Spectroscopy Analysis Research Articles

A Novel Lactam and Two Rare Mycophenolic Acid Derivatives from the Fungus Penicillium sclerotiorum JBHL321.

A novel lactam penicillactam (1), two rare mycophenolic acid (MPA) derivatives penimycophens A and B (2 and 3), together with two known biogenetically related MPA derivatives (4 and 5) and a known alkaloid (6) were isolated from the Penicillium sclerotiorum JBHL321. The structures of these compounds were determined by comprehensive spectroscopic analyses. The absolute configuration of 1 was confirmed by electronic circular dichroism (ECD) calculations. Compound 1 represent the rare example of a oxygen bridge-linked lactam from natural products. Structurally, compounds 2 and 3 were rare MPA derivatives featuring a methoxy group at C-3. The inhibitory activity of compounds 1-6 against two phytopathogenic fungi, three phytopathogenic bacteria and four cancer cell lines were evaluated. Compounds 2-5 exhibited significant cytotoxic activity against HeLa, MCF-7, A549 and MGC-803 cells with IC50 values in the low micromolar to nanomolar. Compound 3 exhibited especially cytotoxic activity against four different cell lines with IC50 values ranging from 0.06 to 0.14 μM, compared to IC50 values ranging from 0.62 to 2.51 μM for epirubicin.

Epimesatines P–S: Four Undescribed Flavonoids from Epimedium sagittatum Maxim. and Their Cytotoxicity Activities

In this study, four previously undescribed flavonoids, named epimesatines P (1), Q (2), R (3), and S (4), were isolated from the aerial parts of Epimedium sagittatum Maxim. Their structures and absolute configurations were confirmed via spectroscopic analyses, quantum chemical electronic circular dichroism (ECD) calculations, Mo2(OAc)4–induced ECD, and Rh2(OCOCF3)4–induced ECD experiments. Epimesatines Q and R were characterized by the presence of furan rings. A cytotoxicity assay demonstrated that epimesatines P–S exhibited significant inhibitory effects on the viability of MCF-7 human breast cancer cells, with IC50 values ranging from 1.27 to 50.3 μM. Notably, epimesatines Q and R exhibited superior efficacy against MCF-7 cells compared to epimesatines P and S, suggesting that the presence of furan rings may enhance their activity against MCF-7 cells. Specifically, epimesatine Q displayed a more potent inhibitory effect at 1.27 μM compared to a positive control, docetaxel, which had an IC50 of 2.13 μM, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic agent for breast cancer. Importantly, none of the tested compounds exhibited obvious toxicity toward MCF-10A human breast epithelial cells. Furthermore, compounds 1, 3, and 4 were found to significantly inhibit the expression of sphingosine kinase 1 (Sphk1) in MCF-7 cells.

Physicochemical properties, moisture retention, and biological activities of polysaccharides from Panax notoginseng separated by fractional precipitation.

The dried root of Panax notoginseng is a medicinal and food ingredient. Panax notoginseng polysaccharides (PNPs) have physicochemical properties, which have not been fully elucidated. This study aimed to identify a method to separate the PNP fractions and investigate their activities. PNPs were prepared from roots by hot water extraction, deproteinization, and decolorization. PNP20, PNP40, and PNP60 fractions were isolated through stepwise ethanol precipitation at 20%, 40%, and 60% concentrations, respectively. The three polysaccharide fractions were characterized using chromatography, spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis, and their moisture retention, antioxidant, and tyrosinase-inhibition properties were evaluated. Monosaccharide composition analysis showed that the three PNPs contained mannose (Man), galacturonic acid (GalA), glucose (Glc), galactose (Gal), and arabinose (Ara) in different molar ratios. HPGPC analysis demonstrated that the polysaccharides precipitated with higher ethanol concentrations had lower molecular weights (Mw). Furthermore, it was observed that all PNPs have certain moisturizing and hygroscopic properties and antioxidant activities, with PNP60 showing better antioxidant properties and a competitive mixture of hygroscopic properties and tyrosinase inhibition. The chemical composition and structural characteristics of PNPs could affect their functional attributes. PNP60 has the potential to be a moisturizer and antioxidant and could be used in the development of cosmetic ingredients.

Long Stability of Atomically Precise Red Emissive Copper Nanoclusters within the Gel and Their Use As a Potential Catalyst and Fluorescent Ink.

Herein, an amphiphile-based hydrogel (with 5% DMF) containing natural amino acid residue has been used to prepare and stabilize red-emitting CuNCs for several months. Though different methods have been attempted, amphiphile and 4-mercaptobenzoic acid (4-MBA)-containing hydrogels are pinpointed to be the base medium to stabilize this new Cu-cluster. From a MALDI-TOF MS analysis it was found that it is a Cu8-atom cluster stabilized by three 4-MBA ligands. Copper acetate monohydrate (Cu(CH3COO)2·H2O) has been used as a copper precursor, and l-ascorbic acid has been used as a reducing agent. FEG-TEM analysis shows that the Cu cluster has an average size of 2.83 nm. Interestingly, these clusters can be used as a fluorescent ink with a visibility of the solid state under a UV-lamp with an excitation of 365 nm. This envisaged applying these CuNCs for anticounterfeiting. These Cu-clusters show an excitation of 420 nm with an emission of 620 nm, as is evident from the fluorescence spectroscopic analysis. Based on our knowledge, this is the first example of making and consequently stabilizing Cu-clusters using hydrogel as a template for a few months. Moreover, these CuNCs can also be used as a catalyst for the reduction of nitro derivatives to their amine derivatives in aqueous medium.

Interpretable Machine Learning-Aided Optical Deciphering of Serum Exosomes for Early Detection, Staging, and Subtyping of Lung Cancer.

Lung cancer (LC) is the leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide, underscoring an urgent need for strategies that enable early detection and phenotypic classification. Here, we conducted a label-free surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopic (SERS) analysis of serum exosomes from 643 participants to elucidate the biochemical deregulation associated with LC progression and the unique phenotypes of different LC subtypes. Iodide-modified silver nanofilms were prepared to rapidly acquire SERS spectra with a high signal-to-noise ratio using 0.5 μL of patient exosomes. We performed interpretable and automated machine learning (ML) analysis of differential SERS features of serum exosomes to build LC diagnostic models, which achieved accuracies of 100% and 81% for stage I lung adenocarcinoma and its preneoplasia, respectively. In addition, the ML-derived exosomal SERS models effectively recognized different LC subtypes and disease stages to guide precision treatment. Our findings demonstrate that spectral fingerprinting of circulating exosomes holds promise for decoding the clinical status of LC, thus aiding in improving the clinical management of patients.

Preparation and characterization of niosomes for the delivery of a lipophilic model drug: comparative stability study with liposomes against phospholipase-A2

Vesicular nanocarriers like niosomes and liposomes are widely researched for controlled drug delivery systems, with niosomes emerging as promising alternatives due to their higher stability and ease of manufacturing. This study aimed to develop and characterize a niosomal formulation for the encapsulation and sustained release of temozolomide (TMZ), a model lipophilic drug, and to compare the stability of niosomes and liposomes, with a particular focus on the behavior of their lipid bilayers. Niosomes were prepared using the thin-film hydration method, composed of Span 60 (Sorbitan monostearate), cholesterol, and soy lecithin in varying molar ratios. The study investigated critical properties such as drug loading capacity, release kinetics, and resistance to enzymatic degradation. The optimized formulation was analyzed for drug entrapment efficiency and stability against phospholipase A2 (PLA2) degradation. The optimized niosomal formulation, with a 4:2:1 molar ratio of Span 60: cholesterol, achieved a high TMZ entrapment efficiency of 73.23 ± 1.02% and demonstrated sustained drug release over 24 hours. In comparison, liposomes released their TMZ payload within 4 hours upon exposure to PLA2, while the niosomes maintained their release profile, indicating superior stability. Spectroscopic and thermal analysis confirmed successful drug encapsulation with no component incompatibilities.

The inclusion of clay minerals accelerates biocrust formation and potentially boosts carbon storage capabilities

Biocrusts, prevalent in desert areas, play a pivotal role in mitigating soil degradation, shaping a common natural landscape. However, amidst climate change and human activities, biocrust coverage is encountering the risk of degradation. The restoration of degraded biocrusts and the construction of artificial ones are regarded as promising technologies for combating soil degradation. Although clay minerals are a crucial abiotic factor in biocrust formation and are directly influence their development and succession, they have not gained widespread attention. The aim of this study was to investigate the mechanism of action of clay minerals in biocrusts. Various quantities of sepiolite were amalgamated with cyanobacteria—Microcoleus vaginatus (ratios of 1:0, 1:10, 1:20, 1:50, 1:100; cyanobacteria dry weight to sepiolite weight), to construct artificial biocrusts and observe the formation and development of them. The results showed that the addition of small quantities of sepiolite (ratios of 1:10 and 1:20) not only facilitated the accumulation of cyanobacterial biomass (1.47–1.86 times) and exopolysacchrides (EPS) (1.73–2.58 times) compared to the control (ratio of 1:0), but also notably enhanced the accumulation of total carbon, total organic carbon, and microbial biomass carbon, highlighting its potential in enhancing the carbon sequestration capabilities of biocrusts. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis revealed that sepiolite serves as a “receiver and bridge” within the biocrust structure, enhancing its compactness and stability, thereby fostering the growth of cyanobacteria and facilitating nutrient transport. Further, Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) and X-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) analysis reviewed changes in some functional groups of EPS and sepiolite after mixing, validating that EPS can function as a “binder” to unify particles. Our findings demonstrate that the incorporation of clay minerals can facilitate biocrust formation, presenting a practical and economical approach, and providing a novel perspective for constructing artificial biocrusts and rehabilitating degraded desert soils.

Facile preparation of NiFe2O4 decorated chitosan-graphene oxide for efficient remediation of Co(II) and adsorption mechanism

In the background of severe water pollution, adsorption is a charming technique for heavy metal remediation. In this work, NiFe2O4 decorated chitosan-graphene oxide (NFCG) was prepared by simple hydrothermal method for Co(II) remediation application. Adsorption mechanism was elaborately elucidated based on multiple evidences extracted from adsorption fitting (isotherms, thermodynamics and kinetics), spectroscopic test (XPS, UV–Vis absorption, fluorescent emission and Raman spectra) and the hard-soft acid-base (HSAB) theory inspection. Result shows, for Co(II) with initial concentration 200 mg·L−1, NFCG with dosage 500 mg·L−1 reaches adsorption equilibrium in 24 min, rendering removal percentage and adsorption amount 96.87 % and 387.48 mg·g−1, respectively. Owing to the efficient recovery enabled by paramagnetism, NFCG keeps adsorption amount 311.01 mg·g−1 for Co(II) after six consecutive cycles. Moreover, NFCG exhibits selectivity towards Co(II) under the coexistence of common interfering substances. Adsorption fitting suggests chemical adsorption based on heterogeneous affinity. Spectroscopic analysis discloses, CO, CO, -C(=O)NH-, OH and aromatic part contribute to Co(II) adsorption via electron donation, forming CoO bond. This atomic scale adsorption mechanism was substantiated by HSAB theory calculation. In brief, this work provides basic knowledge and technical support for fabricating high efficiency magnetic bio adsorbent.

Boron Salicylate Ester Compounds as Boron Therapeutics. Their Synthesis, Structural Characterizations and Anticancer Effects against MDA-MB-231.

The element boron forms a wide range of borate minerals with different properties. Borate minerals make it possible to design boron-containing molecules with new biological properties in terms of their chemical structure and properties. It is known that boron compounds have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor and anti-cancer properties. This makes boron compounds important for the future development of boron chemotherapeutics, boron supplements and new drugs. Reliable scientific studies on boron compounds will facilitate the clear presentation of their functions in its biological applications and metabolism. In this study, boron monoester and boron diester structures were synthesized with salicylic acid ligand. To stabilize boron ester structures, Na+, K+, Mg2+, Ca2+ cations were used as counter-ions. Structural properties of the synthesized substances, molecules obtained by crystallization/precipitation from aqueous solutions in solid state, elemental analysis, melting point determination, infrared spectroscopy analysis (FT-IR), thermal analysis (TGA/DTA), mass analysis (GC-MS) and single crystal analysis. Structural properties were tried to be explained by structure analysis (SC-XRD) methods. Additionally, the anticancer potential of boron salicylate esters against the MDA-MB-231 human breast adenocarcinoma cell line was examined. The K-B salicylate diester molecule was found to have the most potential potency with the lowest IC50 value against the MDA-MB-231 cell line. The anticancer potential of boron salicylate esters can be further investigated with other cancer models with the combination of anticancer drugs. It is also thought that the mechanism of action of these molecules may help reveal their further applications.

Stereoselective Synthesis of Chiral C2-Symmetric 1,3- and 1,5-Bis-Sulfoxides Guided by the Horeau Principle: Understanding the Influence of the Carbon Chain Nature in Its Ability for Metal Coordination.

The stereoselective synthesis of two distinct types of C2-symmetric chiral bis-sulfoxides, 1,3- and 1,5-bis(sulfinyl) derivatives, has been achieved based on the DAG methodology. The 1,5-bis(sulfinyl) derivatives constitute a new family of tridentate chiral ligands thanks to the presence of an additional sulfenyl or sulfinyl group in the carbon chain acting as a bridge. A systematic development and optimization of two synthetic routes, one for each ligand family, have been undertaken, highlighting the strategic utilization of Horeau's law to enhance enantioselectivity. Additionally, palladium (Pd) and ruthenium (Ru) complexes derived from the synthesized bis-sulfoxides were prepared, and their structures were elucidated through spectroscopic analysis. Isolation of Pd(II) complexes involving 1,3-bis-sulfoxides was exclusively achieved using trifluoroacetates as coligands. In the case of Ru(II) complexes, the trans geometry could be determined for 1,3-bis-sulfoxides. The introduction of a third sulfur atom as a coordinating element in the 1,5-bis(sulfinyl) derivatives facilitates the formation of two distinct tricoordinated Ru(II) complexes. The structure of these complexes is intricately influenced by the oxidation state adopted by the central sulfur on the chain, whether as a thioether or as a sulfoxide.

Co-Amorphous Solid Dispersion System for Improvement in Dissolution Profile of N-(((1r,4r)-4-((6-fluorobenzo[d]oxazol-2-yl)amino)cyclohexyl)methyl)-2-methylpropane-2-sulfonamide as a Neuropeptide Y5 Receptor Antagonist

Background/Objectives: Brick dust molecules exhibit high melting points and ultralow solubility. Overcoming this solubility issue is challenging. Previously, we formulated a co-amorphous system for a neuropeptide Y5 receptor antagonist (NP) as a brick dust drug using sodium taurocholate (ST) to improve its dissolution profile. In this study, we have designed a ternary amorphous system involving polymer addition to further improve a co-amorphous system. Methods: The amorphous samples were prepared by the ball milling. The thermal and spectroscopic analyses were performed, and the isothermal crystallization and dissolution profiles were evaluated. Results: The ball milling of NPs, ST, and each of the three types of polymers successfully converted crystalline NPs to amorphous NPs. Thermal analysis confirmed the formation of a single amorphous phase. The infrared spectra revealed a specific interaction between an NP and ST in the co-amorphous system. Moreover, the intermolecular interactions of NP-ST were maintained in the ternary amorphous systems, suggesting the miscible dispersion of the co-amorphous system into the polymer via weak interactions as co-amorphous solid dispersions. The dissolution profile of co-amorphous NP-ST was 4.1- and 6.7-fold higher than that of crystalline NPs in pH 1.2 and 6.8 buffers, respectively. The drug concentration in the ternary amorphous system in pH 1.2 and 6.8 buffers became 1.1–1.2- and 1.4–2.7-fold higher than that seen in the co-amorphous system, respectively. Conclusions: Co-amorphous solid dispersion is a promising method for enhancing the solubility of brick dust molecules.

Borane-Mediated Polyhedral Expansion to Access Metal-Free Neutral and Cationic Derivatives of closo-Heptaboranes.

Boranes with closed polyhedral structures feature peculiar bonding and structural characteristics, rendering them widely applicable in diverse research areas ranging from basic functionalization reactions to applications such as medicine, nanomaterials, molecular electronics, and neutron capture therapy. Among the closed borane family, the neutral and cationic heptaborane B7 clusters have been missing in contemporary boron cluster chemistry to date. Herein, we report a polyhedral expansion protocol to construct a neutral derivative of closo-heptaborane (B7) from closo-hexaborane (B6) mediated by borane. Conversion of the neutral derivative of closo-heptaborane to a cationic derivative is also demonstrated. X-ray crystallographic and spectroscopic analyses with the aid of quantum chemical calculations reveal that both neutral and cationic derivatives of closo-heptaborane exhibit a pentagonal-bipyramidal geometry and involve the delocalized σ skeletal electrons, leading to three-dimensional aromaticity. Moreover, the B7 core of the former undergoes a complexation reaction with silver tetrafluoroborate, representing the first experimental demonstration of the nucleophilic nature of the closo-heptaborane.

Green Method of Doping Photochromic TiO2

The doping process is a unique method of changing the microstructure of a material, influencing its mechanical, thermal, and optical properties. Typically, the doping process is carried out via chemical reagents. In this work, we present a “green” method of doping photochromic TiO2 via low-temperature plasma. The doping agent was the electrode material that was sputtered during plasma burning. The process of electrode sputtering is confirmed by the emission spectroscopy data of the plasma zone and the mass loss of the electrodes. The doping process was confirmed by X-ray, Raman spectroscopy, and XPS analyses. The role of the dopant nature and the action of diaphragm discharge in improving the photochromic properties of titanium dioxide is considered.

Eco-Friendly Microwave Synthesis of Sodium Alginate-Chitosan Hydrogels for Effective Curcumin Delivery and Controlled Release

In this study, we developed sodium alginate-chitosan hydrogels using a microwave-assisted synthesis method, aligning with green chemistry principles for enhanced sustainability. This eco-friendly approach minimizes chemical use and waste while boosting efficiency. A curcumin:2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin complex was incorporated into the hydrogels, significantly increasing the solubility and bioavailability of curcumin. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis confirmed the structure and successful incorporation of curcumin, in both its pure and complexed forms, into the polymer matrix. Differential scanning calorimetry revealed distinct thermal transitions influenced by the hydrogel composition and physical cross-linking. Hydrogels with higher alginate content had higher swelling ratios (338%), while those with more chitosan showed the lowest swelling ratios (254%). Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) micrographs showed a porous structure as well as successful incorporation of curcumin or its complex. Curcumin release studies indicated varying releasing rates between its pure and complexed forms. The chitosan-dominant hydrogel exhibited the slowest release rate of pure curcumin, while the alginate-dominant hydrogel exhibited the fastest. Conversely, for curcumin from the inclusion complex, a higher chitosan proportion led to the fastest release rate, while a higher alginate proportion resulted in the slowest. This study demonstrates that the form of curcumin incorporation and gel matrix composition critically influence the release profile. Our findings offer valuable insights for designing effective curcumin delivery systems, representing a significant advancement in biodegradable and sustainable drug delivery technologies.

Docetaxel-tethered di-Carboxylic Acid Derivatised Fullerenes: A Promising Drug Delivery Approach for Breast Cancer.

Docetaxel (DTX) has become widely accepted as a first-line treatment for metastatic breast cancer; however, the frequent development of resistance provides challenges in treating the disease.C60 fullerene introduces a unique molecular form of carbon, exhibiting attractive chemical and physical properties. Our study aimed to develop dicarboxylic acid-derivatized C60 fullerenes as a novel DTX delivery carrier. This study investigated the potential of water-soluble fullerenes to deliver the anti-cancer drug DTX through a hydrophilic linker. The synthesis was carried out using the Prato reaction. The spectroscopic analysis confirmed the successful conjugation of DTX molecules over fullerenes. The particle size of nanoconjugate was reported to be 122.13 ± 1.63nm with a conjugation efficiency of 76.7 ± 0.14%. The designed conjugate offers pH-dependent release with significantly less plasma pH, ensuring maximum release at the target site. In-vitro cell viability studies demonstrated the enhanced cytotoxic nature of the developed nanoconjugate compared to DTX. These synthesized nanoscaffolds were highly compatible with erythrocytes, indicating the safer intravenous route administration. Pharmacokinetic studies confirmed the higher bioavailability (~ 6 times) and decreased drug clearance from the system vis-à-vis plain drug. The histological studies reveal that nanoconjugate-treated tumour cells exhibit similar morphology to normal cells. Therefore, it was concluded that this developed formulation would be a valuable option for clinical use.

Integrating ANSYS Fluent Simulation and Aspen Plus for efficient heavy metal ion removal with de-oiled cake

In this study bio-flocculant extracted from the de-oiled cake, a common waste generated while producing oil was used to treat an electroplating industrial effluent. A comprehensive analysis of flocculation efficiency in a simulated reactor using ANSYS Workbench - Fluent, with a focus on optimizing impeller position was carried out. The findings reveal that the optimal impeller position is 2 cm from the tank base, where maximum turbulent kinetic energy (0.02577 m2/s2) and dissipation rate (22.19 m2/s3) were achieved at 200 RPM, enhancing flocculation efficacy. Furthermore, the study identifies 0.5 g L−1 as the optimal flocculant dosage, resulting in 72.70 % and 89.38 % removal of Ni(II) and Cr(VI), respectively. The flocculation process was determined to follow second-order kinetics, with significant improvements in collision efficiency and particle aggregation at the optimized dosage. Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy analysis confirmed chemical interactions leading to flocculation, while zeta potential and particle size distribution studies corroborated the stability and effectiveness of the process. A techno-economic analysis was conducted, estimating the total capital investment required for pilot and industrial-scale implementations, highlighting the feasibility and scalability of the proposed treatment method. A holistic framework for enhancing industrial effluent treatment processes by integrated computational fluid dynamics, kinetic studies, and economic evaluation, is the novelty of this research.

B-179 Comparative Evaluation of Cisplatin Release from Alginate Hydrogels with Embedded Silver Nanoparticles: An HPLC and Colorimetric Spectrophotometry Study

Abstract Background Cisplatin [cis-dichlorodiamine platinum (II)], is a well-recognized chemotherapeutical drug. Cisplatin has been employed in treating a wide range of human cancers, such as those of the breast, bladder, lung, ovarian, and testicular cancers. Its therapeutic action is attributed to its capacity to form crosslinks with the DNA's purine bases, disrupting DNA repair processes, causing DNA damage, and ultimately leading to apoptosis in cancerous cells. Nonetheless, the application of cisplatin is constrained by the development of multidrug resistance and the occurrence of severe adverse effects, including nephrotoxicity, bone marrow suppression, hearing loss, allergic responses, nerve damage, and low magnesium levels in the blood. Numerous strategies have been explored to enhance the anticancer effectiveness of cisplatin while minimizing its associated toxicities. These strategies include combination therapies that incorporate nanoparticles, liposomes, and polymer micelles. In this project, cisplatin was embedded into alginate hydrogels loaded with silver nanoparticles and in vitro cisplatin release study using HPLC and UV-Vis spectrophotometry were studied. Methods We developed a novel nanocomplex by integrating silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) with alginate hydrogel coating to create a versatile platform for drug delivery. To incorporate the chemotherapeutic agent, cisplatin (150 ppm) was introduced into the AgNPs-alginate mixture utilizing rapid stirring to ensure uniform distribution and encapsulation of cisplatin within the nanocomplex. A range of analytical methods, such as UV-Vis, FTIR, SEM/EDX, and Zeta potential analysis, were employed to characterize the nanocomplex. To evaluate cisplatin release kinetics from the nanocomplex, we employed an in vitro dialysis method for monitoring its sustained release. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used for precise cisplatin release quantification, then validated by colorimetric spectrophotometry. This dual-method approach ensured accurate insights into the nanocomplex’s release dynamics, substantiating its potential in enhancing targeted cancer therapy through advanced drug delivery systems. Results The analysis through UV-Vis revealed an absorption spectrum around 410 nm, indicative of the characteristic plasmon resonance associated with silver nanoparticles. TEM provided high-resolution imagery, revealing that the size of the silver nanoparticles varied between 4 and 30 nm, averaging at 13 nm with a standard deviation of 5 nm specifically for the alginate-coated AgNPs. SEM images confirmed the anticipated spherical distribution of silver nanoparticles within the alginate hydrogel framework. EDX spectroscopy analysis further verified the incorporation of silver nanoparticles and platinum within the complex. The cisplatin release studies from this newly developed nanocomplex illustrated a prolonged, slow, and consistent release pattern, extending over days, in stark contrast to the rapid and complete release of cisplatin from its unbound state, which achieved peak release within an hour. Conclusions In this study, we successfully developed and validated an innovative, multifunctional nanoplatform for drug delivery, comprising alginate hydrogel synergistically co-loaded with silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and cisplatin. This novel drug carrier system demonstrated a marked enhancement in the controlled delivery of cisplatin, evidenced by the slow and sustained release profile observed over three days. The slow and sustained release of cisplatin from the alginate complex, compared to the free form, highlights the efficacy of the nanoplatform in modulating the drug’s release kinetics.

Characterization, biological activity, and anticancer effect of green-synthesized gold nanoparticles using Nasturtium officinale L.

BackgroundNanostructured materials used have unique properties and many uses in nanotechnology. The most striking of these is using herbal compounds for the green synthesis of nanoparticles. Among the nanoparticle types used for green synthesis, gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) are used for cancer therapy due to their stable structure and non-cytotoxic. Lung cancer is the most common and most dangerous cancer worldwide in terms of survival and prognosis. In this study, Nasturtium officinale (L.) extract (NO), which contains biomolecules with antioxidant and anticancer effects, was used to biosynthesize AuNPs, and after their characterization, the effect of the green-synthesized AuNPs against lung cancer was evaluated in vitro.MethodsUltraviolet‒visible (UV‒Vis) spectrophotometry, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), multiple analysis platform (MAP), and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy analyses were performed to characterize the AuNPs prepared from the N. officinale plant extract. Moreover, the antioxidant activity, total phenolic and flavonoid contents and DNA interactions were examined. Additionally, A549 lung cancer cells were treated with 2–48 µg/mL Nasturtium officinale gold nanoparticles (NOAuNPs) for 24 and 48 h to determine the effects on cell viability. The toxicity of the synthesized NOAuNPs to lung cancer cells was determined by the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-il)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, and the anticancer effect of the NOAuNPs was evaluated by apoptosis and cell cycle analyses using flow cytometry.ResultsThe average size of the NPs was 56.4 nm. The intensities of the Au peaks from EDS analysis indicated that the AuNPs were synthesized successfully. Moreover, the in vitro antioxidant activities of the NO and NOAuNPs were evaluated; these materials gave values of 31.78 ± 1.71% and 31.62 ± 0.46%, respectively, in the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay at 200 g/mL and values of 25.89 ± 1.90% and 33.81 ± 0.62%, respectively, in the 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) assay. The NO and NOAuNPs gave values of 0.389 ± 0.027 and 0.308 ± 0.005, respectively, in the ferrous ion reducing antioxidant capacity (FRAP) assay and values of 0.078 ± 0.009 and 0.172 ± 0.027, respectively, in the copper ion reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC) assay. When the DNA cleavage activities of NO and the NOAuNPs were evaluated via hydrolysis, both samples cleaved DNA starting at a concentration of 25 g/mL in the cell culture analysis, while the nanoformulation of the NO components gave greater therapeutic and anticancer effects. We determined that the Au nanoparticles were not toxic to A549 cells. Moreover, after treatment with the half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50), determined by the MTT assay with A549 cells, we found that at 24 and 48 h, while the necrosis rates were high in cells treated with NO, the rates of apoptosis were greater in cells treated with NOAuNPs. Notably, for anticancer treatment, activating apoptotic pathways that do not cause inflammation is preferred. We believe that these results will pave the way for the use of NOAuNPs in in vitro studies of other types of cancer.ConclusionIn this study, AuNPs were successfully synthesized from N. officinale extract. The biosynthesized AuNPs exhibited toxicity to and apoptotic effects on A549 lung cancer cells. Based on these findings, we suggest that green-synthesized AuNPs are promising new therapeutic agents for lung cancer treatment. However, since this was an in vitro study, further research should be performed in in vivo lung cancer models to support our findings and to explain the mechanism of action at the molecular level.

Improved hydrogen production in immobilized Chlamydomonas reinhardtii cells with inhibited inter-photosystems electron transfer

The production of molecular hydrogen (H2) by microalgae holds great promise, and immobilization techniques offer potential for further advancement in this field. The current study focuses on investigating the positive impact of immobilization on maintaining the stability and activity of photosystem II (PSII) over incubation time, with the aim of enhancing H2 production potential in green microalgae Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. For this purpose, immobilized cells within alginate beads were treated with small concentrations of 2,5-dibromo-3-methyl-6-isopropyl-p-benzoquinone (DBMIB) inhibitor to induce the partial inhibition of inter-photosystem electron transport, recently reported as a novel approach for sustaining microalgal H2 production. A comparative analysis of fluorescence decay kinetic changes and EPR spectroscopy of the cell beads revealed the superior capacity of immobilization for sustaining PSII stability and activity in batch culture over time. Treatment of the cell beads with 3.5 μM DBMIB led to sustained H2 production yielding over 200 μmol H2/mg Chl within 3 weeks, with an average H2 production rate of approximately 10 μmol/mg Chl per day, both of which were roughly twice as high as those observed in free cells treated with DBMIB. Our findings underscore the significance of integrating immobilization with a proven and effective method for H2 production, thereby enhancing its sustainability and productivity.

Alginate-based bio-nanocomposite reinforced with poly(2-hydroxypropyl methacrylamide) and magnetite graphene oxide for delivery of etoposide and photothermal therapy

Recently, bio-nanocomposite nanogels/hydrogels composed of natural polymers and carbon-based nanomaterials are attracting increasing attention in the fields of nanomedicine and bioengineering due to their unique properties. In this study, we propose the creation of an innovative multifunctional bio-nanocomposite based on alginate graft copolymer with poly(2-hydroxypropyl methacrylamide) (SA-g-PHPM) and magnetite graphene oxide (mGO) loaded with etoposide (EPS) for drug delivery and photothermal therapy (PTT). The SA-g-PHPM/mGO bio-nanocomposite was synthesized using an emulsion method and exhibited favorable physicochemical properties. The structural functionalities and surface morphology of the SA-g-PHPM/mGO bio-nanocomposite were comprehensively characterized using spectroscopic techniques, including FT-IR, XRD, UV, DLS, TEM/FE-SEM, and AFM analyses. Under near-infrared (NIR) irradiation (808 nm, 1 Wcm-2, 10 min), the SA-g-PHPM/mGO bio-nanocomposite demonstrated the ability to effectively induce a temperature increase exceeding 29 °C. Additionally, exposure to NIR light and magnetic field led to an increased release of EPS whereas an increment in percentage of mGO caused a decreased EPS release. Notably, the synergistic effects of chemotherapy, light-triggered drug release, and PTT collectively contributed to a significant enhancement in lung cancer (H1299) cell death. In conclusion, our findings suggest that the developed SA-g-PHPM/mGO/EPS bio-nanocomposite serves as an efficient vehicle for multimodal therapy in lung cancer.