Journal of Cluster Science最新文献

Novel Tin Dioxide-copper Oxide-Alginate (SnO₂-CuO-SA) and Tin Dioxide-Nickel Oxide-Alginate (SnO₂-NiO-SA) nanocomposites (NCs) were prepared using Psidium guajava (P. guajava) leaf extract. X-ray diffraction (XRD) confirmed the formation of tetragonal rutile phase with average crystallite size of 67.8 nm and 58.1 nm for SnO₂-CuO-SA and SnO₂-NiO-SA NCs, respectively. Field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) analysis shows, synthesis SnO₂-CuO-SA and SnO₂-NiO-SA NCs formed spherical structures, with an average particles 60.77 nm and 41.59 nm, respectively. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopic (XPS) studies showed that the SnO₂-CuO-SA and SnO₂-NiO-SA NCs contain exclusively of C 1s, O 1s, Sn 3d, Cu 2p and Ni 2p oxidation state, respectively. The SnO₂-NiO-SA NCs potential to inhibits both Gram-positive and Gram-negative strain as than SnO₂-CuO-SA NCs. Moreover, the anticancer efficacy of NCs were tested using (3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-Diphenyltetrazolium Bromide) MTT cell viability assay against Trible negative breast cancer cell (MDA-MB-231) lines. The SnO₂-CuO-SA and SnO₂-NiO-SA NCs exhibited IC₅₀ value of 8.8 and 5.8 µg/mL, respectively. Antioxidant activity of SnO₂-NiO-SA NCs have highest scavenging activity than SnO₂-NiO-SA NCs. The results demonstrated that in vitro analysis showed SnO₂-NiO-SA NCs could be promising therapeutic agents in antibacterial and anticancer treatment.

Lanthanide doped non-metal molecular clusters are a research hotspot due to their potential applications in materials such as semiconductors, catalysis, and detector. To explore the structure and properties of La doped S molecular clusters, the neutral and anionic La₆S_n^0/− clusters (n = 1–12) were investigated by using the density functional theory (DFT) method. The structural evolution law of neutral ground state molecular clusters La₆S_n (n = 1–12): When n = 1–8, the increased S atoms are sequentially adsorbed on the surface of La₆ octahedron. When n = 9–12, one S atom is adsorbed inside the La₆ octahedron, while the other S atoms are adsorbed on the different surface of La₆ octahedron. The structural evolution law of anionic molecular clusters La₆S_n⁻ (n = 1–12) is basically consistent with neutral ones, except that the structure of n = 9–12 is slightly different. The stability calculation of the ground state structure indicates that the La₆S₈⁻ molecular cluster shows strong thermodynamic and relative stability. The adaptive natural density partitioning (AdNDP) and density of states (DOS) exploration of the La₆S₈⁻ molecular cluster confirmed that the interaction between La and S atoms enhances the stability. Furthermore, the simulated the ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) spectra suggests that La₆S₈⁻ is candidate material for efficient solar cells and high-performance photodetection devices.

Genistein (Gen) a naturally occurring isoflavone, has attracted significant interest in the fields of pharmaceutical research due to its diverse biological activities, including anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant effects. However, its clinical application has been substantially constrained by poor aqueous solubility, chemical instability, and low oral bioavailability. To address these challenges, various nanotechnology-based delivery systems including liposomes, polymeric nanoparticles, protein-based nanocarriers, solid lipid nanoparticles, and metallic nanoparticles have been extensively investigated to enhance the physicochemical properties and pharmacokinetic profiles of Gen. Despite the rapid progress in this field, a comprehensive review summarizing recent advances in the preparation techniques, delivery mechanisms, and practical applications of Gen nanopreparations has been lacking in recent years. This review systematically highlights the design strategies, carrier types, and fabrication methods of Gen-loaded nanodelivery systems, and critically discusses their mechanisms in enhancing Gen’s bioavailability and functional performance. Furthermore, the review analyzes patent landscapes and clinical progress to underscore translational potential, offering a theoretical framework and technological guidance for product development and early clinical translation.

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A d-α-Tocopheryl Polyethylene Glycol-1000 Succinate (TPGS)-functionalized nanoparticle formulation was developed for the co-delivery of Paclitaxel (PTX) and Gefitinib (GEF) to achieve synergistic therapeutic efficacy against triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). To determine the optimal drug ratio, multiple PTX: GEF combinations were evaluated in MDA-MB-231 TNBC cells. Among the tested ratios, 0.72:0.25 (w/w) demonstrated the most pronounced cytotoxic response, with a combination index (CI) of 0.547, confirming a strong synergistic interaction between PTX and GEF. Co-loaded nanoparticles were prepared using the single emulsion solvent evaporation method and surface-functionalized with TPGS to enhance cellular uptake, stability, and therapeutic performance. The TPGS-functionalized co-loaded nanoparticles exhibited a mean particle size of 246.7 ± 4.5 nm, a PDI of 0.28 ± 0.03, and a zeta potential of − 21.6 ± 2.8 mV, with high entrapment efficiencies of 87.3 ± 3.4% for PTX and 80.5 ± 2.9% for GEF. In cellular uptake studies, TPGS-functionalized co-loaded nanoparticles achieved 2.87-fold higher internalization in MDA-MB-231 cells compared to free drugs, resulting in the lowest IC₅₀ (0.87 ± 0.38 µg/mL) among all formulations. Furthermore, 3-D spheroid experiments demonstrated enhanced penetration and therapeutic efficiency, yielding a 2.8-fold reduction in spheroid volume from Day 0 to Day 8 (147.38 ± 12.33 mm³ to 50.09 ± 3.87 mm³). Overall, these findings indicate that the optimized PTX: GEF ratio, delivered via TPGS-functionalized nanoparticles, facilitates enhanced cellular uptake, potent cytotoxicity, and improved tumor penetration, representing a promising strategy for synergistic and targeted therapy in aggressive TNBC.

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Breast cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related death among women, and nanoparticle (NPs)-based delivery of chemotherapeutic agents has emerged as a promising strategy to improve treatment outcomes. Here, we designed Doxorubicin (Dox) and Minocycline (Min) loaded polyvinyl-pyrrolidone nanoparticles coated with β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) (DM/NPs-CD) and evaluated their chemotherapeutic efficiency in breast cancer cells, in vitro and in vivo. DM/NPs-CD were successfully prepared and evaluated against breast cancer. In vitro studies were performed to assess cytotoxicity, cellular uptake, and apoptosis in breast cancer cells. In vivo studies were conducted using a breast cancer xenograft model to evaluate tumor growth inhibition and inhibition of lung metastasis. The synthesized DM/NPs-CD possessed approximately ⁓143 nm particle size with slightly negative zeta-potential, excellent physicochemical properties including drugs release. DM/NPs-CD exhibited enhanced cytotoxicity with synergistic ratio of Dox: Min (1:1), improved cellular uptake, and increased apoptosis in breast cancer cells. In vivo studies demonstrated significant tumor growth inhibition and marked inhibition of lung metastasis in mice treated with DM/NPs-CD. Furthermore, immunohistochemistry (IHC) of tumors and lungs also declared their efficiency in murine tumor model. The safety and systemic compatibility were also confirmed by H&E staining of major organs and liver functional tests. Current research demonstrates the potential of DM/NPs-CD as a novel and effective therapeutic strategy for breast cancer treatment. The results highlight the synergistic anti-tumor effects of Dox and Min, and the improved delivery of Dox to the tumor site using the designed nanoparticles.

This study reports the fabrication of nanofibers incorporating cholesteric liquid crystals - cholesteryl stearate (CS) and cholesteryl oleyl carbonate (COC) - into a polyacrylonitrile (PAN) matrix using a single-needle electrospinning technique. Structural, optical, and thermal characterizations confirmed the successful integration of liquid crystals without disrupting their intrinsic phase behavior. Polarized optical microscopy (POM) confirmed the preservation of anisotropic optical properties and the alignment of liquid crystal molecules along the fiber axis in both CS/PAN and COC/PAN composites. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis showed that CS/PAN fibers exhibited a generally bead-free and homogeneous morphology; however, irregular residues of unspun cholesteryl stearate were observed at fiber intersections, likely due to its solid crystalline nature at room temperature. In contrast, COC/PAN fibers displayed elongated bead structures distributed along the fiber axis, yet maintained structural continuity. Moreover, a clear voltage-dependent thinning of COC/PAN fibers was observed, with higher voltages yielding finer fiber diameters. DSC analyses verified the retention of cholesteric phase transitions, including thermal hysteresis, and FTIR spectroscopy indicated molecular-level incorporation of CS and COC into the fibers. These findings demonstrate, for the first time, the successful incorporation of CS and COC into PAN nanofibers via electrospinning. The results underscore the potential of these composites as thermoresponsive and optically active materials. Furthermore, the study reveals that optimizing electrospinning parameters, particularly applied voltage, can significantly enhance fiber uniformity, enabling the fabrication of more homogeneous and structurally stable fibers.

This study introduces an efficient protocol for loading chitosan nanocapsules with a nanocomposite comprising tea tree oil (TTO), ZnO, and Vitamin C (VC) to develop (TVCZ@CNC), a multi-targeted anticancer nanotherapeutic agent for renal cell carcinoma (RCC) cells (A498). TVCZ@CNC significantly reduced A498 cell viability to 40% (P < .001) with an IC₅₀ of 15 μg/ml, while maintaining 100% viability in Vero normal cells, demonstrating superior selective cytotoxicity compared to STP (20% A498 viability, 50% Vero viability). Cell cycle analysis revealed that TVCZ@CNC induced G0-G1 phase arrest (70% vs. 40% in the control, P < .001) and decreased S-phase progression (20% vs. 30%, p < .001). Gene expression profiling indicated that TVCZ@CNC downregulated CDK1, FGF2, VEGF, Fibronectin (P < .05), and Bcl-2 (P < .001), and upregulated TGFβ and Bax (P < .001), suggesting the inhibition of proliferation, angiogenesis, and invasion. TVCZ@CNC triggered apoptosis in 18% of A498 cells and necrosis in 5%, comparable to STP (15% apoptosis, 3% necrosis, non-significant). Molecular docking analysis of TTO (terpinene-4-ol) and ZnO/VC for CDK1, VEGF, and fibronectin receptors revealed their inhibitory abilities. ZnO/VC showed significant bioactivity, with binding energies of −10.22 kcal/mol for CDK1, −11.24, and − 8.09 kcal/mol for fibronectin. TTO exhibited moderate bioactivity, forming fewer bonds than ZnO/VC, which formed seven bonds with VEGF. These interactions stabilize the complexes, thereby aiding in cancer cell inhibition. These findings highlight the potential of TVCZ@CNC as a selective, multi-mechanistic anticancer agent for RCC, warranting further in vivo studies to validate its therapeutic efficacy.

To address the limitations of traditional coating materials in eradicating various biofilms from surface, we formulated an amoxicillin-silver lipid nanoparticle (Ag-amox@LNP). Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were obtained from the leaves of Schleichera oleosa (Kusum), a native plant of Jharkhand, coat them with lipids to mitigate oxidation, and evaluate their efficacy in inhibiting biofilm formation. The novelty of this work lies in the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using Schleichera oleosa plant extract, which has been utilized for the first time as a reducing agent for silver nitrate. This approach introduces unique bioactive properties from the plant extract. Silver nanoparticles were subsequently modified with amoxicillin and lipid, enhancing their antimicrobial efficacy approximately 2.9 ± 0.6 mm zone of inhibition was observed, reducing the oxidation of silver and amoxicillin, while minimizing aggregation. Ag-amox@LNP were employed to target the extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) matrix of methicillin resistant S. aureus. The nanoparticles were characterized using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), confocal laser fluorescence microscopy (CFLM), and UV spectroscopy. The results demonstrated particle size (Z-average) of Ag-NP and Ag-amox@LNP were 56 ± 9 nm and 344 ± 51 nm respectively, they showed low cytotoxicity, and superior specificity towards MR S. aureus compared to free amoxicillin and non-targeting controls. The results showed that these nanoparticles were effective in eradicating MR S. aureus planktonic cells at a concentration of 0.5 mg/mL, while that in reducing biofilm and embedded cell at min concentration 1 mg/ml. In vitro studies revealed enhanced antibiofilm activity.

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A colorimetric sensor was developed based on the mixture of hydrothermally synthesized tungsten oxide nanorods (WO₃ NRs) and copper-based metal-organic frameworks (Cu-MOFs) in order to detect hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) and glucose with high sensitivity and selectivity. By changing pH, temperature and Cu-MOFs: WO₃ NRs concentrations, the peroxidase-like enzymatic activity of Cu-MOFs: WO₃ NRs was investigated to find optimum conditions of the oxidization of 3,3’,5,5’ tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) in the presence of H₂O₂. Moreover, TMB oxidation steady-state kinetics studies are performed in the presence of Cu-MOFs: WO₃ NRs in order to obtain Michaelis-Menten constant value (K_m) as a kinetic parameter using Lineweaver-Burk plot. The K_m value of the sensor for H₂O₂ substrate (0.694 mM) is found to be less than that for horseradish peroxidase enzyme (3.7 mM), indicating its higher affinity towards H₂O₂ with a detection limit of 1.66 µM due to the effective intimate mixing of WO₃ NRs and Cu-MOFs. The proposed sensor is also used for colorimetric detection of sugar such as glucose, galactose, sucrose, lactose, fructose and ribose, resulting in a linear range up to 100 µM and low detection limit of 0.42 µM with short response time for glucose detection. The mixture of WO₃ NRs and Cu-MOFs is intended to synergistically enhance the catalytic activity by improving electron transfer efficiency and light absorption properties. Accordingly, Cu-MOFs: WO₃ NRs with low-cost synthesis and ease of modification exhibits good peroxidase-like activity, being suitable to serve as a high performance substitute for natural peroxidases in biosensors, medicines, catalysis and food industry applications. *Corresponding author at: Department of Physics, University of Kashan, Kashan, Iran. E-mail: zhdfr@kashanu.ac.ir ; Tel: +98 3,155,912,577 (M. Zahedifar).

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