Vis Spectrophotometer Research Articles

Fabrication of nano composite membrane filter from graphene oxide(GO) and banana rachis cellulose nano crystal(CNC) for industrial effluent treatment

Agricultural bio-waste based cellulosic materials are highly biodegradable and naturally occurring with high adsorption and capable of outstanding physico-chemical properties. This study elicits neoteric upliftment and impending significance of graphene oxide(GO) – cellulose nanocrystal(CNC) nano-filter composite membrane (NFCM) for high removal of Cr3+, Co2+, Ni2+, Pb2+, Cd2+ and Methylene blue molecules from industrial wastewater. We tried to direct comparison between conventional filter and NFCM composites filter and their physical and chemical properties, production costs, use and disposal in order to show the potential of Nano structural cellulose materials as a sustainable replacement for NFCM filter for removal of heavy metals and dyes from industrial wastewater treatment technologies. The prepared GO, CNC, and NFCM were characterized by using X-ray Diffraction(XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy(FESEM), Thermogravimetric Analysis(TGA) etc. The efficiency of wastewater purification of fabricated NFCM were determined by Ultra Violet(UV)-vis spectrophotometer and Inductively Couple Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy(ICP-OES). Whereas the fabricated NFCM were highly crystalline, thermally stable, have good surface activity, exhibit remarkable removal efficiency against the toxic heavy metals and soluble dye. The maximum R% was found for Cd2+ and Pb2+, around 99%. Beside this all dye molecules were removed from the wastewater simultaneously and successfully.

Effects of Heat Treatment on the Structural and Functional Properties of Phaseolus vulgaris L. Protein.

The paper presents the effect of heat treatment at 80 °C at different times (3, 5, 7, and 9 min) on the structural and functional properties of Phaseolus vulgaris L. protein (PVP, bean protein powder). Surface and structure properties of PVP after heat treatment were analyzed using a Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR), a fluorescence spectrophotometer, a visible light spectrophotometer, a laser particle size analyzer, and other equipment. The secondary structure and surface hydrophobicity (H0) of PVP changed significantly after heat treatment: the β-sheet content decreased from 25.32 ± 0.09% to 24.66 ± 0.09%, the random coil content increased from 23.91 ± 0.11% to 25.68 ± 0.08%, and the H0 rose by 28.96-64.99%. In addition, the functional properties of PVP after heat treatment were analyzed. After heat treatment, the emulsifying activity index (EAI) of PVP increased from 78.52 ± 2.01 m2/g to 98.21 ± 1.33 m2/g, the foaming ability (FA) improved from 87.31 ± 2.56% to 95.82 ± 2.96%, and the foam stability (FS) rose from 53.23 ± 1.72% to 58.71 ± 2.18%. Finally, the degree of hydrolysis (DH) of PVP after gastrointestinal simulated digestion in vitro was detected by the Ortho-Phthal (OPA) method. Heat treatment enhanced the DH of PVP from 62.34 ± 0.31% to 73.64 ± 0.53%. It was confirmed that heat treatment changed the structural properties of PVP and improved its foamability, emulsification, and digestibility. It provides ideas for improving PVP's potential and producing new foods with rich nutrition, multiple functions, and easy absorption.

Facile fabrication of Nishamalaki churna mediated silver nanoparticles with antibacterial application

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the most serious threats to today's healthcare system. The prime factor behind increasing AMR is the formation of complex bacterial biofilms which acts as the protective shield between the bacterial cell and the antimicrobial drugs. Among various nanoformulations, green synthesized metallic silver nanoparticles are currently gaining research focus in safely breaking bacterial biofilms due to the inherent antimicrobial property of silver. In the current work, the aqueous extract of the ayurvedic formulation Nishamalaki churna is used to exhibit one pot green synthesis of silver nanoparticles. The physicochemical characteristics of Nishamalaki churna extract mediated AgNPs were evaluated using various analytical techniques, like UV–Visible spectrophotometer, FT-IR spectroscopy, SEM, XRD, DLS-Zeta potential analyzer etc. The synthesized spherical AgNPs were well formed within the size range of 30 nm to 80 nm. Furthermore, the synthesized AgNPs showed potent antibacterial effects against two primary AMR-causing bacterial species like Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa with the successful destruction of their biofilm formation. Additionally, these AgNPs have shown profound antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities as desirable add-on effects required by a prospective antibacterial agent.

The hydrothermal synthesis of SNO2 nanoparticles derived from tin chloride precursor for the electron transport layer of perovskite solar cells

Tin oxide (SnO2) semiconductor is recognized as a highly promising material for the electron transport layer (ETL) in perovskite solar cells (PSC) due to their wide band gap energy and high electron mobility. This material has been considered as the potential alternative material for substituting the conventional titanium dioxide (TiO2). In the form of nanostructure material, it is expected that SnO2 as the ETL in PSC device can be significantly improved owing to its high surface area leading to more intensive photon absorption. In this present study, SnO2 nanoparticles were synthesized via the hydrothermal method with temperature variations ranging from 120 °C to 160 °C for 16 hours. The as-synthesized samples were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and an ultraviolet–visible (UV-Vis) spectrophotometer. The SnO2 nanoparticles were then integrated into the PSC device as the ETL, and the performance testing was conducted using a semiconductor parameter analyzer to obtain the I-V curve. On the basis of investigation results, it has been found that the temperature used during the hydrothermal process plays a crucial role in determining the crystallinity, morphology, and band gap energy of the SnO2 nanoparticles. The results of the PSC performance test indicate that SnO2 nanoparticles synthesized at a hydrothermal temperature of 150 °C demonstrated the highest power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 3.89 %. This outcome confirms the viability of SnO2 nanoparticles produced through the hydrothermal method

Ferroelectric switching studies in symmetric Ag/Poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene)/Ag capacitor structures

In this article, ferroelectric switching properties of Poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) (PVDF-HFP) thin films across symmetric Ag/PVDF-HFP/Ag capacitor structures have been investigated. The structural, microstructural and optical properties of the films are evaluated with grazing incidence X-ray diffraction, Atomic Force Microscopy, and UV visible spectrophotometer. Symmetric quasi-static current-voltage loops exhibit ferroelectric switching, and the corresponding electric displacement- electric field loops show an increase in the coercive field, with the increase in the amplitude of the applied electric field. Higher resistivity of (1.66 – 5.16) × 108 Ω-cm along with optical band gap of 4 eV indicated the good quality of the junctions. Dynamic Polarization-Electric field loops reveal a remnant polarization of 3.22 μC/cm2 and 3.16 μC/cm2 for 80 nm and 160 nm PVDF-HFP films. The increase in coercive field, remnant and saturation polarization parameters with rise in the amplitude of the applied electric fields at 1 Hz for 160 nm PVDF-HFP film are linked to the uniform domain growth phenomena.

Mint leaves (Mentha arvensis) mediated CaO nanoparticles in dye degradation and their role in anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer properties

In ancient times, herbal plants were considered one of the greatest gifts from nature that human beings could receive, and about 80% of these plants have medicinal uses. In traditional medicine, Mentha arvensis, commonly known as mint, has many applications, and in the present study, the mint leaf extract has been used to synthesis nanoparticles using the mint leaf extract as a biosource for the extraction of nanoparticles. In addition to having a wide range of applications in various fields, calcium oxide (CaO) nanoparticles are also considered to be safe for human use. In order to assess the characteristics of the abstracted CaO nanoparticles, UV–visible absorption spectrophotometers, Fourier Transform Infrared spectrophotometers (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopes (SEMs), Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), and X-ray Diffraction Spectrophotometers (XRDs) were used. By conducting a protein denaturation assay and nitric oxide scavenging assay, mint leaf mediated CaO nanoparticles were evaluated for their therapeutic applications. MTT assays were used to prove that the CaO nanoparticles mediated by mint leaf had anti-cancer properties. By examining the ability of mint leaf mediated CaO nanoparticles to degrade various dyes such as methyl red, methyl orange, and methylene blue, which are the most used azo dyes in textile industries resulting in water contamination, the ability of these nanoparticles to act as a photocatalytic agent was examined.

A facile two-step hydrothermal preparation of 2D/2D heterostructure of Bi2WO6/WS2 for the efficient photodegradation of methylene blue under sunlight

A facile two-step hydrothermal method was successfully used to prepare a photocatalyst Bi2WO6/WS2 heterojunction for methyl blue (MB) photodegradation. Fabricated photocatalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Band gap measurements were carried out by diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS). Results indicated that the prepared heterostructure photocatalyst has increased visible light absorption. Photocatalytic performance was evaluated under sunlight irradiation for methylene blue (MB) degradation as a model dye. Variations in pH (4–10), amount of catalyst (0.025–0.1 g/L), and initial MB concentrations (5–20 ppm) were carried out, whereas all prepared catalysts were used to conduct the tests with a visible spectrophotometer. Degradation activity improved with the pH increase; the optimum pH was approximately 8. Catalyst concentration is directly related to degradation efficiency and reached 93.56% with 0.075 g of the catalyst. Among tested catalysts, 0.01 Bi2WO6/WS2 has exhibited the highest activity and a degradation efficiency of 99.0% in 40 min (min) for MB. MB photodegradation follows pseudo-first-order kinetics, and obtained values of kapp were 0.0482 min−1, 0.0337 min−1, 0.0205 min−1, and 0.0087 min−1 for initial concentrations of 5 ppm, 10 ppm, 15 ppm, and 20 ppm, respectively. The catalyst was reused for six cycles with a negligible decrease in the degradation activity. Heterostructure 0.01 Bi2WO6/WS2 has exhibited a photocurrent density of 16 μA cm−2, significantly higher than 2.0 and 4.5 μA cm−2 for the pristine WS2 and Bi2WO6, respectively. The findings from these investigations may serve as a crucial stepping stone towards the remediation of polluted water facilitated by implementing such highly efficient photocatalysts.

Influence of Al Doping on the Physical Properties of CuO Thin Films

The synthesis of cupric oxide (CuO) films on cost-efficient, optical grade borosilicate-crown glass substrates (BK7) via chemical spray pyrolysis (CSP), either in pure form or with a low concentration of Al doping (below 1%), is presented and discussed. As a non-toxic p-type semiconductor, exhibiting monoclinic crystal structure and widely tuneable band gap (Eg), it is used in various applications. The optical properties, morphology and crystalline phases of CuO films are influenced by substrate temperature during thin film growth (annealing) and also by chemical doping very often introduced to modify grain boundary energy. The importance of our research subject is therefore perfectly justified and is essentially based on the fact that the potential fields of application are wide. Thus, herein we emphasize impact of the annealing stage and Al doping upon the structural, optical and electrical properties of the resulting product. Raman spectroscopy analysis confirms the presence of vibrational bands characteristic of a CuO phase, while X-ray diffraction (XRD) confirms the polycrystalline nature of the pure films. The thickness of the CuO films grown at 350 °C over three annealing intervals is proportional to the annealing time, while the crystallite phase in the films is proportional with the annealing temperature. Furthermore, XRD analysis of the Al:CuO films indicates the formation of a monoclinic-type structure (CuO phase) exhibiting a preferred orientation along the (002) plane, together with a significant grain size reduction from ~88 to ~45 nm as Al content increases. The transmittance spectra (between 400 and 800 nm) reveal a decrease in the transmittance from 48% to 15% with as the Al doping ratio increases. Additionally, the bandgap energy of the films is measured, modelled and discussed, using data from an ultraviolet–visible (UV-Vis) spectrophotometer. The calculated Eg is approximately 3.5 eV, which decreases with respect to the increasing annealing temperature, while the electrical resistivity varies from ~19 to ~4.6 kOhm.cm. Finally, perspectives and applications of CuO films are suggested, since the films are found to have a remarkable improvement in their structure and optical properties when doped with Al.

Does the use of antioxidant agents after dental bleaching compromise the aesthetic results of ceramic laminate veneers?

PurposeThis in vitro study aimed to evaluate the aesthetic compromise generated in adhesive interface of ceramic laminate veneer luted after tooth bleaching and the use of antioxidant agents. Thus, the chromatic coordinates and whitening index (WID) were evaluated, comparing whiteness changes (ΔWID) results to perceptibility and acceptability thresholds. Material and methodsIn total, 88 bovine enamel samples (7 × 8 × 4 mm; n = 8) were submitted to the ceramic laminate veneer luting protocol according to surface treatment (unbleached and bleached enamel), antioxidant agents (control; 10% ascorbic acid and 10% α-tocopherol), and luting periods (after 24 h and after 14 days). To lute IPS e.max ceramic restorations (7 × 8 × 0.6 mm), Tetric N-Bond Universal adhesive system and Variolink Aesthetic LC resin cement were used. An ultraviolet–visible spectrophotometer (UV–VIS) was utilized to measure CIE L*a*b* coordinates prior to and after UV-B artificial accelerated aging for 252, 504, and 756 h. L*, a*, and b* axes were evaluated separately, and the whitening stability (ΔWID) effect was assessed by varying the whiteness index for dentistry (WID). The 50:50% visual threshold was used to evaluate ΔWID values (whiteness perceptibility [WPT] and whiteness acceptability [WAT]). Color parameters changes (ΔL*Δa*Δb*), WID, and ΔWID data were subjected to 2-way repeated measures ANOVA followed by Tukey's test (α = 0.05). ResultsDifferent UV-aging periods influenced the chromatic coordinates, WID, and ΔWID of the ceramic restorations regardless of the bleaching treatment, antioxidant solutions and luting periods (P < .05). In general, ΔWID values after UV-aging periods were above perceptibility and acceptability thresholds (WPT = 0.72 and WAT = 2.62, respectively) for all experimental groups (P < .05). Unbleached and 10% ascorbic acid-treated enamels luted after 14 days of the antioxidant action exhibited lower ΔL* and Δb* values, while control group showed lower Δa* values. All experimental groups showed similar performance on ΔWID compared to the control group, regardless of the UV-aging period analyzed (P > .05). Conclusionα-tocopherol is a suitable antioxidant solution to be used 24 h post enamel bleaching not compromising clinical acceptability of ceramic laminate veneers. Clinical relevanceThe adhesive interface of ceramic laminate veneers may appear darker after the use of antioxidant agents affecting the clinical acceptability of the restorations.

Okra Micro-Cellulose Crystal (MCC) and Micro-Clay Composites for the Remediation of Copper, Nickel, and Dye (Basic Yellow II) from Wastewater

Water pollution by contaminants such as toxic metals and dyes is now a major concern due to their high toxicity and persistence in the environment. Advances in nanotechnology have enabled the use of micro/nanomaterials to treat and purify water in various industries. In this study, Bijoypur clay was modified with ethyldiamine and incorporated into an okra fiber (Abelmoschus esculentus) micro-cellulose crystal (MCC) to produce a composite that could absorb copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), and dyes like basic yellow (II) from industrial wastewater. Composites were prepared using different percentages of MCC and clay. Atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) was used to determine the concentrations of Cu and Ni whereas a UV–Visible spectrophotometer measured the absorbance of basic yellow (II). The synthesized composites were extensively characterized using a range of techniques including thermogravimetry (TG) and differential thermogravimetry (DTG), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Results show that both the MCC and clay could absorb Cu, Ni, and basic yellow (II) from the contaminated wastewater. The MCC and clay composite showed the maximum efficiency of metals removal, which was up to 95% (24 mg/g) for Cu at pH 6, 20 min contact time, 2 g/L adsorbent dose, and 100% (31 mg/g) for Ni at pH 8, 60 min contact time, and 2 g/L adsorbent dose, respectively, at the initial concentration of 50 mg/L. The maximum dye uptake capacity of 85% (19 mg/g) was observed by the MCC and clay composite under optimized conditions at the initial concentration of 50 mg/L, pH 8, 30 min contact time, and 1 g/L adsorbent dose compared to the pure clay, which had an efficiency up to 26% for Cu and 24% for dye removal. All of the results indicate that incorporating clay into MCC increases the absorption capacity of contaminants from wastewater, which could be more effective for environmental applications compared to untreated cellulose.

Compared simplex and complex variety of homoeopathic medicated hair oil with quality control by UV- visible spectrophotometer

Compared simplex and complex variety of homoeopathic medicated hair oil with quality control by UV- visible spectrophotometer

Prepared Aloe socotrina homoeopathic medicated hair oil assessed by UV- visible spectrophotometer

Prepared Aloe socotrina homoeopathic medicated hair oil assessed by UV- visible spectrophotometer

Analysis of structural and optical properties in co doped Mn,Gd in bismuth ferrite (BiFeO3) thin films prepared by sol-gel technique

In this paper, we reported the structural and optical properties of co-doped bismuth ferrite (Bi0.99Gd0.01Fe0.99Mn0.01 O3) thin films that were fabricated on corning glass substrates by sol-gel spin coating technique. The thin films were deposited in different layers on the glass substrates(3,4,5-layers) and annealed at 550 °C in a muffle furnace for 2 hrs in air. The effect of co-doping and thickness on structural and optical properties of bismuth ferrite perovskite thin film was systematically studied and analyzed. The X-ray diffraction pattern of the sample films fabricated confirms the existence of a Rhombohedral structure with space group (RE). Transmittance spectra and absorption spectra were determined by Ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) spectrophotometer. The optical band gap of films with different coating layers was estimated from Tauc’s plot of the optical data.

Synthesis and comparative study of Zeolite imidazole framework for the removal of textile dyes from wastewater

In this work, a comparative study for the adsorption of malachite green, congo red and direct red (textile dyes) has been carried out using Zeolite Imidazole Framework (ZIF-L). ZIF- L was synthesized using wet chemical method. The analysis of crystal structures and morphological details of as-synthesized sample was carried out using X-ray Diffractometer (XRD) and Field Emission Scanning Electron microscopy (FESEM). The optical study of the sample was carried out by using UV–Visible spectrophotometer and the value of energy bandgap was calculated using Tauc’s plot. The associated functional groups were analyzed by using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. A comparative study for the adsorption of textile dyes was performed under dark conditions and the obtained adsorption efficiencies of Malachite Green (MG), Direct Red (DR) and Congo Red (CR) were found to be 84.3%%, 85.2% and 88.2%, respectively. The synthesized ZIF-L shows high adsorption efficiency towards MG, CR and DR degradation.

Antibacterial studies and characterization of newly synthesized ZnO/ZnS/CuS ternary nanocomposite

A nanomaterial is a substance that is nano scale-sized (1–100 nm). This substance is highly valuable for commercial uses and has special features. The development of new antibiotic medications to regulate and stop the spread of bacterial strains appears to be a viable application for transition metal base nano composites. In the creation of new pharmaceuticals, the ternary nano composite may play an important role in the production of diverse antibacterial drugs. The X-ray diffractometer, Fourier Transform infrared spectrophotometer, and UV–visible spectrophotometer were used to characterize the ZnO/ZnS/CuS ternary nano composite, which was effectively manufactured utilizing the cation exchange process. In light of this, the major peak on the X-ray diffractometer patterns of the ZnO/ZnS/CuS ternary nano composite's crystallite size was determined. The presence of Zn-O symmetric stretching vibrations at 442 cm−1 and 809 cm−1 in the Fourier Transform Infrared spectrum, caused by weak ZnO vibration, and another peak at 687 cm−1 caused by Zn-S symmetric bending vibration, which demonstrated the development of ZnO/ZnS nano composite material. The production of the ZnO/ZnS/CuS ternary nano composite was demonstrated by the additional peaks at 1107 cm−1 and 618 cm−1 attributed to C-O stretching and CuO, respectively. The band gap energy of the ternary nanocomposites ZnO/ZnS/CuS was determined using a UV–visible spectrophotometer. Finally, using the paper disc diffusion technique, the antibacterial properties of the produced nanomaterial were investigated against Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus) and Gram-negative (Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) bacteria. Gram-positive bacteria are more resistant to the ZnO/ZnS/CuS ternary nano composite's antibacterial effects than Gram-negative bacteria.

Hydrogen production on g-C3N4 nanoflakes via photoelectrochemical water splitting

Graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) is an emerging non oxide wide band gap semiconductor which has been investigated for hydrogen production through photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting. In this study, g-C3N4 nanoflakes film was fabricated by the thermal pyrolysis process and its PEC water splitting performance was investigated. The nanoflakes morphology and graphitic phase of C3N4 with an average crystallite size of 8.49 nm were confirmed with FESEM and XRD analysis respectively. A UV–visible spectrophotometer was used to estimate the band gap of the fabricated photoanode film (2.7 eV). Furthermore, the fabricated g-C3N4 film has shown a significant photocurrent density of 0.87 µA/cm2 under UV light illumination.

Antimicrobial properties of green synthesized silver and chitosan nanocomposites.

An eco-friendly and simple approach was carried out for the synthesis of silver-chitosan nanocomposites using Azadirachta indica and fluconazole-mediated aqueous extract. This extract acted as a reducing agent as well as a capping agent for the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles. Chitosan nanoparticles on the other hand were synthesized from the deacetylation of the chitin matrix. To confirm the nanoparticle synthesis, a UV- A visible spectrophotometer was used and FTIR analysis confirmed the presence of functional groups in the prepared extract. The morphological characteristics of silver and chitosan nanoparticles and as nano-composites were studied and confirmed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis. The synthesized silver-chitosan nanocomposites were subjected to well-loaded agar plates for the evaluation of antibacterial properties against the Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans for their antifungal properties. The synthesized silver and chitosan nanoparticles showed antibacterial and antifungal activities against common oral micro flora such as Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans which were measured using the zone of inhibition method. This approach is a one-step, economical and eco-friendly, biocompatible, and effective alternative for nanoparticle synthesis for various prosthetic applications.

Detection of Uric Acid in UV-VIS wavelength Regime

Background: Current techniques for uric acid (UA) detection are time consuming and therefore, need to improve the detection methods like absorption.&#x0D; Objective: There was a need to establish a technique that has low integration time for detection of UA using absorption technology.&#x0D; Methods: we measured the concentrations of UA using the ultra violet visible (UV/Vis) spectrophotometer in the wavelength regime (190-1100 nm).&#x0D; Results and Conclusion: In this work, the proposed spectroscopic technique can detect each concentration and interpret into an absorption value in a constant UV/Vis regime. This technique acquires the data in ~ 3 seconds (a quick integration time). Our phantom showed a close value as reported in the text.

A comparative analysis of photocatalytic applications using poly[(vanillin‐co‐pyrrole)]/ZnO and TiO2‐based semiconductor under natural sunlight irradiation

AbstractThis study presents an experimental investigation with a comparative analysis on the photocatalytic activity of two composites, namely poly(vanillin‐co‐pyrrole)/ZnO and poly(vanillin‐co‐pyrrole)/TiO2, for the degradation of methylene blue (MB) dye under simulated solar irradiation. Conductive polymers, specifically poly(vanillin‐co‐pyrrole) (PPHMB) and its derivatives, were employed as photosensitizers to enhance the photocatalytic activity of ZnO and TiO2 under solar irradiation. PPHMB was synthesized using the cationic polycondensation method, while the PPHMB/ZnO and PPHMB/TiO2 composites were prepared through the co‐precipitation method. The prepared composites exhibited superior photocatalytic activity compared to bare ZnO and TiO2 under solar irradiation for the degradation of MB dye. Extensive characterization techniques, including Fourier‐transform infrared, x‐ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, and optical analysis, were employed to investigate the properties of the composites. Various influential operational parameters such as initial dye concentration, irradiation time, and the dosage of PPHMB/ZnO and PPHMB/TiO2 composites were systematically studied to evaluate their effects on photocatalytic degradation. The optical density of dye degradation was quantified using a UV–Visible spectrophotometer, while the repeatability of the photocatalytic activity was rigorously assessed.

Potential of curcumin and niacin-loaded targeted chitosan coated liposomes to activate autophagy in hepatocellular carcinoma cells: An in vitro evaluation in HePG2 cell line

The objective of this study is to activate autophagy in hepatocellular carcinoma for the enhancement of its cellular degradation. Liposomes incorporated chitosan in the core used to improve the stability of lecithin and increase the niacin loading efficiency. Additionally, curcumin as a hydrophobic molecule entrapped into liposomal layers and used as a face layer to minimize the release of niacin in physiological pH 7.4. Folic acid-conjugated chitosan was used to facilitate the delivery of liposomes into a specific location of cancer cells. TEM, UV Visible spectrophotometer, and FTIR confirmed the successful liposomal formation and good encapsulation efficiency. Based on the cellular proliferation of HePG2, the results revealed that there was a significant inhibition of growth rate of HePG2 after 48 h of incubation at a concentration of 100 μg/mL by 91 % ± 1 %, P ≤ 0.002 (pure niacin), 55 % ± 3 %, P ≤ 0.001 (pure curcumin), 83 % ± 1.5 %, P ≤ 0.001 (niacin NPs), and 51 % ± 1.5 % P ≤ 0.0001 (curcumin-niacin NPs) of relative to the control. Increasingly, The expression of mRNA of mTOR was significantly increased by 0.72 ± 0.08 P ≤ 0.001, 1 ± 0.1, 0. P ≤ 0.001, 5 ± 0.07 P ≤ 0.01, and 1.3 ± 0.02 P ≤ 0.001 folds) in pure niacin, pure curcumin, niacin NPs and curcumin -niacin NPs, respectively, relative to the control with an expression of 0.3 ± 0.08. Additionally, the expression of p62 mRNA was significantly increased by 0.92 ± 0.07 P ≤ 0.05, 1.7 ± 0.07 P ≤ 0.0001, 0.72 ± 0.08 P ≤ 0.5, and 2.1 ± 0.1 P ≤ 0.0001 folds relative to that of the control with an expression of 0.72 ± 0.08. The results highlight the efficient therapies of biomaterials derived from natural sources that can be used in cancer therapies instead of traditional chemotherapies.