Zeta Potential Values Research Articles

Preparation and adjuvanticity against PCV2 of Viola philippica polysaccharide loaded in Chitosan-Gold nanoparticle

The present Porcine circovirus type 2 virus (PCV2) vaccine adjuvants suffer from numerous limitations, such as adverse effects, deficient cell-mediated immune responses, and inadequate antibody production. In this study, we explored the potential of a novel nanoparticle (CS-Au NPs) based on gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) and chitosan (CS) that modified Viola philippica polysaccharide (VPP) as efficient adjuvants for PCV2 vaccine. The characterization demonstrated that CS-Au-VPP NPs had a mean particle size of 507.42 nm and a zeta potential value of −21.93 mV. CS-Au-VPP NPs also exhibited good dispersion and a stable structure, which did not alter the polysaccharide properties. Additionally, the CS-Au-VPP NPs showed easy absorption and utilization by the organism. To investigate their immune-enhancing potential, mice were immunized with a mixture of CS-Au-VPP NPs and PCV2 vaccine. The evaluation of relevant immunological indicators, including specific IgG antibodies and their subclasses, cytokines, and T cell subpopulations, confirmed their immune-boosting effects. The in vivo experiments revealed that the medium-dose CS-Au-VPP NPs significantly elevated the levels of specific IgG antibodies and their subclasses, cytokines, and T cell subpopulations in PCV2-immunized mice. These findings suggest that CS-Au-VPP NPs can serve as a promising vaccine adjuvant due to their stable structure and immunoenhancement capabilities.

Evaluation of the antifungal properties of nanoliposomes containing rhinacanthin-C isolated from the leaves of Rhinacanthus nasutus.

Fungal infections represent a challenging threat tothe human health. Microsporum gypseum and Trichophyton rubrum are pathogenic fungi causing various topical mycoses in humans. The globally emerging issue of resistance to fungi demands the development of novel therapeutic strategies. In this context, the application of nanoliposomes as vehicles for carrying active therapeutic agents can be a suitable alternative. In this study, rhinacanthin-C was isolated from Rhinacanthus naustus and encapsulated in nano-liposomal formulations, which were prepared by the modified ethanol injection method. The two best formulations composed of soybean phosphatidylcholine (SPC), cholesterol (CHL), and tween 80 (T80) in a molar ratio of 1:1:0 (F1) and 1:1:0.5 (F2) were proceeded for experimentation. The physical characteristics and antifungal activities were performed and compared with solutions of rhinacanthin-C. The rhinacanthin-C encapsulating efficiencies in F1 and F2 were 94.69 ± 1.20% and 84.94 ± 1.32%, respectively. The particle sizes were found to be about 221.4 ± 13.76 nm (F1) and 115.8 ± 23.33 nm (F2), and zeta potential values of -38.16 mV (F1) and -40.98 mV (F2). Similarly, the stability studies of rhinacanthin-C in liposomes demonstrated that rhinacanthin-C in both formulations was more stable in mediums with pH of 4.0 and 6.6 than pure rhinacanthin-C when stored at the same conditions. Rhinacanthin-C in F1 was slightly more stable than F2 when stored in mediums with a pH of 10.0 after three months of storage. However, rhinacanthin-C in both formulations was less stable than pure rhinacanthin-C in a basic medium of pH 10.0. The antifungal potential was evaluated against M. gypsum and T. rubrum. The findings revealed a comparatively higher zone of inhibition for F1. In the MIC study, SPC: CHL: T80 showed higher inhibition against M. gypseum and a slightly higher inhibition against T. rubrum compared to free rhinacanthin-C solution. Moreover, rhinacanthin-C showed significant interaction against 14α-demethylase in in silico study. Overall, this study demonstrates that nanoliposomes containing rhinacanthin-C can improve the stability and antifungal potential of rhinacanthin-C with sustained and prolonged duration of action and could be a promising vehicle for delivery of active ingredients for targeting various fungal infections.

Exploring the effects of diverse extraction methods on nanoemulsion formulation using betel leaf essential oil: Assessing antibacterial efficacy against pathogenic microorganisms

The present study focused on observing the impact of different pretreatments applied on betel leaves powder (BLP) before extraction of essential oil (EO) on the formulation and characterization of BLP-EO-nanoemulsion (NE). BLP-EO nanoemulsion was produced from different BLP-EO (C, CP, MW, CPAMW treated BLP-EO), surfactant (tween 80), and distilled water by ultrasonic probe method and their particle size, polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential, turbidity, viscosity, refractive index, whiteness index and antibacterial properties were investigated. Significant differences were observed among the nanoemulsions prepared from EO obtained using different pretreatment. The CPAMW-BLP-EO- nanoemulsion prepared with 1% oil concentration and 1:3 oil to surfactant concentration showed the smallest particle size (98.00 ± 0.92 nm), lowest PDI value (0.21 ± 0.01) and zeta potential value (−24.73 ± 1.37) followed by MW, CP and C-BLP-EO-NE due to high concentration of chemical composition that effectively bind with a surfactant. Similarly, better physical properties were obtained for CPAMW-BLP-EO-NE. This CPAMW treated BLP-EO nanoemulsion was the most effective against Gram-positive bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus with an inhibition zone of 12.5 mm than Gram-negative bacteria like Salmonella spp and Escherichia coli with an inhibition zone of 9.4 mm, and 8.5 mm respectively followed by MW, CP, and C treated BLP-EO-NE. In conclusion, the potent antibacterial activity of the nanoemulsion is due to its higher concentration of oxygenated terpenoids and smaller particle size, facilitating effective transport of active compounds and enhancing interactions with microbial cell membranes. Therefore, the CPAMW pre-treated BLP-EO nanoemulsions showed great potential to be incorporated into water-based food products and beverages as flavoring and antimicrobial agents.

MODIFYING FRACTION EXTRACTED FROM SESEWANUA (CLERODENDRUM FRAGRANS WILD) LEAVES IN SNEDDS PREPARATIONS: CHARACTERIZATION AND BIOAVAILABILITY TEST

Objective: This study aimed to determine the effect of compound modification using acyl chloride derivatives on n-hexane: ethyl acetate fraction of sesewanua leaves, focusing on the characteristics and pharmacokinetics profile in Self-Nano-emulsifying Drug Delivery System (SNEDDS) preparations. Methods: A quasi-experimental method was used with six SNEDDS formulas, namely F0 (without active substance), F1 (acetyl chloride fraction), F2 (propanoyl chloride fraction), F3 (butyryl chloride fraction), and F4 (pentanoyl chloride fraction) and F5 (piperine compound). The fractions were subjected to characterization tests, including particle size, polydispersity index, and zeta potential as well as determination of pharmacokinetics profile using the modified crane and Wilson method. Results: The results showed that the characterization tests of particle size using Particle Size Analyzer (PSA) for F0-F5 on gastric fluid included 15.8, 17,367, 20,367, 15.8, 28.233, and 21.533 nm. The polydispersity index values were 0.211, 0.438, 0.311, 0.383, 0.394, and 0.397, while the Zeta Potential values were-22,267,-22.2,-23.5,-24,033,-22,967, and-21.6 mV, respectively. The pharmacokinetics profile of AUC0-∞ was as follows: F0 0 μg, F1 492.83, F2 492.83, F3 245.98, F4 492.94, and F5 843.38 μg. Fraction five (F5) as a control had a higher AUC0-∞ value than compared to the fractions modified with acyl chloride derivatives. The T1/2 elimination values were F0 0 h, F1 22.5 h, F2 10.811 h, F3 35.54 h, F4 231.01 h, and F5 15.469 h. Conclusion: Based on the results, the addition of acetyl, propanoyl, butyryl, and penthanoyl chloride affected Particle Size Characterization Analysis and pharmacokinetics profile of SNEDDS preparation of n-hexane: ethyl acetate fraction. Structural modification showed the ability to alter the bioavailability of the active ingredient according to the desired therapeutic goal.

Salophen Anchored Silver Nanoparticle as Nanoprobe Designed for Selective Sensing and Antibacterial Activity

AbstractIndeed, considerable efforts have been made in the domain of silver nanoparticles, including the construction and wide‐ranging applications. This work involves the synthesis and characterization of salophen anchored silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), and its utilization for selective detection of Fe2+ and Cu2+ ions in DMSO. These AgNPs were synthesized by the reduction of Ag+ ions with salophen ligand, and were characterized by different techniques which include UV‐visible, fluorescence, FTIR, SEM, EDX, TEM, PXRD, DLS, and zeta potential. The negative zeta potential value of −19.6 mV evidenced the stability of the AgNPs. These AgNPs were found to sense Fe2+ and Cu2+ ions selectively in DMSO solution at various concentrations. Instant color change from olive to brown as well as olive to light olive was observed while detecting Fe2+ and Cu2+ ions by the nanoprobe, respectively. UV‐visible and fluorescence spectroscopic investigations were carried out to establish the sensing ability of the nanoprobe. Additionally, AgNPs revealed promising antibacterial activity selectively against gram‐negative bacteria over gram‐positive bacteria. Thus, our approach opens up a new track to design novel and operative functionalized nanomaterials for real‐life sensing and biomedical applications.

Diffusiophoretic Behavior of Polyelectrolyte-Coated Particles.

Diffusiophoresis, the movement of particles under a solute concentration gradient, has practical implications in a number of applications, such as particle sorting, focusing, and sensing. For diffusiophoresis in an electrolyte solution, the particle velocity is described by the electrolyte relative concentration gradient and the diffusiophoretic mobility of the particle. The electrolyte concentration, which typically varies throughout the system in space and time, can also influence the zeta potential of particles in space and time. This variation affects the diffusiophoretic behavior, especially when the zeta potential is highly dependent on the electrolyte concentration. In this work, we show that adsorbing a single bilayer (or 4 bilayers) of a polyelectrolyte pair (PDADMAC/PSS) on the surface of microparticles resulted in effectively constant zeta potential values with respect to salt concentration throughout the experimental range of salt concentrations. This allowed a constant potential model for diffusiophoretic transport to describe the experimental observations, which was not the case for uncoated particles in the same electrolyte system. This work highlights the use of simple polyelectrolyte pairs to tune the zeta potential and maintain constant values for precise control of diffusiophoretic transport.

NANOENCAPSULATION OF ETHANOL EXTRACT OF PAPAYA LEAF (CARICA PAPAYA LINN.) USING CHITOSAN AND TESTING ITS EFFECTIVENESS AS AN ANTI-INFLAMMATORY

Objective: Papaya is a plant typical of West Kalimantan which has many properties such as anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antimalarial, and antibacterial. This research aims to formulate ethanol extract of papaya leaves into a nanoencapsulated preparation and test its effectiveness as an anti-inflammatory. Methods: Nanoparticle formulations made with the ionic gelation method use polymer chitosan (0.25%-1%) with crosslinker sodium tripolyphosphate (0.25%). Nanoencapsulation ethanol extract of papaya leaf was evaluated for characteristics including particle size distribution, index polydispersity, zeta potential, particle morphology, and entrapment efficiency. Furthermore, The efficacy of anti-inflammatory nanoencapsulation was then evaluated on male Wistar rats with carrageenan-induced inflammation using doses of 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg. The assessment of anti-inflammatory activity utilized the Rat hind paw edema method by observing the development of inflammation in the volume of the soles of the test animals' paws. Results: The results of nanoencapsulation characterization showed that papaya ethanol extract in Formula 1 with a ratio of Chitosan: Papaya Leaf Extract Ethanol: NaTPP = 6:1:1 was the best formula, exhibiting an average particle size of 217.3±47.8 nm, a polydispersity index value of 0.271, a zeta potential value of+34.3 mV, an entrapment efficiency value of 65.54, and a particle morphology that is less spherical. The test for anti-inflammatory activity of papaya leaf ethanol extract nanoparticles, administered orally at a dosage of 200 mg/kgBW, demonstrated the highest percentage of anti-inflammatory efficacy at 61.538%. In comparison, the positive control group (diclofenac sodium) exhibited 54.325%, and the low-dose group (100 mg/kgBW) showed 51.585%. The results showed that the ethanol extract of papaya, when nanoencapsulated in chitosan nanoparticles, exhibits good characteristics and has significant potential for inhibiting inflammation in male Wistar rats induced by carrageenan. Conclusion: The characterization results of the optimal chitosan-ethanol papaya leaf extract nanoparticles were obtained using Formula 1. Nanoparticles of chitosan-ethanol extract from papaya leaves at doses I and II exhibited anti-inflammatory activity that was not significantly different.

Phosphatase-degradable nanoparticles providing sustained drug release

AimThe study aimed to develop enzyme-degradable nanoparticles comprising polyphosphates and metal cations providing sustained release of the antibacterial drug ethacridine (ETH). MethodsCalcium polyphosphate (Ca-PP), zinc polyphosphate (Zn-PP) and iron polyphosphate nanoparticles (Fe-PP NPs) were prepared by co-precipitation of sodium polyphosphate with cations and ETH. Developed nanocarriers were characterized regarding particle size, PDI, zeta potential, encapsulation efficiency and drug loading. Toxicological profile of nanocarriers was assessed via hemolysis assay and cell viability on human blood erythrocytes and HEK-293 cells, respectively. The enzymatic degradation of NPs was evaluated in presence of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) monitoring the release of monophosphate, shift in zeta potential and particle size as well as drug release. The antibacterial efficacy against Escherichia coli was determined via microdilution assay. ResultsNPs were obtained in a size range between 300 – 480 nm displaying negative zeta potential values. Encapsulation efficiency was in the range of 83.73 %– 95.99 %. Hemolysis assay underlined sufficient compatibility of NPs with blood cells, whereas drug and NPs showed a concentration dependent effect on HEK-293 cells viability. Ca- and Zn-PP NPs exhibited remarkable changes in zeta potential, particle size, monophosphate and drug release upon incubation with ALP, compared to Fe-PP NPs showing only minor differences. The released ETH from Ca- and Zn-PP nanocarriers retained the antibacterial activity against E. coli, whereas no antibacterial effect was observed with Fe-PP NPs. ConclusionPolyphosphate nanoparticles cross-linked with divalent cations and ETH hold promise for sustained drug delivery triggered by ALP for parental administration.

Effect of reactivity of different metakaolin mixtures on geopolymer extrudability

Additive manufacturing of geopolymers is an innovative technology for research and development This work highlights effect of different metakaolin of mixtures reactivity on geopolymer extrudability. Extrudability tests were carried out on geopolymer pastes from different metakaolin ternaries diagrams using two alkaline (potassium silicates K and sodium silicate KNa) solutions. Extrudable areas were delimited. To understand the differences, the reactivity of the different metakaolin mixtures was evaluated. The results showed that for the extrudable areas, the zeta potential values of the metakaolin mixtures ranged from −50 to −60 mV with K solution and were around −60 mV with the change of solution (KNa). Moreover, the extrudable area corresponds to an energy of oligomer formation (determined by thermal analysis) determined between 1.67 and 1.85 kJ mol−1 with metakaolin ternary diagram M1-MI-M5 and 1.58 and 1.76 kJ mol−1 for metakaolin ternary diagram M1-M2-M5. Whatever the alkaline solution used, the alkaline cation concentration of the extrudable domains is greater than or equal to 2.80 mol. L−1. Mechanical strengths increase around 10 % from solution K to KNa. All these results are confirmed by using other aluminosilicate sources, such as argillite (clay calcined at 650 °C) and mixture of several clays (A65030-M170 and A65050-M150).

Interaction and complex formation of sonicated soluble lentil protein and Tremella fuciformis polysaccharide

Proteins’ physicochemical and structural properties critically affect their interactions with polysaccharides. The effect of ultrasound treatment (0–40 min) on the physicochemical properties of soluble lentil proteins (LPs) was investigated. The interaction between LPs (ultrasound-treated for different times, U0-LP, U5-LP, and U40-LP) and Tremella fuciformis polysaccharides (TPS) under different pHs, biopolymer mixing ratios, and total biopolymer concentrations was studied. With the sonication duration increasing, decreased intrinsic fluorescence, higher zeta potential values, and increased hydrophilicity were observed for the sonicated LP samples. The molecule weight of LPs remained unchanged, and their secondary structure changes were independent of the sonication duration. The soluble LPs:TPS complexes and insoluble complex coacervates formed at pH 6.5 (pHc) and pH 6.0 (pHɸ1), respectively, regardless of the mixing ratio and the LP type. The maximum formation of insoluble LPs:TPS complex coacervates (pHopt) occurred at the biopolymer mixing ratio of 4:1 at pH 3.0, 2:1 at pH 3.0, and 2:1 at pH 3.5 for the U0-LP:TPS, U5-LP:TPS, and U40-LP:TPS systems, respectively. The pHɸ1 and pHopt of all the three LPs:TPS systems shifted to higher pH values as the total biopolymer concentration increased. With the greatest dynamic quenching constants (Ksv) and binding site (n) values, U40-LP exhibited the strongest binding affinity with TPS. This was consistent with the highest viscosity of their mixture solution under pHs greater than pHopt. The overall results suggest that ultrasound-treated proteins showed a stronger electrostatic interaction with TPS compared to untreated proteins.

Ultrasonic-assisted hydrothermal fabrication of selenium nanorods and their anticancer properties in prostate cancer cells and associated signaling pathway

This paper describes some useful information on the ultrasonic-assisted hydrothermal fabrication of selenium nanorods (abbreviated as SeNRs) and their potential anticancer activity. The synthesis of SeNRs was confirmed and their selective anticancer activity against DU-145 cells as a standard prostate cancer cell line and human prostate normal cell line, RWPE-1 were assessed. The result of the FTIR study revealed the bending and stretching vibration of the Se-O bond. UV–vis spectroscopy data displayed a sharp maximum absorption (λmax) peak at 298 nm and the TEM image demonstrated that Se nanostructures had a rod-shaped morphology with lengths ranging from 50 to 100 nm and a diameter of around 10 nm. DLS data displayed that SeNRs had an average size of 204.68 nm and a zeta potential value of – 37.29 mV. Then, IC50 concentration of SeNRs against DU-145 and RWPE-1 cell lines were calculated to be about 15 µg/mL and 50.06 µg/mL, respectively, at 24 h. Also, it was deduced that SeNRs triggered their anticancer activity through the induction of membrane leakage, oxidative stress, apoptosis by overexpression of Bax/Bcl-2 ratio and caspase-9,-8, -3, and downexpression of AKT, PI3K, and mTOR mRNA and proteins, which was further verified by pre-incubation of cells with PI3K inhibitor, LY294002. Thus, the synthesized SeNRs can be used and developed as an effective nanostructure for the treatment of prostate cancer in future studies.

Comparison of the physical stability, microstructure and protein-lipid co-oxidation of O/W emulsions stabilized by l-arginine/l-lysine-modified soy protein hydrolysate

This work investigated the physical stability, microstructure, and oxidative stability of the emulsions prepared by soy protein hydrolysate (SPH) after modification with different concentrations of l-arginine and l-lysine. l-Arginine and l-lysine significantly increased the absolute zeta potential values, and decreased droplet sizes of the emulsions, thereby improving the physical stability of the emulsions. Meanwhile, l-arginine and l-lysine markedly decreased the apparent viscosity of the emulsions. The measurement of interfacial protein adsorption percentage showed that l-arginine (≤0.5 %) promoted the adsorption of SPH at the oil–water interface, whereas l-lysine (≤1%) reduced the adsorption of SPH at the oil–water interface. In addition, l-arginine and l-lysine (≤0.5 %) could retard lipid and protein oxidation. Correlation analysis indicated that the improvement in the physical stability of the emulsions by l-arginine and l-lysine also enhanced the oxidative stability of the emulsions. In summary, l-arginine and l-lysine could be effective modifiers for the protein-based emulsion systems.

Waste Cooking Oil Biodiesel and Their Nanobiodiesel Blends Infused with Reduced Graphene Oxide (RGO) Nanoparticles for Diesel Engine Applications

This work focusses on the potential application of waste cooking oil (WCO) as alternative to diesel as it is abundantly, locally available. The oil is subsequently converted into its biodiesel called waste cooking biodiesel (WCOBD). GCMS studies of the waste cooking oil and its biodiesel is carried out to determine the fatty acid composition. Further WCOBD is blended with diesel to produce its WCOBD B20 blend. The physio-chemical properties of the WCO, WCOBD, WCOBD B20 and their nano-biodiesel blends were determined and were compared with diesel. These properties of WCOBD B20 are in good agreement with diesel. This B20 blend can successfully provide 20% substitute to fossil diesel and save foreign exchange besides providing energy security to India. The fuel properties of the WCOBD B20 blends are further modified by adding carbon derived nanoparticles of reduced graphene oxide (RGO) to prepare nano-biodiesel blends. The percentage of RGO nanoparticles were varied from 20% to 100 % by volume insteps of 20% using suitable SDS surfactants. The stability of these nano-biodiesel blends is determined by using zeta potential method. The stability of decreased with increase in the nano-particle dosage in base biodiesel blends. Accordingly, the blends with dosage beyond 80% showed lower stability in terms of lower zeta potential values. The nano-biodiesel blends showed improvement in calorific value and self-ignition temperature compared to the B20 biodiesel blend. Among the Nano-biodiesel blends considered WCOME B20 RGO80 showed comparatively higher BTE (11.67%), reduced emissions of smoke opacity (14.63%), HC (21.42%), CO (16.67%), ID (10%), CD (16.67%) and increased NOx (2.5%), and PP (15.38%) respectively when compared to the WCOBD B20 blend.

Improving the functional properties of rice glutelin: impact of succinic anhydride modification

SummaryRice glutelin is poorly soluble which restricts its potential food application. Succinylation is a chemical modification that improves the solubility of proteins by derivatising the ɛ‐amino group of lysine residues. In this study, rice glutelin was modified by succinic anhydride at different succinic anhydride concentrations (10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, and 50%). The succinylated rice glutelin samples showed enhanced solubility, reduced particle size, and increased absolute zeta potential values. The emulsifying and foaming properties of succinylated rice glutelin were also significantly improved. Moreover, SEM revealed that the surface of succinylated rice glutelin had small pits and protrusions. These results suggest that succinylation can effectively improve the functional properties of rice glutelin, which will facilitate its application in the food industry.

Influence of polycarboxylate superplasticizers with different molecular structures on rheological properties of glass bead suspension at different resting times

Using an inert glass bead suspension, the study explores the interaction between various PCE superplasticizers, ions and investigates how it affects rheological performance during resting. To understand the underlying mechanisms, surface charge properties, adsorption, aggregates amount, and size of PCE during resting were measured. Results showed that yield stress increased with time, mainly when a high PCE dosage was used, and the modulus from strain sweep experiments agreed with the yield stress variations. The increase in zeta potential value and decrease in aggregate amount explain the decrease in yield stress in the non-PCE sample but are inconsistent with the increase in yield stress in presence of PCE. The PCE clusters' size increases during resting, and increasing PCE adsorption does not disperse the glass bead particles. In addition, compared to the amount of carboxylate group, the molecular weight of PCE is more dominant in increasing the yield stress during resting. The increase in yield stress could be explained by the increase in the bridging and depletion forces due to the increasing size of the PCE cluster. Another possible reason is that non-adsorbed PCE clusters may form a polymer network that restricts the movement of the particles.

Validating the protective role of orange and tangerine peel extracts foramending food safety against microorganisms’ contamination using molecular docking

Latest studies indicated that agro-food wastes are considered renewable sources of bioactive compounds. This investigation aimed to utilize natural extracts of citrus peels as antimicrobial and anti-aflatoxigenic agents for food safety. The bioactivity of two citrus peels was assessed by total phenolic, flavonoids, and antioxidant activity. Nanoemulsions were manufactured using high-speed homogenization. The mean particle size of the nanoemulsions ranged from 29.41 to 66.41 nm with a polydispersity index of 0.11–0.16. The zeta potential values ranged from −14.27 to −26.74 mV, indicating stability between 81.44% and 99.26%. The orange peel extract showed the highest contents of total phenolic and flavonoids compared to the other extracts and nanoemulsions (39.54 mg GAE/g and 79.54 mg CE/100 g, respectively), which agreed with its potential antioxidant activity performed by DPPH free radical–scavenging and ABTS assays. Chlorogenic, caffeic, ferulic, and catechin were the dominant phenolic acids in the extracts and nanoemulsions, while quercitrin, rutin, and hesperidin were the most abundant flavonoids. Limonene was the major volatile component in both oils; however, it was reduced dramatically from 92.52% to 76.62% in orange peel oil and from 91.79 to 79.12% in tangerine peel oil. Consistent with the differences in phenolics, flavonoids, and volatiles between orange and tangerine peel extracts, the antibacterial properties of orange extracts had more potential than tangerine ones. Gram-positive bacteria were more affected by all the examined extracts than Gram-negative ones. The antifungal activity of orange extract and nanoemulsion on seven fungal strains from Aspergillus spp had more potential than tangerine extracts. Additionally, using a simulated media, the orange peel extract and its nanoemulsion had a more anti-aflatoxigenic influence. Molecular docking confirmed the high inhibitory action of flavonoids, especially hesperidin, on the polyketide synthase (−9.3 kcal/mol) and cytochrome P450 monooxygenase (−10.1 kcal/mol) key enzymes of the aflatoxin biosynthetic mechanism.

MECHANISTIC OUTCOMES OF LIPID CORE ON SOLID LIPID NANOPARTICLE CHARACTERIZATION

In our present study, solid lipid nanoparticles were fabricated by modified double emulsification followed by ultracentrifugation method. The SLNs of the anti-HIV drugs lamivudine, tenofovir disoproxil fumarate and efavirenz were synthesized using lipids Compritol 888 ATO, glyceryl monostearate, stearic acid and emulsifiers soy lecithin and Pluronic®F68. The synthesized SLNs were characterized for compatibility studies, mean particle size, PDI, zeta potential, surface morphology and entrapment studies. The higher amount of Compritol based SLNs formulation showed maximum entrapment efficiency with comparatively larger sized, homogenous particles. All the lipid based SLNs possessed no incompatibilities and showed high stability profiles. Based on the results of surface morphology, zeta potential and high entrapment efficiency values, the optimum lipid for SLNs formulation among the other lipids was determined to be Compritol 888 ATO.

Exploring the Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, and Antiviral Potential of Eco-Friendly Synthesized Silver Nanoparticles Using Leaf Aqueous Extract of Portulaca oleracea L.

Herein, the prospective applications of green fabricated silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) within the biomedical field were investigated. The leaf aqueous extract of Portulaca oleracea L., a safe, cheap, and green method, was used to fabricate Ag-NPs. The maximum plasmon resonance of synthesized NPs has appeared at 420 nm. The various biomolecules present in the plant extract to assemble spherical Ag-NPs with sizes of 5-40 nm were analyzed using Fourier transform infrared and transmission electron microscopy. The Ag was the major content of the formed Ag-NPs with an atomic percent of 54.95% and weight percent of 65.86%, as indicated by EDX. The crystallographic structure of synthesized NPs was confirmed by the diffraction of the X-ray. The dynamic light scattering exhibits the homogeneity and mono-dispersity nature with a polydispersity index of 0.37 in the colloidal fluid and a zeta potential value of -36 mV. The synthesized Ag-NPs exhibited promising antimicrobial efficacy toward various prokaryotic and eukaryotic pathogenic microorganisms with low MIC values of 12.5 µg mL-1 and 6.25 µg mL-1, respectively. Additionally, the P. oleracea-formed Ag-NPs showed optimistic antioxidant activity assessed by DPPH and H2O2 assay methods with the highest scavenging percentages of 88.5 ± 2.3% and 76.5 ± 1.7%, respectively, at a concentration of 200 µg mL-1. Finally, the biosynthesized Ag-NPs showed high antiviral properties toward the hepatitis A virus and Cox-B4 with inhibition percentages of 79.16 ± 0.5% and 73.59 ± 0.8%, respectively. Overall, additional research is essential to explore the Ag-NP-based aqueous extract of P. oleracea for human health. In the current investigation the use of synthesized Ag-NPs as antimicrobial, antioxidant, and antiviral agents to protect against pathogenic microbes, degenerative diseases caused by various oxidative stresses, and deadly viruses is recommended.

High Recovery of Ceramic Membrane Cleaning Remediation by Ozone Nanobubble Technology.

The persistent issue of ceramic membrane fouling poses significant challenges to its widespread implementation. To address this concern, ozone nanobubbles (ozone-NBs) have garnered attention due to their remarkable mass transfer efficiency. In this investigation, we present a novel ozone-NB generator system to effectively clean a fouled ceramic membrane that is typically employed in the dye industry. The surface characteristics of the ceramic membrane underwent significant alterations, manifesting incremental changes in surface roughness and foulant accumulation reduction, as evidenced in atomic force microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray fluorescence, and energy-dispersive spectroscopy. Remarkably, the sequential 4 h cleaning process demonstrates an effective outcome leading to an almost 2-fold enhancement in the membrane flux. The initial fouled state of 608 L/h/m2 increased to 1050 L/h/m2 in the 4 h state with a recovery of 50%. We propose such membrane performance improvement governed by the ozone-NBs with a size distribution of 213.2 nm and a zeta potential value of -20.26 ± 0.13 mV, respectively. This effort showcases a substantial innovative and sustainable technology approach toward proficient foulant removal in water treatment applications.

Surface Charge-Switchable Antifouling Block Copolymer with Bacteriostatic Properties.

Zwitterionic polymers are an emerging family of effective, low-fouling materials that can withstand unintended interactions with biological systems while exhibiting enhanced activity in bacterial matrix deterioration and biofilm eradication. Herein, we modularly synthesized an amphiphilic block copolymer, ZABCP, featuring potential bacteriostatic properties composed of a charge-switchable polyzwitterionic segment and a redox-sensitive pendant disulfide-labeled polymethacrylate block. The leucine-appended polyzwitterionic segment with alternatively positioned cationic amine and anionic carboxylate functionalities undergoes charge alterations (+ve → 0 → -ve) on pH variation. By introducing appropriate amphiphilicity, ZABCP forms distinct vesicles with redox-sensitive bilayer membranes and zwitterionic shielding coronas, enabling switching of surface charge. ZABCP vesicles exhibit 180 ± 20 nm hydrodynamic diameter, and its charge switching behavior in response to pH was confirmed by the change of zeta potential value from -23 to +36 mV. The binding interaction between ZABCP vesicles with lysozyme and pepsin proteins strengthens when the surface charge shifts from neutral (pH 7.4) to either anionic or cationic. This surface-charge-switchable phenomenon paves the way for implementing cationic ZABCP vesicles for bacterial cell growth inhibition, which is shown by the pronounced transition of cellular morphology, including clustering, aggregation, or elongation as well as membrane disruption for both Bacillus subtilis (Gram-positive) and Escherichia coli (Gram-negative). Such enhanced bacteriostatic activity could be ascribed to a strong electrostatic interaction between cationic vesicles and negatively charged bacterial membranes, leading to cell membrane disruption. Overall, this study provides a tailor-made approach to adopt low-fouling properties and potential bacteriostatic activity using zwitterionic polymers through precise control of pH.