Nanoparticles Group Research Articles

Comparison analysis on biohydrogen production of mesophilic and thermophilic dark fermentation using nickel doped lanthanum-iron oxide nanoparticles as supplementation

In this work, perovskite-structured LaNi0.5Fe0.5O3 nanoparticles (NPs) are successfully synthesized to explore influence of addition amounts on biohydrogen yield. The great potential advantages to improve the biohydrogen production under mesophilic and thermophilic dark fermentation are systematically investigated by a series of experiments. The characterization of physicochemical properties of LaNi0.5Fe0.5O3 NPs are summarized and analyzed. The highest biohydrogen yield 262.55 mL/g of mesophilic dark fermentation is obtained at 100 mg/L LaNi0.5Fe0.5O3 NPs group while under thermophilic condition, the maximum of biohydrogen production is only 182.13 mL/g with 200 mg/L LaNi0.5Fe0.5O3 supplementation, which are higher 50.7% and 91.0% than that of corresponding control groups, respectively. The analysis of soluble microbial products (SMPs) suggests that LaNi0.5Fe0.5O3 NPs can observably enhance the butyrate-type metabolic pathway, being consistent with the raising abundance of Clostridium butyricum in mesophilic fermentation. The extracellular polymer content is significantly increased with appropriate addition of LaNi0.5Fe0.5O3 NPs. The results reveal that the moderate amount of LaNi0.5Fe0.5O3 NPs can even optimize the microbial community structure by increasing the abundance of Clostridium sensu stricto 1 under mesophilic fermentation and Clostridium sensu stricto 7 as well as Longonea under thermophilic fermentation. Eventually, it can be affirmatively concluded that the application of LaNi0.5Fe0.5O3 NPs to dark fermentation contributes to more biohydrogen yield with moderate amounts under both mesophilic and thermophilic conditions. The innovative work of nickel doped lanthanum-iron oxide nanoparticles provides an effective strategy to take the fully advantage of Fe and Ni element for biohydrogen yield.

Effects of TiO2, Ag-TiO2, and Cu-TiO2 nanoparticles on mechanical and anticariogenic properties of conventional pit and fissure sealants

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of TiO2, Ag-TiO2, and Cu-TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) addition on the mechanical and antibacterial properties of resin-based sealants. TiO2, Ag-TiO2, and Cu-TiO2 NPs were characterized with FTIR, Raman, SEM-EDX, TEM, XPS, and XRD, and evaluated for cytotoxicity study. After characterization, the nanoparticles were mixed with commercial pit and fissure sealants (PAFS) in ratios of 1 and 2%. A total of 7 groups were made, control group (PAFS only) and experimental groups (1%-2% TiO2, 1%-2% Ag-TiO2, and 1%-2% Cu-TiO2). ISO standards were adopted to prepare samples for mechanical properties, i.e., compressive strength (CS), flexural strength (FS), and Vickers hardness evaluation. Samples were tested against Streptococcus mutans through an agar well diffusion test. The CS, FS, and Vickers hardness were increased for the Cu-TiO2 group with respect to Ag-TiO2 but values were less compared to TiO2 groups. The highest flow rate was measured in the control group which was 8.16±0.06 mm and 9.17±0.1 mm after 3 and 10 mins respectively. In the agar well diffusion test, the control group showed no zone of inhibition, and the lowest zone of bacterial inhibition was found in PAFS with 1% TiO2 NPs group (13.3 ± 1.5 mm) while the highest was found in PAFS with 2% Ag-TiO2 NPs (21.8 ± 1.7 mm). Cu-doped TiO2 NPs showed more biocompatibility as compared to Ag-doped TiO2. The outcomes were statistically significant for all the mechanical tests and agar well diffusion antibacterial test as the p-value ≤0.05 while for the cytotoxicity test, the p-value >0.05. The TiO2 addition generally improved both the mechanical and antibacterial properties of pit and fissure sealant.

Potential analgesic effect of Foshousan oil-loaded chitosan-alginate nanoparticles on the treatment of migraine.

Background: Migraine is a common neurovascular disorder with typical throbbing and unilateral headaches, causing a considerable healthcare burden on the global economy. This research aims to prepare chitosan-alginate (CS-AL) nanoparticles (NPs) containing Foshousan oil (FSSO) and investigate its potential therapeutic effects on the treatment of migraine. Methods: FSSO-loaded CS-AL NPs were prepared by using the single emulsion solvent evaporation method. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated BV-2 cells and nitroglycerin (NTG)-induced migraine mice were further used to explore anti-migraine activities and potential mechanisms of this botanical drug. Results: FSSO-loaded CS-AL NPs (212.1 ± 5.2nm, 45.1 ± 6.2mV) had a well-defined spherical shape with prolonged drug release and good storage within 4weeks. FSSO and FSSO-loaded CS-AL NPs (5, 10, and 15μg/mL) showed anti-inflammatory activities in LPS-treated BV-2 cells via reducing the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and nitric oxide (NO), but elevating interleukin-10 (IL-10) expressions. Moreover, FSSO-loaded CS-AL NPs (52 and 104mg/kg) raised pain thresholds against the hot stimulus and decreased acetic acid-induced writhing frequency and foot-licking duration in NTG-induced migraine mice. Compared with the model group, calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and NO levels were downregulated, but 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and endothelin (ET) levels were upregulated along with rebalanced ET/NO ratio, and vasomotor dysfunction was alleviated by promoting cerebral blood flow (CBF) in the FSSO-loaded CS-AL NPs (104mg/kg) group. Conclusion: FSSO-loaded CS-AL NPs could attenuate migraine via inhibiting neuroinflammation in LPS-stimulated BV-2 cells and regulating vasoactive substances in NTG-induced migraine mice. These findings suggest that the FSS formula may be exploited as new phytotherapy for treating migraine.

Improving the thermophysical aspects of innovative clay brick composites for sustainable development via TiO2 and rGO nanosheets

In the current work, distinctive nanoscale fillers, such as reduced graphene oxide (rGO) and titanium oxide (TiO2), were synthesized to open up novel opportunities to enhance the thermal performance of clay brick composites. Innovative clay-based nanocomposite bricks with various doping levels, including untreated clay, clay–rGO, clay–TiO2 and clay–rGO–TiO2, were synthesized for the first time to enhance brick's thermophysical performance. Physical observations of microstructure, shrinkage, morphology, density, porosity, as well as thermophysical characteristics of the composite clay bricks were investigated. Incorporating a varying quantity of rGO and TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) into the clay matrix resulted in a variation in peak intensity within the lattice structure, along with a rise in the estimated crystallite size to 30.3 nm of clay–rGO–TiO2 composites. Meanwhile, the wealthy hydroxyl groups of TiO2 and rGO NPs boost the formation of many hydrogen bonds well distributed within clay structures, leading to rigid filler adherence. Moreover, the apparent porosity rose (i.e. from 24.01% to 43.64%) due to the creation of new intermolecular covalent bonds and hydrogen bonds between clay–H2O and metal oxides–OH groups. This porosity results in lighter bricks (i.e. bulk density decomposes from 2.02 to 1.41 g/cm3) with a pore size on the order of 3.5 µm. These variations are supported by the differ-dense microstructure presented in the SEM images. Interestingly, the Clay–rGO–TiO2 mixture not only has a high thermal conductivity value (0.44 W/mK), but also exhibits exceptional thermal diffusivity (4.1 mm2/S). The existence of TiO2 NPs, along with rGO nanosheets with a large surface area and high porosity features, which efficiently permits liquid absorption of the interlayers is the main explanation for these findings.

Oral pcDNA3.1-VP4/VP56-FlaC DNA vaccine encapsulated by chitosan/sodium alginate nanoparticles confers remarkable protection against GCRV infection in grass carp

Grass carp hemorrhagic disease caused by grass carp reovirus (GCRV) results in huge losses to the grass carp industry. In previous studies, DNA vaccination provided an efficient strategy for combating viral infection, but biodegradation and adverse environment hindered its application. In this study, Chitosan/sodium alginate (CS/SA) nanoparticles (NPs) loading system was applied to develop the oral DNA nano vaccine CS/SA/VP4C NPs and the oral DNA nano vaccine CS/SA/VP56C NPs to enhance its application effect. The recombinant plasmids pcDNA3.1-VP4C and pcDNA3.1-VP56C were constructed to express GCRV major outer capsid protein VP4 fusing Aeromonas hydrophila flagellin C (VP4C) and GCRV fiber protein VP56 fusing A. hydrophila flagellin C (VP56C), respectively. The oral DNA nano vaccines were about 100 nm in size with a regular spherical structure observed by transmission electron microscope. In addition, the fusion proteins VP4C and VP56C could be efficiently expressed in both fathead minnow cells and grass carp intestine epithelial cells by indirect immunofluorescence and western blotting analysis. The CS/SA/VP4C NPs and CS/SA/VP56C NPs were orally vaccinated with grass carp to evaluate the immune protective effect. The results showed that CS/SA/VP4C + VP56C NPs group had the highest protective effect that the survival rate increased by 42% compared with the control group. In addition, CS/SA/VP4C + VP56C NPs treatment could rapidly up-regulate serum innate immune indexes (total superoxide dismutase, lysozyme and complement C3), and significantly increase the mRNA expression of IFN1, MHC-IIα, IL-1β, TNFα, IgM, and IgT. Meanwhile, CS/SA/VP4C + VP56C NPs treatment greatly inhibited the replication of GCRV in the hindgut, spleen and head kidney. These results suggested that oral administration of CS/SA/VP4C + VP56C NPs could effectively prevent GCRV infection by improving adaptive immunity and innate immunity. Therefore, our study provides a new strategy for the fish viral disease prevention, which also establishes a theoretical basis for developing multiple DNA vaccines in the aquaculture industry.

Green Synthesised Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles from Ulva Fasciata Algae Extract for Antibacterial and Supercapacitor Application

The present study aims to identify the green synthesized zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles (NPs) from Ulva fasciata algae extract. The prepared ZnO NPs are characterized through XRD, FTIR, UV-Vis spectroscopy, SEM, TEM, EDX, antibacterial activity and electrochemical analysis. The XRD spectrum exposes the hexagonal structure. The FTIR spectrum reveals the functional group of ZnO NPs. The optical analysis gives the band gap values of ZnO at different concentrations of ulva fasciata algae extract. The antibacterial activities were tested S. aureus and E. coli. The CV curve exhibit a high specific capacitance of 45 F/g, at the scan rate of 10 mV/S.

Analysis of Targeted Therapy of Parkinson’s Disease with Coloaded Nanoparticles

The key to the treatment of Parkinson’s disease (PD) is delivering an effective amount of drugs into the brain to work, and supplementing the missing dopamine (Dop) in the brain is still the most effective treatment currently. In this research, borneol (Bor) was utilized to promote the drug to enter the brain through the nasal cavity, and lactoferrin (Lf) was utilized as the targeting molecule to modify the nanoparticles (NPs) so that they entered the brain and focused on the lesion site of PD to achieve targeting. They were then evaluated in vivo and in vitro, thus providing the basis for the development of the Lac-Bor/Dop NPs in PD therapy. In the experiment, the particle size of Lac-Bor/Dop NPs prepared by the optimal prescription process was 163.7±15.6 nm, the Dop drug loading was (7.86±1.68) %, and the Zeta potential was (−21.36±3.34) mV. The in vitro release confirmed that the Lac-Bor/Dop NPs had good sustained release characteristics in PBS medium. The cytotoxicity and uptake experiments confirmed that the cytotoxicity of Dop encapsulated in NPs was markedly inferior to that of free Dop (P <0.05). For SH-SY5Y cells and 16HBE cells, Bor and Lf co-modified NPs can promote cell uptake. In vivo animal imaging counts confirmed that the coloaded NPs were capable of synergistic nasal drug delivery to the brain for better brain targeting. Furthermore, a PD model induced by dopaminergic neuron injury induced by unilateral striatal injection of 6-OHDA was constructed in rats and assigned into various groups to demonstrate the therapeutic effect of NPs on PD rats. The results revealed that relative to other groups, the contralateral rotations of rats in the Lac-Bor/Dop NP group were decreased drastically after 20 days of administration (P <0.01), and the levels of Dop and dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) in the injured striatum were increased markedly (P <0.01), demonstrating that the delivery system could achieve excellent PD therapy effects after nasal administration.

Insight into the responses of antibiotic resistance genes in microplastic biofilms to zinc oxide nanoparticles and zinc ions pressures in landfill leachate

Microplastic (MP) biofilms are hotspots of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in landfill environment. MP biofilms in landfill leachate coexist with heavy metals and metallic nanoparticles (NPs) that considered to be the selective agents of ARGs. However, the effects of these selective pressures on ARGs in MP biofilms and their differences in MP-surrounding leachate have not been well understood. Herein, the changes of ARG abundances in MP biofilms and corresponding leachate under zinc oxide (ZnO) NPs and zinc ion (Zn2+) pressures were comparatively analyzed. The presence of ZnO NPs and Zn2+ promoted the enrichment of ARGs in MP biofilms, and the enrichment was more pronounced in ZnO NPs groups. ZnO NPs and especially Zn2+ mainly decreased the abundances of ARGs in leachate. The increase of integron abundances and reactive oxygen species production in MP biofilms implied the enhanced potential for horizontal transfer of ARGs under ZnO NPs and Zn2+ pressures. Meanwhile, the co-occurrence pattern between ARGs and bacterial genera in MP biofilms with more diverse potential ARG hosts was more complex than in leachate, and the enrichment of ARG-hosting bacteria in MP biofilms under ZnO NPs and Zn2+ pressures supported the enrichment of ARGs.

TiO2 nanoparticles combined with polystyrene nanoplastics aggravated reproductive toxicity in female mice via exacerbating intestinal barrier disruption.

TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs), a widely used food additive in the food industry, have been shown to aggravate the progress of metabolic diseases. Nanoplastics (NPLs) are an emerging contaminant widely present in the food system and have been shown to induce ovarian disorders in mammals. Noteworthy, they can be ingested by humans through "contaminated" food, while the potential toxicity of NPLs and TiO2 NPs combined remains unclear. In this work, we investigated the potential effects and mechanisms of co-exposure to polystyrene (PS) NPLs and TiO2 NPs on the ovary in female mice. Our results revealed that the co-exposure of TiO2 NPs and PS NPLs caused significant injury to ovarian structure and function, but individual exposure had no effect. Moreover, compared to the TiO2 NPs group, co-exposure aggravated the intestinal barrier damage in mice, increasing the bioaccumulation of TiO2 NPs in the ovary. After being supplemented with the oxidative stress inhibitor N-acetyl-L-cysteine, the expression of ovarian antioxidant genes increased, and the ovarian structural and functional injury in co-exposure mice reverted to normal levels. This study demonstrated that co-exposure to PS NPLs and TiO2 NPs can cause more severe female reproductive dysfunction and deepened the toxicological insights between NPLs and NPs. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Tribological, microhardness and color stability properties of a heat-cured acrylic resin denture base after reinforcement with different types of nanofiller particles.

Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) is not an ideal material in all aspects, as it has poor mechanical and antimicrobial properties. The enhancement of the mechanical and physical features of PMMA-based material is highly required. The present study aimed to estimate the effect of adding different types of nanoparticle (NP) materials on the mechanical and physical features of heat-cured acrylic resin denture base material. A total of 120 samples were divided into 4 groups: the control group; the 5 wt% ZrO2 NPs group; the 5 wt% TiO2 NPs group; and the 5 wt% Ag NPs group. Each one was subdivided into 3 groups according to the test performed: the microhardness test; the abrasive wear test; and the color stability test. Then, the results of these tests were evaluated. The maximum mean value for the microhardness test was observed in the group treated with the addition of 5 wt% Ag NPs, followed by the 5 wt% ZrO2 NPs group, and finally the 5 wt% TiO2 NPs group. The lowest mean microhardness value was recorded for the control group. The maximum mean value for the abrasive wear test was attributed to the control group and the lowest mean value was related to the 5 wt% Ag NPs group. The maximum color change was noted in the 5 wt% Ag NPs group, followed by the 5 wt% ZrO2 NPs and 5 wt% TiO2 NPs groups. The lowest mean value for the color change was found in the control group. There was an increase in hardness and wear resistance in the group treated by adding 5 wt% Ag NPs, and the control group had the best color stability, followed by the 5 wt% TiO2 NPs group. However, a detrimental effect on color stability was observed when 5 wt% Ag NPs was added.

Chemokine-targeted nanoparticles: stimulation of the immune system in cancer immunotherapy

Surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and immunotherapy are potential therapeutic choices for many malignant and metastatic cancers. Despite adverse side effects and pain, surgery and chemotherapy continue to be the most common cancer treatments. However, patients treated with immunotherapy had better cancer control than those who got other treatments. There are two methods to activate immunological pathways: systemically and locally. To modify the tumor microenvironment (TME), the former uses systemic cytokine/chemokine (CK) delivery, whilst the latter uses immunological checkpoints or small molecule inhibitors. Organic and inorganic nanomaterials (NMs) enhanced the efficacy of cancer immunotherapy. NMs can transmit drugs, peptides, antigens, antibodies, whole cell membranes, etc. Surface-modified NMs precisely target and enter the tissues. The inner core of surface-modified NMs is composed of chemicals with limited bioavailability and biocompatibility, resulting in prolonged blood retention and decreased renal clearance. These platforms hinder or prevent many immune cell activities and modify the TME, enhancing the efficiency of cancer immunotherapy. By inhibiting CK/CK receptor signaling, cell migration and other immune responses could be controlled. Developing CK-targeted nanoparticles (NPs) that inhibit CK signaling or take advantage of the ligand-receptor connection is possible. Surface chemical modification of NMs with CKs or specific peptides has several medicinal applications, including tissue-specific drug delivery and limited cell migration in cancer-afflicted conditions. This review covers current developments in the role of different groups of CK-loaded NP in tumor therapy targeting immune cells and cancer. It also covers the role of NP targeting CK signaling which aids in immunogenic cell death (ICD) and induction of antitumor immunity. In addition, CK gene silencing and its capacity to prevent cancer metastasis as well as inhibition of immune cell migration to modulate the TME are discussed.

Ecotoxicity of non- and PEG-modified lanthanide-doped nanoparticles in aquatic organisms

Various types of nanoparticles (NPs) have been widely investigated recently and applied in areas such as industry, the energy sector, and medicine, presenting the risk of their release into the environment. The ecotoxicity of NPs depends on several factors such as their shape and surface chemistry. Polyethylene glycol (PEG) is one of the most often used compounds for functionalisation of NP surfaces, and its presence on the surfaces of NPs may affect their ecotoxicity. Therefore, the present study aimed to assess the influence of PEG modification on the toxicity of NPs. As biological model, we chose freshwater microalgae, a macrophyte and invertebrates, which to a considerable extent enable the assessment of the harmfulness of NPs to freshwater biota. SrF2:Yb3+,Er3+ NPs were used to represent the broad group of up-converting NPs, which have been intensively investigated for medical applications. We quantified the effects of the NPs on five freshwater species representing three trophic levels: the green microalgae Raphidocelis subcapitata and Chlorella vulgaris, the macrophyte Lemna minor, the cladoceran Daphnia magna and the cnidarian Hydra viridissima. Overall, H. viridissima was the most sensitive species to NPs, which affected its survival and feeding rate. In this case, PEG-modified NPs were slightly more toxic than bare ones (non-significant results). No effects were observed on the other species exposed to the two NPs at the tested concentrations. The tested NPs were successfully imaged in the body of D. magna using confocal microscopy; both NPs were detected in the D. magna gut. The results obtained reveal that SrF2:Yb3+,Er3+ NPs can be toxic to some aquatic species; however, the structures have low toxicity effects for most of the tested species.

Effects of ROS-Sensitive Nanoparticles Loaded with Interstitial Cell Derived Factors on Vascular Smooth Cell Adhesion, Proliferation, and Endothelialization

Local high concentrations of stromal cell-derived factor 1 (SDF-1) attract and trap stem cells to involve in the vascular repair when the skin is damaged. In this research, mercaptan ketone polymer (PRGY) was selected as a nano-carrier to prepare ROS-sensitive nanoparticles (NPs) loaded with SDF-1 by means of volatilization of a complex emulsion solvent. The NPs were characterized by a transmission electron microscope (TEM) and a particle size (PS) analyzer, the protein content of the NPs was evaluated by a BCA method, the cytotoxicity was evaluated by CCK8, and the NPs were subjected to the in vitro release (IVR) test. An acute mouse wound model was established, the pathological effect of NP solution on major organs of mice was observed by HE staining after intravenous injection, and the effect of targeted release of NP on animal model was evaluated. To analyze the effect of NPs on wound healing, the mouse models were rolled into different groups. They were sacrificed two weeks after the wound healing was completed, the blood vessels were fixed with perfusion solution, and the common artery where the wound was located was taken for follow-up study. The results suggested that the NPs exhibited a PS of 122.57±18.33 nm, a loading rate of 1.7%, and spherical and uniform surfaces. The IVR tests showed that the NPs could release rapidly under high ROS conditions. The wound model of mice was established, and the injection of NP solution revealed that it could target the wound area. The healing speed in the NP group was the fastest (P <0.05). Smooth muscle cells (SMCs) and endothelial cells (ECs) were isolated from common artery, and proliferation of them in the NP group was found to be obvious (P <0.05), and the adhesion of vascular SMCs could be accelerated at the same time.

Cisplatin and Albumin-Based Gold–Cisplatin Nanoparticles Enhance Ablative Radiation Therapy–Induced Antitumor Immunity in Local and Distant Tumor Microenvironment

Ablative radiation therapy (RT) is an important strategy to eliminate primary tumor and can potentially induce the abscopal effect. Human serum albumin nanoparticle (NP) was used for controlled release of cisplatin to decrease cisplatin's systemic toxicity, and gold (Au) was added to increase RT-induced immunogenic cell death and potentiate the abscopal antitumor immunity. The designed albumin-based cisplatin-conjugated AuNPs were administered concurrently with ablative RT. C57BL/6 mice implanted with syngeneic murine Lewis lung carcinoma or murine MB49 tumor models were treated with ablative RT (12 Gy per fraction for 2 fractions, total 24 Gy), cisplatin, or Au-cisplatin NPs. Combining ablative RT with cisplatin or Au-cisplatin NPs both destroyed the primary tumor effectively and elicited immunogenic cell death accompanied by release of danger-associated molecular patterns. This enhanced recruitment of effector tumor-infiltrating immune cells, including natural killer T cells and CD8+ T cells, and elicited an increased percentage of professional antigen-presenting CD11c+ dendritic cells. Transient weight loss, accompanying hepatotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, and hematopoietic suppression, was observed as a systemic adverse event in the cisplatin but not the Au-cisplatin NPs group. Cisplatin and Au-cisplatin NPs both showed equivalent ability to reduce metastatic potential when combined with ablative RT, confirmed by suppressed unirradiated flank tumor growth and decreased metastatic lung tumor burden, which translated to improved survival. Mobilization and abundance of effector tumor-infiltrating immune cells including CD8+ T cells and dendritic cells were observed in the distant lung tumor microenvironment after ablative RT with cisplatin or Au-cisplatin NPs, demonstrating increased antitumor immunotherapeutic activity as an abscopal effect. Compared with cisplatin, the albumin-based Au-cisplatin NPs exhibited equivalent but no superior antitumor immunotherapeutic activity while reducing systemic adverse events and can be safely administered concurrently with ablative RT. Alternative NP formulations may be designed to further improve anticancer outcomes.

Ameliorative Effects of Vitamins A, C, and E on Sperm Parameters, Testis Histopathology, and Oxidative Stress Status in Zinc Oxide Nanoparticle-Treated Rats.

One of the most often utilized nanoparticles (NPs) in several technologies is zinc oxide (ZnO) NPs. However, these NPs are said to have harmful effects on the reproductive system. Thus, we designed this study to specify the potential preventive activity of vitamins (Vits) A, C, and E, as antioxidants, against toxicity of ZnO NPs in the testes of rats. A total of 54 Wistar rats were arranged in 9 groups of 6 and then orally received water (control 1), olive oil (control 2), Vit A (1000 IU/kg), Vit C (200 mg/kg), Vit E (100 IU/kg), ZnO (200 mg/kg), ZnO+Vit A, ZnO+Vit C, and ZnO+Vit E. To determine the amount of testicular injury, sperm analysis and histological evaluation were performed. In addition, oxidative stress status was examined using colorimetric and qRT-PCR methods. Our findings suggest that ZnO NPs cause adverse effects on sperm parameters and testicular histology. Furthermore, oxidative biomarkers (malondialdehyde and total oxidant capacity) were enhanced in the ZnO group. By contrast, the gene expression and activities of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, GPx, and CAT) noted a remarkable decrease in the ZnO group regarding control (p < 0.05). However, oxidative markers were remarkably mitigated after combined treatment of ZnO NPs and Vits A, C, or E compared to the rats given ZnO NPs (p < 0.05). Additionally, compared to the ZnO NP group, the rats receiving Vits+ZnO NPs exhibit increased antioxidant enzyme activity and mRNA expression (p < 0.05). The findings demonstrate the abovementioned Vits' ameliorative effects on toxicity incurred by ZnO NPs.

Hollow platinum-gold and palladium-gold nanoparticles: synthesis and characterization of composition-structure relationship

Hollow palladium-gold (PdAu) and platinum-gold (PtAu) alloy nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized through galvanic replacement reactions. PdAu NPs denoted PdAu-99.99 and PdAu-98 were produced using palladium precursors with different purity degree: Na2PdCl4 ≥ 99.99% and Na2PdCl4 98%, respectively. The effect of the addition time of the gold palladium precursor solution on the size of the generated NPs was evaluated. Two types of particles, with a rough and a smooth surface, were identified in the suspensions of PtAu and PdAu NPs by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM). The atomic percentage of gold, platinum, palladium, and cobalt (atomic %) in the nanoparticles was determined by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). PtAu NPs (26–42 nm) contain Pt (41 at%), Au (36 at%), and Co (23 at%). Two groups of hollow palladium gold NPs (30–50 nm) with a different residual cobalt content were produced. PdAu-99.99 NPs consisted of Pd (68 at%), Au (26 at%), and Co (6 at%), whereas PdAu-98 NPs were composed of Pd (70 at%), Au (22 at%), and Co (8 at%). The hollow structure of the NPs was confirmed by EDX line scanning. Selected area electron diffraction analysis (SAED) revealed the formation of PtAu and PdAu alloys and it was used in estimating the lattice parameters, too.

Isolating and targeting a highly active, stochastic dendritic cell subpopulation for improved immune responses.

Dendritic cell (DC) activation via pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) is critical for antigen presentation and development of adaptive immune responses, but the stochastic distribution of DC responses to PAMP signaling, especially during the initial stages of immune activation, is poorly understood. In this study, we isolate a unique DC subpopulation via preferential phagocytosis of microparticles (MPs) and characterize this subpopulation of "first responders" (FRs). We present results that show these cells (1) can be isolated and studied via both increased accumulation of the micron-sized particles and combinations of cell surface markers, (2) show increased responses to PAMPs, (3) facilitate adaptive immune responses by providing the initial paracrine signaling, and (4) can be selectively targeted by vaccines to modulate both antibody and Tcell responses invivo. This study presents insights into a temporally controlled, distinctive cell population that influences downstream immune responses. Furthermore, it demonstrates potential for improving vaccine designs via FR targeting.

Evaluation of lingual mucosa toxicity and recovery follow-up in rats, following sub-chronic exposure to titanium dioxide nanoparticles.

Nanosized titanium dioxide (TiO2) particles are among the most widely used nanoparticles (NPs) worldwide due to their unique properties. The lingual mucosa is still neglected in terms of risk assessment with respect to the NP uptake. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of intragastric administration of TiO2 NPs on the mucous membranes of the tongues of albino rats, as well as the potential benefits of a 4-week recovery period. Twenty-one male albino rats were randomly divided into 3 groups (n = 7 per group). Group I served as a control group and received saline intragastrically daily for 30 days. The experimental groups included group II, which received TiO2 NPs in the amount of 50 mg/kg of body weight (b.w.) intragastrically daily for 30 days, and group III, which also received TiO2 NPs in the amount of 50 mg/kg b.w. intragastrically daily for 30 days, and then was allowed to recover for 4 weeks. Tongue specimens were collected for histological, immunohistochemical and morphometric examinations. The TiO2 NP group II showed significant atrophic and degenerative changes in the tongue mucosa, which included reduced epithelial thickness in the ventral surface, with disfigurement in the filiform and fungiform papillae. Weak B cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) immunoreactivity was also noted. The 4-week recovery group displayed improvement in the histological picture, with moderate to strong Bcl-2 immunoreactivity in the epithelial cell layers and the underlying connective tissue. The use of TiO2 NPs caused severe histological and apoptotic changes in the filiform and fungiform papillae, and the ventral surface of the tongue of the rats, while allowing recovery minimized the toxic effect of the NPs.

Synthesis, characterization and stability study of aqueous MPA capped CuInS2/ZnS core/shell nanoparticles

Ternary I–III–VI nanoparticles (NPs) emerged as potential alternatives to II-VI group NPs. At present, it remains a tremendous challenge to directly synthesize high-quality CuInS2/ZnS (CIS/ZnS) core/shell NPs in aqueous solution at atmospheric pressure. Herein, a simple and reliable strategy that combines the hydrothermal method and successive ion layer adsorption and reaction has been proposed to realize the aqueous synthesis of fluorescent CIS/ZnS core/shell NPs. XRD depicts the formation of tetragonal chalcopyrite structure of CIS quantum dots (QDs). As synthesized CIS QDs and CIS/ZnS NPs possess spherical symmetry with average diameter of 6.6 nm and 11.2 nm, respectively. FT-IR spectra confirms the capping of MPA on CIS and CIS/ZnS NPs. UV–Vis spectra of core QDs and core/shell NPs does not show any direct absorption peak. After the growth of ZnS shell over CIS QDs, the PL QY of NPs reach from 6.95% to 17.19%. The stability and behavior of core and core/shell NPs in different pH, has been studied from both absorption and PL observations. Maximum PL emission intensity is found at pH 6 for both core and core/shell NPs. PL QY of core/shell NPs reduces from 17.19% to 8.08% after two months of storage. These properties make them promising candidates for biological and optoelectronic applications.

Metagenomics Approach to the Intestinal Microbiome Structure and Abundance in High-Fat-Diet-Induced Hyperlipidemic Rat Fed with (-)-Epigallocatechin-3-Gallate Nanoparticles.

The effects of nanoparticles (NPs) on microbiota homeostasis and their physiological relevance are still unclear. Herein, we compared the modulation and consequent pharmacological effects of oral administration of (−)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG)-loaded β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) NPs (EGCG@β-CD NPs) and EGCG on gut microbiota. EGCG@β-CD NPs were prepared using self-assembly and their influence on the intestinal microbiome structure was analyzed using a metagenomics approach. The “Encapsulation efficiency (EE), particle size, polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential” of EGCG@β-CD NPs were recorded as 98.27 ± 0.36%, 124.6 nm, 0.313 and –24.3 mV, respectively. Surface morphology of EGCG@β-CD NPs was observed as spherical. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and molecular docking studies confirmed that EGCG could be well encapsulated in β-CD and formed as EGCG@β-CD NPs. After being continuously administered EGCG@β-CD NPs for 8 weeks, the serum cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and liver malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in the rats were significantly decreased, while the levels of catalase (CAT) and apolipoprotein-A1 (apo-A1) in the liver increased significantly in the hyperlipidemia model of rats, when compared to the high-fat-diet group. Furthermore, metagenomic analysis revealed that the ratio of Verrucomicrobia/Bacteroidetes was altered and Bacteroidetes decreased in the high-fat diet +200 mg/kg·bw EGCG@β-CD NPs group, while the abundance of Verrucomicrobia was significantly increased, especially Akkermansia muciniphila in rat feces. EGCG@β-CD NPs could be a promising EGCG delivery strategy to modulate the gut microbiota, enhancing its employment in the prevention of hyperlipidemia.