Uniform Size Distribution Research Articles

Experimental Investigations and MD Simulation on Nanoparticle-Enhanced CO2-Responsive Foam (NECRF): Implications on CO2-EOR.

CO2-responsive foam (CRF) is a highly promising candidate for CO2-enhanced oil recovery (CO2-EOR) because it displays higher stability than the surfactant-stabilized foam owing to the formation of robust wormlike micelles (WLMs) upon exposure to CO2. In this work, the nanoparticle-enhanced CO2-responsive foam (NECRF) was properly prepared using lauryl ether sulfate sodium (LES)/diethylenetriamine/nano-SiO2, and its interfacial properties and EOR potential were experimentally and numerically assessed, aiming to explore the feasibility and effectiveness of NECRF as a novel CO2-EOR technique. It was found that the interfacial expansion elastic modulus increased 6-fold after CO2 stimulation. The modulus continued to increase with the introduction of nano-SiO2 owing to the pronounced synergistic effect of WLMs and nanoparticles. In addition to increasing the viscosity of the foaming liquid, WLMs and nano-SiO2 enhanced the shearing resistance of the NECRF as well. Calculations demonstrated that both the coarsening rate and the size distribution uniformity coefficient of NECRF were markedly lower than that of the LES foam, which subsequently inhibited NECRF decay and greatly improved its dynamic stability. Besides, molecular dynamics simulation revealed that adding inorganic salts to NECRF could notably enhance the foaming performance due to the intensified hydration of surfactant head groups and reduced binding energy of neighboring molecules. Nuclear magnetic resonance-assisted core flooding experiments validated the exceptional capacity of NECRF to sweep the low-permeability region and improve the conformance profile. Overall, these findings may provide valuable insights into the development and application of novel materials and strategies for the CO2-EOR.

Fabrication and performance characterization of NTO/HMX spherical composite explosives with improved safety performance.

AbstractImproving the energy density and safety of explosives are crucial for developing composite energetic materials. In this study, a facile and continuous spray drying granulation technique was used to obtain NTO/HMX composite explosives with insensitive NTO as coating material. The micro‐morphology, particle size, crystallographic structure, exothermic decomposition, impact sensitivity, and detonation performance of NTO/HMX composite explosives with different NTO contents were investigated by various experimental methods. The test results indicate that the higher the NTO content, the better the crystal integrity of HMX and the lower the mechanical sensitivity of NTO/HMX composite explosives. When the mass ratio of NTO and HMX is 25 : 75, NTO/HMX composite explosives have a good spherical density structure formed by the aggregation of nanoparticles, small particle sizes with a median size of 1.22 μm, and a uniform distribution of particle sizes in the range of 0.3–2.8 μm. The addition of NTO not only enhances the thermal decomposition of HMX but also significantly decreases mechanical sensitivity. The composite explosives had not altered the raw NTO and HMX crystallographic structures (β‐type). With the same ratio (25 : 75), NTO/HMX composite explosives (25 : 75) possess higher impact energy and friction force, better safety, and better thermal stability than physical mixtures. Additionally, the high‐energy insensitive composite microspheres preserve the important high‐energy properties of HMX while effectively enhancing its safety characteristics, which have the advantages of controllable crystallographic micromorphology, high energy, and excellent impact sensibility and could be broadly applicable in the field of munitions.

Polymer precursor method for the synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles: A novel approach

This study presents a novel approach to synthesize zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles using a polymer precursor method, offering precise control over particle size in the nanometer scale. Zinc oxide nanoparticles are of significant interest due to their wide-ranging applications in various fields such as solar cells, gas sensors, photocatalysts, and nanomedicines. The synthesized nanoparticles were thoroughly characterized using X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), and Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The distinct hexagonal form detected in the XRD pattern, featuring characteristic reflection planes at angles of 31.72° (100), 34.39° (002), 36.23° (101), and 47.44° (102), signifies the synthesis of ZnO possessing a hexagonal wurtzite structure. The SEM and TEM images revealed uniformly spherical particles with an average size ranging from 35 to 40 nm. Such uniform morphology and size distribution are critical for ensuring consistent performance in applications such as gas sensing and catalysis. Additionally, the FTIR spectra indicated a reduction in impurities after the synthesis process, highlighting the effectiveness of the polymer precursor method in producing high-quality ZnO nanoparticles. Heating the ZnO precursor material at 400°C for 2 hours significantly reduces impurities, suggesting conversion to ZnO nanoparticles.

Multiple modulating energy-efficient nanofiltration membranes during high-quality drinking water towards high mineral/organic matter selectivity

Solving the low mineral/organic matter selectivity of nanofiltration (NF) membranes and realizing high permeability are effective strategies to satisfy the energy-saving production of high-quality drinking water. Controlling the interfacial polymerization (IP) reaction rate at the molecular level is a feasible approach to customize the functionality of NF membranes and simultaneously modulate multiple membrane properties. Here, we selected 1.4-piperazinediethanesulfonic acid (PIPES) as an aqueous-phase additive, and by taking advantage of the hydrogen-bonding, long-range electrostatic, and steric hindrance effects between PIPES and piperazine (PIP)monomers, as well as the reduction of solution pH, we achieved precise molecular-level regulation of the IP reaction rate. This strategy simultaneously enables the integrated tailoring of various membrane properties such as high hydrophilicity, high surface charge density, uniform pore size distribution and roughness reduction. Molecular dynamics (MD) and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations were used to explore the effects of structural and morphological changes of the polyamide layer on the permeation performance, and the microscopic adsorption mechanism of foulants on the membrane was analyzed by a Quartz Crystal Microbalance (QCM). For pacificating natural surface water, the PIPES-0.75 NF membrane exhibited high permeation performance (23.7 LMH/bar), high mineral/organic selectivity (KCa2+/DOM = 16.5), excellent anti-fouling and anti-scaling properties, and reduced CO2 emissions per ton of water produced up to 90 %. In addition, an attempt was made to correlate the physicochemical properties of the membranes with the permselectivity and membrane fouling, and the economic availability of PIPES-conditioned NF membranes was examined, which provides a novel option for achieving NF in drinking water systems from the perspective of cost reduction and efficiency.

Rare-earth nanocrystalline scintillators for biomedical application: A review

Rare-earth scintillating materials have been widely utilized in nuclear image technique, security screening and high energy physics research. Researchers have devoted extensive efforts to size design, surface modification, and drug assembly to transform them into prospective nanomaterials for diagnostics and cancer treatment. This review endeavors to summarize the advanced preparation technology and design concept of rare-earth nanocrystalline scintillators (RENSs), and offers fundamental guidance for the application of various materials in biomedical research. Specifically, it focuses on RENSs with excellent biocompatibility, outstanding stability, uniform size distribution, and strong drug loading capacity to meet subsequent practical applications. Additionally, this review reports on the application of RENSs in the biomedical field. Specifically, bioimaging and antitumor therapy are the most prevalently utilized and promising areas. X-ray excited optical imaging (XEOL) is combined with advanced imaging techniques (CT, MRI, etc.) to obtain comprehensive information about deep tissue. The combination of X-ray radiation therapy and photodynamic therapy technology can realize safe anti-tumor therapy under the condition of low-dose irradiation. Furthermore, this review also enumerates several recent highlight research strategies and the prospects of RENSs in the biomedical application in the future.

Multifunctional Characterization and Anticancer Properties of Magnetic Zinc Ferrite Nanoparticles by Modified Ultrasonic Assisted Co-precipitation Method

Zinc Ferrite (ZnFe2O4) nanoparticles were synthesized successfully via the modified ultrasonic-assisted co-precipitation method. Structural characterization, conducted through X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis and Rietveld refinement, revealed a single cubic phase with a mixed spinel structure. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed the presence of functional groups indicative of the spinel ferrite structure. Morphological analysis using field-emission scanning electron microscopy showcased the nanoparticles’ uniform morphology and size distribution. UV–vis spectra revealed the optical properties, while the Tauc Plot method determined the optical band gap. Electron paramagnetic resonance spectra confirm the symmetric resonance peak with 1254 Oe line width and the Lande g value 2.133. Magnetic hysteresis loops confirm the soft magnetic nature of the nanoparticles with magnetic saturation and coercivity of 39.2 emu gm−1 and 77.5 Oe. The anticancer properties against various cancer cell lines (HeLa, HepG-2 and MCF-7) revealed significant anticancer activity against HepG-2 and HeLa cells compared to MCF-7 cancer cells, and the results were compared with the standard drug cisplatin. A comparative analysis of results among cancer cell lines was conducted and discussed.

One-pot Synthesis of FITC-Doped Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles: Synthesis, Characterization and Cellular Imaging

This study aimed to develop, evaluate and analyse the potential of mesoporous silica nanoparticles doped with fluorescein isothiocyanate (MSNFITC) as an agent for bioimaging. The synthesis of MSNFITC nanoparticles was achieved by using a CTAB formaldehyde method. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Atomic force microscopy (AFM) were employed to conduct a detailed characterization of the size and morphology of MSNFITC. The efficacy of dye doping was validated via fluorescence and UV absorbance spectroscopy. The produced MSNFITC had a uniform size distribution (65.5 ± 0.825nm) and a spherical shape. Spectroscopic investigations showed distinct peaks at 495 nm (absorbance) and 520 nm (fluorescence emission), indicative of FITC. Biocompatibility experiments on HeLa cells, even exposed to high concentrations (100 μg/mL) of MSNFITC, showed minimal cytotoxicity effects. Furthermore, the effective uptake of nanoparticles by HeLa cells was demonstrated through a strong green fluorescence signal that is distinctive for FITC. Given their advantageous features and biocompatibility with living organisms, the MSNFITC nanoparticles can potentially be highly effective agents for studying cells through bioimaging.

Size Uniformity of CsPbBr3 Perovskite Quantum Dots via Manganese-Doping.

The achievement of size uniformity and monodispersity in perovskite quantum dots (QDs) requires the implementation of precise temperature control and the establishment of optimal reaction conditions. Nevertheless, the accurate control of a range of reaction variables represents a considerable challenge. This study addresses the aforementioned challenge by employing manganese (Mn) doping to achieve size uniformity in CsPbBr3 perovskite QDs without the necessity for the precise control of the reaction conditions. By optimizing the Mn:Pb ratio, it is possible to successfully dope CsPbBr3 QDs with the appropriate concentrations of Mn²⁺ and achieve a uniform size distribution. The spectroscopic measurements on single QDs indicate that the appropriate Mn²⁺ concentrations can result in a narrower spectral linewidth, a longer photoluminescence (PL) lifetime, and a reduced biexciton Auger recombination rate, thus positively affecting the PL properties. This study not only simplifies the size control of perovskite QDs but also demonstrates the potential of Mn-doped CsPbBr3 QDs for narrow-linewidth light-emitting diode applications.

Characterization of bamboo shoot cellulose nanofibers modified by TEMPO oxidation and ball milling method and its application in W/O emulsion

It has rarely been reported that the modification of bamboo shoot nanofibers by oxidation combined with physical and applied in food emulsions. In this study, the combination of 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl radical (TEMPO)-mediated oxidation and the ball milling technique was employed to prepare bamboo shoot cellulose nanofibers (TOCNF) for W/O emulsions. A comparative study of the properties and structures of CNF prepared only by ball milling and TOCNF prepared by oxidation-ball milling was carried out, and a preliminary structural and rheological study of their application to emulsions was carried out. The results showed that TOCNF had higher water holding, swelling, and oil holding properties, cholesterol and glucose adsorption capacity than CNF. The combination of oxidative pretreatment and ball milling resulted in a dense entangled network structure, uniform particle size distribution, and high zeta potential value of TOCNF. The higher crystallinity of the TOCNF (68%) resulted in improved thermal stability. In addition, compared with the CNF-stabilized emulsion, with TOCNF dispersion as the internal aqueous phase, the emulsion droplets had a more uniform particle size distribution (6.61 ± 3.59 μm), higher gel strength, and thixotropic resilience of up to 71.24%. Thus, TEMPO oxidation combined with the ball milling method can be an effective means to improve nanofibers and provide a theoretical basis for expanding the application of bamboo shoot cellulose resources in the food colloid field.

Designing highly active hydrotalcite-derived NiAl catalysts for methane cracking to H2

Designing nickel-based methane cracking catalysts with excellent catalytic activity and surveying their transition during the catalytic process with varied reaction condition have been challenge. In this paper, NiAl catalysts were prepared by reduced hydrotalcite precursor for efficient catalytic methane cracking to produce hydrogen. The catalysts were characterized by XRD, N2 physisorption, XPS, SEM, TEM, Raman and TGA. The effects of preparation method, Ni/Al ratio and reaction temperature on methane cracking performance were revealed and the transformation for the Ni particles during the reaction process was analyzed. The results indicated that the catalyst performance of hydrotalcite-derived NiAl catalysts is superior to Ni/Al2O3 catalysts prepared by the conventional impregnation method, which maybe due to the better Ni dispersion and uniform average particle size distribution with around 12.7 nm compared with the agglomeration of the Ni/Al2O3 particles for up to 53.2 nm. The catalyst with a Ni/Al molar ratio of 3 exhibited the optimal catalytic activity with a stability for 75 min at nearly 90 % hydrogen yield at 700 °C. The reaction temperature also suggested a positive correlation between the hydrogen yield and the reaction temperature from 600 °C to 800 °C. Moreover, based on the investigation of the catalysts during the reaction transition state, Ni particles sintered rapidly from 10.2 nm to 31.2 nm at the beginning reaction time with the high hydrogen yield and then tended to be stable, which may be correlated well with the degree of graphitization of the deposited carbon. This paper provides a valuable design for efficient methane cracking catalysts.

Targeted delivery of bee venom to A549 lung cancer cells by PEGylate liposomal formulation: an apoptotic investigation

This study focused on developing an optimal formulation of liposomes loaded with bee venom (BV) and coated with PEG (BV-Lipo-PEG). The liposomes were characterized using dynamic light scattering, transmission electron microscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Among the liposomal formulations, F3 exhibited the narrowest size distribution with a low PDI value of 193.72 ± 7.35, indicating minimal agglomeration-related issues and a more uniform size distribution. BV-Lipo-PEG demonstrated remarkable stability over 3 months when stored at 4 °C. Furthermore, the release of the drug from the liposomal formulations was found to be pH-dependent. Moreover, BV-Lipo-PEG exhibited favorable entrapment efficiencies, with values reaching 96.74 ± 1.49. The anticancer potential of the liposomal nanocarriers was evaluated through MTT assay, flow cytometry, cell cycle analysis, and real-time experiments. The functionalization of the liposomal system enhanced endocytosis. The IC50 value of BV-Lipo-PEG showed a notable decrease compared to both the free drug and BV-Lipo alone, signifying that BV-Lipo-PEG is more effective in inducing cell death in A549 cell lines. BV-Lipo-PEG exhibited a higher apoptotic rate in A549 cell lines compared to other samples. In A549 cell lines treated with BV-Lipo-PEG, the expression levels of MMP-2, MMP-9, and Cyclin E genes decreased, whereas the expression levels of Caspase3 and Caspase9 increased. These findings suggest that delivering BV via PEGylated liposomes holds significant promise for the treatment of lung cancer.

Production of lignin-containing nanocellulose from six types of unpretreated lignocellulosic biomass by a one-step process

Lignin-containing nanocellulose (LCN) shows great potential in the fabrication of high performance bio-based materials, and suitable raw materials may achieve the production of LCN in a more economical approach. Therefore, in this study, the morphology, chemical and supramolecular structure of six types of lignocellulosic biomass (Broussonetia papyrifera bark, moso bamboo, rattan, balsa wood, poplar wood and fir wood) were analyzed for the production of LCN by using pure oxalic acid dihydrate (OAD). The results revealed that BPBs is a natural available cellulose-rich materials with extremely high cellulose content, low lignin content, and loosely connected cellulose chains. Compared with the other five types of lignocellulosic biomass materials, the hydrolysis of BPBs without any pretreatments by using OAD produced higher yield of LCN with much more uniform size distribution and smaller size. LCN from BPBs had higher crystallinity and thermal stability than that from the other five lignocellulosic biomass. The finding in this study indicated that Broussonetia papyrifera bark without any pretreatment was a favored material for high yield production of LCN compared with the other woody materials, which provided an economically realizable method on the efficient and high yield production of LCN from unpretreated BPBs by using OAD hydrolysis.

Preparation of KH560‐UiO‐66‐NH2/Pebax mixed matrix membranes and CO2 separation

AbstractMetal–organic frame UiO‐66‐NH2 was modified by 3‐glycidyl ether oxypropyl trimethoxysilane (KH560), and KH560‐UiO‐66‐NH2 was synthetized and added to Pebax to prepare KH560‐UiO‐66‐NH2/Pebax mixed matrix membranes (MMMs). The epoxy group of KH560 had an amine‐epoxidation reaction with the NH2 in UiO‐66‐NH2, which prevented UiO‐66‐NH2 from agglutinating in the MMMs. In addition, the NH bond and OH bond of KH560‐UiO‐66‐NH2 could theoretically form hydrogen bonds with CO and NH bonds in the main chain of polymerization, respectively, so as to improve the interfacial compatibility between fillers and polymers. The structure and properties of the filler particles and MMMs were evaluated by Fourier transform infrared spectrometer, x‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and thermogravimetric analyzer. The results showed that the filler particles were successfully synthesized, and had good crystallinity, uniform size distribution, and good thermal stability. The inorganic and organic interfaces of MMMs had no obvious interface defects. The obtained KH560‐UiO‐66‐NH2/Pebax MMMs showed CO2 permeability of 111.52 Barre and CO2/N2 selectivity of 92.16, which were 85.65% and 88.73% higher than that of pristine membranes, respectively. The gas separation performance of MMMs was significantly improved, exceeding the upper bound of 2008 Robeson.

Production of 5-fluorouracil-loaded PLGA nanoparticles with toroidal microfluidic system and optimization of process variables by design of experiments

In recent decades, microfluidics has presented new opportunities for the production of nanoparticles (NPs). However, to achieve rapid clinical translation, the production of PLGA NPs in a single microfluidic channel for both the pharmaceutical research and industry without the need for scaling is still limited. The aim of this study was to accomplish the production of reproducible and stable 5-FU loaded Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) NPs, using an innovative toroidal microfluidic system, for cancer therapy. The toroidal microfluidic system enabled the production of spherical NPs ranging from 100 to 150 nm by adjusting both the TFR within the range of 5–15 mL/min and FRR between 1:3 and 1:7. A systematic assessment of critical process variables (total flow rate; TFR, flow rate ratio; FRR) for the production of PLGA NPs was conducted using Design of Experiment (DoE). The NPs, which exhibit a uniform size distribution, remained stable even after centrifugation and storage for 3 months at 4 °C. The encapsulation efficiency of drug and the concentration of NPs were not affected by changing process parameters. The effective 5-FU encapsulation into NPs resulted in a controlled in vitro drug release. Due to the controlled release profile of the 5-FU loaded PLGA NPs, the formulation was a promising candidate for mitigating the toxic side effects of free 5-FU and improving cancer treatment. In conclusion, toroidal microfluidic system enables high-volume production of stable PLGA NPs, both with and without 5-FU.

Amorphous carbon modulated-quantum dots NiO for efficient oxygen evolution in anion exchange membrane water electrolyzer

Developing efficient electrocatalysts of elements that are abundant on earth crust is crucial for green hydrogen generation technologies. In particular, the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) under alkaline plays a key role in anion exchange membrane (AEM) electrolyzer to produce green hydrogen but suffers from low kinetic. Herein, nickel oxide quantum dots with highly uniform size distribution on ultrathin amorphous carbon nanosheets (NiO dots/a-carbon) were successfully prepared by a one-step method. Introducing NiO quantum dots onto amorphous carbon modifies the local coordination environment of Ni promoting it into a higher valence state. Benefitting from the promoted Niδ+ (2<δ<3) and the strong connection between Ni and amorphous carbon though Ni-O-C and Ni-C bonds, NiO dots/a-carbon exhibits excellent activity and stability towards OER in 0.1 M KOH using the rotating disk electrode. Moreover, a challenging current density of 500 mA cm−2 is achieved at 1.7 V with a lab-scale AEM electrolyzer.

Preparation of Gypsum–Urea with Enhanced Sustainability from Flue Gas Desulfurization Gypsum in Saturated Urea Solution

Gypsum–urea is a kind of urea product with substantially reduced aqueous solubility and lower hygroscopicity that increases the soil retention time of urea and thus enhance its environmental sustainability. Here, gypsum–urea was prepared using bulk industrial solid waste flue gas desulfurization (FGD) gypsum as a raw material in a saturated urea solution via immobilizing urea molecules into the crystal lattice. The preparation process was achieved through a dissolution–recrystallization mechanism during which FGD gypsum dissolved into Ca2+ and SO42−, which then recrystallized with CO(NH2)2 to form gypsum–urea. The preparation process was almost completed within 10 min, and the formed gypsum–urea presented a uniform size distribution of 30–90 μm and a much lower hygroscopicity and nitrogen release efficiency than that of urea. With a high efficiency of synthesis, and sustainable features, and the recyclability of the saturated mother urea solution, the dissolution–recrystallization-based urea immobilization approach is highly promising regarding the preparation of gypsum–urea with the desired environmental sustainability and contributes to the realization of the sustainable reutilization of FGD gypsum.

Properties and transpiration cooling performance of Cf/SiC porous ceramic composite

Transpiration cooling have gradually become the lead candidate for thermal protection technology of hypersonic vehicle also due to its excellent cooling performance. The porous medium with exceptional properties can further improve thermal protection capability and reliability of transpiration cooling. This paper investigates the preparation and properties of Cf/SiC porous ceramic composite with low density and remarkable permeability, and probes the transpiration cooling performances of ceramic composites (mass ratio of silicon carbide particles and short chopped carbon fibers of 1:1) in the various heat flux conditions. The research results show that Cf/SiC porous ceramic composites prepared by adding short chopped carbon fibers have uniform pore size distributions (3～20 μm) and low densities (1.074 g/cm3 ～ 1.377 g/cm3), as well as outstanding wettability and permeability (6.07 × 10−8 mm2 ～ 12.22 × 10−8 mm2). Besides, The Cf/SiC porous ceramic composites (mass ratio of 1:1) display excellent transpiration cooling performance, meanwhile a new interesting phenomenon that the water pressure difference increases with the rising of heat flow is discovered. Such studies can provide an essential reference for developing porous medium in transpiration cooling technology.

Evaluation of immunotoxicity of iron oxide nanoparticles on coelomocytes of Eisenia fetida

Iron oxide nanoparticles (Fe3O4 NPs) have gained considerable attention due to their diverse applications in various fields. However, concerns about their potential toxic effects on the environment and living organisms have also emerged. In this study, we synthesized and characterized Fe3O4 NPs and assessed their immunotoxicity on the coelomocytes of Eisenia fetida. The Fe3O4 NPs were synthesized using a co-precipitation method, and their physicochemical properties were determined using techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive X-ray (SEM-EDX), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The synthesized Fe3O4 NPs exhibited a uniform size distribution with spherical morphology and the phase purity was confirmed from XRD analysis. To evaluate the immunotoxicity of Fe3O4 NPs, Eisenia fetida coelomocytes were exposed to various concentrations of Fe3O4 NPs for 14 days. Furthermore, we analyzed the impact of Fe3O4 NPs on the biochemical parameters, including superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), acid phosphatase (APs), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and total protein content (TPC), as well as conducted a histological examination. Biochemical analysis revealed significant alterations in the activity levels of SOD, CAT, APs, ALP, and TPC in the coelomocytes, indicating immune system dysregulation upon exposure to Fe3O4 NPs. Moreover, histological examination demonstrated structural changes, suggesting cellular damage caused by Fe3O4 NPs. These findings provide valuable insights into the immunotoxic effects of Fe3O4 NPs on Eisenia fetida and underscore the need for further investigation into the potential environmental impact of nanoparticles.

Biosynthesized gold nanoparticles for enhanced determination of nicotine in heated tobacco products

An electrochemical sensor for nicotine determination in heated tobacco products (HTPs) was developed using biosynthesized AuNPs from Ceiba pentandra leaf extract. The biosynthesis process was optimized by investigating the effects of HauCl4 concentration, extract volume, reaction temperature, and time on the formation of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). The biosynthesized AuNPs were characterized using various techniques, confirming their crystallinity, spherical morphology, and uniform size distribution with an average diameter of 19.8 ± 3.6 nm. The AuNP modified glassy carbon electrode (AuNP/GCE) exhibited enhanced electrochemical performance compared to the bare GCE, facilitating efficient oxidation of nicotine. The AuNP/GCE sensor demonstrated a wide linear range of 0.02–280 µmol L−1 and a low limit of detection of 0.01 µmol L−1 for nicotine determination. The sensor showed excellent selectivity towards nicotine in the presence of common interfering substances, with negligible responses (<5 % change) to uric acid, paracetamol, glucose, melamine, L-cysteine, and dopamine. The AuNP/GCE sensor's applicability was validated by analyzing nicotine levels in real HTP samples, with excellent recovery rates (97.6–102.4 %) and good agreement with the HPLC (R2 = 0.998). The biosynthesized AuNP-based electrochemical sensor offers a rapid, sensitive, eco-friendly, and cost-effective approach for nicotine determination in HTPs, providing a valuable tool for quality control and regulatory purposes.

Multifunctional CoCe/silica and CoMnCe/silica spinel ferrite nanocomposite: in vitro and in vivo evaluation for cancer therapy

Multifunctional magnetic spinel ferrite based on CoCe and CoMnCe/silica nanocomposites (NCs) were developed for targeted cancer therapeutics. The formation of spinel ferrite and co-existence of spinel ferrite/silica/chemo-drug, surface/pore size distribution, morphological features and magnetic properties were investigated using different characterization techniques. XRD pattern confirmed the pure phase of CoCe and CoMnCe spinel ferrite with estimated crystal size of 27.9 nm. After silica coating and pegylation, the crystal size of CoCe and CoMnCe increases to 36.3 nm and 76.2 nm. Nitrogen adsorption isotherm confirm an effective embedment of both spinel ferrites into silica with large surface area (653 m2/g and 718 m2/g) and uniform pore size distributions (6.1 nm and 6.9 nm). FT-IR spectra confirm the magnetic spinel ferrite/silica interactions (977, 1705 and 3410 cm−1), cisplatin functionalization (1645 cm−1) and PEG (1275–2900 cm−1). Coating SFNPswith Si and/or Cp and/or PEG, tunes the magnetic characteristics of the NCs system. For both CoCe and CoMnCe SFNPs, saturation magnetization (Ms) of 14.96 and 10.91 emu/g, residual magnetization (Mr) of 4.40 and 2.42 emu/g, Hc (coercivity) of 1072.1 and 719.3 Oe gradually diminish upon Si, respectively. The chemical state of CoMnCe SFNPs, CoCe SFNPs, their silica and active cisplatin NCs (Pt0 and Pt2+) were investigated using X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS). The anti-cancer efficacy of pegylated nanoformulations were tested in in vitro cells (HeLa, HCT-116 and HEK-293) and Hemolysis assay. The toxicity of different nanoformulations administered in different concentrations (20–2000 mg/kg) in in vivo was estimated based on LD50 value.