Applied Nanoscience最新文献

In this study, we address the critical need for advanced theranostic drug delivery systems by synthesizing and characterizing surface-functionalized superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs). Acyclovir is an effective antiviral drug with poor water solubility leading to limitations in its administrations and effectivity. Our investigation into the drug-loading capacity of acyclovir reveals that surface-functionalized SPIONs with an average size of 8.1 nm exhibit a notable increase in drug-loading capacity proportional to drug concentration. Specifically, at drug concentrations of 752.21 μg, 1774.32 μg, and 3799.09 μg, we achieved loading efficiencies and capacities of 40.89%, 51.62%, and 50.14% respectively. Alongside, they have high biocompatibility as observed from the hemolysis assay and MTT assay. Moreover, the multifunctionality of these SPIONs extends beyond drug delivery, as they demonstrate high relaxivity suitable for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies at remarkably low concentrations in the micromolar range. Specifically, the relaxivity value (r2) for the said SPIONs was calculated to 10.99 L/mmol^−s which is higher than many commercially used iron oxide-based contrast agents. The multifunctional attributes of these SPIONs position them as versatile and easily customisable platform for diverse therapeutic molecules. This study not only underscores the feasibility of utilizing surface-modified SPIONs as efficient carriers for acyclovir or other therapeutic molecules but also paves the way for evaluating the feasibility of next-generation theranostic materials for biomedical applications.

The present study focuses on a facile phytosynthesis to develop C. amada-coated ZnO nanoparticles from zinc acetate dihydrate solution by using Talinum fructicosum leaf as reducing agent. The phenolic content of C. amada along with curcuminoid compounds (such as de- and bis-methoxy curcumin), function as a surface-active source to produce high-quality ZnO nanostructures. The X-ray diffraction (XRD), BET Surface area analysis (BET), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), UV–Visible spectral analysis (UV), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), antimicrobial, antidiabetic, bovin serum albumin denaturation assay, electrochemical analysis (ES), photocatalytic degradation and catalytic reduction potential evaluation were used to characterize the phyto-synthesised ZnO nanoparticles. The XRD pattern exhibited a good nanocrystallinity with hexagonal wurtzite structure and an efficient band gap of 3.33 eV which further proved the ZnO nanoparticles to be a good semiconductor. FTIR analysis and XPS studies mutually prove the Zn–O bond formation; BET analysis confirmed the configuration of ZnO, with the surface area of 11.488 m²/g, which is mesoporous in nature and highlighted the significance of the porous morphology in SEM findings. The study specially focuses on illustrating the symmetric supercapacitor electrode based on ZnO nanoparticles with a superior specific capacitance value of 457 F g⁻¹ (1 A g⁻¹). The photodegradation of methylene blue and methyl orange dyes demonstrated a maximum degradation efficiency of 97 and 91%, respectively, achieved after 90 minutes of irradiation, emphasizing the influence of an increased concentration of biomolecules. Additionally, ZnO nanoparticles exhibited effective catalytic reduction potential on highly toxicious 4-nitrophenol to get reduced into less hazardious 4-aminophenol. The broad range of functionalities enhances the utility of biogenic ZnO nanoparticles and widens its scope for energy and environmental applications.

This research investigates the synthesis of sodium alginate–iron oxide nanocomposites (SAL-Fe₃O₄) through the co-precipitation method, with a focus on the impact of gelation time. SAL-Fe₃O₄ nanocomposites were precipitated from Fe₂(SO₄)₃ and FeSO₄ under an alkaline medium in the presence of sodium alginate, maintaining a stoichiometric balance using a molar ratio of 1:2 for iron (III) Fe³⁺ to iron (II) Fe²⁺ ions precursors. Two types of SAL-Fe₃O₄ nanocomposites were prepared by varying the gelation time of sodium alginate to 3 and 24 h. Extensive characterization was performed using UV, FTIR, XRD and SEM with EDX analysis techniques to evaluate the properties of the nanocomposites. Fourier-Transformed infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis provided insights into the presence of sodium alginate on the SAL-Fe₃O₄ nanocomposite surface and the bonding characteristics within the polymer. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis was employed to determine lattices, phases, and preferred crystal orientations (texture) of the nanocomposites. Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) was utilized to examine morphology, microstructures, dimensions, and size of the prepared nanocomposites. Energy-Dispersive X-ray (EDX) was used for the analysis of the elemental composition of the nanocomposites. Additionally, the catalytic efficiency of SAL-Fe₃O₄ nanocomposites was evaluated through the catalytic degradation of organic dyes using hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) as the oxidizing agent. The degradation processes were monitored by UV-visible spectrophotometry and the apparent rate constant (k_app), degradation time, percentage (%) degradation, degradation concentration and half-life values of different organic dyes were studied and compared, highlighting the influence of gelation time on the degradation efficiency.

The study successfully synthesized nano-SiO₂ and Nd₂O₃ materials applying as fertilizers for growth of the Paramignya trimera (Oliv.) Guill. (Rutaceae), a well-known medicinal plant in Vietnam and Thailand for treatment of numerous cancers. The cultivation results indicated that the individual uses of nano-SiO₂ and Nd₂O₃, respectively, induced stem and root growth of the P. trimera. Therefore, applications of nano-Nd₂O₃ and SiO₂ mixture exhibited synergic effects to greatly enhance stem and root growth of the P. trimera. The plant height, root length, stem and root weight of the mixture Nd₂O₃ and SiO₂ exposed plant were greatly higher than those of the individual nano-material exposed plants. The extraction experiments indicated that ostruthin, a valuable medicinal substance, accumulated in the roots of the P. trimera rather than in its stems. The ostruthin content in the root of the Nd₂O₃ exposed P. trimera was also greatly higher than those in the control and SiO₂-exposed plants. This indicated that the Nd₂O₃ nano-materials not only induced root growth but also aided the accumulation of ostruthin in the roots of the P. trimera. This open new era on combination application of nano-SiO₂ and Nd₂O₃ for growth of the P. Trimera as well as other medicinal plants.

Recent research has focused on zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) in culture and in vivo cell lines due to their cytotoxic potential. In addition, ZnO has garnered considerable interest in cancer therapy. Our objective was to assess the cytotoxicity of ZnO NPs on cell lines from the ovary, prostate, and bone (SK-OV-3, PC3, and Saos-2). ZnO nanoparticles were used to culture SK-OV-3, PC3, and Saos-2 cancer cells at concentrations of 0, 20, 40, 80, 160, and 320 ppm. Cancer cells were subsequently incubated for 24 and 48 h. Using the MTT assay, the apoptosis and cytotoxicity of cells were quantified. ZnO NPs of both diameters exhibited cytotoxic properties. Regardless of the lowest concentration, the extent of the cytotoxic effect on apoptosis is 32.55 nm. A rise in ZnO NP concentration was associated with an increase in apoptosis and a decrease in viability. The findings of this study suggest that the examined cancer types exhibited cytotoxic effects upon exposure to ZnO NPs, as compared to the control group that was not exposed. Furthermore, the maximum cytotoxic effects were observed at higher concentrations. It seems that the observed increase in cytotoxicity may not be significantly altered.

The growing demand for alternative energy sources has driven significant developments in novel device designs that generate energy through light conversion. Among the different types of solar cells, dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) have emerged as one of the most promising options due to their potential to approach theoretical efficiencies of up to 46%. Although current real-world efficiencies typically range from 10 to 14% that generates numerous opportunity areas for DSSC improvement through different strategies, including the development of innovative solar cell structures, new growth or synthesis processes, and the integration of novel oxide materials. Titanium dioxide is one of the most significant oxide semiconductors and its interest has notably increased in recent years due to its unique optoelectronic properties and its applications in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). In DSSCs, photoelectrodes play a vital role in photoconversion. Photoelectrodes for DSSCs require blocking and porous oxide semiconductor layers to prevent electron leakage and enhance efficiency. Typically, these layers are produced through various techniques and steps, complicating the fabrication process and extending processing times. Therefore, in this work, we propose a one-step method to simultaneously grow TiO₂-blocking and porous layers for DSSC photoelectrodes at relatively low temperatures. Characterization results using FESEM/EDS, XRD, and UV–visible spectroscopy confirm the growth of both compact and porous layers. These layers are composed of the anatase particulate deposits (100–200 nm) with acceptable grain sizes (17.3–84.1 nm) and exhibit a suitable band gap (3.14 eV). Finally, TiO₂ films were applied in DSSCs as photoelectrodes and showed promising performance in solar cell prototypes.