Transmission Electron Microscopy Pictures Research Articles

Effect of magnetic field on the structural, optical, and electrical properties of CdS nanoparticles in distilled water by using pulsed laser ablation

In this study, we investigated the impact that the incorporation of a magnetic field has on the properties of cadmium sulfide CdS nanoparticles as well as the performance of an n-CdS/p-Si heterojunction photodetector that was developed by the use of the pulsed laser ablation in a liquid method. Nd:YAG laser pulses (1.064 μm, 550 mJ) were utilized to ablate cadmium sulfide CdS nanoparticles in water. The synthesized nanoparticles were shown to have a polycrystalline hexagonal structure, as evidenced by the findings of the X-ray diffraction experiment, the crystallite size for cadmium sulfide CdS decreased from 4.611 nm to 4.518 nm. The lattice constants of cadmium sulfide CdS nanostructures were determined to be a = 4.1302, c = 6.702, and c/a=1.622. The strain and dislocation density of cadmium sulfide CdS exhibited an increase. Images taken from a field emission scanning electron microscope demonstrated the formation of spherical nanoparticles on the surface. A magnetic field was applied, increasing the CdS film's crystallinity. As a consequence of this enhancement, the particle size of the CdS decreased from 25.18 nm to 12.17 nm. A comparison was made between this and the size of the crystallites that appeared when no magnetic field was present. The EDS spectrum of magnetically prepared cadmium sulfide CdS films indicates the presence of Cd and S, and the weight percentage ratios [Cd]/[S], increase from 3.72 to 3.80. The transmission electron microscopy (TEM) pictures of CdS samples that were generated using a magnetic field contained particles of small size with a mean of 10.10 nanometers. From the FT-IR spectra of cadmium sulfide CdS prepared using a magnetic field within 400–4000 cm−1, the peaks (bands) of cadmium sulfide CdS at 617 cm−1 represent the bending vibration of Cd-S. As a result of the influence of a magnetic field, the optical energy gap of CdS nanoparticles increased from 2.30 eV to 2.72 eV, as indicated by the UV-Vis study. From PL emission spectra the values of the energy band gap of cadmium sulfide CdS increased from 2.45 eV at 505.7 to 2.47 eV when a magnetic field was applied. CdS NP films produced under the influence of a magnetic field were identified as having n-type characteristics by Hall effect assessments, Particle mobility was influenced by particle size. The effect of applying a magnetic field on the efficiency of the n-CdS/p-Si photodetector was investigated and analyzed. When a magnetic field was applied during ablation, the responsivity of n-CdS/p-Si heterojunction photodetectors increased from 0.498 A/W to 0.830 A/W at 510 nm. This was the result of the application of the magnetic field.

Development of vitamin D3 and Spirulina platensis protein hydrolysates co-loaded nanoliposomes and coated by sodium caseinate

The objective of this study was to investigate the co-loading of vitamin D3 (VitD3) and Spirulina platensis protein hydrolysates (SPH) within coated nanoliposomes (NLPs) by sodium caseinate, with the intention of developing a novel nutritional supplement. The coated NLPs exhibited particle size, PDI, and zeta potential values of 185.30 ± 29.62 nm, 0.22±0.04, and +18.70 ± 3.44 mV, respectively. Moreover, the encapsulation efficiencies of the coated NLPs for VitD3 and SPH were 83.24 ± 4.22 % and 89.41 ± 4.36 %, respectively. The improving effect of the surface coating by sodium caseinate on the stability and function of the NLPs was exhibited through analysis of chemical structure, thermal stability, and crystalline structure. The transmission electron microscopy pictures of the developed NLPs revealed a spherical morphology with a thin layer around the vesicle. The loaded VitD3 and SPH in the coated NLPs showed controlled release profiles during incubation in the simulated gastrointestinal condition. Moreover, the VitD3/SPH co-loaded NLPs and their coated form had no considerable cell toxicity. To conclude, the developed nanosystem demonstrated the suitable characteristics of a nanocarrier for reaping the nutritional benefits of VitD3 and SPH.

Synthesis, characterization and effective UV photo-sensing properties of Ga3+ doped NiO nanoparticles

In this work, resistive type photodetectors were fabricated using Gd3+ ions doped NiO nanoparticles to improve the detection of ultraviolet (UV) light. The occurrence of the simple cubic phase in NiO systems has been shown by X-ray diffraction patterns. The crystalline size of the NiO nanoparticles doped with different concentrations of Gd3+ at levels of pure, 1 %, 2 %, and 3 % were 6 nm, 8 nm, 9 nm, and 12 nm, respectively. The presence of dopants in the material was established by the Raman spectrum analysis. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) pictures were used to validate the morphological properties of Gd3+ doped NiO nanoparticles nanoparticles at different degrees of dopant concentration (0 %, 1 %, 2 % and 3 %). The introduction and concentration of dopants alter the shape of NiO material. Based on the findings of UV–visible absorption spectroscopic studies, it can be concluded that the addition of Gd3+ ions to the system improved the absorption characteristics. The measured bandgap values for various degrees of Gd3+ doping, namely 0 %, 1 %, 2 %, and 3 %, are 3.51 eV, 3.45 eV, 3.36 eV, and 3.23 eV, respectively. According to the measured photoluminescence spectrum, Gd3+ ions may efficiently trap and maintain excited electrons within an energy level between the ground and excited states. This process greatly extends the lifespan of excitons from immediate recombination. The use of Gd3+-doped NiO sensors in UV photodetection resulted in a significant increase in conductivity and photocurrent. The photodetector fabricated using a 3 % concentration of Gd3+ doped NiO, has a responsivity of 24 × 10−2 AW−1, a detectivity of 14 × 109 Jones, and an external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 62 %.

Green synthesis and characterisation of silver nanoparticles utilising a bioflocculant obtained from Pichia kudriavzevii isolated from kombucha tea SCOBY

ABSTRACT A Pichia kudriavzevii produced bioflocculant was used in the biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). The generated Ag nanoparticles were given several analytical treatments to determine their properties. These techniques included transmission electron microscope (TEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray diffraction spectroscopy (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and UV–vis spectroscopy. The SEM scans showed particles that were smooth and nearly spherical in shape. EDX analysis showed the element silver with a percentage weight of 61.93% in addition to the elements present in the bioflocculant. Through FT-IR spectra functional groups for instance carboxyl, polyphenols, aromatics, alcohol, amine, and halo compounds were observed. The TEM picture displayed spherical particles that had a size range between 7 and 12 nm. TGA analysis revealed that AgNPs are thermally stable with over 85% mass retained at high temperatures, while the bioflocculant retained 60% weight after exposure to higher temperatures. UV–visible spectroscopy revealed an SPR band at 450 nm, while X-ray diffraction showed a crystallite size of 19 nm. Utilising bioflocculant as stabilising and coating agents in the biosynthesis of AgNPs is an ecologically safe technique that offers synthesis rates that are quicker and on par with chemical methods.

Crystallite Size Effect on Photoluminescence of Combustion-Derived Gd2O3 Nanoparticles

Rare earth oxides are considered materials that are commonly used in high performance luminescent devices, magnets, catalysts and various other practical applications such, as electronics, magnetism, nuclear technology, optics and catalysis. Using [Formula: see text] nanoparticles synthesised by combustion route and calcinated at various temperatures (600[Formula: see text]C, 800[Formula: see text]C, 1000[Formula: see text]C, and 1200[Formula: see text]C), we have investigated its phosphors nature in this study. We evaluated the phase purity and grain size distributions from the powder X-ray diffraction patterns of all the samples. This was done using the Rietveld refinement and the FW[Formula: see text]/[Formula: see text]M technique. Our observation of the [Formula: see text] nanoparticles grain size distribution was made possible using transmission electron microscopy pictures and HRSEM images. The photoluminescence spectrum of [Formula: see text] nanoparticles showed emission in the region near-band-edge blue and green emission. To detail the photoluminescence behavior, the excitation, emission spectra and CIE 1976 plot were recorded and the CIE coordinates were found to be [Formula: see text] as well as [Formula: see text] that look like blue. The use of phosphors nature is enabled by studying the impact of grain size and the linear dependent behaviour of [Formula: see text] nanoparticles.

Green synthesis of CdS/flaxseed mucilage nanocomposite films using gamma irradiation for packaging applications

Abstract The most common ways to produce nanoparticles are through chemical and physical processes, which can be expensive and environmentally hazardous. Using plant extracts (green synthesis) as reducing and capping agents is a simple, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly method of lowering the usage of dangerous chemicals in the synthesis of metal nanoparticles. This study covers the environmentally friendly synthesis of cadmium sulphide nanoparticles (CdS NPs) using a blend of flaxseed extracts (FM), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), and chitosan (Cs). The composites are then exposed to gamma irradiation at doses of 20 kGy and 40 kGy. UV–VIS absorption spectroscopy, SEM, HRTEM, EDX, and FTIR were used to analyse the produced nanocomposite films. UV–Vis absorption spectra showed considerable surface Plasmon resonance (SPR) bands at 396–440 nm, indicating that CdS NPs had been successfully synthesized. A progressive red shift in wavelength was noted, along with the broadening of the absorption band as the irradiation dose increased. Transmission electron microscopy pictures revealed that the generated CdS nanostructures were dispersed as spherical nanoparticles with remarkable structural homogeneity. Tensile strength and elongation measurements of the films revealed that the inclusion of CdS NPs improved their mechanical properties. The addition of CdS NPs to the current blends limits biodegradation in soil. Thermal gravimetric analysis findings showed that CdS NPs included in FM/PVA films had improved thermal stability. The antimicrobial activities of the tested films were performed against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Candida albicans. The results revealed that all of the films exhibited more antibacterial activity against S. aureus than the two others, with the highest activity observed in nanocomposites with a high concentration of CdS.

The Fluid–Solid Interaction in the Nonlinear Pressure–Flux Relationship of Bordered Pits in Oriental Arborvitae (Platycladus orientalis)

The nonlinear pressure–flux relationship in the xylem of a conifer is attributed to the fluid–solid interaction within the bordered pits. However, the fluid–solid interactions between the torus–margo structure and the water flow within the pit lack comprehensive understanding. Herein, a fluid–solid interaction model was developed including the deformation of the torus–margo and the flow of water transportation. Nine pit samples were reconstructed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) pictures. Fluid–solid coupling models for pits in the stems of oriental arborvitae (Platycladus orientalis) were developed. The deflection of the torus was roughly proportional to the pressure difference between adjacent tracheids, while the pit resistance exhibited a considerable nonlinear increase. From 250 to 1750 Pa, the pit resistance increased from 4.1466 × 1016 Pa·s/m3 to 8.8344 × 1016 Pa·s/m3. The pit resistance decreased, and the pit’s ability to regulate water flow enhanced when the pit diameter increased. Both the pit resistance and the pit’s ability to regulate water decreased when the pit depth increased. The decrease in Young’s modulus for the margo promoted the nonlinear pressure–flux relationship in bordered pits. The findings provide theoretical evidence for the nonlinear relationship between pressure and flux in bordered pits, as well as for the prevention of gas bubble transit through a bordered pit during tracheid cavitation. The passive hydraulic regulation of bordered pits could increase flow resistance and reduce the water flow rate in the xylem, inhibiting tree transpiration.

Biological Synthesis, Characterization, and Therapeutic Potential of S. commune-Mediated Gold Nanoparticles.

Green-synthesized gold nanoparticles demonstrate several therapeutic benefits due to their safety, non-toxicity, accessibility, and ecological acceptance. In our study, gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) were created using an extracellular extract from the fungus Schizophyllum commune (S. commune). The reaction color was observed to be a reddish pink after a 24 h reaction, demonstrating the synthesis of the nanoparticles. The myco-produced nanoparticles were investigated using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), and UV-visible spectroscopy. The TEM pictures depicted sphere-like shapes with sizes ranging from 60 and 120 nm, with an average diameter of 90 nm, which is in agreement with the DLS results. Furthermore, the efficiency of the AuNPs' antifungal and cytotoxic properties, as well as their production of intracellular ROS, was evaluated. Our findings showed that the AuNPs have strong antifungal effects against Trichoderma sp. and Aspergillus flavus at increasing doses. Additionally, the AuNPs established a dose-dependent activity against human alveolar basal epithelial cells with adenocarcinoma (A549), demonstrating the potency of synthesized AuNPs as a cytotoxic agent. After 4 h of incubation with AuNPs, a significant increase in intracellular ROS was observed in cancer cells. Therefore, these metallic AuNPs produced by fungus (S. commune) can be used as an effective antifungal, anticancer, and non-toxic immunomodulatory delivery agent.

Contact Mechanics between Torus and Pit Border for Developing Air-Seeding Seal in Aspirated Bordered Pits

Bordered pits in conifers have been recognized as a significant evolutionary characteristic that served to impede the spread of embolisms between tracheids. Nevertheless, there was a lack of comprehensive understanding regarding the mechanical properties of the torus and the pit border in relation to the formation of contact seals in aspirated pits. A solid mechanics model was developed to study aspirated bordered pits, incorporating the elastic deformation of the torus–margo structure and the contact behavior between the torus and the pit border. Ten pit samples were reconstructed using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) pictures in order to develop mechanical models for pits in the stems of Platycladus orientalis. Due to the limited contact area on the torus surface, the contact pressure between the torus and the pit border exceeded the air pressure in aspirated bordered pits. The external force and the duration required to seal pits decreased when the pit diameter increased and the pit depth decreased. The augmentation of the torus and margo mass necessitated a lengthier duration for the closure of cavities. The findings presented in this study offered theoretical support for the capillary-seeding hypothesis. The aspiration in bordered pits mechanically depended on the structural and material characteristics of the torus and margo.

Nanocrystal formation during thermal treatment of phosphoric-acid-swollen polybenzimidazole membranes

The design of suitable and efficient membranes for fuel and electrolyzer cells has been a long standing problem that still seeks for technical improvements. The structural properties of proton conducting poly [2,2-(m-phenylene)-5,5-bibenzimidazole] (PBI) membranes doped with phosphoric acid as electrolyte have been investigated prior and after thermal treatment by small angle neutron scattering (SANS), neutron diffraction with polarization analysis and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Our observations indicate that during the first heating attempt stable crystalline domains in the PBI are formed and they persist in all further thermal cycles typical for electrolyte membrane operation. The combination of real space TEM picture under cryogenic conditions and reciprocal space scattering pattern with enhanced contrast by partial deuteration allows obtaining unique insight into the structure of proton conducting membranes, i.e., characteristic distances associated with irreversible changes as well as volume fraction of the different phases of the sample.

Phytochemical-Mediated Synthesis of Nanozinc Oxide Particles and Its Antibacterial, Photocatalytic Degradation of Methylene Blue

Using aqueous leaf extract of Givotia moluccana, we offer a bioreduction technique for phytochemical-mediated production of nanozinc oxide (N-ZnOPs) particles. Phytochemicals such as polyphenols, flavonoids, and proteins were discovered in the water extract. UV–visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (X-RD), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) are as follows. The UV–visible spectra of synthesized N-ZnOPs revealed absorption peaks at 370 nm. The crystalline nature of ZnO was confirmed by X-RD pattern analyses. Furthermore, TEM pictures demonstrate the creation of hexagonal-shaped N-ZnOPs with diameters ranging from 20 to 50 nm, which is also confirmed by the particle size analyzer, DLS. The synthesized N-ZnOPs displayed antibacterial action as well as photocatalytic destruction of methylene blue (MB) dye, in contrast to gram +ve and gram–ve bacteria. Using the biosynthesis pathway, the current study presents a simple, ecofriendly, and uncomplicated route for the creation of N-ZnOPs. N-ZnOPs are utilized in rubber, paint, coating, and cosmetics. N-ZnOPs are attractive in biological applications due to their biocompatibility, cost, and low toxicity.

Synthesis of [NiONPs-Inulin] nanocomposite to use as adsorbent in the removal of poisonous thymol blue dye from liquids

Using the Sol-Gel spin coating method, a new [NiO-Inulin] nanocomposite in powder form was created as a thin film. The characterization of [NiO-Inulin]C has been performed with a variety of techniques, including Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR), Ultraviolet-Visible spectroscopy (UV–Vis), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and Transmission electron microscopy (TEM). FT-IR displays the characteristic bands of [NiO-Inulin]C with low intensities and a small shifting of the bands. In SEM, we observed the thymol blue dye (TB) was heavily absorbed by [NiO-Inulin]C and generated a coating of TB material on their surface. Again, XRD show the average crystallite sizes of inulin and [NiO-Inulin]C which were calculated as (19 and 33.5) nm, respectively. The shape of the nanocomposite is seen in the TEM picture as spherical shapes with particle sizes of 18 nm. It has been studied spectrophotometrically how [NiO-Inulin]C removes thymol blue (TB). It was investigated how variables including contact time, [TB], [NiO-Inulin]C dosage, temperature, and dye solution pH affected the results. So, the observed highest values of removal efficiency in case of influence of pH and [TB] are 52.03 and 86.46%, respectively. Models of the Freundlich and Langmuir isotherms were used to show how the adsorption equilibrium occurred. From experimental results the type of adsorption is endothermic process and occurs spontaneously.

Investigating the biophysical interaction of serum albumins-gold nanorods using hybrid spectroscopic and computational approaches with the intent of enhancing cytotoxicity efficiency of targeted drug delivery

In this contribution, biophysical aspects of binding interaction, conformational changes, and molecular simulation studies of human and bovine serum albumins (HSA and BSA) exposed to gold nanorods (AuNRs) are thoroughly investigated and their bio-nanoconjugates were then used in in-vitro cytotoxic studies. The structural variations of AuNRs in the presence of serum proteins were confirmed by absorbance and high-resolution transmission electron microscopic (HR-TEM) pictures. According to the results of the steady-state emission quenching, AuNRs affect the intrinsic emission of HSA and BSA by a static mechanism. Synchronous emission spectrum results showed that the microenvironment near the tryptophan and tyrosine amino acid residues of serum proteins is altered, and the impact is stronger toward tryptophan than tyrosine. Furthermore, it was demonstrated by infrared, absorbance, and three-dimensional (3D) luminescence spectroscopic methods that the binding of AuNRs can arouse concerns and cause changes in the structural and/or microenvironmental characteristics of HSA and BSA. An outcome of the computational molecular simulation study supports the stability of the bio-nanoconjugate, and molecular docking interaction investigations suggest that the two-dimensional AuNRs surface associated with the cysteine residue of HSA and BSA contains sulphur atoms. Furthermore, using an in vitro model using the A-549 and MCF-7 cell lines, we calculated the toxicity and the effectiveness of cellular absorption of the AuNRs and their bio-nanoconjugates as a function of supplied dosage. These cytotoxicity findings demonstrate that protein adsorption affects AuNRs' physicochemical characteristics as well as enhances their subsequent biological function.

Synthesis and characterization of hollow mesoporous silica nanocomposites containing phosphorescent pigment and doxycycline

AbstractHollow mesoporous silica can be used as a carrier to store large amounts of drugs in pharmaceuticals due to its high surface area and suitable porosity. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to develop a SrAl2O4:Eu2+,Dy3+ hollow mesoporous silica and apply for loading and tracking of doxycycline (DOX) release. The structure and particle morphology were investigated by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM and TEM) pictures, respectively. Photoluminescence (PL) spectra revealed that the phosphors had efficient luminescent and long‐lasting properties. Finally, according to the obtained results, the amount of drug loading in hollow mesoporous regular silica was 35% and the drug release from hollow mesoporous regular silica was gradual and controlled.

Investigation of the potential effect of encapsulated metal nanoparticles on enhancement of thermophilic anaerobic digestion

<abstract><p>The present work investigates the enhancement effect of seven different catalysts made of Cu/SiO<sub>2</sub>, Pd/SiO<sub>2</sub>, Pt/SiO<sub>2</sub>, Ni/SiO<sub>2</sub>, Co/SiO<sub>2</sub>, Ag/SiO<sub>2</sub> and Fe/SiO<sub>2</sub> nanoparticles (NPs) on methane production during thermophilic anaerobic digestion. The tested NPs were synthesized by the sol-gel process and encapsulated in porous silica (SiO<sub>2</sub>) to prevent their coagulation and agglomeration. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) pictures confirmed the specific morphologies of all seven catalysts.</p> <p>Then, these 7 NPs were tested first in batch experiments with acetate as a carbon substrate for bio-methane production. Ni/SiO<sub>2</sub> and Co/SiO<sub>2</sub> showed the best enhancement of methane production from acetate. From this part, both NPs were tested for bio-methane production on two different substrates: starch and glucose. With the starch substrate, the improvements of methane production were equal to 47% and 22%, respectively, for Ni- and Co/SiO<sub>2</sub> compared to control sample. In the last part of this work, the influences of NP concentration and thermal pre-treatment applied to the NPs on bio-methane production from glucose were investigated. The results showed that all forms of nickel and cobalt NPs enhance the methane production, and their effect increased with the increase of their concentrations. The best sample was the calcined nickel NPs at a concentration of 10<sup>–4</sup> mol L<sup>–1</sup>, leading to a methane production rate of 72.5% compared to the control.</p></abstract>

Anticholinesterase activity of Areca Catechu: In Vitro and in silico green synthesis approach in search for therapeutic agents against Alzheimer's disease.

For many years, the primary focus has been on finding effective treatments for Alzheimer's disease (AD), which has led to the identification of promising therapeutic targets. The necessity for AD stage-dependent optimal settings necessitated a herbal therapy strategy. The plant species Areca Catechu L. (AC) was selected based on the traditional uses against CNS-related diseases. AC leaf extract were prepared using a Soxhlet extraction method and hydroxyapatite nanoparticles (HAp-NPs) were synthesized from the same (AC-HAp-NPs). Powder X-ray diffractometer (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), selected area electron diffraction (SAED) and fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) were used to confirm the structure and morphology of the as-prepared AC-HAp-NPs. The crystalline character of the AC-HAp-NPs was visible in the XRD pattern. The synthesized material was found to be nanoflake, with an average diameter of 15-20nm, according to SEM analysis. The TEM and SAED pictures also revealed the form and size of AC-HAp-NPs. In vitro anti-acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase (AChE and BChE) activities of hydroxyapatite nanoparticles produced from an AC leaf extract was tested in this study. When compared to control, AC-HAp-NPs had higher anti-AChE and BChE activity. The anti-acetylcholinesterase action of phytoconstituents generated from AC leaf extract was mediated by 4AQD and 4EY7, according to a mechanistic study conducted utilizing in silico research. The global and local descriptors, which are the underpinnings of Conceptual Density Functional Theory (CDFT), have been predicted through the MN12SX/Def2TZVP/H2O model chemistry to help in the comprehension of the chemical reactivity properties of the five ligands considered in this study. The CDFT experiments are supplemented by the calculation of several useful calculated pharmacokinetics indices, their expected biological targets connected to the bioavailability of the five ligands in order to further the goal of studying their bioactivity.

Freeze-dried curcumin-loaded poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanoparticles restrain colorectal cancer progression by targeting the notch pathway to regulate epithelial-mesenchymal transition

Despite advances in technology and treatment, colorectal cancer (CRC) remains a primary cause of cancer death worldwide, causing nearly 694,000 deaths annually with a high mortality among metastatic cases. Therefore, there is urgency to develop effective strategies to control metastasis or restrain its initiating stage and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Activation of Notch1 is noted to positively induce cancer cell growth when inducing EMT. Curcumin is a polyphenol with anticancer activity, which works by activating various molecular pathways in cancer cells. Herein, we established curcumin-Poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles (Cur-NPs) and investigated their physicochemical properties in CRC to provide a novel insight into treatment of CRC. Cur-NPs were established by emulsion solvent evaporation. CRC cells (HCT116, HT29) were co-cultured with 0, 1, 2.5, 5, and 10 μM Cur-NPs, respectively. After treatment, clone formation assay determined CRC cell viability, migration and invasion, whilst Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase mediated dUTP Nick End Labeling (TUNEL) assessed cell apoptosis. Besides, EMT markers levels in each group were detected to evaluate the impact of Cur-NPs on the EMT process. The transmission electron microscopy (TEM) pictures depicted classical features of Cur-NPs, with encapsulation efficiency of Cur-NPs 70.685±2.597%, and drug loading rate of 2.831±0.108%. The CRC cells absorbed the Cur-NPs within 30 min, and the absorption was as early as 10 min, while fluorescence reached climax at 30 min. The advent of Cur-NPs at different concentration greatly suppressed CRC cell viability and hindered their clone formation in HCT116 and HT29 cells, but elevated apoptotic rate of cancer cells with concentration of Cur-NPs proportional to the rate, while the apoptosis of normal colorectal epithelial cells was not affected. 10 μM Cur-NPs group had the highest apoptosis rate and poorest invasion and migration ability. Moreover, upon treatment with Cur-NPs, E-cadherin expression increased, but the proteins in the Notch pathway declined dramatically. Cur-NPs suppressed CRC cell progression through regulating the Notch signaling pathway and decelerating the EMT process of CRC cells.

Detection and Characterization of Nosema bombycis Using TEM and SEM Techniques.

Pebrine disease is the most important and dangerous disease of silkworm caused by Nosema bombycis as an obligate intracellular parasitic fungus. It has caused tremendous economic losses in the silk industry in recent years. Given the fact that light microscopy method (with low accuracy) is the only method for diagnosing pebrine disease in the country, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) methods were adopted in this study for accurate morphological identification of the spores causing pebrine disease. Infected larvae and mother moth samples were collected from several farms (Parand, Parnian, Shaft, and Iran Silk Research Center in Gilan province, Iran). The spores were then purified using the sucrose gradient method. From each region, 20 and 10 samples were prepared for SEM and TEM analysis, respectively. In addition, an experiment was performed to evaluate the symptoms of pebrine disease by treating fourth instars with the spores purified for the present study, along with a control group. The results of SEM analysis showed that the mean±SD length and width of spores were 1.99±0.25 to 2.81±0.32 μm, respectively. Based on the obtained results, the size of spores was smaller than the Nosema bombycis (N. bombycis) as the classic species that cause pebrine disease. In addition, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) pictures showed that the grooves of the adult spores were deeper than those of other Nosema species, Vairomorpha, and Pleistophora, and resembled N. bombycis in other studies. Examination of pathogenicity of the studied spores indicated that the disease symptoms in controlled conditions were similar to those in the sampled farms. The most important symptom in fourth and fifth instrars were the small size and no growth in the treatment group compared with the control group. Findings of SEM and TEM analysis showed better morphological and structural details of parasite compared with light microscopy, and demonstrated that the studied species were a native strain of N. bombycis specific to Iran, whose size and other characteristics were unique and introduced for the first time in this study.

MOFs-Derived Flower-Like Hierarchically Porous Zn-Mn-Se/C Composite for Extraordinary Rate Performance and Durable Anode of Sodium-Ion and Potassium-Ion Batteries.

The slow kinetics and poor structural stability prevent transition metal selenides from being widely used in sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) and potassium-ion batteries (PIBs). Herein, the "flower-like" porous carbon anchored by Zn-Mn binary selenides (ZMS@FC) composites are fabricated by selenizing the modified hierarchically metal-organic frameworks. The 2D conductive hierarchically flakes' abundant pore structure and multiple active sites shorten the ion diffusion length and promote conductivity, while the synergistic effect of the binary metals and intrinsic large pseudocapacitive contribution effectively improve capacity and rate performance. ZMS@FC composites exhibit impressive rate capability of 294.4mA h g-1 at 10 A g-1 and excellent cyclic stability with 369.6mA h g-1 specific capacity retention at 2 A g-1 after 1000 cycling in SIBs. It is noted that 156.9mA h g-1 can be retained at 5 A g-1 and 227.0mA h g-1 is remained after 500 cycles at 2 A g-1 in PIBs. The ex situ X-ray diffraction patterns and transmission electron microscopy pictures are used to confirm the conversion reaction processes of the Zn-Mn-Se. Designing high-performance energy storage materials may benefit greatly from the universal synthesis technology of bimetallic sulfide anodes for enhanced SIBs and PIBs.

Multifunctional Silver Nanoparticles Based on Chitosan: Antibacterial, Antibiofilm, Antifungal, Antioxidant, and Wound-Healing Activities.

The purpose of this study is to create chitosan-stabilized silver nanoparticles (Chi/Ag-NPs) and determine whether they were cytotoxic and also to determine their characteristic antibacterial, antibiofilm, and wound healing activities. Recently, the development of an efficient and environmentally friendly method for synthesizing metal nanoparticles based on polysaccharides has attracted a lot of interest in the field of nanotechnology. Colloidal Chi/Ag-NPs are prepared by chemical reduction of silver ions in the presence of Chi, giving Chi/Ag-NPs. Physiochemical properties are determined by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), and scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX) analyses. TEM pictures indicate that the generated Chi/Ag-NPs are nearly spherical in shape with a thin chitosan covering around the Ag core and had sizes in the range of 9–65 nm. In vitro antibacterial activity was evaluated against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa by a resazurin-mediated microtiter plate assay. The highest activity was observed with the lowest concentration of Chi/Ag-NPs, which was 12.5 µg/mL for both bacterial strains. Additionally, Chi/Ag-NPs showed promising antifungal features against Candida albicans, Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus terreus, and Aspergillus niger, where inhibition zones were 22, 29, 20, and 17 mm, respectively. Likewise, Chi/Ag-NPs revealed potential antioxidant activity is 92, 90, and 75% at concentrations of 4000, 2000, and 1000 µg/mL, where the IC50 of Chi/Ag-NPs was 261 µg/mL. Wound healing results illustrated that fibroblasts advanced toward the opening to close the scratch wound by roughly 50.5% after a 24-h exposure to Chi/Ag-NPs, greatly accelerating the wound healing process. In conclusion, a nanocomposite based on AgNPs and chitosan was successfully prepared and exhibited antibacterial, antibiofilm, antifungal, antioxidant, and wound healing activities that can be used in the medical field.