Nano Compound Research Articles

A Review on ZnO-based Targeted Drug Delivery System

Abstract:: Cancer is the most malignant chronic disease worldwide, with a high mortality rate. It can be treated with conventional therapies such as chemotherapy and immunotherapy, but these techniques have several side effects, limiting their therapeutic outcome and reducing application. Recently, a promising method of drug delivery has been devised to minimize side effects and induce potential benefits during treatment. The targeted drug delivery system (TDDS) is one of the established drug delivery methods using nanoparticles, crossing different biological barriers, targeting a specific diseased site, and resulting in sustained drug release. The current research introduces a plethora of nanoparticles that can be implemented to deliver or target drugs to a particular site, such as polymeric nanoparticles (PLGA, PLA, chitosan), metal-based nanoparticles (gold, iron oxide), carbon-based nanoparticles (CNTs, graphene), bio nanoparticles (liposomes, micelles) and ceramic nanoparticles (mesoporous-based silica, calcium phosphate). Most of them are proven to be very efficient in targeting the desired site and causing fatal damage to the tumor cells. Zinc oxide (ZnO) is a nano compound, that shows a wide range of favorable properties, making it widely acceptable for biomedical applications. This review focuses on TDDS using ZnO as a drug carrier, followed by factors affecting TDDS such as drug loading, encapsulation efficiency, cell viability, and zeta potential. The target mechanism of TDDS for cancer therapy has also been discussed, indicating a better alternative for clinical treatment. This approach also presents certain challenges besides the potential for oncology.

In-vitro antimicrobial efficacy of heterostructured ZnO/ZnWO4 nanocomposites for dental caries

ZnO/ZnWO4 nanocomposites were synthesized in a one-pot green technique utilizing Lycopersicon esculentum extract and were confirmed by PXRD, SEM, EDX, and thermogravimetric analysis. The antimicrobial efficacy of nano-sized ZnO/ZnWO4 against salivary microbial samples was studied using the Well diffusion and time-course analysis methods. The results disclosed that nanocomposite has greater inhibition of the growth of salivary microbes. Further analysis proved that it controls Lactobacillus highly and Streptococcus mutans poorly. This ZnO/ZnWO4 nanocomposites exhibits up to 69% higher inhibition than that of ZnO nano compound and 70% higher activity than commercial ZnO at 130 mg/mL concentration. Thus ZnO/ZnWO4 nanocomposites can be promising candidates to replace the ZnO powder which is currently used for endodontic applications.

Structural, magnetic, and nonlinear optical properties of calcium doped Ni-Zn ferrite nanoparticles synthesized by co-precipitation method

Ni0.5Zn0.45Ca0.05Fe2O4 nanoparticles were synthesized by co-precipitation technique, and its structural, spectroscopic, magnetic, linear, and third-order nonlinear optical characteristics were studied using XRD, Raman, and FTIR spectroscopy, VSM, UV–visible DRS spectroscopy, and z scan technique respectively. The XRD results revealed the inverse cubic (Fd3m) spinel structure and an average crystallite size of 36 nm. X-ray density, specific surface area were calculated, and the Rietveld refined parameters almost agree with the estimated structural parameters. FESEM images show spherical morphology and EDX analysis gives the chemical composition of the sample. A bandgap of 1.85 eV is found from the UV–Vis-DRS spectrum. The third-order nonlinear optical parameters such as nonlinear refractive index (n2), nonlinear absorption coefficient (β), third-order susceptibility (χ(3), second-order hyperpolarizability, and optical limiting response were studied with 532 nm 5 ns laser pulses. The synthesized nano compound had significant optical limiting property.

Effect of Humic Acid and NPK Nanocomposite on the Chemical Content of Fronds of Three Cultivars of Young Palm Trees Phoenix Dactylifera L.

To investigate the impact of adding organic acid (humic acid) and spraying, the experiment was carried out in the palm grove at the Agricultural Research and Experiment Station at the Sayada site of the College of Agriculture/University of Kirkuk/Republic of Iraq from 6/15/2022 to 4/15/2023. Three different types of date palms received the NPK compound fertilizer treatment. Al-Khastawi, Al-Khaddrawy, and the yellow Shwathi. Three replications of the factorial experiment were conducted using the RCBD and split plot designs, respectively. Duncan's multiple limit test was used to assess the data at the probability level (0.05). The interaction treatment between the treatment and the treated variety T5V2 (NPK nanocomposite fertilizer and the Khestawi variety) was superior in the percentage of the wicker content of carbohydrates, nitrogen, and chlorophyll, reaching (8.19%), 2.02% 30.33 mg gm -1 fresh weight) respectively. The concentration of (1.5 g liter-1) of NPK nanocomposite fertilizer (T5) affected all the studied chemical properties. The yellow Shuwathi cultivar outperformed the Khastawi and Khadrawi cultivars in the treatment of T5V1 (nano compound fertilizer NPK). The percentage of phosphorus and potassium in the vine reached (0.97, 0.91%), respectively. Wicker's potassium content as a percentage reached 0.74%.

Acmella oleracea induced nanostructured Ca2Fe2O5 for evaluation of photo catalytic degradation of cardiovascular drugs and bio toxicity

Biosynthesis of nanoparticles is increasingly becoming popular due to the demand for sustainable technologies worldwide. In the present investigation, Acmella oleracea plant extract fuelled combustion technique followed by calcination at 600 °C was adopted to prepare nanocrystalline Ca2Fe2O5. The prepared nano compound was characterised using X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Ultra Violet (UV) spectroscopy, Infrared (IR) spectroscopy and its role was assessed for photocatalytic pollutant degradation along with bactericidal action in the concentration range of 1 μg/mL to 320 μg/mL. The photocatalytic degradation efficiency of pollutant drugs Clopidogrel Bisulphate and Asprin used for cardiovascular disorders is around 80% with 10 mg/L photocatalyst. The results showed that the photocatalytic activity increased with rising pH from 4, to 10, along with a significant antibacterial action against Enterococcus faecalis bacteria and a slight cytotoxic effect at high concentrations. The antibacterial property was reinforced by Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) and Minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBC) studies with an average value of 0.103 at 600 nm which was further proved by significant anti-biofilm activeness. Adhesion tests in conjunction with cryogenic-scanning electron microscopy displayed a morphological change through agglomeration that caused an expansion in nano particles from 181 nm to 223.6 nm due to internalization followed by inactivation of bacteria. In addition, the non-toxicity of nano Ca2Fe2O5 was confirmed by subtle cytological changes in microscopic images of Allium Cepa root cells in the concentration range 0.01–100 μg/mL and a slight inhibition in HeLa cell proliferation indicated by IC50 value of 170.94 μg/mL. In total, the current investigation for the first time reveals the application of bio based synthesis of Nano Ca2Fe2O5 to new possibilities in bioremediation namely degrading cardiovascular pharmaceutical pollutants, endodontic antibacterial action and cytological activity.

Sb-doped Tl8.67 Sn1.33-xSbx Te6 nanoparticles improve power factor and electronic charge transport

Thallium telluride Tl8.67 Sn1.33-xSbxTe6 nano compound doped with different concentration ratios of Sb (x = 0.63, 0.65, 0.66, 0.68, 0.70, or 0.72) was prepared using solid-state techniques, and the compound was heated up to 550 K in vacuum silica tubes. The structure of the nano system was studied using XRD and EDX. It was confirmed that, without any other impurities, the nano system had a single-phase tetragonal crystal structure. The measured Seebeck coefficient (S) of all nano compounds showed that S increased with increase in temperature from 300 to 550 K. S was positive at all temperatures, showing characteristics of a p-type semiconductor. The complex behaviour of S in an Sb-doped nano system showed that at low temperature (room temperature), S first decreased with an increase in Sb concentration up to x = 0.65 and then increased with an increase in the Sb dopant up to x = 0.72. Similarly, electrical conductivity (σ) decreased with an increase in temperature, and the power factor showed complex behaviour relative to Sb concentration. The power factor observed for Tl8.67 Sn1.33-xSbx Te6 nano compound increased with an increase in temperature, within a temperature range of 300–550 K. Tellurides are semiconductors of very narrow band-gap, with component elements in common oxidation states, according to (Tl+9) (Sb3+) (Te2-)6. The phase range was also assessed, and results demonstrated that different Sb dopant ratios were associated with differences in properties (e.g., electrical, thermal, and Seebeck effect) and hence variation in power factor. These results indicate a route through which the thermoelectric characteristics of Tl8.67 Sn1.33-xSbxTe6-based nano materials were harnessed for the development of thermoelectric and electronic applications.

Antimicrobial Activity of Zinc Oxide, titanium Dioxide and Silver Nanoparticles Against Mithicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Isolates

The different investigation has been carried out on the biological activities of silver, zinc oxide and titanium dioxide nanoparticles. But no study till now has identified the activity of particles' size or type, nor a study has proved their best synergism activity with antibiotics in one experiment against the same isolates.
 In this study different sizes of the three types of nanoparticles (NPs) was used to detect the antibacterial activity against methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus, which was isolated from patients (with burns and wound) at Erbil hospitals. Different antibiotics also, was evaluated against the same isolates. The Mithicillin-Resistant S. aureus (MRSA) isolates showed multidrug-resistant to most using antibiotics like; ampicillin, amoxicillin, gentamicin, tetracycline clindamycin and erythromycin. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of these antibiotics at then was conjugated with the nanoparticles' MIC to show the synergism effect by well diffusion method.
 The results showed that the phenotypic inhibition zones had been increased minimum 2 mm to maximum 18 mm, that confirmed the synergism activity when the antibiotics conjugated with NPs. These results signify that these nanoparticle potentate the antimicrobial action of (beta lactums, aminoglycosides, tetracycline, macrolides and lincosamides) a possible utilization of nano compound in combination effect against MRSA .

NiFe2O4 nanoparticles as nanozymes, a new colorimetric probe for 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid herbicide detection

• A Nano compound NiFe 2 O 4 synthesized. • The synthesized nanomaterial exhibit peroxidase-like activity. • New insight into the design of new nanozymes for cascaded catalytic detection and other low-cost, high-efficiency, and rapid detection applications. • New colorimetric method is described for the detection of 2,4-D herbicide residues. The use of enzyme mimics to detect herbicide residues quickly has recently sparked a lot of attention. The majority of nanozymes, nevertheless, are low active. Here, an active nanozyme (NiFe 2 O 4 ) that mimics peroxidase (POD-like) with improved activity was logically developed. The probe was systematically characterized by powder XRD, SEM, EDX, HR-TEM, UV–Vis absorption, FTIR and fluorescence spectrophotometers. Based on its high peroxidase-like activities and cascaded catalytic reactions with 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), a new method is described for the detection of 2,4-D herbicide residues using 4-(Dimethylamino) benzaldehyde as chromogenic substrate in the presence of hydrogen peroxide. More importantly, the proposed method shows the limit of detection (LOD) of 0.311 µg.mL -1 and the recovery ranged from 97.74 to 101.44%. This study provided new insight into the design of new nanozymes for cascaded catalytic detection and other low-cost, high-efficiency, and rapid detection applications.

Preparation and Characterization of Al-Cu-Al2O3/Gr Nano Compound by Metallic Powder Method and Study of the Effect of the Rolling Process on Physical Properties as Suitable Materials for Heat Sink

Al-Cu-Al2O3 / Gr Nano compound was successfully prepared by metallic powder method, 6 samples were prepared with different weight ratios of graphene, 10% copper and 2.5% Al2O3 and proportions of 0.5, 1, and 1.5 graphene were prepared, the samples were run in a mill from Ceramic in a ratio of 1:5 powder into balls for 35 hours, which helped to break the aluminum and copper particles and reduce their size, which helps in the process of homogeneous mixing of the compound. The samples were compressed at 60 bar pressure and sintered in a vacuum at 550 and 565 degrees Celsius for 60 minutes. Sintering at 550°C proved to be more suitable for the mixture. Two identical sets of samples were prepared. Both SEM were used to investigate the microstructure and components of the sintered nanocomposites. Relative density, hardness, electrical conductivity and thermal conductivity study. The rolling process of the samples was carried out with a percentage of 35% of the sample size successfully at a temperature of 480 degrees Celsius, and this led to an improvement in the density of the samples and hardness and an increase in the diffusion of the reinforces, which led to an improvement in electrical conductivity by 16: 25% and a better improvement in thermal conductivity. Improved up to 1.5% graphene by weight after rolling and 1% graphene before rolling.

Stereoselective cycloaddition of biologically active thioindoline with the smallest nanocage in gas phase versus solution via density functional theory

AbstractA fine speculation of enantioselectivity prior to the expensive experimental endeavors is truly one of the ultimate goals of the computational organic chemists. In this survey, we have predicted stereo specificity for hetero Diels–Alder (DA) cycloaddition of (E)‐3‐benzylidene‐indoline‐2‐thione (I) with C20 to give (Ia) as drug delivery in the gas phase and in solution, at density functional theory (DFT)–self‐consistent reaction field (SCRF). The enthalpy difference between liquid (l) and gas (g) phases (∆Hl‐g), as well as activation energy (Eexo≠, Eendo≠) of Ia cycloadduct, appears proportional to the dielectric constant of solvent (ε). In contrast to the above trends, kinetic stability based on ∆EL‐H of Ia, develops in opposite to that of ε. The more stability of Ia is attributed to its H―bonding, and dipole–dipole interaction in water. The energy barrier of exo transition states (TS) is low; hence, cycloaddition is recommended to be of synthetically interest for preparation of asymmetric nano compound. Moreover, the π‐π aromatic stacking among the substituted phenyl ring and C20 (πsubstituted phenyl ring ↔ πC20) has significant effect on destabilization of endo TS. This DA reaction have polar nature according to one‐step mechanism, that comprises an initial hetero‐DA reaction yielding Ia, which experiences a subsequent [3,3] sigmatropic shift to yield the expected formal cycloadduct. This is a consequence of more polar nature of reaction, due to lower nucleophilicity (N), higher electrophilicity (ω), higher maximum electronic charge (ΔNmax), more polarity (μ), and more global electron density transfer (GEDT) of Ia in polar solvents (especially in water) in comparison to gas phase. This polar character is given by the electrophilic character of the C20 dienophile (ω = 5.29 eV) and nucleophilic character of the 1,3‐diene molecule (I) (N = 3.70 eV). Additionally, molecular mechanism of the considered reaction is substantially different from the DA reactions between simple 1,3‐diene and dienophiles.

Preparation of a green nanocomposite from Cinnamomum zeylanicum and its effect on some immunological parameters in rats with rheumatoid arthritis

The current study aimed to evaluate the anti-arthritic effects of a nanocomposite from Cinnamomum zeylanicum, and to further demonstrate its mechanism of action in RA induced RA by Complete Freund's Adjuvant (CFA). and it was diagnosed by atomic force microscopy (AFM) and infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) revealed the emergence of new diffraction levels for nanocomposites, which clearly indicates the success of the loading process. X-ray evaluation clearly showed the severity of joint deformity according to the extent of osteoarthritis, joint spaces, soft tissue inflammation, subchondral erosion, and articular sclerosis. The immunological results indicated that the induction of rheumatoid arthritis (RF) in male G2 white rats led to a significant (P<0.05) increase in the level of IL-1β and IL-6 cytokines (186.89,109.52) pg/ml both compared with the control group. Negative (G1) (29.40,32.48) pg/ml. There was also a significant decrease (P<0.05) for the concentration level of IL-1β, IL-6 in the G7 group dosed with cinnamon nano compound loaded with MTX pg/ml (34.33, 48.62), respectively, the present results indicate that the stable nanoparticles with Ceylon Cinnamomum extract (Z.C./NPs) have potent anti-arthritic activity that is mediated by IL-6, IL-1β inhibition and cytokine resistance. Inflammatory.

Fenton-like degradation of carmine dyes based on artificial intelligence modeling and optimization of reduced graphene oxide loaded iron-cobalt-nickel trimetallic nanocomposites

In this experiment, reduced graphene oxide loaded iron-cobalt-nickel trimetallic nano compounds were prepared by co-precipitation method and coadministered with oxidant hydrogen peroxide to form Fenton-like reagents. The degradation of carmine dye simulated industrial wastewater by this type of fenton catalyst in combination with ultrasound was investigated and it can be identified that ultrasound is synergistic when combined with this type of fenton process. In this experiment, the synthesized nanocomposites were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy, fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, raman spectroscopy, N2 adsorption, and superconducting quantum interferometry, and the results demonstrated that the materials have a typical graphite porous structure and excellent magnetic properties. The influences of four factors (V(H2O2), reaction time, initial concentration and catalyst dosage) on the degradation of carmine dye were further analyzed. The experiment was then modeled and optimized with response surfaces and artificial intelligence. Through the comparative analysis of the experimental value and the predicted value, it is found that the absolute error of the artificial neural network-particle swarm optimization model is the smallest, which indicates that the model makes a better prediction of the experimental results. The importance of influencing factors in the dye removal process was ranked according to F-test, random forest and Garson's formula, and it was discovered that V(H2O2) played the most dominant role. Finally, by a simple magnetic separation, the rGO/Fe/Co/Ni trimetallic nano compound was still retained 47% of its catalytic capacity after five consecutive recoveries using this catalyst and applying it to the next degradation experiment, which indicates its excellent reusability and reflects the outstanding degradation ability of this compounds.

Phyto-mediated green synthesis of CeO2–ZnO nanoparticles using glycosmis mauritiana leaf extract: Antibacterial activity and photodegradative applications

A simple novel green synthesis of the nano compound cerium oxide doped with zinc oxides (CeO2–ZnO) was produced with a reduction agent of glycosmis mauritiana leaf extracted. The compounds synthesized are characterized by × - ray diffraction, UV, DRS and TEM. The results show that the prepared materials were superior in performance as compared to unoped ZnO and CeO2 particles, due to alternation in band gap, surface adsorption and enhanced photoresponsive. The photocatalytic efficiency of the CeO2-ZnO series was evaluated against Acid black 1 and the antibacterial properties were checked against the clinical bacteria strains. All findings showed that CeO2-ZnOs' photocatalytical and antibacterial activities with various CeO2 material are superior to the pure ZnO activities.

Effect of Nano Compound Addition on the Properties and Microstructure of Cement Mortar with Mixed Fine Recycled Aggregate

The high-water absorption and poor mechanical properties of mixed fine recycled aggregate, which will lead to weakened interfacial transition zone (ITZ) between cement paste and aggregate, seriously hinder the recycling of mixed fine recycled aggregate. The effect and enhancement mechanism of nano compound addition (NCA) on the properties and microstructure of cement mortar was studied in this paper. The results indicated that the compressive and bending strength of cement mortar with 100% fine mixed recycled aggregate increased about 10% at most of the curing ages and the shrinkage of cement mortar decreased from 2.5% at 1 day to 21% at 28 days by NCA. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) micro photography indicated that the early hydration rate of cement could be accelerated and the density of cement mortar at late ages may well be increased by NCA.

Strengthening cemented carbides by activated nano TaC

In this study, activated nano TaC was introduced into WC-Co cemented carbides to enhance their comprehensive performance properties. Changes of mechanical properties, elements distributions, phase constitutions and microstructures of the cemented carbides were examined as a function of TaC amount. It was found that due to the addition of activated nano TaC, nanoscale Co-rich particles and cubic-Ta4C3 precipitates were induced and dispersed within WC grains, which had good coherent interfacial relationship with the hard matrix. The combined strengthening effects of the nano precipitates and solid solution in WC resulted in excellent comprehensive mechanical properties of the cemented carbides. Particularly, the rupture strength has achieved the highest among those of the counterparts reported in the literature so far. This study opens a new perspective to use activated nano compound particles to modulate hard phases of cermet materials for high comprehensive performance.

Synthesis and Characterization of Ni/Al-LDH nano hybrid with (Ascorbic acid) and Kinetic Controlled Release Study of (Ascorbic acid) From Ni/Al-LDH

The study include synthesis of hybrids nanocompound through a process intercalation of ascorbic acid in Ni/Al –LDHs by direct and indirect ion exchange. Nano layer, which make it has high ability to build up the useful ascorbic acidinter the layers direction on the human body. To limited the side effect of high concentration of ascorbic acidin human body. Characterization of this compound by X-Ray diffraction technique and FT –IR spectrophotometer before and after intercalation formation of nano compound, then cooperation to sure the form hybrid nanocompound and the two and three dimensional image of the above compound in (AFM) for the nano compound. The results showed the release of hybrids to specific liquids in different (Na2CO3, Na2SO4 ) concentration (0.5)M by direct ion exchange method. On the other hand the whole process is subject to model by pseudo-second order rate expression according to Lagregrans equation. It has been studied the percentage of rate release for both anionic (Ascorbic acid) from Ni/Al –LDHs. The results were as follows: High percentage of release in different liquid follows this arrangement: Na2CO3> Na2SO4. The result explains the ratio control release of anion from nanolayerhybrid prepare by indirect ion exchange process more hourly than release anion from nanolayershybridprepared by direct ion exchange.

Study of the Topography and Optical Properties of The Silver Nitrate Nanoparticle Compound

The paper aims to study the structural and optical properties of the pressed silver nitrate nanoparticle compound, and know its advantages after pressing.
 When studying topography of surface the nanoparticle silver nitrate compound through AFM, and studying the optical properties of its solution through the UV for UV device has this working Mechanism, the highest absorbance we obtained was only at the wavelength of 301nm is, that is, within the visible spectrum (300-700) nm.
 By studying the topography of silver nitrate we note surface smoothing and optical properties of the silver nitrate nanoparticle solution, we conclude that the wavelength of the substance is little, i.e. its energy is high (the absorption energy), Therefore, it is used in the field of medical treatments, and deep wounds sterilization.
 To increase the efficiency of the silver nitrate compound, it can be converted into a Nano compound by grinding, and pressing.

Fabrication of Hierarchical Micro/Nano Compound Eyes.

Fabrication of a hierarchical macro-/micro-/nano compound eye is presented in this paper. This bioinspired compound (BIC) eye is obtained by an integrated manufacturing technology that combines (i) nanoimprinting, (ii) picosecond laser swelling, and (iii) air-assisted deformation. The diameter and height of nanopillars, microlens, and macrobase can be controlled precisely by fine-tuning the process parameters. The multifunctional properties of the BIC eye, such as superhydrophobicity, antireflection, and other optical characteristics, are investigated. It is found that the microlens with nanopillars can effectively improve the surface wettability with a contact angle of 152° and contact angle hysteresis of 12°, and enhance transmittance by 2% over the wavelength range of 200-1200 nm. Moreover, the final hierarchical compound eye exhibits the excellent imaging properties and a wide field-of-view of 120° without distortion. These multifunctional properties will enable the widespread application of the compound eye in diverse real-time environmental conditions.

Structure, magnetic and magnetocaloric properties of nano crystalline perovskite La0.8Ag0.2MnO3

Abstract Nano crystalline La0.8Ag0.2MnO3 perovskite compound was prepared using sol–gel method. The synthesized nano compound was characterized using X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and High Resolution - Transmission Electron Microscope (HR–TEM). The magnetic and magnetocaloric properties were studied in a broad temperature range, and confirmed the presence of ferromagnetic–paramagnetic (FM–PM) transition around Curie temperature (TC = 306 K). We reported a maximum magnetic entropy change |ΔSM|max = 0.96 J/kg.K with relative cooling power (RCP) = 39.98 J/kg at magnetic field 2 T. Such results could be a significant practical application in magnetic refrigeration. The observed magnetic phase transition in the sample was testified a second order. The critical exponent analysis which define the magnetic transition revealed values 0.4025 for β, 3.33 for δ and 0.93 for γ. These values are closely related to those obtained by the mean field model. The second order magnetic phase transition is further confirmed by constructing a universal curve for variation of |ΔSM|/|ΔSmax| vs rescaled temperature (θ) for various magnetic field values.

Development of curcumin-loaded gemini surfactant nanoparticles: Synthesis, characterization and evaluation of anticancer activity against human breast cancer cell lines

BackgroundCurcumin, the polyphenolic constituent of turmeric, has been recognized as an effective anticancer agent in the treatment of breast cancer. However, the poor bioavailability of curcumin triggers finding of new approaches for elevating its therapeutic efficiency. PurposeWe aimed to use gemini surfactant nanocarriers for curcumin in order to overcome its limitations. Study designWe investigated the in vitro characterization of gemini surfactant–curcumin (Gemini–Cur) and examined its antiproliferative & apoptotic activities on breast cancer cell lines. MethodsGemini–Cur polymersomes were synthesized through nanoprecipitation method and characterized by dynamic light scattering (DLS), transmission and scanning electron microscopies, HPLC and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The anticancer effect of Gemini–Cur nanoparticles was studied on three different breast cancer cell lines including MCF-7, SkBr-3 and MDA-MB-231 through uptake kinetics, viability & cytotoxicity recordings and apoptotic assays. Furthermore, qRT-PCR was performed to evaluate the expression of apoptotic genes including p16INK4a, p14ARF, Bax and Bcl-2. ResultsAccording to physicochemical analysis, the average particle size, zeta potential value and drug entrapment efficiency for Gemini–Cur compound were recorded as 161 ± 6.2 nm, +5.32 mV and 89.13% ± 0.93, respectively. XRD analysis also confirmed the incorporation of curcumin in gemini surfactant micelles. Regarding the enhanced cellular uptake of sphere shaped Gemini–Cur, our data showed that this nano compound suppresses cancer cell proliferation via induction of apoptosis. Moreover, qRT-PCR analysis revealed that Gemini–Cur could effectively upregulate the expression of p16INK4a, p14ARF and Bax, while significantly decreasing the Bcl-2 expression in these breast cancer cells. ConclusionOur data demonstrates the great potential of gemini surfactants for efficient delivery of curcumin and subsequently, the improvement of its anticancer effect. Therefore, it is sagacious to support the idea that Gemini–Cur nano compound might have the potential to be considered as an anticancer agent.