)) made using an In-situ synthesis method and more accurately assess the intrinsic properties of the fabric. The cotton-polyester twill fabric (70-30%) (246.67 g/m2) was coated. In-situ coating conducted in 4 steps washing the fabrics, preparation of MOFs, injecting the MOFs to fabrics, and drying the fabric after coating. The scanning electron microscope (SEM), FTIR spectrometer, dynamic light scattering (DLS) and UV-Vis spectrophotometer were used to analyses the data of coating and UPF results. Also, four standards such as ASTM D737, ISIRI 8332, ISIRI 4199, and ISIRI 567 were used for analyzing the intrinsic properties of the fabric. The results of SEM and DLS altogether confirmed the in-situ formation of MOFs onto the fabric fibers. Moreover, the UPF value of the uncoated and coated fabrics was 3.67 and 315.73, respectively. It was showed that the in-situ deposition of NH2-MIL-125(Ti) on fabric can provide adequate protection against UVR. Also, the results of analyzing the intrinsic properties of the fabric showed that there was no significant difference in the intrinsic properties between the coated and uncoated fabrics. Based on the results, it can be concluded that the UV protective property of workwear fabrics can be improved by coating NH2-MIL-125(Ti) on them without any effect on the cooling effect of perspiration evaporation.

Synthesis and properties of sodium carboxylate silicone surfactant via thiol-ene “click” reaction

The sodium carboxylate silicone surfactant (Si4-COONa)was synthesized via thiol-ene “click” reaction. Its chemical structure was confirmed by 1H NMR, and ESI-MS. The surface activity and aggregation behavior in aqueous solution were investigated by electrical conductivity, surface tension, dynamic light scattering (DLS), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Si4-COONa exhibited admirable surface activity and could reduce the water's surface tension to 19.4 mN·m−1. The electrical conductivity showed that the counterion binding value of Si4-COONa increases with increasing temperature. By analyzing the thermodynamic parameters of micellization, it was found that the micellization of Si4-COONa is spontaneous and entropy driven. The addition of inorganic and organic salts in the aqueous solution decreases the critical micelle concentration remarkably. The TEM and DLS results indicated that the Si4-COONa in aqueous solution or salts solution formed spherical aggregates above the critical micelle concentration.

Biocompatible Chemically Fueled Transient Polymer Nanoparticles for Temporally Programmable in Vivo Imaging

Biocompatible Chemically Fueled Transient Polymer Nanoparticles for Temporally Programmable in Vivo Imaging