Polydisperse Nanoparticles Research Articles

Model for structure formation in nanosuspension droplet superheated steam drying

In this work, a mathematical model for particle and structure formation from drying single nanosuspension droplets in superheated steam is presented. The influence of process and material conditions on structure formation (“locking”), especially shell properties is systematically investigated by computation. It is shown that with increasing superheating, larger and more porous particles result. Formed crusts decrease in thickness but are significantly denser than the overall particle. Differences in expected particle properties compared to conventional hot air drying are evaluated, indicating the existence of an “inversion temperature”. Effects of further heat and mass transfer processes (thermal radiation, nanoparticle aggregation, nanoparticle polydispersity, and anisotropy) on structure formation are qualitatively discussed.

Understanding the Roles of Thiophenol-Ligated Ag-Based Nanoclusters on TiO2 during the Catalytic Hydrogenation of Nitroarenes.

Elucidating the correlations between the core structure of atomically precise nanoclusters and their catalytic activities is fundamentalfor exploring highly efficient nanocatalysts. Herein, a series of Ag-based nanoclusters protected by 2,4-dimethylphenylthiophenol (specifically Ag4Pd2(SPhMe2)8 and Ag24M(SPhMe2)18 where M = Ag, Pd, and Pt) were synthesized and deposited on TiO2 supports as heterogeneous catalysts for the selective hydrogenation of nitroarenes with NaBH4 as the reductant. It was found that Ag4Pd2(SPhMe2)8 could spontaneously lose its ligands during catalysis, leading to the formation of polydispersed AgPd nanoparticles. This transformation endows the system with extraordinary activity for driving the hydrogenation of nitroarenes. However, the Ag24M (M = Ag, Pd, and Pt) systems, maintain their core structures during catalysis. They follow the generally reported ligand-mediated hydride-involved process, with catalytic activities depending on the central atom (Pt > Pd > Ag), which affects the hydride transferred from the nanoclusters to the reactant to regulate the catalysis.

Multivariate Bayesian Optimization of CoO Nanoparticles for CO2 Hydrogenation Catalysis.

The hydrogenation of CO2 holds promise for transforming the production of renewable fuels and chemicals. However, the challenge lies in developing robust and selective catalysts for this process. Transition metal oxide catalysts, particularly cobalt oxide, have shown potential for CO2 hydrogenation, with performance heavily reliant on crystal phase and morphology. Achieving precise control over these catalyst attributes through colloidal nanoparticle synthesis could pave the way for catalyst and process advancement. Yet, navigating the complexities of colloidal nanoparticle syntheses, governed by numerous input variables, poses a significant challenge in systematically controlling resultant catalyst features. We present a multivariate Bayesian optimization, coupled with a data-driven classifier, to map the synthetic design space for colloidal CoO nanoparticles and simultaneously optimize them for multiple catalytically relevant features within a target crystalline phase. The optimized experimental conditions yielded small, phase-pure rock salt CoO nanoparticles of uniform size and shape. These optimized nanoparticles were then supported on SiO2 and assessed for thermocatalytic CO2 hydrogenation against larger, polydisperse CoO nanoparticles on SiO2 and a conventionally prepared catalyst. The optimized CoO/SiO2 catalyst consistently exhibited higher activity and CH4 selectivity (ca. 98%) across various pretreatment reduction temperatures as compared to the other catalysts. This remarkable performance was attributed to particle stability and consistent H* surface coverage, even after undergoing the highest temperature reduction, achieving a more stable catalytic species that resists sintering and carbon occlusion.

Design and evaluation of nanostructured lipid carrier of Bergenin isolated from Pentaclethra macrophylla for anti-inflammatory effect on lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammatory responses in macrophages

Herein, we report the properties of nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) prepared with a gradient concentration of Bergenin (BGN) isolated from Pentaclethra macrophylla stem bark powder. A gradient concentration of BGN (BGN 0, 50, 100, 150, and 200 mg) was prepared in a 5 % lipid matrix consisting of Transcutol HP (75 %), Phospholipon 90H (15 %), and Gelucire 43/01 (10 %) to which a surfactant aqueous phase consisting of Tween 80, sorbitol, and sorbic acid was dissolved. The NLCs were evaluated by size, polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), encapsulation efficiency, and in vitro drug release. The result shows polydispersed nanoparticles with high drug encapsulation (94.26–99.50 %). The nanoparticles were mostly spherical, but those from the 50 mg BGN batch were more cuboidal than spherical. The drug release was highest from the latter to the tune of 40 % compared to the pure BGN solution, which released about 15 % BGN. The anti-inflammatory activity of the BGN-NLC and total plant extract was studied on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-inflamed macrophages. The cell study showed that BGN and plant extract had low cytotoxicity on macrophages and exhibited a dose-dependent anti-inflammatory effect on the LPS-induced inflammatory process in macrophages.

Leveraging Direct Pyrolysis for the Synthesis of 10 nm Monodispersed Fe3O4/Fe3C NPS@Carbon to Improve SupercapacitANCE in Acidic Electrolyte.

The prevailing practice advocates pre-oxidation of electrospun Fe-salt/polymer nanofibers (Fe-salt/polymer Nf) before pyrolysis as advantageous in the production of high-performance FeOx@carbon nanofibers supercapacitors (FeOx@C). However, our study systematically challenges this notion by demonstrating that pre-oxidation facilitates the formation of polydispersed and large FeOx nanoparticles (FeOx@CI-DA) through "external" Fe3+ Kirkendall diffusion from carbon, resulting in subpar electrochemical properties. To address this, direct pyrolysis of Fe-salt/polymer Nf is proposed, promoting "internal" Fe3+ Kirkendall diffusion within carbon and providing substantial physical confinement, leading to the formation of monodispersed and small FeOx nanoparticles (FeOx@CDA). In 1 M H2SO4, FeOx@CDA demonstrates ~2.60× and 1.26× faster SO4 2- diffusivity, and electron transfer kinetics, respectively, compared to FeOx@CI-DA, with a correspondingly ~1.50× greater effective surface area. Consequently, FeOx@CDA exhibits a specific capacity of 161.92 mAhg-1, ~2× higher than FeOx@CI-DA, with a rate capability ~19 % greater. Moreover, FeOx@CDA retains 94 % of its capacitance after 5000 GCD cycles, delivering an energy density of 26.68 Whkg-1 in a FeOx@CDA//FeOx@CDA device, rivaling state-of-the-art FeOx/carbon electrodes in less Fe-corrosive electrolytes. However, it is worth noting that the effectiveness of direct pyrolysis is contingent upon hydrated Fe-salt. These findings reveal a straightforward approach to enhancing the supercapacitance of FeOx@C materials.

The impact of pumpkin seed-derived silver nanoparticles on corrosion and cytotoxicity: a molecular docking study of the simulated AgNPs

ABSTRACT Green-synthesized nanoparticles from pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo L.) seed extracts are economical and eco-friendly. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and their selective cytotoxicity towards HCT116 and African Green Monkey Kidney, Vero cells were investigated. Chemical fingerprinting, heat stability, and 2D-images of nanoparticle size and morphology were determined using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), and Scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive X-ray (SEM-EDX) on AgNPs. UV-vis examination shows surface plasmons in the wide peak at 417 nm, indicating polydisperse nanoparticles. Small silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) below 2 µm demonstrated a rod-like form and a tendency to agglomerate. SEM-EDX element analysis and fingerprinting confirmed the material as AgNPs. TEM indicated that the nanoparticles were generally spherical or ellipsoidal, equally dispersed, and averaged 26.08 nm in diameter with negligible aggregation. The AgNPs are also stable at a temperature of 220°C, indicating that the green material is quite robust at 150°C to 400°C. According to cytotoxic studies, AgNPs are toxic to cancer cells (HCT 116 cells), however they have no effect on Vero cells. AgNPs and tubulin (TUB) domain active sites have a significant affinity, according to molecular docking analysis. In an electrochemical investigation, biogenic AgNPs effectively prevented mild steel from corroding in a 1.0 M HCl solution.

CO-Driven Au Recovery and Nanoparticle Synthesis By in-Situ CO2 Reduction on Gas-Diffusion Electrodes

Effective synthesis methods for gold nanoparticles (NPs) have been extensively researched due to their wide-ranging applications in biomedicine, bioanalytical processes, and electrochemistry. Chemical reduction is the most common technique for producing precious metals nanoparticles, with the synthesis method greatly influencing the morphology of the resulting product. In most instances, the formation of polydisperse nanoparticles (NPs) is obtained (Reverberi, Kuznetsov et al. 2016). CO is a known reducing agent for and , offering fast reduction rates (Pretzer, Nguyen et al. 2010) and easy removal, resulting in fewer purification steps.We recently reported a synthesis method called Gas-Diffusion Electrocrystallization (GDEx), which can be applied to the platinum group metals (PGMs). The precipitation of the water-soluble PGM precursors is accomplished by the in situ production of H2 and CO, issued from the electrochemical reduction of CO2 and water electrolysis, respectively. This is typically accomplished using gas diffusion electrodes (Martinez Mora, Pozo et al. 2023). H2 acts as a reducing agent and CO as a size-controlling agent. In this work, we propose the synthesis of Au0 NPs driven by the GDEx process fed by CO2 in aqueous media.Different current densities (i.e., 10 and 40 mA cm-2) and two gas-flow regimes were tested –flow-by (FB) and flow-through (FT). Under FB, excess gas was fed into the gas chamber of the electrochemical set-up (i.e., 200 mL min-1), while under FT, the gas chamber overpressure was increased to force the gas through the GDE in convective regime, (i.e., the outlet of the gas chamber was closed and the flow rate was set to 5 mL min-1).In the first instance, the CO-driven Au(III) reduction process was modeled, including the CO(g)-CO(l) mass transport and equilibrium. It was discovered that the CO mass transport is the bottleneck in the reduction rate.In the GDEx electrochemical set-up, lower current densities and FT conditions achieved smaller particle size (i.e., 46 nm at -10 mA cm-2 and FT, table 1) and higher current efficiencies for CO production (~19 %, where the competing reaction was H2 evolution, table 1). Conversely, higher current densities led to faster reduction kinetics, yet lower current efficiencies (see Fig. 1).The GDEx process enables Au recovery and nanoparticle synthesis from Au(III)-containing synthetic streams, and can be applied to industrial leachates from end-of-life products. Conditions favoring CO mass transport and availability in the electrolyte improved the reduction kinetics. Furthermore, GDEx allows controlled CO production, mitigating the risk associated with using pure CO.Table 1. Summary of CO yield, current efficiencies and NP size for the different operating conditions j / mA cm-2 FB/FT CO generation / mmol min-1 CECO / % CEAu / % NP Size / nm Crystallite size / nm -10 FB 0.0023 7.3 4.2 70 ± 32 29 ± 7 FT 0.0081 18.6 6.6 46 ± 17 29 ± 6 -40 FB 0.0046 3.3 2.0 91 ± 36 31 ± 6 FT 0.0081 5.5 2.1 72 ± 20 27 ± 6 This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program under grant agreement No 958302 (PEACOC project). Martinez Mora, O., G. Pozo, L. F. Leon-Fernandez, J. Fransaer and X. Dominguez-Benetton (2023). "Synthesis of platinum group metal nanoparticles assisted by CO2 reduction and H2 cogeneration at gas-diffusion electrodes." RSC Sustainability.Pretzer, L., Q. Nguyen and M. Wong (2010). "Controlled Growth of Sub-10 nm Gold Nanoparticles Using Carbon Monoxide Reductant." The Journal of Physical Chemistry C 114.Reverberi, A. P., N. T. Kuznetsov, V. P. Meshalkin, M. Salerno and B. Fabiano (2016). "Systematical analysis of chemical methods in metal nanoparticles synthesis." Theoretical Foundations of Chemical Engineering 50: 59-66. Figure 1

Size-refocusing fitting of small-angle X-ray scattering from polydisperse nanoparticles for shape determination

Small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) which records reciprocal-space signals with characteristic Bessel-type oscillations is a powerful technique for studying nanoparticles. However, the size polydispersity (or size distribution) of nanoparticles in an ensemble sample smears the oscillational peaks and valleys in the SAXS profile, making it difficult to extract accurate real-space information (e.g. three-dimensional geometry) on the nanoparticles. In this work, a method capable of eliminating the size-distribution-induced smearing effect from SAXS profiles by taking the known size-distribution function into consideration has been developed. The method employs a penalized iterative regression to fit the pair distance distribution function (PDDF) derived from a SAXS profile, recovering the representative PDDF of the nanoparticles. The method has been evaluated with a series of nanoparticle systems of various shapes and size distributions, showing their PDDF profiles to have high fidelity to the reference ideal PDDF profiles. Inverse Fourier transformation of the recovered PDDF profiles gives SAXS profiles presenting the characteristic Bessel-type oscillations, enabling reconstruction of the representative three-dimensional geometry of the nanoparticles. This method will help in the use of SAXS to image synthesized colloidal nanoparticles where size polydispersity is inevitable.

(Energy Technology Division Supramaniam Srinivasan Young Investigator Award) Fundamental Insights into the Oxygen Evolution Reaction from Epitaxial Oxide Thin Films

The intermittent nature of renewable energy sources requires a clean, scalable means of converting and storing energy. One Earth-abundant storage option is water electrolysis: storing energy in the bonds of O2 and H2, and later extracting electricity by the electrochemical reaction of gasses in a fuel cell. The efficiency of this process is primarily limited by the sluggish kinetics of the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) at the anode, resulting in extensive use of precious metal electrocatalysts in current devices. We have worked to build mechanistic understanding of the OER on benchmark catalysts rutile IrO2 and RuO2, and have investigated competition with the chlorine evolution reaction (CER) in saline feeds, where breaking scaling relations between oxidative processes can broaden the range of acceptable water sources for electrolysis. We have also investigated earth-abundant oxide materials as alternatives, especially nickel-based perovskites, focusing on fundamental understanding of the electrode/electrolyte interface and its relation to catalyst electronic structure.I will present studies of model oxide electrodes grown by pulsed laser deposition (PLD) and molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) that display a known crystallographic orientation, strain, surface area, and path for charge transport. Such measurements can establish the intrinsic activity of oxide catalysts in a way that cannot be realized with polydisperse nanoparticle systems, and we use these findings to rationally design composition and structure to maximize activity.

Synthesis of Silver Nano-particle with Poly-herbal Plant Extracts for Anti-fungal and Anti-microbial Activity on Candida Albicans and E. Coli

In this study, we have developed a method to synthesize silver nanoparticles by mixing the silver solution with the leaf extract of Pisum sativum without using any surfactant or external energy. In this method, physiologically steady, bio-compatible Ag nanoparticles were set up. These functionalized POLY HERBAL Ag-NPs could be used for targeted drug delivery with enhanced therapeutic efficacy and minimal side effects. Extracellular synthesis of metal nanoparticles using extracts of plants like Pisum sativum (Pea), Zingiber officinale (Ginger) Curcuma longa (turmeric) has been successfully carried out. In this article, Ag-NPs formation using Pisum sativum (Pea), Zingiber officinale (Ginger) and Curcuma longa (turmeric) has been thoroughly discussed. It is well recognized that on treating the metallic salt solution with some plant extracts, a rapid reduction take place leading to the origination of highly stable metal nanoparticles. With this method quick synthesis of nanoparticles was noticed to occur; i.e., reaction time was 1–2 h as contrasted to 2–4 days required by microorganisms. These nanoparticles were examined by various characterization techniques to disclose their morphology, chemical composition, and antimicrobial activity. TEM image of these NPs shows the evolution of spherical, non-uniform, poly-dispersed nanoparticles. A comprehensive study of the anti-microbial activity of nanoparticles was performed.

On the absence of structure factors in concentrated colloidal suspensions and nanocomposites.

Small-angle scattering is a commonly used tool to analyze the dispersion of nanoparticles in all kinds of matrices. Besides some obvious cases, the associated structure factor is often complex and cannot be reduced to a simple interparticle interaction, like excluded volume only. In recent experiments, we have encountered a surprising absence of structure factors (S(q) = 1) in scattering from rather concentrated polymer nanocomposites (Genix et al. in ACS Appl Mater Interfaces 11(19):17863-17872, 2019). In this case, quite pure form factor scattering is observed. This somewhat "ideal" structure is further investigated here making use of reverse Monte Carlo simulations in order to shed light on the corresponding nanoparticle structure in space. By fixing the target "experimental" apparent structure factor to one over a given q-range in these simulations, we show that it is possible to find dispersions with this property. The influence of nanoparticle volume fraction and polydispersity has been investigated, and it was found that for high concentrations only a high polydispersity allows reaching a state of S = 1. The underlying structure in real space is discussed in terms of the pair-correlation function, which evidences the importance of attractive interactions between polydisperse nanoparticles. The calculation of partial structure factors shows that there is no specific ordering of large or small particles, but that the presence of attractive interactions together with polydispersity allows reaching an almost "structureless" state.

Bio-Fabrication of Silver Nanoparticles Using Citrus aurantifolia Fruit Peel Extract (CAFPE) and the Role of Plant Extract in the Synthesis.

The green synthesis of silver nanoparticles has been proposed as an eco-friendly and cost-effective substitute for chemical and physical methods. The aim of this study was to synthesize and characterize silver nanoparticles using the peel extract of Citrus aurantifolia fruit, and to determine the possible phytochemical constituents' presence in the plant extracts that might be responsible for the synthesis. Citrus aurantifolia fruit peel extraction was followed by phytochemical studies of secondary metabolites, FTIR analysis confirmation of functional groups, and GC-MS analysis. Silver nanoparticles were synthesized through bio-reduction of silver ions (Ag+) to silver nanoparticles using CAFPE and characterized using UV-Vis spectroscopy, HR-TEM, FESEM, EDX, XRD, DLS, and FTIR. The presence of plant secondary metabolites such as alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, phenols, terpenoids, and steroids was detected. The FTIR analysis of the extract revealed the presence of functional groups like hydroxyl, carboxyl, carbonyl, amine, and phenyl, whereas the GC-MS analysis indicated presence of chemical compounds such as 1,2,4-Benzenetricarboxylic acid, Fumaric acid, nonyl pentadecyl, and 4-Methyl-2-trimethylsilyloxy-acetophenone, etc., with similar functional groups. The synthesized silver nanoparticle (AgNP) has displayed the characteristics of a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) band peak from 360-405 nm. High resolution transmission electron microscope (HR-TEM) and field emission scan electron microscope (FESEM) confirm polydisperse, spherical shaped, and smooth surface nanoparticles with an average size of 24.023 nm. Energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis further revealed that silver is the most abundant element found in the micrograph of the nanoparticles, and FTIR analysis further confirmed the presence of different functional groups in the surface of the nanoparticle. The XRD analysis also confirmed that the nanoparticles synthesized are crystalline in nature. Based on the findings of this study, it is understood that the variety of natural compounds that are present in plant extracts of Citrus aurantifolia fruit peel can act as both reducing and stabilizing agents for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles. It is, therefore, concluded that Citrus aurantifolia peel extract can be potentially used for the large production of silver nanoparticles for several applications.

Complex Dispersion of Detonation Nanodiamond Revealed by Machine Learning Assisted Cryo-TEM and Coarse-Grained Molecular Dynamics Simulations.

Understanding the polydispersity of nanoparticles is crucial for establishing the efficacy and safety of their role as drug delivery carriers in biomedical applications. Detonation nanodiamonds (DNDs), 3-5 nm diamond nanoparticles synthesized through detonation process, have attracted great interest for drug delivery due to their colloidal stability in water and their biocompatibility. More recent studies have challenged the consensus that DNDs are monodispersed after their fabrication, with their aggregate formation poorly understood. Here, we present a novel characterization method of combining machine learning with direct cryo-transmission electron microscopy imaging to characterize the unique colloidal behavior of DNDs. Together with small-angle X-ray scattering and mesoscale simulations we show and explain the clear differences in the aggregation behavior between positively and negatively charged DNDs. Our new method can be applied to other complex particle systems, which builds essential knowledge for the safe implementation of nanoparticles in drug delivery.

Magnetic Tracers for Magnetic Particle Imaging: Insight on the Roles of Frequency-Sustained Hysteresis and Interactions in Quantitative Imaging

Magnetic hysteresis present in tracer materials for magnetic particle imaging (MPI) either by effect of the driving-field frequency or because of interactions among nanoparticles is shown to play a crucial role when such a technique is exploited to get quantitative information about the tissue section being examined. By means of simulations based on a rate-equation model, the nanoparticles are proven to display magnetic hysteresis at the operating frequencies typical of MPI even if they are superparamagnetic in quasistatic conditions. As a consequence, the system function, a quantity crucial for image reconstruction in MPI, becomes markedly different in nature and shape from the curve produced by superparamagnetic nanoparticles. Not taking into account such an effect has detrimental consequences on quantitative MPI, as evidenced by specific examples of image reconstruction involving both monodisperse and polydisperse nanoparticles. The role played in image reconstruction by magnetic dipolar interaction, no longer negligible when nanoparticles accumulate in a small volume of the tissue, is discussed within the rate-equation model.

Nickel Boride (NixB) Nanocrystals: From Solid-State Synthesis to Highly Colloidally Stable Inks

Metal borides, a class of materials intensively used in industry as superconductors, magnetic materials, or hot cathodes, remain largely unexplored at the nanoscale mainly due to the difficulty in synthesizing single-phase nanocrystals. Recent works have shown that synthetic methods at lower temperatures (<400 °C) yield amorphous polydisperse nanoparticles, while phase purity is an issue at higher temperatures. Among all the metal-rich borides, nickel borides (NixB) could be a potential catalyst for a broad range of applications (hydrogenations, electrochemical hydrogen, and oxygen evolution reactions) under challenging conditions (such as high pH or high temperatures). Here, we report a novel solid-state method to synthesize NixB nanopowders (with a diameter of approximately 45 nm) and their conversion into colloidal suspensions (inks) through treatment of the nanocrystal surface. For the solid-state synthesis, we used commercially available salts and explored the reaction between the Ni and B sources while varying the synthetic parameters under mild and solvent-free reaction conditions. We show that pure phase Ni3B and Ni2B NCs can be obtained with high yield in the pure phase using as precursors NiCl2 and Ni, respectively. Through extensive mechanistic studies, we show that Ni nanoclusters (1–2 nm) are an intermediate in the boriding process, while the metal co-reactant lowers the decomposition temperature of NaBH4 (used as a reducing agent and B source). Size control can instead be exerted through reaction mediators, as seen from the differential nucleation and growth of Ni (clusters) or NixB NCs when employing L- (amine, phosphine) and X-type (carboxylate) mediators. Applying surface engineering methods to our NixB NCs, we stabilized them with inorganic (NOBF4) or organic (borane tert-butyl amine, oleylamine) ligands in the appropriate solvent (DMSO, hexane). With this method, we produce stable inks for further solution processing applications. Our results provide tools for further development of catalysts based on NixB NCs and pave the way for synthesizing other metal boride colloidal nanostructures.

Extracting the morphology of gold bipyramids from small-angle X-ray scattering experiments via form factor modelling.

Accurate shape description is a challenge in materials science. Small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) can provide the shape, size and polydispersity of nanoparticles by form factor modelling. However, simple geometric models such as the ellipsoid may not be enough to describe objects with complex shapes. This work shows that the form factor of gold nanobipyramids is accurately described by a truncated bicone model, which is validated by comparison with transmission electron microscopy (TEM) data for nine different synthesis batches; the average shape parameters (width, height and truncation) and the sample polydispersity are obtained. In contrast, the ellipsoid model yields worse fits of the SAXS data and exhibits systematic discrepancies with the TEM results.

Niosomes nanoparticles as a novel approach in drug delivery enhances anticancer properties of chrysin in human ovarian carcinoma cells (SKOV3): an in vitro study.

Chrysin (Chr) has drawn a lot of attention recently due to its possible anticancer properties. However, Chr's short half-life and low bioavailability restricted its utility as a medicinal agent. The purpose of this research is to design, synthesize, and test the cytotoxic effects of nano-niosomes containing chrysin (Chr-Nio) on the SKOV3 ovarian cancer cell line. Chr-Nio has a nanoparticle polydispersity index (PDI) of 0.156 and a zeta potential of -27.4mV, with an average diameter of 105nm. Furthermore, Chr was encapsulated in Nio with an entrapment effectiveness of 85.5%. Chr-Nio cytotoxicity was shown to be more than free Chr in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, as compared to free Chr-treated cells, the mRNA expression level of apoptotic genes Bcl-2, Bax, and caspase-3 in Chr-Nio-treated cells was considerably altered. According to the data, Chr may inhibit SKOV3 cell migration in vitro scratch wound experiments in a dose-dependent manner, and cells treated with Chr-Nio had the highest percentage of cell death. The findings of this study suggested that encapsulating Chr in niosome nanoparticles might be an effective medication delivery strategy for increasing Chr anticancer effects in the treatment of ovarian cancer.

Simulation study on the effect of polydisperse nanoparticles on polymer diffusion in crowded environments.

The diffusion of polymer chains in a crowded environment with large and small immobile, attractive nanoparticles (NPs) is studied using Langevin dynamics simulations. For orderly distributed NPs on the simple cubic lattice, our results show that the diffusion of polymer chains is dependent on the NP-NP distance or lattice distance d. At low d where NPs are placed closely, subdiffusion occurs at a sufficiently high polydispersity of NPs, PD. Both the apparent diffusion coefficient and subdiffusion exponent of polymer chains decrease with increasing PD, attributed to the adsorption of polymers on NP clusters formed by larger NPs. At large d, normal diffusion is always observed, and the diffusion coefficient increases with increasing PD. The reason is that, at high PD, the difference between single large NP adsorption and double large NP adsorption is reduced, which increases the exchange of a polymer between the two adsorption states. Finally, the impact of size polydispersity of NPs on the diffusion of polymer chains in a crowded environment with randomly distributed NPs is also investigated. The results show that the position disorder of NPs enhances the subdiffusion of the system.

Multifunctional effects in magnetic nanoparticles for precision medicine: combining magnetic particle thermometry and hyperthermia.

An effective combination of magnetic hyperthermia and thermometry is shown to be implementable by using magnetic nanoparticles which behave either as a heat sources or as temperature sensors when excited at two different frequencies. Noninteracting magnetite nanoparticles are modeled as double-well systems and their magnetization is obtained by solving rate equations. Two temperature sensitive properties derived from the cyclic magnetization and exhibiting a linear dependence on temperature are studied and compared for monodisperse and polydisperse nanoparticles. The multifunctional effects enabling the combination of magnetic hyperthermia and thermometry are shown to depend on the interplay among nanoparticle size, intrinsic magnetic properties and driving-field frequency. Magnetic hyperthermia and thermometry can be effectively combined by properly tailoring the magnetic properties of nanoparticles and the driving-field frequencies.

DFT, molecular docking, photocatalytic and antimicrobial activity of coumarin enriched Cinnamon bark extract mediated silver nanoparticles

• Silver nanocatalysts synthesized by simple precipitation process. • Structural phase formation shows Face centred cubic structure. • The photocatalytic degradation of cationic dye and antimicrobial activity were examined. • Silver nanocatalyst shows maximum degradation efficiency of 96% for MB. Water pollution is a severe and urgent issue on a global scale. Nanoparticles are capable of purifying contaminated water. Using plant extracts for green nanoparticle manufacturing minimises hazardous chemicals or energy requirements. This paper focuses on the eco-friendly synthesis of plasmonic Ag nanoparticles from cinnamon-derived natural materials and its potential in biomedicine, water treatment, and catalysis. An SPR peak confirmed the reduction of Ag + ions to Ag o nanoparticles at 449 nm in UV–Vis spectroscopy. The XRD and TEM analyses indicate FCC and polydisperse nanoparticles with a spherical shape. Under visible light illumination, the photocatalytic activity of plasmonic AgNPs was evaluated against Methylene Blue (MB) dye. After 120 minutes, plasmonic Ag NPs displayed high antibacterial activity and 97% photo degradation efficiency. Metallic Ag NPs exhibited more catalytic activity than commercial TiO 2 NPs. According to DFT experiments, coumarin in cinnamon bark reduces Ag + ions to Ag o . To the best of our knowledge, the current paper is the first to use cinnamon-mediated plasmonic Ag photocatalysis for efficient antibacterial action and degradation of MB dye.