Lapatinib is a dual EGFR/HER2 tyrosine kinase inhibitor used in HER2-positive breast cancer (BC). Here, we identified prognostic genes modulated by lapatinib and evaluated whether glucose-functionalized, lapatinib-conjugated silver nanoparticles could enhance its anticancer efficacy. Lapatinib-responsive genes were identified from the GSE38376 dataset and their prognostic associations were assessed using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). Silver nanoparticles were synthesized by Spirulina-mediated reduction of AgNO₃, functionalized with glucose, and conjugated to lapatinib (Ag@Glu-Lapatinib NP), then characterized by FTIR, XRD, zeta potential, SEM, and TEM. SKBR3 cells were treated with Ag@Glu-Lapatinib NP, Ag NP, or lapatinib and evaluated by MTT, Annexin V/PI apoptosis assay, and RT-qPCR for candidate genes. Transcriptomic analysis indicated that lapatinib suppresses proliferation-associated genes and enriches apoptosis-related pathways. In TCGA, ECE2 and CDCA5 were overexpressed and associated with poorer outcomes, whereas PDK4 and ALDH1A1 were reduced and linked to favorable prognosis. Ag@Glu-Lapatinib NP formation was confirmed, and the nanoformulation showed higher potency (IC₅₀ = 62μg/mL at 24h; 31μg/mL at 48h) than free lapatinib (250μg/mL) or Ag NP (125μg/mL), with markedly increased apoptosis. RT-qPCR verified significant modulation of ECE2, CDCA5, PDK4, and ALDH1A1 after Ag@Glu-Lapatinib NP treatment. Conjugating lapatinib to glucose-functionalized silver nanoparticles enhances its activity in HER2-positive BC cells and modulates survival-associated genes. This nano-therapeutic strategy may strengthen the therapeutic potential of lapatinib in breast cancer.

ObjectiveAndrographolide (AG) demonstrated promising anticancer efficacy against the initiation and progression of breast cancer by triggering the mitochondria-mediated intrinsic apoptotic pathway. However, its clinical translation is still hindered by drawbacks such as poor bioavailability and off-target effects; therefore, an optimized drug-delivery system that minimizes these effects is urgently needed. To address these issues, we successfully developed a mitochondria-targeting nanocarrier (TPP-PEG-PCL) with high drug-loading capacity and excellent biocompatibility.MethodsThe mitochondria-targeting copolymer (TPP-PEG-PCL) was synthesized chemically and used to prepare AG-loaded polymeric micelles (TPP-PEG-PCL@AG) by solvent-evaporation method. In vitro, the blank micelles were first evaluated for biocompatibility with mouse breast-cancer cells (4T1) and endothelial cells (EC). Subsequently, a panel of cellular assays was performed on 4T1 cells to compare the antitumor activity of free AG, PEG-PCL@AG, and TPP-PEG-PCL@AG, confirming the enhanced cancer-cell killing achieved through mitochondria-targeted delivery of AG.ResultsThe results showed that TPP-PEG-PCL micelles were readily taken up by 4T1 cells and selectively accumulated in mitochondria with a Pearson’s correlation (Rr) 0.47 compared to 0.25 in PEG-PCL micelles group, leading to a pronounced inhibition of proliferation and migration. By elevating intracellular ROS, decreasing mitochondrial membrane potential, and activating the caspase cascade, the micelles induced apoptosis and thereby achieved mitochondria-targeted potentiation of TPP-PEG-PCL@AG. However, this study is limited to in vitro validation using the 4T1 murine model, and further in vivo investigations are warranted to assess translational efficacy and potential systemic toxicity..ConclusionPCL-PEG nanoparticles decorated with TPP combine pronounced mitochondria-targeting specificity, high drug-loading capacity, excellent biocompatibility and readily tunable architecture, making them an ideal platform for constructing a precise mitochondrial-intervention system for AG. This strategy is particularly attractive for tumor-targeted delivery of AG and opens a new avenue for its clinical translation.

ABSTRACTIn this work, the switching characteristics and current transport properties of poly (vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) based resistive switching (RS) devices with varying PVDF layer thickness have been investigated. The devices, fabricated by spin coating PVDF solution, exhibit forming free bipolar resistive switching with good retention characteristics. The device, having an intermediate PVDF layer thickness of ~252 nm, exhibited the highest ON/OFF ratio () and a very low set voltage of 1.76 V. The low resistance state (LRS) current was found to be obeying Ohm's law, from the almost close to unity slope, and could be possibly carried by formed conducting filaments. However, the high resistance state (HRS) current showed mixed behavior, where in the low‐voltage region, trap‐filled space‐charge limited current (SCLC) was found to be dominating which later switched to trap‐free SCLC. These studies establish the opportunity of PVDF‐based devices for low‐power flash memory‐based applications.

Aims and backgroundDentin hypersensitivity (DH) is characterized by sharp shooting pain due to exposed dentin, and the most common method for treating this pain is the occlusion of the dentinal tubules with the help of desensitizing agents. E-silver diamine fluoride (e-SDF) (Kids-e-Dental, Mumbai, India) is a commercially available 38% SDF solution in the Indian market. Despite the fact that its application for caries prevention has been proven, the fluoride (Fl) and silver (Ag) ion concentrations of e-SDF for use in treating DH have yet to be standardized. The aim of this study is to determine and compare the Fl and Ag ion concentrations released from two commercially available 38% silver diamine fluoride (SDF) solutions.Materials and methodsThe two most common commercially available 38% SDF solution brands, namely Advantage Arrest and e-SDF were used. Two drops of each of these solutions were taken in three beakers and diluted with distilled water. The Fl ion concentration was evaluated using a calibrated ion-specific electrode. The free Ag ion concentration was assessed using an atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS).ResultsRelease of Ag ions shows that on days 1, 2, 5, 6, and 7, concentration (mg/L) was higher in the Advantage Arrest group but is statistically nonsignificant. On days 3 and 4, it is higher in an e-SDF group with a t-value of 1.085 and 0.243 and is statistically nonsignificant. Release of Fl ion showed that in comparison to the baseline, it was more with Advantage Arrest on days 2, 4, and 7 with a t-value of –3.766, –0.999, and 0.347 and on day 2 was statistically significant. On days 3, 5, and 6 Fl ion release from baseline was more with e-SDF in comparison with Advantage Arrest but statistically insignificant.ConclusionThe AAS analysis as well as the ion chromatography showed that the Ag and Fl ion release respectively on days 1–7 from e-SDF was similar to the one seen in the case of Advantage Arrest.Clinical significanceThis helps dentists choose among different brands of the same commercially available 38% SDF solutions depending on the cost and availability of the product.How to cite this articleKamath P, Kamath P, P AN, et al. Evaluation of Fluoride and Silver Ion Concentrations in e-Silver Diamine Fluoride and Advantage Arrest: An Ion Chromatography and Atomic Absorption Spectrometer Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2024;17(10):1141-1145.

Ratiometric fluorescence and colorimetric strategies for detecting activity of butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) in human serum were developed by using g-C3N4 nanosheets, silver ion (Ag+) and o-phenylenediamine (OPD) as chromogenic agents. The oxidation-reduction reaction of OPD and Ag+ generates 2,3-diaminophenazine (oxOPD). Under exciation at 370nm, g-C3N4 nanosheets and oxOPD emit fluorescence at 440nm (F440) and 560nm (F560), respectively. Additionally, oxOPD exhibits quenching ability towards g-C3N4 nanosheets via photoinduced electron transfer (PET) process. Thiocholine (TCh), as a product of BChE-catalyzed hydrolysis reaction of butylthiocholine iodide (BTCh), can coordinate with Ag+ intensively, and consequently diminish the amount of free Ag+ in the testing system. Less amount of free Ag+ leads to less production of oxOPD, resulting in less fluorescence quenching towards g-C3N4 nanosheets as well as less fluorescence emission of oxOPD. Therefore, by using g-C3N4 nanosheets and oxOPD as fluorescence indicators, the intensity ratio of their fluorescence (F440/F560) was calculated and employed to evaluate the activity of BChE. Similarly, the color variation of oxOPD indicated by the absorbance at 420nm (ΔA420) was monitored for the same purpose. These strategies were validated to be sensitive and selective for detecting BChE activity in human serum, with limits of detection (LODs) of 0.1 U L-1 for ratiometric fluorescence mode and 0.7 U L-1 for colorimetric mode.

Cisplatin is one of the first-line drugs for the treatment of breast cancer and is known for its ability to disrupt cancer cell DNA. However, cisplatin chemotherapy carries side effects and the risk of drug resistance. A strategy to improve its anti-cancer efficacy while reducing its negative effects on health is to leverage the synergistic potential of natural molecules with cisplatin. In this study, we explored combination therapy using cisplatin along with biosynthesized silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) to enhance apoptosis induction in MCF-7 breast cancer cells while reducing cisplatin resistance. The biosynthesized Ag NPs, derived from Acacia Luciana flower extracts, possess active molecules that effectively inhibit MCF-7 cells. Concurrent administration of cisplatin and Ag NPs resulted in a notable decrease in the IC50 value – approximately 22 – 26 times lower compared to individual treatments of free Ag NPs and cisplatin, respectively. Furthermore, the combination therapy significantly increased the BAK1/BCLX ratio by 162-fold compared to the control, while the cisplatin alone failed to activate intrinsic apoptosis pathway. In addition, the expression level of the CASP3 gene, indicative of the extrinsic pathway of apoptosis, increased approximately 273 times compared to free cisplatin (CASP3 expression = 3.5). Notably, the combination therapy also reduced the expression of the AKT1 gene, associated with cell survival and treatment resistance, when compared to free cisplatin (1.87 vs. 4.488). In conclusion, our findings proved that combination therapy effectively enhances apoptosis induction by cisplatin while reducing drug resistance.

This study aimed to develop a polymeric matrix of polyamide-6 (P6) impregnated with trimetaphosphate (TMP) nanoparticles and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), and to evaluate its antimicrobial activity, surface free energy, TMP and Ag+ release, and cytotoxicity for use as a support in dental tissue. The data were subjected to statistical analysis (p < 0.05). P6 can be incorporated into TMP without altering its properties. In the first three hours, Ag+ was released for all groups decorated with AgNPs, and for TMP, the release only occurred for the P6-TMP-5% and P6-TMP-10% groups. In the inhibition zones, the AgNPs showed activity against both microorganisms. The P6-TMP-2.5%-Ag and P6-TMP-5%-Ag groups with AgNPs showed a greater reduction in CFU for S. mutans. For C. albicans, all groups showed a reduction in CFU. The P6-TMP groups showed higher cell viability, regardless of time (p < 0.05). The developed P6 polymeric matrix impregnated with TMP and AgNPs demonstrated promising antimicrobial properties against the tested microorganisms, making it a potential material for applications in scaffolds in dental tissues.

Silver (Ag) nanowires, as an important one-dimensional (1D) nanomaterial, have garnered wide attention, owing to their applications in electronics, optoelectronics, sensors, and other fields. In this study, an alternative hydrothermal route was developed to synthesize Ag nanowires via modified reduction of Ag+. Silver sulfamate plays an important role in the formation of Ag nanowires via controlled release of free Ag+. Results of controlled experiments and characterizations such as UV-vis spectroscopy, FTIR, XPS, and 1H NMR revealed that sulfamic acid does not function as a reductant, supporting by the generation of free Ag+ instead of Ag nanostructures in hydrothermally treated silver sulfamate solution. The initial reduction of Ag+ was induced by the combination of poly (vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP) end group and degradation products. This phenomenon was supported by abundant free Ag+ in the mixed preheated silver sulfamatic and preheated PVP aqueous solutions, indicating a second and distinct Ag+ autocatalytic reduction. Thus, the roles of different reagents and Ag+ reduction must be studied for nanomaterial syntheses.

Brucellosis, a zoonotic infectious disease, is a worldwide health issue affecting animals and humans. No effective human vaccine and the complications caused by the use of animal vaccines are among the factors that have prevented the eradication of the disease worldwide. However, bio-engineering technologies have paved the way for designing new targeted and highly efficacious vaccines. In this regard, the study aimed to evaluate immunity induced by mannosylated niosome containing Brucella recombinant trigger factor/Bp26/Omp31 (rTBO) chimeric protein in a mouse model. rTBO as chimeric antigen (Ag) was expressed in Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3) and, after purification, loaded on niosome and mannosylated niosome. The characteristics of the nanoparticles were assessed. The mice were immunized using rTBO, niosome, and mannosylated niosome-rTBO in intranasal and intraperitoneal routes. Serum antibodies (immunoglobulin [Ig]A, IgG, IgG1, and IgG2a) and splenocyte cytokines (interferon-gamma, interleukin [IL]-4, and IL-12) were evaluated in immunized mice. Finally, immunized mice were challenged by B. melitensis and B. abortus. A high antibody level was produced by niosomal antigen (Nio-Ag) and mannosylated noisomal antigen (Nio-Man-Ag) compared to the control after 10, 24, and 38 days of immunization. The IgG2a/IgG1 titer ratio for Nio-Man-Ag was 1.2 and 1.1 in intraperitoneal and intranasal methods and lower than one in free Ag and Nio-Ag. Cytokine production was significantly higher in the immunized animal with Ag-loaded nanoparticles than in the negative control group (p<0.05). Moreover, cytokine and antibody levels were significantly higher in the injection than in the inhalation method (p<0.05). The combination of mannosylated noisome and rTBO chimeric proteins stimulate the cellular and humoral immune response and produce cytokines, playing a role in developing the protective acquired immune response in the Brucella infectious model. Also, the intraperitoneal route resulted in a successful enhancement of cytokines production more than intranasal administration. Designing an effective vaccine candidate against Brucella that selectively induces cellular and humoral immune response can be done by selecting a suitable nanoniosome formulation as an immunoadjuvant and recombinant protein as an immune response-stimulating Ag.

: Silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) are used in sterilizing nanomaterials, medical products, textiles, food storage bags, and personal care products. Ag NPs exhibited significant antibacterial activity due to the sustained release of free Ag. Flavokawain B (FKB) is a natural chalcone extracted from the roots of the kava-kava plant Piper methysticum. In this study, Ag NPs were synthesized by the chemical method using hydrazine hydrate and poly (vinyl alcohol) as reducing and stabilizing agents, respectively. FKB-loaded Ag NPs showed a red shift and were positioned at 421 nm, indicating Ag NPs presence. The FTIR spectrum confirmed the presence of the aromatic compoundand#39;s functional groups (at different absorption bands). The XRD pattern indicated the crystalline nature of the loaded Ag NPs with face-centered cubic (fcc) Ag crystals. SEM image revealed the crystalline nature of FKB-loaded Ag NPs. FESEM image revealed the loading of Ag NPs on the clear and flat surface of FKB, and a spherical shape of Ag NPs with an average size of 60 nm was obtained. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of AgFKB against Gram-negative bacteria, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa was found to be 100 μg/mL. However, 100 μg/mL of FKB discs did not show any inhibition zone in the activity. These findings indicated the improved antibacterial activity of FKB-loaded Ag NPs (Ag-FKB).

The synthesis of Poly(PVA/St/Ag NPs) nanocomposite by using of gamma radiation was carried out. The progress of the reaction was examined by using different techniques such as Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), UV, XRD, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The FTIR show the successful preparation of the Poly(PVA/St/Ag NPs) nanocomposite by gamma radiation at a dose of 5 kGy. The TEM analysis displays the particle size distribution of Ag NPs and it is observed that the Ag NPs size was in the range of 21-30 nm. The SEM images show a good distribution of silver nanoparticles in the Poly(PVA/St/Ag NPs) nanocomposite. matrix, but with little agglomerations or aggregates observed on the surface of the Poly(PVA/St/Ag NPs) nanocomposite. The XRD analysis indicates that amorphous regions are enhanced in the Poly(PVA/St/Ag NPs) nanocomposite. The coating of Citrus fruits by of Poly(PVA/St/Ag NPs) nanocomposite showed better performance in inhibition of the growth of P. digitatum on citrus fruits than free Ag NPs at concentration of 30 ppm. The incorporation of Ag NPs in Poly(PVA/St/Ag NPs) nanocomposite has extremely obvious antifungal activities against P. digitatum due to the nanometer range of Ag NPs that can interact with P. digitatum surface and/or its core where it enters inside the cell, as a result, cellular metabolism is inhibited causing death of P. digitatum and subsequently exhibits antifungal activities.

Migration regularity and control of silver inclusions during copper electrorefining process

Array-based sensing and discrimination of segmented Baijiu using organic molecules-regulated PEI@Ag NPs@Ln as fluorescent probes.

“Tai Chi” philosophy driven dual-network ionogel membrane comprised of ionic guests in a multifunctional host for propylene/propane separation

Indocyanine green (ICG) is effective for a variety of applications including liver tumour imaging and operates in the near-infrared window. Agents for near-infrared imaging are, however, still in clinical development. The present study aimed to prepare and investigate fluorescence emission properties of ICG in combination with Ag-Au in order to enhance their specific interactions with human hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines (HepG-2). The Ag-Au-ICG complex was prepared via physical adsorption, and hence evaluated for fluorescence spectra using a spectrophotometer. Ag-Au-ICG at an optimised dosage (Ag-Au:ICG = 0.0147:1 molar ratio) in Intralipid medium was added to HepG-2 to observe the maximum fluorescence signal intensity, which further enhanced HepG-2 contrast fluorescence. Ag-Au-ICG served as a fluorescence enhancer bound onto the liposome membrane, whilst free Ag, Au, and pure ICG induced low levels of cytotoxicity in HepG-2 and a normal human cell line. Thus, our findings provided new insights for the liver cancer imaging. Highlights Concentration-dependent fluorescence peaking in the near-infrared window revealed ICG aggregation in Ag-Au molecules. Ag-Au-ICG fluorescence intensity depended strongly on the environmental media. Human hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines treated with Ag-Au-ICG in Intralipid enhanced the contrast of fluorescence microscopy images by decreasing the level of scattering in the cell lines with the contrast values being approximately five times those observed in pure ICG in Intralipid.

Molecular mechanism of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in promoting biomineralization on bacterial surface

The present work reports the synthesis of new N4-donor compounds carrying p-xylyl spacers in their structure. Different Schiff base aliphatic N-donors were obtained synthetically and subsequently evaluated for their ability to interact with two models of nucleic acids: calf-thymus DNA (CT-DNA) and the RNA from yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae (herein simply indicated as RNA). In more detail, by condensing p-xylylenediamine and a series of aldehydes, we obtained the following Schiff base ligands: 2-thiazolecarboxaldehyde (L1), pyridine-2-carboxaldehyde (L2), 5-methylisoxazole-3-carboxaldehyde (L3), 1-methyl-2-imidazolecarboxaldehyde (L4), and quinoline-2-carboxaldehyde (L5). The structural characterisation of the ligands L1-L5 (X-ray, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, elemental analysis) and of the coordination polymers {[CuL1]PF6}n (herein referred to as Polymer1) and {[AgL1]BF4}n, (herein referred to as Polymer2, X-ray, 1H NMR, ESI-MS) is herein described in detail. The single crystal X-ray structures of complexes Polymer1 and Polymer2 were also investigated, leading to the description of one-dimensional coordination polymers. The spectroscopic and in silico evaluation of the most promising compounds as DNA and RNA binders, as well as the study of the influence of the 1D supramolecular polymers Polymer1 and Polymer2 on the proliferation of Escherichia coli bacteria, were performed in view of their nucleic acid-modulating and antimicrobial applications. Spectroscopic measurements (UV-Vis) combined with molecular docking calculations suggest that the thiazolecarboxaldehyde derivative L1 is able to bind CT-DNA with a mechanism different from intercalation involving the thiazole ring in the molecular recognition and shows a binding affinity with DNA higher than RNA. Finally, Polymer2 was shown to slow down the proliferation of bacteria much more effectively than the free Ag(I) salt.

Altering sliver nanoparticles-induced inhibition to bacterial denitrification via visible light by regulating silver transformation and adaptive mechanism under anaerobic conditions

Porphyrin derivatives are popular photodynamic therapy (PDT) agents; however, their typical insolubility in water has made it challenging to separate cells of organisms in a liquid water environment. Herein, a novel water-soluble 5,10,15,20-tetrakis(4-methoxyphenyl-3-sulfonatophenyl) porphyrin (TMPPS) was synthesized with 95% yield by modifying the traditional sulfonation route. The reaction of TMPPS with AgNO3 afforded AgTMPPS an unusual Ag(II) oxidation state (97% yield). The free base and Ag(II) complex were characterized by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-mass spectroscopy, and 1H nuclear magnetic resonance, Fourier-transform infrared, UV-vis, fluorescence, and X-ray photolectron spectroscopies. Upon 460 nm laser irradiation, AgTMPPS generated a large amount of 1O2, whereas no ⦁OH was detected. Antibacterial experiments on methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) revealed that the combined action of AgⅡ ions and PDT could endow AgTMPPS with a 100% bactericidal ratio for highly concentrated MRSA (108 CFU/mL) at a very low dosage (4 μM) under laser irradiation at 360 J/cm2. Another PDT response was demonstrated by photocatalytically oxidizing 1,4-dihydronicotinamide adenine dinucleotide to NAD+ with AgTMPPS. The structural features of the TMPPS and AgTMPPS molecules were investigated by density functional theory quantum chemical calculations to demonstrate the efficient chemical and photodynamical effects of AgTMPPS for non-invasive antibacterial therapy.

The development of innovative antibacterial drugs against foodborne pathogens has led to an interest in novel materials such as nanomaterials. The unique features of nanomaterial qualify it for use as an antibacterial treatment. Noble metals and metal oxide nanoparticles, such as silver and magnetite nanoparticles, have been shown to be effective antibacterial medications against a range of microorganisms. In this work, Ag@Fe3O4 -NPs were fabricated by using a wet chemical reduction and modified co-precipitation techniques. The antibacterial efficiency of the Ag/Fe3O4 core shell nanoparticles was investigated by applying various techniques, such as the Kirby–Bauer Disk Diffusion test, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and bactericidal concentration (MBC), Colony Forming Unit (CFU), and kill time assay. The toxicity mechanism of Ag@Fe3O4 -NPs against Salmonella typhimurium and Escherichia coli was studied by apoptosis and reactive oxygen species (ROS) assays. The data revealed that a cubic core was surrounded by a silver shell, which indicated the regular morphology of silver magnetite core shell nanoparticles without any aggregation. Furthermore, Ag@Fe3O4 -NPs is more toxic against S. typhimurium and E. coli than Ag-NPs and Fe3O4 NPs. The MIC values for Ag/Fe3O4 NPs against S. typhimurium and E. coli were 3.1 and 5.4 μg/ml, respectively, whereas the MIC values for Ag-NPs and MNPs against S. typhimurium and E. coli were 4.1 and 8.2 μg/ml for Ag-NPs and 6.9 and 10.3 μg/ml for MNPs. The results showed the ability of Ag@Fe3O4 -NPs to induce apoptosis by generating ROS. Also, the ability of Ag@Fe3O4 -NPs to liberate free Ag+ and generate ROS via the Haber-Weiss cycle may be a plausible mechanism to explain the toxicity of Ag@Fe3O4 -NPs - NPs.