Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles Research Articles

Thermal effects of ternary Casson nanofluid flow over a stretching sheet: An investigation of Thomson and Troian velocity slip

The present research analyzes the properties of a Casson ternary nanofluid over a stretching sheet with Thomson and Troian slip conditions, taking into consideration the influences of electromagnetohydrodynamic (EMHD). The ternary nanofluid comprises three different nanoparticles, which include titanium dioxide (TiO2), copper (Cu), and silver (Ag), all being suspended in oil, which is the base fluid. They are involved because of their good thermal conductivity and chemical stability, and AgCuTiO2 /Oil nanofluid is a composite of copper, titanium oxide, and oil. Hence, carrying out the said procedure, the ternary nanofluid becomes AgCuTiO2/Oil. The sheet is, however, thought to be stretching vertically while the flow is determined by the effect of the gravity force through the free convention. Moreover, the phenomena of EMHD, porous medium, thermal slip, thermal radiation, Joule heating, and heat source/sink are included to make the energy equation more real-life. This leads to a set of partial differential equations (PDEs) based mathematical models transformed into ordinary differential equations (ODEs)-appropriate similarity transformation. The Runge–Kutta–Fehlberg (RKF-45) method solves the given ordinary differential system. According to the research’s findings, the temperature of the ternary Casson nanofluid rises when the suspension of silver, copper, and titanium dioxide nanoparticles increases, and the velocity of flow for merely silver and copper decreases when the density decreases. This causes the flow rate to be constricted through the velocity slip condition, at the same time as the nanofluid’s temperature increases.

An Electrochemical Sensor for Detection of Lead (II) Ions Using Biochar of Spent Coffee Grounds Modified by TiO2 Nanoparticles

Toxic heavy metal ions, such as lead ions, significantly threaten human health and the environment. This work introduces a novel method for the simple and sensitive detection of lead ions based on biochar-loaded titanium dioxide nanoparticles (BC@TiO2NPs) nanocomposites. Eco-friendly biochar samples were prepared from spent coffee grounds (500 °C, 1 h) that were chemically activated with TiO2 nanoparticles (150 °C, 24 h) to improve their conductivity. Structural characterizations showed that BC@TiO2NPs have a porous structure. The BC@TiO2NPs material was evaluated for lead ion determination by assembling glassy carbon electrodes. Under optimal conditions, the sensor was immersed in a solution containing the analyte (0.1 M NaAc-HAc buffer, pH = 4.5) for the detection of lead ions via differential pulse voltammetry. A linear dynamic range from 1 pM to 10 μMwas achieved, with a detection limit of 0.6268 pM. Additionally, the analyte was determined in tap water samples, and a satisfactory recovery rate was achieved.

Experimental Investigation of the Optical Nonlinearity of Laser-Ablated Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles Using Femtosecond Laser Light Pulses

In this report, the nonlinear optical (NLO) properties of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs) have been explored experimentally using femtosecond laser light along with the Z-scan approach. The synthesis of TiO2 NPs was carried out in distilled water through nanosecond second harmonic Nd:YAG laser ablation. Characterization of the TiO2 NPs colloids was conducted using UV-visible absorption spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), inductively coupled plasma (ICP), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). The TEM analysis indicated that the size distribution and average particle size of the TiO2 NPs varied from 8.3 nm to 19.1 nm, depending on the laser ablation duration. The third-order NLO properties of the synthesized TiO2 NPs were examined at different excitation laser wavelengths and incident powers through both open- and closed-aperture Z-scan techniques, utilizing a laser pulse duration of 100 fs and a high repetition rate of 80 MHz. The nonlinear absorption (NLA) coefficient and nonlinear refractive (NLR) index of the TiO2 NPs colloidal solutions were found to be influenced by the incident power, excitation wavelength, average size, and concentration of TiO2 NPs. Maximum values of 4.93 × 10⁻⁹ cm/W for the NLA coefficient and 15.39 × 10⁻15 cm2/W for the NLR index were observed at an excitation wavelength of 800 nm, an incident power of 0.6 W, and an ablation time of 15 min. The optical limiting (OL) effects of the TiO2 NPs solution at different ablation times were investigated and revealed to be concentration and average size dependent. An increase in concentration results in a more limiting effect.

Efficacy of Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles Using Juniperus phoenicea in Controlling Rice Weevil (Sitophilus oryzae) and Its Effect on the Microbial Contents and Nutritive Value of Grains

The rice weevil, Sitophilus oryzae is a primary pest attack many kinds of crops. It causes a lot of loss and reduces the economic values of products. The study investigated to determine the insecticidal effect of titanium dioxide nanoparticles using Juniperus phoenicea (TiO2 NPs) against the insect, and the nutritional and antimicrobial value of rice grains after treatment by TiO2 NPs was estimated. Adult was the target of bioassay of the biocomponent. Four concentrations were prepared as 30, 50, 80 and 100%. Some biochemical components were evaluated as response indicators of insect. Obtained data demonstrated significant differences between the four concentrations, where the highest mortality was recorded after 120 h. On the adults (85%). Treatment with the titanium dioxide nanoparticles inhibited the activities of acetylcholine esterase and total soluble protein. While it increases the activity of catalase as antioxidant enzyme. Nutritional values increased with increasing the proportion of TiO2 NPs, except for the decrease in protein. No colonization of coliform bacteria and fungi cell was recorded in 80% of TiO2 NPs, aerobic bacteria were reduced to a lower number 12 CFU/g 103 at 100%. Biosynthesized titanium dioxide nanoparticles with J. phoenicea extract is promising bio-insecticide and antimicrobial in integrated pest management control, preserving the nutritional value of grains during storage.

SnO2-TiO2/reduced graphene oxide nanocomposites: Green synthesis and enhanced photocatalytic efficiency for dye removal

Titanium oxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs) have been interested in potential applications, including gas-sensing, energy storage, environmental remediation, and medical fields. In the present work, fabricated SnO2-TiO2/RGO nanocomposites (NCs) have been produced through a green precipitation approach. XRD, TEM, SEM, EDX, XPS, FTIR, UV, and PL analyses have been carefully applied to invistage the physicochemical properties of prepared NPs and NCs. The XRD data showed that the crystal structure of the TiO2 NPs was affected by the introduction of SnO2 NPs and RGO sheets. The spherical shape of the prepared samples and their morphologies were confirmed using TEM and SEM images. EDX and XPS analyses confirmed that tin (Sn), titanium (Ti), oxygen (O), and carbon (C) were further present in the SnO2-TiO2/RGO NCs. FT-IR spectra determines the functional groups with bands between the compositions of obtained NPs and NCs. Besides, the band gap energies of prepares samples were estimated from UV–vis spectra. It displayed that the absorption peak of the synthesized TiO2 NPs was improved after the addition of SnO2 NPs and an RGO sheet. PL analysis indicate that the PL intensity of the prepared TiO2 NPs was decreased with the addition of SnO2 NPs and RGO sheets due to a decrease in the recombination rate of electrons (e−)-holes (h+). As shown in photocatalytic results, the photodegradation of methylene blue (MB) dye of SnO2-TiO2/RGO NCs was reached 92.20% after 140 min of UV irradiation. These results suggest that the addition of RGO sheets occupied a role in enhanced the photocatalytic performance of the prepared NCs. This study highlighted that these samples could be applied in various applications such as photocatalytic and therapeutic areas.

Green and chemical synthesis of TiO2 nanoparticles: An In-depth comparative analysis and photoluminescence study

Titania nanoparticles were synthesized by sol-gel method using chemical and natural solvents. Isopropanol is used as a chemical solvent for the reduction of ions. Further, Jasminum and Magnolia champaca flower extracts were individually used as natural solvents which acts as both reducing and stabilizing agents. The role of natural solvents over chemical solvents on the structure, phase, morphology, and optical properties of TiO2 nanoparticles were investigated. Synthesis using natural solvents led to rutile phase of TiO2 nanoparticles while, chemical synthesis produced anatase phase. Green synthesis yielded larger crystallite size TiO2 compared to chemical synthesis. Synthesized TiO2 exhibited PL emission centered at 397 nm with excitation 325 nm associated with weak emissions noticed at 450 nm, 470 nm, and 520 nm.

Photoactivated rose bengal-doped TiO2 nanoparticles modified fifth-generation adhesive on the survival rate of Streptococcus mutants and mechanical properties of tooth-colored restorative material to carious dentin.

Assessment of the antimicrobial, micro tensile bond strength (μTBS), and degree of conversion (DC) of fifth-generation adhesive modified using photoactivated 0.5% rose bengal (RB) and photoactivated RB-doped titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2NPs) in different concentrations (2% and 5%) as compared with the unmodified adhesive bonded to the carious affected dentin (CAD). Forty mandibular molars with caries progression up to the middle third of the dentin, as per the International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS) score of 4 and 5 were included. Specimens were divided into four groups based on etch and rinse adhesive (ERA) modification group 1: unmodified ERA, group 2: photoactivated 0.5% RB photosensitizer (PS) modified ERA, group 3: photoactivated RB-doped 2 wt% TiO2NPs adhesive, group 4: photoactivated RB-doped 5 wt% TiO2NPs adhesive. Followed by adhesive and composite restoration on the CAD surface. All the specimens were thermocycled and an assessment of μTBS and failure pattern analysis was performed. The antibacterial potency of RB and RB-doped TiO2NPs (2% and 5%) followed by their activation using visible light against Streptococcus mutans (S.mutans) were tested. The survival rate of S.mutans was assessed using the Kruskal-Wallis test. The analysis of μTBS involved the use of ANOVA, followed by a post-hoc Tukey honestly significant difference (HSD) multiple comparisons test. Group 1 (Unmodified ERA) (0.52 ± 0.31 CFU/mL) treated samples unveiled the highest means of bacterial survival and lowest μTBS (11.32 ± 0.63 MPa). Nevertheless, group 4: photoactivated RB-doped 5 wt% TiO2NPs adhesive displayed the lowest outcomes of S.mutans survival (0.11 ± 0.02 CFU/mL) and highest bond strength (18.76 ± 1.45 MPa). The photoactivated RB-doped 2 wt% TiO2NPs in adhesive demonstrated promising enhancements in both μTBS and antibacterial efficacy against S.mutans. However, it is noteworthy that this modification led to a decrease in the DC of the adhesive. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: Unmodified ERA-treated samples unveiled the highest bacterial survival and the lowest μTBS. Photoactivated RB-doped 5 wt% TiO2NPs adhesive displayed the lowest S.mutans survival rate and highest bond strength. DC decreased with an increase in concentration of TiO2.

Experimental optimization for synthesis of cerium-doped titanium dioxide nanoparticles by modified sol-gel process

A systematic experimental optimization procedure was developed for the synthesis of cerium-doped titanium dioxide nanoparticles (CeTNPs) based on modified sol-gel process. The nanocomposite was prepared using titanium tetraisopropoxide (TTIP) as a catalyst precursor, while utilizing the non-ionic surfactant Triton X-114 in cyclohexane as a stabilizing agent. The synthesis process was optimized by identifying the main experimental factors that affect the properties of the nanoparticles, primarily the structural phase and particle size. The synthesized samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) for phase and size, field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM) for morphology, particle size analyzer (PSA) for size distribution, and Brunaur, Emmett, and Teller (BET) for surface area and pores characteristics. The photocatalytic activity of the optimized sample was tested for the removal of methyl orange (MO) and lead (II) from aqueous solutions, and the results indicate superior performance as the catalyst uptakes were 14.8 mg/l and 11.4 mg/l for methyl orange and lead (II), respectively.The main highlights of the proposed procedure are as follows:•Identification of the key variables impacting the structural and morphological properties.•Establishing the levels of each factor based on experimental findings.•Generation of all possible combinations of factors based on ANOVA, then characterization of the synthesized material from every possible combination.

Green synthesis and anticancer activity of titanium dioxide nanoparticles using the endophytic fungus Aspergillus sp.

Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs) have attracted significant attention for their unique physicochemical features and various applications. This study demonstrated the biosynthesis of TiO2 NPs using Aspergillus fungal extract that served as a green and eco-friendly reducing and stabilizing agent. The biosynthesized nanoparticles were analyzed using SEM and TEM to determine their morphology, size, and distribution, FTIR to determine functional groups, and Zeta potential to assess their surface charge and stability. An extensive review of the Protein Data Bank (PDB) and literature indicated that TiO2 could target various cancer-relevant matrix metalloproteinases. In vitro screening indicated promising anticancer effects against the MCF7 breast cancer cell line. To investigate the possible mode of action of TiO2 NPs as an anticancer agent, human matrix metalloproteinase-3 was highlighted as a protein inhibited by metallic ions like PtCl2. Therefore, we investigated whether TiO2 could similarly interact with the active site of MMP-3. We hypothesized that TiO2 could interact with the MMP-3 active site and replace PtCl2 with modelled TiO2 in its co-crystallized binding site. A 100 ns-long MDS, binding free energy (ΔGBinding) of PtCl2 and TiO2 within MMP-3 binding site indicated that TiO2's enhanced binding affinity and stability, as evidenced by a ΔGBinding of −7.23 kcal/mol and average RMSD of 0.89 Å, compared to PtCl2's lower affinity. In conclusion, endophytic fungi can be used efficiently in the biosynthesis of nanoparticles. Our study indicated TiO2 NPs have a potential anticancer effect, suggesting TiO2 binds to MMP3, potentially offering comparable inhibitory effects on the enzyme's activity.

Green synthesis of copper oxide and titanium dioxide nanoparticles using Santalum album leaf extract for enhanced wastewater treatment

Green synthesis of copper oxide and titanium dioxide nanoparticles using Santalum album leaf extract for enhanced wastewater treatment

Nanocarrier-Mediated Dermal Drug Delivery System of Antimicrobial Agents for Targeting Skin and Soft Tissue Infections.

Antimicrobial resistance in disease-causing microbes is seen as a severe problem that affects the entire world, makes therapy less effective, and raises mortality rates. Dermal antimicrobial therapy becomes a desirable choice in the management of infectious disorders since the rising resistance to systemic antimicrobial treatment frequently necessitates the use of more toxic drugs. Nanoparticulate systems such as nanobactericides, which have built-in antibacterial activity, and nanocarriers, which function as drug delivery systems for conventional antimicrobials, are just two examples of the treatment methods made feasible by nanotechnology. Silver nanoparticles, zinc oxide nanoparticles, and titanium dioxide nanoparticles are examples of inorganic nanoparticles that are efficient on sensitive and multidrug-resistant bacterial strains both as nanobactericides and nanocarriers. To stop the growth of microorganisms that are resistant to standard antimicrobials, various antimicrobials for dermal application are widely used. This review covers the most prevalent microbes responsible for skin and soft tissue infections, techniques to deliver dermal antimicrobials, topical antimicrobial safety concerns, current issues, challenges, and potential future developments. A thorough and methodical search of databases, such as Google Scholar, PubMed, Science Direct, and others, using specified keyword combinations, such as "antimicrobials," "dermal," "nanocarriers," and numerous others, was used to gather relevant literature for this work.

Antiviral potential of copper and titanium dioxide nanoparticles against H1N1, Adenovirus 40 and herpes simplex virus type-II

The rising incidence of viral illnesses like influenza (H1N1), human adenovirus (AdV) 40, and herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-II) seriously threatens public health, necessitating the development of potent antiviral medications. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the antiviral activity of synthesized copper nanoparticles (Cu-NPs) and titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2-NPs) against the three mentioned viruses. Characterization of these compounds was performed using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and UV–Vis spectroscopy techniques. The cytotoxicity and antiviral activity of viruses were investigated using the crystal violet technique. The main findings reveal that Cu-NPs had significant antiviral activity, especially against HSV-II, with an IC50 value of 20.449 μg/mL. However, this activity may be accompanied by marked cytotoxicity, indicated by a CC50 of 123.492 µg/mL, raising concerns about its safety for therapeutic use and its negative impact on human health. In contrast, TiO2-NPs show a more favorable safety profile, with a CC50 of 264.10 μg/mL, maintaining moderate antiviral activity against H1N1 and HSV-II, albeit with higher IC50 values compared to Cu-NPs. Based on these results, Cu-NPs and TiO2-NPs are both attractive candidates for the creation of new antiviral treatments, and more research into their mechanisms of action and their therapeutic uses is necessary.

Environmental exposure to titanium dioxide nanoparticles disrupts DAZL gene expression and male reproductive function in mice: Protective role of lutein

Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs) are widely used nanomaterials with potential environmental health concerns, including impacts on male fertility. This study investigated the effects of TiO2 NPs on male reproductive function in mice and the potential protective role of lutein, a dietary antioxidant. Male NMRI mice were exposed to TiO2 NPs (50, 150, and 300 mg/kg) with or without co-administration of lutein (5 or 10 mg/kg) for 35 days. Compared to controls, TiO2 NP exposure significantly decreased DAZL gene expression, testosterone levels, antioxidant capacity, sperm quality (motility, density, morphology, DNA integrity), and testicular tissue parameters (seminiferous tubules volume, germinal epithelium height, spermatogenic cell counts). These effects were associated with increased oxidative stress markers (malondialdehyde levels) and altered testicular architecture (interstitial tissue volume). Notably, co-administration of lutein significantly ameliorated these TiO2 NP-induced adverse effects, suggesting its potential protective role against testicular oxidative stress and dysfunction. Our findings highlight the potential detrimental effects of environmental TiO2 NP exposure on male fertility and the potential benefit of dietary lutein as a protective strategy. Further research is needed to explore the underlying mechanisms and translate these findings to human health.

Trap States in Reduced Colloidal Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles Have Different Proton Stoichiometries

Trap States in Reduced Colloidal Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles Have Different Proton Stoichiometries

Thermal Performance Analysis of a Nonlinear Couple Stress Ternary Hybrid Nanofluid in a Channel: A Fractal-Fractional Approach.

Nanofluids have improved thermophysical properties compared to conventional fluids, which makes them promising successors in fluid technology. The use of nanofluids enables optimal thermal efficiency to be achieved by introducing a minimal concentration of nanoparticles that are stably suspended in conventional fluids. The use of nanofluids in technology and industry is steadily increasing due to their effective implementation. The improved thermophysical properties of nanofluids have a significant impact on their effectiveness in convection phenomena. The technology is not yet complete at this point; binary and ternary nanofluids are currently being used to improve the performance of conventional fluids. Therefore, this work aims to theoretically investigate the ternary nanofluid flow of a couple stress fluid in a vertical channel. A homogeneous suspension of alumina, cuprous oxide, and titania nanoparticles is formed by dispersing trihybridized nanoparticles in a base fluid (water). The effects of pressure gradient and viscous dissipation are also considered in the analysis. The classical ternary nanofluid model with couple stress was generalized using the fractal-fractional derivative (FFD) operator. The Crank-Nicolson technique helped to discretize the generalized model, which was then solved using computer tools. To investigate the properties of the fluid flow and the distribution of thermal energy in the fluid, numerical methods were used to calculate the solution, which was then plotted as a function of various physical factors. The graphical results show that at a volume fraction of 0.04 (corresponding to 4% of the base fluid), the heat transfer rate of the ternary nanofluid flow increases significantly compared to the binary and unary nanofluid flows.

Effects of radiation and activation energy on magnetized ternary nanofluid flow produced by a slippery elastic sheet with entropy analysis

This study looks into two-dimensional, incompressible magnetohydrodynamic flow of ternary hybrid nanofluid passing a stretched surface through a porous material taking into consideration activation energy, heat sink, chemical reaction parameter, and viscous dissipation. This study’s aim is to analyse the flow behaviour for temperature, concentration and velocity with entropy in the presence of titanium dioxide, aluminium oxide, and copper oxide nanoparticles. An effective similarity conversion procedure is used to transform partial differential equations to a nonlinear ordinary differential equations system. Employing proper boundary restrictions, the nonlinear equations are solved using the MATLAB bvp4c technique. A number of physical flow parameters including velocity, thermal and concentration profiles are investigated through tables and graphs in order to assess the flow behaviour. The main outcomes indicate that the velocity profile was decreased by the magnetic parameter and porosity parameter. Also, the Brinkmann number rises the entropy generation rate, while radiation and Brinkmann number decrease the Bejan number. The Sherwood number falls with larger activation energy and magnetic parameter, while it improves with increased Schmidt number, radiation parameter and chemical reaction parameter.

A comparative study on the chronic responses of titanium dioxide nanoparticles on aerobic granular sludge and algal-bacterial granular sludge processes.

The chronic effects of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs) on aerobic granular sludge (AGS) and algal-bacterial granular sludge (ABGS) was examined in this study. Sequencing batch bioreactors (SBRs) and photo sequencing batch bioreactors (PSBRs) were operated with synthetic wastewater containing 0, 1, 5, 10, 20, 30, and 50mg L-1 TiO2 NPs for 10days. Nanoparticles at concentrations of 1 and 5mg L-1 did not impact nutrient removal but led to an increase in extracellular polymeric substances (EPSs), primarily in protein (PN). With increasing nanoparticle concentration, the negative effect became more pronounced, mainly in the AGS SBRs. At 50mg L-1 TiO2, chemical oxygen demand (COD), ammonia-nitrogen (NH3-N), and phosphorus (PO43-) removal decreased by 20.9%, 12.2%, and 35.1% in AGS, respectively, while in ABGS, they reached only 13.4%, 5.7%, and 14.2%. ABGS exhibited steady-state nutrient removal at 30 and 50mg L-1 TiO2 NPs after around 5days. The higher microbial activity and EPS content in the sludge, coupled with the symbiotic relationship between algae and bacteria, contributed to the higher tolerance of ABGS to nanoparticles. Finally, although nanoparticles reduced biomass in both types of bioreactors, the accumulation of TiO2 NPs in the sludge, confirmed by Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analysis, and the absence of detectable titanium concentrations in the effluent wastewater, measured by Inductively-coupled plasma mass spectrometry, may be attributed to the specific operational conditions of this study, including the relatively short operation period (10days) and high initial MLSS concentration (6g L-1).

Assessing the Different Nanoparticle-Reinforced Bonding Agents on the Shear Bond Strength of Orthodontic Brackets

ABSTRACT Background: The strength of the binding between brackets and tooth surfaces has a major impact on how well orthodontic therapy works. The shear bond strength of orthodontic brackets may be strengthened by the invention of bonding agents supplemented with nanoparticles, thanks to recent developments in nanoparticle technology. Materials and Methods: In order to perform a randomized controlled experiment, 90 human premolars were excised for orthodontic purposes. Three groups of 30 teeth were randomly assigned to each group: Group A used a bonding agent augmented with nanoparticles of titanium dioxide (TiO2), Group B used nanoparticles of zirconium dioxide (ZrO2), and Group C used a standard bonding agent as a reference. The appropriate bonding chemicals were used to attach the brackets to the teeth, and a universal testing equipment was used to measure the shear bond strength. Stereomicroscopic analysis was used to evaluate the failure mechanisms. To do statistical analysis, Tukey’s post hoc test and analysis of variance were used. Results: There were significant differences (P < 0.05) in the mean shear bond strength values across the groups. The average shear bond strength for Group A (TiO2) was 18.5 ± 2.3 MPa, that for Group B (ZrO2) was 17.2 ± 2.6 MPa, and that for Group C (control) was 14.8 ± 2.4 MPa. In comparison to Groups B and C, Group A exhibited a statistically greater bond strength, although Group B also showed an improvement over the control. According to the failure mode analysis, the control group had mostly adhesive failures, whereas the nanoparticle groups saw mixed failures. Conclusion: When TiO2 and ZrO2 nanoparticles are added to bonding agents, the shear bond strength of orthodontic brackets is greatly increased in comparison to traditional bonding agents. TiO2-reinforced materials performed better, pointing to possible benefits for orthodontic applications. It is advised that further study be done to examine the long-term impacts and therapeutic implications of these results.

Raman Spectroscopy Reveals Microparticles in Synovial Fluids of Patients With Suspected Implant‐Related Complications

ABSTRACTProsthetic implant‐associated inflammation and failure can be caused by bacterial infections and mechanical wear of the prosthesis. Currently, there is no diagnostic modality that allows simultaneous identification of both causes of implant failure. Here, we present a proof‐of‐principle study to assess whether Raman spectroscopy can be applied to diagnose implant failure. Synovial fluids from 10 patients with a clinical suspicion of implant‐related complications were previously collected and cultured to determine the presence of bacteria. The presence of microparticles in these synovial fluids was assessed by Raman spectroscopy and verified by scanning electron microscopy combined with energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (SEM‐EDX). For control, the possibility to detect in vitro‐cultured Staphylococcus aureus by Raman spectroscopy was investigated. Raman spectroscopy revealed that all 10 synovial fluid samples contained microparticles: eight contained microplastics (polyethylene, polypropylene, and polystyrene), and nine contained titanium dioxide nanoparticles (anatase and rutile) as verified by SEM‐EDX. There was no clear difference in the microparticle content of synovial fluids with or without bacteria. Raman signals relating to individual bacteria and clusters of bacteria were detectable in in vitro cultures of S. aureus, but it was not possible to demonstrate the presence of bacteria in synovial fluids by Raman spectroscopy. Raman spectroscopy is a potential tool for characterizing microparticles in synovial fluids from patients with implant‐related complications. This is of clinical relevance as these microparticles can cause joint inflammation. The identification of bacteria by Raman spectroscopy is feasible, but further research is needed before clinical implementation.

Modulation of miR-205 expression using a Cheiranthus cheiri phyto-nano hybrid as a potential therapeutic agent against breast cancer.

Breast cancer is the fifth major cause of fatalities associated with cancer worldwide and in Pakistan, 34 066 female breast cancer cases were recorded in 2018. This study was designed to understand extracts of Cheiranthus cheiri (C. cheiri) and to evaluate the epigenetic modulation of microRNA expression for breast cancer therapy using a selected phyto-nanohybrid treatment. The phytochemical screening revealed the presence of potential phytochemicals and antioxidant scavenging activity in the C. cheiri extracts with a DPPH (2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydroxyl) assay giving an IC50 value of 20.63 μg mL-1. GC-MS (gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy) analysis of the C. cheiri n-hexane extract detected 42 phytocompounds. Titanium oxide (TiO2) nanoparticles were synthesized and characterized using XRD (X-ray diffraction), SEM (scanning electron microscopy) and EDX (energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry) to confirm the synthesis of anatase (tetragonal) TiO2. The prepared nanoparticles were conjugated with the selected plant i.e., C. cheiri. The resulting phyto-nanohybrid was used for the subsequent treatment of breast cancer induced in a female rat model. The treatment groups were as follows: doxorubicin as the standard treatment, C. cheiri, TiO2 and the phyto-nano hybrid treatment. After 8 weeks of treatment, the groups induced to exhibit breast cancer (with and without treatment) and the control groups were dissected and analysed for histopathological, haematological and microRNA expression. Histopathological examination revealed chronic inflammation in the dilated ducts and tumour embolus formation, thus confirming the presence of breast cancer in the DMBA-induced female rat model. MicroRNA expression analysis showed a statistically significant decrease in levels of miR-205 in the plasma of the breast cancer rat model compared to the control (p < 0.05). After treatment with the phyto-nano hybrid, a statistically significant increase in the expression of miR-205 was observed in the rat models induced to exhibit breast cancer compared to the rat model without any treatment (p < 0.05). The downregulation of miR-205 in the plasma of the breast cancer exhibiting model, as compared to the control, and its upregulation after treatment with the selected phyto-nano hybrid indicated its diagnostic and prognostic significance. It is concluded that the phyto-nano hybrid used in this study is effective against breast cancer induced female rat model. All the results support the finding that the selected phyto-nano hybrid has great potential as a possible therapeutic agent for the treatment of breast cancer.