Nanoparticle Size Analyzer Research Articles

Investigating synergism and mechanism during sequential inactivation of Staphylococcus aureus with ultrasound followed by UV/peracetic acid

This study explored the inactivation of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) by ultrasound (US) and peracetic acid (PAA) coupling with UV simultaneously (US/PAA/UV) or sequentially (US→PAA/UV) for the strengthened disinfection. The result showed that US→PAA/UV system had excellent inactivation performance with 5.05-log in a short time. Besides US, UV, PAA and free radicals, the contribution of the synergy of all components to the entire disinfection were obvious under US→PAA/UV system. The inactivation performance of S. aureus significantly decreased with the increase of humic acid (HA) concentration and pH; however, the rising temperature contributes to the enhancement of the inactivation efficiency under the US→PAA/UV system. The disinfection mechanism includes a decrease of cell agglomeration, a loss of intracellular substance, and changes of cell structure and membrane permeability, as evidenced through a nanoparticle size analyzer, scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM) and laser confocal microscopy (LSCM). Furthermore, the inactivation efficiency of the US→PAA/UV system for the total bacteria from actual sewage (the untreated inflow) was high, which reached 3.86-log. In general, the pretreatment of US combined with UV/PAA showed a promising application in the rapid disinfection of sewage.

Hyperspectral Imaging as a Facile and Non‐Destructive Method for Size Analysis of Gold Nanoparticles Deposited on Porous Materials

AbstractHerein, the feasibility of using hyperspectral imaging (HSI) for fast and non‐destructive size estimation of supported gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) is demonstrated. NPs of different sizes in the range of 2–12 nm in diameter are deposited onto silica supports with various pore structure. The NPs sizes are determined on the basis of TEM images. Data from HSI and UV–vis spectra, i.e., the location of the reflectance minimum and absorption maximum, respectively, are compared, and good agreement is obtained. Thus, it is shown that the hyperspectral camera can be an effective tool to characterize the size of gold NPs deposited on a porous supports.

Construction and optimization of a coculture system of mouse brain microvascular endothelial cells and myelin debris

Microvascular endothelial cells are a newly discovered cell type involved in the phagocytosis of myelin debris, which play a key role in the repair of spinal cord injuries. Several methods for the preparation of myelin debris and parameters for constructing a coculture system of microvascular endothelial cells and myelin debris are available, but no systematic studies have yet been conducted, which hinders further exploration of the mechanisms of demyelinating disease repair. Herein, we aimed to develop a standardized method for this process. Myelin debris of different sizes was obtained from the brains of C57BL/6 mice by stripping the brains under aseptic conditions, multiple grinding, gradient centrifugation, etc. Transmission electron microscopy and nanoparticle size analysis were used to characterize myelin debris. Microvascular endothelial cells were cultured on a matrix gel, and myelin debris of different sizes (fluorescently labeled using CFSE) was placed in coculture after forming a vascular-like structure. Subsequently, myelin debris of different concentrations was cocultured in the vascular-like structure, and phagocytosis of myelin debris by microvascular endothelial cells was detected using immunofluorescence staining and flow cytometry. We found that myelin debris could be successfuly obtained from the mouse brain with secondary grinding and other steps and cocultured with microvascular endothelial cells at a concentration of 2 mg/mL, which promoted the phagocytosis of microvascular endothelial cells. In conclusion, we provide a reference for the protocol of a coculture system of microvascular endothelial cells and myelin debris.

Glycyrrhizic acid modified Poria cocos polyscaccharide carbon dots dissolving microneedles for methotrexate delivery to treat rheumatoid arthritis.

Introduction: Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease characterized by chronic joint inflammation. Methotrexate is one of the most effective drugs for rheumatoid arthritis, but the adverse reactions caused by oral methotrexate greatly limit its clinical application. Transdermal drug delivery system is an ideal alternative to oral methotrexate by absorbing drugs into the human body through the skin. However, methotrexate in the existing methotrexate microneedles is mostly used alone, and there are few reports of combined use with other anti-inflammatory drugs. Methods: In this study, glycyrrhizic acid was first modified onto carbon dots, and then methotrexate was loaded to construct a nano-drug delivery system with fluorescence and dual anti-inflammatory effects. Then hyaluronic acid was combined with nano-drug delivery system to prepare biodegradable soluble microneedles for transdermal drug delivery of rheumatoid arthritis. The prepared nano-drug delivery system was characterized by transmission electron microscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, laser nanoparticle size analyzer, ultraviolet-visible absorption spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimeter and nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometer. The results showed that glycyrrhizic acid and methotrexate were successfully loaded on carbon dots, and the drug loading of methotrexate was 49.09%. The inflammatory cell model was constructed by lipopolysaccharide-induced RAW264.7 cells. In vitro cell experiments were used to explore the inhibitory effect of the constructed nano-drug delivery system on the secretion of inflammatory factors by macrophages and the cell imaging ability. The drug loading, skin penetration ability, in vitro transdermal delivery and in vivo dissolution characteristics of the prepared microneedles were investigated. The rat model of rheumatoid arthritis was induced by Freund's complete adjuvant. Results: The results of in vivo animal experiments showed that the soluble microneedles of the nano drug delivery system designed and prepared in this study could significantly inhibit the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines and had a significant therapeutic effect on arthritis. Discussion: The prepared glycyrrhizic acid-carbon dots-methotrexate soluble microneedle provides a feasible solution for the treatment of Rheumatoid arthritis.

Size Analysis of Silver and Gold Nanoparticles Using Laser Ablation Single Particle ICP Mass Spectrometry: Evaluation of the Laser-Induced Disintegration of Nanoparticles.

Single particle inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry combined with the laser ablation technique (LA-spICP-MS) has been used for the determination of particle size and the spatial distribution of metal nanoparticles (MNPs) in various solid samples such as biological samples and semiconductor materials. In this study, we investigated the effect of the fluence of the laser being used on the disintegration of MNPs. Commercially available MNPs of silver and gold (Ag NPs and Au NPs), the sizes of which were determined by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), were analyzed with LA-spICP-MS. We evaluated the degree of disintegration of the original-sized particles, based on a comparison of the size distributions obtained by LA-spICP-MS and other analytical techniques. The disintegration of both the Ag NPs and Au NPs was induced by a laser ablation process when the laser fluence was higher than 1.0 J cm-2, whereas no disintegration was observed when the fluence was lower than 1.0 J cm-2. Moreover, the mean diameter and standard deviation of the determined diameters obtained by LA-spICP-MS were in good agreement with solution-based spICP-MS and TEM analysis within analytical uncertainty. The data obtained here demonstrates that LA-spICP-MS represents a promising potential analytical technique for accurately determining the size of individual MNPs and their spatial distribution in solid samples.

Development of Curcumin and Piperine-Loaded Bio-Active Self-Nanoemulsifying Drugs and Investigation of Their Bioactivity in Zebrafish Embryos and Human Hematological Cancer Cell Lines.

Curcumin (CUR) and piperine (PP) are bioactive compounds with prominent pharmacological activities that have been investigated for the treatment of various diseases. The aim of the present study is to develop Bio-SNEDDS for CUR and PP as a combined delivery system for cancer therapy. CUR and PP loaded Bio-SNEDDSs with varying compositions of bioactive lipid oils, surfactants, and cosolvents were prepared at room temperature. Bio-SNEDDSs were characterized using a Zetasizer Nano particle size analyzer and further examined by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) for morphology. The in vivo toxicity of the preparations of Bio-SNEDDS was investigated in wild-type zebrafish embryos and cytotoxicity in THP-1 (human leukemia monocytic cells), Jurkat (human T lymphocyte cells) and HUVEC (non-cancerous normal) cells. Bio-SNEDDSs were successfully developed with black seed oil, Imwitor 988, Transcutol P and Cremophor RH40 at a ratio of 20/20/10/50 (%w/w). The droplet size, polydispersity index and zeta potential of the optimized Bio-SNEDDS were found to be 42.13 nm, 0.59, and -19.30 mV, respectively. Bio-SNEDDS showed a spherical structure evident by TEM analysis. The results showed that Bio-SNEDDS did not induce toxicity in zebrafish embryos at concentrations between 0.40 and 30.00 μg/mL. In TG (fli1: EGFP) embryos treated with Bio-SNEDDS, there was no change in the blood vessel structure. The O-dianisidine staining of Bio-SNEDDS treated embryos at 48 h post-fertilization also showed a significant reduction in the number of blood cells compared to mock (DMSO 0.1% V/V) treated embryos. Bio-SNEDDS induced significant levels of cytotoxicity in the hematological cell lines THP-1 and Jurkat, while low toxicity in normal HUVEC cell lines was observed with IC50 values of 18.63±0.23 μg/mL, 26.03 ± 1.5 μg/mL and 17.52 ± 0.22 μg/mL, respectively. Bio-SNEDDS exhibited enhanced anticancer activity and could thus be an important new pharmaceutical formulation to treat leukemia.

Formation and characteristics of polystyrene nanoplastic-plant protein corona

To investigate the formation of polystyrene nanoplastic-plant protein corona and its potential impact on plants, three differently modified polystyrene nanoplastics with an average particle size of 200 nm were taken to interact with the leaf proteins of Impatiens hawkeri for 2 h, 4 h, 8 h, 16 h, 24 h, and 36 h, respectively. The morphological changes were observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), the surface roughness was determined by atomic force microscopy (AFM), the hydrated particle size and zeta potential were determined by nanoparticle size and zeta potential analyzer, and the protein composition of the protein corona was identified by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The proteins were classified in terms of biological processes, cellular components, and molecular functions to study the adsorption selection of nanoplastics to proteins, investigate the formation and characteristics of polystyrene nanoplastic-plant protein corona and predict the potential impact of protein corona on plants. The results showed that the morphological changes of the nanoplastics became clearer as the reaction time extends, as evidenced by the increase in size and roughness and the enhancement of stability, thus demonstrating the formation of protein corona. In addition, the transformation rate from soft to hard protein corona was basically the same for the three polystyrene nanoplastics in the formation of protein corona with leaf proteins under the same protein concentration conditions. Moreover, in the reaction with leaf proteins, the selective adsorption of the three nanoplastics to proteins with different isoelectric points and molecular weights differed, and the particle size and stability of the final formed protein corona also differed. Since a large portion of the protein fraction in protein corona is involved in photosynthesis, it is hypothesized that the formation of the protein corona may affect photosynthesis in I. hawkeri.

Effect of metal ions on structural, morphological and optical properties of nano-crystallite spinel cobalt-aluminate (CoAl2O4)

The bright blue nano crystallite cobalt aluminate (CoAl2O4) was synthesized by sol–gel method using a mixture of chelating agent of glycerol and citric acid. The effects of changing (0.05, 0.075, 0.10, 0.25, 0.50, and 0.75 mol/L) metal ion concentration on the structural, morphological and color properties of synthesized CoAl2O4 were characterized by using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Nanoparticle size analyzer, Simultaneous Thermal Analyzer (STA), UV–vis absorption spectroscopy, and CIE-LAB colorimetric analysis. From the X-ray peak profile analysis, the crystallite size was measured by Debye-Scherrer (D-S) equation, and three different models presenting average crystallite sizes between 88.3 and 125.4 nm.The average lattice strain, dislocation density, lattice constant, cell volume, and zeta potential were between 0.00021 and 0.0058, (1.73 to 12.8) × 1014 (lines/m2), 8.10658 to 8.11181 Å, 533.60 to 533.81 Å3, −56.4 to − 63.5 mV, respectively. Using UV–vis absorption spectroscopy, the band gap was calculated from Kubelka-Munk method, and the values of band gap increasing from 1.82 to 1.84 eV, respectively. The reflectance spectra and the CIE-L*a*b* values of cobalt aluminate is also measured which confirmed the formation of blue nano crystallite cobalt aluminate.

Deep learning for automated size and shape analysis of nanoparticles in scanning electron microscopy.

The automated analysis of nanoparticles, imaged by scanning electron microscopy, was implemented by a deep-learning (artificial intelligence) procedure based on convolutional neural networks (CNNs). It is possible to extract quantitative information on particle size distributions and particle shapes from pseudo-three-dimensional secondary electron micrographs (SE) as well as from two-dimensional scanning transmission electron micrographs (STEM). After separation of particles from the background (segmentation), the particles were cut out from the image to be classified by their shape (e.g. sphere or cube). The segmentation ability of STEM images was considerably enhanced by introducing distance- and intensity-based pixel weight loss maps. This forced the neural network to put emphasis on areas which separate adjacent particles. Partially covered particles were recognized by training and excluded from the analysis. The separation of overlapping particles, quality control procedures to exclude agglomerates, and the computation of quantitative particle size distribution data (equivalent particle diameter, Feret diameter, circularity) were included into the routine.

Growth Factor Loaded Thermo-Responsive Injectable Hydrogel for Enhancing Diabetic Wound Healing

Background: Diabetic wound (DW) is the most devastating complication resulting in significant mortality and morbidity in diabetic patients. The objective of the current study was to formulate Epidermal Growth Factor loaded Chitosan nanoparticle impregnated with thermos-responsive injectable hydrogel with protease inhibitor. EGF, shown in all stages of wound healing from inflammation to proliferation and remodelling, combined with Doxycycline, a well-known anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial drug, could be a better strategy in diabetic wound healing. However, EGF's low stability makes it difficult to use. Methodology: The nanoparticles were prepared using the ionic gelation method. The prepared nanoparticles were evaluated for particle size, zeta potential, entrapment efficiency, and SEM studies. Further, the optimized nanoparticle batch was loaded into hydrogel with a protease inhibitor. The hydrogel was evaluated for morphology, protease degradation, in vitro drug release, anti-bacterial activity, cell migration, in vitro cell biocompatibility, and in vivo wound healing studies. Results and Conclusion: The particle size analysis of nanoparticles revealed the size (203 ± 1.236 nm), Zeta potential (+28.5 ± 1.0 mV), and entrapment efficiency of 83.430 ± 1.8%, respectively. The hydrogel showed good porous morphology, injectability, thermo-responsive, biocompatibility, and controlled drug release. In vitro anti-bacterial studies revealed the potential anti-bacterial activity of doxycycline against various microbes. In vivo data indicated that combining EGF and DOX considerably reduced inflammation time-dependent than single-agent treatment. Furthermore, histological studies corroborated these findings. After topical application of hydrogel, histopathology studies revealed significant collagen synthesis and a fully regenerated epithelial layer and advancement in all three stages (proliferation, remodelling, and maturation), which are required to improve the diabetic wound healing process by any dressing. These findings demonstrated that hydrogel promoted cutaneous wound healing in STZ-induced rats by suppressing inflammation at the wound site. Furthermore, histological studies corroborated these findings. After topical application of hydrogel, histopathology studies revealed significant collagen synthesis, a fully regenerated epithelial layer, and advancement in all three stages (proliferation, remodelling, and maturation), which are required to improve the diabetic wound healing process by any dressing. These findings demonstrated that hydrogel promoted cutaneous wound healing in STZ-induced rats by suppressing inflammation at the wound site.

Methods and Technical Means for Ensuring Uniformity of Nanoparticle Size Measurements

The paper proposes a set of technical tools for solving the problem of ensuring the uniformity of measurements of micro- and nanoparticles. To do this, it is necessary to ensure the traceabilityof particle size measurements to a unit of length – a meter, as well as equivalent diameters used in measurements in various dispersed media (aerosols and suspensions). To ensure traceability of particle diameter measurements to the meter, it is proposed to use a nanomeasuring machine with an atomic force microscope as a probing system. The paper presents a diagram of the measuring system, describes the principle of operation of the machine and the method for measuring particle sizes. The main alleged sources of errors in particle measurement by this method are also identified. To ensure the traceability of measurements of the hydrodynamic diameter of nanoparticles, which characterizes particles in a liquid (suspension), it is proposed to use a nanoparticle size analyzer that implements the method of dynamic light scattering. The scheme of the analyzer with a description of the principle of measuring the size of nanoparticles by the method of dynamic light scattering is presented in the paper. The scheme of the column of the analyzer of the differential electrical mobility of particles is presented to ensure the traceability of measurements of their diameter, which is equivalent in electrical mobility. Diameter is usually used to characterize particles in the aerosol state. A diagram of an analyzer for the differential electric mobility of particles is given with a description of the operating principle, a formula for calculating the particle diameter is derived.

Isolation of Cellulosic Nano Fibers from Delonix Regia Fruits by Mechano-chemical Route

Lignocellulosic fibres have acquired prominence over past few years among researchers due to its prevalence in nature, biodegradability and high specific strength, among other factors. In this paper, mechanochemical route is used to obtain cellulosic nano fibres (CNF) from raw Delonix Regia fruits. CNFs are extracted with chemical treatments including alkali treatment, bleaching, acid hydrolysis and mechanical treatment including ball milling, centrifugation and high speed homogenization. Characterization of the material produced is carried out using X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Thermo-Gravimetric Analysis (TGA), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Nano Particle Size Analyzer (NPA). XRD results showed that the crystallinity index (CrI) improved from 52.24% to 73.59% for extracted cellulose whereas it got reduced slightly to 68.31% for CNF samples and the crystallite size extracted cellulose and CNF was estimated to be 6.9 nm and 5.1 nm respectively. TGA results proved that the extracted cellulose and CNF are thermally stable compared to raw DRFF samples. First degradation in TGA started near 70-80C which represents moisture loss. Second degradation temperature improved for cellulose and CNF from 173.6C for DRFF to 223.4C and 246.1C which showed improvement in thermal stability. Major weight loss in second degradation shifted from 298.3C to 346.8C and 348.5C for cellulose and CNF respectively. Ash content was slightly decreased for CNF and cellulose samples compared to DRFF. Typical characteristic IR bands of cellulose were observed at 3400 cm-1, 2800-2900 cm-1, 1643.6 cm-1,1447 cm-1, 1084.6 cm-1 and 673.8 cm-1 of O-H stretching vibrations, C-H stretching, O-H bending, CH2 bending of pyranose ring, C-O-C pyranose ring vibration and O-H out-of-plane bending respectively in extracted cellulose and CNF samples. Improvement in cellulose content was observed from FTIR results and found suitable for application in composite materials. The average particle size of CNF measured by NPA was 247.3 nm proving the abundance of material at nanoscale. The average zeta potential of CNF was estimated at -50 mV with negative sign representing hydroxyl group. From the results of zeta potential measurement, material was found to be electro-statically stable and can be utilized for nanocomposite fabrication.

Real-Time Monitoring of Curcumin Release with a Lipid-Curcumin-Loaded Silica Colloidal Crystal Film Using Optical Interferometry.

A novel efficacious strategy for real-time monitoring of the release of hydrophobic cargo curcumin (molecule model nutraceuticals) from a lipid-curcumin-loaded silica colloidal crystal (L(Cur)-SCC) film controlled by lipase was developed. Curcumin was dispersed in a proportion of a digestible lipid complex (glycerol trioleate and glycerol tristearate) to prepare a lipid-curcumin complex and then loaded into the SCC film by a capillary to prepare an L(Cur)-SCC film. Lipase-triggered degradation of the digestible lipid complex resulted in curcumin release being tracked in real-time by ordered porous layer interferometry (OPLI). The optical thickness changes (ΔOT) of the L(Cur)-SCC film depend on the mass changes of the lipid-curcumin complex due to the migration of interference fringes caused by the lipase degradation of the digestible lipid complex. Curcumin release from the L(Cur)-SCC film was characterized and analyzed in combination with an ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometer, a nanoparticle size analyzer, and an attenuated total reflection infrared spectrometer. The introduction of a soluble dietary fiber (pectin) into the L(Cur)-SCC film delayed the release rate of curcumin. Furthermore, the real-time sustained release of curcumin from the L(Cur)-SCC film in the simulated digestive fluids was tracked. This study provides an early exploration of the real-time controlled release of lipid-soluble nutraceuticals in the gastrointestinal tract.

Controlled synthesis of gemini surfactant-capped gold nanoparticles. Gemini structure-nanoparticle properties relationship study

Gold nanoparticles were prepared by the method of chemical reduction utilising sodium borohydride as reducing agent and stabilised with bisammonium gemini surfactants with variable length of polymethylene spacer. Physico-chemical investigations indicated the presence of plasmon resonance peaks in the wavelength range 507–544 nm for all investigated Au nanodispersions. The nanoparticle size analysis shows the relationship between the size of gold nanoparticles and the spacer length of stabilising gemini molecules. The strong aggregation tendency of gemini surfactants with short polymethylene spacer composed of 2–4 methylene units in aqueous solutions may be responsible for the formation of clusters of gold nanoparticles which results in the observed large hydrodynamic size of nanoparticle clusters at the surfactants concentrations below the CMC. At higher surfactant-to-gold molar ratio values, clusters disintegration occurs and the decrease in size of the nanoparticles is observed. The shape of gold nanoparticles was found to be spherical and polyhedral, as evidenced by the SEM images. The size values varied between 30–60 nm and 10–15 nm for AuNPs capped with gemini molecules with short and medium/long spacer, respectively. Gold nanoparticles are strongly positively charged, with positive zeta potential values being in the interval +44 to +90 mV in the whole analysed region of molar ratio values and surfactant spacer length. The biological experiments indicate a dependence of biological activity of gold nanoparticles on the structural parameter (spacer length) of stabilising gemini molecules. Both cytotoxicity and anti-inflammatory activity of gold nanoparticles were found to increase with the increasing gemini spacer length up to 12 methylene groups in the spacer.

Optical and morphological characterization of ZnO nano-sized powder synthesized using single step sol-gel technique

ZnO is a wide band gap semiconductor and is very attractive because of its fundamental and technological importance. It is extensively used in research due to its properties viz. excellent chemical & thermal stability, large exciton binding energy, anti-corrosion and heat resistance. It is a promising material for optoelectronic devices in both UV and Visible regions. In the present investigation, ZnO nano powder was synthesized by single step Sol-gel technique using zinc acetate dihydrate as a precursor and ethanol as a medium. The synthesized ZnO nano powder was characterized using UV–Vis, FTIR, XRD, RAMAN, Photoluminescence (PL), Nano-particle size analyzer, SEM and EDX techniques. UV–Vis spectra gives intense peak at 372 nm wavelength showing the presence of absorption band due to ZnO nano powder. The chemical bonding among Zn and O can be clearly observed from FTIR spectrum. XRD spectra displays sharp peaks which indicates the crystalline nature of ZnO. It also shows homogeneity and size consistency of prepared nanoparticles. The crystallite size of ZnO nano powder were calculated using Scherrer's formula. The morphology and elemental analysis have been studied via SEM and EDX techniques. All the characterization results have been correlated with each other.

Preparation and properties analysis of ethanol/furan-derivative/diesel alternative microemulsion fuel

Nowadays, the energy revolution is imperative and in the transition from fossil fuel energy structure to new energy, the alternative fuel with mature technology and reasonable cost is urgently needed. Biomass such as ethanol is a completely renewable organic liquid, but its application is restricted due to the incompatibility of ethanol and diesel. In this paper, the ethanol-diesel stabilized fuel was proposed with furan-derivative as co-solvent, furthermore, furan-derivative is also a kind of renewable biomass. By using a nanoparticle size analyzer and a conductivity analyzer, it was found that the blends of ethanol/furan-derivative/diesel were in the state of microemulsion and had good phase stability. As the ratio of ethanol increases, the microemulsion structure changes from water-in-oil (W/O) to double-continuous-phase until oil-in-water (O/W). Tetrahydrofuran had relatively weak corrosive effect on polymers. For a ratio with ideal characteristics at 20 °C (diesel accounts for 64%, ethanol 27% and tetrahydrofuran 9%), the low calorific value of the fuel is 33 MJ/L, and the cost of this fuel to provide 1 MJ of heat is 0.19 yuan, which is comparable to that of diesel. Therefore, the designed fuel can be used directly in the existing engines without modified.

Apple nanofiber from apple-waste powder prepared by carboxymethylation and high-pressure homogenization

Apple powder residue obtained after a beverage-making process was evaluated to determine if it is suitable for making nanofibers by the carboxymethylation substitution reaction as pretreatment and high-pressure homogenization for nanofibrillation with three different cultivars. The sugar compositions of the three cultivars (Arisu, Busa, and Gamhong) were similar, but the uronic acid content (glucuronic acid, galacturonic acid) was lower and glucose content higher in the Gamhong cultivar than in the other cultivars. This characteristic resulted in a lower negative zeta potential of the Gamhong cultivar than of the other cultivars. In nanoparticle size analysis, the nanofiber width was 55.4-56.9 ㎚ for the Arisu and Busa cultivars, which was smaller than the nanofiber width of 84.3-84.4 ㎚ of the Gamhong cultivar for a 0.4 degree of substitution carboxymethylated apple nanofiber.

Eco-friendly Synthesis, Spectral Characterization, Particle Image and Size Analysis of Cerium Oxide Nanoparticles Mediated by Mango Seed Aqueous Extract

A novel approach for the utilization of fruit waste is attempted in the present investigation. Mangifera indica seed aqueous extract was utilized for green synthesis of cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeONPs). The phyto constituents in the seed acted as reducing and stabilizing agent for CeONPs formation. UV-Vis, FT-IR, FL, XRD, DLS and SEM, analysis were used to characterize the green synthesized CeONPs. UV-vis spectra showed characteristic spectra at 333 nm; DLS and SEM confirmed the crystalline nature. FT-IR revealed functional groups like alcohol or phenols, carboxylic acids, ketones, amines, aromatic amines, aliphatic amines, alkyl halides and alkynes which were responsible for CeONP formation. The nanoparticles showed more CV study of cerium oxide nanoparticle. Fruit waste can be successfully utilized for cerium nanoparticles formation which can be therapeutically useful and effective.

High-resolution particle size and shape analysis of the first Samarium nanoparticles biosynthesized from aqueous solutions via cyanobacteria Anabaena cylindrica

Samarium (Sm) is one of the most sought-after rare earth metals. Price trends and dwindling resources are making recovery increasingly attractive. In this context, the use of cyanobacteria is highly promising. For Sm it was unclear whether Anabaena cylindrica produces particles through metabolically active Sm3+ uptake. High-resolution (HR) imaging now clearly demonstrates microbe generated biosynthesis of Sm nano-sized particles (Sm NPs) in vivo. Furthermore, a simple method to determine particle size and shape with high accuracy is presented. Digital image analysis with ImageJ of HR-TEMs is used to characterize Sm NPs revealing a nearly uniform local size distribution. Assuming round particles, the overall average area size is 135.5 nm2, resp. 11.9 nm diameter. In HR, where different cell sections of the same cell are averaged, the mean particle is smaller, 76.7 nm2 resp. 8.9 nm diameter. The reciprocal aspect ratio is 0.63. The Feret major axis ratio is calculated as shape factor, with 35% of the particles between 1.2 and 1.4. A roundness classification shows that 38% of particles are fairly round and 41% are very round. Consequently, A. cylindrica represents a suitable microorganism for possible Sm recovery and biosynthesis of roundish nano-sized particles.

Thermosensitive Tri-Block Polymer Nanoparticle-Hydrogel Composites as Payloads of Natamycin for Antifungal Therapy Against Fusarium Solani.

PurposeFusarium Solani is the principal pathogen associated with fungal keratitis. As a sensitive drug to F. Solani, natamycin (NAT) was limited by the poor penetration and low bioavailability in clinical application. The aim of this study was to develop a new type of tri-block polymer nanoparticle-gel complex (Gel@PLGA-PEI-PEG@NAT) for delivering NAT and evaluate its physicochemical properties, antifungal activity, safety, penetrability, adhesion, and efficacy in treating fungal keratitis.MethodsPLGA-PEI-PEG@NAT was prepared and characterized with a nano-particle size analyzer, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), cytotoxicity, penetrability of NAT (Natacyn® 5% ophthalmic suspension; Alcon) and PLGA-PEI-PEG@NAT with different concentrations were assessed. The eye surface retention time, ocular irritation, and curative effect of the NAT ophthalmic suspension and Gel@PLGA-PEI-PEG@NAT on a rabbit fungal keratitis model were evaluated.ResultsPLGA-PEI-PEG@NAT had a particle size of 150 nm, a positive surface charge, and a sustained-release effect. The MIC for F. Solani was 2 μg/mL. A cytotoxicity test and ocular irritation test showed that PLGA-PEI-PEG@NAT and Gel@PLGA-PEI-PEG@NAT had good biocompatibility and no obvious irritation for rabbit corneas. Penetration experiments confirmed that PLGA-PEI-PEG@NAT can successfully enter corneal epithelial cells and through the cornea to enter the anterior chamber. Compared with NAT ophthalmic suspension, Gel@PLGA-PEI-PEG@NAT had stronger cornea permeation at the same concentration. The therapeutic effect and precorneal retention ability of the NAT ophthalmic suspension and Gel@PLGA-PEI-PEG@NAT on the fungal keratitis rabbit model were compared. Gel@PLGA-PEI-PEG@NAT achieved a better therapeutic effect at a lower drug concentration, and its eye surface retention time was significantly longer than that of the NAT ophthalmic suspension.ConclusionGel@PLGA-PEI-PEG@NAT was shown to be a safe and effective nanodrug delivery system for NAT. It has great potential to improve the cure rate of fungal keratitis, reduce the administration frequency during the treatment process, and improve patient compliance.