One-pot Research Articles

Detection of H. pylori VacA protein using a graphene-Au nanoparticle electrochemical sensing platform

This study presents a novel electrochemical biosensor for the detection of Helicobacter pylori VacA protein using a graphene-Au nanocomposite platform. The nanocomposite was synthesized via a one-pot reduction method and characterized using SEM, XRD, and FTIR. The biosensor fabrication process was monitored through cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Optimization studies revealed ideal conditions of pH 7.4, 30-minute incubation time, and 100 μg/mL antibody concentration. The biosensor exhibited a linear response range of 0.1–100 ng/mL with a detection limit of 0.03 ng/mL. Selectivity tests against common interfering substances showed minimal cross-reactivity (<5 % signal change). The sensor demonstrated good reproducibility (3.8 % RSD) and stability (95 % signal retention after 30 days). In spiked serum samples, recoveries ranged from 96.5 % to 103.2 % with RSDs below 4.5 %. Compared to traditional methods, this biosensor offers improved sensitivity and shorter analysis time for VacA detection, potentially enhancing early diagnosis of H. pylori infections and monitoring treatment efficacy.

Green synthesis of carbon dots from Hakka yellow wine lees: Characterization and applications for Fe3+ and NaFeEDTA sensing

In this study, Hakka yellow wine lees carbon dots (HYWL-CDs) with an average diameter of 1.75 nm are synthesized from Hakka yellow wine lees (HYWL) via a one-pot hydrothermal method. Results of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and FTIR reveal the presence of C=C and –OH in the HYWL-CDs. Additionally, the HYWL-CDs present excitation-wavelength dependence, with maximum excitation and emission wavelengths of 360 and 440 nm, respectively. The fluorescence of the HYWL-CDs can be quenched by Fe3+. The Fe3+ concentration is correlated linearly with the quenching rate over a linear range of 0.6–1.1 mg/mL, and the limit of detection is 0.18 μg/mL. And phenols have been shown to be present in HYWL-CDs, and the color reaction between phenols and FeCl3 is most likely the mechanism by which FeCl3 causes fluorescence burst in HYWL-CDs. Moreover, the HYWL-CDs demonstrate significant potential for detecting NaFeEDTA in iron-fortified soy sauces, the linear-fit equation was y = 185.38x + 1024.6 (R2 = 0.9995) The HYWL-CDs are loaded onto paper strips, iron-fortified straw mushroom dark soy sauce showed noticeable color changes, which allows one to differentiate normal soy sauce from iron-fortified soy sauce more conveniently and provides a new perspective for the high-value utilization of yellow wine lees.

Green co-solvent-assisted one-pot synthesis of high-performance flexible lignin polyurethane foam

Although lignin is a promising candidate as a source of polyol for producing eco-friendly polyurethane foam (PUF), its direct application has limitations, primarily stemming from the brittleness of the resulting products and poor processibility at high lignin loadings. To address these technical challenges, we introduced an effective co-solvent for the lignin-based polyurethane foams (LPUFs) with up to 80 wt% of lignin substitution for petroleum polyols. As a green co-solvent that involves carbon dioxide fixation during its production, propylene carbonate (PC), was blended with lignin and improved the distribution of lignin by decreasing the viscosity, providing a room-temperature reaction. The LPUFs demonstrated a comparable thermal insulation performance (R-values greater than 5 in−1) with commercially available PUF with a uniform size of closed-cell structure induced by the reduced viscosity of lignin-based polyol. LPUFs also showed enhanced fire retardancy and moisture resistance compared to the control PUFs, benefiting from lignin’s intrinsic fire-resistant and hydrophobic properties. To mitigate the brittleness issue at high lignin loadings, flexible polyethylene glycols (PEGs) with a high molecular weight (i.e., PEG-1000) were dissolved in PC at room temperature to further improve the mechanical strength of LPUFs. The compressive strength of LPUFs with 80 wt% lignin substitution content was remarkably improved to 226 kPa by the employment of co-solvent and PEG-1000 compared to the control PUF (<140 kPa). Moreover, the flexibility of the LPUFs was successfully controlled by simply adjusting the PEG-400/PEG-1000 ratio. The results of this study provide valuable insights for accelerating and broadening the utilization of lignin in sustainable materials and manufacturing areas.

Zwitterion assisted in-situ grain boundary coating on Li-rich cathode boosting electrochemical performance in Li-ion batteries

High-capacity and high-voltage Li-rich cathode materials are promising candidates for next-generation LIB cathodes due to their high energy density characteristics. However, they face challenges such as electrolyte side reactions at high voltages and slow kinetic properties. To overcome these challenges, this study proposed a one-pot Li2WO4 (LWO) grain boundary coating method. Additionally, a novel synthesis process utilizing zwitterions was introduced to uniformly position heavy tungsten on the surface of a cathode material. Through grain boundary coating, the cathode material was modified not only at the secondary particle level, but also between primary particles by filling grain boundaries with the coating compound. The synthesized LWO grain boundary coated Li-rich cathode exhibited significantly superior rate capability and cycle stability compared to the pristine material. Furthermore, it demonstrated a more stable cycling behavior after high-temperature storage than pristine counterpart. This study presents a primary particle surface modification technique through grain boundary coating and a one-pot synthesis process leveraging zwitterions as a new driving force, providing a new perspective for enhancing the performance of Li-rich cathode materials.

Anti-proliferative activities of Carthamidin mediated gold nanoparticles against breast cancer: An in-vitro approach

Natural pigments have unique commercial properties and are a versatile resource. Additionally, these pigments have potent therapeutic qualities that could be developed into a medication. With this rationale, a simple one-pot synthesis of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) was achieved using Carthamidin (CT). The synthesis of gold nanoparticles was visually confirmed by the change of color pattern from yellow to dark purple color. The CTAuNPs exhibit Surface Plasmon Resonance at 537 nm in Ultra-Violet Visible Spectroscopy analysis (UV-Vis). The face-centered cubic crystalline nature of CTAuNPs was determined by the X-ray diffraction spectrum. The spherical, polydispersed, stable nanoparticles with an average size of 35 nm are depicted by scanning and transmission electron microscopy and CTAuNPs were stable as determined by zeta potential. The CTAuNPs were evaluated as a cytotoxic agent in the MCF 7 cells using the (3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5 diphenyltetrazolium bromide) (MTT) method. The assay inhibits the cell proliferation in a dose-dependent manner with an IC50 76.32 µg/mL. Additionally, we used the Reactive Oxygen Species assay, Lactate Dehydrogenase assay, and Acridine Orange/Ethidium Bromide Staining to annotate the apoptosis pattern. These comprehensive assays validate that the MCF 7 cancer cells treated with CTAuNPs underwent apoptosis-mediated cell death. Furthermore, flow cytometry analysis showed that the CTAuNPs stop the cell cycle at the GO/G1 phase in the MCF 7 cells. It is clear from the analyses that CTAuNPs induce apoptosis in MCF 7 cells. As a result, the development of novel pigment-based gold nanoparticles will enhance the nanoparticles as a theranostic agent as a new paradigm to combat breast cancer and resistance.

Glucose-Water Synergy: An Organocatalytic System Driven synthesis of Benzimidazolo[2,3-b]quinazolinone and Benzothiazolo[2,3-b]quinazolinone Derivatives

Introduction: A simple and efficient one-pot synthesis of quinazolinone derivatives has been developed via a multicomponent reaction (MCR) involving the condensation of dimedone, benzaldehyde, and 2-aminobenzimidazole/2-aminobenzothiazole. Method: In this work, glucose water is used as a green, reusable, environmentally benign organocatalytic solvent system to synthesize desired products. Result: The main benefits of this one-pot method include its excellent yields, less time, cost-effectiveness, atom economy, environment benign, and easy workup. Conclusion: In conclusion, we successfully developed a green protocol for the environmentally benign synthesis of benzimidazo/benzothiazolo quinazolinones using glucose water as an organocatalytic medium.

Design, Docking, Synthesis, and In vitro Evaluation of Potent Anti-tubercular Agents Targeting DNA Gyrase

Background: Tuberculosis caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis has been reported to infect about two-third of the global population and to continuously develop multidrug resistance. DNA gyrase, a type II topoisomerase, is a promising target of the quinolone class of drugs in the treatment of tuberculosis. Objective: The present study is focused on the design and synthesis of newer nitrogen heterocyclics containing indole, n-methyl piperazine, piperidine, and pyrrolidine ring structures. Methods: Initially designed compounds were evaluated for their affinity to the DNA gyrase target. The molecular docking performed using FlexX indicated compounds IIb5 (1-(R)-(4-hydroxyphenyl)(4- methylpiperazin-1-yl)methyl)-3-((S)-(4-hydroxyphenyl)(4-methylpiperazin-1-yl)methyl)urea and IIc5 ((1-(R)-(4-hydroxyphenyl)(4-methylpiperazin-1-yl)methyl)-3-((S)-(4-hydroxyphenyl)(4-methylpiperazin- 1-yl)methyl) thiourea to exhibit promising binding affinity (dock score of -15.01 and -13.77) respectively when compared to the reference MFX moxifloxacin (dock score -4.40) with the target 5BS8 (DNA gyrase). Further, the best 10 compounds were synthesized by one-pot synthesis employing the reaction of indole/N-methyl piperazine/piperidine/pyrrolidine with N-substituted benzaldehydes in the presence of acetamide/urea/thiourea to afford the compounds in 54.60% to 85.47% yield. The synthesized compounds were suitably characterized using chromatographic and spectroscopic tools. Results: In the microplate Alamar Blue assay (MABA), compounds IIb1, IIIc2, IIIb1, and IIb5 exhibited good minimum inhibitory concentrations of 1.6 μg/mL, 3.12 μg/mL, and 12.5 μg/mL, respectively, when compared to the standard rifampicin with 0.8 μg/mL inhibitory concentration. The MTB gyrase supercoiling assay performed using Mycobacterium tuberculosis gyrase supercoiling assay kit demonstrated compound IIb5 at a concentration of 300 μg/mL to show gyrase inhibition in comparison to MFX at 60 μg/mL. In the MTT assay performed using the human breast cancer cell line MCF-7, compounds IIc2, IIb5, and IIb1 showed IC50 values of 2.57 μM, 12.54 μM, and 12.75 μM, respectively, compared to doxorubicin (1.10 μM) at 7-48 hrs and 72 hrs of the study. Conclusion: Based on these observations, N-methyl piperazine class of compounds can serve as a lead/pharmacophore for the rational design of potent molecules against MTB gyrase to combat the growing issue of MDR-TB.

Green and Regulable Synthesis of CdNCN on CdS Semiconductor: Atomic-Level Heterostructures for Enhanced Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution

In the realm of photoenergy conversion, the scarcity of efficient light-driven semiconductors poses a significant obstacle to the advancement of photocatalysis, highlighting the critical need for researchers to explore novel semiconductor materials. Herein, we present the inaugural synthesis of a novel semiconductor, CdNCN, under mild conditions, while shedding light on its formation mechanism. By effectively harnessing the [NCN]2- moiety in the thiourea process, we successfully achieve the one-pot synthesis of CdNCN-CdS heterostructure photocatalysts. Notably, the optimal CdNCN-CdS sample demonstrates a hydrogen evolution rate of 14.7 mmol·g-1·h-1 under visible light irradiation, establishing itself as the most efficient catalyst among all reported CdS-based composites without any cocatalysts. This outstanding hydrogen evolution performance of CdNCN-CdS primarily arises from two key factors: i) the establishment of an atomic-level N-Cd-S heterostructure at the interface between CdNCN and CdS, which facilitating highly efficient electron transfer; ii) the directed transfer of electrons to the (110) crystal plane of CdNCN, promoting optimal hydrogen adsorption and active participation in the hydrogen evolution reaction. This study provides a new method for synthesizing CdNCN materials and offers insights into the design and preparation of innovative atomic-level composite semiconductor photocatalysts.

Water Extract of Onion Catalyst: A Sustainable Approach for the Synthesis of 4-Substituted 1,5-Benzodiazepine Derivatives via an In Situ Generated Enaminones

Background: A simple, convenient and environmentally benign green protocol has been developed for the one-pot synthesis of 4-substituted-1,5-benzodiazepines through three-component reaction of 1,2-diamine, 1,3-cyclic diketone with an aldehyde catalyzed by water extract of onion. The reaction conditions were optimized and the scope of the reaction was extended to various 1,2- diamines, 1,3-cyclic diketones and aldehydes. The main advantages of this method are good to excellent yields, easy workup, simple experimental procedure, and an ability to tolerate a variety of functional groups which gives cost-effective as well as green rewards. The structure of compound 5f was confirmed by single crystal X-ray analysis. Objective: A methodology developed for the synthesizing of 4-substituted 1,5-Benzodiazepine derivatives via enaminones intermediates using 1,2-diamine, 1,3-cyclic diketone and aldehyde in environmentally friendly ethanol as medium. Methods: As a more environmentally friendly catalyst for producing products containing benzodiazepines using aqueous extract of onion. The devised method was proven reliable, non-toxic and greener solvent with quick work-up to produce the intended product. Results: Here, using a one-pot, three-component reaction with a dimedone, 1,2-diamine and range of aldehyde while using water extract of onion as a catalyst. The acquired experimental results showed that the employed synthesis methodology is a straightforward procedure that offers various benefits, including sustainability, easy separtion from the reaction medium. Conclusion: We have developed a sustainble approach for synthesizing benzodiazepine from radily available precursors under mild reaction conditions.

Synthesis and characterization of chitosan Schiff base grafted with formaldehyde and aminoethanol: As an effective adsorbent for removal of Pb(II), Hg(II), and Cu(II) ions from aqueous media

Grafted chitosan materials show the characteristics of high stability, easy separation and recovery, and good heavy metal adsorption capacity, and have received much attention in the adsorption process. Therefore, in this work, novel grafted chitosan-based adsorbent CS-EHBSB@F-AE was prepared by a one-pot reaction of chitosan (CS), 3-ethoxy-4-hydroxybenzaldehyde (EHB), formaldehyde (F) and aminoethanol (F). The microstructure and morphology of the as-prepared composite CS-EHBSB@F-AE were characterized by FT-IR, TGA, DSC, FE-SEM, and BET analyses. The adsorption performance of the as-prepared CS-EHBSB@F-AE composite on Pb(II), Hg(II), and Cu(II) ions from aqueous was investigated using batch experiment and the effects of the initial pH of the solution, contact time, and initial metal ions concentration and temperature on the adsorption efficiency were investigated and discussed. At the best conditions, CS-EHBSB@F-AE exhibited remarkable adsorption capacity of 246.7 mg/g, 203.9 mg/g, and 234.4 mg/g in absorbing Pb(II), Hg(II), and Cu(II), respectively. The adsorption equilibrium and the kinetic studies confirmed that the ions adsorption process fits well with the Langmuir isotherm and pseudo-second-order (PSO) models. Additionally, the adsorption efficiency of Pb(II), Hg(II), and Cu(II) metal ions by the composite CS-EHBSB@F-AE was reduced by increasing the temperature from 298 K to 318 K. In addition, after the sixth ads/des cycles, the as-prepared adsorbent still exhibited high removal efficiency with a decrease in adsorption efficiency of Pb(II) (5.53 %), Hg(II) (15.43 %) and Cu(II) (8.27 %). Finally, we proposed that the ions adsorption by CS-EHBSB@F-AE has happened using the coordination of active groups containing nitrogen and oxygen atoms on the surface of the adsorbent with the Pb(II), Hg(II), and Cu(II) metal ions.

An efficient, catalyst-free synthesis of novel indenoquinoxaline fused hydrazinylthiazoles and their antimicrobial evaluation with molecular docking study

An efficient catalyst-free synthesis of Indenoquinoxaline fused hydrazinyl thiazoles through a one-pot reaction of 11-H-indeno[1,2-b]quinoxalin-11-ones, substituted phenacyl bromide and thiosemicarbazide at room temperature in ethanol is disclosed for the first time. All indenoquinoxaline fused hydrazinyl thiazoles were obtained in excellent yields within a shorter reaction time. The structure of synthesized indenoquinoxaline fused hydrazinyl thiazoles are supported by FT-IR, 1H NMR spectroscopy, and mass analysis. The synthesized indenoquinoxaline fused hydrazinyl thiazoles were screened for antimicrobial activity against the Gram-positive S. aureus and Gram-negative P. aeruginosa and further supported by molecular docking study, which will provide new ideas to design novel inhibitors.

Vanillin-derived co-curing agent for enhanced flame retardancy and mechanical properties in epoxy resin

Herein, we present the synthesis and characterization of a novel phosphorus-containing epoxy co-curing agent, ANVD, fabricated via a one-pot method utilizing vanillin, 1,5-diaminonaphthalene, and DOPO as raw materials. Structural analysis conducted through FTIR and NMR spectroscopy confirmed the composition of ANVD. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) results indicated ANVD has significant contribution to the curing crosslinking of DGEBA, resulting in a slightly decreased Tg value for EP/ANVD compared to EP/DOPO, albeit still notably higher. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) revealed a reduction in the T5% and Tmax values of EP/ANVD, yet ANVD’s superior char-forming ability increased char residue mass at elevated temperatures. Combustion tests showcased the outstanding flame retardancy of EP/ANVD, with EP/ANVD-5 exhibiting a limiting oxygen index (LOI) value of 33.2 % and achieving a V-0 rating in the UL-94 test. Furthermore, EP/ANVD-5 displayed a notable decrease of 38.6 % and 32.1 % in pHRR and av-HRR, respectively, compared to pure EP, surpassing EP/DOPO with equivalent phosphorus content. Analysis of decomposition products in both condensed and gas phases revealed ANVD’s role in forming dense and continuous expanded char layers during combustion, releasing phosphorus radicals and non-combustible gases, thus exhibiting dual-phase flame retardant effects. Additionally, EP/ANVD-3 exhibited enhanced mechanical properties, with tensile strength and modulus increasing from 68.5 MPa and 0.75 GPa to 76.5 MPa and 0.86 GPa, respectively, compared to pure EP. Overall, the introduction of the bio-based flame retardant ANVD presents promising opportunities for the utilization of bio-based materials in flame retardancy applications.

Amino-Functionalized Metal-Organic Framework as Fluorescence Probe for Cell Imaging and Doxorubicin Detection.

In this study, an NH2-Cu-MOF was synthesized using the one-pot method and employed as a fluorescence probe for doxorubicin (DOX) detection. The synthesized NH2-Cu-MOF exhibited remarkable fluorescence recognition capabilities for detecting DOX. Within the concentration range of 1-100 µmol/L, a linear relationship was observed between the fluorescence intensity of the NH2-Cu-MOF and the DOX concentration. Furthermore, the synthesized NH2-Cu-MOF was effectively utilized for highly selective fluorescence quenching recognition and quantitative detection of DOX in the presence of multiple metal ions and other antibiotics. Despite interference from multiple metal ions and antibiotics, DOX was identified and quantified by highly selective fluorescence quenching with a detection limit of 2.1654 µmol/L. These findings underscore the potential of NH2-Cu-MOF as a class of "on-off" fluorescent probes for the rapid detection of DOX.

One-pot synthesis of supported PtCox bifunctional catalysts for oxygen reduction and hydrogen evolution reactions

Hydrogen fuel cells and water electrolyzers hold significant potential for net zero emission and climate change mitigation, but their practical applications are limited by the use of the precious-metal platinum as catalysts. In this study, a one-pot method is developed for the synthesis of PtCox alloys supported on hybrid carbon materials, and it is found that the developed catalysts with reduced Pt loading can act as excellent bifunctional catalysts for both oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Morphology and composition characterizations indicate uniform dispersion and adjustable composition of PtCox alloys with the particle size of ∼3 nm on the carbon support. Among them, Pt3Co/C achieves the highest ORR performance with a high mass activity of 179.23 A/g and a specific activity of 3.15 A/m2 in acidic condition, and an extremely low overpotential of 47.6 mV at 10 mA/cm2 in alkaline media as a HER catalyst. This study presents a cost-effective approach for the development of high performance PtCox/C catalysts, and confirms their potential application in hydrogen energy technologies.

Ni-Fe2O3@SiO2-Pr-DBU: A novel efficient magnetically retrievable catalyst for one-pot synthesis of dihydropyrano [3,2-c] chromene

In the present work, Ni-Fe2O3@SiO2-Pr-DBU was synthesized as a novel magnetically separable nano-catalyst and characterized by various techniques like Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Vibrating-sample magnetometry (VSM), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Elemental analysis by energy dispersive X-ray (EDX). The catalytic efficiency of NiFe2O3@SiO2-Pr-DBU was explored in the synthesis of dihydropyrano[3,2-c] chromenes through a one-pot multicomponent reaction of 4-hydroxycoumarin, malononitrile, and aryl aldehydes in aqueous solution at ambient temperature condition. An external magnet easily removed the nano-sized magnetic core catalyst from the synthesized reaction mixture. It was recycled for five successive runs while maintaining its potential and adhering to our green synthesis approach. We used dihydropyrano chromene, a highly biologically active commercial compound, to prepare some novel derivatives.

One-pot cascade conversion of furfural to isopropyl levulinate catalyzed by sulfonic acid-functionalized UiO-66

A porous sulfonic acid-functionalized zirconium-based metal–organic framework possessing both Lewis acid and Brønsted acid sites (UiO-66-SO3H) was synthesized and tested for the selective conversion of furfural (FUR) to isopropyl levulinate (IPL) through one-pot cascade reaction. UiO-66-SO3H exhibited excellent catalytic performance, and the conversion of FUR as well as the yield and selectivity of IPL reached 96.4 %, 86.0 %, and 89.2 %, respectively. UiO-66-SO3H could be simply recovered and reused, but the catalytic performance was significantly decreased. The FUR conversion and IPL yield dropped to 73.8 % and 65.1 %, respectively, after 1 cycle, and the reason for the decrease in the catalyst activity were also investigated. It was found that the decrease was mainly caused by the loss of some −SO3H groups, and the cyclic performance of UiO-66-SO3H could be restored by supplementing a small amount of BDC-SO3Na. A plausible mechanism for the selective synthesis of IPL from FUR was proposed, wherein both Lewis acid and Brønsted acid sites played important roles. This work provides guidance for the selective conversion of FUR into IPL, and the high-valued utilization of biomass and its derivatives.

The modified electrospun gelatin membrane with in-situ coated silver layer for flexible TENG device

Triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) has shown great potential in real-time monitoring of individual physiological state. Conductive metal nanofibers can maintain good stability and mechanical strain as electrodes. Herein, a simple and safe strategy was provided to prepare electrospun gelatin membranes with in-situ coated silver layer for flexible TENG devices. Electrospun gelatin membranes were prepared by a one-pot method of dopamine-grafted gelatinmodification and physical modification by blending with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). The silver coated electrospun membrane was constructed using the reductive immobilization of silver ions by dopamine. The silver content and hence the output signal of the TENG can be further controlled using bio-crosslinked gelatin membranes. The electrospun gelatin membranes of with immobilized silver layers with ease of preparation were not significantly cytotoxic to fibroblasts. The tensile strength of the membranes crosslinked reached 4MPa, which was more flexible than the membranes uncrosslinked. The membranes showed significant inhibition against Staphylococcus Aureus (S. aureus) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) and the triboelectric output performance of the membrane can be controlled by adjusting the crosslinking method, which providing an effective strategy for implementing TENG in the monitoring of the wound healing process.

Efficient Pb(II) removal from contaminated soils by recyclable, robust lignosulfonate/polyacrylamide double-network hydrogels embedded with Fe2O3 via one-pot synthesis

Soil heavy metal removal strategies are increasingly valued for effectively reducing contamination and preventing secondary pollution. In this work, a double network hydrogel (Fe2O3@LH), consisting of lignosulfonate (LS) and polyacrylamide with embedded Fe2O3 nanoparticles, was synthesized successfully via a one-pot method and subsequently applied to adsorb lead (Pb) from contaminated soil. Incorporating Fe2O3 into the hydrogel enhances the adsorption capacity of Fe2O3@LH for Pb(II). The Fe2O3@LH hydrogel demonstrates a maximum Pb(II) adsorption capacity of 143.11 mg g–1, with Pb(II) removal mechanisms involving electrostatic adsorption, cation exchange, precipitation reactions, and the formation of coordination complexes, achieving a 22.3 % maximum removal efficiency in soil cultivation experiments. Additionally, the application of Fe2O3@LH markedly reduces the concentrations of cadmium (Cd) and arsenic (As) in the soil, meanwhile enhances the levels of total nitrogen (TN), soil organic matter (SOM), and cation exchange capacity (CEC) by 23.1 %, 10.6 %, and 16.9 %, respectively. Following 90 days of continuous application in the soil, the recovery rate of Fe2O3@LH remains above 75 %. The toxicity assay using zebrafish larvae indicates that Fe2O3@LH demonstrates good biosafety. This study demonstrates the considerable potential of Fe2O3@LH hydrogel for practical application in reducing Pb(II) levels in contaminated soil.

Bis-chalcones obtained via one-pot synthesis as the anti-neurodegenerative agents and their effect on the HT-22 cell line

In the area of research on neurodegenerative diseases, the current challenge is to search for appropriate research methods that would detect these diseases at the earliest possible stage, but also new active structures that would reduce the rate of the disease progression and minimize the intensity of their symptoms experienced by the patient. The chalcones are considered in the context of candidates for new drugs dedicated to the fight against neurodegenerative diseases. The synthesis of bis-chalcone derivatives (3a-3d), as aim molecules was performed. Their structures were established by applying 1H NMR, 13C NMR, MS, FT-IR and UV–Vis spectra. All bis-chalcones were synthesized from terephthalaldehyde and appropriate aromatic ketone as substrates in the Claisen-Schmidt condensation method and evaluated in the biological tests and in silico analysis. Compounds exerted antioxidant activity using the HORAC method (3a-3d) and decreased the activities of GPx, COX-2 (3b-3d), GR (3a-3c) and CAT (3a,3b). The high anti-neurodegenerative potential of all four bis-chalcones was observed by inhibition of acetyl- (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) and a positive effect on the mouse hippocampal neuronal HT-22 cell line (LDH release and PGC-1α, PPARγ and GAPDH protein expression). TD-DFT method (computing a number of descriptors associated with HOMO–LUMO electron transition: electronegativity, chemical hardness and potential, first ionization potential, electron affinity) was employed to study the spectroscopic properties. This method showed that the first excited state of compounds was consistent with their maximum absorption in the computed UV–Vis spectra, which showed good agreement with the experimental spectrum using PBE1PBE functional. Using in silico approach, interactions of bis-chalcones with selected targets (aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) PAS-A Domain, ligand binding domain of human PPAR-γ, soman-aged human BChE-butyrylthiocholine complex, Torpedo californica AChE:N-piperidinopropyl-galanthamine complex and the COX-2-celecoxib complex) were characterized. Results obtained in in silico models were consistent with in vitro experiments.

One-pot synthesis and covalent conjugation of methylene blue in mesoporous silica nanoparticles – a platform for enhanced photodynamic therapy

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is an emerging clinical modality for diverse disease conditions, including cancer. This technique involves, the generation of cytotoxic reactive oxygen species by a photosensitizer in the presence of light and oxygen. Methylene blue (MB) is a cationic dye with an ability to act as photosensitizing and bioimaging agent. The direct utilization of MB as photosensitizer for biological applications has often been impeded by its poor photostability and unwanted tissue interactions. Nanocarriers such as mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) providing an effective means of overcoming these limitations. However, the mere physical adsorption of the dye within the MSN can result in leakage, compromising the effectiveness of PDT. Therefore, in this work, we report the conjugation of MB into MSNs using novel MB-silane derivatives, namely MBS1 and MBS2, to create dye-doped and amine-functionalized MSNs (MBS1-AMSN and MBS2-AMSN). The PDT efficacy and bioimaging capability of these nanoparticles were compared with those of MSNs in which MB was non-covalently encapsulated (MB@AMSN). The synthesized nanoparticles, ultra-small in size (≤ 35 ± 4nm) with monodispersity, exhibited enhanced fluorescence quantum yields. MBS1-AMSN demonstrated 70-fold increase, while MBS2-AMSN showed 33-fold improvement in fluorescence quantum yields compared to MB@AMSN at the same concentration. Covalent conjugation resulted in a 2-fold enhancement in the singlet oxygen quantum yield of the dye in MBS1-AMSN and 1.2-fold improvement in MBS2-AMSN, compared to non-covalent encapsulation. Assessment on RAW 264.7 macrophages revealed superior fluorescence in cell imaging for MBS1-AMSN, establishing it as a more efficient PDT agent compared to MBS2-AMSN and MB@AMSN. These findings suggest that MBS1-AMSN holds significant potential as a theranostic nanoplatform for image-guided PDT.