Spherical Shape Research Articles

Influencing Factors and Stimulus-Sensitivity of Chitosan/Polymethacrylic Acid (CS/PMAA) Nanogels as Nanocarriers

ABSTRACT Nanogel, nanosized hydrogel, can contribute to biomedical and pharmaceutical, especially in drug delivery, due to its enthralling properties. Small size, large surface area, hydrophilicity, and stimulus responsiveness of nanogel ameliorate tissue penetration, drug loading capacity, and targeted drug delivery. The current study prepared nanosized, pH-sensitive, biocompatible, and stable chitosan/polymethacrylic acid (CS/PMAA) based nanogels using MBA as a crosslinker and APS as an initiator. FTIR confirmed the reaction between functional groups to synthesize nanogels sufficiently in a spherical shape, as affirmed by a FESEM. DLS data revealed nanosized particles with a size range of 70–170 nm and a range of 6–13 for polydispersity index (PDI). A study showed that 2% of MBA crosslinker is sufficient to achieve the desired crosslinking in 60 minutes reaction time (RT) with nanogel size ~ 92 nm. Increasing RT from 30 to 80 minutes during nanogel synthesis demonstrated a decrease in nanogel sizes from 186–73 nm. Synthesized nanogels have shown pH sensitivity (stimuli responsiveness) in acidic and alkaline mediums with an increase in particle size in pH-2 (~144 nm) and pH-8 (~280 nm) compared to intermediate pHs. The pH sensitivity of nanogels by changing the size per the suspended medium’s pH is crucial for prolonged systemic circulation and targeted drug delivery. Moreover, nanogels have shown good colloidal stability with zeta potential (ZP) +28 mv in acidic and −38 mv alkaline mediums. DSC and XRD results demonstrated thermal stability and amorphous morphology of nanogels, respectively. BET surface analysis revealed the surface area of nanogels in the range of 65–68 cm2/g with an average pore size of 28–32 nm. In-vitro cytotoxicity in the L-929 cell line by MTT assay established the cell viability (>70%) after 24 hours of incubation, substantiating the non-toxicity and biocompatibility of nanogels as nanocarriers for drug delivery.

Analysis of the Synergistic Effect of Antibiotics with Copper Oxide Nanoparticles Against Pseudomonas aeruginosa Isolated from Different Clinical Cases

Synergism between antibiotics and nanoparticles is one of the most important ways to combat antibiotic resistance. Copper nanoparticles were produced using a green, environmentally friendly method of mixing aqueous Ficus Sycomorus leaf extract with copper sulfate. The work aimed to study the synergistic effect of six antibiotics with copper oxide nanoparticles prepared in a green approach against bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated from patient. A total of 110 specimens were collected from patients with burn, wound and urine infections. in Samarra General Hospital, Tikrit Teaching Hospital, Tikrit Military Hospital, and Baghdad Medical City of both genders from July to September 2023. A bacteriological examination was conducted to select bacterial pathogens, with a particular focus on Pseudomonas aeruginosa. From a total 110 cases, 50 (45.5%) gave positive cultures for Pseudomonas aeruginosa. CuO-NPs was characterized using different analytical techniques, Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). showed that the CuO-NPs have a spherical shape, its average size is 29.2 nm. Energy-dispersive X-ray )EDX( results confirmed the presence of copper and oxygen in the composition. The synergistic effect of six antibiotics with CuO-NPs was studied. By evaluating the minimum inhibitory concentration of P. aeruginosa. The results show the highest inhibition against bacterial isolates was due to the synergistic effect of CuO-NPs with Impenem, Ciprofloxacin, Ceftazidime, Polymyxin B, Amikacin, and Cefepime respectively, especially on isolate (15) with zones of inhibition/mm were 19.33 ±0.33, 18.33 ±0.33, 16.33 ±0.33, 15.33 ±0.33, 14.67 ±0.33, and 12.7±0.58, respectively. The results indicated that the synergistic effect gave clear zones of inhibition against all isolates compared with the inhibition effect of nano-copper oxide and antibiotics.

Utilizing the 2nd harmonic Nd: YAG laser ablation in liquid for the production of copper oxide quantum dots: Influence of laser fluence and ablation duration

One environmentally friendly technique for creating colloids of nanoparticles is pulsed laser ablation in liquid, which stands out for its ability to create nanoparticles free of contamination without the use of hazardous chemicals. In the present work, A Q-Switched Nanosecond Nd: YAG laser was utilized to precisely produce colloidal copper oxide nanoparticles (CuONPs) through the laser ablation of a copper target immersed in distilled water. The impact of the laser fluence and laser ablation time on the size, morphology, and concentration of the generated CuONPs was investigated experimentally. The UV–visible absorption spectra of CuONPs display surface plasmonic resonance peaks in the UV region, which are attributed to interband transitions. The energy band gaps of the colloidal CuONPs were determined using UV–visible spectroscopy, and they ranged between 3.45 and 3.72 eV at various ablation times and laser fluences. The TEM micrographs were used to assess the size and morphology of the CuONPs, while the concentration and elemental composition were determined using ICP and EDXA spectroscopy. The TEM images of the CuONPs indicate a spherical shape at various laser ablation times and laser fluences. The average size of the CuONPs decreased to the quantum size range. The experimental results show that increasing laser fluence from 28.6 to 51.5 × 103 J/cm2 while keeping laser ablation time fixed for 30 min resulted in a reduction in the average size of the nanoparticles from 8.5 to 4.6 nm, respectively. Moreover, increasing laser ablation time from 10 to 50 min at a constant incident laser fluence of 34.3 × 103 J/cm2 decreased the average size of the CuONPs from 6.8 to 4.3 nm, respectively. The concentration of the synthesized CuONPs increased as laser fluence and laser ablation time increased.

Green Synthesis of Iron Nanoparticles (FeNPs) using Aqueous Extract of Murraya koenigii Leaves: Synthesis Mechanism, Characterization Process and Antibacterial Activity

Introduction: Green synthesis is the method of producing metal and metal oxide nanoparticles from the extraction of plant materials. This study aims to synthesize iron nanoparticles (FeNPs) using an aqueous extract of Murraya koenigii leaves as an eco-friendly approach and subsequently characterize the synthesized FeNPs to understand their structural, morphological, compositional and optical properties. Methods: The aqueous extract of Murraya koenigii leaves and 0.1M ferric chloride solution were combined at room temperature in a 1:2 volume ratio. The synthesized FeNPs were characterized using analysis methods of Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR), UV-visible (UV-vis) and Tacu plot. Results: SEM images discovered that the particles were in the nanoscale range and their morphology appeared spherical shape. The EDX study was used to identify the composition of the elements of synthesized FeNPs. The crystal structure of the synthesised FeNPs was shown in the XRD spectrum. The FTIR spectrum showed many distinctive bands and the bands revealed active components for functional groups in the synthesized FeNPs. The UV-vis spectrum revealed an absorbance peak range of 240-310 nm for FeNP formation with a maximal peak at 273 nm. The band gap energy of the synthesized FeNPs was found to be 2.07 eV using the Tauc plot method. Also, the synthesized FeNPs exhibited a significant antibacterial effect against bacterial pathogens. Conclusion: The results of the characterization methods strongly suggest that the aqueous leaf extract of Murraya koenigii can be used as a reducing and stabilizing agent in the green synthesis of FeNPs.

Development of cashew-alginate microbeads and powdered dose forms: prospects for oral vaccine delivery in chickens

ABSTRACT Conventional oral vaccine delivery in poultry is challenging due to vaccine degradation in the gastrointestinal (GI) environment and the need for cold-chain storage. Microencapsulation offers a solution by protecting vaccines from GI degradation and improving stability. Natural polymers like alginate and cashew gum have mucoadhesive properties, making them promising candidates for oral vaccine delivery. This study developed cashew-alginate microbeads and a powdered dose form for oral vaccine delivery in chickens. The microbeads were created using ionotropic gelation, while the powdered form was obtained via freeze-drying. These formulations were characterized for size, shape, and stability using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), light microscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX). Peak adhesion time (PAT) was determined using chicken intestinal and esophageal tissues, and antigenicity was assessed with in-vitro hemagglutination (HA) and hemagglutination inhibition (HI) assays. The microbeads exhibited a spherical shape with a porous structure, suggesting enhanced antigen accommodation. Hemagglutination Inhibition tests indicated that the experimental vaccine remained effective without cold-chain storage for three months. These findings suggest that cashew-alginate microbeads are promising for oral vaccine delivery in poultry.

Spray Dried Cashew (Anacardium occidentale L.) Juice Ingredients as an Upcycling Strategy for Abundant Cashew Apple

Spray-dried yellow cashew juice ingredients produced under different inlet temperatures (140 and 150 °C) and gum arabic (GA) addition ratios (15% and 25% w/v) were evaluated for their physicochemical and phytochemical attributes and storage stability for 56 days. All spray-dried cashew juice particles showed high solids recovery (>70%) and solubility (>90%), low water activity (<0.3), and low hygroscopicity (<10%). Spray-dried particles prepared with 15% w/v GA showed spherical shapes with a semi-crystalline structure and higher ascorbic acid concentration (>650 mg 100 g−1) and total phenolic content (>330 mg GAE 100 g−1). During storage, spray-dried cashew juice particles maintained their water activity levels within the microbiologically safe range and retained high solubility, in addition to high ascorbic (>68%) and phenolic (>55%) acid retention. Overall, we showed that spray-drying cashew juice is a feasible strategy to upcycle abundant and undervalued cashew juice into stable, phytochemical-rich ingredients for multiple applications.

Microbicidal Polymer Nanoparticles Containing Clotrimazole for Treatment of Vulvovaginal Candidiasis

Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) alters the innate cervicovaginal immunity, which provides an important barrier against viruses and other infections. The incidence of this disease has not decreased in the last 30 years, so effective treatments are still needed. Nanoparticles (NPs) of cellulose acetate phthalate (CAP) and clotrimazole (CLZ) were prepared by the emulsification-diffusion method. NPs were characterized using dynamic light scattering, atomic force microscopy and differential scanning calorimetry; their release profile was determined by the dialysis bag technique and mucoadhesion was evaluated with the mucin-particle method. The growth inhibition study of Candida albicans was carried out using the plate counting technique. Finally, accelerated physical stability tests of NPs were carried out, both in water and in SVF. The CAP-CLZ NPs had an average diameter of 273.4 nm, a PDI of 0.284, smooth surfaces and spherical shapes. In vitro release of CLZ from the CAP NPs was categorized with the Weibull model as a matrix system in which initial release was rapid and subsequently sustained. The inhibition of C. albicans growth by the CAP-CLZ NPs was greater than that of free CLZ, and the CAP-only NPs had a microbicidal effect on C. albicans. The NPs showed poor mucoadhesiveness, which could lead to studies of their mucopenetration capacities. An accelerated physical stability test revealed the erosion of CAP in aqueous media. A nanoparticulate system was developed and provided sustained release of CLZ, and it combined an antifungal agent with a microbial polymer that exhibited antifungal activity against C. albicans.Graphical

Biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles using green tea aqueous leaf extract and their biological and chemotherapeutic activity

Green tea leaf extract-mediated silver nanoparticles (GT-AgNPs) were synthesized and characterized for their biological and chemotherapeutic activity. The synthesis process involved the reduction of silver ions by green tea leaf extract (GTLE), resulting in the formation of GT-AgNPs. Characterization techniques including UV–Vis spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffractometry (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and zeta potential analysis were employed to study the physicochemical properties of GT-AgNPs. The GT-AgNPs exhibited a characteristic color change and a noticeable shift in the surface plasma resonance (SPR) absorption peak at 458 nm, confirming their successful formation of nanoparticles. XRD analysis indicated a cubic structure with a crystallite size of 9 ± 1 nm. Both SEM and TEM images revealed that the spherical shape and size of the synthesized nanoparticles. The SEM analysis confirmed that the average grain size of GT-AgNPs is 20.27 ± 1 nm, while the TEM analysis determined the average particle size of 9 ± 0.025. GT-AgNPs have a negative zeta potential of -19.7 mV indicating a hydrodynamic diameter of 140.90 nm with a polydispersity index (PDI) of 25.8 %. XPS confirmed the oxidation state of Ag0/+1 in GT-AgNPs. The energy band gap (Eg) value of GT-AgNPs is 3.38 eV, indicating semiconducting properties, while fluorescence activity was observed at 506.17 nm. CT-DNA and BSA protein binding studies demonstrated the formation of CT-DNA-GT-AgNPs and BSA-GT-AgNPs complexes with binding constants of 1.366×1010 M−1 and 6.77×109 M−1, respectively. GT-AgNPs exhibited exceptional anti-oxidant activity by effectively scavenging stable 2, 2ʹ - diphenyl-1-picryl hydroxyl (DPPH) radicals. Cytotoxicity assays using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) demonstrate moderate activity against KB3 and AGS cancer cells while showing no detectable cytotoxicity in Caco-2 cells. This indicates a safe therapeutic window for human eukaryotic cells.

Effect of aluminum and ammonium perchlorate particle sizes on the condensed combustion products characteristics of aluminized NEPE propellants

Aluminum (Al) is usually added to solid propellants to improve the combustion performance, however the condensed combustion products (CCPs) especially the large agglomerates generated from aluminum combustion can reduce the specific impulse of the engine, and result in two-phase loss, residue accumulation and throat liner ablation. Al and ammonium perchlorate (AP), as important components of NEPE propellants, can affect the formation process of the CCPs of aluminized NEPE propellants. To clarify the effect of Al and AP particle sizes on the properties of the CCPs of aluminized NEPE propellants, a constant-pressure quench vessel was adopted to collect the combustion products of four different formulations of NEPE propellants. It was found that the condensed combustion products are mainly divided into aluminum agglomerates and oxide particles, the diameter of the aluminum agglomerates of these four different formulations of NEPE propellants at 7 MPa was smaller than that in 3 MPa, and the shells of the aluminum agglomerates were smoother and the spherical shape was more perfect. X-ray diffraction analysis of the CCPs of the four NEPE propellants under 3 MPa revealed the presence of both Al and Al2O3. With the increase of the particle size of Al and AP, the oxidation degree of aluminum particles decreases. The particle size of the CCPs of the four different formulations of NEPE propellants under 1 and 3 MPa was analyzed by using a laser particle size analyzer, it is found that the increase of AP particle size is helpful to reduce the size of condensate combustion products. Based on the classical pocket theory, establishing a new agglomeration size prediction model, which can be used to predict the agglomeration size on the burning surface. Compared with the empirical model, the new agglomeration size prediction model is in good agreement with the experimental results.

Tailoring of spanlastics for promoting transdermal delivery of irbesartan: In vitro characterization, ex vivo permeation and in vivo assessment

Irbesartan (IRB), a selective AT1 subtype angiotensin II receptor blocker used for management of hypertension, exhibiting low and variable oral bioavailability because of its poor aqueous solubility. Transdermal delivery is increasingly being used to deliver drugs since it avoids the drawbacks associated with oral delivery. The purpose of the current study was to develop a transdermal gel of IRB through encapsulation of the drug into spanlastics vesicles containing penetration enhancers to enhance transdermal permeation and sustain IRB release. By ethanol injection method, ten IRB loaded spanlastics (IRB-SPs) were prepared; Span 60 was used as the main vesicle component and the used edge activator (EA) was Tween 80. The prepared formulations were studied in regards to entrapment efficiency (EE%), particles size (PS), zeta potential (ZP), polydispersity index (PDI), and in vitro release study. The selected formula (SF) which comprised of Span 60 and Tween 80 at weight ratio of 1:1 and Labrafil as a penetration enhancer, exhibited EE% of 90.06 ± 1.44 %, PS of 311.6 ± 2.45 nm, PDI of 0.536 ± 0.044, and the % drug released after 8 h is 58.2 ± 1.87 %. Transmission electron microscopy confirmed the spherical shape of the prepared spanlastics. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) confirmed the drug encapsulation within the spanlastics. The SF and pure drug were incorporated into HPMC K4M based hydrogel (2.5 % w/v). Histopathological and ex-vivo skin permeation studies of hydrogel were assessed as well as its in vitro characteristics. Skin permeation was enhanced by 3.5 folds with the SF loaded gel compared to the control gel. The pharmacokinetic study revealed better bioavailability of the SF-gel by 1.72 and 2.53 fold as compared to the oral suspension and the control gel, respectively. Furthermore, the pharmacodynamic assessment was carried out on systolic blood pressure (SBP) of various IRB formulations in dexamethasone induced hypertensive rat; the antihypertensive effect of SF loaded transdermal gel showed significantly (p < 0.001) much greater blood pressure reduction than the market product's oral suspension. Finally, spanlastics-based gels could be an excellent way to improve IRB transdermal delivery.

Green-synthesized silver nanoparticles from peel extract of pumpkin as a potent radiosensitizer against triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC)

BackgroundTriple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive subtype of breast cancer. Radiation therapy (RT) is a modality for TNBC management. Radiosensitizers can mitigate the adverse effects of RT. Applying green-synthesized silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) from biological sources such as plants is a potential strategy to sensitize cancer cells to radiotherapy due to the low toxicity. Therefore, identifying novel natural sources for synthesizing stable and broadly applicable green-Ag-NPs has gained more attention in cancer therapy. In the present study, we synthesized green- Ag-NPs from pumpkin peel extract and elucidated the impact of green-synthesized Ag-NPs as a radiosensitizer in MDA-MB 231 cells (a model of TNBC).ResultsThe prepared Ag-NPs had a spherical shape with an average size of 81 nm and a zeta potential of − 9.96 mV. Combination of green-synthesized Ag-NPs with RT exhibited synergistic anticancer effects with an optimum combination index (CI) of 0.49 in MDA-MB-231 cells. Green-synthesized Ag-NPs synergistically potentiated RT-induced apoptosis in MDA-MB-231 cells compared to the corresponding monotherapies. Morphological features of apoptosis were further confirmed by the DAPI–TUNEL staining assay. HIF-1α expression was decreased in cells subjected to combination therapy. Bax and p53 expression increased, whereas Bcl-2 genes decreased. Combination therapy significantly increased the protein level of PERK and CHOP while decreasing cyclin D1 and p-ERK/total ERK levels compared to monotherapies.ConclusionThese findings indicate the potential effect of green-synthesized Ag-NPs as a radiosensitizer for TNBC treatment.Graphical

One-step nanoencapsulation of essential oils and their application in hybrid coatings: A sustainable long-lasting treatment of stone materials against biodeterioration

In this study, two essential oils (EOs) with preventive proved biocidal efficacy, namely oregano and eugenol, are encapsulated in silica nanocontainer, then dispersed in multifunctional, hybrid and nanocomposite coating. The aim of this work is to reduce toxicity of restoration materials, to avoid the chemicals dispersion in the environment and to extent stone protection treatments, preventing biofouling.Composite silica nanocapsules, containing separately the two EOs, are prepared via one-step synthesis, based on oil-in-water miniemulsion polymerisation processes, and fully characterised by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and N2 physisorption (BET/BJH). Micro-Raman spectroscopy (RS) and thermal analysis (TG/DSC).In a second step, nanocomposite coatings, based on a flexible tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) matrix, are synthesised dispersing TiO2 nanoparticles and the two silica nanocapsules incorporating EOs. The coatings were applied on three different lithotypes samples of historical importance: brick, piperine and mortar. The effectiveness and compatibility of the coating formulation with the different stone substrates were assessed through a multi-analytical standard protocol.The silica nanocapsules, show monodispersed spherical shape with size ∼110 nm, a core-shell structure, a BET surface area of 600–700 m2/g and high loading capacity.The results on coatings characterisation show a crack-free and transparent structure. Moreover, the tests on applied coatings reveal the high hydrophobicity of the treated stone samples (static contact angle in the range ∼ 130–140° and reduction of liquid water capillary absorption 97–99 %) and unaltered permeability to water vapour (density of water vapour flow rate in the range 150–200 g/m2·d), demonstrating the suitability of the nanocomposite hybrid coatings for the application in stone protection against biodeterioration.

Arg-Specific serine Protease-Targeted edoxaban tosylate monohydrate-Poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) Nanoparticles: Investigating Stuart-Prower factor targeting and intestinal distribution through Ex-Vivo fluorescent visualization

The goal of the current study was to formulate and examine the potential of poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) as carriers to facilitate the targeted administration of edoxaban tosylate monohydrate (ETM). ETM-PLGA-NPs were effectively formulated using the nanoprecipitation technique. Particle size, drug entrapment percentage, zeta potential, assessment of intestinal absorption, FT-IR, SEM, drug dissolution behavior, and histopathology investigations were used to describe ETM-PLGA-NPs. The produced NPs had a roughly spherical shape with a particle size of 99.85 d.nm, a PDI of 0.478, and a zeta potential of 38.5 mV with a maximum drug entrapment of 82.1 %. FTIR measurements showed that the drug’s chemical stability remained intact after preapred into nanoparticles. In vitro drug release behavior followed the Higuchi model and revealed an early burst release of 30 % and persistent drug release of 78 % from optimized NPs for up to 120 hrs. According to in vitro data, a 1:10 ratio of ETM to PLGA provided longer-lasting ETM release and improved encapsulation efficiency. Images captured with an inverted fluorescent microscope exhibited that NPs may both greatly increase the amount of ETM accumulated in the intestinal tract and make it easier for ETM to enter the membrane beneath the cells of the intestines. The study found that using PLGA nanoparticles to encapsulate the ETM resulted in longer circulation duration (aPTT, PT, TT). In vivo investigations found that nanoparticles encapsulated had no negative impact on hematological parameters, lung, liver, or kidney tissues. All things considered, the NPs are a potential delivery method to increase the oral absorption and antithrombotic activity of ETM.

Unveiling sequential layered heterogeneity in multi-spectral transmission images clustering through iterative terrace compression with adaptive neighborhoods analysis

Multi-spectral transmission imaging looks forward to an early breast cancer screening with cost-effectiveness, safety, and ease of use. However, the biological tissue of the breast owns scattering and strong absorption properties, resulting in transmission images with a low signal-to-noise ratio and prior investigation focused on detection heterogeneity within a single layer, but the different depths in heterogeneity due to the spherical shape of the breast causing the challenges. Accurately detecting heterogeneity in different layers is crucial due to low contrast, veiling layers, and unclear boundaries, which can be difficult to identify in clustering and segmentation. The breast heterogeneity identification can be handled by combining image processing techniques; nevertheless, considering labeling limits and data accessibility, the clustering algorithm provides an acceptable substitute. Therefore, the paper proposes a novel methodology integrating the iterative terrace compression method with adaptive neighborhoods analysis to identify sequential multi-layered heterogeneity and enhance the clustering of multi-spectral transmission images. Our experimental setup involved the collection of low grayscale images across six wavelengths, followed by advanced image processing techniques, including frame accumulation to improve image signal-to-noise ratio and then polynomial surface fitting to eliminate trend items from uneven light. After that, iterative terrace compression with adaptive neighborhoods analysis is applied to reduce redundancy and unveil heterogeneity in different layers and window functions to remove unnecessary gray information. Finally, clustering combined with pseudo-color is used for clustering analysis and visual representation for aiding in heterogeneity detection. Results indicate a significant improvement in detection metrics, with our method outpacing existing techniques regarding the Dice coefficient, F1 score, and Jaccard. This innovative approach not only enhances the characterization of breast tissue heterogeneities in different layers but also promises practical clinical applications in breast cancer screening.

Cinnamon essential oil incorporated chitosan submicron emulsion as a sustainable alternative for extension of mango shelf life

In the present study, cinnamon bark essential oil (CEO)-incorporated chitosan-based submicron emulsion coatings (CEO-CSSEs) were successfully prepared by an ionic gelation method using sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP) as a crosslinking agent and Tween 20 as a surfactant. A chitosan:CEO mass ratio ≤1:0.5 was found to have a unimodal and narrow size distribution. The FTIR absorption bands confirmed the successful encapsulation of CEO into the chitosan particles, which exhibited a spherical shape and aggregated regions with cracks. Acute oral toxicity tests revealed that the cinnamon bark essential-loaded chitosan submicron emulsion was nontoxic and could be used for coating mango fruits. Postharvest submicron emulsion coatings on mangos significantly delay physio-chemical changes linked to ripening. However, mangos coated with CEO-CSSEs at 1:0.75 and 1:1 ratios remained unripen, while those coated with CEO-CSSEs at 1:0.5 ratio ripened slowly, implying a negative impact of CEO at higher concentrations on mango quality and shelf quality. Therefore, it is concluded that CEO-CSSEs at 1:0.5 successfully slowed different physio-chemical parameters linked to the deterioration of mango quality; thus, treatments can be suggested to extend the shelf life to 18 days during ambient storage at 25 ± 2 °C and 65% RH.

The Solution Combustion Synthesis of ZnO Nanoparticles Using Allium schoenoprasum (Chives) as a Green Fuel

Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles are widely recognized for their distinctive properties and versatile applications across diverse technological domains. However, traditional methods of synthesizing ZnO nanoparticles are characterized by environmental incompatibility, high costs, and the necessity for precise process control to attain the intended particle dimensions and morphology. The present study utilized a chives extract as a sustainable and eco-friendly fuel in the solution combustion synthesized (SCS) process to produce ZnO nanoparticles. The investigation encompassed an analysis of the impact of the fuel-to-oxidizer (F/O) ratio on the synthesized ZnO nanoparticles’ size, morphology, and crystallinity. X-ray diffraction (XRD) results showed that the particle’s crystallite size increased significantly from 12 nm to 42 nm after decreasing the F/O ratio. Furthermore, electron microscopic imagery and FTIR spectroscopy outcomes indicated that modifications in the F/O ratio significantly influenced the SCS process parameters, forming particles with diverse morphologies, including spherical, pyramid-like, hexagonal, and hexagonal plate-like shapes. This research presents a straightforward, cost-efficient, and environmentally sustainable approach for producing ZnO nanoparticles with diverse morphologies, presenting a broad potential for various applications.

PLGA Nanoplatform for the Hypoxic Tumor Delivery: Folate Targeting, Therapy, and Ultrasound/Photoacoustic Imaging.

Effective targeting of breast tumors is critical for improving therapeutic outcomes in breast cancer treatment. Additionally, hypoxic breast cancers are difficult to treat due to resistance toward chemotherapeutics, poor vascularity, and enhanced angiogenesis, which complicate effective drug delivery and therapeutic response. Addressing this formidable challenge requires designing a drug delivery system capable of targeted delivery of the anticancer agent, inhibition of efflux pump, and suppression of the tumor angiogenesis. Here, we have introduced Palbociclib (PCB)-loaded PLGA nanoparticles (NPs) consisting of chitosan-folate (CS-FOL) for folate receptor-targeted breast cancer therapy. The developed NPs were below 219 nm with a smooth, spherical surface shape. The entrapment efficiencies of NPs were achieved up to 85.78 ± 1.8%. Targeted NPs demonstrated faster drug release at pH 5.5, which potentiated the therapeutic efficacy of NPs due to the acidic microenvironment of breast cancer. In vitro cellular uptake study in MCF-7 cells confirmed the receptor-mediated endocytosis of targeted NPs. In vivo ultrasound and photoacoustic imaging studies on rats with hypoxic breast cancer showed that targeted NPs significantly reduced tumor growth and hypoxic tumor volume, and suppressed angiogenesis.

Adipocyte-Targeted Nanocomplex with Synergistic Photothermal and Pharmacological Effects for Combating Obesity and Related Metabolic Syndromes.

Obesity is a global epidemic which induces a multitude of metabolic disorders. Browning of white adipose tissue (WAT) has emerged as a promising therapeutic strategy for promoting weight loss and improving associated metabolic syndromes in people with obesity. However, current methods of inducing white adipose tissue browning have limited applicability. We developed a nanocomplex pTSL@(P+I), which is a temperature-sensitive liposome (TSL) surface-conjugated with an adipocyte-targeting peptide (p) and loaded with both browning-promoting agents (P) and photosensitizing agents (I). This nanocomplex exhibits adipocyte targeting, as well as synergistic pharmacological and photothermal properties to promote browning. pTSL@(P+I) effectively upregulates UCP1 and COX5B expression by activating the transcription axis of PPARγ/PGC1α and HSF1/PGC1α, thereby promoting white adipose tissue browning and reducing obesity. This novel nanocomplex exhibited a uniform spherical shape, with an average diameter of approximately 200 nm. Additionally, the nanocomplexes exhibited remarkable photothermal properties and biocompatibility. Further, when adipocytes were treated with pTSL@(P+I), their triglyceride content decreased remarkably and intracellular mitochondrial activity increased significantly. When applied to diet-induced obesity (DIO) mice, the nanocomplex exhibited significant efficacy, demonstrating a notable 14.4% reduction in body weight from the initial measurement, a decreased fat/lean mass ratio of 20.8%, and no statistically significant disparities (p > 0.05) in associated side effects when compared to the control group. In summary, implementation of the targeted nanocomplex pTSL@(P+I) to enhance energy expenditure by stimulating white adipose tissue browning offers a promising therapeutic approach for the treatment of obesity and related metabolic syndromes.

Investigation of the intelligent anti-aging bitumen using microcapsule clean-product secreting waste cooking oil through polyacrylamide-gel in porous-shell structure

The aging of bitumen is an urgent problem in pavement engineering materials. The objective of this work was to fabricate an intelligent anti-aging bitumen using a clean microcapsule product that secretes waste cooking oil through polyacrylamide (PAM)-gel in a porous shell structure. The microcapsule had a composite shell with cross-linked hexamethoxymethylmelamine as a skeleton with a porous structure and gel PAM filled in pores as the channels of the liquid waste cooking oil as core material. Aged bitumen was mixed with various microcapsules, and their physical and chemical properties were investigated. The testing results indicated that shells had successfully microencapsulated the oily rejuvenator without defects and damages. FT-IR results showed that the HMMM had been cross-linked and PAM also deposited in shells. SEM morphology showed that PAM was removed from the shell material after alcohol elution, and the shell still kept the spherical shape with a porous structure. Penetration experiments have demonstrated that PAM in the porous structure of the shell material can serve as a secretion channel for core material. Microcapsules had perfect thermal stability and homogeneous dispersion in bitumen, and there was no interface separation phenomenon. The test results showed that the bitumen/microcapsules samples gradually became softer and increased viscosity based on the viscosity changes, softening point, and penetration parameters. The tensile test also proved that adding microcapsules reduced the tensile strength of aged bitumen and increased the tensile elongation with the extension of time, which was entirely attributed to the action of the secreted rejuvenator molecules. The complex shear modulus (G*) values of bitumen/microcapsules samples gradually decreased with anti-aging time increasing at the same temperature. The phase angle values (δ) show that its value gradually decreases after the anti-aging process, indicating that the elastic composition of bitumen increases.

Microwave assisted preparation of ternary scheelite CaMoO4: Er3+/Yb3+ nano-phosphors for up/down-conversion photoluminescence, temperature sensing and antibacterial properties

Due to their exceptional intrinsic optical characteristics, molybdate compounds have aroused significant attention in recent years for their effective up and downconversion luminescence. In the present study, a series of xEr3+/Yb3+ (x = 0.5 %, 1 %, 2 %, 4 % and Yb3+ =15 %) doped CaMoO4 nanophosphors synthesized through a microwave assisted approach and subsequently the comprehensive analysis of the functionalities such as optical properties, antibacterial traits and their integration with temperature sensing, have been explored. Furthermore, the structural refinement confirms the occurrence of tetragonal scheelite phase of the prepared materials. The morphology of the material was identified by FE-SEM and HR-TEM analysis which reveals particles are in spherical shape. Up-conversion luminescence intensities were found to be dependent on doping concentration, laser excitation power and external temperature upon 980 nm light excitation. The temperature sensing response of the optimized sample was examined based on intensity ratio of two emission bands that involves thermally connected energy levels of Er3+ ion. The maximum absolute sensitivity of 10.74 × 10−3 K−1 (at 500 K) was found, demonstrating its potential application in high temperature thermometry. The comprehensive analysis and the outcome of the present study suggests the potential prospect of the as-synthesized material in food preservation, medical equipment, water treatment, and as an optical coating agent for solid state luminous devices.