UV Spectroscopy Research Articles

Reusable Iron-Copper Catalyzed Cross-Coupling of Primary Amides with Aryl and Alkyl Halides: Access to N-Arylamides as Potential Antibacterial and Anticancer Agents.

We present, for the first time, an efficient ligand-free iron-copper catalyzed cross-coupling reaction involving a variety of aryl, heteroaryl halides (including chlorides, bromides, and iodides), and alkyl bromides with diverse aryl and aliphatic primary amides, conducted under solvent-minimized conditions. This economically competitive protocol successfully yielded the corresponding cross-coupling products, N-arylamides and N-alkylamides, in good to excellent yields with broad substrate scope (65 examples) and tolerance to several sensitive functionalities (including heterocycles). No conventional work-up is required for this protocol, and the developed method is applicable for gram-scale synthesis. Notably, the catalyst is inexpensive, environmentally friendly, and can be reused at least four times with minimal loss of catalytic activity. A series of experiments, including X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), UV spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry (CV), electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were conducted to identify the oxidation state of active catalytic species and radical clock experiment was performed using a radical probe to investigate the reaction mechanism. Furthermore, we evaluated the antibacterial and anticancer properties of selected synthesized products (3ii, 3xii, and 3xxxx) in-vitro. The results indicated that the prepared compounds exhibited promising antibacterial and anticancer activities (MTT and Molecular Docking).

Spectrophotometric and HPLC analysis of amoxicillin trihydrate in presence of acetaminophen in different pH media

BackgroundThis study is aimed to develop a simple, effective and economic method for the UV spectrophotometric analysis of amoxicillin trihydrate in the presence of acetaminophen. The Beer–Lambert law was obeyed in the concentration range of 2–10 µg/ml for amoxicillin trihydrate, acetaminophen and combinations, in all the different pH media: pH 1.2, 6.8, 7.4 and neutral (double-distilled water). For the simultaneous equation method, the absorbance maxima of amoxicillin trihydrate was found at 228 nm, and for acetaminophen, it was found at 243 nm, after scanning the solutions in respective buffers.ResultThe standard curve of amoxicillin trihydrate and acetaminophen was plotted, and the correlation coefficient (R2) value was found to be in the range of 0.991–0.994 and 0.993–0.999, respectively. These two drugs were combined in a ratio of 5:3 (amoxicillin trihydrate: acetaminophen), and its absorbance maxima was discovered at 232 nm (isoabsorptive point), where its correlation coefficient was calculated from the standard curve which is in range of 0.993–0.996. The above-mentioned method was found to comply all the validation parameters as per the ICH guidelines such as accuracy, precision, linearity, LOD, LOQ, reproducibility and recovery. This method is successfully applied to estimate the combination of these two drugs in their pharmaceutical dosage forms without and interaction of their excipients. This method is based on to check the stability of amoxicillin trihydrate in different pH media in the presence of acetaminophen.ConclusionHydrolysis of beta-lactam ring of amoxicillin trihydrate occurs in acidic pH (below 2) which causes the formation of amoxicilloic acid which may cause reduction in its microbial activity but neither shifting of wavelength nor appearance of extra peak occurred in UV spectroscopy. Although some changes of % area of amoxicillin trihydrate is observed in acidic media in HPLC method, there are no significant changes observed among the amoxicillin trihydrate solutions with acetaminophen prepared in different pH media, when using UV spectrophotometric method.

A homeopathic potency transfers its water structure to aqueous ethanol without physical contact as revealed by electronic and vibrational spectroscopy

Background: A Homeopathic potency kept in contact with aqueous ethanol through water can transform the aqueous ethanol into that potency. Can a potency produce the same effect on aqueous ethanol without direct physical contact? The present experimental study addresses this question. Methods: Two potencies 30 cH and 200 cH of Thuja occidentalis in 90% EtOH were diluted with deionized and distilled (DD) water 1:100, and kept separately in two coloured 30 ml bottles. A test tube containing 90% EtOH diluted with DD water 1:100, was dipped into each of two bottles. After one hour exposure each test tube was taken out and its content aqueous ethanol was analysed by UV and FT-IR spectroscopy. The samples were also tested before one hour exposure. Baseline was set for UV spectroscopy with 90% EtOH diluted with DD water 1:100 for each experiment. Results: Spectroscopic characteristics of aqueous EtOH in each test tube after one hour exposure to a potency exactly matched those of Thuja 30 c H and Thuja 200 c H. but with higher absorption intensity. Discussion: Electromagnetic radiation (EMR) passing through a potency may carry the information of the potency and transfer it to aqueous ethanol in the test tube. Conclusion: Thuja 30 c H and Thuja 200 c H can transform water structure of aqueous ethanol into the said potencies without direct physical contact. Keywords: Homeopathic potencies, Thuja 30 c H., Thuja 200 c H., Water structure, Aqueous ethanol, Transformation, UV and FT-IR spectra.

Green synthesis of metal oxide nanoparticles using plant extract, its structural and optical properties and application

The nanoparticles being the most utilized invention of nanoscience and technology, which is used in many aspects of science and medicine. These remarkable utilization of particles is due to their diverse properties at nano level. The chemical and physical approach to formation of nanoparticles are toxic to surroundings also leading to less efficient usage of them in medical perspective. In this article green synthesis of cobalt ferrite nanoparticles is done by sol-gel auto combustion using Caralluma Tuberculata extract as reducing agent, iron nitrate and cobalt nitrate as precursor salts. Cobalt ferrite nanoparticles are used in many aspects for certain properties such as antimicrobial activities the synthesized particles were characterized using different techniques such as UV Spectroscopy, SEM, FTIR, XRD,EDX. The antibacterial activity of cobalt ferrite nanoparticles is performed which shows remarkable results by increasing the inhibition zone for both E coli and Staphylococcus bacteria

PPARγ and COX1 Inhibition of Linoleic Acid as Potential Bioactive Molecule in Aqueous Extract of Tinospora cordifolia (Wild.): A in silico based Approach

In this work, the ethyl acetate extract of Tinospora cardifolia was analyzed using GC-MS and phytochemical analysis. The FTIR analysis and UV spectroscopy were used to further validate the structures of the isolated compounds. For the selected compounds, the computational methods were used to conduct an in silico analysis on their molecular, physico-chemical and druglikeliness properties. Moreover, the pharmacokinetic profile and additional toxicity potential were ascertained. Swiss ADME tools and OSIRIS data warrior were used in the investigation. The docking experiment was used to examine the anti-inflammatory and antidiabetic characteristics. The α-glucosidase, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor, glucose transporter-1 and cyclooxygenases 1 and 2 were targeted for inhibition. Approximately 23 chemicals were found during GC-MS analysis. Each of the compounds have shown the pharmacokinetic potential and moderate to good drug likeliness. The compounds bioactivity score against enzyme receptors was high. The least harmful profile of PGP and CYP inhibitory actions was indicated by the ADMET prediction. Linoleic acid (molecule-12) has a strong binding affinity for PPARγ and COX1 targeted proteins under inquiry as demonstrated by the docking studies.

Application of waste iron in wet flue gas desulfurization (WFGD) wastewater treatment.

The wet flue gas desulfurization (WFGD) procedure results in wastewater containing a complex mixture of pollutants, including heavy metals and organic compounds, which are hardly degradable and pose significant environmental challenges. Addressing this issue, the proposed approach, incorporating waste iron shavings as a heterocatalyst within a modified Fenton process, represents a sustainable and effective solution for contaminants degrading in WFGD wastewater. Furthermore, this study aligns with the Best Available Techniques (BAT) regulations by meeting the requirement for compound oxidation-replacing the chlorine utilization with the generation of highly reactive radicals-and coagulation, which completes the treatment process. This method introduces an innovative use of waste-derived iron shavings in a BAT-compliant technology, providing a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to conventional treatments. The study focuses on process kinetics and optimization parameters, achieving approximately 48% total organic carbon (TOC) removal in 90min at an optimal pH 3, using 1998 mgL-1 H2O2 under UV light. Analysis of variance revealed that the process efficiency depended more significantly on pH than time duration or the H2O2 dose. Catalyst's characterization, including the use of microscopic techniques, including electron microscopy, laser diffraction, X-ray fluorescence, Raman spectroscopy, and UV spectroscopy, indicates its stability and great reusability with consistent TOC decrease across three process cycles. This research demonstrates a cost-effective, environmentally friendly approach to wastewater treatment, advancing sustainable methodologies through the repurposing of waste materials and underscoring the catalyst's reuse potential.

Decoding the synergy: unveiling gradient boosting regression model for multivariate quantitation of pioglitazone, alogliptin and glimepiride in pure and tablet dosage forms

This study represents a comparison among the performances of four multivariate procedures: partial least square (PLS) and artificial neural networks (ANN) in addition to support vector regression (SVR) and extreme gradient boosting (XG Boost) algorithm for the determination of the anti-diabetic mixture of pioglitazone (PIO), alogliptin (ALG) and glimepiride (GLM) in pharmaceutical formulations with aid of UV spectrometry. Key wavelengths were selected using knowledge-based variable selection and various preprocessing methods (e.g., mean centering, orthogonal scatter correction, and principal component analysis) to minimize noise and improve model precision. XG Boost effectively enhanced computing speed and accuracy by focusing on specific spectral features rather than the entire spectrum, demonstrating its advantages in resolving complex, overlapping spectral data. The independent test results of different models demonstrated that XG Boost outperformed other methods. XG Boost achieved the lowest root mean squared error of prediction (RMSEP) and standard deviation (SD) values across all compounds, indicating minimal prediction error and variability. For PIO, XG Boost recorded an RMSEP of 0.100 and SD of 0.369, significantly better than PLS and ANN. For ALG, XG Boost showed near-perfect performance with an RMSEP of 0.001 and SD of 0.005, outperforming SVR and PLS, which had higher error rates. In the case of GLM, XG Boost also excelled with an RMSEP of 0.001 and SD of 0.018, demonstrating superior precision compared to the much higher errors seen in PLS and ANN. These results highlight XG Boost’s exceptional ability to handle complex, overlapping spectral data, making it the most reliable and accurate model in this study.

Eco-friendly bupropion detection sensor with co-formulated dextromethorphan in AUVELITY tablet and spiked plasma

Molecularly Imprinted Polymers (MIPs) are synthetic materials designed to selectively recognize and bind to specific target molecules. The process of determining Bupropion (BUP) using MIPs involves preparing the MIP, extracting the target molecule, and conducting subsequent analysis. A bio-inspired MIP-based electrochemical sensor was developed to detect BUP, utilizing the specific binding of MIPs to Bupropion molecules, enabling precise and sensitive detection. The combination of molecular imprinting and electrochemistry in this approach allows for the development of a highly reliable and effective sensor specifically designed for BUP detection. In this method, copolymerization conditions were carefully optimized to ensure selectivity and sensitivity in detecting BUP. Different monomers, including o-phenylenediamine, 4-aminophenol, L-dopa, and 1,4-phenylenediamine, were explored, with the best interaction observed for L-dopa and 1,4-phenylenediamine. Consequently, their copolymer was implemented to create selective MIPs through a straightforward electropolymerization process on a disposable pencil graphite electrode (PGE) substrate for BUP detection. The functionality of the copolymer of L-dopa and 1,4-phenylenediamine as an electroactive copolymer in preparing electro-polymerized MIP films was investigated for the first time. This was demonstrated by constructing a novel electrochemical sensor for the selective recognition of BUP in different matrices. The interactions between L-dopa and 1,4-phenylenediamine, used as functional monomers, and the template were studied experimentally using UV spectroscopy. BUP was used as the template, and the copolymer was electrografted onto PGE. The constructed sensor was characterized using cyclic voltammetry (CV), and BUP binding to the MIP cavities was measured indirectly with differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) using a ferrocyanide/ferricyanide redox probe. A linear and repeatable response was displayed by the sensor across a range of 1.0 × 10⁻13 M to 1.0 × 10⁻11 M of BUP, with a limit of detection of 3.18 × 10⁻14 M. The sensor demonstrated robust selectivity for BUP over interfering drugs, such as dextromethorphan, in pharmaceutical dosage forms and spiked human plasma. The environmental impact of the proposed approach was evaluated using green analytical chemistry principles, including the Green Analytical Procedure Index (GAPI) and the Analytical GREEnness (AGREE) metric.

Study of morphology, phase composition, optical properties, and thermal stability of hydrothermal zirconium dioxide synthesized at low temperatures.

Oxide nanoparticles exhibit unique features such as high surface area, enhanced catalytic activity, and tunable optical and electrical properties, making them valuable to various industry applications as well as for the development of new research projects. Nowadays, ZrO2 nanoparticles are widely used as catalysts and precursors in ceramic technology. Hydrothermal synthesis with metal salts is one of the most common methods for producing stable tetragonal-phase zirconium dioxide nanoparticles. However, hydrothermal synthesis requires relatively high process temperatures (160-200°C) and the use of advanced heat-resistant autoclaves capable of maintaining high pressure. This paper investigates how different precursors (ZrOCl₂·8H₂O and ZrO(NO₃)₂·2H₂O) and synthesis temperatures (110-160°C) affect the phase composition, optical properties, size, and shape of ZrO₂ nanoparticles produced by hydrothermal synthesis without calcination. In addition, the effect of temperature exposure in the range of 100-1000°C on the phase stability of the synthesized nanoparticles was studied. X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy techniques were used to determine the structure and phase composition, while the optical properties were examined through the analysis of transmission and absorption spectra in the visible and UV ranges. It was found that the obtained particles at synthesis temperatures of 110-130°C have predominantly cubic c-ZrO2 phase, which changes to monoclinic phase when heated above 500°C. Analysis of visible and UV spectroscopy data reveals that the experimental samples have pronounced absorption in the middle UV range (200-260nm) and have an energy band gap Eg varying from 4.8 to 5.1eV. The hydrothermal powders synthesized in this study can be used as absorbers in the mid-UV range and as reinforcing additives in the preparation of technical ceramics.

DIISC-IV. DIISCovery of Anomalously Low Metallicity H ii Regions in NGC 99: Indirect Evidence of Gas Inflows

As a part of the Deciphering the Interplay between the Interstellar medium, Stars, and the Circumgalactic medium (DIISC) survey, we investigate indirect evidence of gas inflow into the disk of the galaxy NGC 99. We combine optical spectra from the Binospec spectrograph on the MMT telescope with optical imaging data from the Vatican Advanced Technology Telescope, radio H i 21 cm emission images from the NSF Karl G. Jansky’s Very Large Array, and UV spectroscopy from the Cosmic Origins Spectrograph on the Hubble Space Telescope. We measure emission lines (Hα, Hβ, [O iii]λ5007, [N ii]λ6583, and [S ii]λ6717, 31) in 26 H ii regions scattered about the galaxy and estimate a radial metallicity gradient of −0.017 dex kpc−1 using the N2 metallicity indicator. Two regions in the sample exhibit an anomalously low metallicity (ALM) of 12 + log(O/H) = 8.36 dex, which is ∼0.16 dex lower than other regions at that galactocentric radius. They also show a high difference between their H i and Hα line of sight velocities on the order of 35 km s−1. Chemical evolution modeling indicates gas accretion as the cause of the ALM regions. We find evidence for corotation between the interstellar medium of NGC 99 and Lyα clouds in its circumgalactic medium, which suggests a possible pathway for low metallicity gas accretion. We also calculate the resolved Fundamental Metallicity Relation (rFMR) on subkiloparsec scales using localized gas-phase metallicity, stellar mass surface density, and star formation rate surface density. The rFMR shows a similar trend as that found by previous localized and global FMR relations.

Excess properties, intermolecular interaction, and CO2 capture performance of diethylene glycol monomethyl ether + ethylenediamine binary mixed solutions

In this work, the density (ρ) and viscosity (η) values of diethylene glycol monomethyl ether (DEGME) (1) + ethylenediamine (EDA) (2) binary mixed solutions were experimentally measured over the temperature span of 298.15–318.15 K and at a constant pressure of 100.5 kPa. To delve into the physicochemical properties of the binary mixed solutions, the excess properties, including excess molar volume, viscosity deviation, and excess molar activation Gibbs free energy, and thermodynamic values, including activation Gibbs free energy, enthalpy change, entropy change, and activation energy, were systemically calculated. Furthermore, the relationship between mole fraction and temperature was modeled using the Jouyban-Acree (J-A) model and a least squares method. Additionally, the three-body McAllister, the four-body McAllister, the Eyring-Margules, and the Heric viscosity models were employed to establish a relationship between viscosity and mole fraction. The relationship between viscosity and temperature was determined utilizing the Arrhenius equation, and the Redlich-Kister (R-K) polynomial was applied to fit the excess molar volume, viscosity deviation, and excess molar activation Gibbs free energy values of the binary mixed solutions. To further validate the intermolecular interactions within the binary mixed solutions, Raman, UV, and 1H NMR spectroscopic analyses, and density-functional theory (DFT) calculations were also conducted. These comprehensive analyses collectively confirmed the presence of significant intermolecular hydrogen bonds (IHBs) between the DEGME and EDA molecules, which are characterized as the –OH⋯NH2– interaction. Ultimately, the CO2 absorption capacity of the binary mixed solutions was examined, revealing that diethylene glycol monomethyl ether (DEGME) (1) + ethylenediamine (EDA) (2) binary mixed solutions owned superior CO2 absorption efficiency, thus offering a promising approach for CO2 capture.

Combination therapy of Lapatinib/Letrozole-based protein-vitamin nanoparticles to enhance the therapeutic effectiveness in drug-resistant breast cancer

HER2-positive breast cancer constitutes 20% of reported cases, characterized by excessive expression of HER2 receptors, pivotal in cell signaling and growth. Immunotherapy, the established treatment, often leads to multidrug resistance and tumor recurrence. There's a critical need for an effective strategy delaying drug resistance onset and ensuring cancer cell eradication. This study aimed to develop nanoparticles using human serum albumin (HSA) coupled with vitamin E (α-tocopherol succinate), loaded with a tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) or aromatase inhibitor (AI). Nanoparticles were formed via desolvation, where HSA(VE) conjugates self-organized into a nanoparticle structure, incorporating TKI/AI either through chemical conjugation or direct binding to HSA. Physico-chemical analyses—such as infrared spectroscopy (IR), gel permeation chromatography (GPC), UV, IR, and CD spectroscopy confirmed HSA(VE) binding and drug incorporation into nanoparticles, evaluating their drug entrapment, release efficiency. Cell viability assays and in-vitro experiments on resistant and sensitive cell lines demonstrated effective drug encapsulation and absorption over time. Both in vitro and in vivo studies demonstrated that a combination of Lapa@HSA(VE) NPs and Let@HSA(VE) NPs in the ratio 75:25 inhibited tumor development and enhanced apoptosis significantly compared to individual NP treatment and free drug. The combination NPs therapy exhibited significant efficacy even in Lapa-resistant cell lines.

Response of dissolved organic matter and disinfection by-product precursors to algal blooms and thermal stratification in deep reservoirs.

Algal bloom contribute substantially to dissolved organic matter (DOM) and disinfection by-product (DBP) precursors in deep reservoirs, threatening drinking water safety. However, the variations in DOM and DBP precursors in deep-water reservoirs during algal bloom remain unclear. UV and fluorescence spectroscopy and chlorination experiments were used to analyze the variations in DOM and DBP precursors during algal bloom in the Sanhekou Reservoir. Before algal bloom, the DOM and DBP precursors decreased due to biodegradation. After algal bloom, the DOM and DBP precursors increased by 48.3% and 86.9% due to algae producing protein-like compounds. Notably, the algal bloom produced a range of nitrogenous compounds that significantly promote the formation of trichloronitromethane, a major contributor to the mammalian cytotoxicity associated with DBPs. In addition, the heterogeneous matrix led to the stratification of DOM and DBP precursors. The surface water (0-5 m) was more vulnerable to algae, with protein-like components being much higher than in other layers, while humic and fulvic-like components were much lower. However, high temperatures and sufficient oxygen conditions accelerated the biodegradation of DOM and DBP precursors, resulting in significantly lower levels of DOM and DBP precursors in the surface water compared to other layers (p<0.05). This study provides insights into the variations and the drivers in DOM and DBP precursors during algal bloom, essential for developing water intake strategies in similar water reservoirs.

Comparative Analyses of Biologically Active Substances and Antioxidant Activity in Fresh and Stored Fruits of Apple Varieties from the Republic of Tajikistan

Our purpose was to carry out a comparative phytochemical analysis of fruits (both fresh and stored for 1 month) of two local apple varieties of the Republic of Tajikistan. Assays were carried out to quantify total phenolic compounds, flavonols, catechins, tannins, phenolcarboxylic acids, pectins, and protopectins by UV spectrometry and ascorbic acid by titration. The profile and levels of phenolic compounds were investigated by high-performance liquid chromatography. Antiradical activity was quantitated by means of free radical DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl). In fresh fruits, total levels of tannins (19 mg/g) and phenolcarboxylic acids (15 mg/g) (including chlorogenic acid: 451 μg/g) and of a flavonol (quercetin: 26 μg/g) and two catechins [epigallocatechin (173 μg/g) and L-epicatechin (50 µg/g)] were shown to be higher in the Surkhseb apple variety than in the Kosimsarkori variety. The antioxidant activity of water–ethanol extracts from Surkhseb apples (20 mg/mL) was also higher in comparison with Kosimsarkori apples. In the latter, concentrations of other detected biologically active substances, such as flavonols (0.78 mg/g), ascorbic acid (65 mg/100 g), and pectins (37 mg/g), were found to be higher, suggesting that the fruits of this apple variety have biological effects other than antioxidant, potentially anti-inflammatory, or antidiabetic. Further phytochemical and pharmacological studies on Kosimsarkori fruits may identify these other potential biological effects that may be useful in the prevention of disease. Fruits of the analyzed apple varieties should preferably be consumed fresh because after the apples were stored in the refrigerator for 1 month, indicators of antioxidant activity (22 mg/g in Surkhseb apples) and levels of almost all biologically active substances (tota) levels of tannins (14 mg/g), phenolcarboxylic acids (9 mg/g) (including chlorogenic acid: 250 μg/g) and catechin L-epicatechin (30 µg/g) in Surkhseb apples decreased. This study highlights the importance of conserving local, unique varieties of major worldwide crop plants because they may unearth novel combinations of compounds beneficial to humanity.

ZIF‐8 as Potential Vector for Enhanced Target Delivery of Sulfathiazole for the Treatment of Bovine Ruminal Acidosis

AbstractThe aim of this paper is enlarging the potential use of ZIF‐8 MOF as drug delivery system (DDS) for antimicrobial molecules, in particular for sulfathiazole, to be employed for the treatment of Sub‐Acute Ruminal Acidosis (SARA) in dairy cows. We therefore optimized (from milligrams to grams) the synthesis methodology for ZIF‐8 MOF, moving from organic solvents to aqueous solution, deeply characterizing the prepared material with X‐ray diffraction (XRD), surface area analyses (BET), electron microscopy (SEM), and thermogravimetric analyses (TGA). Once proved that the synthesis is also reproducible, we tested the stability of the material at physiological and acid pH, controlling material stability over time by checking their crystallinity with XRD. We then optimized sulfathiazole entrapment method to obtain the best material, checking the effective loading with UV‐Vis spectroscopy. Afterwards, we checked the effective entrapment vs physical mixture by means of XRD, SEM and ATR‐MIR spectroscopy. Finally we tested the pH‐responsive drug release by dialyzing the sulfathiazole@ZIF‐8 by UV spectroscopy on the dialysis solution, confirming the strong pH‐dependence of release time of sulfathiazole.

Investigation of the ability of 3-((4-chloro-6-methyl pyrimidin-2-yl)amino) isobenzofuran-1(3H)-one to bind to double-stranded deoxyribonucleic acid.

Phthalides represent a notable category of secondary metabolites that are prevalent in various plant species, certain fungi, and liverworts. The significant pharmacological properties of these compounds have led to the synthesis of a novel phthalide derivative. The current study focuses on investigating the binding interactions of a newly synthesized 3-substituted phthalide derivative, specifically 3-((4-chloro-6-methyl pyrimidine-2-yl)amino) isobenzofuran-1(3H)-one (Z11), with double-stranded deoxyribonucleic acid (dsDNA). Research in the pharmaceutical and biological fields aimed at developing more potent DNA-binding agents must take into account the mechanisms by which these newly synthesized compounds interact with DNA. This investigation seeks to explore the binding dynamics between dsDNA and our compound through a variety of analytical techniques, such as electrochemistry, UV spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, and thermal denaturation. The binding constant (Kb) of Z11 with DNA was determined using both spectroscopic and voltammetric approaches. The research revealed that Z11 employs a groove binding mechanism to associate with dsDNA. To further explore the interactions between Z11 and dsDNA, the study utilized density functional theory (DFT) calculations, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics simulations. These analyses aimed to ascertain the potential for a stable complex formation between Z11 and dsDNA. The results indicate that Z11 is situated within the minor groove of the dsDNA, demonstrating the ability to establish a stable complex. Furthermore, the findings imply that both π-alkyl interactions and hydrogen bonding play significant roles in the stabilization of this complex.

A zinc oxide–tin oxide–nerolidol hybrid nanomaterial: Efficacy against esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

Abstract The sixth most common cancer in the world, esophageal cancer, requires aggressive treatment such as surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy. Phytochemicals and medicinal plants are being used in the green synthesis of nanoparticles. Our study aimed to synthesize ZnO–SnO2 nerolidol nanocomposite and study its effects on esophageal squamous cell carcinoma cells. UV spectroscopy showed significant absorbance at 288 nm, transmission electron microscopy and DLS showed spherical shapes, and transmission electron microscopy also showed 108 nm average diameters. The ZnO–SnO2 nerolidol nanocomposite was also investigated using energy-dispersive X-ray analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, photoluminescence, and field emission scanning electron microscopy. A cytotoxic effect was observed against KYSE-150 cells with an IC50 concentration of 14.9 μg/mL. The ZnO–SnO2 nerolidol nanocomposite inhibited cancer cell proliferation in KYSE-150 cells and enhanced apoptosis by altering its mitochondrial membrane potential. The ZnO–SnO2 nerolidol nanocomposite also enhanced oxidative stress, leading to a decrease in superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione and an increase in lipid peroxidation. Ultimately, ZnO–SnO2 nerolidol nanocomposite enhanced the caspase cascade by inducing caspases 3, 8, and 9 in KYSE-150 cells. On the whole, we suggest that the ZnO–SnO2 nerolidol nanocomposite can be an effective treatment strategy against esophageal squamous cell carcinoma in KYSE-150 cells. However, understanding molecular circuits is still warranted.

Ginger vesicle as a nanocarrier to deliver 10-hydroxycamptothecin

In this study, we developed the ginger vesicles as nanocarrier for the targeted delivery of 10-hydroxy-camptothecin (HCPT), aiming to improve its therapeutic efficacy while minimizing the systemic toxicity. Ginger vesicles exhibit a wide spectrum of biological activities and excellent biocompatibility, rendering them as the promising nanocarriers candidates for anticancer drug delivery. The ginger vesicles with an average diameter of 86.83 nm were successfully prepared by utilizing a gradient centrifugation method. The loading conditions for HCPT into the ginger vesicles were optimized through the addition of an appropriate amount of Ca2+. The loading efficiency, size distribution, stability, and cytotoxicity profile of the ginger vesicles were comprehensively characterized using UV spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), and cytotoxicity experiments. Furthermore, in vitro cytotoxicity studies confirmed that ginger vesicles loaded with HCPT exhibited high inhibitory activity against tumor cells as evidenced by fluorescence imaging and flow cytometry analysis. Most importantly, in vivo antitumor assay demonstrated that the ginger vesicles loaded with HCPT displayed remarkable inhibitory effects on tumor growth. In summary, our results demonstrated the potential application of the ginger vesicles as ideal nanocarriers for delivering HCPT.

Synthesis and Characterization of Cobalt (II) And Zinc (II) Complexes with Diphenylcarbazone and Dimethylsulfoxide: Exploring Antifungal Properties

This study investigates the synthesis of cobalt (II) and zinc (II) complexes with ligands L1 (diphenylcarbazone) and L2 (dimethylsulfoxide), specifically [CoL2(H2O)2]2H2O, [CoL2L1(H2O)2], [ZnL2(H2O)2]2H2O and [ZnL2L1(H2O)2] . The composition of the resulting complexes is shown to depend on the ratios of the starting materials. Characterization of the complexes was conducted using elemental analysis, X-ray phase analysis, UV-VIS spectroscopy, IR spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis. UV spectroscopy revealed d-d transitions in the cobalt (II) complexes at wavelengths between 460-540 nm, while the zinc (II) complex showed a peak at 238 nm. Thermogravimetric analysis indicated that the final products of thermal decomposition for all compounds are metal oxides. Additionally, the effects of these complexes on the growth of selected fungi, specifically Candida, were examined.

Microemulsion containing Kaffir lime oil using photo-crosslinkable bio-based copolymer

The research aimed to prepare a microemulsion of Kaffir lime oil (KLO) using photocrosslinkable bio-based copolymers as polymer shells. First, cinnamyl alcohol was used as a biomonomer, which was functionalized with methacrylic anhydride via an esterification reaction to contain a double bond named cinnamyl methacrylate. Then, it was copolymerized with methacrylic acid by solution iodine transfer polymerization, resulting in polymethacrylic acid-block-polycinnamyl methacrylate-block-poly methacrylic acid (PMAA-b-PCMA-b-PMAA) with a molecular weight of 2700 g/mol and a chain length of PMAA-b-PCMA-b-PMAA equals 7: 6: 7 units. After that, PMAA-b-PCMA-b-PMAA (BioSurf) was used as the polymer shell to encapsulate KLO in a microemulsion system cooperative with Tween 80 (surfactant; Surf) and ethanol (co-surfactant; CoSurf). The ratio of kaffir lime oil: Surf-CoSurf was varied from 1: 9 to 9: 1 (wt) where Surfmix was BioSurf: Surf: Co-Surf ratio of 1: 1: 1 (wt) dispersed in water at 400 rpm for 5 min. The optimal contents of oil, Surfmix, and water were 6 %, 24 %, and 70 %, respectively, with the nanocapsule size at about 68 nm. After UV curing at 254 nm for 120 min, the dimerization of cinnamyl groups in PCMA was confirmed by UV spectroscopy, where the absorbance peaks of cinnamyl groups at 283 and 294 nm significantly decreased. The encapsulated KLO was slowly permeating skin which was only 10 % after 1 h, with the anti-inflammatory percentage of inhibited nitric oxide production in macrophage cells at 19.24 ± 1.63. Moreover, nanocapsules did not show toxicity to human skin cells at concentrations less than or equal to 1 v/v%. Moreover, the microemulsion is thermodynamically stable at 4 °C, 30 °C, and 45 °C. The encapsulation of KLO in microemulsion might be an alternative candidate for cosmetic products and related applications.